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.

Peace and This One-Trick-Pony

A gathering of artists inside eBay toss out a blog topic each week - this week it is “Peace” … I am trying to exist there continually.
Peace…

A very, very cool place indeed…
We can either visit or take it up as a permanent address…

"One Trick Pony"
By MERCY ME

I'm a one trick pony, if you will. I got a one track mind with a heart that's real. And don't forget I've got tunnel vision for something much bigger than superstition. Call me hard headed for the One that changed me. Say what you will, it will not phase me. No need for anything up my sleeve. There's just one thing that I'll ever need.

You are my one and only. You are my one and only... Oh, I'm a one trick pony.

If I hear just one more time that I should try and be more open-minded - I think I just might scream. The world says this is all there is...Yet I believe the One who says there's life after this. Now tell me how much more open can my mind be?

You are my one and only. You are my one and only...Oh, I'm a one trick pony

Colossians 3:14-16
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

~ colored pencil on canvas ~

Peace is much like joy - is a state of being regardless of circumstance. I can be sad, yet still exist in joy. I can be upset, yet still know peace. These are solid assurances I have in knowing who I am, where I am going, and that I am completely forgiven in spite of who I am. It isn’t about me, it is about Him.

… because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 7:24-28

Featured Art (available on eBay) - see my link on the upper left of this page - thank~you
~ Joy in the journey,
Katey-D
Psalm 103

~*~PRaY ~*~

IF YOU PRAY FOR ME
If you pray for me, tell the Lord I need him, I need to know he hears my prayers and that he cares for me
If you pray for me, tell Lord that I love him, Even though it's hard sometimes for me to see the light
Lately I have faced the darkest places I have ever knownWell I hate to say it, lost my way found myself alone'Cause I forgot that I have friends like youOh, who know just where to go
So, if you pray for me, tell the Lord I need himI need to know he hears my prayers and that he cares for me
Oh, I guess I've tried to hide this lonliness I'm so afraid to come around here'Cause you might see right through me, yeahYou know my heart feels like an empty nestA little help and understanding is what I'm so ready forDon't let this hard expression fool ya anymore
If you pray for me, oh, If you pray, pray for me
If you pray for me, tell Lord that I love him,Even though it's hard sometimes for me to see the light
So if you pray for me ... If you pray for meTell the Lord I need him, need him ... Tell the Lord I love himI need to know he cares and that he hears my prayersAnd that he cares for me"
(song lyrics quoted: by BRYAN DUNCAN)








WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE PRAY
"Trouble knockin' on your window pane, stormy weather at your door. And the outlook for the day ahead like the day before. People tell you prayin' changes things, but the words don't stop the fear. A prayer is only pious rambling without the Father's ear. He will not turn away when His people pray. When God's people pray, and take the pains of earth to the doors of heaven. When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven. And miracle's you can't explain away. When God' people pray...Hopeless situation turns around, dilemma passes by and by. Look, there's a never-ending field of blue past your clouded sky. He alone can know the need in me before a single word begins; The Holy Spirit intercedes for me. I will trust in Him! No, He will not turn away when His people pray. When God's people pray, and take the pains of earth to the doors of heaven. When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven. And miracles you can't explain away. (When God's people pray!)When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven. And miracles you cannot explain a wayWhen God's people pray and take the pains of earth to the doors of heaven. When God's People pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven"
(song lyrics quoted: by Wayne Watson)





Be Still and Know That He is God
" Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know that He is holy.Be still, O restless soul of mine. Bow before the Prince of peace.Let the noise and clamor ceaseBe still Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know that He is faithful.Consider all that he has done. Stand in awe and be amazed.And know that He will never changeBe still Be still and know that he is God. Be still and know he is our Father.Come rest your head upon his breast.
Listen to the rhythm of his unfailing heart of loveBeating for His little ones. Calling each of us to comeBe still "

(song lyrics quoted: by Steven Curtis Chapman)









I have recently returned to a favorite creative outlet - altering real dominoes into wearable art. I have made dozens and dozens of necklaces (and have many in the studio at the moment in various stages of the process). Currently at auction (and later available in my eBay store) are these DOMINO BROOCHES. This is a series on prayer.



Please visit me on eBay for more information about my affordable domino jewelry ~ thanks

joy in the journey,
katey-D

~starting at only 9.98 while at live auction!!!!~

A KeePeR of the DooR

"I dreamed I saw my name in lights and spoke Your Word for all to hear. I dreamed my name was recognized by people far and people near. But I have come to understand like David long ago, that humble service in Your house is still the greatest dream a heart can hold. Oh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door. My heart is only longing to see forever more. The glory of Your presence; the dwelling of the Lord. Oh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door.
The One who was no less than God, took on the flesh of lowly men. And came to wash the feet of clay because it was Your holy plan. And I, no greater than my King would ever seek a place of humble service in Your house to gaze into the light that is Your face.
Oh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door. My heart is only longing to see forever more. The glory of Your presence; the dwelling of the LordOh, let me be a servant - A keeper of the door" (by Twila Paris)

~~ This ART is on eBay right now (the week of April 20th) starting bid 99 cents! ~~

http://stores.ebay.com/Blueyeduck-FOLK-ART-PAiNTiNG-ETC_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZQ2d1QQftidZ2QQtZkm

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


A dear sister-friend ~ see her art here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZthecreatorspalette shared this Oswald Chambers quote with me today (see below) - perfect timing as I have been wrestling with this very thing and needed the encouragement ... (don't you love when that happens?)

~joy in the journey,

katey-D

(a super loving special hello to Nicole & prayers for good health for her & the entire family xo)

"Our Lord's first obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of men; the saving of men was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father.If I am devoted to humanity only, I will soon be exhausted and come to the place where my love will falter; but if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity though men treat me as a door-mat. The secret of a disciples life is devotion to Jesus Christ."

FiSH & FRiENDS

This is a simple salute to friends - though friends are not a simple event in our lives! My best friends are my men: my hub & sons! I have many fabulous art friends who pick me up and inspire me with their own struggles and giving spirits. My Church friends who are far and wide - are living lives that teach and bring light to my life.

A COLLABORATION of CREATIVY

among FRIENDS

Several of the immensely talented artists in studio33* have, over the last year, worked on some small collaborative pieces. I cannot tell you the incredible -almost holy - experience it is to touch and work on someone else’s art!

* see the sidebar to visit studio33

Here is a delightful ATC Artist Trading Card sized piece that I collaborated on with the nationally renowned artist Amy Weber (orion713 on eBay).
Artist Trading Cards are baseball card sized art that are traded among artists. Their counterpart, the ACEO, are a version that gets sold.
This ACEO is ‘mechanical” and has moveable parts (the jumping fish).
(ACEO = Art Cards, Editions, Orignals. Always 2.5" x 3.5")

Amy created this wonderful red panda on a branch in her signature style of intricate detail and superior watercolor technique. I was completely intimidated. Out of a need to not actually paint ON her work, I devised a plan to layer my own work onto hers and create a mechanical toy of sorts. I enjoy creating mechanical pieces and have done several (I will showcase those another time). It was the perfect solution to my intimidation response! I created three separate layers as shown above.

WATCH THE FISH JUMP!

~currently available in my eBay store~

" Ooh you make me live…whatever this world can give to me. It's you you're all I see - Ooo you make me live now honey. Ooo you make me live! Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had. I've been with you such a long time. You're my sunshine and I want you to know that my feelings are true, I really love you - Oh you're my best friend. Ooo you make me live. Ooh I've been wandering round, but I still come back to youIn rain or shine, you've stood by me, girl. I'm happy at home. You're my best friend. Ooo you make me live!

Whenever this world is cruel to me. I got you to help me forgive. Ooo you make me live now honey. Ooo you make me live! You're the first one when things turn out bad, you know I'll never be lonely. You're my only one. And I love the things…I really love the things that you do. You're my best friend. Ooo you make me live! I'm happy at home. You're my best friend.

Oh , Oh you're my best friend "

~Queen~

As part of the two-way effort of the above collaboration which I finished - in the one below, I created the large lower fish head and Amy finished the piece… adding tiny fish, the crab & the gorgeous blue water. This piece is sold.

UnHappy Anniversary

Memorials & Memories…

I would be remiss to not quietly acknowledge that each of us has been touched in some way during this week of deep sorrow and unspeakable pain. We collectively add Virginia Tech to other such grief-laden words like Oklahoma City and Columbine.

Evil is NOT the opposite of God.

Evil is the ABSENCE of God.

When you find yourself saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, remember that removing God and closing the doors to His presence invites evil.

Still - He seeks us and waits for us, and loves us…

FORGIVES US...

As small children, He is our superhero … as troubled teens He is a secret friend… As new parents He holds us when we struggle. And when we are ready to leave this life He is there to comfort & keep us…

~joy still,

katey

I Am

(by Nichole Nordeman 2002 Ariose Music)

Pencil marks on a wall, I wasn't always this tall

You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed.

You watched my team win, and watched my team lose

Watched when my bicycle went down again

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

And I said Elbow Healer, Superhero, come if you can

You said, I Am

Only sixteen, life is so mean

What kind of curfew is at 10 pm?

You saw my mistakes and watched my heart break

Heard when I swore I'd never love again

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

And I said Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper, be my best friend

You said, I Am

You saw me wear white by pale candlelight

I said 'forever' to what lies ahead

Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream

Too much it might seem when it is 2 am.

When I was weak, unable to speak, still I could call You by name

Oh, Shepherd Savior, Pasture Maker, hold on to my hand

You said, I Am

The winds of change and circumstance

Blow in and all around us

So we find a foothold that's familiar

And bless the moments that we feel you nearer

When life had begun I was woven and spun

You let the angels dance around the throne

Who can say when, but they'll dance again

When I am free and finally headed home

I will be weak, unable to speak, still I will call You by name

Creator, Maker, Life SustainerComforter, Healer, My Redeemer

Lord and King, Beginning and the End

I Am, I Am

Featured Art: original Domino Pendants by Katey-D

INSPiRaTiON

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.

~Charles Spurgeon

***

*******

Many of the artists who gather in special, small groups on eBay to support one another are a community like no other. They are chosen family. I have chosen them, and to my great delight, they have chosen me. Oh, we have our odd ‘uncles’ and wacky ‘aunts’, but we are caring and understanding and the support is quite comforting.

Several of the more ‘with it’ artists blog more regularly than I do. Many of them have my blog linked on their blogs (something I will reciprocate soon - I promise!).

***

Each week they blog one entry with a theme.

This week it is ‘inspiration‘.

I skipped right over the theme of “organization” (ha ha ha).

INSPIRATION

All my inspiration is spiritually motivated...at least I think it is... Really, I do!

This morning... Easter morning… I was at church an hour early as another family member had technical commitments that took all of us there extra early. We drove in one vehicle since there happened to be an odd snow storm this lovely Resurrection morn!
I sat with my drawing paper and pencil and got lost in the music in my head. I draw when I worship and pray (if I am able - which rarely happens in church by the way [the drawing part that is!] - but as I said, I was early). The church band was practicing, but I had my own tunes playing in my head…

I was thinking about what an incredibly tough few months it has been with what has seemed like a barrage of continual insults and arrows aimed at my heart or the heart of my sons (which is the same as my heart to me)…
We have become something like a family walking around with our skin burned off so that even comforting one another hurts and can cause the other one pain. So, where is my inspiration in such a time?

Often it is in music, and the promises I already have hidden in my heart. AND, I am reminded: it is in FORGIVENESS.

Recently I revisited an old album by Steve Camp -- particularly the song : Forgive Me Forgive You.

I have been thinking of this CD lately while I draw and pray...and when I am driving....although I ALWAYS sing & pray while I make art... and well, also when I drive!

When I searched for the lyrics online (so as not to have to sing and type at the same time from memory) - I came across Steve Camp’s blog with a wonderful teaching on the Resurrection by John MacArthur…

An inspirational find! I needed these good, solid promises today. No sugar water & no tap dancing… just solid food and a full orchestra.

Inspiration can happen at any moment.

http://www.stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/

Domino Collage Pendants

I have been reminded again (and again, and again) this Easter of the indescribable gift given to me - that all I have ever done (or will do) is forgiven (and there is nothing I have done to deserve such a gift - yet, there it is - right there, for ME)… [[and YOU too]]

So, how willing do I need to be to forgive those who offend me?

No matter if they ever change?

That is not the question… the question is do I forgive anyway?
I have been forgiven more than I will ever need to forgive.

“I don’t know if I can forget… All the pain that you caused me. How do I deal with this bitterness that lies deep inside of me? To turn the other cheek is so hard, when the other cheek is already bruised. I want to be whole again (I’m so tired of feeling used). Forgive me, forgive you. Forgive the hurt that we put each other through. I know the Lord can heal the deepest wounds - but He begins with: forgive me, forgive you.
Love must be tender. Love must be strong to make it through the storm. We can’t trust in our feelings - we must stand in the Lord. For love is a choice that we make. A vow of our wills - forever to take… (I’m tired of hurting you - for hurting me) so I humbly come to you (yes, I come to you) Forgive me, forgive you…forgive the hurt that we put each other through…” *Lyrics by Steve Camp ...typed while singing from memory afterall !

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working on it...

trusting...

joy in the journey regardless of the circumstance...

~ katey

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I must post script this entire 'post' as I post script the entire day - with one of my LIFE SONGS:

Take My Heart ~ by Phil Joel

(from THE most EXCELLENT CD: Bring it on)

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Today’s another day. Let’s forget about yesterday. Tomorrow’s another wayto distract us from now. So here we are. The day is young. What will be? What will become? I’m gonna let You decide. I’ll be me and You be You. Why do I confuse the two? I gotta swallow my pride!

Take my heart! Take it all! I lay my life down at Your feet ‘cause I want what You want for me. Take my heart. Take it all.

Today’s another day. This tomorrow’s yesterday is now. We’re only one breath away from it all falling down. So, let’s scatter those dreams. The ashes of our own opinions! Here’s to good health, selfish ambition - creates our own custom religion. I’m so tired of myself.

Here we are the day is young. What will be? What will become? I’m gonna let You decide. I’ll be me and You be You. Why do I confuse the two? I gotta swallow my pride.

Bring it on! Bring it on! Oh, Lord, I want what You want for me. Whatever it takes. Whatever You want - Bring it on!

SiMPLy BLuE...

TuSCaNy SKiES...

I was struck by an unusual color in the sky in March. It was an intense blue not often seen in the Great Lakes region this time of year… it was Tuscan Blue. It was amazing to think it had been hiding behind the gray all along.

I was so motivated that while I was hanging out on a small wood step stool at Border’s Books, I started looking at travel guides on Tuscany to look for more of this magnificent blue. While my son searched high and low for more books worthy of reading, (he inhales them like air) I inhaled images of Tuscany.

When we got home I decided to create my own naïve view of Tuscany and the elements my eye found the most lovely… the blue sky, yes, but the terra cotta roof lines and the antiqued and aged mustards of all the stucco walls…

It is simple… it is my TuSCaNy SKieS…

joy in the journey,

katey

It is for sale on eBay incredibly cheap - as is all my art there!

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfrppZ25QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQsassZblueyeduckQQsbrsrtZd

Today's Music: Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra

Sun is shinin' in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight. It's stopped rainin', everybody's in a play, and don't you know, it's a beautiful new day.

Runnin' down the avenue, (Pant, Pant, Pant) see how the sun shines brightly. In the city, on the streets, where once was pity, Mr. Blue Sky is living here today.

Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why, you had to hide away for so long - where did we go wrong.

Hey there Mr. Blue, we're so pleased to be with you. Look around see what you do, everybody smiles at you.

Hey you with the pretty face, welcome to the human race. A celebration! Mr. Blue Sky's up there waitin' and today is the day we've waited for !(Chorus)

Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why,You had to hide awayFor so long where did we go wrong.

Mr. Blue you did it right, but soon comes Mr. Night, creepin' over, now his hand is on your shoulder ... never mind I'll remember you this way.

Persecuted & Afflicted

"When the morning falls on the farthest hill I will sing His name, I will praise Him still. When dark trials come and my heart is filled with the weight of doubt, I will praise Him still. For the Lord, our God, He is strong to save from the arms of death, from the deepest grave. And He gave us life in His perfect will and by His good grace I will praise Him still"

(song lyrics by Fernando Ortega)

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:24

I have created this painting completely out of my comfort zone and typical genre to illustrate a point...to myself.
I remember a time when my son was a small boy. Being such a sweet, sensitive creative spirit lead to him wanting to wear something a bit odd one day.
I understood his sensitivity and love of people, and appreciated that his choice of clothing was based on his own aesthetic sense and not peer direction...nor my own preference. I permitted him to wear this odd little outfit he put together. In certain circumstances maybe it wouldn’t have been odd, but where we were headed I knew there would be kids who would probably tease him because they were proud of themselves or maybe even jealous...or simply because he looked different...and because it had happened so many times before...maybe it was a habit. It would have been easier for my little guy to specifically NOT choose the clothing he did, based on this previous harassment, but he had thought it through and his clothing was his own choice. We certainly didn’t look like we belonged together or were headed to the same place. I was in proper mommy-wear. I knew his heart, and I was a witness to the love and care he felt for his friends - his clothing did not matter to me.
Sure enough, we walked into the event and immediately someone condemned my son for what he was wearing. He was asked many times times why he wore what he did. Somehow, surface issues were being equated with heart issues. My son had been trying to rehearse positive answers prior to arriving there, rather than the sarcasm that would have been so much easier. After a couple repeats of “why? Why? WHY?” - I walked closer and leaned in to whisper “I wanted him to wear this because it matches the clothes I picked out for myself that are just like these...unfortunately they didn't have my size."

Silence.

A nice little story about Mommy & her little boy…except that my little boy is 15 and this happened recently.

It wasn’t an odd outfit, it was an all-black outfit…with a skull motif on the pants pocket (oh my).

This boy-in-black knows his God and serves Him with all his heart. He leads a pure life and knows he is called to be a Light in a dark world. He has learned to be in the world and not of the world. His Lord has taught him to ‘go therefore, making disciples of all nations…’ and as a young man he is seeking the lost and meeting them where they are at. He often wears black, and his face shines bright with the light of Christ. Those who dwell the culture of darkness are his ‘all nations’ where he seeks to make disciples...whatever they look like. It is all a matter of the heart.

"Romans Raven": I stepped out of my whimsical and bright paintbox and created a piece I love tremendously. It is dedicated to all who are judged and criticized unjustly. You are loved with an ever lasting love - no one can separate those who respond to the love of God from the love of God. ~ xo

pressing on, pressing in ... even when it hurts so much

~katey

Please see my current eBay auctions to see more photos of this painting: this auction ends March 27th

http://cgi.ebay.com/NFAC-Raven-CRoW-PoE-Goth-Dark-ART-original-PAiNTiNG-sfa_W0QQitemZ160098388167QQcategoryZ20158QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem