Moments of doubt and words of encouragement.

I had a really bad day the other day.  All of our financial issues, worries about the kids, the house...everything.  Most of all doubts about my abilities, my talent or lack there of... feeling like a complete idiot for even thinking I could make anything of my art.  I was looking at other peoples' art and thinking...you are kidding yourself!  I reached out to Phil, who was wonderful as always, and to some of my art friends.  God was so very present in those conversations and spoke directly to my heart through these wonderful people.  People were posting things on Facebook that had to have been from God because they were exactly the things I needed to hear.  It was clear that God was using everything He could to encourage me and keep me on the path I truly believe He has chosen for me. 

Today, these words again jumped out at me from a favorite song.  It seems God is trying to assure me again and again that despite my fears...despite my doubts...this is the path He intends for me and with Him...I truly can do anything.

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns

More Fun Swaps

I just finished up a number of swaps.  A couple were photo swaps...

Spring Has Sprung Photo Swap

Textures and Patterns III Swap

An ATC swap...

Black/Red/White with Found Poetry

a Chunky Swap...

Cabinet of Curiosities

and an Altered Tin Swap...

and even some crocheted squares...

Crocheted Squares Part 2









Word of God Speak

I was touched yesterday by some lyrics to a couple of my favorite songs.  Once again, God seems to be using this wonderful music to encourage me and help me to keep moving forward...for His Glory.

"Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain"

Bring the Rain by MercyMe

and

"It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard

Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death

You may decide to take that step

Out on the water, but it’ll be all right"

That's What Faith Can Do by Kutless

A friend's moley journal.

I was blessed with the opportunity to add a 2 page spread to an art friend's moleskine journal.  I admire her art so much so to be asked to put my own art in her journal is such an honor.  Even better than that...she's going to do a spread in mine!  I can't wait to see what she does!  She is immensely talented so I know what ever she does it will be fantastic.  Here is the spread I did for hers.

Round APCs

As you may have noticed, I'm totally addicted to making APCs (Altered Playing Cards).  I was introduced to them by my dear friend, Tinka, in Belgium.  The addiction was immediate.  I've since passed that addiction on to many of my wonderful art friends.  One of my favorites asked if she could send me some round playing cards for me to alter for her.  Well of course I jumped at the chance!  Here are the cards I altered for her. 

Phil remembered that he had some round playing cards that he got at Six Flags back in high school.  He said I was welcome to them!  I'll be sending them out to many of my friends asking them to alter them for me.  The end result should be an amazing deck of cards!!

Hands for Japan

My sweet friend, Robin (nakedheartart.blogspot.com), whose art I greatly admire is putting together an online auction to benefit the relief efforts in Japan.  Artists from all over the world are creating hands that will be auctioned off.  I was able to complete a couple to donate.  I hope someone will really love them and feel compelled to not only bid but bid generously.  I cant do much to help those unfortunate people in Japan but I can do this.

Hands for Japan

Moleskine Journal

Here is my spread for the latest moley to come my way.  The theme is Zetti which is one of my favorites.  "Zetti (aka Zettiology) is a folk art style originated by Teesha and Tracy Moore. There's no real definition but there are some common characteristics such as static faces, striped legs, shapes for bodies, bright colours, found images, objects and papers, and lots of pointy hats." (from illustratedatcs.com).

I am a huge fan of her work and especially her journalling style so this was a really fun one to work on.