Second Wind

 

This page is about not feeling shame about growing older. I'm ashamed to admit that I have felt that way, but it's the truth, even though some of the most beautiful women I know are much older than me. As I age, I want to be fearless and free, radiating the love that has been poured into my heart by the grace and mercy of God. I want to always be growing and learning and experiencing new things!

Sometimes I am just too much ! Captivating Art Journal Entry #3

This pretty much says it all. And to quote Forrest Gump, "That's all I'm going to say about that."

I Will Take Heart....I Am Enough

My heart has been rescued, transformed. In my journal there is a pocket which contains an image that represents my old heart and one that represents my new, redeemed heart.


The next image represents a feeling (a lie, really) I, and many women, am tempted to take in and believe. The lie is, "I am not enough". I am not thin enough, I am not pretty enough, I am not smart enough, blah, blah, blah.

So far, I have made cameo appearances in my journal pages, as I have been led to use them. This is a photo of me at a close friend's wedding back in the 80's.

I was feeling particularly out of place. I was pregnant and had not been chosen as a bridesmaid. I was very hormonal and emotional and under attack, as expectant women often are. I was vulnerable to the lie that I was not pretty or loved enough to be in the wedding. Silly, I know, but isn't that how so many offenses start ? 


I have had many occasions since, to feel the very same way. Though I am His miracle child, I am tempted (daily) to believe this lie. Through careful study of The Holy Scriptures and through prayer in this study, I hope to break free of this lie, forever. 

My Tender Shepherd

I have recently joined a group of women on facebook, created by my friend Pattie Ann Hale and One Tree Village www.onetreevillage.org for the purpose of reading the book Captivating by Staci Eldredge, and journaling our experiences in visual images. 

I have read the book in the past, but it is even more rich and compelling this time around. This week, we are reading chapter one and creating images to share and talk about. 

My first entry is not especially artistic, but it says exactly what I needed it to say, and I was very blessed by the Spirit's outpouring of love as I pieced it together. 
I started with a magazine photo of a lamb, because I am grateful that the Tender Shepherd always had his eye on me, His lost lamb. 

I included some sheet music from a hymnal that talks about Him being a tender Shepherd ,and the Shepherd of tender youth. I put a photo of me on top of the sheep. This image was taken when I was about 12, at a time when life became very confusing and disorienting for me. I did not experience salvation until I was 25, but I can see how The Tender Shepherd had His eye on me and kept me from all kinds of evil during those dark days. 

He rescued me (His princess)
He loves me.
I was lost and He found me, His lost little lamb. 
I have guaranteed approval, secure attachment and His compassion. 
I will take heart, rain or shine, for I trust that my Daddy knows what He's doing. 
I have identity in Him. 
I am safe and protected. 
Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder, and He sees beauty in me, His lamb. 


Jesus makes my heart rejoice !

I'm His sheep and know His voice !

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Circular Brick Stitch Earrings

I really enjoyed making these circular brick stitch earrings onto a shell ring. They work up fast, are lightweight to wear, and the colorway possibilities are endless. These are a very nice twist on the classic hoop.

Fifth Entry Art Journal 2011

This is my fifth entry of my art journal. It was a snowy day and I doodled this all cozied up in bed with colored pencils. I enjoyed the simplicity of that medium.

Fourth Entry Art Journal 2011

Mercy and Truth. Plain and simple. More, LORD !

Third Entry Art Journal 2011

I had fun making this background by dribbling paint on the page and dragging it around with a plastic card.

I used a gesso foundation, acrylic paints and markers. The colors remind me of a sunrise. 

The scriptures in Proverbs, with reference to the heart, are so rich !

Second Entry of Art Journal 2011

 

I like the colors in this page, the coolness of the background contrasted with the warmness in the heart.