If You're Sincere

Romans 12: 9--"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good."

Can you tell when someone is sincere or not? Usually I can see it in their eyes and body language. Do they look you in the eyes? Is their body turned toward you? Is their head straight in front of you? Do they lean in when they speak? Watch out when someone says they love you and do the opposite of the above. Don’t be deceived.

This is an altered small notebook, 3 ½’ x 4 ½”, on which I painted, adhered a copy of a vintage image and other ephemera, etched in gel medium on the wings and highlighted with stain. I used an acrylic protection and added ribbons, tulle and vintage buttons for fun. This will be in my Creative Call Studios shop on March 10 (see the sidebar for what I have there now.)

Pray

Psalm 27:8--"My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face." (Contemporary English Version)
Have you ever been "pulled" into prayer? Something inside you demands that you pray. When people or situations come into your mind, stop and pray. When you remember a loved one, pray. When you think of your church, pray for its leaders. When you think of your country, stop and pray for all the government officials. The Holy Spirit is the one who reminds us to pray. If we're in too much of a hurry, we're following satan's leading, not the Lord's leading. We can still pray, because God equipped us to do so, even when we're working or driving. How amazing is that? Just PRAY.
This is a 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" small journal on which I painted, etched in gel medium, highlighted with gesso and adhered a copy of a vintage image and other ephemera. I added ribbons, cording and sheer fabric and wrapped them around two vintage buttons (one is irridescent glass) that have been tied on with heavy thread. The inside of the cover has old music and is stained with ink. You can find this on Creative Call Studios site on March 10 (see side bar.)

Complaining

More snow! We have 4-5 inches more snow today and it's still snowing. The blowing and colder temperatures come later today. Nothing's closed today! That's what we get for living in the cold North. We still have to go to work and school. Oh, well. Some of you wish for this and we who have it would like to ship it to you. So, I guess I'll have to do what the Bible says and go on and like it--Philippians 2:14--"Do everything without complaining or arguing."

In Your Care

Psalm 22:10--"From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God."
Babies are so resilient. They have to be to take all the falls and bumps involved with learning to walk. Their little heads get bumped when they stand up under something they stood under a month ago, but it doesn't fit them now. They stumble and trip as they learn on what they can walk and where they can't. It's also easy to teach them about God because He has been there all the time. Children are innately spiritual. They are like sponges as they soak in the truths about God. Every day is a new experience for them. We need to be more like children and allow God to saturate ours lives with His goodness. We need to trust him to catch us when we fall and nurture us as we grow in Him. After all, He's been there all the time.

This is an old book cover altered into a piece of art. I've adhered a copy of an old photo (Thank you, Tanya), other ephemera and I etched in gel medium and painted it with old gold paint. I added buttons, an old window shade pull, ribbons, lace and charms. I'm adding it to my Etsy Store today.

Pottery

They may look like to plain mugs to you, but to me they are very special. My husband made plans for me to make these for my birthday present. I actually "made" them myself--with the help of the master potter. Yes, I had my hands in and around them, the wheel was spinning and I was forming them--with the help of the master potter. I made the mug part and the potter put on the handles and glaze later. He had given me specific instructions on how to make them, but I wanted to turn my hands in different directions. Of course, that didn't work and he reminded me of what he had said. When I followed his directions, I was successful. How often we turn to our own devices and do our thing when we should be following the instructions of the Master Potter. Isaiah 64:8--"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

Thank you, Larry of Lost Creek Pottery, for allowing me insight into your expertise. I know now that I don't have a passion as your do for making pottery, but I welcomed the experience. Find Larry at http://www.lostcreekpottery.com.

I Love Birds

Psalm 104:16-17--The trees of the Lord are well watered.... There the birds make their nests."

I received two bird feeders for my birthday and have loved seeing the birds eat. We have a sparrow family who makes their nest in one of our bird houses every Spring. They've been visiting the house frequently which gives me hope that Spring is on the way even though it was 10 degrees this morning. How lovely are the creatures of God.

This little journal measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" on which I painted the background, drew a tree, added cut-outs of birds and letters and etched in gel medium. I used an ink pad to shade the edges of the picture and highlight the etching. I added ribbons for fun.

Create

Psalm 51:10--"Create in me a clean heart, O God."

God's still in the creation business. He can make a miracle out of junk. I like to think I can create things out of junk, but when it comes to creating a clean heart, only God can do it. Notice that David, the Psalmist, asked God to do this. Clean hearts don't come by chance. We have to battle with our tainted hearts all the time. The creator of all can do wonders if we give him our junk.

I "created" this piece of art from an old book cover measuring 4 1/2" x 7" on which I adhered a 1 1/2" piece of point d'venice lace on the bottom and wrapped ribbons, tulle and an old wood buckle on the top. I glued more lace, a copy of a vintage image and other ephemera to the cover. I printed "create" on ribbon over old tea-stained music and openweave fabric. I added my gel etchings to the upper corners. It goes on Etsy today. I'm opening up the opportunity to make personalized art by using the buyer's own photo.

Guaranteed

Ephesians 1:13-14--"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory."

Sometimes Paul gets a little wordy in his explanations of God's redemption and glory. The word I've drawn out of this passage is "guaranteeing." God's giving us the Holy Spirit is the guarantee we need in knowing that we are God's. Anyone who knows Christ intimately knows the power of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives. We understand more who God is and what he does-- those things that are completely out of the realm of human control. I may never be wealthy in the world's standards, but I know I have an eternal "inheritance" with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This little card began as a playing card on which I painted and adhered a vintage image and other ephemera. I stamped the word on scrap paper using gesso. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with silver paint and black stain.

As the Waters Cover the Sea

Habakkuk 2:4--"For the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
All we have to do is look around to see the glory of the Lord. Who else can create birds? Who can put clouds high in the sky? Who can create planets? Who can create oceans that are separated by land? Only one, the only God.

I created this art by painting the background and added bronze and gold paint splashes topped with glitter glue. I used a copy of The Great Wave (Dover Publications.com) and a copy of the earth (NASA.org).

Thinking Spring

1 Corinthians 2:12--"God has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think. That's also why we can recognize the blessings that God has given us."

When I look at the first signs of Spring, I am thankful to God that we don't have winter all the time. When I see the first blades of the crocus pushing through the snow, my hopes soar that winter will soon be over. When the first buds appear on the trees, I praise God that he has devised a wonderful plan for new life. God has also given us a plan for eternal life by trusting in his Son, Jesus. Just think of the blessings He gives us!

This is a book cover cut to 4" square on which I have painted, etched in gel medium, highlighted with gesso and adhered bits of ephemera. I added old lace, glitter glue, buttons, dress pattern tissue, plastic rings, ribbon and tulle. The photo is a Paper Whimsy delight. I made this for an exchange for a Yahoo group.

Children's Children

Proverbs 17:6--"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

Today is my husband's and my daughter's birthday. My daughter's family came to visit us last weekend and we had a little snow left on which to sled. My little granddaughter had not seen a lot of snow and surely not enough to sled, so off we went. She had a ball. and so did her mother. We greatly enjoy are children and theirs. What blessings! We're so proud of all of them.

The little card was a birthday present to my daughter. I made it today before she and her family woke up. She's not too fond of my art work, but she said, "I think it's pretty. But if it had a picture of someone I knew on it, I would like it better." So...there you have it. My granddaughter liked it, too.

My Strength

Hebrews 10:35--"Keep on being brave. It will bring great rewards."

It takes a lot of courage for some people to live in this world. I hope these words from the apostle Paul encourage you today. Look for those rewards.

This card started as a playing card on which I adhered wrapping paper, tissue paper, a copy of an old photo, gel medium, stain and bronze paint,

As The Deer Pants

Psalm 42:1-2--"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

I remember times when my soul was like a desert, dry and empty. I longed to be feel complete, whole. Those were times when I strayed from my Lord and went my own way into a wasteland without proper heavenly nourishment. I was very unhappy and constantly seeking, looking for fulfillment and love. I hoped that my thirsty soul would be quinched by worldly things, but it wasn't. No matter what I devised, it wasn't making me happy. Only when I turned back to God and wholeheartedly committed my life to him did I feel the inner joy only God can bring. I still have down times, but I know they won't last long because I turn those times over to the Lord and he provides me with nourishment I need.

I made this on the shoulder blade of a deer my husband killed this winter. It's his birthday Monday and he requested I do this. I don't like drawing deer. I'd rather do something more "pastel."
Some of you may gasp and gag at the deer bone, but when you are raised hunting, it is second nature. He was raised that way. We eat all the deer, processing it ourselves, and share it with our family. My husband has used and shared hides and has given parts of deer to Native Americans and other friends for their personal use. I used ink and colored pencils to create this picture.

Love is the Greatest

1 Corinthians 13--
1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This art began as a playing card on which I adhered a copy of an early 1900's postcard, old text, old music, ribbon, button, heavy thread, brass charm and I etched in gel medium and highlighted with stain and gold paint. I gave this card to my husband for Valentine's Day.

Where Is Your Treasure?

Matthew 6:21--"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What do you treasure? Without what can you live? Jesus' message to us has not changed since the time he spoke this to his disciples and others. Take a look at your checkbook, credit card accounts, or ATM account. On what do you spend your money? How does that compare with what you give to the Lord through your church? Oh, oh, now I've stepped on toes. Jesus did too, because no one likes to be put on the spot. Jesus really didn't care if he hurt the feelings of his followers. He told the truth anyway and this is the truth.

I made this little heart decoration from a Christmas ornament with rust-colored paint. I repainted it old gold and added colored tulle inside, a paper heart (Shabby Cottage Studio), glitter glue, an old earring and silk cording. The heart measures about 4" x 4" and is about 1" deep.

God's Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10--"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Every day brings new opportunities for service if we are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps it's only to call a friend, write an email or letter, or open the door for someone--that's service. Those are good works. The best "good work" we can do is testify for Jesus. Tell someone what he has done in our life. We can't save people; only God can do that. All we can do is the good works he has prepared for us. Do the work of Christ today.

This little card started as a playing card on which I collaged different text and music and skrim, adhered an altered vintage image and other ephemera, glitter glued, then etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint and stain.

The Winner of This Week's Drawing Is

Theysaywordscanbleed is the winner of this week's drawing for the little journal I posted on Feb. 4. Congratulations! Get your address to me via my email, sallylsmith1@yahoo.com so I can send it to you.

Covered With Feathers

Psalm 91:4--"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wing you will find refuge."

What great words of comfort. When we need him most he nestles us under his wing like a bird protects her offspring. These words give me hope when life brings its storms. When we can find peace nowhere else, we turn to God, the first place we should have come in the beginning. Sweet peace comes from the Prince of Peace.

This art started as an old book cover on which I collaged background trees and water and over which I adhered tracing paper. I added a vintage image, text, ribbons and craft feathers. It measures approximately 6" x 8 1/2" and I spent about 2 1/2 hours making it. It is for sale in my Etsy Shop--see sidebar. Comment on one or more of my blog posts over the past week and have your name entered in a drawing to take place tomorrow for a small journal I posted on Feb. 4. You'll find more details there.

Never Alone

Deuteronomy 31:6--" I will never leave you or let you be alone."

These are comforting words from our Lord when we feel like everyone has left us and we are going solo. God is always there for us when we call. We can depend on him at all times and in all circumstances. I look back on my life and wish I had put in calls to God. My life would have been smoother if I would have trusted these words.

This art began as a playing card on which I adhered background paper, a copy of a vintage image, ribbon, lace, scrapbook paper, a button and text. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with gold paint. The green ribbon is just the holder for the picture.

LEAVE COMMENTS ON ANY OF MY BLOG POSTS BETWEEN FEB. 4 AND MIDNIGHT (CST) FEB. 11 TO BE IN A DRAWING FOR A LITTLE JOURNAL I CREATED (SEE DETAILS ON FEB. 4TH POST.) THE DRAWING WILL BE FEB. 5 AND, IF YOU WIN, I'LL LET YOU KNOW VIA YOUR BLOG OR EMAIL ADDRESS YOU LEAVE ME

Love is Kind

1 Corinthians 13:4--"Love is kind."
This is one of the many things this verse says about love. Everytime is read this chapter, I wonder if I have true love. I'm always convicted that I don't love enough. I have to convince myself that this is talking about perfect love, the love God has for us in sending his Son and the love the Son has for us in giving his life. The writer to the Corinthians is trying to get them to realize that they just think they have love for each other. He is reminding them of the perfect love for which we should strive. As Valentine's Day approaches, let kindness be a part of your love life.

This little card was made with Valentine papers courtesy of Shabby Cottage Studio.com. I also used other ephemera, music and paint. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with silver paint. I added ribbons to the back that hang loose on each side. Please, comment on any of my blog entries between Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 and have your name put in a drawing for a little journal giveaway. I'll draw a name Feb. 12. See details on my Feb. 4 post.

Faded Flowers

Isaiah 40:8--The grass withers; the flower fades but the word of our God stands forever."
What a promise! It has been true through the ages that the Bible has been a "best seller." Even those who don't know the God of the Bible know some of his words and use them as proverbs for life. I depend on His word for solace, guidance, growth, instruction, lessons in righteousness, friendship, joy, power and encouragement--just to name a few. Like flowers, this little card won't last forever, but my soul will and I nurture my soul through his word.

This art began as a playing card onto which I mounted a flat magnet as the backing. I created the background paper from computer-generated text and stain. I added a vintage image (Paper Whimsy), reproduction ads, old millinery flower (repainted), old pulled thread edging from a vintage hankie. I added gel and etched a design, painted and stained.

Flowers Appear

Song of Solomon 2:11-12--See! The winter is past....Flowers appear on the earth."
We got at least four more inches of snow yesterday. Although it is beautiful, my heart is yearning for Spring. What better way to experience a breath of Spring than to create a "Springy" piece of art. I thank God for all the snow we've had, because the water contributes mightily toward a good Spring crop. Thank you, Lord, for the changing seasons.

This is a little journal measuring 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" on which I adhered background paper (Shabby Cottage Studio), a vintage image (Paper Whimsy), copies of old advertisements (thank you, Deena), old lace, handerchief strip, and ribbons. I etched in gel medium and highlighted with gesso. I added old text (again, Deena) inside the covers. I'm putting it for sale on Etsy today. (See left side bar.)

DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON ONE OF MY BLOG ENTRIES THIS WEEK. I HAVE ANOTHER LITTLE JOURNAL (POSTED A FEW DAYS AGO) TO GIVE AWAY IN A DRAWING TO BE HELD FEB. 11.

I Rest In You

Psalm 62:5--"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."
2 Chronicles 14:7--" 'The land is still ours, because we sought the Lord our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered."

In all the turmoils in life, we can always find rest in God. God gives us a sense of security in suffering, a feeling of comfort in chaos and a place of safety in the storms. Run to him. Cling to him. Hold on and feel his mighty arms around you, all you who call him "Father."

I made this piece of art in response to my feelings concerning the destruction of Union University in Jackson, TN by a tornado yesterday. My heart hurts for them and I wish I were there to help. I'm praying for all the workers, students, teachers and administrators, alumni and citizens as they rally and rebuild their lovely school.

Snow Never Looked So Good

The Lord Protects--Another snow is nothing. My daughter lives in the Jackson, TN area where tornados tore up Union University. This really hits home since both my husband and I and our three children and their spouses have our degrees from there. We also have two friends from our church on that campus as students. All our friends and family are safe thanks to God's Almighty protection. Our youngest grandchild had tubes put in her ears this morning and she's also safe and already at home. Proverbs 2:8--"He protects the way of his faithful ones."

People and Animals

Psalm 36:6--"All people and animals are under your care."
I'm glad to know that all of his creation is precious to God, even the animals. Yes, we are to have dominion over the animals, but sometimes men and women are not responsible beings. We have an outdoor dog, a German Shepherd. Shepherds are sturdy animals and this one has been outside since he was a puppy. He laughs at the snow and cold. We protect his house from the weather by blocking the North and West winds. We see that he has food and make sure that he has water three times a day, but if we put straw in his house in the winter to protect him from the cold, he shoves it right out. He likes his house to be neat--and cold. God cares for him in the raw weather by creating him with tough paws and thick fur. If we brought him inside in the very cold winter, he'd either get sick or die. He was meant to be outside. God also cares for us and gives us what we need. Let's depend on him to know what he was doing when he created us and depend on his care.

This little card began as a playing card on which I painted, adhered a vintage image, frayed ribbon, mesh, cording, and other ephemera. I etched in gel medium, painted and stained it. I added a black wire for hanging. PLEASE, COMMENT ON ONE OF MY BLOG POSTS THROUGH THIS WEEK AND I'LL PUT YOUR NAME IN A DRAWING TO RECEIVE A PIECE OF MY ARTWORK.

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY

My birthday was last weekend, Ground Hog's Day, so I'm giving away this little journal, Faith.
It measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2." I've adhered a vintage image, ribbons, a brass charm, other ephemera, sticky jewels and I etched in gel medium, painted and highlighted in gold. On the inside of the covers and the back I've glued foreign text and music and stained it. Just comment on my blog sometime during the next week, Feb. 4 through Feb. 11 (midnight). I will announce the winner on Feb. 12. Have a great week.

Sweetness

Psalm 119:103--"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

The Psalmist is referring to God's words. When one gets in the habit of reading them, it's not the same without them. I'm a sweets lover. Almost anything with sugar in it pleases me. But the sweetness of the Lord's words don't have calories and the satisfaction they bring me are much more pleasant. There's a deep soul quinching when one devours the word of the Lord. Taste and see.

I made this little tussie mussie for my Creative Call Studios shop and you can find it there on the 10th of this month (see the side bar to go to the shop. I'm Lydia's Lineage). I decorated it with scrapbook paper, old tatted lace, paper flowers, wire and ribbons. I used perforated packing paper, lightly painted and added a vintage image, eggs in a nest and a little statement "God Bless Your Easter." It measures about 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" from top to bottom and edge of ribbons.

Winner my First Give Away

And the winner is TADA-----Sweet Annee! Yeh!
Here's how I did the drawing. I wrote the names on slips of paper the same size, my husband sifted the papers in his hand and drew out a piece of paper. He did not have his glasses on and can't read without them so even if I had told him the names of the entrants he would not have been able to see them. So there, you have it. You can find Sweet Annee's blog at http://deenasstory.blogspot.com. You'll want to read her story. You may want to visit her often and encourage her through her journey. For everyone else: Please, visit again as I am having another GiveAway starting today.

Don't Worry

Matthew 6:34--"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
This little one looks a bit worried. Life can be a worry machine, if we let it. God has the blueprints for the machine. He is the life. Let's go to Him with our worries and let him provide the answers.

This little card started as a playing card. I adhered text, a vintage image, old lace, frayed ribbon and a piece of measuring tape. I added dress pattern tissue, gel and stain and etched a design over which I painted gold. COMMENT ON ANY OF MY POSTS FROM THE LAST WEEK THROUGH TOMORROW AND YOU WILL BE IN A DRAWING TO WIN THE LITTLE EASTER BASKET I POSTED LAST WEEK. IT'S MY BIRTHDAY SO I'M GOING TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY DRAWING NEXT WEEK. COME BACK AND VISIT.

Lest We Forget

Malachi 2:15--"Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife (husband) of your youth."

It took a long time to find this verse. I knew it was there but couldn't remember the exact wording. We don't read Malachi much but this little book of the Bible holds gems of wisdom. God's people do not realize how important the marriage vow is. We cast it aside at the slightest whim and entertain thoughts and actions that are not consistent with godly living. God wants holiness from us. I know, I know...that's impossible, but we are to try our best to attain that virtue. Straying from our pledges to each other is one of the commandments we are not to break. I made this piece of art for a couple up in years who have stayed together through it all. They are a wonderful testiment to faithfulness.

The base of this art is an old college annual on which I adhered a copy of the wedding picture, tulle, ephemera, old lace, ribbon, pearls, wire and I etched in gel medium and highlighted it with gold paint and black stain. BE SURE TO COMMENT THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 3, TO WIN THE LITTLE EASTER BASKET I POSTED ON THIS BLOG A FEW DAYS AGO. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED THROUGH YOUR BLOG OR THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU LEAVE ME.