What if you can do this new skill? What if you pass the test? What if people don’t even notice if you fail because they are so wrapped up in their own lives (spoiler alert: everyone on the planet except your nearest and dearest are too busy with their own lives to worry if you succeed or fail at something, and your closest companions will always cheer you on and support you.)
Read MoreI’m terrible at keeping up with it. I like to think it’s because I’m a creative and so easily distracted (anyone else with me?) Don’t get me wrong, I love to have a clean house, I’m just really bad at making a good habit of it. I’ve always loved a cleanly swept floor. Dusting I’ve always hated; what’s the point? You dust and then the next moment you turn around, and it’s back! It feels like such a waste of time, and I’m passionate about time management. Then the light hits it a certain way, and out comes the duster; I fall for it again.
Read MoreI was in an intense “cat-like state of readiness” no matter what the situation: when sitting at home, when getting ready to go to work, at work (that was the worst, because I had no control over what happened or when), and even when trying to go to sleep. If you’ve ever experienced any kind of anxiety, you’ll understand the feeling. If you haven’t, I’m glad you have been spared that, and pray you are always blessed to never experience it.
Read MoreWe spend so much of our time running from God, running away from the blessings he’s given us, running away from the guidance he’s provided us, because we’ve done such a good job at twisting his message. People take his love, his grace, his mercy, his goodness, and twist it into something they use to take power, privilege, money, and fame.
Not all people have done that, but too many have, and too many have shattered the lives of innocent people, making them fearful and angry at anything that has God’s message attached to it.
God’s running after us, because as humans, we keep messing up.
Read MoreThink of the joy we have, whether in making something new and sharing it with other people, or sharing how to make something with friends. Wouldn’t you like to learn a skill that you can share with the next generation in your family? Or the next generation growing up in the world? All this while reaping the benefits of better communication, and hand-eye coordination.
Read More“I’m not creative.”
That phrase always makes me sad.
Everyone is creative; it’s in our DNA. Some of us just haven’t found that outlet that sparks creativity for us yet.
To me, creativity is Passion in Action. It is the expression of something that moves us, whether that is baking a cake, cooking a meal, bricklaying, painting, crochet, farming, gardening, raising orchids, teaching children, building cars, making music or pottery, and so very much more.
Read MoreSometimes you just need that extra bit of encouragement. Okay, not necessarily a sword, but someone encouraging you that you've got the tools to take the next step and continue your journey, whatever that may be.
Read MoreEver had a moment of doubt or negativity? Like I did when I was nearing the end of my pottery mentorship, had a ton of work, but nothing cohesive enough for our exhibition?
I gathered all the pieces worked on during the time and felt like it was a waste of time
Read MoreThere is something blissfully peaceful about a cat napping. It's like they've perfected the art of contentment and rest, enjoying the moment, not worrying about the next thing to come. Where do you find moments of peace in your life?
Is it catching a quick nap through a busy day? Or taking a quiet walk in the woods?
Read MoreWho loves naps? Do you have a favourite place to curl up for a quick cat nap, like our cat Harry? The piano bench is one of his many napping spots.
Do you feel that too often we neglect our rest? Cats may have the right idea.
Read MoreThis is a continuation of yesterday’s verse about not worrying about anything, but praying about everything. “God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Or “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
Read MoreWhy wouldn’t everything be possible with God? He created the universe and everything in it. Everything from stardust to molecules, to the smallest specs of minuscule particulates to the largest planets and vast galaxies. Why would anything be impossible for him? So, why do we limit what he can do through us?
Read MoreDon’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Fear and discouragement often go together. It is so much easier to be discouraged when we feel afraid. It is so much easier to be afraid when we are discouraged. It’s kind of like bacon and eggs, Laurel and Hardy, peanut butter and jam, or any other pairing here that makes sense to you.
Read MoreOne of the things I love doing when we drive up north is taking pictures of the Canadian Shield rocks pushing out of the ground. They are SOLID! Seeing something so sturdy reminds me of setting goals.
I never used to set goals, I'd have random wishes like "maybe one day I'll do this..." Then a few years ago I decided to be firm with setting my goals. Three books and a lot of minor goals later, I'd say goal setting works.
Read MoreI’m a tangent person.
I get so excited about different ideas that my mind often feels like Grand Central Station, with trains leaving and showing up from different tracks all the time. I get inspired about one project then leave it half done or only partially started when I get distracted by the next one.
Now, if you’ve decided you want to be an artist, at some point you have to finish something. This kind of distraction is NOT productive. So, I sought out some advice on how to focus better.
Read MoreRemember chasing bubbles as a kid? Or seeing a child chase bubbles on the wind now? Even animals sometimes get in on the game. Or watching snowflakes drift down on the first snowfall of the year? I’m not sure why the first snowfall always seems so magical; maybe because it’s like a drifting down of something new; cleaning the earth of all the harshness of the summer. Leaves drifting through the sky on an autumn day; crisp air and the scent of spice filling the air.
Read MoreEver have one of those days when you don’t know where to start? You’ve got a dozen things on your list, and none of them are what you want to be doing right now?
What is the best first step to take? Are we faced with a decision like Harry is here: should we extract ourselves from the footstool first, or just go straight for the paper towel tube that got us here in the first place?
Read MoreIt's amazing how simple things become extraordinary if you take the time to look at them differently. I saw the sun's reflection through this glass of water on my countertop one day, and it's beauty stood out.
Our perception of things changes easily if we allow ourselves to see them in a new light.
Read MoreSo what’s the deal with the bee in your logo?
That’s an excellent question, and I wondered when someone would ask.
No, I don’t sell honey or any products with beeswax in them, although those are some of my favourite things. I LOVE honey! I am a recovering sugar-aholic but what I will allow myself is to have a little honey in my tea or on toast. Raw honey has wonderful health properties other than simply the sugar aspect. But I digress.
Why choose a bee for my artists logo?
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Read MoreOOPS! I found a typo…
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