Dollar Tree Wood Carving Tools Review

I have never done wood carving. I have no idea what I'm doing. 

 Let me make that clear right off the bat! ha ha ha

It was fun to try, and I really want to try to create prints off of a carving in the future. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Together

Setting alone in your studio uncertain if your current project is a success or not.

Looking at new supplies wondering if you should try something different.

Ideas bouncing around in your head, but unsure of what direction to take.

 Though some artists do like to work in isolation, there are many reasons to have relationships with other artists that will aid in your artistic endeavors. As in all relationships, it is important to know and be comfortable with those you are trusting with your ideas, work, and processes. There must be a respect for that person's understanding of art....but your art!  You must be willing to receive not only the complements, but you also must be able to receive the questioning and comments that don't always sing your praises.  These types of relationships take time and effort. We must be willing to develop theme.  They will not only make us better artists, but better people as well. 

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 

 A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

We are designed for relationships.  We are created to be connected.  In the Bible, we see again and again how relationship is at the core of God's story for His creation.  Many will consider "punching" in & out at a church service to be enough.  However, God has called us to more than what "punching" in & out can provide.  If we are to spur & encourage one another one, wouldn't we have to have more of a relationship than an hour or two could yield?  We must develop relationships that will allow for us to speak into one another's lives.  We must create an environment where we can help one another to grow.  We must spend time together.  Relationships need time.  I'm not suggesting a "commune".  I'm just saying that we need to be intentional in making time in our life to develop connections/relationships.  So often we feel our lives are too busy for such things.  Time can be as simple as eating a meal together, going shopping together, or lending a hand helping.  Living life together allows for depth to happen.  In that depth you can begin to encourage & spur each other on in a way that will grow you closer together & in your relationship with the Lord. The strength that relationships bring to your faith can not be expressed enough. Together we are better. 

Dollar Tree Oil Pastel Review

WAS excited to see these at my local Dollar Tree....emphasis on WAS! 

What my review & you'll see why!

New Classroom Decorations for Next School Year!!

 

A friend and former parent contacted me to see if I wanted some of the decorations from their VBS. They had done SPARK.  It is a VBS that is themed like an Art Camp! HOW FUN IS THAT!!  So, if you see churches doing SPARK this summer near you....you may want to contact them and ask what they will be doing with the decorations after VBS is over. Never hurts to ask!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Paint By Number Life

There is a wonderful appeal to the paint by number kits that you can by at the store or order online.  Everything is provided for you.  The colors are even numbered on the work & the containers holding the paint so you have not question about what goes where.  How could anything go wrong? Right?  The only thing is...the struggle to create, compose, and carry out an artistic idea is what brings a "soul" to the art work.  The well planned, laid out, "perfection" of a paint by numbers leaves the work feeling more like wallpaper than art. It limits the creator to doing only the basic & prevents them from true personal expression. It may look nice, but it is missing something. The artistic struggle & imperfections are what gives character, heart, voice, power, and connection to those that view the work. 

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, 

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

I was crying to the Lord with my voice, 

And He answered me from His holy mountain.

I lay down and slept; 

I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 3:3-6

So many wish their was a formula to life. 

"If I follow abc...than xyz will occur."

"I just need to live my life this way, and good things will happen."

"JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO...I'LL DO IT"

Life isn't a paint by number.  I understand the deep desire to avoid the pain that life can bring.  I understand wishing that the evils of this world would stay far away from us & the ones we love.  I have seen the impact of the injustice of this world on a life/family.  The young die.  The healthy become sick.  A life forever changed by no fault of their own.  Pain & heartache happens.  Tears flow as if they will never end.   We do not wish or want for these things in our life....but what do we do when they happen?  

"IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE..."

Our world...our life is not paint by number.  Sin came into this world...and has forever changed what God had intended for His children to experience. However, it has not changed God.  He is God.  He is still on His throne!  He is the one that sustains us in the midst of our trials.  He lifts our head in the midst of our sorrows so we can see His face!  He gives us strength we did not know we had in our greatest hour(s) of need.  

We find that in & after our struggles...we come to a new understanding of God's grace.  We see His love for us in new ways. There is a new & deeper appreciation for the Lord's presence in our life.  Prayer is more real.  Praise is more passionate. The Word is more powerful.  Not because of the pain & problems, but because of the One who saw us through it.   

The paint by number life might seem appealing, but Lord...I choose you in the good times & in the bad times.  I choose you...because you first chose me!  You gave Your life...that I might have Life!