Life Inspired

Falling inspirations

2013-09-30T16:47:00.001-07:00

Just like the leaves on the trees, this last month has been full of beautiful changes -

Here's some thoughts that have popped in my head as I'm on this artistic journey...

- Let go of negativity and step back from anything that causes me to doubt God or myself.

- I'm clearing out the mental clutter that gets in the way of creativity.

- No more pleasing people, I'm sick of trying to make everyone happy.

- As in layering my painting, I'm taking one step at a time not getting overwhelmed at all the different stuff in front of me. I'm just doing one thing until it's done and then I will move on.

- I am NOT focusing on my weaknesses. I used to think that if I saw my flaws, I wouldn't be surprised when someone else pointed it out.

Life is too short and moving way to fast to focus on negative things of life. This journey is a blessing and a gift!

If you would like to see my latest commissions click here.

Check out my updated website here!

Happy September!

2013-09-06T09:04:00.001-07:00

New exciting things are happening!

- our kids are back in school. All three this year! 4th, 2nd and Kindergarten. I won't lie, I cried when I got home to the quiet house with my husband. It took me a couple days to adjust but it's been good to have some creative time back! The kids love school and I'm loving my quiet time of prayer, coffee and painting.

- My website www.melanie-parker.com is finally up! Go check it out and share it!

-I am currently working on a commission. You can see below that I'm still in process with it:)

- Prints of my work are now available on a site called Fine Art America. You can go to the site and order any size prints, cards, canvas prints and more . It's really easy and it ships right to you!

Now, as far as the www.melanie-Parker.com site goes, it's a work in progress. (Just like my art and everything else in life!). There's a lot more that i want to do with it, but its better than it was- thanks to my brother in law, Shawn :).

I've added my past work, there's a link to my blog and etsy page. There will be posts on upcoming shows and workshops.

I hope that creating this site gives you a better way to see my work and show your friends:). Thanks!

Spring has sprung!

2013-04-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

Our baby girl turned five on the first day of Spring! We can't believe how time is flying! She is such a tenacious little girl full of spunk, compassion and a heart to serve! She is so excited to start school in August!

I'm good with it, seriously...I made a comitment to the Lord that I WILL rejoice with my children on the milestones in their lives. I will thank God that He has allowed me to be their mommy another year in their life. So, we invited our girl's closest friends for a "Fairy Tea Birthday Party". Oh My! The sweetest little fairies came all dressed up and ready to celebrate!

I LOVE this time of year. Fresh rain and wet dirt smell so good! God's mercies are new every morning and I especially see it when new life is sprouting and giving us hope! I'm so grateful for my life and God's provision. Right now, I'm watching a hummingbird dance around a salvia bush in my backyard. So cool :)

God loves us so much. I pray you know that, if not, message me on how I can pray for you.

Stuff that's happening:

I've been working outside the home. A friend of mine asked if I needed some extra money - Um, yes?! She asked if I could take on some projects around her house organizing, so God totally provided....not by sitting around waiting, but stepping it up and being ready. God provides in different ways that we may not see if we're not seeking His word and praying. Also, I'll be working at "The Gap" part time.
I'm current working on two paintings for my wonderful clients :)
We continue to pray for a venue to show my paintings. (would love your prayers and input!)

Thank you for stopping by!

new year!

2013-01-08T10:47:00.004-08:00

Happy 2013!

I got all my hairs cut! It feels so much better:)

Are you ready for the new year?

I can honestly say I am anxious for what this new year is going to bring and not quite ready. I'm holding onto God in full confidence that HE knows our future and it's all good! Lot's of exciting news for our family!

We have a beautiful little newborn girl in our family, I am so proud to be an auntie again! I love newborns, they are so little and perfect. It's not always easy to see that as a new mom, but looking back, it is a special time for a woman :) I love a newborn baby smell! I cannot wait to hold her in my arms! She was born, yesterday and we are going to see her on Wednesday evening. I'm so excited!!

So, the kids are back in school and the schedule is back to normal. I miss them at home, but it feels good to catch my breath! Whew!

I've started a new painting and it's been very cool to stretch out on a bigger canvas! Pics to come ;)

I'm not really a fan of resolutions but I have goals for 2013 - maybe it's just symantics but the word "resolution" just doesn't help me....

This year as an artist, I hope to:

have an art show
start Kickstarter and get all of you involved in the process - I'm a little scared but it's a good scared, like getting ready to go on a roller-coaster!
sell more prints and pendants (with my art inside of glass) on Etsy
Lead more workshops
get involved in Alamo Danville Artists

Disneyland

2012-12-19T10:17:00.000-08:00

I have the Disneyland hangover. Yep, if you haven't gone, believe what they've said about Christmas in Disneyland being magical. It's so true, it's like the merriest place on earth. I want to go back right now and do it all over again. Yet, I don't all at the same time and thus the topic of this post...

After being on a magical high for five days, who wants to go back home?! I got to spend time with my Dad and my nephew in the morning and talk with my sister, watch my niece play with my children, we loved seeing the joy on the kids faces and the christmas lights, snow and smells were magical. music playing happily all over the park, everything clean and picked up. Coming back to the cleaned hotel room after we had a full day of fun. The rides are so fun - especially in Fantasy Land! Everything is just beautiful and fun! The focus is made on making our visit a perfect one as if everyday is the last day we were there...

this is a beautiful illustration of holding onto material stuff that doesn't matter

My heart kept getting pulled back. It wasn't like it was when I was younger. There's such a focus on self that it started to really effect me. I started getting frustrated at our lack of money and wanted to buy more. Instead of feeling happy and carefree, I was becoming frustrated.

i left feeling a loss of what we didn't have for the kids. i wanted to buy so many things for them that we couldn't afford.

now as we continue to move into Advent, I am distracted by material stuff. I find myself praying for money for gifts, that maybe someone will buy one of my paintings. I want Christmas to be special. when no one responds I find myself defeated and getting bitter. pulling me even more away from God's word.

Hope does not disappoint me, because you, God have poured out Your love into my heart by the Holy Spirit, whom you have given me. (Rom 5:5)

I need him every minute, not just the thought of him but his holy, living word that gives me peace and allows me to see the bigger picture. not just gifts and temporary stuff but eternal stuff that matters. Walk in his beauty in what he has made in nature.

My husband said it perfectly when he shared this with me:

I am learning that when I recieve God as He is and take time to quietly spend time in Him so His peace will overflow, I rarely OVERFLOWI guess because I am putting an agenda on Him.Like I am going to the throne looking for energy to carry out my plan.Not asking Him what His plan is.
I guess it's about coming to Him, and repenting of what I am carrying.But I usually come, asking Him to help me with something I wasn't supposed to be doing in the first place.And so I corner Him and make Him into something He isn't.I treat Him as though He is there to serve me.
And then I wonder what the problem is.
So when I come to Him as something I wasn't supposed to be; I make Him into something He isn't.Instead of allowing Him to change me, I want Him to fix everything around me.
Instead of changing me.

I need to come with whatever I have, and ask Him to help me drop them at His feet.
And then recognize His presence, and the grace and mercy that is received in the fact that God is with us!

When I do this, it is only then that I am able to paint and find inspiration!

"There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" -Rom. 5:5

Believe Painting - CRI Fundraiser

2012-11-29T12:02:00.002-08:00

I am kicking myself.

I didn't get a better picture of my recent painting that was auctioned off for a fundraising event for a pre and post-release program for inmates serving in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

AKA California Reentry Institute (CRI)
This amazing program works with men to make their transition from incarceration a successful entry back into society.

"Believe"

14" wide x 22" tallAcrylic, Charcoal on stretched artist canvas

Inspiration:

This original painting came from what becomes of a seedling as it grows. When a plant finally sprouts through the surface, there are things that have already taken place before what occurs above ground.

The sprout keeps moving and growing regardless of what is happening around it.

Our life spiritually is the same way. God calls us to move in His sunlight and HE provides living water. The light of his only son, Jesus Christ and the living water by His Holy Spirit within us as his children. We must believe that through Christ we can do anything God calls us to.

That is especially true for those going through transition after prison. Seeking God's strength and admitting that one cannot do it on one's own efforts is key to allowing God to provide his power within the individual.

The three circles in the painting represent God, our Heavenly Father; Jesus Christ and the Spirit of Holiness.

The painting has many layers of paint just as our lives have many layers.

Materials:

Charcoal
Liquitex Phalo Blue
Americana Marigold
Polycrylic clear-gloss protective finish which provides UV protection as well has protection from water and common household cleaners. This sealer provides protection from damage from abrasion or chipping.

A New Beginning

2012-11-08T11:05:00.001-08:00

We have books all over our house, we love books. Especially now that the kids are reading they're in every room of the house...kids books, Bibles, coloring books, paperback, hardback, some with words i have no idea what they mean....and I'm okay with that because they're my husband's books...but this morning I found a treasure!

In the book The Only Nessary Thing - Living a Prayerful Life, Henri Nouwen (a Dutch priest and author) saw himself as "vulnerable but beloved child of God, who in communion with the Beloved, knew transformation and salvation." I want to share with you what I read (pages 85-86). This seriously, was like, better than my mug of Peets Espresso Forte!

I think this is especially appropriate as we've just gone through the 2012 Elections. I don't know about you, but I found myself anxious and biting my nails. Why?! That doesn't help anyone (except maybe my kids - they get scratched by my nails when they're longer. I remember one time I was helping my oldest get her pjs on when she was about two years old and I poked her in the eye, I felt so bad!)

I'm excited to see what God does with this new term for our President and while we all have different political views - I hope we can all agree that we serve a bigger God - One that calls us to Him and calls us to pray for our leaders.

Listen.

We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make everything new. Imagine that we could live each moment as a moment pregnant with new life. imagine that we could live each day as a day full of promises. imagine that we could walk through the new year always, listening to a voice saying to us:

"I have a gift for you and cant wait for you to see it!"

Imagine.

Is it possible that our imagination can lead us to the truth of our lives? Yes, it can! The problem is that we allow our past, which becomes longer and longer each year to say to us: "you know all; you have seen it all, be realistic; the future will just another repeat of the past. try to survive it as best you can." there are many cunning foxes jumping on our shoulders and whispering in our ears the great lie: "There is nothing new under the sun...don't let yourself be fooled..."

So what are we to do? First, we must send the foxes back to where they belong: in their foxholes. And then we must open our minds and our hearts to the voice that resound through the valleys and hills of our life saying: "let me show you where I live among my people. My name is 'God-with-you.' I will wipe away all the tears form you eyes: there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness. the world of the past has gone" (see Revelation 21:2-5)

We must choose to listen to that voice, and every choice will open us a little more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.

-Here and Now

Henri Nouwen

it's not about the destination...

2012-11-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

I am still moving down this new road.

There are times when I'm not sure that this is what God has for me.

Like I have been driving down a beautiful scenic highway, and then I realize I haven't seen a road sign since ...I can't remember when.

But I am still moving. I know that.

And every now and then, when my faith is just beginning to feel weak, or I just when I start needing a new burst of encouragement, a miracle like the one I am about to describe is choreographed by Grand Designer Himself.

Or at least it revealed to me so I can see it with my human eyes.

Because the reality is there are always miracles being choreographed. He is always designing. Always working. Always creating. Always redeeming.

And I wonder why I ever doubted.

I wonder how I could even forget all that He has already done.

I guess what it comes down to is this: I begin to doubt because I didn't see it the day before.

But who's problem is that?

Not His.

The problem is that I forget to open my eyes.

Or I forgot to pray for a heart that seeks the Designer...

...instead of always seeking to understand the design.

And so I paint.

Sometimes I paint things I don't understand.

Other times I paint things I wish I could understand better.

But ultimately I paint because I wish to be closer to my Father Painter. I want to participate in Creation, and long to relate to HIM more. And in doing so be closer to Him.

What takes place here is very real and something I believe God does all the time.

We just need to have the eyes with which to see. Eyes like His.

So it came about that I was reading through James...

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Then, FIRE came to me as I listened to a speaker at our church, Donna, speak on "Living life with a heart BLAZING with love for God."

I want to be on fire like this!

Moreover, I want to blaze!

Layers of charcoal and acrylic paint

I want the desire within me to be unquenchable.

"A fire shall always burn no the altar; it shall never go out" -Leviticus 6:13

I want to let go of sin, malice, deceit, envy, slander, hypocrisy, anything that smothers my longing for God's word.

I've been offered a trade in the Cross. So I accept.

All my "junk" in exchange for LOVING DEEPLY, being filled with HOPE, and completely TRUSTING in God.

The fuel source to my fire, is Jesus, the living "cornerstone".

So I got out my canvas, and went out in the backyard - so I could get messy! I used warm colors and the word - BLAZE - as my foundation.

After the paint dried I applied a charcoal sketch of a silhouette praying, soon it became a woman.

Now, I should explain once again here that every time I am commissioned with a painting, with every brushstroke, with every drying layer of paint, and every brand new wet one, I am soaking the canvas in God's Holy Word, and praying His Will over the recipient - as I have learned long before not to pray my own thoughts and mere wishes. So everyone who gets a painting from me receives not just a painting, or a portrait but an "altar" of sorts that prayerfully reveals another part of who God is.

It is so amazing the way God places someone on my heart. In this particular time, I wasn't working on a painting that someone asked for - unless you count it from God Himself. But my point is that no human asked this of me. And this where the miracle begins to take shape.

The woman became someone I know.

As I began sealing the charcoal into the canvas so I could apply another layer of paint, I began praying for her. As the painting started coming together, I thought more and more about her sweet family. I prayed for them; specifically, my friend, the woman in my church and her Holy calling as their mother. I prayed for her two beautiful daughters and their hearts. The Holy Spirit brought this woman to my heart and throughout the whole process of the painting I prayed for her.

As the colors begin to mingle, I put in light blue, yellow which turned to green for growth and continued with the warm tones. I painted circles around the silhouette that resembled the Holy Spirit that is around and in us as believers in Christ.

A cross emerged.

This is amazing....I posted the unfinished painting pics on my facebook page, I wanted to share it through the process. Immediately, I received a message from the woman I had been praying for!!

I etched into the paint cross hatches that resembled scars.

She shared that she was reminded of God's love for her and that we are as close as a prayer and that it really touched her.

Now, I don't need to explain the Holy Spirit and how God speaks to us to tell you this was ALL His work! God's holiness and power is way beyond my comprehension...all I know is that God is amazing and works in each of our lives when we surrender to His calling.

I had several offers for the painting but I already knew that she was the one God was calling me to sell it to.

"Blaze" 30 'x 40" Acrylic on canvas

Shine

2012-10-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

UPDATE :) !

Children abandoned in Vizag, India

I love when I get the opportunity to bless someone with my art...but over 100 children?

I am so honored and excited to share with you that "Shine" was purchased at a Charity Auction in an effort to raise funds for a group that is going to serve in an orphanage of over 100 children through Children of Faith Missions in Vizag, India. This Christian organization is working to supply these children with opportunities to develop life-skills they need to become productive and independent adults.

"Shine" 16 x 20 Acrylic on stretched canvas 2012

"We love your painting! Great addition to our home art collection."

- Cindy and Mark, Walnut Creek, Ca

Thank you to my friend, Mary for allowing me to serve God through my art and also a thank you to Cindy and Mark for purchasing the painting.

____________________________________________________________

I'm not finished, but I wanted to show ya'll what I'm working on:)

"Shine" is one of two paintings that I'm currently working on. I started it early in September when I was thinking on how blessed we are to have the Holy Spirit, God's light and counselor, shining through us!

There are nights where I can't sleep because I'm so excited for what God is doing in my life.

As a result of His love, I want to shine, I want to create and encourage those around me.

David Crowder says it so sweetly in his song "SMS [Shine]". I have no idea what the title means... cryptic. So, I found this article from the website sbc Impact to be really helpful and totally applies to what this painting is about (so cool when God does that!)...

SMS [Shine] bears a strange title. Shine is easy enough to decipher since it is drawn from the chorus. SMS is a little more mysterious. SMS stands for Short Messaging Service and is more commonly known as text messaging. This makes sense because the song does consist of short statements and plays out as a prayer to God from someone who is seeking Him. Yet a more complete understanding of the title is that it is taken from the first few words of the song: Send Me a Sign.

The first verse and chorus echoes many of the personal psalms of David pleading with God for support. Just as Psalm 86:17 begins, “Show me a sign of your favor…,” this song begins asking God for a sign, no matter how subtle, of God’s presence.

Hope that helps you understand the song better...did for me :)

Take a moment to watch the music video below for the song SMS [Shine]. (totally reminds me of being a kid - you'll see why).

Starting out the canvas with Quinacridone Magenta & Ptalocyanine blue

I drew (doodled) over the dried paint with vine charcoal. I originally drew images that came to me. Then sealed in the charcoal with MINWAX Water-Based Polycrylic spray before adding more layers.

"Shine" 11 x 14 Acrylic, Charcoal on Canvas

On the left is the sun over the world. The dove on the right is flying over darkness with drops of light coming out. In the middle of the painting is a waterfall of God's love. I will post again when I've finished.

Please let me know your thoughts!

Thanks for looking!

Thank you all!!

2012-10-24T14:15:00.002-07:00

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Hi There! Hope you're all having a wonderful day! It's so beautiful outside with big poofy clouds and the crisp fall weather.

Thank you for reading this, seriously. For your support in my store on Etsy, for liking my facebook page. My number of followers are growing and I'm so humbled.

Seeking to learn more of what it is to be an artist and creating inspiring art has been so gratifying (and stretching)! This has been a HUGE step of faith for me (and our family).

We are trusting minute by minute in God's calling. I know God has called me to be an artist and be home with our children. Daily, God is confirming that for us. One of the ways He is showing us is through your support.

I'm so thankful for you.

this just made me smile!

I really love hearing from you! I know some of you are shy and haven't commented, but I love it when you do! Lord only knows the encouragement that gives me (well, maybe my husband too)!

My sole purpose is to bring glory to God. He brought me here, as a result, I create to praise our Lord, its a part of my worship. However, hearing from you blesses me as well! Creating and putting my art out there has been very challenging - and leaves me in a vulnerable position. Putting a price on my art is probably THE hardest thing to do - I don't have another job, this is it. When God brings someone to me that's interested in one of my paintings, wants me to do a personal painting from their ideas or a portrait of a loved one, I thank God. It's all from HIM. It's so amazing and pays our bills! :)

I am so thankful for you - dear friend, for your encouraging words. It has meant the world to me.

I want to offer you a little coupon for your support!

Come and stop by the Cup O' Jo Coffee House in Downtown Clayton

on Main Street in Downtown Clayton

Take a look at the paintings. There's still five up. I had the opportunity to donate one to raise funds to pay for a young girl's heart & lung transplant. You can find out more about it here.

I will give you 10% off of the price of one of my paintings of your choice! (If you're outta town, let's work something out)

For more details send me a note :)

You can reach me at mel.inspiredlife@gmail.com message me on facebook or you can go to my store on the Etsy website.

Thanks! Have a fun day! :)

Letting go

2012-10-21T23:29:00.002-07:00

Thirty-Seven

Yep, I'm 37 years old...it's a good thing :)

Lately, though, like within the past couple of years, birthdays have been different for me.

Not so party-ish...(although, that's fun too!)

This year it was contemplative.

Letting go of the unhealthy and walking in the new.

For me, letting go isn't easy...

Letting go of my career as a director of a pregnancy center...

Letting go of being understood - it's okay you don't need to know :)

Letting go of the desire to always have a clean house... (a daily struggle)

Letting go of HGTV and Satellite television.... (harder than it sounds

Letting go allowed me to see what God has done:

allowed me to stay home full time which has opened up my ability to paint and create.

God has brought me to a place of trusting him to defend me, no longer worrying about others. He will take care of those I love and deal with the ones that are difficult.

He has grown a pure and simple hunger for His word in me and as a result I am not relying on food - He is my strength.

I have energy and a renewed hope.

I have been eating so well and enjoy exercising and jogging again!

And yet.... i am sad because of the bitterness that was revealed, that has taken root.

I didn't even know it was there!

Like, when there's like a little piece of spinach in your teeth...like that.

Just frustration over life stuff, you know, the stuff that is in the way back of the closet and just sits back there like and an old dusty High School Yearbook. Stuff that I have NO control over and should let go of. Yet, I let envy and anger just eat at me.

Then the tears came.

Cleansing.

I want to be so much more than this, what God has created me to be.

I love what Sarah Young writes in Jesus Calling...

"To live in My Presence consistently, you must expose and expel your rebellious tendencies. When something interferes with your plans or desires , you tend to resent the interference. Try to become aware of each resentment, however petty it may seem. Don't push those unpleasant feelings down; instead let them come to the surface so you can deal with them. Ask my Spirit to increase your aware of resentful feelings. Bring them boldly into the Light of my Presence, so that I can free you from them."

The tears came harder.

"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:1-3)

I want to let go of this junk thats weighing me down.

I'm thankful for where God has taken me and the healing he has brought...and yet, there's still the mourning of what isn't there, of what I have not yet attained. In my timing. My agenda.

My, my, my.

Bleh.

Who am I?

^"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1 Peter 2: 9-10)

It is a daily process of handing it over.

Being proactive in my time with God.

I cannot sit by and be a victim, I must go to Him.

I submit to God's word and prayer gives me strength. His authority in my life.

He has never let me down, He's always been there, always.
I'm grateful for what He has given me and I praise Him. All good things in my life - my husband, our family, friends, health, my art - are gifts from God.

More tears...this time happy ones :)

It's all in His strength and not my own.

I'm stepping out now in faith that God will meet me and trusting those He's put in my life for accountability, for counsel, for truth...

And as much another birthday reminds me of how far I have to go... I am learning that letting go and losing can be a great thing.

Just ask my scale. :)

Reaching Always Reaching

2012-10-01T11:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!

On my jog this morning, I played this song over and over - I l.o.v.e. this song and the lyrics:

Baptize my Mind
Reaching always reaching
Never reaching solid ground
Seeking always seeking
Never seeking what I've found

Hey, baptize my mind
Hey, baptize my eyes
Hey, baptize my mind
For these seeds to give birth to life
First it must die

Both my hands are filled with guilt
(Be my absolution)
Oh with my eyes are blind with filth
(Be my absolution, absolution)

Hey, baptize my mind
Hey, baptize my eyes
Hey, baptize my mind
For these seeds to give birth to life
First they must die

Hey, baptize my mind
Hey, baptize my eyes
Hey, baptize my mind
For these seeds to give birth to life
First they must die

I had a long Sunday morning at church. Our small group was up front sharing in the first hour-so the kids and I went early. Bryan teaches the first hour in church so I usually sit with him for the second hour of worship. Which meant that I got to hear the sermon twice. I don't mind that though, more chances for God's word to smack me around and sink into my hard heart.

Pastor Shawn talked about Saul's conversion...he knew the law and hated Christians. He was "full throttle" for what he thought was the right thing to do. What I realized is that I have been like Saul in that I've lived my life trying to measure up, trying to please God with my actions. I've thought if I knew scripture better, I would grow more and thus LOOK like a stronger Christian.

It's not about my actions or my faith. We have are shielded by God's power and He has called us to Him - simply worship in His presence. I love the reassurance of knowing that what I have in our Lord will never fade out.

In his great mercy^(N) he has given us new birth^(O) into a living hope^(P) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,^(Q) ⁴and into an inheritance^(R) that can never perish, spoil or fade.^(S) This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,^(T)⁵who through faith are shielded by God’s power^(U) until the coming of the salvation^(V) that is ready to be revealed^(W) in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

As I was out this morning I was reminded of how many times I go back to my own understanding...my own will...my own strength. Lord knows how crazy my thoughts are. Seriously all over the place! He knows I think about Him too... I don't always have time to spend reading the Bible. He made me, He understands that right?

Wrong.

He DOES understand me; but in understanding the true me, He also knows that I NEED HIM. Even when I think I don't. I am not DOING the right thing or being "good". That's all the more reason to come to him - Doubt and all. It's about transformation in Him, not my works or my strength.

Just trusting. Even when I can't see or understand. He is still there. I am still with Him. Reading his word reminds me of that.

⁶In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The little while to me says a LIFETIME. It's a lifetime of struggle and misunderstandings...we live in a flawed world.

Just like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football that Lucy is holding...we can't put our trust in others or in this world.

We have a HOPE though! There's more than this life!

Just recently I realized that the Israelites in the Old Testament is about you and me. I've always looked at them as history and not as smart as me ;) Like, oh, they had to make those silly choices cause they were in a dirty desert and had to ride on stinky camels and stuff... bunch of whiners.

But what hit me was that this life, now, right now, is like what they went through...the desert, trusting in Moses and God...we go through the same things. Don't we? Many times, I don't realize it until I've spend time in prayer, reading my Bible and with my small group.

I want God to baptize my mind - I want to go "full throttle" for Jesus. In order for this to take place in our lives, we must let the other stuff that pulls us away from our Lord go. All those things must die.

Hang in there, trust in the One who made you, He will never fail you.

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay…(see Habakkuk 2:3,4).”

Art Journal - Fall collage

2012-09-22T18:02:00.003-07:00

I am excited for Fall! I love this season...the warm colors, smells, and early nights. So, I was very excited when my friend Kari asked me to do a fall color painting for her!

Her only request was that it be in fall colors... Yippeee!

I bought this really cute embroidered skirt at a thrift shoppe a while back. Recently it was torn...my son said that a rat chewed on it in the garage - I'm choosing to think that it got tangled in the dryer and tore...I didn't want to throw it away and thought it would look cool in a painting:

I decided to test this out in my art journal first...I started by clipping my page back with a black clip, then duct taping the bookfold so the pages wouldn't get too wet and pull out...

then, I used my Quick Dry Tacky Glue to put the fabric down and used a sponge brush to spread the glue out.

Put gesso down over the fabric to seal it in and so the paint wouldn't soak through & blow dried for quicker time...

skirt fabric with gesso

I chose to put book text that has to do with grace in families into the page and hand cut leaves my note says "I pray for grace and kind words in our family". This is a minute - by - minute prayer of ours for our marriage and our children. So many times, we can get tired and short tempered and need the strength of our Lord to help us love one another. It's only through his almighty strength.

I love the colors and texture of this page.

Paints that were used:
Americana Marigold
Americana Honey Brown
Amsterdam Carmine
Amsterdam Titanium Buff Deep

I really had fun and loved the outcome of this. I love the texture and deep colors...I'm definitely using this in my painting:) Thanks for checking it out, I hope to hear from ya!

Completed Hope!

2012-09-19T21:45:00.003-07:00

Got in a good workout tonight. I'm working on a fall painting, and I finished the painting called "Hope". I continue to be connected to it. It was all about hope...strength, and trust...loved it. I brought it over to my client's (My friend, Raimee) house...and she loved it.

She's also a really close friend of mine. Her sweet spirit and love for God radiates from her. She is such a blessing to me and it was so sweet to see the look on her face as we gave her the painting.

I am so touched by the support in my life from those I love. Lord knows, I love to create, the process, the prayer...all of it is so cool.

Okay, my laptop is about to die... it has like, 11% left so I'm gonna post some pics and peace out.

"Hope" 20"x40" acrylic painting '

Our hope is in the Lord, not ourselves. This comes out of a prayer for life. It's on wrapped framed artist canvas. Painted in acrylic and sealed. Signed by the artist.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain" -Heb 6:19

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phillippians 4:6-7

Musical artists that I listened to:

David Crowder Band
Jim Brickman
Fred Hammond
CeCe Winan
Hillsong United

Miles Davis

Ben Folds

New Look

2012-09-15T20:27:00.002-07:00

Just like turns on a country road full of fall color, my blog is changing.

I like changing and moving furniture around in my house. Those who know me well, know I love moving stuff around.

Couches, bookshelves... boulders.... it just brings a freshness (plus, between you and me, I am able to find the huge balls of dog fur and popsicle sticks under the couch).

So, it's only natural for me to go switching this design around. I tried to keep the title in the same font.

The cool thing about this layout is that those of you viewing it on your phones, should be able to see it better and navigate through the posts better.

I've also made it so you DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER to leave a comment - so those of you having difficulty should find it easier now.

Sooo, now you have no excuses!

I want to hear from you - please, follow my posts and leave a note below!! :)

"Stronger"

2012-09-13T12:44:00.002-07:00

"Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there...In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger"

As I'm jogging uphill some thoughts came to me.

I love that eating better and this, this jog, will make me stronger. Having a church has made me stronger...it occurred to me that church isn't about the music, the building and the classrooms or the curriculum - all those are great and need to be in place but i love that we can just come. theres no judgement or cliques. no certain bible studies you have to finish before being in leadership or be heard. we just are ourselves. flawed in our flesh and redeemed by a creator that is bigger than our egos or agendas.

During this morning walk/jog God's goodness and faithfulness hit me - now theres alot to complain about on my walk, our neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks just like a two-lane road and rocks. theres some streets with sidewalks in the newer developments but for a good while I'm walking on rocks and it's uneven.

not comfortable or what Im used to. I'm afraid I might fall into the road and be struck by an oncoming vehicle -ouch. All the while i'm looking down at the ground. Then I look up - and see a mama deer and her little one right in front of me! As I stop to let them walk by, I see the sun shining through the trees, the flowers and a hummingbird.

God is taking me through it. It's not easy but He's always there, reminding me in his creation that he loves me, chose me, redeemed me. This journey is not own, my life is his story. It's all His.

I don't expect a pat on the back or recognition. In fact, it's a little uncomfortable for me now, 10 years ago, id be like - YES! Mel is here! See what I've done!! Yes, there's times still where I'm like, "hey! wait a minute...what are we chopped liver?!" I can't stand it when those I love go unnoticed. I want others to get the spotlight, in that though, I might be projecting a little...

i know obnoxious, right?

what i've learned is this - Look to Him, Look up...not in...not out. i've learned that it is about my Lord, only his strength. I can't wait for man's approval (though, i stumble on that pothole many times)

Listening to "Stronger" by Mandisa on my Ipod this morning, reminded me that the difficulties make us stronger. Be thankful, even in the difficulties, which make the good times all the more sweeter! i'm so thankful. for the church we get to be a part of - seriously, we walk in and just are overwhelmed at how blessed we are to be in worship together. seeing faces we know and love. to give even when we are broke (quite often) we tithe - and EVERY TIME GOD MEETS OUR NEEDS. I know things are tight and it's hard but God provides. i was embarrassed a couple of sundays ago when i put .85 cents in the offering basket. why? it's what we had and God knows that.

God's provision comes in the way of peace during a day of chaos, energy to jog up a hill and stay on program when i couldn't do these things 5 months ago. his provision comes with skin and beautiful faces of women who give me courage in my small group on Tuesday nights. (thank you - Jaime, Raimee, Kim, Hailey, Em, Val & Marisa).

i remember a time when i "gracefully" fell down our stairs in our house and couldn't move for almost two weeks, actually the better part of a month. I could use a cane to get to the bathroom. These girls came over and cleaned, brought groceries, made dinner and prayed with me.

The girls pretending to be holding a cane - Marisa, Raimee, Jaime, Hailey, Em & Val

Or the time, our youngest was hospitalized for facial paralysis. I was scared beyond words and feeling alone. Bryan was out of town leading a youth retreat at Mt. Hermon. Our pastors, Shawn and Rick, stayed in contact with me. Rick brought a stuffed dog and candy for my baby and prayed with us. Our friends and family came by the hospital and prayed with us. Our parents stayed with our other two while we stayed at the hospital.

People have reached out and given to our family so many times....I seriously could go on and on.

My point is that i'm thankful to be apart of a church. i'm thankful that i can serve and give, be a listening ear and pray and cry and hug and laugh...and sing and share and teach...I'm thankful that I can get out of the way and hear God's whispers.

I'm thankful and maybe when I'm feeling thankful its not an emotion but a choice, a choice that should be made more often for all of us - right?

When I'm thanking God for my morning jog, Mandisa's music, our church, family, friends or His provision and this verse came to me:

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" -1 Thessalonians 3:9

Still ahead

2012-09-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

I'm frustrated at myself today.

I need some conflict resolution for me, myself and I. They aren't getting along.

Right now, at this moment, I'm annoyed that I didn't leave my Bible by my bed - which is currently where I'm writing while the kids watch a show.

Okay, the positives are: I walked/jogged 2 miles this morning, spent time with my Love while our youngest slept like an angel (she NEVER naps), straightened up the house, stayed on program (Weight Watchers) and helped get homework done (although, I totally forgot how to round to the nearest hundred - QUICK! What is 6,323 rounded to the nearest hundred?)

...I just keep kicking myself for over-doing it on my painting. I love color! I love blending and dripping. It's so fun to watch them do a dance down the canvas. We have the sweetest friends and when I get to do a painting for them, I just can't let the canvas go - I want it to be perfect! I'm almost finished, I know it's close...

so when I saw this , it totally encouraged me.

LOVE THAT! It applies to so much right now! I hope it encourages you today!

I wanted to share with you a song thats totally keeping me going these days "Waiting for Tomorrow by Mandisa - I love it! The part in the song that inspires me is:

Can't spend my whole life wastin'
Everything I know I've been given
'Cause you've made me for so much more than
Sittin' on the side lines
I don't wanna look back and wonder
If good enough could've been better

Everyday's a day to start over
So, why am I waiting for tomorrow

Oh, I'm makin this my moment now
To grab the hand that's reachin down to save me You saved me
And I'm makin this my moment now
To grab the hand that's reachin down to save me You saved me

I'm so thankful that everyday is a day to start over!

A simple calling

2012-09-04T21:03:00.001-07:00

"I believe that this sense of confusion and distress among Christian women is because, by and large, we are profoundly disoriented about who God is and who we are, and about our calling and mission in life- as women." - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

a doodle tangle from my art journal 4/14/12

We are going upstream, against the norm.
Even our closest friends are asking us how we are making our ends meet. I think there is a tension within young families to work 24/7...to make the bills, our kids happy, take vacations and have the best house...
none of these things God calls us to.
We need food and shelter...even that, some would say is too much. All of this life is of God, his direction and provision. That's not to say I haven't thrown my share of tantrums...my husband can attest to that...I know how hard it is to let go of the comfort of money - but the peace that comes from trusting in His provision is priceless.

If you are a working mom reading this, i know where you're at. I understand the need to work and I totally respect that. If you need to work, do it. God is there. If you CAN stay home and it's a mutual decision thats cool too. This is just what i'm processing as i stay home...it hasn't been easy.

I'm not one of those soccer moms that do a bunch and head up the PTA. I'm a wife of an incredible man that was made to share Jesus Christ to students.

I am fulfilling a call to be intentional with what God has given me... what he's called me to. When i go back to that simple calling, it makes sense for me.

My small group went through Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney that changed my outlook on motherhood and what I'm supposed to be doing. Not be home full time because it was easy (ha! as if!) but to serve God in a role that he has given me.

“The challenge of ministry in our home is that we do not always feel very “spiritual” when we wash our dishes. It hardly feels significant to scrub our toilet. and we can feel that we are truly ministering when the Lord uses us to communicate a word of wisdom to someone, or He provides an opportunity to share the gospel with our neighbor. That seems like real ministry. And that is real ministry to be sure! But no more so than when we are wiping runny noses or cleaning the bathroom. That is because we have a very narrow view of true spirituality... The Lord wants to help us see the significance of ministry at home. He also wants to expand our vision for the multiple opportunities that we have for ministry in the home. Let’s ask the LORD to help us gain a biblical perspective of our ministry at home.”

― Carolyn Mahaney, Feminine Appeal

"I am convinced that no one has more potential to influence our children to receive and reflect the gospel than we do as mothers." (Page 61) - "Feminine Appeal"

I remember going through this book when I was Director of a Medical/Counseling Center. I was working many hours. I felt so divided and at times, even though I knew God had called me to grow in that season of my life. I knew that I was being called back home. God knew I wouldn't leave easily and it was only when my hours were to be expanded that I was able to step away.

The questions that I asked myself were taken from the book:

Are my reasons for considering this opportunity "selfish or God-honoring?"

"Will pursuing this venture glorify God and honor the gospel?"

"Is this an undertaking that will help my husband?"

"Will it enhance or enrich the lives of my family?"

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Where are you from??

2012-09-03T22:59:00.001-07:00

I don't know what's more exciting - to see that you are enjoying my writing and I am getting so many views OR where you all are from!!.

I'm so thankful to have friends! So many sweet friends and family here in the states as well as around the world!! It blows my mind how we are able to stay in touch - it makes the world so small at times!

This is so cool, get this...

So far my friends from far away are reading! I thought it would be fun to put some pictures:

Hawaii

Source: myaffiliateprogram.com via Daniel on Pinterest

Peru

Source: goo.gl via Jessica on Pinterest

Russia

Source: allthingsoriginal.com via Sally on Pinterest

Ireland

Source: goo.gl via Rowan on Pinterest

Romania

Source: washingtonpost.com via Laura on Pinterest

Germany (awe! Cute puppy - Hey! It's a GERMAN shepherd!)

Source: google.com via Lynne on Pinterest

I love it!

Where are YOU? leave me a comment below and let me know !

Thank you for reading this wacky girl's ramblings - it's so fun!

God bless you :)

2012-09-02T21:52:00.001-07:00

Okay, this has been a weird week...

exercised a bit, ate right.. and really felt on track. I am finishing up a commissioned painting for our friends and I'm really liking it so far.

Friday, was my first meeting back at Weight Watchers, excited! After finding out I was down 4.5 pounds - my happy dance delayed me in getting to the meeting room - no open seats, bummer. I was totally fine with standing though, the meetings go fast. One of the staff members encouraged me to go in and sit, I reluctantly went in. I hate distracting people from the meeting (except for when I yell amen at church- more on that later!!!).

In all my excitement to return to a real meeting with my incredible leader, Lanette, I spilt my coffee travel mug on the newly carpeted floor. I quickly tried to sit down in the seat, set my purse down and my coffee (that I'd been waiting to drink all morning) jumped out of the mug and burned this lady's foot! She wasn't happy and I felt terrible. I didn't want to make a big deal and distract from the meeting. I tried to dab at her foot with my finger - what the ??? I don't know what that was about. She gave me like a half smile as she dug around in her purse to find a tissue...

Then this morning in church, our pastor was speaking on James chapter 3:13-18 (last week it reminded me of Smokey the Bear & fire breathing dragons). Pastor Shawn was really giving a great sermon. (I love when Bryan and I sit up close so I can really hear what is being said.) He was talking about how husbands don't listen enough to their wives and how it's unwise to invalidate a spouse's feelings. There are times when husbands do not let wives share their feelings. This doesn't show the wisdom that comes from God.

Silence. His words penetrated the hearts of God's people and the crowd fell silent. Out of the silence my mouth yelled;

"AMEN!"

I actually wanted to just kind of say it, so my friend, Jaime, sitting next to me could hear but it came out super loud! Like when you think you have a dainty little burp after drinking Diet Coke out of the can, and it comes out like a belch. (Like, you think to yourself that you could have said the ABC's with that one!) That's how loud I was.

What stuck out to me was...

1. my tongue wasn't so tame this morning, nor did I show any kind of wisdom!
2. my loving husband is so gracious, has the best sense of humor and is the most handsome man ever!
3. I need wisdom.

I had never seen my pastor get that red before! I was thankful he didn't have a quick one to throw back at me, I was already eating my words!

My prayer this week is that God will give me wisdom, seriously, I do pray that constantly. Not an educated wisdom but a wisdom that comes from my quiet time and overflows mercy.

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."
- James 3:17-18

Ice cream, tears and healing

2012-08-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

I had a mom come up to me at church as I was trying to get my husband's attention. She's someone I love to talk to and laugh with. Our daughters are in the same class and we were talking about putting my art up in her coffee shop (which I'm so excited about by the way!!) but she asked me how I had time to do this (referring to being on facebook)....as we were talking about this exciting opportunity, I totally forgot that my four year old's head was injured from me shutting her head in the door.

Seriously, okay, well, I didn't like grab her head and shut it in the door. I felt like I had though. I thought she was behind me when I was leaving her classroom, and I turned around in the hallway to find the very heavy door closing on her head and in turn crashing her forehead into the stone that surrounds the doorway. I didn't realize how hard she hit until I pulled her away from me to find she was bleeding.

Poor baby -what kind of mother am I?!

I totally just got out of church all pumped up and I go and let her head get slammed in the door. My little one, of course, was a trooper. She just looked at me with her big blue eyes, tears still on her sweet cheeks and said
"it's okay, Mama, I just need some ice cream an' a cookie".

She got a big ice cream cone on our way home.

Driving home, listening to "If I were a butterfly" song for the 100th time, I thought about why do I do this? Why am I home full time with our kids when I could be making money? We live in California, not the most cheapest place to live...why don't I get a full time job and support our family?

Because, I believe I am supporting our family by doing what I am doing.

Why, so many of you have asked, am I blogging? As if I don't have enough to do with my time..right? Well, this is an outlet for me to share my story...my thoughts about what I'm working on and tell my story.

I have said, I'm not a writer. In fact, the thought of people reading my ramblings, makes me nervous. My husband is an incredible writer! He says that I am a writer, just not an editor. I'm not articulate or what you'd call a "detail person" I'm very visual and if you'd ask me a question like, what the sermon was about on Sunday, I would say that I pictured Smokey the bear...and fire breathing dragons.

So, why am I blogging?

The ideas for my blog began when I heard my friend, Sara, speak at our Women's Mini Retreat at Clayton Community Church . She spoke about being intentional in our lives. (by the way, I am always amazed with Sara's speaking, she always speaks right to my heart.) I strongly heard God speak as He called me to be an artist to create for Him.

I know my family would say, "DUH!" I've always LOVED to draw. Ever since I was very young, I have loved to draw. My grandma still has drawers full of my drawings. I took oil painting when I was in 3rd grade and in High School, the only classes I passed were my art classes.

After high school, I had a long term relationship end in heart break that brought me into severe depression. My life was in a downward spirial for years after that. Until slowly God began the healing process, and allowing me to let go of the past. Through that time, I tried drawing but, it wasn't the same. Slowly, it faded away. I still took art classes in college but it was more of assignments than a heart thing. I did a couple of portraits that I enjoyed but then nothing after that.

I hadn't painted in years and I believe God, in HIS timing, took me through a journey of healing to come to this point in my life.

Sara, shared about being intentional about what is calling us as women to be in our lives. Two things totally smacked upside the head...ok, three really...

1. Be home with my kids full-time
2. support my husband in what God has called him to be.
3. God has given me a talent and HE has called me to create art, I'm an artist!

Throughout the time of worship at church that day, I was sketching like crazy! Seriously, it was like the scales fell off my eyes! I heard a whisper from God that He has called me to be an artist. Create for His kingdom and give Him glory, not focus on myself as I have done in the past, but on His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness.
(I have the sketch somewhere, when I find it, I'll show it to you.)

The crazy thing is, I'm not stressed about money or how we are going to get by. God has provided in amazing ways for us. We know that if we are seeking God first, our family will make it. My first responsibility is to take care of our kids and our home. Second is to create and share what God is doing...I love creating with my hands, it gives me an inexpressible joy.

Following the session at church, I painted an 11" x 14" from a verse God had been showing me.

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:9-11

I took the canvas and showed it at the Sunday gatherings as a form of worship. Nervous, but confident that my Lord would meet me. Afterwards, many were so encouraging! Honestly, it gave me inspiration to keep sharing.

I love to tell what God is doing in my life. Not to boast about it or think I'm all that and a bag of chips (oh yeah, I pulled that one out!), but because I don't deserve this life, it's ONLY THROUGH GOD'S GRACE that I am here and I believe anyone can come to the cross and find healing. Anyone.

"Be still."
11" x 14"

As my family, my closest friends started telling me to put my art out there, I began creating paintings inspired by my quiet times in God's word. Those who have seen my paintings, have asked if they were for sell. So, I am slowly taking steps to share the whispers I hear from God...

It's all a process of trusting God's timing and creating outside of my comfort zone. It's slowly unfolding and taking form!

Thank you for all your words of encouragement and taking the time to reading these posts. You've all been so sweet.

I love to hear from you, seriously, I love reading your comments!

Words stick

2012-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

You can't tame your tongue only surrender it to God.

For me, I can't watch movies with a lot of cussing. just isn't cool to me and the words play back in my head. So many times too, I see my children picking up language they hear. We are really careful in our house to not watch tv. We have DVDs we watch and Netflix. That's it. We want to be intentional and proactive with what is going in our minds.

Word's stick, I don't care what they say about rubber and glue, it doesn't bounce off anywhere, they are messy. they just get stuck. It like bounces and sticks in your hair and then you have to have freezing peanut butter in your hair.

What do your words say about you? I want to build up and bless others, the only way that's possible is to allow God, in my quiet time, to fill me with gratitude as I decide to be positive.

"Encourage one another and build each other up." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Are you cursed by words?

We've all been verbally abused at one point or another. I know I have. Words that have stuck with me. Tapes that play over in my head. I have let them linger and corrupt my thoughts. I have been on the other side of a disagreement that should have ended sooner and words were said that crushed me.

"...the tongue is a small part of the body but makes great boasts. consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, set the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. " - James 3:5-6

I don't want to say words that tear down. I pray that those I love feel built up in our conversations, that they walk away knowing how much I love them.

On the bottom of our sermon outline, our pastor put two verses for us to tear off and put in a place you will see them during the day (my first thought was my mouth!)

Here they are:

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. - Psalm 141:3

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" -Matthew 12:34

-taken from "Words Matter" August 26,2012 -Pastor Shawn Robinson, Clayton Community Church

Brighter than the Sun

2012-08-24T10:26:00.004-07:00

TGIF!!

Happy Friday!

What a beautiful morning! I love the smell of fall in the air! Such a great feeling to run down a hill!

i walked the farthest i've walked in such a long time. and i loved it! so invigorating. so uplifting! even when i got caught behind the trash truck it was cool cause i was listening to Steve Miller Band and had the cool breeze in my hair. as i walk I love looking at the different houses, plants and animals. I love saying hi to people I can't hear respond because my ipod is too loud but i like to think i can read lips. Seriously, I'm so loving this.

I'm pretty sure, I'm high!

Like, I think this is what my friends and work-out junkies call a "runners high".

Bryan reminded me that not too long ago I wondered how people did this...trying to exercise and stay healthy with a house-full of chaos. It's not as chaotic now, its simpler and more focused on the stuff that matters.

Time in the word.
our family.
exercise.

I realize that I need things in my life, and that's not selfish, it's how I'm created. Created to seek God first and please Him only.

Colbie Calliat's song brighter than the sun was playing in my ear buds on the way home and I totally was praising God, HE is brighter than the sun and so dang beautiful!

Have a listen and have great Friday!

A letter to my children

2012-08-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

As my ducklings are starting school I am reminded of how important it is to help them grow in character.

We've spent our time together as a family and our usual thing to do is go to Fudruckers for some burgers & shakes together before school starts. Then we get our clothes, backpacks and such for the year.

We also talk about how important sharing Jesus' love is at school. Not by words. We tell the kids that they are missionaries just like Mommy and Daddy share Jesus, they are called by God to do the same. We show love-Christ's love.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:5-7

This year, I came upon a letter from a great blog called Momastery that was written to a son that I loved and copied it to share with my children.

The original story is about a boy that the author knew and I was reminded of a girl I knew in school.

Happy School year!

Love,
Mel

Dear Precious Ones,

Today is a big day. You are in another grade of school! – wow.

Beccah, Will and Ashley – When I was in school, there was a little girl in my class named Gina.

Gina looked a little different and she wore worn outs clothes and sometimes she even smelled a little bit. Her hair was often not brushed and tangled. Gina didn’t smile. She hung her head low and she never looked at anyone at all. She never did her homework. I don’t think her parents reminded her like yours do. The other kids teased her a lot. Whenever they did, her head hung lower and lower and lower. I never teased her, but I never told the other kids to stop, either.

And I never talked to Gina, not once. I never invited her to sit next to me at lunch, or to play with me at recess. Instead, she sat and played by herself. She must have been very lonely.

I still think about Gina. I wonder if she remembers me? Probably not. I bet if I’d asked her to play, just once, she’d still remember me.

I think that God puts people in our lives as gifts to us. The children in your class this year, they are some of God’s gifts to you.

So please treat each one like a gift from God. Every single one.

Sweeties, if you see a child being left out, or hurt, or teased, a part of your heart will hurt a little. Your daddy and I want you to trust that heart- ache. Your whole life, we want you to notice and trust your heart-ache. That heart ache is called compassion, and it is God’s signal to you to do something. It is God saying, Wake up! One of my babies is hurting! Do something to help! Whenever you feel compassion – be thrilled!

It means God is speaking to you, and that is magic. It means He trusts you and needs you.

Sometimes the magic of compassion will make you step into the middle of a bad situation right away.

Compassion might lead you to tell a teaser to stop it and then ask the teased kid to play. You might invite a left-out kid to sit next to you at lunch. You might choose a kid for your team first who usually gets chosen last. These things will be hard to do, but you can do hard things.

Sometimes you will feel compassion but you won’t step in right away. That’s okay, too. You might choose instead to tell your teacher and then tell us. We are on your team – we are on your whole class’s team. Asking for help for someone who is hurting is not tattling, it is doing the right thing. If someone in your class needs help, please tell me, baby. We will make a plan to help together.

When God speaks to you by making your heart hurt for another, by giving you compassion, just do something. Please do not ignore God whispering to you. I so wish I had not ignored God when He spoke to me about Gina. I remember Him trying, I remember feeling compassion, but I chose fear over compassion. I wish I hadn’t. Gina could have used a friend and I could have, too.

Dear Ones – We do not care if you are the smartest or fastest or coolest or funniest. There will be lots of contests at school, and we don’t care if you win a single one of them. We don’t care if you get straight A's. We don’t care if the kids think you’re cute or whether you’re picked first or last for kickball at recess. We don’t care if you are your teacher’s favorite or not. We don’t care if you have the best clothes or most toys or coolest gadgets. We just don’t care.

We don’t send you to school to become the best at anything at all. We already love you as much as we possibly could. You do not have to earn our love or pride and you can’t lose it. That’s done.

We send you to school to practice being brave and kind.

Kind people are brave people. Brave is not a feeling that you should wait for. It is a decision. It is a decision that compassion is more important than fear, than fitting in, than following the crowd.

Trust me, Love, it is. It is more important.

Don’t try to be the best this year, honey.

Just be grateful and kind and brave. That’s all you ever need to be.

Take care of those classmates of yours, and your teacher, too. You Belong to Each Other. You are one lucky kid . . . with all of these new gifts to unwrap this year.

I love each on of you so much that my heart might explode.

Enjoy and cherish your gifts.

And thank you for being my favorite gifts of all time.

All my Love,

Mommy (and Daddy too!)

The Store of Confusion & Swirling Lies

2012-08-22T21:03:00.001-07:00

Today, I went to my favorite art supply store; I love the selection and helpful staff.

However...it's overwhelming.

Isn't it funny how we love selection when we're shopping? I don't know about you, but I get overwhelmed by all the choices. Like, i'm glad that they have all of the stuff in there but simpler would be nice...less words more pictures...or scratch and sniff...no, no that's weird...wouldn't work. The hard part is the choosing, and being confident in that choice...

I feel like i've been gifted in a talent that i'm not qualified for...all these artists out there, that i admire and have inspired me, like Flora Bowley, Donna Downey, and Christy Tomlinson. They all are so much more gifted and definately educated than i am.

I know what my mom would tell me...if fact, she's probably saying it now as she's reading this. "Melanie, you are so beautiful and God has given you a gift!"

Then my Grandma chimes in "She's right! You are a gifted artist! You can do what they are doing!" and she asks me if I'm hungry and I have some mashed potatoes with corn in the middle of the pile of yumminess. Golden Girls comes on, so we watch while she puts my hair in curlers...

Okay, where was I?

Uh, oh, yep, the store of confusion and swirling lies...the lies are telling me that I'm not good enough, I'm fooling myself, I'm not talented...on and on.

So, I drove home with my windows down, wind blowing all the trash around in the car reminding me of how much we need to clean the car out....and...i realize that I'm not an artist, my work isn't in a gallery, i don't have fancy prints with a fancy french name of my art.....i haven't been to Bali or had a tv show or been to that burning desert thing. (though all those things are really cool and I'd like to do someday).

I am just a stay at home mother who received a calling...

A mother of three children that inspire me to dream and live out loud.

I am wife of a man who is constantly cheering me on and making incredible cups of coffee for me, who listens without fixing.

I am a daughter of parents who believe in me and are proud of this timid little girl.

I am a lead worshiper to a God is that is almighty, ever consuming, overwhelming with love and who has always cheered me on, who's never given up on me, who smiles when i paint and knows HE has given me such a precious gift.

A gift that was given to me, uniquely. Not in wealth, not in power or super-hero intelligence, elequent words...but an eternal gift...one that will never fade or go out of style. His Spirit at work within me, ready to create.

"For you created my innermost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful."

-Psalm 139:13-14

I'm a mommy whose kids think an amazing artist and see my faith being lived out.

I'm not just anybody, I am created and intentionally made for a purpose to create!

So, I wanted to show you what came out of this morning....

This is a recent painting commission that I'm working on for some dear friends of ours :-)

I picked up some new Amsterdam Acrylic paint (Titanium white & Buff Deep, Permanent Red Purple, Carmine & Liquitex Gesso

I really like Amsterdam's texture and Liquitex :)

my blowdryer and rags -I'm messy :-)

Now i am off to have some ice cream with my Love.

I hope you have a wonderful night!!

Happy Wednesday!