Day 190 - Race

Pencil

"... run with patience
the race that is set before us ..." Heb. 12:1-3

Patience always seems like a hard lesson. Anything worthwhile requires patience which requires a price. In the world of creativity it means training and years of persistence and preparation. I believe endurance is a key to patience.

Two more of my favorite verses hold these lines:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness ..." (2 Thes 4:7, 8)

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,
but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore run, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:
lest that by any means when I have preached to others,
I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corin 9:24-27)

I find myself taking the focus off the race many times. I need to stay on the goal, which requires self-discipline and the desire to achieve. I find myself tired at times and want to let the determination slide but I keep thinking of these verses and I try to rely on God to keep me moving forward.

My husband's headstone reads "Looking Unto Jesus" which I took from the verse below. It really sums up my faith, which constantly requires patience and endurance. I'm ok with that.

"run with patience (endurance, persistence) the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith ... For consider Him that endured ... lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Day 189 - Journal

Photoshop

I find journaling to be a creative outlet. My journals are filled with images more than words, but sometimes I write down important quotes, lines from poems or books or Bible verses, as well as my thoughts at the time.

I found these three ideas to creative journaling at Cloth, Paper, Scissors - one of my favorite creativity magazines:


1. Journal the same thing three ways: normal, with eyes closed, and then with your non-dominant hand.
2. Change out paper pages for fabric.
3. Journal your summer bucket list—leave room for notes as you complete each item!

Day 188 - Heat

Watercolor - not the best image, but trust me, it's coming out great!

I am a German/Irish woman who cannot stand the heat so I must get out of the kitchen. I love the cold, snow, ice, skiing, ice skating, walking in the snow - basically all but shoveling (and yet, that would be great in this heat wave). It has been a difficult set of days trying to get work done. It's over tomorrow, for a short break, so I'll make the most of it. Thank you God, for my new air conditioner courtesy of my boss! Sleeping is once again, one of life's great pleasures.

Day 187 - Mandala

Watercolor

A mandala is a Sanskrit word that loosely means circle. It represents wholeness and can be a blueprint for our relationship to the the world that is within and goes beyond our bodies and minds.

It can have spiritual meaning and can be used as an aid to meditation.

For me, it establishes a sacred space in my art.

I am working on a series of mandalas as part of this creative blog project.

Day 186 - Pets

Watercolor

My dog is my lifeline to my old life and my new. He is my constant and yet I know he won't be here forever. I feel blessed to have had this dog in my life. My gift from God as I see him. Faithful and beloved.

Day 185 - Cleaning

Watercolor

I am on vacation soon and of all things I want to clean my house. I plan on a mass attack of scrubbing, dusting, vacuuming and the most fun of all - throwing out, selling and giving things away.

I think that cleaning and clearing releases negative energy and makes room for new ideas and dreams.

Summer cleaning is a great way to attract new creativity and opportunities.

I'm ready.

Day 184 - Peaceful

Watercolor

peace·ful

Free from war, strife, commotion, violence, or disorder, pertaining to a state or time of peace; not argumentative, quarrelsome, or hostile: a peaceful disposition.

(from dictionary.reference.com)