Painting called Passion

I have started painting with oils again. I am loving the freedom I have when painting with them. I have given myself permission to just allow my soul to flow as the oils hit the canvas. No holding back theory.

In this painting it is my intention to show the colors of my soul. I want it to grab the viewer and pull them right into the trees. The first stage of my painting was to simply apply color and lines.





In this second stage of my painting I added mystery with the white in the bottom of my work. I then added textured leaves in a deep red. I want one to feel as if they can reach right in and touch the leaves. As you can see when I added the leaves and white the painting took on another life all of its own, it changed. It became softer, and more alive i think. It is less harsh. More like who I am in real life.





The third part of my painting I will be adding depth. I plan on adding up close birch trees. It will draw the eye into the center of the trees and then into the colors of my work. I am hoping that it will add impact, and flavor so to speak to my work that I have not had in the past.

The painting itself is supposed to be abstract, yet feel real at the same time. I want my work to make a person feel, feel the soul of my spirit. The only way I know how to do that is with color and textures.

I will show you the third stage soon. Since I am working in oils; I have to wait for this stage in my work to dry first before I add anything else. :) I hope you all enjoy.

All comments are welcome.

Blessings.

Hidden fear

What I am sharing with you today is a message that i feel strongly about regarding fear in ones life.

Parts of this post are from an email i received today from a site called: Daily Inspirations Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com I am compelled to share it with you because it strikes very close to my own issues I struggle with daily.

It always takes me by surprise how God will use others or tools you are using to reach you. In my experience If you are listening God will speak with you.

My friends and I have been talking about fear. Fear has been a topic brought up in the last few weeks of my life over and over. (Talk about God trying to get my attention, and me not really hearing! He has shown me over and over again, until finally today I heard!)

Last week my friend and I talked about how Satan will use fear as a tool to deceive you, and confuse you. He uses fear to bind the soul from growing, or fully healing.

I thought to myself that I myself am not allowing that to happen. I try to look fear in the face and confront it. I reject it when I feel fearful.

The reality is fear hides in strange places in ones life. One may not even know they are in fear of something.

While on vacation, my husband has shown me that fear controls my life at times. He sees it rather clearly. He has had no problem pointing those times out to me.

Case in point the family wanted to go kayaking. The day was a blah day, raining, and dreary, and I was thinking no way do I want to go kayaking in the rain, what if a lightening storm came up and we were on the water! He checked the weather and told me no it is only rain forecasted for the day. He pointed out fear is controlling me, and I should go enjoy the day with my family. It turns out the sun came out, and the rain left. If I had not gone I would have missed a wonderful day with all my guys!)

At the moment he was telling me i was allowing fear to take hold of me, I became upset. It upset me because I work so hard at not being afraid of things. Laughing at myself! I was shocked, because I did not feel that the problems I have in my own life is because I am in fear. Obviously others see things where I can not.

Last night and early this morning I sat down and prayed. I prayed for God to show me what is spiritually holding me back. I soon received my answer the moment that I opened today's devotional. Talk about God hearing you! How else was he going to talk with me when I am at home alone but through the computer that I use often? lol.

I wanted to share this email with you all. This devotional site has been a blessing for me.

The message is a powerful one, and hit the fear in my life right on the nose!

Blessings.






THE DEATH OF FEAR

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

How do you respond to fear situations in your life? The following steps will help you identify and hopefully eliminate any irrational fears.

First, analyze your fear. Most people aren't aware of what is controlling their lives. If you are struggling with anxiety attacks, determine when they first occurred. What experience preceded the first attack? People struggling with agoraphobia can usually identify one precipitating event. It is often associated with some tragedy or failure in their lives, such as a marital affair or an abortion. Satan takes advantage of victimized people if they don't seek a scriptural solution to their crisis (Psalm 38:18).

Second, determine where God's place in your life has been usurped. In what way does any fear prevent you from responsible behavior or compel you toward irresponsible behavior? You may need to confess any situations where you've allowed your actions to be controlled by fear (Psalm 28:1). We will always live less than a responsible life if we fear anything other than God.

Third, work out a plan of responsible behavior. A college student shared with me that she was living in terror of her father. They hadn't spoken to each other in six months. Obviously there was irresponsible behavior on both their parts. I suggested that she take the initiative that evening and say, "Hi, Dad!" We reasoned that there were three possible responses he could give. First, he could get mad. Second, he could respond with a greeting. Third, he could remain silent. It was the possibility of the third response that created the most fear.

We then discussed the fourth point: Determine in advance what your response will be to any fear-object. The young woman and I talked about what her response would be in each of those three cases we had mentioned. I then asked her if she would be willing to carry out our plan. She agreed to do it. I got a call that evening from a happy daughter who exclaimed, "He said 'Hi' back!"

Do the thing you fear the most, and the death of fear is certain.

Prayer for my day:

Lord, give me the courage to meet my fears head-on and the persistence to overcome them in Your strength.

Fibromyalgia is hitting me hard

I have spoken about Fibromyalgia before, but found this great video and it really does say it all. We are now entering the season (hurricane season) where my fibro gets really bad. All through the year fibro is bad for me, but this time of year seems to knock me off my feet. It always surprises me because I tend to feel better during the summer months. I have better days, and right when i think wow i feel great, fall arrives and with it the storms start to flow into our area... I then feel so discouraged because i realize that the relief was for a short amount of time, and I have to wait for another year before experiencing that relief again.

I try to stay positive during these upcoming months. Sometimes it works, while at other times I will go silent weeks at a time because I hurt to much. Although If I can stay positive, I find it helps in a lot of ways. It at least keeps me going and looking forward.

I also paint during these months if I can push myself into doing so. I paint because I am able to disappear in my works, at least for a short amount of time I can actually forget about the pain, it is there yes... but it is pushed aside in the fog somewhere.. It is hard to explain. Not sure if that makes sense.

I hope this video helps others understand better what fibro suffers deal with. I know that it is a long video but it really is worth watching. The info is amazing! It is the best video i have seen out there so far. The song is not so bad either. Smiling...

Blessings to all my friends out there in blogger land. :)

Back from Vacation

I am back from vacation. My family and I had a wonderful time. It was a very inspirational time for me. I am itching to get out a new canvas and my paints. :)

While we were in North Carolina looking at the beauty surrounding us, and one thought kept coming to mind, and that was... I am standing smack dab in the middle of God's Country. I was so awed by all the beauty. I am sharing one of the pictures my husband took while we were there. Everything is just so gorgeous there.

I hope everyone had a wonderful week, and is now having a great weekend.


I saw this email in my mail today and just had to share it all with you. It really warmed my heart.

This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me to no end. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day.


Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.; but, the kitty would not come down.

The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. Sooooo, that's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But, as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went 'boing!' and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight. The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No .... nobody had seen a stray kitten.
So, he prayed, 'Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,' and went on about his business. A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food.

This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, 'Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?' She replied, 'You won't believe this,' and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing.

Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, 'Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it..' She told the pastor, 'I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.'
Lesson learned:
Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.

Time for a Vacation with my guys,

Blue Ridge Mountains

Hubby and I are taking our two teen boys on a vacation. We are going off to the place you see in this picture. I really can not think of a more beautiful place to spend a week enjoying river rafting, hiking, kayaking, exploring, and in general enjoying family time with all my guys! (lol even if the eldest is complaining he will be wasting a week of his life being unproductive with two old people! HAHA)

I will be back in about a week!

May God bless your own week with not only happiness and love, but peace.

My prayer for today.

As I sit here drinking my coffee this morning I quietly reflect about how every day needs to be wrapped in prayer. We also need to protect ourselves with the spiritual armor that God has provided us with.

Just now I opened my email, and have read an email from Christianity.com Daily Inspirations. I would like to share some of what it said.

It talks about protecting ones mind with the The Helmet of Salvation. It shares that if you are a child of God, you have already been given this kind of safe­guard to protect you from the enemy's attacks against your mind. The email points out that in Ephesians 6:17, Paul writes about the helmet of salvation. It states, "And take the helmet of salvation"...

In the final chapter of Ephesians, Paul deals extensively with the subject of spiritual armor. By the time we come to verse 17, he has already talked about the loin belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, and the shield of faith. Now Paul speaks to us about the helmet of salvation, using the illustration of a Roman soldier's helmet to make his point.

We are being attacked on a daily basis by evil. We really do need to protect our thoughts and our souls by putting on the Helmet of Salvation.

Today i am going to share a prayer that is from that email of Christianity.com. I hope that as you embark on your day that it is full of blessings and that you have your own Helmet of Salvation firmly in place.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I am so grateful for my salvation! It is the most wonderful gift You have ever given me. It changed my life and set me free; it brought healing to my body and deliverance to my mind. I want to wrap the knowledge of all that my salvation includes around my mind so tightly that the devil can never steal these benefits from my life. Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me study and to understand everything Jesus purchased for me at the Cross. Reveal it to me; convince me of its truth; and help me to wear that revelation knowledge on my head like a mighty, fortified, spiritual helmet!

I pray this in Jesus' name!

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I wear my salvation tightly around my mind like a helmet. When the enemy tries to attack my mind and to chop away at the benefits of my salvation, his attacks are completely ineffective! My mind is convinced of all that salvation means for me, and my mind is trained and taught to think correctly according to that knowledge. Therefore, the knowledge of my salvation becomes a helmet in my life. It doesn't matter how hard the devil tries to hack away at my mind, I still stand strong because I know what Jesus' death and resurrection purchased for me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

This song is for those friends in my life..

Another song sung by the Oak Ridge boys.




When painting I often play the Oak Ridge boys. Not only do they sing great gospel but all their songs in general tend to touch my heart.

This song in particular makes me think of some special people in my life who were or are part of my past. Ones who I never had a chance to say goodbye to, or stay in touch with. They however are always in my heart and often on my mind, I will never let the memories die just as long as I am alive.
I have been fortunate of late to get in touch with a few of these friends from my past. What a blessing that has been. :)

Isn't it funny how some people you meet in life will always be a part of your memories and your life? I have friends now who are special.... Past, present, future friends.. this song is for you.

I have been blessed with friends. Thank you to those who are a part of mine now.

Blessings.

Here are the lyrics to that special song.

I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes

Sometimes I feel a wave
Of a past break in my mind
And I know it's gone for good
And it makes me want to cry
Is this all we get to keep
As the years go rollin' by
Just a memory
For all the days gone by.

Oh you're always in my heart
And you're often on my mind
I will never let it die
Just as long as I'm alive
Sometimes it makes me sad
That we never said goodbye
Oh I guess it never hurts
To hurt sometimes.

You try and hold on to the moment
But time won't let you stay
But for every step you take
You lose something on the way
You can't look forward to tomorrow
And still hold on to yesterday
Oh I hope that you can hear me
When I'm saying

A blast from the past

I have always loved the Oak Ridge boys.

How can you not smile, dance and sing along when hearing this song?

It makes ones soul sing.

Thinking of my husband

So True!

I received this in an email from a friend today, and about busted out laughing, i related with it so much! Working out with a personal trainer has it's good and bad points. I feel better physically then i have ever in my life, but... I also hurt more then ever. (I am always in pain, but this pain is different.) I have not lost weight (well a lousy five pounds in four months!) but have lost inches. I have more stamina and more strength, but the pain... omg the pain. laughs! This story could be about me..... I hope you enjoy.

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM
If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.


Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.


I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.


My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
_____________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
_______ ________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.


Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasal whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other crap too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny witch to find me.Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
_______________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher.. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
________________________________
SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
_______________________________
SUNDAY:

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little brat) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Thought of the day

We are still masters of our fate.
We are still captains of our souls.
Winston Churchill

We have one life. One life to learn, one life to live fully, and one life to love fully.

As I sit and reflect on what I want my own life to be, I remind myself that we have only one life to fully connect with not only our friends and family but with God.

I hope that as I live my life , I am doing exactly that.

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.
St. Clement of Alexandra

Thought of the day

You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is the beginning of the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."*

* Adrian Rogers, 1931*