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

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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

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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!).

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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.