Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Making Time

We are not only known for what we do, as artists, but it is also a major component of who we are.  If we are not making, if we are not creating, if we are not sketching, planning, or researching...then we are neglecting a major part of ourselves.  I will be the first to admit, as an art educator...I often neglect this aspect of my life.  I justify it because I teach art all day long.  The only thing about that...there is a difference.  Challenging, nurturing, organizing, and instructing is not the same as taking time out of my day to create MY own art.  Art is a language for the artist.  We process, interpret, and share our dreams, ideas, views of the world (both physically & socially), and beliefs as we create.  If we do not take time/make time for own personal art making, we deny ourselves of living the life we were created to live.   We must take time/make time to be who we are!

 After he dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone..  Matthew 14:23

As believers, we must take time/make time to be with God.  Some people believe they can just go to church on Sunday & that is enough.  God has called us into a personal relationship, and relationships take time & effort to cultivate.  An hour or so a week will not allow us the time to truly know our God & grow in our faith as he intended us to do.  We must take time/make time in our too busy lives to spend with God.  Many believers have "quiet times" in the morning before their day gets busy.  That quiet time might consist of a bible study/devotional & time in prayer.  However, if this is sounding too formal/formulaic for you...you are in luck!  God made us all different...and what works for someone else may not be what is best for you.  The point of it all is to spend time with God.  Maybe you are a night owl.  AWESOME!  Spend time with God before you go to bed!  Maybe your only alone time is driving to & from work(all you parents out there!!!).  There are audio devotionals, books, and bibles that you can listen to as you drive.  You could also turn the radio off, and spend your drive time talking to God or quietly listening for his response!  Maybe your free time is during your lunch break.  You can have a devotional book that has one or two pages of bible based inspiration to read & think about as you eat!   In this day of technology...there are also apps for that! ha ha  You can find many apps that will help you as you purposely take time/make time to grow in God!  If Jesus took time by himself to pray...don't you think you should be doing the same? I know I need that in my life!! 

Here is a quote from my favorite author...

If a man wants to be used of God, he cannot spend all his time with people. - A.W. Tozer

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Planning

Weaving is an AMAZING art for which I have the utmost respect.  I never took it in college though because I did not think I could "deal" with the tedious nature of it.  There is so much planning involved.  You really have to have it completely mapped out before you even begin or it won't come to fruition.  I love to plan & organize, but knowing the amount of work required for a weaving prior to the first shuttle finding its way through the warp.... I would choke on details.  I know many people love the planning & find joy in the tediousness of it, but that is just not how my brain & creative soul are wired.  

(I took this picture of a students work in progress at the Appalachian Center for Art)

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.  All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:1-3

Planning is a part of our faith walk also...though maybe a bit different than the planning required to be a successful weaver!  God has given us gifts, talents, passions,and a mind.  We need to be wise as we approach life, and take into consideration that which God has given us.  Waiting for God to give us a "sign" removes our personal responsibility & neglects the fact that He gave us a brain to use!  However, once we've formulated a "plan"...we have the unique opportunity as believers to submit that plan to God.   The Holy Spirit tests our plans/ways, and will give us the green light to go ahead, yellow light of caution (or reconsideration), or the red light of STOP NOW!!!  However, there are times when we make plans & submit them to God that we have no real leading on how to proceed.  I think of this as the blinkie lights that happen in some places after midnight.  Proceed but be aware. Sometimes it is the stepping out in faith when we're unsure of our direction that God meets us in the midst of it all...and grows us the most.

Planning is a great thing.  However, it is when we submit our plans & our times of wandering to God that we see the beauty of living a life for Him.  Like it says in verse 3, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Dear Lord,
Help me to be responsible with the gifts, talents, passions, and mind you have given me.
Allow me to glorify you with all of these things.
May I be quick to submit my plans to you...and trust you to guide & direct me in the way that you'd have me go. Make my heart sensitive to your spirit..so that I might know your leading.
In Christs Name, Amen

#ARTGIVINGNOV: WEEK TWO

Hello friends...we're now on WEEK TWO of the #ARTGIVINGNOV / #k12artchallenge!!! If you did not participate in WEEK ONE...no worries!!!  You can jump in with WEEK TWO...or play catch up and do WEEK ONE this week as well!!  

This week I want you too consider those who put themselves in harms way for us...Fire/Police/Armed Forces! This could be a great challenge for you...your family...and/or your school! As with all our challenges this month...create a thank you card for the person or group you have selected...and consider an "extra" blessing to gift them with.  I spoke with our local fire department....and they said they love cards from kids & COOKIES!!   Some other "extra" ideas: pop corn, coffee, snack baskets with a variety of treats, coloring books/crayons(de-stresser!!).  However, I'm sure you can come up with some wonderful ideas!!!

This could become a beautiful tradition that you add to holidays year round...or just a monthly expression of gratitude for people that go above & beyond as a way of life!  

• You don't have to run out and buy those pre-made blank cards to create on...just a good quality folded piece of paper will do!  If you need to mail it...think about the envelopes you have on hand so you don't create too large!  

•  SUBJECT: Think about an aspect of their job, symbol for their profession, colors associated with their line of work. There is nothing that says it has to be "realistic".  Abstract art would be appreciated just as much.  It is the heart behind it what matters the most.

• MATERIALS: Mixed Media: Pencil, Marker, Pen, Crayon, Colored Pencil, Paint, Fabric, Printed Paper, Photos...WHATEVER!!!

• If you can't think of an "EXTRA" to go with your card...it's ok!!  Just give a the card!!  A You goes a long way. (but honestly...cookies are easy to do & a favorite!)

• AS ALWAYS WITH #K12ARTCHALLENGE POST!!  Twitter/Instagram/Facebook WHATEVER! :) The hashtags are #k12artchallenge &  #ARTGIVINGNOV  If you can tag me in it...that would be awesome(then I won't have to search!!)   @ArtWithMrE  

This can really make a difference in many lives!!

 A few moments out of your day...and you will do so much good!!

CELEBRATING WEEK ONE #ARTGIVINGNOV

Here are some of the images collected from Week One of #ARTGIVINGNOV!

If you did not get to participate in Week One...you can still join in the fun!  Play catch up or just start fresh with Week Two.  

The information for Week Two will be posted here on my blog Monday(..at some point?!?!  I've got my observation with my principal Monday morning!!)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN WEEK ONE!!!

YOU ARE MAKING  A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES BY SHARING YOUR ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE.  KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

#ARTGIVINGNOV WEEK 1: FAMILY

WEEK 1 is all about family....and family comes in many forms!  I have friends that are closer than blood!!   So don't limit yourself to just spouse or blood relatives.  I already know that my wife does not receive enough thanks & praise for all that she does....so she is one of my THANK YOU cards this week.  However...I want to go beyond just saying thank you.  I want to bless her!  I know that one of her simple pleasures is getting away to Starbucks alone...so I picked up a Starbucks card to place inside her card as an extra somethin' somethin'!!!  The extra blessing doesn't have to be something you buy though...it could be time, an adventure together, watching their kids, cleaning their car or house, fixing dinner....WHATEVER!!!  All that I ask is that you share your art work & your extra blessing!!  If you want to share why that person was your THANK YOU this week...we'd love to hear!!

So now what?  Start by taking time to think about your family....and who may NEED a special thank you!!  I know we could be making a huge stack of cards this week...but don't overwhelm yourself.   Hopefully this is just the beginning of sharing the gratitude attitude & purposely letting those you love know you care!

You don't have to run out and buy those premade blank cards to create on...just a good quality folded piece of paper will do!  If you need to mail it...think about the envelopes you have on hand so you don't create too large!  

MATERIALS: DRAWING

Pencil, Marker, Pen, Crayon, Colored Pencil...WHATEVER!!!

SUBJECT: Whatever would show a personal connection to the person you are giving it to!  (This week I'll do a coffee cup to go with her gift card!)

If you can't think of an "EXTRA" to go with your card...it's ok!!  Just give a the card!!  Honestly...how often do you receive thank you cards for just being you??  This will encourage and bless whoever you give it to....with or without any extras!

AS ALWAYS WITH #K12ARTCHALLENGE....POST!!!!!

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook...WHATEVER! :)  

The hashtags are #k12artchallenge & #ARTGIVINGNOV  

If you can tag me in it...that would be awesome(then I won't have to search!

THANKFUL FOR ALL YA'LL!!!!

#ARTGIVINGNOV

 

IT'S NOVEMBER!!!  

I love this time of the year!  Fall is my favorite season & Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  So I'm super excited that I've been given the opportunity to host #K12ARTCHALLENGE this month.  

I know many of you have been asking questions about what exactly GROWING THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE THROUGH GIVING would like like in an art challenge.  So let me share my vision for the month....and hopefully you will all be excited for the experience!  

I truly believe gratitude should do more than create appreciation for something or someone....it should change us...it should call us to action.  If we practice the attitude of gratitude & put gratitude into action..what a difference we can make in our own life & the lives of those around us.  

THANK YOU CARDS & MORE

Each week you will be asked to create Thank You cards for individuals/groups.  Some weeks may be more comfortable/easy than others.  I may be asking you to step outside your comfort zones in order to bring joy to the lives of others. Some tasks may require more than the artistic creation of a Thank You card....but you will be able to do as much or as little as you are able.  Each week will also feature a different media for you to use in the creation of your cards.

THINGS TO KNOW

• The "assignment" for the week will be given each Monday Morning.
• The "celebration" will take place Sunday Night...giving you a week to follow through with the assignment.
• Use the hashtag #K12ArtChallenge & #ARTGIVINGNOV when posting on Twitter (@ArtWithMrE) & Instagram (ARTWITHMRE). 
• Invite your friends, family(kids), and co-works to join in!  We could start a Gratitude Movement!

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?  YOU IN???  

I hope so!  I'm so excited to see how everyone approaches #ARTGIVINGNOV !

If you have questions along the way.. please let me know!

SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW FOR THE FIRST CHALLENGE!