Bulletin Boards & Displays: 2015-2016

I really love creating bulletin boards.  Honestly...if my district said they'd offer me a job creating boards across Nashville...I'd probably do it! ha ha  Something about cutting paper that just soothes the soul.  My room also lends itself to a person that enjoys such things!!!  Some boards never change.  Some change a little each year.  Some are totally different/new.  I hope you enjoy.  Let me know if you have any questions.

This is my version of "The Earth Without Art is Eh!" 

The examples I have up on the board(teacher made) have names representing kids I went to school with back in the day!! ha ha Where I grew up...elementary school was K-8..one of each grade, and pretty much the same 18 kids all 9 yrs(a couple left/came/failed).  Then I went to a small consolidated high school....and still saw most of those kids on a daily basis.  Just a little way to remember my roots being that I'm 9 hrs from "home" and seldom get to see them any more.  I'm an old softy..what can I say. ha ha

Yep..the good ol' No-No Board.  Love it or Leave it....it works for me!

I try to come up with a new "reading" board each year.  Here is this year's offering.

This use to be the "front" of my room.  That little chalk board was all that was there.  Once I got my large white board...and then technology...the room shifted.  I took the bulletin board that was on the wall where they put the white board..and had them flip it vertical.  I also installed metal sheets on the other side so I could have a magnetic word wall.

I didn't use this last year...and really missed it...so it is back!!!

I always try to refer to my map so kids know where in the world things come from!!

I found the word strips at Dollar Tree!! LOVE THEM! I used sheet magnets on the back.

Got tired of the kids asking if I painted the Van Gogh picture ...so I re-purposed it this year! ha 

I have the 4 standards above the board with the explanation beside them.  TN has not adopted them, but it is how we're being assessed for the teacher portfolio...so I'm using them!!  The section between the 3rd and 4th grade area on the board is their journal entry space.  Each week they have a 10 min quick draw of a word...where I challenge them to be as creative as possible.  I also have them write two sentences explaining their drawing.  

I redo my above the door sign every year to match my color theme.  I use fun foam to create it..and just hot glue it up there!!  I like how it sets my room apart...and adds a little color to the hall. (not a fan of the ice blue they have it painted..blah)

The last week of school I always have my students create turtles so I can have art hanging in the hall at the start of the next school year.  I have them make them in the color of my room's color theme.(this requires me to decide on a color theme prior to school letting out!!).  The kids always love trying to find their turtle.

Classroom Set Up 2015-2016

I've not changed a lot in my room over the past few years(other than the color theme on the bulletin boards & chair footies...which changes every year).  I use to change my room pretty drastically, but once you have technology in a certain place....and find a groove with that & your furniture...

you stick with it! 

I have my tables set up with an outer & inner horseshoe. It is a total of 14 tables/28 spots.   However, if our 2nd grade continues to grow....I'll have to move a few things around because my "extra" tables are in the back of the room not in my horseshoe of every day use!  

I have a PolyVision Smart Board. I really like it.  It does take up a chunk of my white board, but it is a usable white board & magnetic.  I mainly use my white board to post teacher examples & write vocabulary.  I'm trying to do more objectives & such on Power Points or the PolyVision's White Pages(it's a PolyVision thang).  

 I have a large room that was designed as an art room(back in 1988).  I've taught in very small portables & regular classrooms...so I understand small spaces.  I don't take this for granted.

 I love my room!!  

I had the district build two shelving units in my room a few years ago.  I love being able to have frequently used items easy to access.  

I love my cabinets, but wish the counter was not white(who puts a white counter in an art room!?!?!). As you can imagine...around 28 yrs of art room use....lots of stains/marks.  The other negative about this room....do you see my itty bitty sink?  It is really small...and too high for K & 1st.  I actually don't let the kids wash their hands in the sink.  I developed a few tricks when I taught in a portable with no water...and use those for clean up!  If ever there is just a whole lot of mess....the bathrooms are across the hall from my room and they can wash their hands there if need be.

So I was gifted this Crayola box after last year's back to school sales(Dollar General).  I decided it would be a great place for my art shirts.  I decided to set up this little vignette so it was painfully obvious where they were located(will still have children walking around lost!! ha ha).

My reading area has changed a little bit this year, but I think it is growing on me.  I read to my kindergarten students every time they come, and feel a designated reading area is a priority.  I've been teaching 19 yrs...so I've been able to accumulate a lot of books over the years. If you want to know some of my favorite books, here is the link to my Pinterest board. 

https://www.pinterest.com/tededinger/books-i-use-in-the-art-room/ 

Genius...or Wacky?

So I've had this "wacky" idea for a couple years now....but never followed through with it.  Last fall I found Wacky Noodles for .30 cents a piece at Dollar General...bought them, but did nothing with them.  UNTIL NOW!  Today I cut the Wacky Noodles in half, temporarily secured the brushes in place with painters tape, and then hot glued them in permanently(the noodle does "melt" a little from the hot glue).  I used the cheap brushes that come with Crayola's watercolor sets....in case you were wondering. 

WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE THEY FOR?!?!?!

My thought is to have the kids do paintings where they are not able to "control" their brush like they would a regular brush(I also think this would be a great exercise to do with our teachers on a PD day!!!!).  I would ask them to paint something that would seem to require a steady hand, but because they were using the Wacky Noodle...they'd have to adapt how they rendered the image.   Most likely, the paper and paint would be on the ground...and they'd have to work straight armed.  

In my mind...this is going to be fun...different...and a wonderful learning experience!  I'm not sure when I'm going to test them out, but stay tuned...I'll share it with you when I do!! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Renaissance Christian?

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.  To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.  To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.  To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.  To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 

1 Cor. 9: 19-23

Leonardo da Vinci was a true "Renaissance Man"!  Artist, Scientist, Musician, Engineer, Inventor, Writer...and on and on!  He was a man with a million interests, and he had the intellect, skill, and ability to back them up.   I do well to  kind of know the handful of things that hold my attention. 

In 1st Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul writes of becoming all things to all people.  Some may look at that and take it to an unhealthy extreme.  I don't feel we're being asked/encouraged to do anything that would damage our witness or place us in a destructive situation.  However, I think Paul is encouraging us to find common ground & meet people where they are at. I think Leonardo would have been the perfect person to connect with others because he could find commonality with just about anyone with his vast array of interests. Finding a similar interest or experience will help break down walls & encourage dialog.  Even if you don't feel you have anything in common in interest or experience...you are a human being with the same basic needs/wants/desires/dreams. Ask them questions where they can share their heart & their hopes.  If you ever want someone to hear your heart about Jesus Christ and what He has done in your life, they first need to know that you care about them and you're interested in them as a person. 

 Being a "Renaissance Christian" doesn't mean we have to know everything about everything....just be willing to "become all things to all people".  What do all people need...to be heard, to be valued, to be respected, and to be loved.  If we can provide that...the door to share Christ will be opened.  Not that all will come to Him...but if it is just "some"....it is worth it!! 

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, help me to be be all things to all people.  Allow me to know what that means & live it out. Help me to meet people where they are at...not where I think they should be. I want You to use me...work through me so that some may come to You!!  Don't let me get in the way of others hearing Your message of Love & Grace.  

In Christ's Name

AMEN

Day2 of Painting the 1st Day of Art!

So this was Day2's offering!  Day two went well...and my Kindergarten students did an AMAZING job on their section.  I was totally impressed.  However, as I was finishing assembling this...I was in the midst of Day3.  Day3 did not go as smooth.  Larger class sizes(we have two 2nd grade classes that have 27 students..that is a lot for us..but I know is nothing for some of you all), EL students that did not understand all my directions, and some not so great combinations of students.  I always want to be honest with ya'll...everything isn't roses and sunshine in Mr. E's world all the time!! ha ha  It was a challenging day, but I'm still enjoying painting with all my students the first day of art!!  Two days left to go till I've seen all my students!! Stay tuned!!

Painting With Kindergarten On Day 1

So I shared with ya'll in a post about painting with all my classes on their first day in the art room(5 day cycle/5 classes per day).  Today was Day2 for us...but the first day Kindergarten came to special areas.  AND YES...I PAINTED WITH KINDERGARTEN ON THEIR FIRST FULL DAY! 

Here are the details...just in case the thought of it scares the pee out of you!!

(it is Kindergarten...pee on the floor happens! ha ha)

I STARTED BY READING "THE DOT".

I was not going to pass out my usual water cups! ha ha I decided to place sponges in rectangular pans I had, and saturate the sponge enough to leave a little bit of water laying the bottom.  This worked out extremely well.  Students had enough water to paint with, but even if they would have knocked one off the table...it would have made minimal mess.  At the end of the class just rinse out the pan & sponges, and they'll be good to go.

With my other classes I'm using tempera paint, but I'm just not that brave with kindergarten.  BIGGIE CAKES WATERCOLOR (or you could use tempera cakes) are one of my favorite go-to supplies with the little ones.  I wanted to limit the color palette...so I placed wide painter's tape over the colors I didn't wish the students to use.  I do trust my kindergartners a little later in the year, but being the first day and not knowing the students at all....better safe than sorry!

I did precut the circles they were using, but they were asked to draw out their design before painting. I was so impressed with their drawings & painting.  I don't really believe the results were "normal"....but I'll take 'em!!! ha  ha  I still have four more kindergarten classes to go....we'll see how the rest of them do!?!?  I had the students bring their work over to two empty tables in the back of my room.  They did not drop them, spill paint, or stack them on top of each other.  WOW!  

So friends....the moral of the story...it is worth the risk!!  Be organized, modify, and have wet towels & cleaner at the ready!!   

LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS!

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: SEEING IS BELIEVING?

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?  And don't you remember?

Mark 8:18

Have you ever met those people that just don't seem to "GET" art in its various forms?  They see a painting and don't "get" it.....and dismiss its worth.  They listen to music that is out of their norm and don't "get" it...so they dismiss its worth as well.  There are many things I don't care for, but usually I can find something about most art that I'm able to appreciate.  Why is that?  I have knowledge, understanding, and experience within the arts.  These things allow me to appreciate works of art even if I don't "get" it.  I am able to pull out aspects of the work that connect back to my knowledge/understanding/experience, and I'm able to trust that the artist knew what they were doing or what they were trying to communicate through their work.  I'm able to see beyond what I'm seeing.

In this passage of scripture from Mark, Jesus is addressing the disciples.  If you read the context, you will see that the disciples just don't "get" it.  Part of me wonders how they could not "get" things when they had Jesus right their with them?!?!  The other part of me is relieved by their lack of understanding....because a lot of the time I'm in the same boat as the disciples. How many times have I seen God work in my life, in others' lives, or read His Word, but I still live like I just don't "get" it. For some reason these things I've seen the Lord do have not found their way to my heart.  I doubt. I worry.  I stress.  I plot & plan.  I don't trust.  I don't understand.  I don't get it.  

Seeing is only the surface of understanding.  We have to ask God to take those things we've seen Him do in us, through us, and around us....and make it heart knowledge that truly impacts us...changes us!  That way when life throws a situation at us that we don't like the looks of.....we can still see God & trust that He will use all things for His glory(Romans 8:28).  Knowledge(seeing), understanding, and experiencing allows us to know He is trustworthy.  We can appreciate the situations of life that lead us into a deeper relationship with the Lord.  

PRAYER

Dear Lord, 

Allow me to take all the things I've seen you do

...all the promises you've given me in Your Word

and live like it.  You have shown me  Your faithfulness. 

I want to be transformed by Your 

truth...grace...love!!!  

AMEN

First Day Project: PAINTING

Yep!  I'm officially crazy!!!! ha ha

A few years ago I went to my first NAEA conference(Fort Worth).  I met amazing educators that were passionate about teaching visual arts.  I loved talking "shop" with people that loved their job as much as me!!  One of the topics we talked about was first day practices.  I had always started the school year with seats, rules, and a self portrait.  It seemed "SAFE" & a way to "EASE" back into things.  There is total validity to that practice..and no one should feel otherwise if it works for them!!!  You spend time with other passionate art educators & you will quickly realize that there are a million "GOOD" ways to do things.  There is not a one size fits all...and no one should feel bad about doing things differently.  However, I feel it is our obligation to consider what we do and see if it is the "BEST" way of doing things.  This allows us to grow.  

ANYWAYS...LET ME GET TO THE FIRST DAY PROJECT!!!

So this year I decided I was going to paint with my students on the first day.  I knew I had to get students seats assigned, go over some key rules....and then try to fit in the painting.  This means I had to have things ready to go.  Paint already served up(limited color palette...varying it a little each class so I can get the super cool gradation) & brushes ready to go.   I gave the students a 9x12 piece of 90lbs paper.  They were required to draw as big of a circle as possible.  They then had to draw a design based on circles/dots on the inside of their larger circle.  1st grade mostly looked like chocolate chip cookies,  but they had a blast creating.  2nd - 4th really seemed to "get it" and do a great job. I discussed Principles of Design with them(quickly) & showed them some examples. Now Monday I'll have Kindergarten for the first time(they go half days the first week...and do not come to special areas).  I will precut their circles and probably use BIGGIE WATERCOLOR sets with them(covering two of the four colors to limit their palette).  I cut them out after they dried and had older students help me with the black outlines(using tempera).  The whole process is very busy...very fast...furious..... AND A WHOLE LOT OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!

If you are wondering...yes...I'm going to connect this to THE DOT.  My plan is to switch the colors each day till I have a rainbow of awesomeness!!!  I'll display this in the hall...connecting the sections on the wall...each section being a day's worth of circles(I'm afraid it will be too heavy if I connect all 550 circles together before hand).  

I'll review & reinforce classroom rules and procedures when they return to art(I know some of you really want to make sure your kids get it...and I do too!!  I just loved the idea of capturing their attention in a new way on the very first day of art!!!)

Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions...hope this helped for those of you who were asking on Facebook!!  

Teacher Tip!

                               

It begins again soon....

                           

                                

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: The Art of Endurance

As an art teacher, I often find myself reminding my students that "GOOD ART TAKES TIME".  For some reason, they want to race through their projects to be the first one complete.  In the rush to finish, their work truly suffers.  They are messy, incomplete, lacking detail, and not fully developed in concept & composition. I will first tell them to look at their work HONESTLY and see if it is truly their best.  If they can see it is not, I will have them go back and fix it up.  If they tell me it is their best work, then I will take them through the different parts of their picture that might need their attention.  Sometimes during their attempts to complete their work ( the second time), I will hear them complain about something being too hard or that they "can't" do it (reasons why they may have rushed the first time....frustration).  They need to move past the mental blocks of "TOO HARD" & "I CAN'T".  They aren't just words, but mind sets that trap young artists and keep them from finding joy & success in creating.  I can reteach the lesson/concept, work individually with them, and answer questions they might have, but what will benefit them the most is continuing to try their best and work through their frustration.  There is an endurance in art that some do not consider.  Being an artist is like a marathon runner.  Time, practice, and pushing through the frustrations will yield reward.  One day they will look back and wonder why they struggled with such a thing.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of thrown of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Herbrews 12: 1-2

Our faith walk can be derailed by our mind set at times.  We allow the world to speak lies into our life that just aren't true.  These lies start taking root in our life, and we are unable to move forward. These lies are the things that so easily entangle.   Fixing our eyes on the Lord, pushing through the lies..focusing on THE TRUTH.  It takes some work.  It takes time of being uncomfortable. But if you continue in the truth...you WILL overcome! The next time lies come...situations rise up...war rages around you....you will do it all over again. This time though...your endurance in the faith is stronger. And the next...yes...there will be a next time...you will be stronger...IN HIM! The lies will no longer have the impact they once did..traps of this world will not get you. God will get the glory..and you will run the race with endurance....to the victory which He already has won!! 

Dear Jesus..let me run this race with the endurance that comes from knowing and walking with you!!  Let me not fall into the traps of this world. Let my eyes be set on You and believe the truth you have spoke and gave me in your Word!

In Your Name, Ted

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Know Your Strength

I know...it is Monday.  Life has been a bit crazy/busy in the E house.  Hope you had a wonderful Sunday, and may this get your Monday going in the right direction.  

When I first started teaching, I was afraid of weaving. I had never done it before! That was a problem because it was in every grade level's curriculum.  I had no idea how I was going to teach something I had never personally experienced(This was before Google & YouTube!!).  I humbled myself and asked some other art teachers to help me out.  The first couple years were really a struggle.  I did not take to weaving as quickly as I'd hoped.  However, I did not give up.  I also did not stop asking for help.  I knew I needed it.  If I was going to be the art teacher my students needed...I had to continue to humble myself & ask those better at weaving for help.  Weakness is not failure....it is opportunity. 

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Paul(the author of 2 Corinthians), had some amazing strengths!  He spoke with great power & authority, was not afraid of hard work, and brought God's truth to all (Jew & Gentile).  However, despite his obvious strengths....he never lost site of his weaknesses.  Those that only see THEIR strengths will not see a need for their greatest strength...JESUS. Paul knew that he could not do what he was doing in his own.  It was only by the power/strength of the Lord.  His weakness (and knowledge of it) allowed him to truly embrace his "STRENGTH".   Have you ever met those people that think they have it all together.  They don't see a need for a Savior because they aren't really THAT bad. If only they could be content in their weaknesses so they could realize the power & strength of Christ in their life.  Those weaknesses bring us before the Lord on our knees.  In Christ, our weaknesses can become strengths & our strengths can become the thing that God chooses to use for His glory.  

Oh, if you are wondering about my "relationship" with weaving now....my blog posts on weaving are some of my most commented on, pinned, and e-mailed about.  What was a weakness is now a strength, and I'm still learning more about weaving and different weaving projects every year!  

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, help me to acknowledge my weakness & give it to you.  My true strength comes from you & you alone.  I want to know my need for You...and live a life that is daily surrendered to You.

In Your Name

Amen

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: The Hands of an Artist

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.

Colossians 3:23

If you spend much time with artists/art teachers, you will notice something about their hands.  They always seem to have evidence of their work.  I personally do not reserve it for my hands only(unfortunately).  My shirts, pants, shoes, face, hair, arms...all tell the story of my work.  A good artist or art teacher is so involved with what they are doing, that they often do not notice such things.  It is not a priority.  Their priority is doing what their heart aches to do...what they were created to do.  It is evident all over them!

God has called each of us into "ministry" if you have accepted the Lord as your Savior.  You know that, right?!?  Your ministry may not look like the pastor's, overseas missionary, or Sunday school teacher.  Maybe your ministry is being a mom, cashier, or an art teacher.  However, in all we do...it should be for the Lord.  And if we are working for the Lord...it should be with all of our heart, mind, and might.  People will begin noticing when you serve the Lord with all that you are.  Not because you are proclaiming your awesomeness & deeds, but because living a life for the Lord shows on you like an artist's hands.  Your words, work, attitude, and priorities all start looking like they have Jesus all over them!  

How about you?  Does your life have Jesus all over it?  If you feel like people may not be seeing Jesus in you...in all areas of your life, THAT'S OK!!  We aren't perfect, and no one has "arrived".  Each day we have a chance to do better than the day before.  We learn from our mistakes, and we give those areas of our life over to God.  Ask Him to help you see your WHOLE life as MINISTRY!  Try to do all things for God....work, home, friends, play..etc.  When we do this...we are like the hands of an artist, you can't help but see the evidence of their hearts passion.  

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, May I have messy hands for you.

My heart is to serve you in all things....not just "churchy" things.  My life is one of ministry, and I desire to know you and make you know.  Lord, may they see You in me as I live this life you have blessed me with.  May I never lose site of this.

In Christ Jesus,

AMEN

#K12ARTCHAT TONIGHT!!!

Join me tonight for #k12artchat!!!  I'll be hosting a twitter chat on Professional Development/Summer PD.  If you are on twitter...please stop by!!  It runs from 8:30pm CST to 9:10pm.  You can stay as long as you like...just watch...or jump right in!!  Don't forget to follow me!!!

@ArtWithMrE

#jfj15for30 Challenge

During the month of June I participated in Journal Fodder Junkies Art Challenge!  SO MUCH FUN!! The idea was to create for at least 15 minutes a day in your art journal.  This was a good exercise for me.  I've found it very difficult to create with all that I have going on with....LIFE! (3 kids..6 & under) I didn't realize how much I missed my own creative pursuits.  Each day there would be a challenge prompt....so you had some direction, but fueled by your own creativity.  You can find mine & others' work if you go on twitter and search #jfj15for30.  You can also learn a ton about art journals and such at their website...  http://www.journalfodderjunkies.blogspot.com/

       

VBS 2015: Journey Off The Map

Some of the things I've been up to this summer.....

Every year I paint the set for VBS....I LOVED doing this years theme!!!  

The canvases are 20 ft long...and 8 ft tall.

I'm also in charge of crafts!(Imagine that?!?).  We set up stations on the floor that will accommodate up to 6 children.  Our largest groups were around 40 students(Our VBS is about 250 students.)   

We actually finger painted?!?!?! I never do that!!!  ha ha The kids loved it though, and the pictures turned out great.

We took group pictures of the students...so one of the crafts was a doodle frame.  We later laminated them, and placed magnates on the back.  They turned out great.

Here are my kiddos in front of the waterfalls!!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Get Out of the Boat!

Let me set the scene.  

The disciples see Jesus walking toward them on the water and are afraid.

  Understandable, right?  

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But Jesus immediately said to them:  "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."  "Come," he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.  "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 

Matthew 14: 27-31

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Henri Rousseau was a self taught artist.  Beginning his career later in life, he came onto the art scene during an interesting transitional time.  The Impressionists, Fauves, and Post-Impressionist were shaking up the art world.  Rousseau's work found itself in the mist of this.  Critics felt his art was terribly child like, and had nothing redeeming to say about it.   However, he persevered.  Rousseau continued to paint, show his work, and push forward.  He was not going to let the waves of "popular opinion" keep him from pursing his dream.  He could have never pursued his dream, he could have retreated when he heard the harsh words of the critics, he could have tried to fit more into what was "acceptable', he could have returned to the "comfort" of his old job,  BUT HE DIDN'T. He did not let fear keep him from stepping out and doing what was in his heart to do. Today, Henri Rousseau is considered to be one of the world's greatest artists, and his critics....long forgotten.

When I read in Matthew 14 about Peter attempting to walk to Jesus, what catches my attention is not the fact that Peter began to sink. I think all of us that follow Christ know there are times where we find ourselves "sinking" because we have taken our eyes off the Lord.  It happens.   No, I'm amazed that Peter got out of the boat! Though Peter was pretty impetuous, and it wasn't completely out of character to do such a thing.  I wonder what the other disciples were thinking?  "OH THAT PETER?!?" "Now that Peter has done it, I want to do it!"(Doubting Thomas) "Well, now we're going to have to find a new disciple!"  ha ha  Maybe they were kicking themselves for not getting out of the boat too?  

I sometimes think the hardest part is "getting out of the boat".  The fears of what "might be" can paralyze us.  How many times have we hesitated or completely ignored a prompting of the Holy Spirit?  Maybe the Lord wanted us to speak to someone, but we didn't want to come off crazy..or didn't want to "bother" them.  Has the Lord asked you to change professions, go on short term mission trips, start a bible study, give financially to someone or some ministry, or mentor a younger believer?  Are you afraid to step out of the boat and do what He is asking you?  I know it is hard.  But, I also know...HE IS FAITHFUL!  Don't fear what the "critics" might say.  They often speak from a place of not understanding.  The voice you need to listen to is the Lords.  

Be like Rousseau & Peter, and take a step of faith!  Don't let the distractions from those around you...or the things around you to keep you from pursuing what you know you should be!

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, help us to get out of the boat!

Allow us to know you in a way that removes all fear & doubt.

May our hearts be sensitive to Your leading, and 

may our ears be quick to hear Your voice.

The waves of the world...the words of the critics have no 

power over us.  Greater is He who is in me...than he who is in the world! 

In Your Name....AMEN

Sunday Morning Devotional: Taking Chances

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately.  I must stay at your house today."  So he came down a once and welcomed him gladly.  All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner."  But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord!  Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."  Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Luke 19: 1-10

As an artist(and I'd say many other fields)...stepping out of the "norm" is part of growth.  Risk taking isn't always popular though.  People often value routine & those that "get with the program".  I know this sounds absurd in relation to the arts. In college, I was told I should switch to oil because my themes were not appropriate for watercolor.  I was really bothered by this, because I felt that art was about pushing boundaries & taking risks. I found a way to continue pursing the themes/subject matter I wanted to pursue, and feel I've grown personally & artistically because of the challenges I encountered along the way.

Jesus did not always make "popular" choices.  In the case of Zacchaeus, Jesus truly went against "acceptable" behavior by going to his home.  Zacchaeus was a tax collector...and a pretty self serving one at that.  No self respecting Jew would want to go to the home of a known baddie.  However, unlike most "self respecting Jews" ...Jesus could see beyond what others saw.  He knew...if given the chance Zacchaeus would change his life around.  It just took someone taking a "risk".  Going against what was "acceptable", Jesus showed love to someone who was in desperate need of it!  Am I talking about Zacchaeus now...or us?  Before Jesus, we were just as unacceptable as Zacchaeus.  Sometimes we forget that we were/are just as much in need of a Savior.  

Do you know someone that needs you to take a "risk" with?  A friendship, an invitation to church, a kind word or deed done in the name of Jesus.....could change someones world.  Be the risk taker the Lord created you to be!  Be willing to stick your neck out.  I bet you will see a change...in yourself!(it is in God's hands regarding the heart of the other person).  

(I love turtles...and this is one of my fav sayings!)

PRAYER

Dear Lord, let me see with your eyes! 

 Let me be an instrument you use to meet the needs of others.  

Let me be an example of Your love.

Jesus, help me to not look at labels, but at the 

the love you gave to me...and may it compel me to 

love others.  Let me be the risk taker...

knowing you are always with me & 

will never leave me.  

AMEN

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: The Watercolor Way of Life

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3

When I tell people I studied watercolor in college, they usually respond with.."Watercolor!?  That is really challenging?"  I didn't really think of it like that when I was in school.  Honestly, I stuck with watercolor because it was too expense to switch over to oil (for my non-Art Ed friends...oil requires totally different brushes & supplies).  I committed to watercolor...no matter the reason...I was going to see it through.  The reason many people feel watercolor is challenging though...is that you can't take back the marks you make.  With oil you can remove & acrylic you can paint over, but when you paint with watercolor....you are making a commitment.

  Commitment is kind of a fading concept in our society.  People don't commit to anything.  Jobs, marriage, mortgage, and a host of other things are just commitments while it's convenient. (please know I'm aware that there are many valid reasons for some of these commitments to end...but I'm speaking of commitments of convenience).  We aren't willing to pick up the brush...and make a mark.  God's desire is that we would commit our ways to Him!  He doesn't say commit the easy things...the fun things...the things you know you'll be successful in.  He wants you to commit ALL your ways to Him!!  I love this because I feel my life is ministry...my job, my hobbies, my family...my everything can bring glory to the Lord if I commit it to Him.  If you are thinking there are some things in your life you can't commit to Him....then you may want to reconsider if it is something that you need in your life!!  

Pick up the brush...make a mark...commit to it!! What is the worst that can happen?  You make a mistake? God won't be shocked by that.  In art we call them happy accidents...because they can add character to our work or move it in an unexpected direction that turns out being more than we could have imagined.  In our walk with God...mistakes are opportunities to grow in Him....accept grace...and learn from the situation.  It gives us a testimony to share with others.

No matter....COMMIT TO THE LORD WHATEVER YOU DO!

PRAYER

Dear Lord, allow us to have holy boldness to step out in our faith & trust you with it.  You don't call us to be perfect, but to step out in faith & trust you with the results.  Allow us to be willing to commit all our ways to You.  May our steps of faith glorify you & bring us into a closer relationship with You.  

In Your Name Lord ....AMEN

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: How To Be

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

As artists we take our life experiences, art experiences, training, and imagination everywhere we go.  Anything & Everything can be inspiration for our art.  Sketch books, napkins, digital collections fill up with promising concepts for future work! Making art becomes a basic need for existing.    However, there can be seasons of our life where we are not creating.  It happens: job, family, LIFE!  I've heard it said that it is like riding a bike...you just get back on & go.  I don't really feel that is true.  It is very easy to slip into bad habits, struggle to concentrate, and get easily frustrated when we're out of the artistic habit of creating. I picture the artist like a stagnant pond.  It has all the makings for life & vibrancy, but with not input or output...it becomes mucked up!  It will take a little bit of time getting yourself back into the swing of things...discipline & hard work will once again allow you to see the fruit of your labor.

Our walk with God is the same way.  Life can sometimes get in the way...and we find ourselves not reading our Bible, not spending time in prayer, lacking fellowship with believers, and forget about any kind of discipleship/mentoring going on.  When this happens, we come stagnant....disconnected....out of touch with The Giver of Life!   Our life no longer reflects one passionately seeking after God.  We stop seeing some of the exciting God things that use to be apart of our daily walk with Him.  He has never left & He is still there in your life, but you aren't seeing fruit.  Yes, we can confess our sin(which really it is...putting other things before God), and ask for God to help us keep Him first in all things.  But you have to play a part in this! Getting back into the Word, praying, and spending time with brothers and sisters in Christ(we're all hypocrites and slackers....they will welcome you back! Haha).  You will begin to see God's hand at work in your life, you will know He is with you(and never left you in the first place).....and the fruit will grow once more!  

Receiving Christ is where it STARTS....but we must be ROOTED in Him....and continue on on!  Continuing on is not stagnant...it is active & moving!  Just like our faith (and art) should be!  

PRAYER

Dear Lord, help me to never lose focus of you!  

May I make my relationship with you a priority, and let it be ever moving, growing, and going deeper! Allow my life show the relationship I have with you...and may I seek out opportunities to make you know through my life, actions, words, and art!

Amen

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Judge/Critique

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of saw dust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.  

Matthew 7: 1-5 (NIV)

I remember the first time I "participated" in a critique.  It was a very vulnerable & raw experience. It shouldn't have been though.  A critique is designed to be a detailed analysis/assessment.  Basically...just the facts.  There is no emotion or opinion to a true critique.  They are meant to inform.  That information can then be used to improve upon the original work, or be used for future endeavors. Unfortunately, critiques are often judgement filled sessions of destruction. Opinions are used to assert superiority/dominance of the given subject matter/medium/technique.  What should be used as a tool for growth....often is misused & ineffective.

In Matthew 7:1-5 we are warned about judging others.  Too often those that are the quickest to judge have the same issue...or one "greater" than the person they are judging.  Why?  If they are able to point out the problems in others, then they can feel better about their own ("At least I'm not as bad as ____").  We also must be careful not to hold "the world" to the same standards Christians. You can not expect someone to behave like Christ if they do not know Him!  Christ came to Earth, lived as an example to us all, died to take away the sins of all who believe, and rose again to give us new life in Him. I don't remember Him telling me to go around being hateful, unkind, and judgmental to those who don't know Him. My life goal is to know God & make Him known.  I have no time for judgement if that is truly my goal!!  

A Time To Critique

.  If we want to grow in our relationship with Christ, we must have people that can "critique" our lives.  Having that person who can say, "I see this area in your life that doesn't reflect the Lord like it should."....will help us to mature in our faith.  It isn't always easy to hear the truth, but if it is coming from someone we love & respect...than we can trust that they are saying it for our good.  Make sure you have permission to speak into that person's life.  If they aren't willing to hear it from you...maybe God has someone else He wants to use in their life.  

I saw a great art critique poster from educationcloset.com 

This might be a great way to go about approaching people!  

" How do you feel things are going?   You are such a hard worker, and I love how you jump in behind the scenes to get the job done!  However, I've noticed that you are a little gruff with people that don't seem to know what they are doing.  A more Christ like response would be to show compassion & grace.  Maybe ask them if they need some help, and you can model for them what they should be doing."  

PRAYER

Lord, let us be people that are quicker to love & share grace than judge.

Thank you Jesus for loving me...and forgiving me of my sin.  

I pray that I have your heart for the lost.

I pray I have your eyes to see the need.

May my life reflect the Truth of You & what You have done for me.

In Christ Jesus,

AMEN

Paint Roller A.D.D.?

                                    

It is VBS prep time again...and that means repainting huge backdrops for the main stage area(think set for a play).  I am the one to call for organization and set up...I love it & can do it blindfolded.  However...whenever I get a paint roller in my hand...I can't focus!?!?  I jump from canvas to canvas(or wall to wall)...and put a little color everywhere?!?  Anyone else like that?   

   

Summer Art!

                                 

     My kiddos are experiencing the beach for the first time!  They love it!!  We have enjoyed building sand castles together.  My oldest (6yrs) loves decorating them with shells and sea weed!  Though the beach is not my favorite place...I am loving this time with my family. Hope you are enjoying your summer break too!