Three French Hens

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Three French Hens Ornament

i never showed the completed piece. mulberry paper, fabric, beads, paper, sequin, yarn, stitching, rub ons, copper rounds

backside

Bird Brains

i was playing with altering a pic my hubby took on our cruise in San Juan. In the middle of the plaza with a flock of pigeons was this adorable little girl. the altering was done through paintbrush. it's not good at all but i just played with the brushes and eraser.

today after my hubby came home from work we took off to Gloucester for dinner and afterwards he took me to the bookstore. I enjoyed a peppermint tea and of course found a book/art project. lol. are you amazed!!!

Puffs of Red

Here is another crayon melt. I love this.

Nesting

Three Home Boys

I did this page for SJ prompt Release/Receive. The three eggs in my nest represent my sons. The word "sanctuary" is showing in the egg that has cracked wide open. Free/released to realize
home is his sanctuary where he can come back to and feel safe, be refreshed and loved. On one egg is the word "stress" and on the other "calm". The phrase "inspire your imagination" is across the bottom of the eggs. I used old business cards for the back of my eggs and fabric contact paper to cover them. I've been shredding paperwork so thought why not put it to good use. I will build up the nest around the eggs more so that it is full and surrounding the eggs. On some of the little blue pieces of shredded paper are words to release and then words to receive.

I'm not finished with this idea. I am expanding and playing with it preparing to use it for a banner and sign over my studio door.

Crayon Melt & Vent

I played and had so much fun two days ago with my crayons. In an ole' frying pan i melted a few crayons and let them run on to watercolor paper. I just love the finished backgrounds. I cropped the parts i liked for a background in ATCs. What does this look like to you?

I've spent the day shredding papers. My business files are looking better. "Order" should be the word for me this year.

I watched as two of my sons cleaned and completely removed and reworked my dryer vent from the dryer to underneath the house. After 24 years it was long overdue. The vent was almost plugged shut with lent. They did a great job and now my new vent is working to full capacity. Where are you blocked? Are you able to vent? Maybe its time to come clean and replace our mindset - renew our mind. God's timetable is definitely not mine. But Father Knows Best.

In Face Of

resist

oppose

courage

somewhere - wilderness

in-between

the land of bondage and the land of promise.

be dilient

rewarder.

In The Shadows

In The Shadows

This is an ATC I am working on for FAT trade "Birds of a Feather".
Not sure that I will use it though.

in a shadow

set back in time

my soul was released

it became all mine

Saying: Gag Me With a Spoon

but instead it was with the stroke of a pen.

I read this quote

"...with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations"

on my friends blog about one sentence Obama spoke during his inauguration. BUT it really makes me sad to see that he stroked his pen to deliver a blow to unborn children all around the world. He lifted the GAG ban on US tax dollars being used to abort children globally on Friday; or shall we say murder our future generations.

I keep wondering how we can say with one side of our mouth "God this and that and not follow simply the Ten Commandmants" and then with the other side of our mouth follow man's laws. They don't add up and never will. We either follow God or we don't. There is no in between, there is no gray matter, no sitting on the fence. We murder thousands of children and feel we as the US must spread that globally. Its not about health care.

I used to think that all women could do what they wanted with their bodies, however, whenever, where ever. But the deeper I allowed God to touch my heart and teach me His ways I no longer believe that to be true. God's Ways are not our ways. I don't want to lean on my own understanding or that of the governments if it is opposed to the only law - God's law. He will not be mocked it says in the Bible. I know He has mercy and grace but He also believes in justice.

It won't matter what you think or I think - what matters is what God says to be The Truth and nothing but the TRUTH.

One Word Inspire Journal

HEALING

I reread the directions for making the Inspired journal pages. It says to keep it simple so the journaler can put her thoughts on each page that is made. So I used alphabet stencils, plastic scrim (think that is what it is), a flower stamp, a little handmade ATC with all the info for the back and a ribbon.



I just rubbed with ink pad over the scrim to cover the white page. Then stamped several flowers on the page along with my one word for 2009 "Healing." The little person I made several days ago out of crumpled-up newspaper was reduced and made into an ATC. On the back of the ATC I put my one word "Healing", Inspired 2009 One Word Journal Page, my email addy, place where Inspired is being held, date, the number of participants 31 and the hostess - Jilliene. I am signing them and putting where I live too. I like it when I can see who made the page and where they live.

I am half-way through making them. 15 more to go. Yes!!!

Northern Lights

I received this felted postcard from sue on the FAT Felt Like Winter trade.
What i really love about this card are the three feathers. They represent each one of my sons in the galaxy. Her little card enclosed shared she is an original felt doll maker. Check out her website. Sue also enclosed more felted beads. You can really see it but the orange ball is an actual felted ball. The dimension in this is wonderful.

In my daily Bible reading I am in the story of Joseph. He had a dream and shared it with his family - 10 brothers and father. They were not to happy that he saw them bowing down to him.
Through many false imprisonments and accusations he has not defended himself but left it up to God. I don't think I would have been so silent. But now he has been made second in command only underneath the pharaoh. He is responsible for handing out all the food in the land bc of a famine. His brothers have come down from Canaan to purchase food from him. They do not know who he is bc they believe him to be dead. His heart is so toward his father and youngest brother - the only other child by his mother.

Well what do you think after all these years the brothers are doing but bowing down to their brother? Twists of events in our lives shape us and develop character us in to help us accept the challenges that lie ahead. What turn-of-events are shaping your life right now?? Can you see the big picture of why GOD has allowed past events to happen in your life.

Every day I am very aware of the chosen word for me this year - "Healing". I ponder the twisting of the mind that would move a man who loves his only son and wife to take his own life.
Desperate times should lead us to fall on our face before God and cry out to him. He makes all the difference in the world.

My Steamer Trunk Memory

FAT Cupid Tin Trade

The tin trade I made for FAT led me back to thinking about the first time my hubby and I took a cruise. It was with our son's friends from his school. They owned their own business - a land developer. I remember the entourage he took with him on his business trip. His banker and financier and wives were along.

The ironic thing - last week i really felt impressed to call his wife to talk to her. They had been going through some awful times. BUT i didn't, i just blew it off and got busy in other stuff.

Just a few minutes ago my son came to me and said, "Mom Lee's dad killed himself." Needless to say I have been brought down to my knees again. I can't imagine what this young man is feeling - their only child. And his wife had shared they were high school sweethearts. Honestly I am in shock.

Do you remember seeing pics of the old steamer trunks they used for traveling long ago? That is what I did this trade in memory of except it is an Altoids tin. Another recycled project.

And one last thing, while reading my daily Bible scripture today the verse to think on was Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Prayer for Obama

i love this prayer offered up to Father, God for the President from GodTv creators, Rory and Wendy. we are called to pray for our leaders

Presidential Prayer

thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior". In obedience to Your Word, we join together this day, January 20 2009, with our GOD TV family all across the United States of America and join in one heart and one mind in prayer and intercession for our new incoming President Barack Obama. Father we ask this day that as Barack Obama is inaugurated here in Washington DC, that You would look down from Heaven and in Your great mercies upon America look down this day upon President Barack Obama and grant him exceeding wisdom in these crucial days ahead facing him and the new administration. Oh mighty Father we pray as a united body to You, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that You may grant to Barack Obama the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the knowledge of Yourself this day. That the eyes of President Obama's understanding be enlightened that he may know what is the hope of his calling and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power to us-ward who believe and to himself, according to the working of Your mighty power which you wrought in Christ, when You raised Him from the dead.

Father we pray that the overshadowing fear of the Lord would start to rest upon this new administration. We pray for Your sovereign hand to guide the President and those in his cabinet. We release YOUR purposes, we release YOUR plan, we release YOUR strategies and YOUR wisdom, we release YOUR governance. We pray for visitation in the President's night hours and revelation in his waking hours, that as he enters the pressures and the challenges of office in 2009 that he would be driven to trust in You as his mighty fortress, that he would find refuge and wisdom under Your wings, that he would seek Your face before he seeks man's wisdom and Father, that You would pour out word after word in season upon him from on high.

Father, we thank you that even as Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson ruled in generations before Barack Obama, that You have placed upon President Barack Obama's shoulders a mantle to root out and tear up wickedness, thank you Father, that by Your sovereign mighty hand, You would imbue him with zealousness and righteousness to rout out evil men and sinister schemes. Grant President Barack Obama the courage to rule with justice and the wisdom to rule under God.

And Father, as the body of Christ that we commit to You to lift him up faithfully and fervently. That we may consistently petition Heaven on Barack Obama's behalf and petition President Barack Obama on YOUR behalf. Father, we also ask that You minister to him in the night hours regarding the issue of abortion that he may know Your heart and Your mind on these issues so important to Heaven. And finally we ask divine protection and blessing over his family and upon his physical life. Preserve his life from being cut off prematurely, Father preserve him from sinister schemes and the schemes of wicked men. Thank you that as President of the United States he will run the course that is laid out for him in this time and this season. Thank you for joining with us and our GOD TV teams all across America to pray for President Barack Obama today and in the months and years ahead. God Bless America!
With our love in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ,Rory and Wendy Alec. GODTv

GRABS and Vision Board

My rock, my light, my shield





today I am reading A Passion for the Possible by Jean Houston. Kathryn was reading Vision Board and the author used an acronym called GRABS which stands for G- gratitude, R- release and receive, A- acknowledge and ask, B- be and believe, and S- share. My SJ prompt was to use my personal images with torn papers on a journal page. I like what she says, "the verb "grabs" holds within it the secret for realizing our dreams."



During my prayer time when I was praying for Pres.-elect Obama the Lord dropped in my spirt these words - "they cried out for a king and I gave them one." I am reminded of the story in the Bible about when Israel saw all the countries around them with a king and they began to be dissatisfied with God and wanted to be like all the others with a ruler over them. Saul was chosen to be that king. If you've never read this Bible passage, the book of 1st Samuel, you should take the time to.

Answered Prayer

Do you ever wonder where your post goes if it disappears? Well I found this pic and post in the drafts. I didn't realize it goes there instead of disappearing totally. I just love Sherry's work. She made me an embroidered scarf, an ATC and a bag of great yarn. thank you Sherry, sorry for being late in the post.



On the 12th I began to prayer about a specific need. God informed me to just leave it up to Him and trust Him. Well, I must say today I had the perfect phone call to that request. It was a very specific request.

Listening to Dick Woodward's "The Four Secrets" I received for Christmas I love this

Jesus Christ + nothing = Everything

Jesus Christ + something = Nothing

think about it - anything you try to add to who Christ is and what He's already

done amounts to nothing. It's All Him or nothing. I'll take everthing please.

She Wore Her Heart Backwards

Painted Wad of Paper

Finished Paper Doll

Ok I am working on an altered book technique that Linda suggested we do before working in our books - to test paints! who would have thunk that?!! I rip out two pages from the book and begin to paint them, rubbing the pages together. I pull them apart before they dry and they tear. So I begin to ball them up in wads, open them, wad up in a tight ball again. Then i decide i'm going to iron them flat with wrinkles. While I was doing that they began to take a shape of this little person. Honestly I could see her in my mind's eye. She was one page and her big, flamboyant hat was the other page. Well needless to say there goes the testing of paints for the AB technique.

I had a piece of colored watercolor paper i had doodled with and didn't like but of course had saved it. I starting cutting out pieces to cloth her, who wants a naked doll?! Besides she wanted to wear something ripping. I shaped her shoes - so now i'm a cobbler, and made her clothing - now i'm a clothes designer and then she really needed this hat - now i am a haute couture designer.

I was also pondering another project in regard to "heart/healing". I made the little paper/fabric heart and placed it on the back of the doll. It has in the center an eye. I glued a bow on her hat, a little ricrac, broken-apart fuzzy ribbon and of course, she was beckoning for the finishing touch. Her signature tags - funny, unloved, and goofy. She had been developing in her short little life through ridicule.

But she showed everyone - she became a clown/comedian. And now makes mucho money working the circuit in Vegas.

I believe she will also be a part of my "Inspired One Word - Healing" journal page as a little ATC.

wow, one little piece of art and she is really stretching into several arenas. How's that for imagination?!

"Sometime in your life you will go on a journey.

It will be the longest journey you have ever taken.

It is the journey to find yourself."

-Katherine Sharf

Dream In Pink

I took a pic on Duke of Gloucester one day. Tried to recreate it in watercolor. The background sky was a beautiful pink/yellow mix.

Another poem:

Kid/napped

i wonder where he is she said

fear rising in her voice.

i wonder where he is she said

panic chasing her from room to room.

i wonder where he is she said

heart racing, thoughts overtaking.

i wonder where he is she said

what a relief he's been napping

as the doggie lay on the hardwood floor

his tail gently tapping, tapping.

Give An Inchie - Take A Mile

This little inchie is getting its full usage. I used it for an inchie swap. Now the leftovers are going to be used for charms - 50 of them to be exact to be put on charm bracelets for Inspired. Front and back have the same pic. They are due in March. Now that should be enough time to complete them.

I've had very little experience using UTEE but they are being covered in that and then the lobster claws are attached. They seem to be very firm and sturdy after hardening. If anyone has had a problem using UTEE for jewelry let me know. I am so inexperienced.

B&N Outing

I've really been bothered by what happened last night. Part of my devotional for today mentioned that "God chastens those whom he loves. Like a father corrects his son..."

I decided to break out of my daily routine and visit B&N by myself. I thought a change of scenery during the day might be good.

"The Invitation" by Oriah was the book I picked up and just about finished reading while there. Must say she had me crying sitting there in the window seat for all to see. Here's one sentence,

"A wound not fully felt consumes from the inside."

ouchy i knew that to be true - living testimony at present.

and

here are a few more questions for contemplation!!!!

can i sit with pain, mine or others without moving to hide it, or fade it or fix it?

can i be alone with myself and do i truly like the company i keep in the empty moment?

can i disappoint another to be true to myself? can i bear the accusation of betrayal

and not betray my own soul? Have i touched the center of my own sorrow?

This is a very thought provoking book. She has another one out called

What We Ache For: Creativity and the Unfolding of Your Soul

Healing Pen or Fork Tongue

Soul Jrl Weave

We were suppose to weave our hopes and dreams into a pocket. The pocket part will have to wait. I was working on this last night while tearing my son apart with my frustration and words.

There was no healing in this tongue; only hurt and pain for another son, who never asks anything but gives all the time. I have to say it set me off and by the time the dust had settled everyone was clearing out.

Well it wasn't so great at my house last night. I opened my mouth and put my foot, actually whole, entire body in. Swallow me up whale, let me be like Jonah and run away. I get worn down and put in middle, which i try to stay out of that position; and get blamed for it all. Jeepers this really stinks.

I am working on not withdrawing into my own little cocoon when this happens, but I ain't there yet as they say. I have not arrived and God isn't finished with me yet or my family. I have to thank God for his mercy. I desperately need it right now. Jonah had to repent and do what God asked - go to Nineveh. I just need to go back to my son and apologize for opening mouth and inserting foot. My real frustration did not start with him but it sure ended there.

Words in my vocabulary: repent, humility

She Danced - a swirling passage

She Danced

It all flows in together. The dress and swirl of colors become one. Coming off the cruise I still hear the sounds of the Caribbean in my head. The salsy beats and gospel Jamaican reggae. The disco club on the top at the very rear of the ship sets an atmosphere all its own. We didn't even venture there this time. Piano bar, guitar solos, Christmas quartets and many people we never met join in to sing together. The love of music does bind us all together even when all does not appeal to us. Still there is something about the beat that brings us in unity.

I Come From

I come from

the other side of clouds, moon and sun

where God sits enthroned enjoying all His own.

I come from

Eve - breath breathed in and softly spoken;

body parts all connected, no bones yet broken.

I come from

a glance, a kind word spoken, moments taken,

a breath wisped on a gentle breeze,

that feeling of the rustling of the leaves.

I come from

pain and suffering, losses great healed over time.

a reoccuring dream that brings me to my knees

realizing it was only in my psyche and my mind.

I come from

current moving fast but not of anything to last

- a meandering river flowing of words

I've grown accustom to.

I come from

thoughts mounted up and taken wings

loud voices, hurtful stares and scary things.

I come from

-amidst the passing of time to a life I call all mine.

-author ME

He Raised The Bar

He Raised The Bar & I Called

I know I've said this already but I'll say it again. I love, love, love my little 3x5 notebook. Its small enough for me to explore different things.

I added to my base page a torn sewing pattern, the directions and parts of the pattern envelope. Then I used my Eric Carle primary watercolors to mix and color the page. Words were from a box and magazine page. Her evening dress is from a magazine. Don't you just love how it turned out. And last I added a little "bling" with a cut up sequin.

Impatience cost me the run of letters on "He raised the bar". Next time I will use my blow dryer, lol.

Save The Date!

Hab 2:2 - says to "write the vision and make it plain for others" I'm still working on writing it to make it plain. The Renaissance Soul has really helped me understand myself. I'm not flighty.

I know without a doubt God has spoken specific things for my life.

dreams i will not doubt. He will bring them to pass.

a poem by Me

i sit, i wait, i fret, i regret;

so what they say - it'll go away

but not today, not ever i say

letting go its not for me - its life.

i wanna be free, i wanna expand,

enlarge the tent, make more room

for that true, believing soul

i found it to be Me.

Ka-yak-yak-yak-ing

Bleeding Heart

is the title of this little piece of watercolor. I was testing out the Signo new pens I purchased.
More watercolor with Eric Carle. I love that I chose this little 3x5 notebook to doodle and play in. My One Little Word for 2009 keeps me pondering every day so far - healing.

yesterday was a great day spent with hubby walking our dog in the park. As we were coming across the bridge we could see a woman preparing her kayak. Hubby looked at me and said, "you know that would be fun to do." And my not-s0-great-swimmer attitude jumped right back with, "not in this life time." But as we approached the lady she gave attention to our lab. Seems she had a lab that had recently passed away after 14 years. We continued to talk and one thing led to another. Guess my not-so-great-a-swimmer attitude might be changing. We will have to see.

After moving into her 60's she took up kayaking in a group here locally. They are preparing to trek down to The Keys and camp/kayak. She was so excited and might I add not a good swimmer either. All my reasons for not wanting to do it went out the window the longer we stood there talking to her. Her enthusiasm for the sport was very convincing. Who knows maybe you will see a post of a kayak on here before too long.

The thing hubby and I both love - nature, taking pics in nature, exploring hide-aways on the lakes and waterways, walking. The lady said she can't walk but she has the strength in her upper body to be able to kayak. Go figure. I believe this might be considered a divine appointment. Her group even has people in it that loan you a kayak for a time - test driving without buying to figure out what you like or if you like it enough to continue.

24 hours, One Day, 1440 minutes, day and night

A moment in sunrise

when night greets day

joy comes in the morning.

author ME

Time is a Dressmaker specializing in alterations.

quote by Faith Baldwin

Willingness not Perfection

I worked on another "Felt Like Winter" postcard. Actually it was my first attempt but then I decided to finish what I started. The background is a cleaning cloth from a pair of binoculars.

Then used black roving felted on it, glitter, and the silver stuff is some kind of fancy fabric scrap. I am attempting to use words scattered here and there in my work. The moon underneath was felted and then fabric moon added. I was thinking about the movie "Paper Moon".

God Wants Willingness, Not Perfection

I struggle for perfection never having done a technique. Do you ever feel that way? Let me just do it right the first time and move on. But most artistic endeavors take time and "practice" and more practice and more practice. I think I hate the word "practice" more than the word "wait."

I just want to have fun, I'm realizing that. I just want to have fun and play. But "play" is another hard word in my vocabulary.

We struggle with things God calls us to do but He is not looking for perfection. He just wants you and me to be a willing vessel. He wants us to need Him every step of the way. He's looking for someone that loves Him. God is not interested in our credentials. He is interested in our love and loyalty to Him.

I Blew It

What happens when your friends wait for you to come play? they dry up - well if they're paints that is. I loved the dye-na-flow paints and purchased them several years back. But i waited too long to play with them - so this is what i found - you can't really see it - but they are pretty much dried up.

I blew it and blew it some more

its never too late

So with what I had left I made a small journal page - 3x5. As I worked I thought about how many times I've blown it in life. So since there wasn't much left in only a few bottles out came the straw and I blew and blew and blew some more. Actually this was a very healing process for me.
I realize I like to buy new products, new books, and new supplies. But and here is the tough realization; I don't want to use them because I might use them all up or wear them out. I think that is a childhood fear from being reared in a family of 5 children with a single mom.

I need to set my goals higher and focus on using one thing a day no matter if it is the last of it.
Trust is an issue here I believe. Don't let yourself dry up - don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Oh boy - I am talking to myself. Really talking to my inner self.

Art Journaling

Art Journaling by Somerset Studio - another Christmas gift from DIL and son. Great magazine chocked full of stuff; techniques, supplies lists, journalers and their pages.

I've been reading The Renaissance Soul. Its really helping me understand myself and why I go in so many different directions at times. I am working on my focal points and defining where I want to head this year. Where do I want to invest my time? One things for sure I love to read and finding a job in proofreading or something like that would probably be a wise choice for me.

Art Journal Healing

blogger is acting weird, will post pic later

Here is another Christmas gift from my DIL and son. Its Sharon Soneff's Art Journals & Creative Healing - Restoring the Spirit through Self-Expression. While cleaning my bedroom I came across most of my journals for one particular year. It was very interesting to see what I was journaling talking to God every morning.

In Sharon's book are four Journaling Worksheets - two on emotional healing and two on physical healing. Lots of eye candy, creative tips, wonderful quotes and different journal pages, followed by each creator of the journal's page "My Story".

But like a pastor's daily encouragement spoke about "cure" vs "healing"; I want to be cured.

Just Another Love Song

Alphabet Letter "D" Inchie Swap for Inspired

Inspired 2009 is in May in Charlotte, NC. I am looking forward to meeting up with Sherry and Fannie there. A group of ladies setup a group to chat before the big event and are doing swaps amongst themselves. I decided to jump in on an alphabet inchie swap. I took the letter "D".

Here is the tiny little piece of artwork. The couple pictured is the Downey's, who created Inspired and host it every year. I mailed my 26 inchies out to the host, Stella, yesterday. That's one finished project and how many more to go?!?!?!?

Dare To Trust God

Peter speaking to Jesus "Lord, if it is You,

command me to come to You on the water."

So He said, "Come."

This is the story in the Bible where at some point the disciples notice a "figure" out on the sea while they are in the boat. And Peter being the daring one that he is spoke these words.

I am always intrigued with stories of people where they cry out to God just as they have planned on killing themselves. I heard one of them last night - the lady was very successful in the Hollywood area and lived on the California beach. So far, so great, wouldn't you say!! But her life was empty, void of something. So she had planned on taking her last run along the beach and then just running in to the ocean until she drowned. But during her run she was crying out to God - "If You are real God show me a sign," she said. Just as she was coming back down the beach she looked up and saw a cross moving up the mountainside. She could not see Arthur Blessit carrying His cross. Arthur Blessit relayed that she came running to him, screaming and he figured she was angry at it. So he prepared for the worse - to be verbally and physically attacked. BUT she was weeping from relief that God had heard her pleas of desperation. He led her to Jesus Christ right there. Arthur Blessit carried that cross all over the world bc God ask him too. What is God asking you to do but you aren't sure its really Him asking?

Those are the LOVE stories I long to hear. I never get tired of hearing how God woos us to Him to show us how much HE loves us. I know I am one of those LOVE stories and am ever grateful to Christ every day for expressing His love for me. The song on my lips I hope all will hear all the time - I LOVE YOU LORD and I give You praise.

Pregnant With Divine Purpose

Now today's devotional impressed me in the sense of being "pregnant" with the dreams and visions of God. I was wondering the other day where I was in all the things God had spoken to me. "Stretching" you know those dreaded stretch marks when in the end you feel like there is no more room in the womb. But then well somewhere a little more is there! The devotional says that "revelation never comes in its mature state." Neither does a baby - thank God my youngest didn't come out like he is now - 6'3". That would have been a long push. lol.

The seed of revelation has to "get in you" before it can grow and begin to stretch you.
Now hear is the revelation for me today - we all hate "stretching" don't we? Stretching usually means inconvenience, changes, interruptions, irritations (like the pearl being developed from the sand), out-of-sorts, attitudes; my list could go on and on and on. I am in the stretching process bc I need to be more like Christ in my actions, my mindset and my love.

Where are you being stretched today?

Count it all joy my friend.

But I must say I'm not there yet, bc He is still shaping me.

Question???

Was Michelangelo too old when he began design on dome of St. Peter's Basilica at 72?

Was Stradivarius too old when two of his most revered violins were crafted at 90s?

Was Helen Keller too old to publish the book Teacher at 75?

Was the Honda Honey too old when she rode 2800 miles on a motorcycle at 80?

Then what is it that you still have/want to do but you keep saying you are too old?

Prayer

Dear Father: Like Mary said, "Be it unto me..."

Help me to bring to pass the dream You put in me.

Grant me grace to walk in obedience and

faith as You "stretch" me and mold me.

Help me carry Your seed until

it is fully revealed to the world.

In Jesus Name, Amen."

Today my stretching will come in the form of sickness while finishing my taxes for tomorrow.

Lord grant me the clear head I need to be accurate and honor Caesar with what You say we are to do.

Felt Like Winter

I finally was able to work on one little project - a felted postcard for FAT. The only thing I added was another dove moving downward between the two. The entire background has been felted and the little blue snowflake is roving also. The other day I was shredding old postcards and realized if I put them in a certain way the small words would stay readable. That's where "the season" phrase came from. It feels good to finally do something.

Too Small To Contain It All

is the title of my devotional read for today. This is another great scripture I quote quite often.

1 Cor. 2:9

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

I have promises that only God can fulfill with me being yielded to His Spirit. Do you have any great exploits that you know without a doubt God has placed in your spirit. I still, like Abraham believe, but like Sarai, will not try to accomplish before He is ready for them to be completed.

I would not want to create an Ishmael in my life.

The prayer at the end says this "Lord Jesus, I give up. The only way i can hold the things You have shown me, the only way i can do the things You have asked me to do, is through Your strength and ability. Reveal Your glory, power, and grace through my inadequacies and weakness.

All i can do is YIELD to Your Spirit and say,

"Yes, Lord. May Your will be done in my life."

So I wait, but sometimes wonder why others promises have been fulfilled while I still wait.

And that's the truth. So you too keep your eyes open and your ears atune.

I just found this Kelly Corrigan YouTube read. Don't know anything about her but apparently she wrote a book "The Middle Place". All this to say "Thank YOU" to all the lady artists bloggers I have met along the way in the last year. You are fantastic people.

Bead-atitudes

I thought I would show you a few Christmas gifts from my youngest son. Forgive the scan, its not all that great. I was actually shocked how well my sons have finally figured me out.

My DIL seemed to get everyone into the "giving" spirit. He also gave me a beautiful soft oh-i-so-love-the-feel-of-this sketch journal.

Bead grateful, bead joyful, bead full of excitement to be alive.

Yesterday I read Matthew 1:1-25 as part of my daily Bible reading but when I was younger I hated reading this part. I wasn't all that impressed with reading "the book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." etc. But now that I am older and genealogy is so popular I "get it." Most want to know from whence they came.

Now I enjoy reading it and bc I love numbers I think it is very significant that there were 14 generations differentiated from Abraham to David and 14 from David to carrying away into Babylon and from the carrying away unto Christ. Numbers are very significant.

My MIL gave us a framed Coat of Arms of Name and Heraldry along with an interesting book full of information. My hubby's family did an extensive genealogy on their name. I should inquire about buying a copy of it. Did you know the study of names and their origins is called Onomastics?!! I once read somewhere my hubby's last name was a name for "sheriff." Which I find interesting since three generations of police officers are in his family that we know of. My son, my hubby and my FIL. Maybe I should investigate this further!!!

The Power of Dreaming

What do you say about yourself?

"Death and Life are in the power of the tongue."

Proversb 18:20

Here is my old daily devotional Bible from 1999. I plan on using it until it falls apart - I mean disintegrates. Like the elephant - one bite at a time - daily will make the difference. In the

very front are two definitions

1)anxiety - concern out of balance and

2)stress - take on things we don't have grace for.

So no anxiety and stress in my life this year - they are not allowed. I will continue to put it all back in the hands of God - my Creator. Can you imagine you life without either of these? What a gift to yourself.

I know that God is changing me from what I am to what I am destined to be. Because of Him, I am accomplishing great exploits. I am saying the same things about me that God is saying about me.

Your future will be what you say it will be, and that is why words are so important. I really believe this. I keep telling my hubby he needs to speak God's Word into situations.

My art - I have been on a cleaning binge. But I am getting to the point everything is taking shape. So I am planning on working on a few things for FAT, Inspired and journaling. I better hurry bc hubby has asked me out on a date. How fun!!

Before the sleet and rain this morning I went out and raked my back and front yard so hubby would not attempt to do it. I didn't get to finish but I put a big dent in it. That was after I went at 6am to the grocery store.

Divine appointment: hubby ran into an ole' friend this morning who may be able to give our son at the beach work. How great is that, we will see how it turns out. God is so awesome!!! His ways are so much greater than ours, His plans so much grander than ours.

Rose Parade

I love watching the Rose Parade. All the hard work and time that goes into making one of the floats is amazing. The dedication to it and all the people that enjoy working on one. Can you imagine being a part of building one of these?!

My hubby went to his home area to visit his childhood friend who is very ill. I needed to stay home, finish sorting, cleaning and pitching stuff. But most of all to get ready for tax season which begins for me Jan 6 with my accountant. Oh Boy what a job. I need my pay raised, lol.

Happy First New Year Day. Words that come to mind for the new year - dedication and commitment.

Happy 09 New Year-Start Year the Bright Way

Happy New Year fellow bloggers!!!! Can you believe it I awoke at 12:00.

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118: 17-24.

Our future in Christ is so bright we need to put on our SONglasses. Its so bright that it
is interfering with my view of my problems. I started off reading todays daily devotional
by Eddie Long Called to Conquer.