Hi friends! Just letting you know about the New Stickers and tags in my shop!
Xo,
Etsy
It’s ESPECIALLY fun, when I can combine the two! I’m slowly adding items to my Etsy shop, as I learn how to use my quarantine machine, the CRICUT ❤️
I created watercolor designs by hand, and then made them into kiss cut stickers. If you’re interested, visit me on Etsy @ 1Arthouse.
Hope you all have a GREAT Holiday Weekend!
Much love,
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Doodle 101 / Back To School/ Wooing Through Distress
My daughter has 3 children, 2 school age and one very active toddler. She is a teacher by trade, so homeschooling during this Covid confusion might be easier for her, right? As I watched her breakdown in tears after walking her kindergartener through his first day of “virtual school” I realized that her pain over the loss of going to a classroom for the first time, meeting a new teacher, making new friends, and experiencing the joys she once had, run deep. It was heartbreaking. We want good things for our children (& Grandchildren!) We want the BEST for them. I want GOD’S best for them:)
I know from my own trial and (much) error, that the only way forward is through…and the only way to make it to the other side with joy and hope is by clinging to the Lord for every step. Is it easier? No, not really…BUT, in times like these, the Lord is so good to provide what we need if we dare to believe.
Getting used to a new normal, will never feel normal, if we are stuck in the past. It is so challenging to remember that this in NOT our home, and it will never feel normal. Here, we will always long for the garden. Each day we are required to choose. Do we choose to believe this is it or do we trust that our home is being prepared for us by our Groom. Our good Father gives us a new day….EVERYDAY, and this is our best hope! Our discomfort is the blessing and vehicle God uses to woo is bride…
I encourage you to read all of Job Chapter 36.
We are held down by our misunderstanding of restriction, when we view our world with the limitations of man. God has so much more for us if only we would look up. In the hope of a new day, there is always the blessing of a better way. One that we cannot find for ourselves. We must abide… pray continually…rely on God to order each step.
King Solomon knew that if He prayed according to God’s will, the Lord would answer…Solomon prayed for wisdom to better love and serve God’s people. Yahweh honored that prayer because it was motivated by love for both Himself and others. The Lord made Solomon the wisest King on earth.
Modeling this kind of prayer changed my life. No longer do I limit my requests to what my human mind can imagine, but trust that God has so much MORE than I could EVER imagine, when I am motivated by LOVE. (Ephesians 3:20)
I found an article by John Piper that explains Job Chapter 36 in great depth. With the link below, you can read or listen to this insightful teaching:)
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/job-rebuked-in-suffering
For those of you who are in the midst of much “hard” know you are NOT alone. There are so many facing trials of all kinds. Each of us desperately needs God’s wisdom to evaluate each step we are to take. HIS WAY, is always the BEST WAY. <—— If you’re not sure this is true, keep track of your steps. You’ll see, over time, that when you are in the driver’s seat, the road you are on does not lead to the place of your dreams:)
Again, I encourage you to read Job 36…the whole chapter. I believe Elihu’s words to Job give us hope for the circumstances of “our day.”
PRAY PRAY PRAY for God’s wisdom, it will be given to you, and your steps will then lead to contentment…and life. Your suffering draws you closer to God, and is meant to refine, not destroy.
I am praying for you all, especially for my daughter, and Mom’s like her…who strive to honor their call to train up their children in the way that they should go. It’s not an easy road, but the Lord has given us His BEST GPS…We simply need to turn it on, and follow. We will arrive in God’s timing, to eternity.
Click on the image above for the printable.
Much love,
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My Best Granola
Hello friends!
Wishing you well this Saturday morning! It’s sunny here ☀️
Today I meet with you, simply to share an expression of love in my life…food:)
It brings me such joy to share a gift from my kitchen with others. Cooking is another way I get my creative “out.” I grew up with a Mom that made good food. She was a cook by the book. I’m far less organized than Mom, and I enjoy seeing a dish come together slowly…through the process of “this and that”. For me, it is more about the creative process which leads to a finished plate meant to be shared.
Below is a recipe I share all through the year. It is especially enjoyed at Women’s Bible Study! This granola has traveled on the road with countless loved ones. It has been munched on by hikers, bagged up for giftS, and is often packed up for college students.
This illustration is a new “style” for me. I’ve been messing around with the “retro look.” (Graphics, fonts, backgrounds) I’ve recently been inspired by other artists who have illustrated their recipes this way:)
Here you go! Happy Saturday!
Much love,
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Old Age
Hello!
It’s good to have a chance to sit down and write. I may not have long, so I will try to be brief!
I am in the stage of life where I often alternate between taking care of my aging parent (91) and my precious grandchildren. (Ages soon to be born-9 yrs.) When my first granddaughter was born, I felt stronger. I was of course, almost 10 years younger! Back then, it was my Mom who I cared for…now that she is gone, it is my Dad.
It’s hard to see your parents slowly lose their identity. This is especially true for those who do not have a close relationship with our Lord. Those who seek their identity in people and things. This was/is both of my parents. For my Mom, she curled up with the resentment of a lifetime of hurt, for my Dad, he still reaches to find acceptance from others.
I see myself in them both, they are in my genes, and influenced my youth. I am eternally grateful that my loving Father in heaven, rescued me from these things. They would have been my destruction. I chose to look up, and He pulled me out of the pit.
Many of us grow old (if we are given the time here) and must face the symptoms of aging. If we cling to God, He will continue to give us purpose, and provide what we need to accomplish it. I’ve always looked at aging as God’s mercy. For many, a lifetime is lived pursuing self. We get to the end of our rope, and we find that we can’t muster up what we really need. What we’ve been looking for all our lives. Our Savior.
So, in God’s loving mercy, He slowly strips away our reliance of self. This is when we might finally realize He is with us, and then take His hand.
I find this verse in Isaiah so comforting.
I’m so weary of the demands, and even the wounds of the past…but, I know that if I continue to look up, God will provide for me the compassion, perseverance, patience, wisdom and strength needed to be the daughter He calls me to be.
Click on the image above to print 🙂
Many hugs to those of you out there caring for the aging. It is hard, but we might each be there one day. I try to remember that, and love (with God’s help!) even when my flesh wants to run.
Much love,
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“I’ve Pitched My Tent In The Land Of Hope”
A friend of mine, asked me to help lend a visual for a tent. After studying Acts 2:26 in Women’s Bible Study, it’s what comes to my mind whenever I think of, or see a tent:)
Acts 2:26
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope (NIV)
This same verse is written like this in The Message
“I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.”
Thinking about tents a little further, I created a list of ”attributes”
- Temporary Home
- Shelter, Protection
- Supported by an organized structure (The Church)
- Held up by it’s frame (Truth)
- Tied or “rooted” to the ground (Faith)
Abraham left all He had known to obey the Lord’s command and follow Him to a place that was foreign, and for a time, temporary. He lived in tents, and looked forward to the “city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
While we dwell here on earth, in our temporary home, let us “pitch our tent, in the land of hope!” For we can rest in the promise, that we will one day live in “a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God!”
Revelation 21: Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bridebeautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
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ROMANS 14
Today’s post was inspired by a timely message given by Beth Guckenberger who is serving as Interim Pastor for a local church here, The Vineyard Cincinnati.
I’ve written many posts highlighting my friend Beth. She and her husband took and assignment from God some 20+ years ago to begin a great work caring for orphans.
“Back2Back Ministries is the best orphan care organization operating in the world today.”
-Steve Biondo, President, Tim Tebow Foundation
This year, Back2Back launched a new global ministry, TRAMA FREE WORLD.
Breaking the cycle of childhood trauma
Trauma Free World is a community dedicated to helping people around the world heal from childhood trauma. We are headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA and offer training all around the world, as well as online for anyone with an internet connection or mobile phone. Trauma Free World partners with leading trauma researchers to adapt cutting edge trauma research into training that is accessible to all, regardless of literacy level, and applicable across cultures.
I hope you will take a look at these life changing ministries, and prayerfully consider participating in them!
Beth’s Message comes from Romans 14. “How to Love When We Disagree!” You can listen below…I promise you will be greatly encouraged by it!
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Doodle 101 “Pocket Full Of Sunshine”
Happy Thursday!
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of an Emma Stone Fangirl. She makes me laugh:) She was in a movie that I wouldn’t recommend (due to it’s content/theme) however, there is a scene in the beginning of the movie that keeps this song on repeat for me when I think of her:)
When I listen to this song….I think of JESUS. …my Pocket Full Of Sunshine:)
I like what Billy Graham has to say about sharing your pocket full of SONshine…below is an article from
So how exactly do you shine?
Do not be conformed to this world … —Romans 12:2a, ESV
“Being a light” sounds great, doesn’t it? But it’s also a little abstract. How exactly do you become this brilliant beacon to people around you? Here are 4 practical tips:
- Be careful what you say. The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s pretty serious. And that’s how we should take our speech—seriously. Maybe a parent once told you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s not bad advice, even as an adult. Words are powerful and can be used for good or bad. You might even post this verse somewhere as a reminder: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Read How to Tame the Tongue.
- Consider your entertainment. Where do you go for fun? What shows or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others.
- Use social media wisely. People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently—articles, comments, photos and so on. Could they be seen as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To put others down or make them jealous? Hopefully not. Aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord.
- Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).
Point 2 is something that I’ve personally learned the hard way! It critical what you “put in.” I’ve heard this argument from my kids as long as I can remember… “Watching gory movies, won’t make me a slasher Mom.” Well… It does change your heart over time. It subtly shifts the way you see yourself, others, and even God. You become numb to things, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred…God’s voice gets more distant, and you walk further and further away from Him and the Love, protection and provision He provides. This is the journey we often take towards the mess we can make of our lives. I’ve made plenty of messes. Every point on this list hits home for me, and it’s important to be reminded of them….especially in the culture and climate of today.
“Draw near to the Lord, and He will draw near to you.” -James 4:8
The rest of this verse goes like this… “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
We can’t ride 2 horses…
Stay close to the light, and you’ll have enough Sunshine in your pocket to share:)
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Doodle 101 Salt
Hello!
I love salt. I shouldn’t, but I do. I carry it with me…in a little tin:) This post makes me feel a bit better about my salt addiction:)
1Arthouse 