Plans for the Future

This is short and sweet today....I've been grand-babysitting most of it.
Here's an amazing kid friendly painting project using bubble wrap and rubber stamps.  Details below.

This project re-purposes bubble wrap in a way that you may not think of.   I kind of relate that to our existence.   God has plans and purposes for us of which we would never dream. He says, "Call unto me and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3) He would paint our world in technicolor if we would only let him lead.

Aren't you curious about the picture he wants to paint with you?  How he molds us and shapes will be ongoing until we reach that glorious moment of promise.

Trust him today for your future!
Laura

Art Instructions:  
Supplies:   Bubble wrap              Paint in bright colors(Washable poster paint or liquid acrylic)
                large shape rubber stamps.  My stamps were the inexpensive foam backed type
                Heavy paper or canvas  (I used very cheap paper for the demo  above)

Cut bubble wrap into desired shape.  We did squares.

Puddle the paint on a surface large enough to accommodate the rubber stamp (we used foam paper plates).

Lightly press the bubble wrap squares into the paint.  Then  press it onto paper.
Repeat this process with different colors.  Don't worry if a few bubbles don't make an impression

When the background has dried, you are ready for the rubber stamp.

Lightly press stamp into an opposite color, or contrasting color, then press over the dotted squares.

Once all paint is dry you can draw an outline around the squares if desired.  These looked very nice when mounted on a piece of black construction paper.

Free as a Beagle

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:
and he delighteth in his way.    Psalm 37:23

I had my day all planned out.  A little cleaning then blockade myself in the office and W-O-R-K.  I've been out of the office for a week due to appointments and other obligations.  But, as I was going in to my den to work, I received a frantic call from my daughter.  Their beagle, Monk, had escaped out of the house after she had carried in groceries (the door had not closed all the way).  She has 3 children 3 and under.  They live on a very busy street.  The beagle will not come when called.  Retrieving him was not going to be easy.    I told her I would be right over (they only live 3 miles away).  I scribbled a note for my husband, Tom, grabbed my car keys, and ran out the door just as Tom came home.  He jumped in the car with me and away we went on a rescue mission.

Long story short- the beagle’s fine-daughter only mildly frazzled.  She threw the kids (well, not literally) back in the car and drove down a side road where she thought the dog might have run–and Praise the Lord - there he was.  She parked, jumped out and managed to grab him.  She called us on our cell phone, but we were almost there anyway–so we went on.  We helped cart all the kids back inside.  Felicity had peanut butter all over her face (she was eating when Monk escaped), the baby was in just a shirt and diaper (he was getting changed when the dog ran), and the oldest, Ivy, was just excited about the whole adventure.

And Monk…..he tried to escape twice more while we were there!!  He’s a good dog with the kids – but if he gets loose he’s off on a scent. (Funny thing, part of the shopping trip included purchase of a new leash and stake out for the dog.   They have a fenced yard – but he can still wiggle under in places.)  He also has to wear 2 collars when leashed because he usually squirms out of one.  The double collar system seems to work. (note the picture)

So what’s my point?   Another work day interruption turned into a time of enjoying unplanned smiles and giggles from the grandkids.  And when I returned back to my art table – all I had in my mind’s eye was a picture of a very care free beagle bounding through a field – not a care or worry plaguing him.   It wasn’t my planned work for the day but it was too vivid to resist painting.  It was the quickest and easiest rendering I’ve done in a while.

And I think God reminded me that when we allow Him to order our steps we can feel as care free as a beagle---ears flapping, tonque lolling -----er, well----you get the picture!  Holier living is allowing God to do the planning then we can enjoy the adventure!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.   Psalms 37:23

New Year's Resolution & the Fear Factor

There is something enchanting about January 1st, a new year laying before us - without blemish or fracture.  A path waiting to explore, pursue and even dream. A time for New Year's resolutions, commitments and planning.  The New Year is like a piece of fresh white paper that can become a Mona Lisa, a Monet, or a paper airplane - depending on the hand that touches it.  I, like you, have my plans, purpose and dreams for this year.  But the other day as I was trying to establish my home work schedule.  I was frustrated by interruptions, some were welcomed, but the biggest frustration was the FEAR FACTOR.  The fear of FAILURE in my new endeavors.  Finally, I realized I was failing.  I was failing to include something in my planning.  I had not gone to the architect, the builder, the creator of all that is good for His encouragement. I was once again trying to do everything under ME-power.  You'd think at my age and years as a Christian I wouldn't need to be reminded about. . .
      Placing God first - even for encouragement!  Making him the foundation of any project is like buying one of those ubiquitous appliance warranties.   If something goes wrong - God is there to repair, to replace, to renew.  And he did send me encouragement through my oldest daughter.  She is a great cheerleader, strong Christian, and a motivator.  (You can meet her at  http://www.lessonsfromivy.com/).
      Okay - so now God has the master blueprint, our new year is blank and clean. . .waiting for his hand to touch it. . . to create. . . to shape. . . to be meaningful. . . to direct our lives. . .  then why does  fear keep gripping our heart and hand and mind and stalling us from doing and achieving our best?       
       Because, if we ourselves are not a clean slate - then how can we expect a marvelous working within the New Year?  If our hearts are not clean and focused on God we cannot see the blueprint, much less follow it. This scripture from Psalm 51:10 reminds us  to be renewed for the New Year, and for each day.  We can start by letting God clean our hearts and renew the 'right' spirit.  And if we have the right spirit - nothing is impossible for God.  And according to Psalm 37:4 when we  ' Delight thyself also in the LORD. . . he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.'
      What do you want to commit to God this year?  Is it your FEAR factor?  Leave a comment to share.