Friday, June 21, 2013

Paint Party Friday: Surrounded by Love


A lot of the comments I got from my last post,
was about how I make my little paintings.
I start with drawing what I want to highlight
from my scripture reading.
Then I trace my drawing with carbon paper
onto my background
which is usually splotches of acrylic paint.

Today's reading is about how 
the eyes are the lamp of the body.
I also traced her veil and cut it out.

I glued down the cardstock.
Here she is, ready to be painted on!

"The lamp of the body is the eye."
Matthew 6:22
"What we take in through our eyes 
shapes the focus of our hearts
and even our actions." (from The Word Among Us)

I have to confess that I am not very careful 
about what I see on TV.
It is invariably on while I am in my craftroom,
and I watch all sorts of inane shows.
As I am working on something,
I can't really concentrate on whatever is showing
and I end up watching either a talk show
or something that does not require my full attention.
But subconsciously, what is my mind taking in?
I know about Kim Kardashian's baby
and how whats-his-name told Katy Perry he was 
divorcing her!

I really need to be more discerning
 when it comes to what I watch!
Because I want my heart and actions 
to be truly in line with what God wants for me!

Sometimes our words-
even though well-intentioned and devout-
can drown out the words God wants to speak to us.
If I keep the TV on,
I hear all sorts of worldy things!

May I be surrounded by His love!
May I be intentional about what I surround myself with!

May YOU be surrounded by His love!!



Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!

This week,
random.org chose #7,
Christine who enjoys sketching
and a good laugh! 


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

WOYWW: Practice Makes Perfect!


I was surprised to see my desk looking so neat this morning!
Ha ha, I can imagine some of you shaking their heads,
and saying, "This is neat?????"
Well, for me it is!

BUT WAIT!!!
Look what's underneath my table, by my feet,
when I am working!!!!
This is where I get bits and pieces of paper
for my collages.

Here is how I start with my paintings.
I usually draw the design on a scrap piece of paper.
Then I use carbon paper to trace it on to one of my backgrounds.

Today the verse I read is from 2 Corinthians 9:6-
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

I am sure most people would like to reap bountifully!
What is the secret to reaping bountifully?
To be GENEROUS!!!

God's economy is soooo different from the world's economy.
His ways are the total opposite, I'd say!
It's not just about money, it's also about time!
We have to be generous with whatever we have-
even our words!
ESPECIALLY with those who cannot pay us back!

How can I start today, to plant seeds of love
in the hearts of those I meet?
May I be sensitive to the needs of others,
and not withhold my time, my money, 
my encouragement and praise,
my service, my home....

Yes! Practice makes perfect!
How do you intend to practice love today?


Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!

This week,
Random.org chose
#4, Peggy Gato of 
Peggy's Mixed Up Art!
Take a look at her amusing photo collages.


Monday, June 17, 2013

The Butterfly Effect

I loved what I read this morning
from the Word Among Us.
It was about the Butterfly Effect,
a theory initiated by Edward Lorenz in 1972.
"Does the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil
set off a tornado in Texas?"

In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus teaches us about 
generosity and forgiveness.
He tells us that instead of the Old Testament
"an eye for an eye" mentality,
we should be kind and generous
to those who do mean things to us.
"He knows that one small act of mercy
can have great consequences...
Our negative actions can have unforeseen results."

If I am irritated and show it to my family
in the morning,
my husband and son may be in a bad mood all day!
And who knows where that might lead!

I made this for my friend who lost 2 babies
in miscarriages.
She wanted a copy of a painting on the internet
to hang on her wall.
I hope whoever the artist is,
will forgive me for copying his wonderful work.

One small act of love will send ripples 
and you never know where it may reach.
Our prayers have unforeseen effects.
Even if most of the people I "meet"
on the internet I have never seen,
I like to pray for them.
We are all interconnected.
That is how God made us-
a big family!And He is our Father
who loves us all!


Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!

This week,
Random.org chose
#4, Peggy Gato of 
Peggy's Mixed Up Art!
Take a look at her amusing photo collages.

Blessings,
Patsy