tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54386524332114403292024-03-14T03:59:38.143-04:00Redemption's ChampionMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-69998509572286670802021-04-06T11:43:00.000-04:002021-04-06T11:43:03.431-04:00Baggage Claim<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MJaoevhbyi4XjQ3SIY-q7sbcnFPTyXiG2YanMqsf0OE-Ppp_RkElKN5tpYLlhTO5vG9ZMFhCkrMIIY0Yw9Yoh36hLYh5Bn4M_nTpiPgC3Rs8KODeqdCbs1ZnwDpGgqds9E3GA144XHk/s940/www.redemptionschampion.com.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MJaoevhbyi4XjQ3SIY-q7sbcnFPTyXiG2YanMqsf0OE-Ppp_RkElKN5tpYLlhTO5vG9ZMFhCkrMIIY0Yw9Yoh36hLYh5Bn4M_nTpiPgC3Rs8KODeqdCbs1ZnwDpGgqds9E3GA144XHk/w640-h536/www.redemptionschampion.com.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span id="docs-internal-guid-23d392a1-7fff-abe3-4d2c-6dbabce828de"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baggage and luggage are not the same thing and understanding the difference is crucial to our growth and freedom. This concept was brought to my attention listening to </span><a href="https://markdejesus.com/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mark DeJesus</a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> recently. He didn’t go into great detail but the thoughts lingered long after he stopped speaking.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baggage is something that hinders someone’s freedom, growth and development, and luggage is something that carries one’s belongings.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I sat at the kitchen table today I saw a picture of a baggage claim carousel in front of me and the Lord asked me, “Would you pick up someone else’s bag?” “No! Of course not!,” I responded, but yet I do it all the time. Picking up someone else’s battle, argument, or struggle that is not mine to carry. I’ve been doing it my whole life, I was groomed for it, but now I have a choice. I see it!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t get me wrong I have my own baggage, but I’ve never dealt with baggage that someone else was willing to carry for me, nor would anyone else. If I carry it for someone else, they can keep it. It doesn’t cost them anything, it’s not even heavy because I’m bearing the weight. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luggage on the other hand is where I carry my “belongings” the things that make me uniquely me. Even those things that might free me of my own baggage or be the catalyst for change for someone else. If I’m carrying around excessive baggage, mine or someone else’s I don’t have the capacity to carry my own luggage. I may set it down, forget about it or lose track of it altogether.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the past, I’ve seen this play out seemingly on repeat in my life. For the last five years or so, since I’ve been aware of my propensity to carry baggage, mine or other’s, it’s made me quicker to return baggage to its rightful owner. I’m still learning and growing in this, but since the initial revelation, I’ve come a long way. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baggage is heavy and weighs us down. When I was willing to carry other’s bags I couldn’t hold onto my luggage and struggled to be myself. When I made the exchange, kindly handed baggage back and picked up my own - I could handle the weight. I’ve never done this alone, the Lord is always by my side illuminating, healing and comforting. He ultimately bears the weight of the baggage as I work through it. When I give up baggage, He always has something better. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As humans, we are incredibly resourceful and will find ways to manage this way for a long time through addictions, codependency or other numbing mechanisms. They can even be good things we use as a means to check out like work or church. It only delays the inevitable moment of awakening. The moment we realize the baggage belongs to us, no one else can carry it and bring lasting change. We have to deal with it. Dealing with it is simply opening it, acknowledging what we find inside, being willing to face it and address it.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My luggage, now that it’s been in my possession, has been opened and explored and I’m fully becoming who I was meant to be. It has been the catalyst to securing my identity. It is a crucial step in self-awareness and what is and isn’t working in my life.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ve probably all done this, carried something that isn’t ours, at one time or another, but once you realize it, the weight becomes too much. We were never meant to carry other’s baggage and Jesus came so I wouldn’t have to even carry my own. He carried it and now I apply that to any piece of baggage that’s been in my hand too long. I just simply hand it over and He overs love, grace, mercy and a solution. There is always a solution.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we are not willing to bear the own weight of our baggage it will never be too heavy for us to let go. Read that again. It’s the weight that brings about transformation. So, when we carry someone else’s we bear their weight. Yikes!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Baggage is a relationship killer! Baggage will interfere in relationships with God, yourself and others. Baggage stunts your growth!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If any of this resonates with you, take a moment, send up a prayer with a question, “Lord, what am I carrying that is not mine?” and if needed, “How do I let it go?” Follow it up with, “What’s in my luggage that will help me deal with this and be fully who you created me to be?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know about you, but I have some unpacking to do.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div></div></span><p><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0px;" /></p>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-69482102256131828662021-02-10T07:23:00.039-05:002021-04-01T14:13:56.450-04:00These are a Few of my Favorite (Tea) Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1g-vSpXlaqu3nTXbLK3ampBVpqqJDpA8VFpPGZae006OuxnFzin2ahxNvihg4I7NJGGS5-7j5doFFP5fDrCZkwaAT9owNDavH0FPsH8HLfB7yAqPlj7D9A_bGaHrXtyr5oeea2wcPOI/s940/teacup.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1g-vSpXlaqu3nTXbLK3ampBVpqqJDpA8VFpPGZae006OuxnFzin2ahxNvihg4I7NJGGS5-7j5doFFP5fDrCZkwaAT9owNDavH0FPsH8HLfB7yAqPlj7D9A_bGaHrXtyr5oeea2wcPOI/w640-h536/teacup.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>In my new Ebook,<a href="http:// https://py.pl/1VHBIzkgAib"> The Eclectic Tea Party,</a> I share a wealth of information about tea. Today I would like to share my favorite tools and books. Click the highlighted link or picture to purchase. The links in this post are affiliate links.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>TOOLS</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR19O54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MR19O54&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=3c1ab2a6476293757f685633bdcecbdb" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B01MR19O54&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01MR19O54" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">An electric kettle is great to have and <a href="https://amzn.to/3p5i6Ae">Black & Decker</a> is my favorite. They are reasonably priced and last forever, I still have mine from 2009. In my house, we use this to heat up water for everything including pasta and Ramen noodles.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074L4MZRY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B074L4MZRY&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=f5b8011e350b05a5d86034d82b74edec" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B074L4MZRY&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B074L4MZRY" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br /></div><div>This is a <a href="https://amzn.to/3qdyhNr" target="">perfect measure</a> and measures the perfect cup of tea every time.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JPHR54Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07JPHR54Q&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=631569c64b5a1f002d433040b040bc73" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07JPHR54Q&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="284" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07JPHR54Q" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="https://amzn.to/3pZYNJL" target="">ingenuiTEA by Adagio Teas</a> is one of the easiest and most entertaining ways to brew tea. You steep the tea in the plastic cup-like container and when it is finished you place it over a mug and press down and tea is released from the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GF4WYGT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07GF4WYGT&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=53312025a03cace553ac836b54f0bf6e" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07GF4WYGT&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07GF4WYGT" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div>A <a href="https://amzn.to/36PBCdG" target="">metal tea infuser</a> is a simple way to steep tea in any mug (and some pots), this one by <a href="https://amzn.to/36PBCdG" target="_blank">OXO Brew</a> is made of stainless steel and a great choice for beginners.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D07MCU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001D07MCU&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=12c707165b5ff39d0ef35b7dcae79263" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B001D07MCU&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B001D07MCU" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>Another favorite infuser is a <a href="https://amzn.to/3aZBDgD" target="">mesh infuser</a>, this one by <a href="https://amzn.to/3aZBDgD" target="_blank">Finum</a> is lightweight and easy to clean.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y39S8WG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Y39S8WG&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=c85ecb839afa6412b59ac53596f35f2e" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B00Y39S8WG&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00Y39S8WG" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>A <a href="https://amzn.to/2N15gpj" target="">French press</a> is a great addition to your tea-making collection. This one by <a href="https://amzn.to/2N15gpj" target="_blank">IKEA</a> is the one I have used for years. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3BFY6R/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07D3BFY6R&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=bad10ab9b491e859416fd0960b19d48f" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07D3BFY6R&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07D3BFY6R" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>As long as I have been making tea, I admit I still use a <a href="https://amzn.to/3cTwQ2G">timer</a>, because for the perfect cup, timing is everything. This is a great deal on a <a href="https://amzn.to/3cTwQ2G">kitchen timer two pack</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F5CGW27/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B08F5CGW27&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=dd984ad2445960cba261256e1f89e429" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B08F5CGW27&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="268" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B08F5CGW27" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div>I love an infuser mug and the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://amzn.to/39ZYmtn">Mora Ceramics Large Tea Mug with Loose Leaf Infuser and Ceramic Lid</a> is one of the best in my opinion because it has an 18-ounce capacity which is three whole cups of tea. If you only bought one thing on this list, this should be it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">BOOKS</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800731395/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0800731395&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=8c254cee606ceb8256fc410d960db5b0" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0800731395&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="207" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0800731395" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </div><div><div>This book came at the perfect time for me, just months before I opened my online tea business and it gave me the confidence I needed to easily and effortlessly welcome people into my home. Karen Ehman's <a href="https://amzn.to/3rq3RYm" target="">A Life That Says Welcome</a> will always be a favorite.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0718090616/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0718090616&linkCode=as2&tag=artistry610b-20&linkId=2f038ef5a4b37a9a570c5019ee6fb99d" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0718090616&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=artistry610b-20" width="210" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=artistry610b-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0718090616" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Bri McKoy "shows us that healing begins when we say, "Come in. I may not know you, but I know your maker. And so I offer you my heart." in <a href="https://amzn.to/3oYMsEr">Come & Eat.</a> This book embodies my passion for hospitality.</div></div><div><p><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0px;" /></p></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-79142898727414231902021-02-08T07:20:00.021-05:002021-02-08T07:20:00.367-05:00The Eclectic Tea Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8XgofVeZ8I_rHtRrlOjJEfVLfB34GJTCudsHDq7_CzhM1W9AiCrRYFEKygJXldpYNJfZpOluWFp5wNnQlNxwZXPKiFW8IEpdf-N2uJ2ZuQNq9J6VOzXgraNbzTV8S7_RcG3jxHDbcOQ/s2000/coveronly.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8XgofVeZ8I_rHtRrlOjJEfVLfB34GJTCudsHDq7_CzhM1W9AiCrRYFEKygJXldpYNJfZpOluWFp5wNnQlNxwZXPKiFW8IEpdf-N2uJ2ZuQNq9J6VOzXgraNbzTV8S7_RcG3jxHDbcOQ/w494-h640/coveronly.png" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br />The name says it all! A tea party using a mix or variety of ideas, inspiration, and traditions. While I love my China and silverware, I like to add the unexpected to my parties and table. Using 15+ years of tea experience, I will encourage you to host your own “eclectic” tea party in your home or anywhere else, with friends and loved ones.<br /><br />Until 2006 all I knew about tea was the storebought, straight black tea bag, so imagine my surprise when I sipped my first taste of Whitlock Afternoon - a hearty combination of black tea, peach, cinnamon and cardamon. I added milk and sugar and to create a perfect melody for my taste buds. I think I had six cups and I didn’t sleep that night. Partly because of all the caffeine I ingested, but also because I was so excited about this whole new world opened up to me, the world of tea!<br /><br />Since then I have enjoyed hosting people in my home serving tea and finger foods. It has become a tradition in our family and my children have been known to surprise babysitters with afternoon tea.<br /><br />A year after that first sip in 2006 I embarked on a journey to open my own online tea shop and it was a life-changing and humbling experience. Within a year I was not only filling online orders but had a booth at a local antique store with faithful customers. I was also speaking to groups of women at homeschool meetings and women’s events. I loved sharing my passion for hospitality and tea with others.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2020, March to be exact when I pulled out teacups for friends at my first Zoom tea party. The world was already on lockdown due to COVID-19. I chose cups for each woman based on what I knew about her and how each cup represented their personality or gifts. I posted a picture of the cups on Facebook and people loved them, which inspired me to post my entire teacup collection, daily, for over two months. It was a hard time for many, confined to their own four walls without outside connection and their usual routines. Sharing teacups was my way of brightening someone’s day and keeping myself active. While sharing my varied collection I was reminded of all the information stored on my computer about tea and felt stirred to compile that into an Ebook, which is how The Eclectic Tea Party was born.<p><b style="font-weight: normal;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC6KJWLRe7RML-nBL9yd5R1WovejneN2dMt6MUvz6GxJvxGWbhEdT_mG6YnH0pRST1M4CYsrb2caQn8B8iMewJQsd5zVsD4vPfIsjwlcUW739T53nxCF1e4K5X3rLZJ8PzngL73x0yr0/s1440/91328849_575134076693552_6852694791205945344_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC6KJWLRe7RML-nBL9yd5R1WovejneN2dMt6MUvz6GxJvxGWbhEdT_mG6YnH0pRST1M4CYsrb2caQn8B8iMewJQsd5zVsD4vPfIsjwlcUW739T53nxCF1e4K5X3rLZJ8PzngL73x0yr0/w640-h480/91328849_575134076693552_6852694791205945344_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><br />It’s now the beginning of 2021 and we are still not back to “life as usual,” but it’s time to release this treasured collection of tea knowledge I’ve obtained over the years. I not only love to host people at home, but love to share information, so this is a perfect marriage of my passions. <br /><br />Many have told me it changes you to release a book and I believed that, but I didn’t expect it to feel quite like this. Many days I feel like I’m having a baby in the town square in the middle of the afternoon. My hope is that this book brings excitement to the gift of hospitality and people will use it to bless others as they invite them into their hearts and homes.<br /><br />The Ebook will be released on Tuesday, February 9th for $9.95. I will post a link on Facebook and the blog to purchase download. Thank you for taking this journey with me!<p><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0px;" /></p>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-23552806043823881732020-08-13T19:10:00.000-04:002020-08-13T19:10:24.280-04:00How to Start a Creative Community <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM4MfS5Fi3PWHItpHK1wHQP4Mw7ud4_4P_cUo6vvKrp9JiifS_8dZ8fCXGZ3ypl6fdQI_d_K3hDytaqOORb3SGEZ9DUeHkTlurvu2fGGqU3WmiPcovJC-NdJHJyCjTr13iluvLlVsMrg/s940/www.artistry61.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM4MfS5Fi3PWHItpHK1wHQP4Mw7ud4_4P_cUo6vvKrp9JiifS_8dZ8fCXGZ3ypl6fdQI_d_K3hDytaqOORb3SGEZ9DUeHkTlurvu2fGGqU3WmiPcovJC-NdJHJyCjTr13iluvLlVsMrg/s640/www.artistry61.com.png" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b93d7299-7fff-3b9e-28e8-324c31ed6f62"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Creative community is water for the artist's well. It is important for artists to stay in a thriving community for support, encouragement, growth, and accountability. In 2016 I entered into my first creative community and it was life-changing. I met people there that were an important part of my artistic journey, some for friendship, some for coaching, some for creating, and some just for love. It was an incredible time of growth. I drove four hours once a month to glean from and sit with these women. It was worth every traffic jam!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It took me three years to start my own creative community, but when the time was right I knew it and I couldn’t reason it away or make excuses why I couldn’t, shouldn’t or wouldn’t do it. The moment I knew I was supposed to start a creative community I launched my group. I mean seriously, I created a Facebook event immediately although our first meeting was three months away. It was important to get the word out, hold myself and accountable, and start seeking the Lord for direction.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as I announced it, the Lord was not slow in giving me instructions for the group. My group is called Creative Collective and we meet once a month. Our first order of business was to discuss the Lord’s desire to <a href="http://www.redemptionschampion.com/2019/08/restoring-creativity-through-connection.html">restore us fully to the creativity He saw in us from the beginning of time</a>. It was a powerful message and gave us a solid foundation. One of our members was ready to give up his art career and get rid of all his stuff before he found our group. I am so grateful he didn’t!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’d love to share what I’ve learned along the way and encourage you to seek the Lord about starting your own creative community. I had a Zoom meeting today and these are the points we discussed to begin the process of starting your own community:</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHO</b> will you invite?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is important! Will you invite friends, put it on Facebook and ask people to share, your neighbors, church members? You might already have a sense of who you’d like to include, but don’t limit yourself in any way, be open for the unexpected. I’ve had people blindly message me on Facebook, I’ve met people getting car work done and a host of other ways. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT</b> kind of group will it be?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Creative Collective launched as a Christian group because my goal was to encourage believers in their creativity and relationship with God with identity at the heart of it all. I would not turn someone away, but I want them to understand our relationship with God is at the heart of what we do and discuss.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHEN</b> will you meet?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decide if you want morning or afternoon, weekday or weekend. I always found it best to have a set day such as the second Tuesday of the month, that way people can plan in advance and block out that time.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHY</b> are we meeting?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My vision was clear, yours will be personal to your area, your giftings, and your current assignment.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Creative Collective meets for the purpose of:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></p><blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Accountability</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Supporting and encouraging each other when we hear from the Lord. Being surrounded by people who will not let us walk away easily when the going gets tough and to confess our faults, so that we may be healed.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arming</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Equipping ourselves to do the creative things God has called us to do in an environment where we can give and receive feedback. A place to take hold of the truth of what God says about us and a place to begin practicing who we really are.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Activation</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Participating in activities where our spirits are being activated in our calling whether through art, prayer, or teaching.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Applauding</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Celebrating ourselves and each other. Many don’t have a safe place or even a group of people for support, we can be this for each other.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHERE</b> will you meet?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Choose a location! It can be as simple as a coffee shop, your studio, home, church, yard, park, etc. Again, do not limit yourself or God. This is a great time to get creative, don’t give up on a dream of creative community because you don’t have a place to meet. God will provide.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>HOW</b> long will you meet?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is helpful for people to plan if they have a set schedule. When I started I didn’t do this, so we met for three months and then did a book study which had a time limit, which was four months. It gave people an opportunity to commit to the time or not. Sometimes it helps people to say, “I can do this for three months.” Getting people to show up is not your responsibility. Now you can relax and have fun. You do what God shows you and let Him do the rest. If you have a book study you can cut off new members after the first month or so, just to establish a safe and trusting environment for people to share.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each meeting should have a standard meeting time. I schedule for two hours. It gives us time for one worship song, discussion, and prayer/ministry time.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reevaluating the group every few months or after a book study is a good idea, get input and listen to what people need and what they are looking to get out of the community. Do not let that be your only deciding factor, as it is important to continually seek the Lord.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>HOW</b> many people?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You want to be able to give time and attention to each person, so know yourself. What you can handle depends on your other responsibilities and many other factors. The size of the group is not important. I knew I would have my group each month even if one person showed up.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>HOW</b> do we communicate?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve done this two ways. I had one group in my town and we have a private Facebook group where only people who attend can join. Again that is for trust and security. The other group I led was in another town and we had a Facebook messenger group. It was a smaller group and that worked well.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is not a cookie-cutter process. I share my experience as a guide and not a to-do list. As you take steps in faith toward starting your community God will meet you and exceed your expectations. My prayer is that this is an encouragement for you and gives you a jumping-off point toward your dream of meeting with other creatives on a regular basis to advance creativity in the Kingdom of God.</span></span></p></span></div>
<p><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0px;" /></p>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-87444405087621573402020-07-12T14:51:00.008-04:002021-02-06T10:13:50.283-05:00Truth Matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl8nnQuBXjwhZsz7fkYMCZudwNzHEGIG2q5JPUIwk_W1NR0WEcqVKy7lBwUjnqcFfLBa_HJ9_s7g7maiJJ3ngNRgHlYuTJ58hofNqT1sNI9rizYKCcNtqNG6VVilMVuxBAh5nTSB_830/s640/IMG_3030.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl8nnQuBXjwhZsz7fkYMCZudwNzHEGIG2q5JPUIwk_W1NR0WEcqVKy7lBwUjnqcFfLBa_HJ9_s7g7maiJJ3ngNRgHlYuTJ58hofNqT1sNI9rizYKCcNtqNG6VVilMVuxBAh5nTSB_830/s600/IMG_3030.JPG" width="600" /></a></div>
Truth is a building block, without truth I usually can't survive any type of adversity. I've spent years discovering my own truth, but more importantly the truth that God says about me. It has given me fierce confidence and tenacious endurance. It is my weapon against struggles, difficult circumstances, and naysayers. Without the truth, I stumbled around trying to figure out and discern, "What is the truth?" Truth helps me grow and mature into the woman I was created to be, instead of the one I had become because I didn't know the truth.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKha49xkHkcDTJfj_tqOdGb-DqTVs1ZrxOJer-mFILu7VtOOAx_XsonRtZGP4crzlDfXoLi7zqlDeoNXdLOTWWoNwZLsY98jd9_MH2HN96yD-2IJ66FSx12ZuBaZvoUnF2jKrOf_zUmvU/s640/IMG_3022.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="522" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKha49xkHkcDTJfj_tqOdGb-DqTVs1ZrxOJer-mFILu7VtOOAx_XsonRtZGP4crzlDfXoLi7zqlDeoNXdLOTWWoNwZLsY98jd9_MH2HN96yD-2IJ66FSx12ZuBaZvoUnF2jKrOf_zUmvU/s600/IMG_3022.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO75BXLr5D_Ph0fOxq41b4uq_ypFd-spbf6LlPcugki8mn0E9ciNiUDUkRNNAmOja5J6RxfCU4yykl46dsH3kMGVhZH54o1XzG_8TpbArvA90gvTtOdlE73EJ_xSsII8WwtLIVkK8VdT4/s640/IMG_3023.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO75BXLr5D_Ph0fOxq41b4uq_ypFd-spbf6LlPcugki8mn0E9ciNiUDUkRNNAmOja5J6RxfCU4yykl46dsH3kMGVhZH54o1XzG_8TpbArvA90gvTtOdlE73EJ_xSsII8WwtLIVkK8VdT4/s600/IMG_3023.jpg" /></a></div>
I've created a simple tool to not only help you hear and receive the truth but to keep it ever before you. Essentially this is a weapon, your sword of the Spirit to fight the fiery darts of the enemy. It's your scrapbook of sorts about who God says you are that you can pull out when you are doubting, struggling or confused.<div>
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We all have a deep desire for freedom, God designed us that way. He made provision for our freedom and wants us to walk fully in that revelation. Truth is the best way to be and stay free.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NIV
I've named this the Truth Badge Book because as I sat one day and created pages of truth statements I could feel myself growing in confidence and faith. As I dialogued with the Lord about it He reminded me that a badge represents identity, our connection, and authority. Wow! I couldn't have said it better myself.
Typically I teach this class in person, but by creating this DIY kit, no one is limited by distance. Anyone, anywhere can purchase it and begin utilizing this valuable tool. All you need is a pair of scissors, a glue stick, and a willing heart.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdtc2kF8NGLR5IdXIIyPedS1Wfc5Z_RiGZhK58_0VmvKn1bBTrXozofWhVz1VZiM3Lf53jvpLiYxoUfgrT3ENsYqgxXwi6HdK5qwy4PqUekHsdiOhWJzQF__mPo_r2uVT6h-dvFDal9s/s640/IMG_3026.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="530" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdtc2kF8NGLR5IdXIIyPedS1Wfc5Z_RiGZhK58_0VmvKn1bBTrXozofWhVz1VZiM3Lf53jvpLiYxoUfgrT3ENsYqgxXwi6HdK5qwy4PqUekHsdiOhWJzQF__mPo_r2uVT6h-dvFDal9s/s600/IMG_3026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe5MiX7uvdjYkQlIpnRXxfaXdeXtntHPTxQEhwA8wJ8nOtPys-QQJlYYqknaBgU-DJe_8xgEm0NIoWEIX8MhbYBdpf3zYIiu13OmWkJUK7IycRmTD8pVK8Ya_eXF4xNPK_eKUo78ZlMY/s640/IMG_3027.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe5MiX7uvdjYkQlIpnRXxfaXdeXtntHPTxQEhwA8wJ8nOtPys-QQJlYYqknaBgU-DJe_8xgEm0NIoWEIX8MhbYBdpf3zYIiu13OmWkJUK7IycRmTD8pVK8Ya_eXF4xNPK_eKUo78ZlMY/s600/IMG_3027.jpg" /></a></div>
One day as I prepared to teach this class the Lord gave me another revelation about a badge, it gives us access. When I was 18 I worked for a relative of the President. He was a close enough relative that he required four United States Secret Service Agents with him at all times. Our office was on the 15th floor of a high-rise office building in downtown Miami. We had badges to get into our office. Without that badge and an elevator code, no one could get on our floor or in our office before 8:30 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. My badge gave me access. This is another powerful truth about a badge representing our identity. We can get places other people can't! </div><div><br /></div><div>Currently, I have two Truth Badge Books of my own and I can't tell you how many times I've flipped through the pages to be encouraged all over again about who God says I am and His truth about me. I hope you will take advantage of this valuable resource. </div><div><br /></div><div>You will receive one Truth Badge Book - A DIY kit to assemble and design at home. Kit includes: 6 cardboard pages 12 pre-cut decorative papers (designs will vary) 2 binder rings 4 pages of truth statements for $30 (shipping included).</div><div>
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<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0px;" /></div>Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-46557895310783199022020-06-17T13:50:00.002-04:002020-06-17T13:50:21.962-04:00Love Wins...Still<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iZRsUyxAo_vIx-21f-iYatcHSQ0oZPm0pqk5CwbZMbFNVi_oIqwqNvF0-VO6gTriCQiJmUcKGV3zu0AorVAnFqLLKNvqDSl3EyHYTqCfY922LLxJkXtSgojP5X6Ux94AzqkvcajDqNI/s1600/lovewins2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iZRsUyxAo_vIx-21f-iYatcHSQ0oZPm0pqk5CwbZMbFNVi_oIqwqNvF0-VO6gTriCQiJmUcKGV3zu0AorVAnFqLLKNvqDSl3EyHYTqCfY922LLxJkXtSgojP5X6Ux94AzqkvcajDqNI/s640/lovewins2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Wins! - 24"x24"x1 5/8" mixed media on birch wood panel</td></tr>
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Art isn't something I do, it is who I am! It is an overflow of how I'm evolving as a human, how I'm learning, changing, and growing. It often symbolizes deep truths that I convey to the world in word or abstract form. </div>
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<i>This piece is no different!</i><br />
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<i>Love Wins</i> has been forming in my heart for over five years and I believe my heart is finally catching up to the revelation.<br />
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I am most proud and humbled to share this piece:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd7QX3npAqErg29NYLlEfWoPQsKuvKT8oOnDvCnfrF51akp7TkkcXA6U1Ks-FGJpKmPbsrI62S3aNX8C9Y-k17BzLB0ty58NtDuNx9Yb1kC-jbM0pySA7opM92WzqqhmMselSQQQZ56s/s1600/lovewins1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd7QX3npAqErg29NYLlEfWoPQsKuvKT8oOnDvCnfrF51akp7TkkcXA6U1Ks-FGJpKmPbsrI62S3aNX8C9Y-k17BzLB0ty58NtDuNx9Yb1kC-jbM0pySA7opM92WzqqhmMselSQQQZ56s/s640/lovewins1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This piece tells a story, a story of broken hearts, lost dreams, hopelessness, and <i>restoration</i> of all things! It's my story of fully submitting myself to the love of Jesus to heal all the broken places and <i>triumph</i>.<br />
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He has been whispering "love wins" to me most of my life and I am finally starting to get it. Love <i>always</i> wins! Bad doesn't win, hate doesn't win, abuse doesn't win, only <i>LOVE</i>, because that's the way He planned it.</div>
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My earliest revelations of this truth came in the form of art too. You can read about my first glimpse into the fruit this would produce <a href="https://motherswithamission.org/2016/04/14/love-wins/" target="_blank">here</a>. Then only two months later I would be gifted a piece of art, untitled at the time, but later called, "Love Wins." </div>
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I've said this before, but I will say it again, "<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When God really wants you to hear something, you are NOT gonna miss it!"</span></span> Sometimes we are preoccupied trying to hear Him, but we need not be, His heart is set on us hearing His voice.</div>
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So this message, "<i>love wins</i>" is one He really wanted me to hear and it has echoed in my heart for five years, now I share it with the world at a time where we need love to win more than ever. **Spoiler alert**It does, that's how the story ends, <i>love wins</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXxG-A2rQp3xe_j6x-VcD2fSl9wl7BOl1Qp7q5AOzTgouKDfSt7vga6O6iVeub2-acvoToaV971DVbNuSvxIyK6VHniXOeYRw62a7KLMRVpc9wvJlt5HqL4QfPHRSFC6wv4_Qrv2DpuM/s1600/lovewins4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXxG-A2rQp3xe_j6x-VcD2fSl9wl7BOl1Qp7q5AOzTgouKDfSt7vga6O6iVeub2-acvoToaV971DVbNuSvxIyK6VHniXOeYRw62a7KLMRVpc9wvJlt5HqL4QfPHRSFC6wv4_Qrv2DpuM/s640/lovewins4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have sat with this, I have sketched it, I have conceived it and now birthed it. Welcome to the world "Love Wins!" - we've been waiting for you.</div>
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<i>Love Wins</i> is available for purchase, message me for details.</div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-52483252820441939382020-05-11T18:32:00.000-04:002020-05-11T19:13:07.599-04:00Rewriting the Narrative<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGE1YVgXLmup5ShZJ34p2oE-LpXK4lwR3lkB2iZiJeb78uA6u6z7TLNDwKLBIpGmtCnlBoN4gtudzSTP-uDuotlTKE2baQJH_1iX3U0BTpHhDgxfKuWcAEQY4DEtW5ArYyDQVdlHrBqY/s1600/Copy+of+It%2527s+not+the+story+that+matters%252C+it%2527s+who%2527s+holding+the+pen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGE1YVgXLmup5ShZJ34p2oE-LpXK4lwR3lkB2iZiJeb78uA6u6z7TLNDwKLBIpGmtCnlBoN4gtudzSTP-uDuotlTKE2baQJH_1iX3U0BTpHhDgxfKuWcAEQY4DEtW5ArYyDQVdlHrBqY/s640/Copy+of+It%2527s+not+the+story+that+matters%252C+it%2527s+who%2527s+holding+the+pen.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a running narrative that plays in my mind. It’s the story my psyche has developed over the course of my life. It tells the story of the good, the bad, and the ugly. But sometimes, it tells stories that aren’t redemptive, that aren’t hopeful, that don’t speak love, stories that would keep me believing that I am stuck and nothing will ever change. Sometimes these stories have kept anxiety at bay and given me space to do the hard things in life, but that doesn’t sound like a story I want to tell. In hearing these narratives for almost half a century now, I have changed the way I listen, so I can hear Him, the author and finisher of my faith. Listening to Him, I can rewrite the story with truth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">The definition of rewrite is essentially to write it again, with a better ending. God has been rewriting the narrative of my life, so I’m going hand over the pen.</span><br />
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<i>He says the story isn’t over<br />He says I’m not stuck<br />He says it’s all for His glory<br />He says I have a purpose<br />He says I am His<br />He says I am redeemed<br />He says I am forgiven</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">And you know what? </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">His story is better.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a story of Love that pursued through abuse, struggle, and pain. It’s a story that gives choices even in the worst of circumstances. It’s a story that trumps darkness and brings light. It’s a story of hope and redemption. It’s a story that says all is never lost, only rerouted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the middle of the mess, the Author whispers, “I’m right here and I will never leave you alone. You are mine and I have inscribed you on the palm of my hand.” And with faith even the size of a mustard seed, I say, “I believe you and I want Your story to be told through my life, even if it means rewriting the narrative.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="m_5228243386628230092gmail-docs-internal-guid-26edc0c5-7fff-d89c-509a-c1d73d335ec3"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="m_5228243386628230092gmail-docs-internal-guid-26edc0c5-7fff-d89c-509a-c1d73d335ec3"><span style="color: #001320; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">And though your beginning was small,</span></b></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="m_5228243386628230092gmail-docs-internal-guid-26edc0c5-7fff-d89c-509a-c1d73d335ec3"><span style="color: #001320; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">your latter days will be very great.</span></b></span></span></span> <b style="color: #001320; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Job 8:7</span></b></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0px;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-64468011632862519472020-02-13T17:19:00.000-05:002020-02-13T17:43:00.229-05:00Love Isn't Always a 1st Corinthians Kind of ThingTomorrow is the most and anticipated and dreaded day for many, you know the day we celebrate "love?" But not everyone is anticipating flowers and candy. Some are anticipating painful reminders of loss, rejection, grief and it will be a hard day. I've been there!<br />
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I've always loved this "love" day even though it hasn't always been great and I love "loving" on others, so I've created a printable to make it easy for you to share some "love" tomorrow. Do you know someone who is hurting? Lonely? Depressed? Pray and ask the Lord which one of these sentiments they need to hear. Print out the following <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DADzuCupUrE/P8PpEmg4qbv1MYt6DVjxuw/view?utm_content=DADzuCupUrE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton" target="_blank">printable</a> on regular paper or cardstock and cut them out and share with anyone who needs a little extra TLC tomorrow. You could put them on someone's car, desk, mirror or leave them in the bathroom at work. I'm trusting your discernment and creativity, but would you come back and share how these blessed someone.</div>
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It might be you, you might need the reminders and that's okay. This is my gift to you. These are things we all need to hear, so sit with them for a while and take them in as love letters written just to you.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DADzuCupUrE/P8PpEmg4qbv1MYt6DVjxuw/view?utm_content=DADzuCupUrE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton" target="_blank">Click to print)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>No matter where you find yourself this Valentine's Day, you are:</i></span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>seen</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>loved</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>His</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>adored</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>cherished</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>held</i></span></li>
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<span style="color: #4c4c4c; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;">Don't take my word for it:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>...<span style="background-color: white;">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28156A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28156A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39</span></i></span></blockquote>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-42223701114302582992020-01-25T10:37:00.000-05:002020-01-25T10:38:16.883-05:00A Well Placed Question<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well worn and used journals can be a reference library of sorts as I navigate life's ups and downs. Researching my own experiences to find God, His answers, His movement, and His faithfulness. This week I fanned through the pages of one of my many journals and found an entry from January 9th, 2020:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I find myself reminding myself that light shines in broken vessels to keep myself hoping, believing and putting one foot in front of the other. How does my continued brokenness bring You Glory?</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That last line, the question, inquiring of the Lord how my seeming perpetual mess brings Him any kind of Glory. It was an honest asking and wanting to know and understand. Wanting to know that I am still going the right way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although most days I’m confident of His love and my position in Him, there are days, like January 9th, that I struggle and wonder, how is my life making a difference in the Kingdom? How will anyone see you in this mess?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The answer came in the middle of the night, last night, as I awoke with terrible anxiety, my body locked up in pain. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The whisper, “<i>My Light still shines through those cracks</i>.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like that, my Daddy spoke to my heart to settle me. The anxiety didn’t go away and my body is still tight, but my heart is resting in Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have this beautiful picture of a shattered pot with cracks everywhere and the sun hitting it just right that I see varying rays of sunlight shining through. That’s my life! As long as I am still putting myself out there allowing others to see the cracks, the brokenness, His light is shining through and that is where He is glorified. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He still shows up in broken places.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He still places His light in cracked pots.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And He is still making necessary repairs to make that pot whole again.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you journal? What kind of journal and I don’t mean spiral bound or hardbound? I mean is it a prayer journal, a question journal or an art journal? Is it a form of communication with the Father or yourself? I’m curious. As I look around my house and studio and see probably 100 journals all started with some form of communication - a gratitude list, a prayer, a sketch, scribble, etc. all to communicate my heart to the Father and understand His a little more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My hope is that this will encourage you in your process, your state of brokenness, that He still sees you and shines through. I think through all of this He is encouraging me to let others see the light even in the various states of disrepair.</span></span></div>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-10216119233483350812019-09-10T06:14:00.000-04:002019-09-10T06:14:01.924-04:00Emotions Aren't the Enemy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve tried a million ways to avoid, stuff or numb emotions. They always felt like too much, made me feel like I was too much. When I made emotions the enemy they had power and over time became overwhelming. Maturity has taught me emotions aren’t the enemy, it’s what I do with them or my response to them.<br />
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My life has been filled with trauma, which gave me a heightened sense of emotion about a lot of things and made it difficult for me to be rational in many situations. It actually made me afraid of emotions, especially my own. That was never God's design. He gave me emotions to work for me, not against me. They are tools, not weapons.</div>
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<i>God has put a specific fruit of the spirit<br />next to every negative circumstance in your life.- Graham Cooke</i></blockquote>
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I’ve spent years growing and maturing as a daughter, wife, mother and woman and I’m learning that I am in control of my emotions, not the other way around. Even when things feel scary or overwhelming, there is always a “but” - I am feeling (fill in the blank), but I can make good decisions. <br />
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I don’t have to agree or like all aspects of myself, I just need to acknowledge them and part of that is recognizing emotions. I don’t have to accept them.<br />
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Self-awareness leads to dealing with things I've stuffed and moved me toward healing. It’s just about acknowledging what I’m experiencing.<br />
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When I let this practice of self-acceptance go (recognizing and acknowledging my true feelings) I tend to spiral into a vortex of self-practices…<br />
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Self-hatred<br />
Self-avoidance<br />
Self-deprecation<br />
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It’s not loving! To avoid my emotions is not practicing self-love. It’s key in the greatest of commandments.<br />
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<b><i>Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31</i></b></blockquote>
As I sat with these thoughts I made an interesting but not startling discovery, it starts with self-care. If I am not taking care of myself, I cannot be present with my emotions, I don’t have the strength, mentally or physically. Turns out my biggest struggle with self-care is self-avoidance.<br />
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As a young girl, I had an eating disorder and it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I ever voiced my struggle out loud to another human being. It was freeing. By the time I was in my mid-thirties, I no longer struggled with eating and by 40 I was free. Then life happened and patterns began to resurface and because I was neglecting myself by not practicing self-care it quickly got out of control. I don’t have an eating disorder again, but rather use food to comfort myself when I’m being mistreated, ouch! That is not loving either. <br />
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If I would take the time for myself on the front end I’d gain stamina to sit with my uncomfortable emotions and rationalize the truth. The truth of the emotion, the situation and myself.<br />
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When I’m taking care of myself and by that, I don’t mean eating chocolate cake, I have peace in my mind and body and am able to come to rational thoughts and decisions easier and quicker. My emotions are in check, I’m confident to face emotions, good, bad or indifferent and process through to a wise choice for myself.<br />
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This way of living gives me the tools I need for total self-acceptance and again that doesn’t mean I am accepting that things are the way they are or that they will stay that way. It simply means I’m present in the moment to acknowledge emotions without making irrational decisions. I no longer have to punish myself. It’s a new kind of freedom.<br />
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This new practice allows me to:<br />
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Let go of expectations<br />
Bury dead dreams (grieve and let go)<br />
Be kinder to me<br />
Have more patience<br />
Practice self-care<br />
THRIVE<br />
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This revelation didn’t happen overnight and it has been work to get to these conclusions and I’m still on the journey toward further self-discovery and acceptance, but these are foundational concepts for continued growth. <br />
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Self-care has become a buzz word, everybody is talking about it. We see it in magazine articles, advertisements, and blog posts. For me every time I saw it I felt worse about myself because I still couldn’t achieve it. Turns out, I was just missing one of the most important parts of self-care, self-acknowledgment. I have to acknowledge I even exist or have needs and emotions before I ever do anything to care for myself.<br />
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If your struggling today with “self-care” please know you are not alone. Spend some time in prayer for yourself and ask the Lord what He wants to show you on your journey to living the greatest commandment. It starts with self! We can’t love others if we don’t first love ourselves.<br />
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<i>“I don't trust people who don't love themselves and tell me, 'I love you.' ... There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.” - Maya Angelou</i></blockquote>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-39188458774090581672019-08-20T06:14:00.000-04:002020-06-05T11:40:05.607-04:00Restoring Creativity through Connection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“I’m not creative,” I hear it all the time and while it might <i>feel</i> true, it’s not Truth!<br />
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Last year I spent time unpacking what it means to be created in <a href="http://www.redemptionschampion.com/2018/09/settling-creativity-debate.html" target="_blank">God’s image and likeness</a> and how that factors into our creative nature. Recently, He has been teaching me about His desire for restoration back to His original design.<br />
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“What does that even mean?” you might be asking. He wants to restore us to the way He created us, His perfect plan for humanity. We know there was a snake, an apple and Adam and Eve, we call it “the fall”, but then there was the cross, which reconciled us to God’s original plan. It is available to take hold of whether we see it manifesting or not.<br />
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Recently, I discovered a study by Dr. George Land and Beth Jarvin. They were contacted by NASA to perform a highly specialized test to discern the probable creativity of NASA’s rocket scientists and engineers. They tested 1,600 children between the ages of four and five based on their ability to come up with “creative” solutions to problems. 98 percent of those children fell in the genius category of imagination.<br />
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The results were so astonishing they decided to make it a longitudinal study and performed the test five years later. Now only 30% fell in the genius category of imagination. And another five years later, when the kids were 15, only 12%.<br />
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What about adults, where are we at with our genius category of imagination, a shocking <i>two percent</i>! When I read that, God took me back to the four and five-year-olds, the 98%, that’s what He wants to do, <i>restore that</i>!<br />
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<b><i>And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3</i></b></blockquote>
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So, what happened to us? It’s the question scientists are asking. I’m asking too!<br />
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We know God created us perfectly, in His image, He made our bodies to function in amazing and perfect ways. Scientists are arguing that <a href="https://ideapod.com/born-creative-geniuses-education-system-dumbs-us-according-nasa-scientists/" target="_blank">school is "dumbing us down" affecting our “creative genius”</a> and that may have something to do with it, but what I’m discovering is that everything in life affects that, not just school - failures, disappointments, broken relationships, and damage to our perfectly designed body systems. We are the sum of <i>all</i> of our experiences, good and bad.<br />
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Several years ago I sat in on an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) session for a child and the therapist was explaining to them what happens to our brain as a result of trauma, how it gets “disconnected” and how EMDR helps to restore it to the way it is supposed to function. It hit me right then how perfectly God created our bodies, but things happen and sometimes we allow them. They hinder our bodies from functioning the way He intended. He knew that and made provision for it, the cross. <br />
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I believe God wants to restore us back to the 98%, restore what’s been lost throughout our life through sin, trauma, pain or anything that has compromised what He saw from the beginning of time.<br />
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Will we be perfect? No. But in believing that He came so that we might have life and life more abundantly we can begin to make our way back.<br />
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Creativity has become a hot topic these days and something I’m passionate about and hopeful of seeing restored to the body of Christ. It has great benefit in our personal lives, but also in restoring others. God wants us, His bride, restored, so we can restore others. We are His hands and feet here on earth. How many times have I prayed, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” Hundreds probably, but I’m part of the answer and so are you.<br />
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How can connection help restore our creativity? In and through connection we can have accountability, be armed with the truth of what God says about us, be activated in our gifts and talents and applaud ourselves and each other for successes and failures.<br />
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<b>Accountability</b></div>
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Supporting and encouraging each other when we hear from the Lord. Being surrounded by people who will not let us walk away easily when the going gets tough and to confess our faults, so that we may be healed.<br />
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<b>Arming</b><br />
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Equipping ourselves to do the creative things God has called us to do in an environment where we can give and receive feedback. A place to take hold of the truth of what God says about us and a place to begin practicing who we really are.<br />
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<b>Activation</b><br />
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Participating in activities where our spirits are being activated in our calling whether through art, prayer or teaching.<br />
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<b>Applauding</b><br />
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Celebrating ourselves and each other. Many don’t have a safe place or even a group of people for support, we can be this for each other.<br />
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Connection is a great catalyst for change, restoration will result. Once we are restored in an area we can begin restoring others. We throw around the term “world changers”, but I believe it’s possible, especially backed by the Holy Spirit. As we grab hold of our God-given identity we can transform our cities and ultimately the world. <br />
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In his book City Center, Tim Keller says, “In New York City, minority groups - whether of the ethnic, cultural, or lifestyle variety - can have a palpable effect on the way life is lived when their numbers reach at least 5 to 10 percent and when the members are active in public life. I have heard it said that when the number of prison inmates following Christ reaches 10 percent, the very culture and corporate life of the prison changes.” These are compelling statistics. They give me great hope for the effects of creativity in our communities and society as a whole.<br />
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No matter where you are on the creativity scale I hope I’ve given you some things to prayerfully consider and believe for. If you’re looking for creative connection we’d love to have you at the Creative Collective, our monthly gathering for artists.</div>
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Our first meeting is tonight, August 20th at <a href="http://artistry61.com/" target="_blank">Artistry 61</a>, 200 North Bethel Street in Thomaston, Georgia.</div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-68242962807166212019-08-07T21:18:00.000-04:002019-08-07T21:18:06.383-04:00Former Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Often I've held onto what was better left behind. It is one of my most repetitive prayer points and it always comes back to the same thing, <i>fear</i>. Fear of the unknown.<br />
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<i>Fear is fear any way you slice it and it points to a lack of trust in God. </i>So, although it looks like I have a problem letting go, I really have a problem trusting God.</div>
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It seems like yesterday when I sorted through the storage bin that held the remains of my marriage. There were photos, letters, poems, and scrapbooks, but the people in the photos, who wrote the poetry and letters weren’t the same anymore. The day I chose to sort through the box was surreal, my heart was as ready as you can be to let go of something you hoped wouldn’t end.<br /><br /><i>My marriage did.</i><br /><br />The letters, poems, and photos were now just a reminder of what wasn’t, what would never be. It was an awakening of hope.<br /><br /><i>That part of my life was over.</i><br /><br />Word after word and photo and after photo were reminders of the lie we lived. The years of hiding and faking it being disposed of. (People who do this aren’t really aware they’re doing it, they don’t set out to deceive. It merely becomes a means of survival.) Each decision to let go, freed parts of me to heal, grow and move on. </div>
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<br />Recently I've wondered if I should have kept some of it, but today in the sweetest of ways the Lord reminded me to <i>forget the former things</i>. He <i>is</i> doing a new thing and I’m starting to perceive it <i>and </i>believe it. I didn't take the bait of self-doubt and self-deprecation, I let go and I trusted. It means I'm growing, maturing and yes, it even means I'm trusting God.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">“Forget the former things;<br /> do not dwell on the past.<br />See, I am doing a new thing!<br /> Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?<br />I am making a way in the wilderness<br /> and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19</span></i></b></blockquote>
When you want to hold on, let go.<br />
When you want to run, stay still.<br />
When you want to regret, trust.<br />
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Holding on to what is done keeps our heads and hearts from receiving the "new thing", it keeps us stuck and bound. When we let go we posture ourselves to receive the new thing, to press on toward the goal. Don't fall for the trick, I've done it myself too many times to count. But as I'm opening my hands and heart to trust I am much more willing to let go trusting what He has around the bend is better than anything I could ever hold on to.<br />
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-33529112943784346042019-08-06T06:42:00.000-04:002019-11-06T21:22:47.575-05:00An Expression of His Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-3039f25d-7fff-6f88-cae7-76de8d17ed11">Commissioned pieces usually come in the form of “Can you make a gift for my friend, they like (fill in the blank)?” <i>That’s it</i>. Often Holy Spirit will begin showing me things while they are talking. <a href="http://www.redemptionschampion.com/2018/11/we-must-emerge.html" target="_blank">Like this time.</a></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-3039f25d-7fff-6f88-cae7-76de8d17ed11">Initially, I’m ready to dive in, then fear starts talking.</span><br />
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<i>What if they don’t like it? </i></div>
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<i>What if you got this all wrong? </i></div>
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<i>What if you can’t create what you saw?</i><br />
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But every time God shows up. It’s like whispers of love for the person I’m creating for. His love and compassion come through in such a powerful way I typically end up in tears.<br />
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<i><b>I can trust the gift He has given me</b> </i></h3>
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Sometimes when the piece is complete people cry, I don’t know why, but I cry because I’m thankful. Grateful for a God who will lead and guide me every step of the way even when I paint because He cares so much about people and relationships.<br />
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<i><b>More importantly, I can trust Him to accomplish His purposes through my gifts and not because of them</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:21 KJV</b></i><br />
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The truth is when I obey - it <i>always</i> works.<br />
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They get the painting, He gets the glory and I get to be who I was created to be. Win. Win. Win.</div>
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<i><b>“You see, the essence of your role in the Kingdom is to simply submit your life to the Lordship of Christ, receive the good gifts He has for you and co-labor with the Holy Spirit to release the life of God wherever and however He shows you. The results are up to Him. You are simply called to be a faithful son or daughter in the process.”― <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4829985.Matt_Tommey">Matt Tommey</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/41685359">Creativity According to the Kingdom: Connecting with Heaven to Create with God and Release Transformation</a></b></i></blockquote>
All I need is to follow His lead, the rest, well they’re just art supplies.<br />
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Is there something you want to create? What is holding you back? Can you trust Him with the process? The outcome?<br />
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-63393501349367640042019-08-01T06:57:00.000-04:002019-08-01T06:57:04.732-04:00Creativity: A Productive Path to Identity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Have you ever wondered who you are or why you’re here? Join about 99.9% of the population. Where many of us go wrong is we wait. We wait until we have figured out who we are and what we are called to do before we do anything.<br /><br />The Lord put things in each of us from our mother’s womb that would serve His purposes here on earth. Things only we could do in ways only we could do them.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 NIV</b></i></blockquote>
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<i><b>Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 NIV</b></i></blockquote>
A few years ago I embarked on a scary, public journey to discovering who I was. I rented a small booth at an antique store and began to put all my ideas into form. I made my visions a reality, which had previously only been pictures in my head. <br /><br />Initially, it was terrifying, not gonna lie. I even thought about bowing out before my second month’s rent was due. But I didn’t. The reason -- because I was sure that this was about more than selling my “crafts” at an antique store. <br /><br />We don’t need to know the why so much as we need to know the Who. I knew the Lord was directing my path and teaching me about my identity. It wasn’t a prophetic vision or word, it was just a knowing, which was enough for me to see it through.<br /><br />I managed to fight the fear and develop my art and gifts as the years at the antique store progressed. As my projects were selling and I was being promoted to larger and more desirable spaces I was learning who I was. These things, that honestly, I sometimes took out of the trash, were becoming things people wanted to buy. I was learning about what He was doing in me. I learned that as much as I loved taking discarded and broken things and making them beautiful, the Lord loved it even more and He was doing it in me. He was also giving me the heart to do it for others too. To look beyond who I saw before me and view them from His heart, perspective, and purpose.<br /><br />If we wait until we have it all figured out to create something it might be too late, because it is in the discovery that art is made. What we create is a reflection of who we are.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“If I’d waited to know who I was or what I was about before I started “being creative,” well, I’d still be sitting around trying to figure myself out instead of making things. In my experience, it’s in the act of making things and doing our work that we figure out who we are.” Austin Kleon, Steal Like An Artist</i></blockquote>
We have put a lot of pressure on being “creative,” but it is not this ominous and unreachable thing. It is the result of our identity being made manifest in our everyday lives for the glory of God. So, take a leap of faith and create something today. You might find something you love to do and if not you will be one step closer to finding out who you really are. <br /><br />Would you step out today and create something? Anything? Something that might lead you directly to who you are called to be? The world says it’s all about location, location, location, but the Lord is more interested in position, position, position. Position yourself to hear from Him and be used by Him, even if it means being creative. <div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-10135140545391012362019-07-30T06:22:00.000-04:002019-07-30T06:22:21.496-04:00What Kind of Artist Are You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were five? I do. I wanted to be an artist. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“And in kindergarten, everybody was an artist. Not just an artist, but a two-hands artist: “Me! Me! Me! I’m an artist!” By the first grade, it was still 100 percent, but it was with one hand. Then it progressed. When Gordon MacKenzie talked to the sixth-graders, he would get two or three people raising their hands, nervously looking around like everyone was going to think they were weird.” - James Hamblin</i></blockquote>
That was kindergarten and then life happened. There was abuse, neglect, nightmares, and fear. I developed coping skills that helped me survive my crazy existence.<br /><br />In third grade I started writing poetry, little did I know that would keep me from a host of other destructive behaviors that I could have chosen. I didn't know that was art.<br /><br />I filled notebook after notebook. Writing became necessary for my survival. I believe when things become necessary for survival they lose something.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">Survival mode will suck the fun, passion, and spontaneity out of anything, especially anything creative.</span></blockquote>
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I grew up and became hard-hearted and overly responsible. There was no time for creativity or anything artistic. After starting a family in my early 30s I began to dabble in different forms of creativity as time allowed. By 40 I was divorced with four children, but something happened. I was free. I didn’t have to survive anymore so, I started to create again.<br /><br />While visiting a Christmas market in 2014 I was approached by an artist and she asked me if I was an artist and before I had time to think, “yes,” escaped my lips. She began to say things to me that made my spirit leap, things that sounded like they were straight from the Father's heart and things I needed to hear to come alive again or maybe for the first time.<br /><br /><i>When we can’t see it, I believe God will use others to call forth His plan for us.</i><br /><br />Within two weeks, I was asked to teach a furniture painting class at Home Depot and had a small booth at a local antique store. A month after that, the owners of the antique store moved me to the front of the store despite my fear that they didn’t like me or my stuff and were going to ask me to leave. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. Proverbs 18:16 ESV</b></i></blockquote>
It was a challenging journey because I was fighting things inside myself I didn’t even understand. It was intimidating to put my stuff out there and wait and see if someone wanted to buy it. It was a new level of vulnerability, to possibly be rejected or worse, criticized.<br /><br />I was terrified to fail. I was terrified no one would like my stuff, but I pressed on. As I picked stuff up at yard sales and trash piles and transformed them into works of art, the Lord was teaching me about myself and my identity. He does the same with us, picks us up out of the trash piles of our lives and draws us to Himself when someone doesn't need or want us anymore. He breathes life back into us and makes us beautiful again.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“It's not just a fear of failure, (Tom) Kelley said. It's a fear of being judged. Creativity is as much about the ability to come up with ideas as it is about the courage to act on those ideas. He calls it creative confidence. Everyone is innately creative, it posits; creators are just people who act. And, of course, they don't always succeed.” - James Hamblin</i></blockquote>
God has a plan for you and no matter where your journey takes you or how far off course you stray, He will bring you back and fulfill His purposes for you and through you. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 NIV</b></i></blockquote>
So, my question isn't are you an artist? Or are you creative? I believe we all are. My question is "What kind of artist are you?, Where do you use your creativity?" If asked the question, “Are you an artist?” or "Are you creative?" Would you raise one hand or two?<br /><br /><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" /></div>
Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-88547003071825878982019-04-10T09:14:00.000-04:002019-09-03T07:58:16.846-04:00Falling Face Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The pain of going down made me want to scream, but the number and severity of blows kept me silent as I fell. The smell of defeat surrounded me as I tried unsuccessfully to pick myself up off the floor. There I lay bruised and bleeding as the offenders pranced off unscathed, victorious and gloating. </span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-4dfb64e7-7fff-b31c-5e40-caf68caea28a"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember the practice of being facedown that looked much different from the scene that was playing out before me. I was different then, the scars were hidden and the punches came in silence where no one could see. I found solace on the floor. There, prostrate before the Lord I could pour it all out and He would come, He always came.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-4dfb64e7-7fff-b31c-5e40-caf68caea28a"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This time, on my face, there was no prayer laced with praise, only hushed cries from the pain that seared through every fiber of my being. My lips pressed the ground and dirt filled my eyes where tears should be. I would have asked for help up except the overwhelming sense of shame kept me bound, broken and bleeding into the earth. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How desperately I wanted to say, “It hurts,” but I was quickly reminded that there was a protocol for falling and I was breaking every rule. </span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The truth is, falling hurts. Brene’ Brown</i></b></span></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KBOHfynpenrUkEvA16AvU442ck5Bhm4-XDVgKZvN6zDRj-kkjemf0YnVUA07Xw8_e6at_xDt8Uj9sPt8AVjIfXu6QUIaiY_zLZmZG-GY38jkafNEyZOT30iyp0WjKgSFIA5wY2a-y3Y/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252879%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KBOHfynpenrUkEvA16AvU442ck5Bhm4-XDVgKZvN6zDRj-kkjemf0YnVUA07Xw8_e6at_xDt8Uj9sPt8AVjIfXu6QUIaiY_zLZmZG-GY38jkafNEyZOT30iyp0WjKgSFIA5wY2a-y3Y/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252879%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I even eluded to the fact that I wasn’t okay or might not be able to get up for a while, I was met with religious insight that was like salt in my open wounds. Usually, when falling I was quick to get up, but not this time.</span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Rarely do we see wounds in the process of healing. I’m not sure if its because we feel too much shame to let anyone see a process as intimate as overcoming hurt or if its because even when we muster the courage to share our still incomplete healing people still reflexively look away. Brene' Brown</i></b></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This has been a process, one I am fully participating in, but it has been messy and ugly and painful. Brown says, “We much prefer stories about falling and rising to be inspirational and sanitized.” Well, mine is neither!</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Our culture likes to avoid pain because many of us have never been given the tools to work through difficulties in life and come out the other end of the process healed, whole and healthy! Or worse, we see having pain as a sign of not trusting God… what a load of crap! - Kris Vallotton</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This happened in December and I’m still rising. I told someone yesterday, “I haven’t risen yet, but I’m sitting up now.” This time I’m going to let the pain have its process and allow healing to fully come. Despite the push to be over it already. I will press in, learn, grow and heal. Religion will not rescue me this time, only the hard work here on the floor. The wrestling with who I am and what I believe and sometimes with the One who made me. Despite my anger and wrestling, I found the words of Jesus, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” to come fully alive. Grief has been a huge part of this process and a vital one. No one likes to grieve, but it’s necessary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I refuse to be afraid of pain anymore, that has only led to repeating this ugly cycle. I will lay, sit or kneel on the floor as He does His perfect work. For years the process has been started and halted, but there was no lasting freedom in that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>What’s left is a walking zombie, a bandaged-yet-sick heart, and a soul that never prospers! - Kris Vallotton</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I won’t go so far as to say I was a walking zombie, but I kept being yanked back into the process and it was hideous. I’d rather have ugly for a while in the process than ugly in the long term because I avoided the process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Three months ago I couldn't say I was grateful for this season, but today I can tell you it has changed me in important ways. Pain can make or break us and this time I am allowing pain to be the catalyst for necessary change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have gotten this far, thank you. Thank you for not closing this window because my process was less than perfect. This post started two months ago, today as I sit, see, hear and smell spring outside, I know it’s time to release it!</span></span></div>
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</span><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-61403499320009318472018-11-29T14:17:00.000-05:002018-12-01T00:10:46.571-05:00Keep Choosing to Believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How long is too long to wait? A year isn’t long, it seems like only yesterday I typed <a href="http://www.redemptionschampion.com/2018/01/an-unexpected-gift.html">this post</a> about my word for the year.<br />
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God gave me a word - <i>restore. <br /><br />It felt like honey on my lips.<br /><br />It felt like a promise in my heart.<br /><br />It felt like encouragement to my weary soul.<br /><br />I’m still waiting, still clinging, still hoping.</i><br />
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And, there was this:<br />
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“He has also given me another word, a word I have not yet uttered out loud to anyone. It is the rope I'm clinging to. It's a word, so endearing, so full of promise my heart can't yet believe that He said it to me, but it's only January.”<br />
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After hitting publish on that post I had an appointment with a woman I had never met and you know what? She spoke the word, she said, “God is going to <i>rescue</i> you.” I sat in awe and silence as she uttered the word I was not yet ready to.<br />
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It was only January, now it’s almost December and I'm still waiting. There's an eerie, deafening, silence so palpable it feels like it could crush me.</div>
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I hold out hope because it’s <i>only</i> November and He is an on time God, a faithful God.<br />
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I<span style="background-color: white; color: #878787; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span>listened to Annie F. Downs’ <i>Remember God</i> audiobook and as soon as Kevin Queen started with the intro I knew it was going to be water to my weary soul.<br />
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I sobbed at the end of the book because my heart grabbed hold of Annie's year-long wait and her <i>rescue</i> just after the new year and it swelled with hope for <i>my word,</i> the same God to come through for me.<br />
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This year my life has looked more like peril than rescue, and I'm a little worse for the wear. Some days I look and feel trampled by life, but I am<i> still </i>hoping in His Word. </div>
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<i>It’s my story today (and I’m sticking to it). </i><br />
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If you haven’t checked out my #supershortstories on Facebook you should. They are four line stories, I publish every day for fun and encouragement.<br />
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<i>Once upon a time<br />They were happy to see me<br />Because I hoped in His word<br />THE END <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/supershortstories?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARA13GJ-CoMSQrxN3G8bBMCQEMQ8hMKOeNvdQSY13Nh_hWQT5kpXGmbVDrPuf1GQgxdgi4QfTD99bC8oBPrwq8POJ9adZy6Seu3CS6mb_Nktvw-D4-ctqdYnHnKR9o03QEGNLkrdFLVnK4JBheIPpT8GMeLwPIRAjOPlIFbTCJg3Pd4EExW6AnkVtdz8y-RYvpycQ1L7GB56HXSEp0r6WGb-9xqqHp2wZBxhpRbkFdbMsA_qpH_gVrtTB9-Ml2ngOljrk1tNnJLVDDC_FoTA84KfwOm_PHE1wVAXp4spYXVRtocXiTB5JTL_Wa2DyFyc7FgL1MhAbukYPmn0YvQ&__tn__=%2ANK-R">#supershortstories</a></i></blockquote>
In <i>Remember God </i>Annie is painfully transparent about her year of waiting and believing. I relate to her struggle. I wrestle with fear and hope daily, sometimes momentarily. I question if this word is nothing but my fabricated desire and He never really had any intention to restore <i>or</i> rescue me. My past is also quick to remind me that when someone makes a promise they won’t come through.<br />
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"My expectations mix with my fears, and my past failures mix with this life I can build in my mind's eye, and I'm just so scared to hope. I'm so terrifed to picture joy and good things coming from that word when getting let down has become my normal." Annie F. Downs</blockquote>
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But His Word is <i>always</i> true! Truth is who He is and <i>restore is what He does</i>, or should I say what He <i>did</i> on the cross?<br />
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I have a choice!<br />
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It’s simple and complicated all at the same time. It's my choice to believe or not. With my mouth, I say “I believe” - my heart is slower to catch up. I will keep choosing. </div>
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<i>Every time fear says, “He isn’t going to show up, just like so and so.”</i><br />
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<i>Every time my circumstances feel like a piano dropped on me from an 11th-floor apartment.</i><br />
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<i>Every time I want to hide, run and pretend I didn’t hear it.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD7_cl_zuUa8dRIaRfblZMHYWevXj_4fZ-KUtRvj4Pt5jXbdgyGroCkmZtQDPkkvze4GXmSu1rTbLgBQaSffW5jRBo0VfnV99gQmQ6NtM10aoIgtz6nE4CIEQ5ZPv-WQ5cLVANKqPMkU/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252875%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD7_cl_zuUa8dRIaRfblZMHYWevXj_4fZ-KUtRvj4Pt5jXbdgyGroCkmZtQDPkkvze4GXmSu1rTbLgBQaSffW5jRBo0VfnV99gQmQ6NtM10aoIgtz6nE4CIEQ5ZPv-WQ5cLVANKqPMkU/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252875%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>I will choose to believe.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> <i>I will choose to trust.</i></div>
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<i>I will choose to love God.</i><br />
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Because love believes the best and God always believes the best about me.</div>
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God isn't waiting so He can punish or taunt me. He is waiting for the perfect time and perfect way to rescue me. Only He knows how that is going to happen. He knows the way that best speaks to my heart. And from what I know of Him there will be <i>growth and healing</i> on the other side. That is a little hard to say right now and a little harder to type, but experience tells me so. <i>He. Will. Come. Through. </i>When all is said and done I will be different and I will be better for having gone through it.<br />
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For now, I just <i>keep choosing to believe.</i></div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-75102345226309738822018-11-27T12:45:00.000-05:002018-11-27T16:09:49.292-05:00Letting You in on a Little Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Months ago when I began my intentional creative ministry journey I felt guilty for staying in my studio or painting all day. The Lord was gracious and told me that this was part of my preparation. So, when I heard that artists should be in the studio every day I was ready to put it into practice.<br />
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For over a month I have been in my studio every day, sometimes just to straighten up, but in there.<br />
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My studio is in my home, which is good and bad. Good because it’s always accessible and conveniently located, but bad because I can get too caught up in the studio and neglect the house or vice versa.<br />
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During my creative times, I have been giving myself permission to be freer. To experiment, to not overthink things. Just get something on paper, canvas or whatever I may be using at the moment. I have also let myself “just create” - not for Pinterest, Facebook or even anybody else’s viewing, somethings I just keep to myself. That was a huge revelation for me.<br />
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<i>Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.<br />Art is knowing which ones to keep. - Scott Adams</i></blockquote>
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I'm creating my second play journal, <a href="http://www.redemptionschampion.com/2018/10/watch-what-you-say.html">I mentioned the first one last month</a> and since then, I am really allowing myself to just play and have fun. It is such a relief!<br />
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When I talk about creating every day I’m usually talking about something artistic, but there are different forms. What are you creating? In your everyday world, whether at home, in an office, a school or other arena? Created things have the power to give life. So, if you are creating a beautiful space for your family to relax, or a more pleasant work environment or sitting with the new kid, you are giving life.</div>
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If you haven't started yet, it's okay. Is there something you have wanted to try? A new meal plan, a filing system or a new friend group, just do it. Give yourself the freedom <i>to try and fail.</i> The freedom to play. The freedom to not have it all figured out before you start. <i>The freedom to create.</i></div>
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Giving myself permission to be imperfect, to be who I was called to be has changed me in ways I never imagined. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom, but I had to receive it.<i> </i></div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-45058010955632365472018-11-20T21:36:00.000-05:002018-11-20T21:37:09.498-05:00The Creative Collective<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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If you have been around for any length of time you know my passion for creativity. The last several months I have been launching my creative ministry center, <a href="http://www.artistry61.com/" target="_blank">Artistry 61</a>. I have been holding classes in my home studio since July and plan to teach in other locations soon.<br />
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Our mission is to:<br />
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CULTIVATE a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ in an atmosphere of freedom and healing<br />
CREATE meaningful and healing art that will awaken gifts, dreams, and talents<br />
CONNECT people to the Father and others through art classes and personal prayer<br />
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We have started a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/264850984164885/" target="_blank">Facebook group called Artistry 61's - Creative Collective</a> where creatives can communicate, share and encourage one another. If you'd like to join click on the link below or share with your friends.<br />
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Saturday I graduated from Bethesda Coaches Association's Life Coaching Certification program. I'm excited to see how the Lord will use that piece for the creative ministry center.<br />
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Thank you for your faithfulness to read Redemption's Champion and support my creative endeavors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 8px 8px 0px 8px; text-align: center;">Artistry 61's - Creative Collective</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-top: 1px solid #dddfe2; font-size: 12px; padding: 8px 12px;">The Creative Collective is a place where we can share ideas, get feedback and constructive criticism and offer encouragement for each other's creative...</td></tr>
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<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-11698638250697289772018-11-15T11:10:00.000-05:002018-11-15T11:10:52.904-05:00Relief is not Redemption<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZJ0N3cVJeaCuUEmihQ6MTAU7OrHR0NMAHKCk8YJWySoNukrwihW8AsJe8jwpsgY3-fOXAVhDQWXc0Q8QKCS4zTHNOurK1T0fumMaEohJKfUO28qikGTCclvJaoJODUrWH5agmyF8doM/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252868%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZJ0N3cVJeaCuUEmihQ6MTAU7OrHR0NMAHKCk8YJWySoNukrwihW8AsJe8jwpsgY3-fOXAVhDQWXc0Q8QKCS4zTHNOurK1T0fumMaEohJKfUO28qikGTCclvJaoJODUrWH5agmyF8doM/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252868%2529.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-131ccea4-7fff-bd1d-2cce-7de349ac4bc7"><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Often I’ve sought relief, reprieve if you will, from uncomfortable circumstances. Having dealt with difficult circumstances for long periods of time, I just wanted out. Make the pain, fighting, discomfort, etc. stop. Just a moment seemed like a welcomed escape.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It always worked, <i>temporarily.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Relief, it was my drug of choice in my 20s, do anything necessary to get a respite. It felt good momentarily, but whatever I was escaping was always there when I returned from my temporary sabbatical.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a maturing adult, I’m learning that emotions, situations and difficult circumstances are really gifts. A present, to be present. To address issues that need to be dealt with, strengthen my endurance and grow through difficult circumstances. Dare I say even make me more like Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a forty-something I can honestly report, I don’t often seek relief in these short-lived ways. I still deal with the temptation of wanting out, wanting instant gratification and freedom from feeling or experiencing pain of any kind. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>But relief is not freedom, it’s a counterfeit.</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAItal1XWqGrHY3uB6duu2lT9DauCXE7RKYlieKKbwDMr7woZ3s8ueVvfKqysFqI03vVNsgZNUm-zGLwlMmLfrmZm86b9CsC1zLm-B6YYI-JtHATn09mIx-mBjKRlGLkZCNkv8uk-cSJA/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252867%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAItal1XWqGrHY3uB6duu2lT9DauCXE7RKYlieKKbwDMr7woZ3s8ueVvfKqysFqI03vVNsgZNUm-zGLwlMmLfrmZm86b9CsC1zLm-B6YYI-JtHATn09mIx-mBjKRlGLkZCNkv8uk-cSJA/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252867%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perpetually seeking relief kept me from growing, maturing and experiencing any real or lasting joy. <i>It stunted my growth.</i></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those who sow with tears</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> will reap with songs of joy.</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those who go out weeping,</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> carrying seed to sow,</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">will return with songs of joy,</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> carrying sheaves with them. Psalms 126:5-6</span></span></i></b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was anti-pain, so relief was my go to, but I’ve learned you must experience all emotion for lasting health, change and joy. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Seeking relief kept me imprisoned.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg754scpTE-ZLyI_1Cn8ltN66Hg46G-Aml64BzhKmwAZWfR1j00qLb8px9m4rCA3FokGaANg6Q76lw7mmGpcuVFZDdD8i8SiWC8_UY5iMIbXfpM9QbU7fdjhMf9O3VHY6X7rHXHVrQsyXk/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252865%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg754scpTE-ZLyI_1Cn8ltN66Hg46G-Aml64BzhKmwAZWfR1j00qLb8px9m4rCA3FokGaANg6Q76lw7mmGpcuVFZDdD8i8SiWC8_UY5iMIbXfpM9QbU7fdjhMf9O3VHY6X7rHXHVrQsyXk/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252865%2529.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">― Brene Brown</span></span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Relief kept me from having to be vulnerable with others or myself and produced no fruit, no love. Fear kept me running from solutions, but I found the courage to deal with fear head-on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We can't let temporary solutions keep us from lasting joy. Redemption is ours, but we must be present to receive the prize. Only in running toward the solution, no matter how scary, can we discover truth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Redemption is at the heart of everything I do, so I can no longer seek relief. If He is to be glorified in my life I need to allow Him to do His perfect work in me and seeking relief allows no room for that.</span></span></div>
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</span><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-85200273776863578562018-11-14T09:44:00.000-05:002018-11-14T09:58:49.584-05:00We Must Emerge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I put the finishing touches on a commissioned piece of artwork a question popped into my mind, <i>“Do butterflies eat the same things as caterpillars?”</i><br />
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The artwork was a gift for someone I had never met. I knew two things about her, she liked butterflies and the book of Isaiah. I scoured the book of Isaiah for the scripture that the Lord highlighted to me for her. By the time I had printed the scriptures and collaged them onto the canvas I was near tears, moved by His heart for this woman I didn’t know. There was promise and hope and vision for a future calling.<br />
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<i>What was all this about? The artwork, the question?</i><br />
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The first thing that came to mind for the butterfly when I was asked to do this piece was a keyhole for the body. Interesting, right?<br />
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Then a scripture came to me, “<i><b>Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3</b></i><br />
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Searching on Google did not provide the answers I was looking for, so I called our local butterfly center. I spoke to Jennifer, at Callaway Gardens Day Butterfly Center. I asked her if butterflies and caterpillars eat the same things and she was more than happy to share her knowledge with me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J_FuC-XaELmfnfm4XZs5oH_7vg4vnxhsqPxifzsNpIb7MO_OKVJHohqU7C1ZSnij5ZqtNxVff9MyH_FLFhOMzOacSnAuOeZRospoT6vP6MUGN5y7j8An-Ww95sC7kL77XajQ9JShL3U/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252862%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J_FuC-XaELmfnfm4XZs5oH_7vg4vnxhsqPxifzsNpIb7MO_OKVJHohqU7C1ZSnij5ZqtNxVff9MyH_FLFhOMzOacSnAuOeZRospoT6vP6MUGN5y7j8An-Ww95sC7kL77XajQ9JShL3U/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252862%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jennifer explained that butterflies lay eggs on host plants, the plant variety depends on the type of butterfly. The caterpillar then hatches on that plant and that’s what it eats. The caterpillar finds a tree, or wall or something similar and forms a chrysalis and the butterfly emerges and the cycle starts over again. While a caterpillar eats host plants, a butterfly drinks nectar. </div>
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<b><i>About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14</i></b></blockquote>
The Lord was teaching me something through all of this. I have to fully leave behind what I did in a previous season when I enter a new one. I can’t create the same, write the same or behave the same. I have transformed or “emerged!”<br />
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When the gift was received the recipient said, “every word, every scripture, the art piece...you have no idea how spot on all of it was!” Even the name of her new ministry fit with the keyhole! I was in awe! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6tZQ8SH1d-INpR2RXXQaEftySydtJDDOgCCyBulL63u_WzWstH7Om-9h4bUNcxToqG76KHFAHYvetl_iusXWmTybQrDWdu3DWKlRAxtp6F2bcVvexQSiVsMMQiFNXVDdTKKsd8Zd9jk/s1600/6513D47D-C500-4D27-BF13-F7E02AE9200A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6tZQ8SH1d-INpR2RXXQaEftySydtJDDOgCCyBulL63u_WzWstH7Om-9h4bUNcxToqG76KHFAHYvetl_iusXWmTybQrDWdu3DWKlRAxtp6F2bcVvexQSiVsMMQiFNXVDdTKKsd8Zd9jk/s640/6513D47D-C500-4D27-BF13-F7E02AE9200A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the art titled "SOAR" that led to this post</td></tr>
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I created this piece completely relying on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me and He showed up in a big way. Ministering just what this woman needed. In a prior season or “stage” I might have consulted my client for more details. I even resisted the urge to send her progress pictures. I had grown from that stage, I no longer was eating a host plant (relying on others input), I was drinking nectar straight from the flower (being led by the Holy Spirit.)<br />
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<b><i>And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18</i></b></blockquote>
I am grateful for lessons in the midst of creating, art has been a powerful teacher.<br />
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It reminds me of a podcast I listened to, <a href="http://artandfaithconversations.libsyn.com/website" target="_blank">Art & Faith Conversations</a> with Libby John when she interviewed artist and worship leader <a href="http://www.aeronbrown.com/" target="_blank">Aeron Brown</a>. He shared part of his creative journey when he created collages with his deceased father’s memorabilia and pictures. He came to a point when he could no longer create from that place. He said, “I found out in my 20s that that led me to burnout and grieving and depression.” He had emerged.<br />
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We are all familiar with the term "tortured artist." Could it be that the stereotypical "tortured artist" is simply an artist that has not emerged? Someone who has not moved past the host plant to drink nectar? Someone who has been made whole, but still lives as if they are broken?<br />
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Artists create from deep places, places of joy and places of sorrow. The temptation is to stay in the place where the creativity is flowing, but there is <i>always more, always healing</i>. When God heals us, artist or not, we need to move on from that place and consume a new diet. <i>We Must Emerge!</i><br />
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<i><b>Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity,...</b></i> <i><b>Hebrews 6:1</b></i></blockquote>
<img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" /></div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-67413813901949610322018-11-08T10:33:00.000-05:002018-11-08T10:33:04.505-05:00Treasures in Darkness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09KvnEGMLnJXAUmOCNZSMt7v-Ilg1moxlSnVCg6JwhlBn_Tg3bBVe78a05KbFbomLkyoVvneZGFHK3qzaGN9qQswKp6dWP5YCFPXlLPWr2WZ0s-XCEpnEkOrGPSyYnf4SOTfD6Ajv9g4/s1600/IMG_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09KvnEGMLnJXAUmOCNZSMt7v-Ilg1moxlSnVCg6JwhlBn_Tg3bBVe78a05KbFbomLkyoVvneZGFHK3qzaGN9qQswKp6dWP5YCFPXlLPWr2WZ0s-XCEpnEkOrGPSyYnf4SOTfD6Ajv9g4/s640/IMG_0651.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Growing up I looked for treasure. Things were dark in my world, so I searched for light, not even sure what I was looking for. I was always hopeful but kept hitting brick walls. The darkness remained and eventually led to days, weeks and even months of depression. Years of counseling and medication and talking about the same things over and over again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By the grace of God, a suicide attempt at the age of 22 did not take my life. It was the turning point that began my journey toward healing and redemption. I had no idea what any of that meant at the time, but I was seeking something different or better then what I was experiencing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I found God. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turns out, He had been patiently waiting for me. Never moving or wavering. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Waiting for me to come to Him - </span><i style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">sure that I would.</i></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even after finding Him and developing an intimate relationship I still struggled. Old patterns and ways of thinking got me into some of the same situations as an adult and the more I learned about God the more that way of life became intolerable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He healed me in dramatic and miraculous ways and eventually I was off all medication and no longer in counseling. It was a whole new life for me, the life I had truly always believed in and dreamed about.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Years later I found myself as a single mom of four children nine and under with a recent diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. It’s when I got serious! Serious about conversations with the Lord. It was also the time I began asking Him to not let me miss anything He was doing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He answered that prayer!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the midst of the struggle and emotion, I could see and feel Him all around me. I began to rediscover things about myself and began to truly love myself for who He created me to be instead of who I thought I should be. Even my kids noticed. They would remark on how our life was changing as God was blessing us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I remembered my favorite flower and things that had made me come alive as a child. In some ways, it was like meeting myself for the first time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year I took my kids to see my childhood home in Atlanta and it looks like a different house. If the number weren’t on the mailbox I wouldn’t know it was the same place. Pretty symbolic if you ask me. As we drove out of the neighborhood I saw some trees to my right and I turned to get a closer look. This is what I found.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was in awe of these trees. I didn't even know what kind they were, but I had never seen anything like it. Someone had made a little pathway and installed a doggie bag box and made a little park out of this area next to the entrance of the subdivision.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently as I looked at these pictures, I realized those trees were <i>always there</i>, <a href="http://www.redemptionschampion.com/2017/05/four-things-i-learned-while.html" target="_blank">they were just hidden</a>. In the struggle and chaos of my childhood, there was beauty, I just hadn’t seen it. Sometimes life can be like that because of circumstances and we focus so much on the bad that we miss the good. But God promises in His word to give us “the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” Isaiah 45:3</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I have never been more sure that He is absolutely who He says He is.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And not only does He give treasures in darkness, but He heals too. That diagnosis, rheumatoid arthritis, it’s a thing of the past. It no longer exists in my body and believe me those doctors keep checking and the results are the same - <i>negative.</i> I believed Him when He said He’d restore the years the locusts had eaten (Joel 2:25). He healed my body and my mind and gave me “<i>hidden riches of secret places</i>” and come to find out <i>some of the places were within walking distance.</i></span></span></div>
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</span><img align="left" src="http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/shabbycreations2/post%20sig.jpg~original" style="border: 0;" />Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-38624283508976012462018-11-06T09:22:00.003-05:002018-11-06T15:36:00.837-05:00The Impact Your Story Makes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We often talk about doctrine in regards to a church or a denomination, but it is simply “teaching” - something we’ve learned about a particular subject or topic. Church doctrine is usually formal, written down, taught and preached, where personal doctrine I believe is more experiential. I am continually impressed by the power of our own personal experiences with Christ and how they impact others lives.<br />
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If I’ve ever had a divine appointment it was three weeks ago in North Carolina. A friend and I were at the firepit after our evening session and there was a couple in front of us. My friend asked them if they were there for a conference, they answered excitedly, “Yes, a marriage conference.” They told us they had seen a comedian that night, but couldn’t remember his name. They pulled out their program and I asked if I could see it. That’s where I saw her, a long lost acquaintance. I remembered how fond we were of each other so long ago, but hadn’t had any contact for seven years.<br />
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I thought to myself, “If she is here in North Carolina at the same retreat facility, I need to see her.” I pulled out a business card and asked the couple if they would give it to her and tell her I’d love to see her.<br />
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The next day I received her animated text. She said, “I’m freaking out that you are here. We have got to meet up.” We agreed to meet after our evening sessions ended.<br />
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I knocked on her hotel room door and the first words out of her mouth were, “Wait till I tell you what God did through you!” I cocked my head a little not sure what to think of her statement.<br />
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We made our way to a sitting area next to her hotel room. Another couple walked by and she pulled them into the space and said, “Look at her face! Because tomorrow I am going to tell you a story about her and I need you to see her face.” Again, I wasn’t sure about all the excitement.<br />
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We finally sat on the couch and she brought me up to date on her life. She had received a diagnosis and had been in extreme pain for four years. She said every time she had wanted to give up she saw my face telling her not to do it. I asked if she knew my story? She said I had told her at a retreat. At that moment the impact of sharing my story hit me. God used <i>my story, His redemption to save her and I didn’t even have to be there. </i><br />
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Walking to her hotel room I that night I was hit with anxiety because I had been divorced since I’d seen her last and felt a little ashamed, after all, she was here teaching a marriage conference. But, I didn’t let that stop me. I knew enough of her to remember her love and knew enough of God that if we found each other at a conference center states away from our homes He had orchestrated it.<br />
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Then yesterday a friend posted this verse:<br />
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<b><i>So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught. Luke 1:1-4 The Message</i></b></blockquote>
In the Amplified version it says, "so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught [that is, the history and doctrine of the faith]."<br />
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<i>Our stories matter!</i><br />
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<i>Our "doctrine" matters!</i><br />
<i><br /></i> I don’t know why I told her that part of my story at that retreat, I honestly don’t remember telling it, but God! He knew she needed to hear it and I’m glad I was faithful to tell it. My story impacted her repeatedly years later, to God be the glory.<br />
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We are “eyewitnesses” to the Word being made manifest in the earth and people need to hear the “truth” about what is being taught. Just hearing the truth isn’t sufficient any more people want to see it, hear it and experience it. If you’ve done any of that, share it.</div>
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I could have easily held back, in my mind she was in a different league, a pastor’s wife. Pride or fear could have kept me from opening up to her, but I’m glad that at that moment so long ago I pushed all that aside and shared what God did for me. How He saved me!<br />
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The truth is He doesn’t play favorites and what He does for one, <i>He will certainly do for another!</i><br />
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-31823533095169299262018-11-01T08:42:00.001-04:002018-11-01T08:42:39.208-04:00Running on Empty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All too often this little orange light comes on in my van. The kids look for it and they wait. They wonder when I will get gas this time.<br />
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<i>Not me.</i><br />
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I know when I see that light just how many miles I can drive on “empty.” Actually, not a skill I’m proud of because it’s symbolically become how I live my life. How much farther can I push myself before I "run out of gas?"<br />
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<i>Not healthy.</i><br />
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Lately, the orange light has been demanding my attention, but it’s really the Lord trying to get my attention. Drawing not only my eyes but my heart to the "E". Him asking, “How much longer will you drive before you fill up?” He has stirred my heart to contemplate, to ask the hard questions and make changes.<br />
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<i>Not easy.</i><br />
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He’s not demanding I straighten up my act, just that I consider what He’s saying. Be intentional about answering the questions He’s asking. He’s just asking that I stop waiting for the empty light and the 60 plus miles I know I can still go and fill up before the light comes on.<br />
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<i>Ouch!</i><br />
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When He is so present and persistent He always gets my attention. Although I haven’t changed my risky ways, I have been more mindful. I’m actually considering not letting my gas light come on at all. Filling up before it’s obvious I need to.<br />
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This is not something new. I can remember at 21 getting a new car and waiting for the gas light to come on, but guess what? It didn’t have one. I almost ran out of gas, but I didn’t and I never did until a few years ago, it almost became a habit. I ran out of gas three times in two months. Twice in friend’s driveways and once at the McDonald’s drive-thru, not even able to get to the pickup window and having to pull into a parking spot and walk up to the window. <i>Yeah! It happened.</i><br />
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Since this has been a long-standing issue I don’t imagine it will disappear overnight or just because He has my attention, but <i>I am working on it</i>. I’ve set some things in place in my personal life to help with this “riding on empty” addiction I seem to have. I’m not trying to please anyone, I am simply trying to get things done, but not being very kind to myself in the process.<br />
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Working from home has presented new challenges, with the work always being feet away beckoning me from the sunroom. I’ve got a time management accountability partner, but have been so busy I haven’t actually gotten to sit down and make a schedule for her to hold me accountable to.<br />
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If this is you too if you struggle with this let me know that we’re in this together. Let me pray for you as I pray for myself to listen to His voice over the demands of my life.<br />
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<i>Father, today allow me to hear your voice over the noise of my life. Allow me to see you and follow your lead instead of just waiting for the gas light and being driven by the needs of an empty tank. Direct my steps today and allow my heart to follow you. Fill me up. Amen.</i><span id="docs-internal-guid-df859b87-7fff-fd50-c1c8-dcd2a2ad9501"></span><br />
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5438652433211440329.post-8850357865583631752018-10-30T22:09:00.000-04:002018-10-30T22:09:10.122-04:00Watch What You Say<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ87_PkeZmM34jEZYCqpQmnJSCoscYORZVKsx5YNOaZ4R7MMMbYhErwE3R2gSGiNIwfO1CAL0FvzGjlyoZwi5nvVZsC7tld21J6SXhdGsv_a-zRVHn9g1cuOUCN8b-Bz1CPhljX-tHxlY/s1600/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252858%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ87_PkeZmM34jEZYCqpQmnJSCoscYORZVKsx5YNOaZ4R7MMMbYhErwE3R2gSGiNIwfO1CAL0FvzGjlyoZwi5nvVZsC7tld21J6SXhdGsv_a-zRVHn9g1cuOUCN8b-Bz1CPhljX-tHxlY/s640/www.redemptionschampion.com+%252858%2529.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />“It is a happy talent to know how to play”, said Ralph Waldo Emerson. <div>
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In developing other talents and balancing the responsibilities of adulthood, play had been lost in my life. I can remember silent prayers, "Lord, please help me stop," on those days when busy wasn't a strong enough word to describe my life. </div>
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As I registered for an art conference I saw a class for a mixed media journal on “play” I knew I had to take it. Part of the class description read, <i>“The goal for our day will be to have fun, remind ourselves how important play is, and take home a tangible reminder to make play a regular activity.”</i> I didn’t know what I expected out of that day, but I had hope, <i>great hope!</i></div>
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A few weeks ago I took that class and it couldn’t have come at a better time, I was worn out. As soon as I arrived at the conference I could feel myself coming alive again. I was in my element and had moments to relax and breathe. I took a selfie on Thursday, which I never do and when I turned my phone around I said to myself, “The light is back in my eyes.” </div>
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<br />Friday was the playbook class and I couldn’t wait to finish breakfast and get in there. The instructor was fun and I loved my classmates, but as I did my pages they looked orderly and boring. Everyone else’s pages were screaming with excitement and color. I mentioned it to the instructor and told her I wasn’t a perfectionist, but I did have this spatial thing and maybe that’s why pages were so “neat” looking. Without hesitation, she retorted, “No you’re not a perfectionist and it has nothing to do with your spatial ability, you’re keeping yourself stuck by what you’re saying!” Ouch!<br /><br /><i>She was right!</i><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>We make speeches to ourselves and other willing victims. "I could do that better, if only..." You could do it better if only you would let yourself do it! - Julia Cameron</b></i></blockquote>
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Immediately my pages shifted and “the look” I was going for was achieved and it gained momentum and hasn’t stopped. <br /><br />Did you hear that? I was keeping myself stuck! Talk about the hard truth. At that moment a freedom came that I haven’t had in a long time, longer then I can remember. <div>
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We can keep ourselves stuck by what we say or we can stay stuck by what others say about us. I say this all the time, ask God what He says! I'll be practicing that more myself. God doesn't say I'm stuck, He says, "I'm free!" </div>
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Since that day I have had a lighter heart, a freer spirit and an ability to play. I've done things my kids have never seen me do, like put on a show for them. </div>
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The instructor could have been more gentle and coddled me, but I am grateful she didn't. She spoke the truth in love and it set me free! She was courageous and I reaped the benefit.</div>
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<i><b>For if you embrace the truth,<br />it will release more freedom into your lives. John 8:32 TPT</b></i></blockquote>
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So what if the truth was "I was keeping myself stuck", so be it, I want to hear it! Will we have the courage to say the very thing someone needs to hear? Their freedom might depend on it.</div>
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On Wednesday, November 7th I will be chatting live with <a href="https://www.amysmithart.com/" target="_blank">Amy Smith</a>, the instructor of that class and trust me you don't want to miss it. We will be live on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artistry61/" target="_blank">Artistry 61 Facebook page</a> at 10:30 a.m.</div>
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Marihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02766002784442471147noreply@blogger.com0