I have this calendar on my mac that I never set up. It opens every time I restart my computer because I don't know how to remove it. It always says "Free Today" because I haven't entered my daily agenda. It's empty, "free". Honestly, it has irritated me every once in a while. I'm not free today, I have to work on project x & y while balancing the rest of the crazy schedule. But I just restarted my computer. I started to get a little ticked...then it hit me.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -John 8:36

I'm free today. I'm free in this day with a busy schedule and projects piling up because I know my Maker. Free because I don't have to be in control. Free because I can love and laugh and stand up for truth. Free because nothing has a hold of me except the love of Christ. Think about the life-changing effects of love...real, selfless love, well there's nothing better. Why are there so many love songs? I rest my case. Sure, life's tough. Hearts get broken. Responsibilities weigh on us. But at the end of the day, the reality is I have a free soul and I am loved and there is nothing more I could ask for.

So take on the crazy days, and remember... "if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." -John 8:36

p.s. I just thought I'd throw in a few pen and ink drawings today.

Labels: everyday art, freedom

I'm sharing this morning from the peaceful setting of my back porch at home. I'm about to head into the big city, but I just couldn't resist a cup of coffee on a cool spring morning. Assignments can wait, this day is too beautiful to miss.

I took a few photos yesterday on my afternoon walk. There's something about wandering around in nature a bit that just sets my heart at ease. I think it makes me more content with being just one small part of God's creation. It relieves the pressure of having to be a 'big deal.' I know that sounds silly and a bit stuck up, but to be honest, sometimes my own ego is what gets me going on my work. It's not a fun thing to admit, but it's the truth. If I'm smart enough, I'll have good job...etc. But when I get away, get alone and remember my wonderful Maker, there is rest to be found. The work doesn't go away but the reason for doing the work shifts. I want to be fully what He created me to be. If the birds sing beautifully, the grass vibrantly paints the landscape, the light confidently illuminates the day, then I want to be a loving and faithful picture of my God too.

As for God, his way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
-2 Samuel 22:31

I love you friends. Today, cease trying to be a big deal. Let God be that and He will bless your heart in immeasurable ways.

Labels: everyday art

I've come across this quote quite a bit in the last few years but I've never taken to time to read it in its entirety. These thoughts inspire and challenge me.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?

You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others. -Marianne Williamson

This quote gives me further encouragement to be completely alive.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Jesus(recorded in the book of Matt)

Deep thoughts. I'm heading home from school now. Bye friends.

Labels: everyday art, glory

I'd like to share with you a passage from a favorite book of mine called A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle. Here she shares her perspective on the role of words in our life.

The simplest word is almost always the right word. I am convinced that Beatrix Potter used 'soporific' because it was, it really and truly was, the only right word for lettuce at that moment. One of my favorite authors, Anon, wrote, centuries ago:

The written word
Should be clean as bone,
Clear as light,
Firm as stone.
Two words are not
As good as one.

I should pay more attention to those lines than I do. The writer who listens to them will do his own limiting, but it will come from inside, it will come from a creative response and not from an arbitrary restriction, which is the structure that imprisons instead of the structure that liberates.

The more limited our language is, the more limited we are; the more limited the literature we give to our children, the more limited their capacity to respond, and therefore, in their turn, to create. The more our vocabulary is controlled, the less we will be able to think for ourselves. We do think in words, and the fewer words we know, the more restricted our thoughts. As our vocabulary expands, so does our power to think. Try to comprehend an abstract idea without words: we may be able to imagine a turkey dinner. But try something more complicated; try to ask questions, to look for meaning: without words we don't get very far. If we limit and distort language, we limit and distort personality.

I'll leave the sharing to Madeleine today. Have a beautiful week friends.

Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word. Psalm 119:17

Labels: everyday art, Word

Remember when you were little and all the team moms wanted to take a group picture. You see spots for a while. You get overwhelmed, sick of the photo frenzy. You want out of the forced team pose. All you see are spots.

But sometimes you can take a look up, quit focusing on the flashes and see that you can look beyond the line of soccer moms and just 'be' right where you're at. This is how I'm coping with grad school. Bear with me a minute. It's a crazy analogy I know, but think about it. I have seven professors all with very 'important' assignments. I could spend my time getting quite overwhelmed or I can look beyond the deadlines and declarative statements and see the big plan. I am walking on a blessed road. This opportunity is a gift and I can choose to simply enjoy being here. So I'm choosing to look beyond the dots.

So I enjoy this view. This is what I see from the lunch room of school. It's beautiful and the chairs a quite cozy. I'm learning to be at home where I am. School can be restful, even with constant deadlines. I'm choosing to still do what I love (like blogging!)

And then this evening, the Lord helped me unwind a bit more with this glorious image in his creation.

This verse encouraged me today...
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22-23

His glory is all around us. Enjoy today friends.

Labels: everyday art, physical therapy

"It is art that makes life, makes interest, makes importance and I know no substitute for the force and beauty of its process." -Max Eastman

Labels: creativity, everyday art

Yesterday I mentioned that God has great purposes for our imagination. Today I'll share a little more on the topic. I found an exert in the Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard that intrigued me.

There are ways in which we may present God to others, as well as ways by which we individually may seek to fill our minds with him. Through them, the lovely God wins the love of the disciple. He comes to us (1)Through His creation, (2) through his public acts on the scene of human history, (3) though individual experiences of him by ourselves and others.

Now in light of Dallas's suggestion that God comes to us through His creation, take a look at the first definition of art in the American Heritage Dictionary.

Art:Human effort to imitate, supplement, alter, or counteract the work of nature.

To continue, consider this quote... (link to entire text)

We normally say that God relates to us through God’s power of love, of compassion and so on -- and of course that is true. But if imagination is the capacity to envision the existence of something that does not yet exist -- the clearest instance of this being the artistic imagination -- then it makes sense to speak also of the divine imagination.

The author goes on to remind the reader of God's incredible imagination throughout human history...guiding some runaway slaves through the desert, establishing Israel despite seemingly insurmountable enemies, the incarnation of God in human flesh, the destruction of death's finality and the inclusion of gentiles into the Abrahamic covenant. All of these are examples of God imagining and setting into motion those things which were inconceivable beyond even our wildest stretch of the imagination. If we are faithful readers of the stories of these imaginative acts, we will find our own imaginations expanded and transformed. Thus scripture claims us and gradually forms us into a new people.

In light of all these bits of information, I cannot help but believe that the capacity I have to imagine is from the same part of me that is able to believe God for better. I guess you would call that faith.

Faith: Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. (American Heritage Dictionary)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Recall from yesterday our definition of imagination...The ability to confront and deal with reality by using the creative power of the mind.
If art is the human effort to imitate nature and God is the creator of nature, then art is the human effort to imitate God. As we seek to imitate God, we can do so fully as we engage our own imagination in the creative process. Our creations will produce beauty to the extent that they respond faithfully to the imaginative power of God.

Take some time to glimpse at the creation around you. Try your hand at expressing a response. The east Texas pine trees always remind me of God's faithfulness somehow. Their height makes my jaw drop every time I stand under them and look up.

He is awesomely creative.

Labels: creativity, dallas willard, everyday art, hope

Here is a photo from Edinburgh, Scotland that I really like. Just wanted to share.

Labels: everyday art, Scotland

As per requested, here is a photo of the wallpaper in my room currently. I have edited the image and created some alternative looks. Can you guess which one is the real wallpaper? What do you think of the black plaid Stephanie? As I mentioned in a previous blog, I'm ready to move on from the florals of my younger years. I'm still searching for inspiration and time.

A list of things I'm going to do today and maybe you can pick up a few ideas...
1. drink a hot cup of coffee
2. Read a chapter of Jesus for President
3. Take my first Texas Woman's PT exam online...wish me luck!
4. Try to figure out how to make a gratitude wrap
5. Do a little pilates or walk around the block
6. Await a call from a certain friend who is quite pregnant and due any day now

Happy Saturday.

Labels: Conroe, everyday art

Have you ever noticed that it can be hard to live right now? It's difficult to exist in full awareness of the moment. Perhaps we get overwhelmed sometimes and think it's easier to tune out most of life. However, I'm finding that being fully present in each moment is where the joy is.

We all want to find peace, happiness, joy, purpose, meaning and contentment. I'm pretty sure I haven't found any of those things when I'm tuning out reality. Sounds funny to say doesn't it? Nobody wants to admit they check out of reality. That makes you sound like a bit of a psychology case, but we all do it.

However, every time I just soak up life around me, I'm overjoyed or overwhelmed to the point I pray with more gumption than I knew I had and then God gives me joy in even terrible looking circumstances.

I'm learning to live right here, right now. Little moments and big moments make up my life. I don't want to miss them anymore.

I snapped this shot because I thought the tree looked like the shape of the Scottish Spires and I liked it.

Labels: everyday art, San Marcos

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.” Anonymous

The everyday can be quite humdrum or quite lovely. I decided to look for the lovely today.

This is beautiful because it once seemed impossible, but somehow my hands and my mind have learned to cooperate in such a way that this celtic bag is coming together.

The beauty here lies in the resourcefulness of my Grandma Becky which enabled me to create a work of art. You see Grandma Becky saved every button she found. Plastic buttons last much longer than cotton fabric, so she passed on a lovely collection to me.

My Grandma Becky also had lovely taste in what are now known as vintage pillow cases.

Grandmommie Berry worked a fine quilt. There was something special about moving home and finding such a treasure in the closet to adorn my bed. It makes a home just a bit cozier to have tangible reminders of a faithful heritage.

Labels: beauty, everyday art

I had a lovely weekend visiting with my dear friends in San Marcos. On Saturday we went to Austin in search of some fun letters. We were inspired by Ali Edwards weekend creativity blog post. I think it is really vital to those of us with creative hearts to seek out those opportunities to create beauty. Just imagine all the fun memories you can make with even a brief weekend! So we headed to Austin in search of the letters A, R, and T. But we did not want just any old letters. We were hunting for eclectic, special letters. My friend Linsey knew just the place to look.
This store was full of old trinkets and whimsical items. I don't know that I'd ever seen so many bits of things in one place. We have not yet found the perfect letters, but we did find many other things. Take a look.



Kelsey hopped across the street to this oh so unique cupcake stand on wheels. Who knows what you'll find on Congress street.
The last shopping stop was a knitting store that I had heard about. I spotted it...we crossed 3 lanes of traffic and found a parking spot. I thoroughly enjoyed looking through their yarns. I wanted to add to my stash, but I've got enough yarn to keep me busy for a while. I found myself quite inspired by just standing around other knitters.How do you make weekend memories? Please share.

Labels: Austin, everyday art

Art. Art teaches. I was walking around my home this afternoon taking little snapshots of the good things in my life. Taking pictures helps me be aware of life. It helps me reflect on things. It helps me realize. Enjoy my pictures.

I created this cross about 4 years ago. I found all the materials around my house and went to work. But today, my piece of art found a new meaning in my heart. Last night, at bible study, I received a fresh word from God. I found truth for lies I had been believing. I learned a very clear lesson. Here is a simple visual explanation. If your hungry for more, send me an e-mail or a comment and I'll share the whole lesson with you!

My 'truth' + 0 = INCOMPLETE
My 'truth' + Satan's lies = CAPTIVITY

God's Truth > my 'truth'

My 'truth' + God's Truth = FREEDOM!!!

This simple cross is made with broken chains. I've been a child of God for 16 years, but friends, He is choosing now to break some chains away from my life. Hallelujah! That's about all I can say.

This is a picture of my first day of food journaling from a happy heart! Having struggled with food-related strongholds for quite sometime, this is a beautiful picture to me. Isaiah 44 says,

He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him;
he cannot save himself, or say,
"Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?"
Remember theses things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel.
I have made you, you are my servant;
O Israel, I will not forget you.
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

So much of finding true freedom is not only receiving truth from God, but telling the truth to myself. Self-delusion is a very real way to stay captive to whatever struggle you may face. In Isaiah 45, God says...

I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

Isn't it beautiful that He will never lead us astray. God doesn't have a heart to selfishly make us do it His way. No, out of the depths of His love, He calls us to His heart as deep calls to deep.

So this little journal is a visual reminder that my heart is changing.

I've been thinking about using my love for scrapbooking to express a bit of what God is doing in my life. You are seeing the baby-beginnings of some new art.

Over the years, I keep returning to this copy of la Biblia. I think my heart has just found a home in its pages over and over. This little snapshot shows a little of the loving on the page. I love that at the bottom, Jesus says, 'I tell you the truth.' My Savior tells me the truth. Amen!

Labels: everyday art, Scrapbooking, truth

There's something about the new year that makes us think about change. What will my journey look like this year? Will I read more classical literature, declutter my home or lose a few pounds? Maybe I will embark on a life-changing adventure that leaves me so invigorated I will never again have to bother with the minute details in life like laundry or bills.
Something I have come to realize is that life is a lot like knitting. You have to go out and explore enough to be inspired. Once you are inspired to make something, you have to get everything you need together in one spot. Find the right size needles, the perfect pattern, some yarn you find incredibly beautiful. Now I suppose you could knit something and leave the art out of it. Knitting can be strictly utilitarian or I can choose to use my talents to create perfectly wonderful art.
From my knitting I've learned a little bit about moving forward in 2008. This year I plan to balance the social and solitary sides of life. It is my time with friends and new faces that inspires me to keep dreaming. On the other hand, it is often my solitary time that allows me to work out the logistics of those dreams.
Making these fingerless, Texas winter gloves has brought some warmth to my hands and a little clarity to the future.

2008...It's gonna be GREAT!

Labels: everyday art, Knitting

Bri and I went on a photography outing at Purgatory Creek in search of some fall foliage. Despite the fact that it is mid December, fall is just getting into full swing here in San Marcos. Enjoy a few glimpses of our expedition.
A photographer.
I absolutely love these berries. I don't actually know if they are berries, but I love them nonetheless.I find it interesting that nature offers beauty in death. We set out to find color and we found gray, yellow and evergreen. It wasn't what we expected, but it was a perfect morning. Hallelujah.

Labels: beauty, everyday art