Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Autumn is officially here!

The weather has definitely turned and autumn is officially here....my time flies!  I have been working on adding some new fall items to place at "The Spare Room" on Sunday....here are just some of the newbies!

Hand-Painted pumpkin Table Runner


Rooster Table Runner

Decoupaged Antique Stand

Fall Stuffed pumkins

Falls Screens

I also still have plenty of signs in various sizes and dressers, furniture, etc.White Princess Dresser


More....
and more!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Lord isn't surprised...in fact...He has a plan!

This weekend was a kick!  Performed at New Life with Matt and Sarah from KCMS and it was a lot of fun! It was nice to see many of the gang from "The Follower" play and some folks from NCC.  I truly needed a good laugh after one of the most difficult months I've had in years.  August was not a picnic. I'm glad it's done and over with.  I know the Lord wasn't taken by surprise by family and other events that occurred, but He is faithful! I am hanging on to this scripture taken from The Message,


" Forget about what's happened;


don't keep going over old history.

Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.

It's bursting out! Don't you see it?

There it is! I'm making a road through the desert."  Isaiah 43:18-19
 
Then Sunday off to "The Spare Room" after church to meet with a customer to get her custom order description and to re-arrange items so I can bring in additional antiques/art to sell. Hey...if your looking for some black, grey, brown or white furniture items...go visit my space...just across from Comcast on Oakes and Hewitt in Everett WA.  If not, take a peak any how there's some great items that other vendors have that are one of a kind!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Thanks to those who serve our country...other weekend happenings

This weekend a number of us will be participating in a Zumba fundraiser (for Breast Cancer).  Today I am remembering the dear ladies that I have personally known that have passed due to this wicked disease, Kathy, Lorelei.  I am also remembering the survivors who have fought so hard as well for victory!

We are all reminded of the 9/11 event.  A BIG thank you to the men and women who daily lay down their lives for our protection.  We don't thank you enough!

Also on the agenda is painting up a storm for "The Spare Room" in Everett Wa.  I have some dressers that will be painted white similar to this:
Lots to do!
Praying for all the families who have been impacted by 9/11 and breast cancer directly.  May we never forget you!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Inspirational People!

As an artist, I look to be inspired in many places. Music, drama, stores, and in studying people.  I am always amazed by a person of great character. I am thinking of a lady I know right now.  She lost her long time husband this year as he battled with cancer.  They were truly life partners.  Their willingness to serve one another in the good and bad times with a level-headedness second to none is truly amazing. She has stayed strong.  She keeps joy even in hardship. She loves because Christ loves. Who is this woman? Gloria.

I can also find inspiration in those that are struggling in daily life.  I think of a little boy who I know who has had so much to contend with, it's a wonder he keeps going. Others may give up on him because his circumstances are just too great, but I haven't.  I think he's admirable in the midst of absolute chaos.  He innocently seems to trust that somehow all will be okay, and J, I am praying that God will honor your life and do way beyond what you ever dreamed or imagined!

I think of a couple who struggle with a child who has had a liver transplant.  They have 3 other kiddos, but they keep their focus on the one that gives hope. I think of a family who has been hit so hard by the mortgage crisis that the husband works 3-4 jobs to provide, and the wife equally works as often as she can. Yet, the husband is there JOYFULLY for his wife and kids. The wife is there for her husband and kids. They bite the bullet and budget carefully.  They are responsible, but they never forget their priorities.

All of these people are inspirational because they are overcomers.  They keep getting up. They give me hope. They are not self-absorbed people.  They keep good boundaries in their lives that allow them to succeed. Who is inspirational to you and why?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Taking Care of Yourself

I have spent the last year in a focused effort of taking better care of myself.  Something foreign to someone who spent years as a single mom.  What does taking care of one self look like?  Here are some thoughts:
1. Don't overcrowd your schedule
2. Say "no" if it's a "good idea" rather than a "God idea" 
3. Just because your good at a lot of things, doesn't mean you need to do them all
4. Take time to play....try new activities on a regular basis and put them on your calendar as "red dot" days. Red dot days are days that you schedule new things on your calendar that are fun and exciting events just for you.  It could be kayaking, walking a new trail, taking up a new hobby, etc.
5. Get some counseling if you need to work through things that hold you back from moving forward. Who doesn't need good godly counsel? If you think you don't, you may need to re-examine.
6. Value yourself enough to have good boundaries
7. Screen who you let take up your life.
8. Don't allow people to squelch your giftings and talents.  If they aren't appreciated, it's a sign to move on.
9. Forgive!  It's good for you.  It doesn't mean reconcilliation, but it does mean that you've released the situation or person(s) to God.  He is very good at taking it on.  We are not.
10. Relax!  God has everything under control!