my Garden

~~~

Good Morning...

Welcome to my garden.

~~~

Join me in a quick walk...

~~~

~ the words to my mother's favorite hymn ~

I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

~~~

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

~~~

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

~~~

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

~~~

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

~~~

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

~~~

THe TiME iS NoW

It seems that my Apologizing to Vincent entry struck a lovely chord inside many hearts (neato frito). See the entry HERE . That is always the intention, but has nothing to do with me. Blogs are wonderful that way - they are there if you care to look - and if you don’t care to look - you simply don’t. Those who do look might learn something new about themselves. (again, neato frito). That is certainly an amazing thing. In any case - I have been touched by the large number of readers and responders... which, again, has nothing to do with me. (megalicious neato frito with dip).

I am impressed at the lengths non-account bloggers go to get messages to me and I am thankful! I am also extremely thankful (as if thankfulness has degrees) to the four blogs that featured my Vincent entry. It meant that the message of self-examination, forgiveness, and seeking the Truth (and nothing but the Truth) was seen by many more than I imagined ~ AND hurting hearts found a small measure of comfort, ~ AND hearts that saw themselves in the entry were moved to evaluate their own part in the drama of life, ~AND lost hearts were welcomed, again, to a safe place.

Because I felt my own heartstrings tugged on by Vincent’s life situation (obviously), I thought I’d feature a piece of my own altered art that showcases Van Gogh's face and his art (along with other art & artists) …


This piece is sold, but I have intentions of creating another somewhat like it one day soon. I cleaned my studio ~~ for a party - to ease the embarrassment of my family ~~ and now it's like I have all new "stuff" to play with!



We close our eyes and wonder how much longer the earth can hold the tears of all its children. We wonder what became of Eden while we live in the garden we have grown. But there will be hope when we finally understand we were never meant to make it on our own.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



We look ahead and try to face the future, but find we have no heart for this tomorrow. There is a vision that is brighter and if we will believe, it’s not too late. For every decision becomes a destination and today we face a choice that cannot wait.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



Now is the time and today is the day. Now is the time and we cannot delay. This is the moment and this is the place for the mercy, the power, the love, and the grace.



The time is now to hear the call. From the Father of creation comes an answer for us all.
The time is here. The time for you. If you seek, then you will find Him and the moment that you do ~ Seal your heart with a sacred vow. The time is now.



The time is now. The time is now. Now is the time and today is the day. Now is the time and we cannot delay. Now is the time....



~Twila Paris 1995

MiDNiGHT PoPPY

~~~~

Take a Look Through My Eyes...

(~Phil Collins)

"There are things in life you learn and, oh, in time you'll see it's out there somewhere.
It's all waiting if you keep believing.
So don't run. Don't hide. It will be alright, you'll see! Trust Me!
I'll be there watching over you.


Just take a look through My eyes. There's a better place somewhere out there. Just take a look through My eyes. Everything changes. You'll be amazed what you'll find! (There's a better place)! If you look through My eyes.


There will be times on this journey all you'll see is darkness, but out there somewhere, daylight finds you if you keep believing. So don't run. Don't hide. It will be alright, you'll see! Trust Me! I'll be there watching over you.


Just take a look through My eyes. Theres better place somewhere out there. Just take a look through My eyes. Everything changes, you'll be amazed what you'll find! (Theres a better place)! If you look through My eyes.


All the things that you can change. There's a meaning in everything and you will find all you need. There's so much to understand. Take a look (take a look) through My eyes.
Theres a better place somewhere out there.


Just take a look (take a look) through My eyes. Everything changes. You'll be amazed what you'll find (You'll be amazed if you just take a look)! Look through My eyes. Theres a better place somewhere out there. Just take a look through My eyes. Everything changes. You'll be amazed what you'll find if you look through My eyes.

Just take a look through My eyes.
If you look through My eyes ...Take a look through my eyes"

Midnight Poppy...

The thing to remember in the darkness is that the color is not actually GONE - you just can't see it...until the light shines again ~ and it always does.

Darkness lies - but it doesn't take away the truth.

The color is never gone...it is ALWAYS in the LIGHT.

2.5" x 3.5" ~ heavy gouache watercolor

joy in the journey,
katey-D
psalm 103

Apologizing to Vincent

Forgive me, Vincent...

Please play the song as you read this blog. I have loved the song as long as I can remember, but today it made me weep because I now understand what the source of his pain was…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I spent a majority of my major in upper level and graduate level art history classes - yet somehow I missed an important detail in Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Don McClean didn’t fully clue me in when he sang about Vince, and the sky, and love…though I see now that McClean understood, too.

Starry Night ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1889, Oil on Canvas 73 × 92 cm, 28¾ × 36¼ in

The Van Gogh Gallery says of the painting:

“Perhaps the cool dark colors and the fiery windows spark memories of our own warm childhood years filled with imagination of what exists in the night and dark starry skies. The center point of the town is the tall steeple of the church, reigning largely over the smaller buildings. This steeple casts down a sense of stability onto the town, and also creates a sense of size and seclusion. ”

The ‘fiery windows’ and the ‘sense of stability’ from the steeple are at odds with what I now see and know.

Vincent’s father was a minister. Vincent desired to follow in his father’s footsteps to share the hope of Jesus Christ with the least of these. He ‘trained’ for it, but was a poor student. He was poor at public speaking. He wasn’t a natural. It was a struggle.

Yet because of his sincerity, he was assigned as an evangelist to a small coal-mining town in Belgium where he could fulfill his heart’s desire. He found himself deeply moved by the destitute flock and all he experienced there. He was moved to sketch and paint these people. His superiors admired his care and concern, but after about 6 months the church terminated his assignment due to his lack of preaching skills.

Now look at his painting Starry Night.

The windows of the church are black and cold.

In another painting, The Church at Auvers, notice the church is dark inside and has no doors. His deep disappointment from his ‘failures’ as a preacher and the church’s response never healed. I am grieved.

The Church at Auvers ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1890Oil on Canvas, 94 x 74cm - 37 x 29 Inches

Rory Noland, in his book The Heart of The Artist, (which I do NOT recommend or endorse, but am referencing to make my point) notes this of Van Gogh:

“One can’t help but wonder how different Van Gogh’s life might have been had the church encouraged him to be what God obviously made him to be - an artist. I wish a caring Christ-follower had come along side him and said “Hey, Vince, maybe preaching is not your thing. But God gave you an amazing ability to paint and draw, so why not serve God with your art instead of trying to be a preacher?”

I would only add to Noland’s "wish" that Van Gogh could have indeed fulfilled his heart’s desire to preach THROUGH his art and not given up that aspect at all. I believe they are one and the same in the heart of an artist called by God. It is not an either / or.

Actually, Vincent does 'preach' through his art - and still does. He just didn't know it.

He lived in a different day.

I also want to note that because the 'church' of his time (or even one or two or a few particular people) treated him the way they apparently did - is not a reflection of Jesus and His response to such as these.

Always get to know Jesus…go to the source for the answers, not the counterfeits.

My experience in the last year ministering to the 'darkened church’ has reminded me that all who proclaim the name of Christ are not little Christ’s themselves (ie “Christians“, or “Christ-Followers”). There is a mission field inside the so-called 'church' to these lost ones.

I understand the dark windows in Starry Night.

I understand the doorless building that is The Church at Auvers.

My family informally 'counsels' (loving and listening) with the wounded and messed up product of such places. We have spent late nights with the young ones who have lopped off their own ears (metaphorically) in the wake of manipulation and false teaching. Preachers who lie in the name of Christ have a special necklace awaiting them (it’s called a millstone).

I want to apologize to all the Vincent’s out there who have ever been hurt by those in the (so-called) ‘church’. I plead with you to trust again -- and know that this manipulation & deceit is not the message of the true Church - the true Body of Jesus Christ.

“They would not listen - they're not list'ning still -- perhaps they never will.”

We are listening! Don’t cast aside those who still uphold the Truth and want you to know there is Hope.

“They would not listen - they did not know how -- perhaps they'll listen now.”

Yes!

'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

~Revelation 3:20-21

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ADDED NOTE:

Anyone who imagines him/herself in this particular blog should be aware it is not targeted at a specific group - or a specific person (or written in CODE or as a way to vent-- wink wink) - but to all of us in 'the church’ as a whole… it is about self-examination as a body - and was born out of the personal experiences of witnessing the pieces of broken hearts scattered along the paths of life... victims of those who lie and deceive from inside the "church"

No code there... no venting there...

Van Gogh was a casualty.

There are casualties every day.

I have been thanked by some recent casualties…thanked for trying to understand and for attempting to reach out to them...in Truth.

Sometimes the Church just messes up because they are not mature; they make a mistake - they don’t mean to - it just happens … we all do that… and sometimes the "church" messes up because they are not walking in the Light...THAT is not acceptable.

This blog also contains entries on Forgiveness,
Pain,
and
Owning up to Our Own 'Stuff'.

Take a look around ...

I'LL FoLLow the SoN

GooDBYe ~ MoViNG oN ...

The song has been hosted by a youtube user (totally unknown to me or endorsed by me) - simply click the tiny icon to play while you read - easy cheesey (it takes a moment to load). If you click too often it will open a new window and take you off-site into youtube land which is not our intended journey today. If you play it through and want to hear it again - you will need to refresh the entire page and repeat the process. Thank-You

"One day you'll look to see I've gone ~ For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. Some day you'll know I was the one ~ But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. And now the time has come and so, my love, I must go ~And though I lose a friend in the end you will know, oh. One day you'll find that I have gone ~ But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. And now the time has come and so, my love, I must go ~ And though I lose a friend in the end you will know, oh. One day you'll find that I have gone ~ But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. "
The Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun

Featured Art on eBay: an old distressed altered suitcase.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQsassZblueyeduckQQsbrsrtZd

I am a crazed suitcase collector - and have been a long while (way before it was a fad)! I have stacks of vintage cases as end tables, lampstands, a stereo tower, etc - they are everywhere!

I feel like we are travellers afterall - on our way to somewhere else. The suitcases all around make it look like we are ready to go at any moment - living in expectancy of a grand journey.

This song lyric (I'll Follow the Sun) popped into my head - and perfectly coupled itself with a tattered suitcase (representing our journey to a better place). We have been in a transition for exactly one year and finally, by God's grace & mercy, have it figured out. I am thrilled to have created this from what I thought was 'worthless' (yes, metaphorically so, but in a real sense too).

Nothing of our last year has been wasted. Regardless of who you serve or where you journey - so long as you serve "as unto God Himself" and journey to be closer to God in all His purity & Truth ~ the blessing remains.

One day eyes that are blind will see You clearly ~ And one day all who deny will finally believe. One day hearts made of stone will break in pieces ~ And one day chains once unbroken will fall down at Your feet ~ So we wait for that one day come quickly! We want to see Your Glory ~ Every knee falls down before Thee. Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised. Singing Glory to You and unto You only - We'll sing Glory to Your name.

One day voices that lie will all be silent ~ One day all that's divided will be whole again. One day death will retreat and wave it's white flag. One day love will defeat the strongest enemy. So we wait for that one day come quickly! We want to see Your Glory ~ Every knee falls down before Thee. Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised. Singing Glory to You and unto You only - We'll sing Glory to Your name.

We know not the day or the hour. Or the moments in between ~ But we know the end of the story when we'll see ...
~"Glory" by Nicole Nordeman

~joy in the journey

Katey-D

Psalm 103

pray for me

~some days it seems there is irony is everthing~

Willow Creek SCRiBBLeS

~JULY FOLLOW UP COMMENTARY AT END OF ENTRY~

God scribbles on our hearts in ways we may not even notice. When we do pause to notice, we will see a masterpiece emerge from those scribbles… those many elements… those doodles of life we experience as joy, peace, pain, confusion, understanding and all the other feelings of the rainbow.
I just spent several days in Chicago at an arts conference with thousands … and thousands of other artists. There was much scribbling going on.

“Hallelujah ~ What’s Right with the World” was an international gathering of artists in every texture, fragrance, color, and flavor that exists on GOD's palette.

To quote them directly (in part) from the 2008 event site (which is relevant to what just took place): “The Arts Conference 2008 brings together thousands of church staff and volunteers who, like you, are out there on the front lines of ministry week after week. This outstanding three-day experience draws participants from over 1,000 different churches—and is filled with opportunities to sharpen your vision and fill up your creative and spiritual “tanks.” Check out the '07 event to see more of what really goes on at The Arts Conference.”

It was massive, yet personal.
It was affirming, yet challenging.
It was a contradiction.

That was the point, they said, to challenge us to live in ‘the contradiction’.

...because... where would the world be without artists? Artists often 'contradict' reason...and from that we can sometimes find beauty and deeper understanding of the Truth that has been there before all time.

I am soberly reminded (ears open - eyes open alert) that this 'contradiction' is interesting and viable so long as we proceed in the Truth.

I have become aware of those who feel the Truth isn't enough anymore - and something 'new' needs added ... a "new truth" they say.

The Truth I know is complete. The joy and refreshment comes when I follow closely and discover His richness all over again.

There is nothing new under the sun ~ King Solomen indeed knew what he was saying.

In light of eternity - this is vanity of vanities - I take comfort in that. My place is secured. I am free.

~~~~~

I walked way outside of my comfort zone to even go.

In the midst of huge transitional struggles in my own life ... and walking in a place of imminent change made it ridiculous to go. Still... God, who is oh so creative in His planning, predestined this time and place in my life for me to go and be exactly where I needed to be regardless of my circumstance.
The event, for me, was about recapturing my place as an artist (something so hard to say) in the world and in the Church. No one had to know me there and yet, they ‘got me’ instantly. We didn’t have to speak, yet we were in communion. As artists we generally do not find that in our real worlds, let alone our churches.
As one who walks that crevice between right brain and left brain (being neither one nor the other more dominantly as so many are) I have yet another isolation point.

I’m a hemisphere tightrope walker.

When I lean left, my art relationships see their conservative antithesis. When I lean right, my intellectual relationships dismiss me as less than I am. We can change that ~ together. In our real worlds... In our churches.

Our different textures, fragrances, colors, flavors, sounds, and emotions are the very things that unite us. Our differences make us the same.

It was something beautiful.

There's no need to mess with the Truth to experience that.

SOMETHiNG BEAUTiFUL

(just listen - sing along if you want)

“I wanna start it over ~ I wanna start again

I want a new a new beginning ~ One without any end

I feel it inside ~ Calling out to me

It's a voice that whispers my name ~ It's a kiss without any shame

Something beautiful

Like a song that stirs in my head ~ Singing love will take us where

Something's beautiful

I've heard it in the silence ~ Seen it on a face

I've felt it in a long hour ~ Like a sweet embrace

I know this is true ~ It's calling out to me

It's a voice that whispers my name ~ It's a kiss without any shame

Something beautiful

Like a song that stirs in my head ~ Singing love will take us where

Something's beautiful

It's the child on her wedding day ~ It's the daddy that gives her away

Something beautiful

When we laugh so hard we cry ~ It's the love between you and I

Something beautiful”

NEWSBOYS 2007 “Something Beautiful” from GO

(please visit them on the juke box list to the left to hear the song on their site)

~joy in the journey,

katey-D

psalm 103

pray for me

featured art - watercolor "HANDS OF AN ARTIST"

FOLLOW UP:

Time and distance do give us a sense of perspective and wisdom. We have now looked into many of the speakers we listened to at Willow. There were certain things that popped out like a bad note in a lovely song...like a sneeze in the middle of a quiet prayer. Those pops of conflict that arose throughout the experience were generally soothed by so much aesthetic comfort that we stayed in our comfy paddle boat during the journey and enjoyed the scenic, lovely ride. Since then, however, we have discovered that those pops of conflict in our conscience ... those odd sneezes at inappropriate times, were moments of heresy being introduced. There we were in our conference provided paddle boat - floating along in what appeared as a nice clear river of love and understanding ... flowery fragrance in the air ... all so beautiful. In retrospect we see it was a river of pollution and the fragrance was like candles covering up a secret bathroom odor. I still 'enjoyed' the event as an experience with other artists - but the part that I longed for deepest (as all human souls do) was that spiritual enrichment that comes from gaining understanding from those who have gone ahead in the journey and have good news to report back. Instead, our spiritual radars were beeping warnings we were required to look into once we returned home. Those internal warning systems proved divine as we found so much spiritual error had been shared. God is God and I am not. Don't mess with Him and don't mess with what He says.

D-Day

Criss Cross - Sailing

PRESS PLAY as you read this Blog Post



D-DAY


June 6, 1944 — the day on which the Battle of Normandy began — commencing the Western Allied effort to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II.

My Dad, Sam, was a gunner in the Mighty Eighth - in a B-17 Heavy Bomber… usually high above the personal battles that ensued on the ground.
How different my world is from my Dad’s - 63 years later.

Dad painted “things” while I grew up - lots of “things” -- cars, walls, furniture… anything… and everything… but no one ever considered him an artist. But what an artist he always has been! As I look at my piles of art stuff, collections, and half-finished schemes ... and when I experience brain-explosions (ie: new ideas) I know where I got it from!



He would “doodle” if we asked … and it was always fascinating… his sketches were locked in a 1940’s style… very distinct…very good.


A couple years ago I set him up with artist materials: brushes, canvas, paint…
An artist was "officially" born - one that other people could recognize.
He found his niche - at 81 he began painting lighthouse ACEO’s (artist trading card size pieces) 2.5” x 3’5”. I have appreciated it more than he knows - as he painted these tiny things - I know how hard it is to see what you’re doing on something that small…and my eyes are half his age!


He was excited to have many of his tiny lighthouse paintings sell on eBay last year. I stopped listing them because he stopped painting regularly. I covet the ones I have remaining and cannot sell them. You understand.
I’m sad he isn’t painting- he was on such a roll. His studio was packed up and put into storage by the owner of the house they are in who plans to move my parents - someday. Apparently a ‘messy’ studio is detrimental to selling a house.

I, on the other hand, think real life inside a home is essential to selling a house.

Enjoy Dad's art - I sure do ~xo~

joy in the journey,
Katey-D

UPDATE (JANUARY 2008): Dad is back painting! He was reunited with his supplies and is creating again. In addition to painting small works of art, he has been painting water scenes (Lake Erie, boats, lighthouses, etc) on furniture.
Most recently he has stopped painting traditionally and has been working on a 3-D 1:12 scale model of the interior of a B-17 - complete with gunner 'guys' (they are not 'dolls' mind you, thay are 'action figures' !) I hope to get photos and post them.

Quick 'n Cute

Why hello!

I have some new domino art on eBay.

Nothing profound going on - just straight forward painted dominoes.

Here are 5 of them (there are many more to follow).

This first one is three fish - one swimming the OTHER way - doing her own thing...

I used dreamy Copic markers and acrylics on many of these - mostly the Copic markers (I will need to sell a bazillion or so dominoes to pay for said Copic markers).

This little hummer below is a happy skelly head - don't be afraid. Skellies have that dark, death reputation (gee, I wonder why)... But it's a bad rap really. Bones are magnifiscent. Being that I have brittle bones, I have come to appreciate skellies more than some might. I am ever aware of my own bones. This particular domino is titled: "Kiss me, I'm eternal". Kinda catchy I think. (I have many, many skellies to list on eBay in the very near future).

This next one is TWO fish - not unlike the THREE FISH version - except these two look more sardine-like. Great summer fun-wear!







Okay then ... we're on to "cute" now.

In that department I have two:

a slurpy dalmation pup
and a panda bear.

So, there you have it.


They are available (really affordably) by using the link to your upper left that says "MY ART FOR SALE" (which will take you to eBay).

thanks! joy in the journey, katey-D

I've BEEN TAGGED AGAIN!

This is the second time someone has tagged me, but the first time I am responding (though I WiLL do my other "tag" as well!).

This "tag" is from Amy-Amu (orion713) a beautiful & talented soul I know from Studio33.

Here's the scoopidy-doopidy: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write in their blogs 7 things that are a habit, unusual or that no-one else knows, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.


Here are my 7 things:


1. I weigh 98 pounds
2. I wish I could play the cello really really really well (I don't play at all).
3. I knew I would home school my children before they were born.
4. I create art every day.
5. I am in construction (project manager/contractor).
6. I feel, listen, relate, enjoy, smell, see, think, and hurt deeply.
7. I used to be a medal winner hurdler.



I tag: Patti, Mellie, KiM, Adri, Glenda, Bettina, May ~xo~

Fingerprints of God

~ Fashioned by God’s hand and perfectly planned to be just who you are ~



"I can see the tears filling your eyes and I know where they’re coming from
They’re coming from a heart that’s broken in two by what you don’t see
The person in the mirror doesn’t look like the magazine
Oh but when I look at you its clear to me that…

I can see the fingerprints of God when I look at you. I can see the fingerprints of God and I know its true. You’re a masterpiece that all creation quietly applauds. And you’re covered with the fingerprints of God.

Never has there been and never again will there be another you
Fashioned by God’s hand and perfectly planned to be just who you are
And what He’s been creating since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and

I can see the fingerprints of God when I look at you. I can see the fingerprints of God and I know its true. You’re a masterpiece that all creation quietly applauds. And you’re covered with the fingerprints of God.

Just look at you - you’re a wonder in the making.
Oh and God ‘s not through, no, in fact, He’s just getting started and ...

I can see the fingerprints of God when I look at you. I can see the fingerprints of God and I know its true. You’re a masterpiece that all creation quietly applauds. And you’re covered with the fingerprints of God."


~ Song by Steven Curtis Chapman




Featured art:

2.5” x 3.5” watercolor and ink

trading card sized portraits:

The Beauty School Divas
Rachel Parfait,
Sherrie Mango,
and Hairy Mary

Visit my eBay auctions via the link in the top left area of this page - thanks!



Joy in the journey,

katey-D

Available for JoY

Okay! Okay - I relent! I am suppose to be getting ORGANIZED! (says who? Says ME)



Well - really - I was suppose to be discussing the topic of ‘organization’ way back in April per a theme suggested in our artists’ blog topic list at the CaaT group. Today I will finally discuss organization ~ which is quite different than BEING organized.

Mondays are always a weird event….
Yes… EVENT.
On Mondays, I face all that is piled up (and let me tell you, the piles are high). My fellow arteests are brave and have shown their creative spaces before and after major reorganizations. My studio is dubbed “the room of doom”. (says who? Says ME)
I cleaned it out completely at Christmas time… sorted everything into giant clear bins and moved them to another room for storage. The idea was that I would pace myself by allowing only a couple bins into the studio at a time.


BAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAA!
(loud maniacal laughing , like “Arnold” laughed in ‘Happy Days’)


Yeah, sure… that worked.


Hardly.


So ... many Monday’s later - still the day in the week that is the EVENT that sets up the whole week. As I glance at the calendar I see there are already too many things to accomplish in the days printed…and it is Wednesday. Forget Monday - I made cabbage rolls. I think I have a defective calendar. I could cut and paste a few extra days from a different week, but that somehow doesn’t help… I really should ORGANIZE my time this week.


BAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAA!


As much as I don’t think I am in any way “organized” I actually have a system of sorts… I have everything photographically emblazoned in my brain and what I forget isn’t important. Ha. Wait, that’s not it…

In any case, I do have a bazillion-hours of various projects, jobs, and driving to-and-fro to accomplish each and every day this week… and last week … and next week…
Things like routine dusting, enjoying sparkling windows, and pressed clothing are reserved for special occasions (or dearest hubbly who quietly does them when it gets too scurry to ignore).
What is important rises to the top of the list (well, sometimes it is an imaginary list, but a list just the same)…

It simply comes down this:


Matthew 6:33
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.


And in this…


Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

I am organized in my own strange way. I wish it were less strange, but if I focused on that I’d be giving up something else. I choose to be available to whatever need presents itself - like in the case of a phone call (I don’t ‘time’ them as I know some do (ugh) -- I simply multi-task) I am available.

And by-the-way: If I am on the phone I never give that "it's not-you ~ it's me break up line: “well, I’m going to let you go now…” . I simply listen and partake until it ends naturally ...or the other person, usually one of those ‘timer-people’ uses that heart-breaking let-you-go line ha ha...I bet they have organized junk drawers). I straighten sofa pillows, put away dishes, load laundry, move piles from one place to another (ha ha) - and with certain people, I can actually work on art while I talk! Amazing things can be accomplished with ONE HAND! (I really should get a hands-free set huh?). If I do need to get off the phone - I am honest and SAY SO ... Non of this "I’m going to let you go now I am not actually interested in ‘chat’ and my monthly ½ hour with you has expired so shush already" line.) I’m not bitter - I value honesty.

Anyway - being available has allowed incredibly wonderful life ministry experiences to take place. In the last week alone we were available to several people with needs … from computer repairs to errands to making dinner for a grieving family on the spur of the moment…and so it continues.
Our home is not a sty (oink) - though it has its moments (ha ha) - but the main hoopla is corralled for the most part. It could be a lot more stuffy & formal (I do have formal rooms - but stuffy is not the theme).

A house is a vessel to shelter and protect in more ways than just the physical - so, ours has been that - a place of refuge and fellowship 24/7.
Sleep, like organization, is sometimes optional around here.


The JOY comes in serving and following … and being available.



Yes, I wish I had a fairy-maid to keep my studio organized. *sigh*
Joy in the journey,
katey-D

Featured Art on eBay today: CLOWN BeBe (pictured above)
ALTERED ART DOMINO NECKLACE (more to follow this week!)

"Our House - is a very very very fine house... with two ducks in the yard... life used to be so hard ... now everything is easy cuz of You... "

(with a nod to Crosby, Stills and Nash)

The front door area

my studio garden (last spring) - my azaleas are poor this year and may get (shhh, don't tell them) removed!

my studio table - so NOT this organized at this very moment!!!

Beauty for Ashes

Pain - it’s such a pain

I have many artist friends who have pain in their lives. Some of them are in physical pain from acute injury and some are in physical pain from chronic illness.
I relate.
Some of these dear ones have emotional pain from circumstance and the everyday trials and insults of life.
I relate.
We have had long and inspiring discussions about working through pain…creating “beauty from ashes”. I desire to learn how to work in and through pain, but the truth is, I tend to close up and lose all my creative hope when I hurt. Physical pain doesn’t stop me, but emotional pain sometimes freezes my heart…and my art comes from my heart. I am working on getting through the occasional roadblock.


A song comes to mind (by Crystal Lewis) …

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you. When suffering hangs heavy o’er your head. Know that tomorrow brings wholeness and healing. God knows your need. Just believe what He said.
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When what you’ve done keeps you from moving on. When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart. Know that forgiveness brings wholeness and healing. God knows your need. Just believe what He said.
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
I once was lost but God has found me. Though I was bound I’ve been set free. I’ve been made righteous in His sight. A display of His splendor all can see.
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

So here is the deal…

Forgiveness is at the root of emotional pain - or so it seems. I figured out that forgiveness is like a white ember - don’t even try to hold onto it - it is something to be hurled away! It is so hot and so holy it has to be dealt with.
Even when the offending party is unaware of the offense… or even if the offending party is dead… or even if the offending party does not want forgiveness, think they need it, or doesn’t give a flying fig - hurl it anyway!
It is about your own heart attitude (my heart attitude) -- only they can deal with their heart.

My peeve is injustice. I struggle to forgive injustice. I struggle when I am misrepresented or misquoted or misjudged. I struggle when an entire group is misrepresented or misquoted or misjudged. I struggle with liars and their lies (or half-truths or so-called untruths … it’s all lies no matter how prettified)…lies really, really annoy me. Manipulation - false numbers… all that ... It’s filth.
And it hurts... so, now I'm back on the subject of pain again...

STiLL - the white ember of forgiveness must be launched away in all sincerity…

if I hold it… I burn.

I have just realized a new thing about this song that was going through my head…
“He gives beauty for ashes” - ashes come after fire don’t they? Perhaps when we hurl away the white hot ember of forgiveness it burns up the offense - lovely ashes… lovely beauty for ashes…

The fire of forgiveness...

Hold onto to it and the pain grows.
Release it ~ give it away...

and it burns up the pain.

The act of forgiveness is one that needs rehearsed & remembered -- when we remember the pain, we need to remember we have already forgiven the offense… Rehearse again the act of tossing the ember … letting it go.
I have been forgiven much. I must rehearse forgiveness always.

joy in the journey,

katey-D

psalm 103

Romans 4:7-8 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

** featured art: mechanical artist trading card 2.5" x 3.5" **

please visit my link in the upper left to see art I have for sale on eBay

Please allow music to load - worth the wait (use the pause feature and allow the gray bar to fill up) ~xo~ THIRD DAY / Wherever you are...

~*~SiLENCE~*~

Sometimes
you just have to be
silent....
even when
it makes no sense
to anyone else
even if they say
it is
unreasonable
even though
you want to shout
even though
it hurts

Sometimes you just have to be silent.






featured art:

~Altered Art~

handmade necklaces

created from actual dominoes
See my eBay store for more info
(top left)

joy in the journey,
~ katey-D

The wisdom of Linkin Park

(Note: I have posted this Linkin Park video as an illustration of a powerful realization :examine your own heart first. I don't endorse any other vids that may pop up as ads afterwards, etc etc ~ thanks! The ORIGINAL group video continues to be removed on youtube (I understand) - this is the music only - Please, DO LISTEN)



WHAT I'VE DONE...

Romans 3:22-24
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
In other words: (from “The Message”) ~ But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

So, don’t go blaming everyone or anyone else … don’t blame your parents, your job, Bush, ‘global warming’, 'karma', or your crappy job. Examine your own heart.
ALL have sinned - and yet, God has made a way for ANY of us who receive it.
I stand in awe.

Linkin Park’s newest song has it right - self-examination and accountability is where it begins.

Psalm 6:9

~ The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. ~

"What I've done” ~ by Linkin Park


In this farewell there's no blood … there's no alibi.
Coz I've drawn regret from the truth of a thousand lies.
So let MERCY come and wash away what I've done!
I face myself to cross-out what I've become!
Erase myself and let go of what I've done!
Put to rest what you've thought of me…
Well I clean this slate with the hands of uncertainty
So let MERCY come and wash away what I've done!
I face myself to cross-out what I've become!
Erase myself and let go of what I've done!
For what I've done …
I start again and whatever pain may come today this ends.
I’m forgiving what I've done.
I face myself to cross-out what I've become.
Erase myself and let go of what I've done.
What I've done… What I've done… Forgiving what I've done.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. ~ I Peter 2:10

It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. ~ Romans 9:16

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Featured Art: 2.5” x 3.5” art card titled “Princess You-Don’t-Know-Me”
(SOLD)

Watercolor and Ink with Swarovski crystal embellishment

~~Joy in the journey,
Katey-D
Blueyeduck Studios

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.com/

HoME

A prayer for anyone who pauses to read this...

Prayer For Home

~Fernando Ortega~

Grant them peace, most precious gift of all, keep the worried world far away and small.

When they return may quiet fill their souls.

Dearest Lord, keep them safe within its walls.

May the stone be cool beneath their feet, the canyon breezes circle soft and sweet.

When darkness falls the stars and opal moon find them wrapped in each other, ever warm.

May it be a refuge for their love, a harbor for their deepest prayer.

May they come to flourish in the grove, grow ever nearer to you there.

Many a burdened friend in their company rises.

A heavy heart is soon released to fly.

May their table be blessed with laughter and with grace, and by the comfort of kinship be surprised.

May the cold winds blow far from their front door.

May the winter rains never bring them harm.

May their hearth fires burn throughout the night.

Grant them sleep until morning's perfect light.