December 29, 2019

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Letting Go


Most artists I know love to collect art supplies. Maybe they are necessities, the latest greatest version of a tried and true, the newest tool or material that will revolutionize their work, or an innovation that will make life easier.  Maybe there is an amazing sale going on, we have coupons, someone gave us a gift card, or we have "extra" money at a given point in time.  It could be that we are afraid if we'd don't get something now...we might not ever be able to get it.  Whatever the case might be...if we are able to acquire more art supplies, we will. Some we might actually use right away. Other things we know we will find the right project for them at some point.  Some though....we look at and wonder why we ever thought we need them, but we aren't willing to part with them because you just never know. Too much of a good thing can get in our way of accomplishing what we really want to do. I become overwhelmed at times when there are too many option or too much clutter.  When this happens I know I must let go of the unnecessary and prioritize the pertinent.  I'm not against trying new things because you never know when you will find a gem. However, storing up supplies you may never need or use only gets in your way. 


When the Israelites were in the wilderness God provided manna for them to eat. He told them to only collect enough for the day. The Israelites did not listen.  They collected more than they needed...and it 
spoiled/rotted. Why would they do this if God instructed them not to? They were worried they would run out. They were concerned that the next day the manna may not come. They did not trust God to provide for their needs. What if? What could it hurt? This attitude shows that they thought they knew better than God on how to provide for themselves. This attitude...and behavior showed their hearts' condition. They had forgotten God had provided for them from the beginning. They had dismissed all he had done for them from the start of the exodus.  And can we just be real for a minute here...when we say THEY...it is really the same with You and I. We fill our life with things. We do whatever we can to feel secure, comfortable, and in control. We begin to push God out of our lives except where it is convenient.  "We've got this God....we don't need you!" We fill our life up with so much clutter....we have no room to see the Lord work.

We must learn to trust God with today. We live by our planners, calendars, and electronic notifications. We struggle to leave life open to what God may have us do. Though he does not desire for us to be sluggards/lazy...we can not be so worried about our "tomorrow" that we plan away any opportunity for God to use us or change our plans. We must approach each day with open hands and open hearts trusting that God will meet our needs as we live for him.

December 18, 2019

Collaborative Winter Bulletin Board 2019

A couple weeks ago I posted my past winter bulletin boards. I've been back to work for about two weeks, and was able to cobbble together a collaborative board in the midst of grading all the art work that was created during the month and a week I was out on medical leave.
The sky was created by three different classes. Two classes created the checkerboards with marker. They then sprayed them with water to "soften" the pattern. The next day students in another class used bubble wrap and white tempera and stamped the paper. 

I had one group of third graders create the checkerboard border using rulers and silver crayons. I try to give my students as many opportunities as possible to use rulers because it seems that they get few chances to do so in their classroom.  

I had a good bit of the painted paper & checkerboard border the kids made left...so I re-did the PTO board as well.  They were thrilled!

Here is a closer shot!

Some classes created snowmen in action. Love this coco stand! 

Well..can you tell what is going on here?! It is pretty funny! This 4th grader has a wicked humor! 

A little twisted! 



December 16, 2019

Sweet Moments in the Art Room

So glad I caught this sweet moment. Some times rulers are tricky! One friend was having trouble with her ruler sliding as she tried to make her lines...so her table partner said she'd hold it still for her as she was drawing! I love when kids see a need & try to help their classmates out!
There is hope for our world....I see it every day!!

December 15, 2019

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Good Enough?



Is your art good enough? How does it compare to other artists? Are your themes relevant? Are you you technically superior? Are you evolving? Are you being sought after? Can you actually make money as an artist?  

Do these questions make you sweat a bit or give you heart palpitations? Does your stress/anxiety levels raise when you think through these things? As artists we are faced with these question both externally & internally.  They are a reality in a field that has "ART CRITICISM" as a foundation. Though these questions can be beneficial if reflected upon in a constructive manner, they can also squelch the insecure.  A statement such as, "Am I good enough?" can cause one to question not only the artistic worth of their creations, but their own personal worth and value as an artist. There is something about those words that can derail even the most confident and seasoned artist. How do we continue when we are told we are not good enough? 


We are bombarded by negativity in our world today. If we allow this negativity into our hearts and minds....we can become "defeated" before we have the opportunity to succeed or not.  We can also unwittingly perpetuate the negativity that has been given us. This cycle prevents us from fulfilling what we were designed/called to do. God does not look for "good enough". He desires men and women who have an open heart to love him and serve him with abandon.  We cannot hold on to the negativite self talk or the deplorable comments (and/or actions) of others.  We must embrace the truth of God's Word.  Deuteronomy 31:8 is a picture of our Lord's provision so that we can go boldly, stand confidently, and continue to grow in grace and understanding as we live out the life he has give us. 

Do you doubt? Do you get trapped in a loop of negativity?  Does fear prevent progress in your life?
What do you need to trust God with this week? 

December 13, 2019

Ugly Sweater Day

I get into creating my ugly sweaters!!!  I have 3 of them I've created and I usually add, take away, and change things on them every year to keep them "fresh"!  ha ha  


December 10, 2019

I'M BAAAAAACK!!!!

Nov. 1st was my last day at school before going out on medical leave because of a serious case of cellulitis.  Yesterday I went to the doctors to have them sign my paper ending my FMLA....and today I'M BACK!!  It has been a special day too!  We are celebrating our 30th anniversary as a school!  I've been here for 19 yrs.....and was so excited to see past principals, teachers, assistance, and students come to visit!!!  PLUS...my students all rushed to give me hugs when they saw me!! (I was careful to turn my "bad" leg to the side away from their hugs!! ha ha  I'm glad to be back....tired...but thankful!!  

December 05, 2019

Winter Bulletin Boards

Since I've been at home on medical leave/FMLA....and not at school to do my annual winter board...I thought I'd share boards from years past. These are all collaborative boards with 2 or more grade levels involved (most utilizing the whole school!). The work is on a bulletin board in the main hallway, and I usually leave it up until February. It is so much fun seeing the kids looking for the part they contributed!!