A Baby's Prayer

Luke 10:21--"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.' "

Children understand who Jesus is if we give them a chance. So many parents make the mistake of thinking that their child isn't "ready" yet to receive Jesus as their Savior. They may not submit them to religious teaching as children because the parent doesn't want to commit to Christ. They use the excuse, "when the child is old enough to understand what they are doing, then they can go to church, or commit to Christ. Just don't make me responsible for their religious teaching." They hold them back when the child wants to make a public confession of faith. When that time comes, the parent needs to know that the Lord does reveal himself to children. Why wait and let that calling die away? It does, sometimes, leave the child and then it may be too late.

This art was created on a large bound notebook (thank you, Deena). I painted the background and added a copy of a vintage image, scrapbook paper, old text, ribbons, buttons, book binding materials, thread, old music and other ephemera, old lace and I etched in gel medium and highlighted it with gold and black stain. I measures about 7 1/2" x 10." BE SURE TO COMMENT THROUGH FEB. 3 TO WIN THE LITTLE EASTER BASKET I POSTED A FEW DAYS AGO. I'LL CONTACT YOU THROUGH YOUR BLOG OR EMAIL ADDRESS YOU LEAVE ME.

Brother's Keeper

Genesis 4;9--"Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Where is your brother, Abel?' 'I don't know,' he replied. 'Am I my brother's keeper?' "

Why do we ask silly questions? Cain knew the answer to that question before he asked God. And why are we insolent to God? We do things, maybe not as bad as the Cain and Abel story, to make God sad. However, we do them anyway because we want to. We have no respect for authority and we really don't believe God's power when we disobey. Don't be like Cain and be put out of God's place for you by blantantly disobeying His laws. Do you believe that God was sincere in making the laws?--Then obey.

This art was put on a small spiral notebook measuring 3" x 5." I painted the cover, adhered a copy of my sister-in-law's family members, etched in gel medium, painted it gold and stained the painting with black gel stain. DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT THIS WEEK AND WIN A LITTLE EASTER BASKET (SEE SUNDAY, JAN. 27 POST FOR DETAILS.)

Fighting

Luke 11:16--"A kingdom where people fight each other will end up in ruin. And a family that fights will break up."

There are so many scriptures having to do with war, none of which seemed appropriate to me for this picture. As I was reading my daily Bible readings today, I read this from the words of Jesus. This was to be my verse for today. All the negotiations in the world won't work if people are determined to fight. We have to set our hearts right and listen to reason. We need to put aside our own agendas and listen to others' ideas. We need to have pliable hearts. We need God to help us not be selfish and listen (or be quiet at the right time.) Don't end in ruin. Talk instead of fight. Don't give up.

This card was done as a thank you for Tanya who willingly gave me some of the pictures of her family to use in my art. It was made on a playing card to which I adhered a copy of a picture of her grandfather and his buddy in the war. I etched in gel medium and highlighted it in gold paint.
SEE LAST SUNDAY'S POST FOR DETAILS ON A GIVE-AWAY NEXT WEEKEND. JUST COMMENT, I'LL DRAW AND YOU MAY WIN.

I'm Praying For You

Ephesians 6:18--Always keep on praying for all the saints."

My life is too full to pray all the time. Life is too involved to pray. How can I pray when I'm so busy? I'm too full of me to pray. God's not going to listen to my prayers. What a pitiful bunch of excuses I make to the Lord. Who said I needed to pray for myself anyway? The Bible reminds me to pray for others, especially those who know the Lord like myself. I'm not to pray occasionally or when "the spirit" moves me, but I should pray always.

This art began as a playing card on which I collaged ephemera and pattern tissue, and a copy of a vintage image. I then etched in gel medium and painted it gold. This style of textured etching reminds me of old gesso frames, my favorite. BE SURE TO COMMENT THROUGH FEB. 3 TO WIN THE LITTLE EASTER BASKET I POSTED A FEW DAYS AGO. I'LL CONTACT YOU THROUGH YOUR BLOG OR AN EMAIL ADDRESS YOU LEAVE ME.

ONE YEAR CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY

As of last Friday, I have been blogging for one year. I've learned a lot, met many wonderful bloggers, seen numerous creative and inspirational blogs and been inspired myself because of them. First, I just wanted to post the art I was making and hopefully gain recognition from like artists but now my blog has morphed into an art/devotional journal. I've enjoyed creating mixed-media and fiber art and have used the Bible as the inspiration. I hope you've enjoyed it as well and have gained a word from the Lord through it.

I'd like to CELEBRATE by giving away a piece of art to one of the people who comment on one of my entries this week--January 27 through Feb 3. I will draw the name of one of my contacts this week and I will send you the little Promise of Spring basket like the one I posted today. Comment on my blog to be one of the participants in this give-away. You'll be contacted by me through your blog or leave your email address in the comment. The dead-line is next Sunday, Feb. 3, at midnight CST. On Monday, Feb. 4, I will announce the winner. Blog away!!! and thank you.

Promise of Spring

Hosea 6:3--"Let us acknowledge the Lord.... As surely as the sun shines,...he will come to us like the...spring rains that water the earth."

The past few days have been bitterly cold so it is wonderful to see the weather moderate today. I've loved feeling the sun and even had to open the car window coming home from church. God has promised to give us seasons and all that they bring and I so look forward to Spring--the season of new life. Jesus also gives us new lives if we trust in him to do so. Though our lives are wasting away, he brings the hope of eternal Spring.

This little "basket" was made from a paper mache peat pot to which I added a vintage image (Paper Whimsy), gel pen, glitter pen, paint washed perforated paper, other ephemera, old lace and a floral stem. It measures about 3" x 5 1/2."

Shadow of Your Wings

Psalm 17:8--Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings."

Sometimes the only safe place is in the shadows. We hide their many times to avoid conflict or danger, confrontation or exposure. This scripture, however, places us in an even better place, the shadow of God's wings. How much better is that than anywhere else? We can find rest and peace there knowing He is caring for us. Now we must trust Him as He holds us there.

I made this card for my friend, Deena, as she is dealing with news regarding her cancer and chemo. I can't begin to know what she is feeling. I only know what his word says and that He is with her through it all.

This card started as a playing card on which I adhered some double-copied wings and a vintage image, painted, etched in gel, painted and stained. I used glitter glue to glitterfy the wings.

Everyday?

Psalm 145:2--"I will honor you every day, and praise your name forever and ever."

Everyday? How about six days? or five? or two? How about just Sunday? Won't that be enough? God expects our honor and praise seven days of the week. Everyday rise and and pay him the honor and respect he deserves. Praise his name forever. Keep his laws in your heart and mind and follow them as best you can. He's done so much for us and we need to give him back what he's due. "Every day" means every day. Are you willing?

I made these fan blades for a swap for one of my Yahoo artist groups. I used a template (provided) on double card stock, adhered Paper Whimsy photos, old text, lace, book binding, days from calenders and other ephemera. I did my gel etching over and under the photos, stained and then highlighted with paint. Notice one of the days of the week is left out from the fan. Is that one your day or God's?

Snow Again?

Proverbs 25:20--"Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day..., is one who sings songs to a heavy heart."

No amount of joyfulness can touch the soul with a "heavy heart." There are those people whose glass is always half empty instead of half full. Take the title of this blog, for instance...If you say this with an uplift to your voice, you have excitement. Yeh! another snow storm! But if you say this with a downturn to your voice you have dismay...Woe is me...another snow storm.
This little girl seems to be the later of the two emotions. Don't let the cold weather get you down. Look toward the God who created the snow and you'll see his awesome presence.

I created this on a playing card by painting the background, using the face of a vintage photo (Paper Whimsy) and the coat and hat of another photo. I added a calender backdrop, etched the edges in gel medium, highlighted with silver paint and splatter-painted with white.

Blessed Is He Who Reads

Revelation 1:3--"Blessed is he who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it."

The title of this blog was chosen from this scripture, but the scripture refers to the revelations of John, a disciple of Jesus. This book of the Bible is very difficult to understand and many have tried. I guess I need to just follow the instructions of John and read it anyway because he says that those who do will be blessed. I can especially relate to the proclamations given to the seven churches. Read it and see how God blesses you.

I made a stack of boundless books, tied ribbon around them, added a floral sprig, tulle and a handmade tag on which I adhered a vintage valentine (Shabby Cottage Studio.com), etched in gel medium and painted it gold. You can find this at my Etsy Store (go to the side bar and click on the picture of these books.)

I Am Yours

Psalm 119:94--"Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts."

There's a difference between those who seek God's commands and those who just know them. The "seeker" wants to know more and do even better than he is currently doing and the "knower" is aware of the laws but is not dedicated to following them. Satan knows God's laws but you won't find him following them. Are you a "seeker" or just a "knower?"

This is a little journal measuring 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" on which I painted, adhered a vintage image, etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint. I added point d'Venice lace, gold trim, black cord and jewelry dangles. This is for sale on Etsy today (click the Etsy side bar for instant transportation to my store.)

Hearts Inclined Toward God

Deuteronomy 6:29--"Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!"

This piece of altered art was one of the first I made last Spring. It is a photo of my tenth grandchild, Hannah. She was my little experiment in altered art. We're all little experiments in the making. It's too bad we do the experimenting instead of letting God do it. We have all the instructions we need in his word and we just need to incline (lean) our hearts toward God and follow his commands.

This art was made on an old book cover measuring 4 1/2" x 6" on which I collaged ephemera (magazine photos, stamps, old text), etched in gel medium and painted with acrylics and gold paint. I added old lace, pearls, stamps, vellum, and yarn and hung it with a piece of copper wire.

True Nobility

Proverbs 31:29 and 30--"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

True nobility comes from the heart and is not bestowed by someone else. Fear means reverence not "being afraid." It's a matter of first things first. If we put God as Master of all we are and do, we have given Him the reverence He is due. He's the one who guides everything. It is setting the right priorities that makes for a noble woman.

I used a copy of an old Valentine (complements of Shabby Cottage Studio.com) as the focal piece. I cut out a portion and etched in gel medium and painted it gold. I also used a glitter pen to bring out the flowers. This design sits atop a beige satin box measuring 2 1/2" high and 3 1/2" in diameter. You can find this in my Etsy Shop (right sidebar),

Cold Weather

Psalm 148:8--"Snow and frost and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord!"
Praising the Lord is not the first thing I think of when an icy blast of wind strikes me, but after reading this verse, if I don't praise him the wind will. I do love the snow, however. I love when the sun glistens and the ice crystals sparkle. I love when the flakes are like snowballs and snow gathers quickly and covers everything. I'm so glad I live in a snowy climate because I do love the snow and I know it is a gift from God. Praise the Lord!

I challenged myself to make a card out of whatever I could find last weekend. I had gone on a deer camp trip with my husband and I was the cook. All I brought was scissors, an AARP magazine (totally worthless for inspirational pictures), playing cards, a copy of a vintage picture and glue stick. I found the string, made the card and when I came home I added the tulle and gel pen.

No Fear

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:18-19
God loves us perfectly, regardless of our slip-ups. He is forgiving and kind and doesn't punish us as we deserve, but holds out hope for us to learn to love others through his example.

This is a little 3" x 5" spiral notebook on which I have adhered a copy of a vintage image, dress pattern tissue then painted, etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint. I added fun yarn, a shoe lace, tulle and some jewelry dangles.

Little Ones

Matthew 18:6--"But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."
This is very graphic and I think we should be aware of what an impact we have when we encourage our little ones to sin. We parents who act sinfully in front of our children and grandchildren are not going unnoticed by them, nor are we hiding our sins from God. He knows exactly what's going on and we need be aware that our children WILL mimic us--good or bad--and our God will see that "our sins will find us out."

This art is based on a 3" x 5" spiral-bound notebook on which I adhered a copy of a vintage image and other ephemera, old text and dress pattern tissue. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint and added fun yarn, ribbon and jewelry dangles.

The Lord Cares For You

"Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you."--1 Peter 5:7
It is promised in the Bible that the world will never be at peace. We seek peace but we'll not have it. The only true peace lies in Jesus Christ who gives us a sense of calm in the middle of the storm. There are so many anxieties in life, so many cares and woes, so many pitfalls. If we didn't trust in the Lord, in whom can we trust? God truly cares when no one else does. He truly wants us to find that peace of a lifetime in him. The verse indicates "all," so that means even the little cares are to be given to him. We'd be happier people if we took this verse to heart.

I made little notebooks for gifts and this is one I gave away a Christmas. I started with a copy of a vintage image and intuitively built around it, adding whatever came to fit. This collage is made on a small spiral notebook measuring 3" x 5." I added yarn, ribbon and jewelry findings for fun.
I've also added a tad of my signature gel etching. Can't forget that.

The Lord's Delight

PSALM 103:2-5--

Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits--
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

This art is based on a small composition notebook on which I adhered a vintage image (Paper Whimsy), other ephemera, dress pattern paper, paint, stain, gel medium, jewelry findings and yarn. It measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2."

A Seed of Faith

“The disciples said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith .’ ” –Luke 17:5. This passage goes on to talk about the mustard seed. It encourages us to use our faith because it doesn’t take much for it to work. Even the youngest of believers can use the faith God has given them to accomplish great things for the Lord. Put your faith to work today to move a mountain or two.

This art is based on a small notebook on which I adhered a vintage image and dress pattern paper. I also used paint, gel and stick-on rhinestones. It measures 3 ½” x 4 ½.”

Families

I've been working on this collaged piece for a while now. It was commissioned by my sister-in-law, Pat. Pat has been taken by this style and wanted her family pictures arranged in this collage style. She's seen a picture like this, but I can't wait to hand it to her and see her reaction. It's very busy but I like it. The jewelry, lace, etc. belong to her and her family members and I incorporated it into the design. All our families are little collages. Each piece is important in its own right but put together, we make a lovely design. If you don't have a family, make one but joining a church and being part of God's family.

Exodus 1:21--"Because they feared God, he gave them families of their own."

I used the back of an old College Annual measuring 9" x 12 1/2." I used computer-generated copies of family members, other ephemera, lace, old music, gel medium, paint and jewelry.

Waiting for the Right Time

Ruth 3:18--"Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens."
So many times I have jumped into decisions too soon when I should have waited to see what would happen. That has been a lack of faith in God on my part. God knows what my life will be and so many times I'm the one who plans it. I haven't waited for Him to show me His plan. We'd spend a lot less time stewing about the future when God has something and someone for us today. Do what God says to you this morning and see what His plan is for you today instead of wondering and wishing about tomorrow.

I used a small notebook, paint, gel medium, dress pattern paper, yarn, ribbons and jewelry dangles to create this little journal I gave as a gift. My inspiration came from Joanna (http://mosshill.blogs.com/).

New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17--"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!" Here we are in a new year. Wouldn't it be great if we could just take a pill and our excess pounds would fall off overnight. What if we could drink a potion and we wouldn't be tempted by _____ anymore? Or maybe if I use a particular lip gloss, I would not say angry words anymore. (You make your own list.) I really think that I need to believe what this verse says and remind myself of it daily. Maybe I need to put this ATC on my bathroom mirror....Now that's an idea.

I used a playing card as the base, painted it, added a vintage image and other ephemera, glitter glue and matte gel medium, etched and highlighted with gold paint. This card is the result of Art in the Word's weekly challenge.

You Are Special

Zephaniah 3:17--"He will take great delight in you..." I love this verse and use is over and again in my works. I guess I need the affirmation at times because of my low self-esteem. How wonderful to truly believe that the creator loves and delights in his creation. You know, there are some pieces I've made that are ok in my eyes and then there are others that are special to me. This is one of the special ones. I made this for my friend, Deena, (http://deenasstory.blogspot.com/) before her breast surgery in December and I love the look on the little one's face as she contemplates her fate. I need another picture of her as she finds out that her Savior actually delights in her. That news should bring a smile to her face. It does to Deena. Does it to you?

I used a small notebook and added a vintage image and other ephemera and text and dress pattern pieces. I etched in gel medium, stained and highlighted in gold paint. I punched a hole and added jewelry dangles, ribbon and jute cording. It measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2."

Little Journal

I made a few little journals to give away at Christmastime and I'll post a few the next few days. No, this is not Shirley Temple but the picture does resemble her. I got the idea from Joanna from Mosshill.blogs.com, however, mine pale in comparisson to hers. I used a little notebook and added a vintage picture and other ephemera, pattern tissue, brass charms, ribbon, button, waxed thread and etched in gel medium, stained and highlighted with gold. I put foreign text inside the front and back covers and back of the book and stained it.

The best journal is the one written by the followers of God. It is called the Holy Bible.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..."--2 Timothy 3:16.

Crafts of All Kinds

"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen...," Exodus 35:35.
I was taking pictures of some of my Christmas "stuff" before I put it away and decided to use this piece today. We craftspeople have responsibilities, too. We're to use our gifts for the Lord just like anyone else. I made this cross stitch and pulled thread work on linen many years ago. I display it in the winter. It was the first piece I'd done on linen and there are a lot of mistakes, but you have to look closely to find them if you're not an expert. All of us make mistakes--some you can see easily and some you have to be an expert to notice, but they are there. We know they're there and so does God. We can get frustrated by our mistakes and decide not to try again or we can work around and through them to accomplish something useful or beautiful regardless. I think God would have us do the later.

The finished design measures approximately 7" x 11" and it sits in a 10" x 14" frame. This cross stitch, even though it took me a long time to work, is one of my favorite pieces. I used DMC floss and Mill Hill beads worked on Irish linen.

Joyful Noise

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."-- Psalm 100:1-2. I've wondered why we use noise-makers to bring in the new year. I guess because they are a form of celebration. We use them also on birthdays (remember those little whistley blow toys?) and the Fourth of July in the USA. We're also encouraged by the Psalmist to use noise-makers in worship. You don't have to know how to sing, just sing praise. If you've studied an instument, use it in worship. The most joyful noise we have is our telling others of Christ. Go out and make some noise!

I made this card way back in November and forgot to use it for Christmas, but I thought it was appropriate now. I used an image of an old postcard, old stamps from other countries, foreign text and other ephemera, gesso and paint on a playing card.

New Snow

"He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth.' " Job 37:6

I love winter. I've always said that if it's going to be cold, it should snow and it does where we live. The bad thing about it is that it gets dirty quickly. As a matter of fact, everything gets dirty--cars, shoes, gloves, yards, streets, walkways, et al. Snow usually begins in December and stays on the ground until about March. Sometimes it gets warm enough to melt off the yards but the mounds of snow in the parking lots betray the fact that winter is not over. Just as we think we're done with snow, we have more. I don't care, though, because it is so beautiful. All the dirty is gone and the clean white snow covers us once more. Christ makes us new again by covering our sins and making us clean as new-fallen snow.

This card was created on watercolor paper on which I adhered a vintage image, other ephemera, gesso and glitter glue. It measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2."