Live what you Love

I believe, and maybe it is written somewhere that we become whatever it is that we immerse ourselves into.  Surround yourself by God's Word and you are that much closer to LIVING IN God's Word.  Many artists out there are giving us the opportunity to do just that.  These are not your grandma's prayer cards, for sure!  These talented artists are spreading God's words in a beautifully, aesthetically pleasing, wonderful way.

Jeanne Winters paints vintage look art pieces with a message of inspiration.  Her work is truly unique and beautiful.  Thanks for sharing with us Jeanne!  Click on the image to visit her shop and see more truly amazing works of art!

Original Art by Jeanne Winters

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At Red Letter Words you will find another truly unique style of art and way to share your faith.  She creates artwork that is meaningful for her family and her love of God's Word is truly evident.  Visit Red Letter Words to find this and other truly stunning works.

Red Letter Words

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Molly at Tank and Tink makes art from the heart.  Her prints are beautiful and are inspired by the Word of God.  This is one of my favorites, but check out her shop!

TankandTink

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This next piece was created by Susan at Persimmon & Pink.  She sells  prints and toys full of love, graphic punch, sweetness and color. She enjoys working in design and putting her art degree to work.  I like how she had taken that design driven artwork to a place where it can serve our Lord!  Stop by her shop!

persimmon&pink

Have you noticed that all of these are green?  All coincidence.  I guess they must all go in my home and I will have to stop by each shop to make a big purchase!  They are all so different, but coming with a designer training background myself, I must say they work together.  Thank you ladies for sharing!

Scripture for Determination

Because some days you just need help getting through and staying determined.  Call on God for strength.  He is strong where we are weak

I wait for the Lord [I expect, look for, and hope in Him].  I shall change and renew my strength and power.  I shall lift my wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; I shall (am determined to) run and not be weary, I shall walk and not faint or become tired.  Isaiah 40:31 (Amp)

I set my mind and keep it set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.  Colossians 3:2 (Amp)

Do you have those days where you feel like everything is going wrong all at once? I don't mean major life threatening problems, but just a compilation of little things that just make you want to scream?! I am having one of those days.

I thought I'd look for a scripture verse to keep me motivated and keep me going, help me to realize that none of the little things (like the broken fridge, problematic computer, the tiling contractor who is here to redo the bathroom that has spent all day working on the plumbing instead).

Here's what I found:

Rejoice in hope; Be patient in suffering; Be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Though I am surrounded by troubles, my God will preserve me against the anger of my enemies. He will clench his fist against my angry enemies! His power will save me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life--for his faithful love endures forever. Psalm 138:7-8

I am overcome with joy because of God's unfailing love, for He has seen my troubles, and He cares about the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7

This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life. Psalm 119:50

No, my problems are not real problems, just minor annoyances. But I wonder what the enemy will try to push us to when we are trying to walk in righteousness. Patience? Endurance? Faithfulness? Anger?

Oh my! And now the pipes are making a really loud clanging sound, likely disturbing the sleeping child who had refused to take a nap today. Oh well!

Zechariah 12:5

My personal favorite scripture:

Great strength comes from faith in God. Zechariah 12:5

I have this scripture in a frame that I bought years ago hanging on my wall. I was going through a really tough time and when I saw it in the store, it spoke to me so much that I couldn't leave without it. This scripture has sustained me through some difficult moments.

However, just a few moments ago I decided to look up the scripture, just to do my own referencing. I found the verse is quite different from the quote on the wall art. The scripture according to the New International Version reads:

5 Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts, 'The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God.' Zech 12:5

I am glad to have this verse translated this way. I think sometimes it's too easy to read through a passage and miss the message.

What are your favorite Scriptures?

Add them here so we can surround ourselves by tons of wonderful spritual inspiration.
Close your eyes and just breathe out the scriptures that you hold close to your heart. Share them if you wouldn't mind!

God Steps In

Sometimes I can't quote exact scriptures to support what I am saying. I am taking the dive into scriptural artwork in hopes I can keep my nose burried in scripture improve this weakness. So when I say something that really sort of sounds like it was meant to be a direct quote and isn't, it's because I need time to look up the exact location.

Today I praise that God is awsome. He has a plan for our lives that we can't possibly understand or comprehend until after all the pieces have fallen into place. 3 weeks ago if you would have told be that I would be approached by the founder of Frame Changers, an incredible site whose desire is to get the Word out and into the hands of people. Jen Cybert, the head of it all, told me that her desire is to find ways to keep your hands in the Word, even when those hands are not free! And with soon to be four children, I can't believe hers are ever truly free! I believe we need to keep our hands in prayer and our face turned always to the Lord. Jen and her team have developed a wonderful website in which I am hoping to soon take part. Frame Changes went live this week and is going to be filled with scripture in the artistic form.

So often in our lives we do not participate in or build the relationship we want with God because we can't find the time. Our jobs, our families, our kids, and a million obligations on top of that causes us to lose the most important part of our day: looking and keeping our heads turned toward God's face. He has the ability to give us energy reserves to spare. He has the ability to allow situations and opportunities to come into your life to sweep you right off your feet.

Keep your eyes on Him and all the rest will fall into place!

Have you seen God today?

My day is only half over and yet I sit back and look for the fingerprints of God. In the wee hours of the morning, my 15 month old son, Conner, decided it was time to wake up and play. He was awake in his crib for several hours before finally falling back to sleep. I layed there in bed, listening to the baby monitor wondering how hard I needed to pray in order to have God gently ease him back to sleep. The hours were passing by and I decided that if I had to be awake, I may as well get something done.

I came to my office and opened the computer to look to see if there had been any activity in my Etsy shop overnight. I found a message from a girl living in Indonesia. She found my shop and recognized my location because she has family here, and spent a good deal of time growing up near here. We exchanged a few lines, and as Conner finally fell back to sleep, I went back to bed.

I knew that I would be very tired today, and as such, not a better mom for having been awake all night. But at the same time I realized how amazing it was that I was able to break out of my small little world and talk to someone on the other side of the globe. I feel like I lead a small life, wondering what kind of impression I will leave behind, but the opportunities God puts before me are amazing.