ouch or hmm

Was the news offensive?

Did that comment hurt?

We seem to live in a defensive society where general statements bother others. AND we worry too much about it…

Entering the creative world and critiques was difficult at first. I realized how defensive I was. I felt I had to justify my work and my actions.

I am learning to listen more when someone speaks challenging words. They just might have a seed I need to nourish or a sore spot needing to heal.

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:60-63

Help us Lord to measure to Your truth.

love ourselves

Find the Beauty

Write one day and hear someone talk about it the next…

“What will people think? …Who cares what people think! Don’t worry about what other people think, worry about what God thinks.” Russell Evans

How many need to cement that in your brain and heart like I do?
What if we were loving others as we love ourselves?
Maybe we would love ourselves better too?

Self loathing was a GIANT in my life before Jesus and I know input and focus helped change that. The world of advertising longs to keep us comparing and condemning when we really just want love and connection. Unplugging the TV helped me.

We can’t control others reactions but only our actions. GOD made ALL OF US – believers or not – and said it was good. Live up to that.

God created human beings; he create them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female. Genesis 1:27

did I fail

Rocks

I’m confused. Last night was monthly critique and I had a painting I wanted some feedback on before a competition in February. BUT do you drive 40 miles in snow for opinions? I decided nope and kept working on the newsletter.

Around 6pm (meeting at 7:30) I felt God/Spirit telling me to go. I argued but He was adament. OK…You’re in charge. I bundled up, hit the highway and max speed was 55mph. I kept muttering, “This is lunacy.” Approaching the first ramp I was ready to exit but drove on…roads got worse. Then I said, sorry God…can’t do it, next exit, I’m heading home.

Did I fail? Do I get points for going out the door?

There are many stories where God asks people to do uncomfortable things. Not my first time but I don’t know if I blew it or if I’ll ever understand it.

hanging on

Retitled "Hanging On"

Last night was my first at GVA’s monthly art critique. You display a piece in process or finished and listen to MANY other artists tell you what they like or think you should do to change it. You don’t have to follow their advice but feedback is good. Sometimes more objective than your friends and family. Good for all of life if you are open to it.

I felt pretty insecure. I don’t have close relationships with them yet. Many have been creating 30+ years or have advanced degrees – so “who am I?”

I was receptive to hear their responses and questions. More corrections on my wording than on my painting. I wasn’t supposed to say I “faked it” but that I “took artistic license.”

I felt encouraged. Previously used on my in process blog…now complete…

I think…

“A painting is never finished – it simply stops in interesting places.” Paul Gardner

the good with the bad

taste or devour?

We all have good and bad characteristics. A good one for me is listening and encouraging – some who like that in me don’t like another one of my charms – challenging them. Maybe I don’t always go about it in the right words or ways or sometimes it could just be their defensive nature. (I know I had a very defensive nature – art critique – no, so I’ll quit.) Internally, I still take peoples words and actions as attacks or I have a wonderful imagination that perceives things that don’t exist. Can you relate to that at all?

Somewhere in life we need to find and nurture those relationships that do challenge us. People we can feel comfortable with to share the hard things and even to hear the difficult messages they might return. Many call this a mentoring relationship. I wish it were part of a regular relationship but alas….as a society we have gotten so “self” conscious that we are afraid of speaking our minds or really listening to others. We are always right!!! We find safe friends that think the same, don’t criticize and love you even on a bad hair day. Instead of those who encourage us to get up – change something – live a little more.

Where am I going with this…I don’t always know, I just let the Spirit lead me with words or topics. Somewhere, someone needs to read this and make a few changes. I pray for your courage to take a step toward a future that was planned before your birth. That God will lead you, strenghen you and give you new insight into your divine calling and purpose. May He light the way and show you that even in the hard and bad times, He is preparing you for something great that will fulfill your soul!! blessings to you all…