God Please...

In my lifetime I have had a lot of "God please..." moments. You know...God please get me out of this jam that I have gotten myself in. God please don't let this car accident happen. God please let the man that I adore so, adore me in return. God please let the sun stay out all day today. God please make me feel better. God please let me get the biggest piece of cake. I mean the list goes on an on, from the most important to the silliest of things. But today I find myself asking a whole different collection of "God please..." questions. 

God please grant me the opportunity to help others above and beyond what I can imagine. God please allow me to always have a sunny disposition. God please allow me to always know that my education means nothing if I am not in the position to pass what I learn on. God please allow me to treat others as I desire to be treated myself. God please never let me become a pretentious individual. God please always allow me to be open to receive from those that are more seasoned than myself. And God please when I become seasoned show me how to mentor without belittling. 

I'm in no way shape, form or fashion perfect. I have my fair share of crappy days (my closest friends will tell you). I'm more likely to cry those crappy days away or remain silent. I've never been one to lash out or become extremely mean. That's just never been my M.O. (mode of operandi).  This post is nothing more than me ranting about what is in this noggin of mine. 

However, what I am learning (for as hard as it may for me to digest) is that everyone doesn't care to have the bubbly, glass always half full personality like mine. Their way of life and way of seeing things is completely different. And it is my job to know that and still remain my good ole' happy self, which at times feels virtually impossible! It's the, punch me in the left boobie and I'll give you the right adage (it's really the cheek, but if you're a woman and have ever been hit in the chest, it hurts far worse than the cheek). 

So in the midst of my "God pleases.." and learning to accept that I (like everyone else) have my own unique personality to handle my purpose, I inhale deeply and release the fresh breath of "it's okay". As a matter of fact in the midst of my rantings...it's more than just okay. I am right where I am supposed to be!

Your Thoughts:

Have you ever had or do you have a list of "God please..."? If so, have you found them to be nothing more than opportunities to grow into the individual you were placed on this planet to be?

Until next time... 

Where Did Motivation Go?

I haven't been feeling all that motivated today. I woke up with about a million things going through my mind.

And as if I needed another thing on my mind, the phone rang. I looked at the 866 number and decided to answer because I was almost sure it was for me. I knew it was probably someone looking for money that isn't in my possession right now.

I was right! It was the thorn in my side...Sallie Mae! I know that these loans that she delves out I took. I get it! I had to though. Much like the majority of those that attend college, I didn't have the funds to pay my way outright. I can't stand her! I would say I hate her, but hate is not a vocabulary word that I like to use. So we will stick with me having a strong dislike for her.

I'm off that soapbox! Me complaining about Sallie Mae isn't going to change a thing about my situation. So I move on and help others make wiser choices. And although I almost slid completely off my square when Sallie called and motivation was close to non-existent, I got up anyway.

I worked out, and then got to work on building stretchers for my next paintings. I am not sure what I was thinking though. For the first time since college I built my canvases from scratch. That means I purchased the wood, had it cut down to size, and then cut the ends on a 45 degree angle myself. Now that doesn't sound so bad, and it's not within itself. However, I decided to cut the 45 degree angle manually using a miter box and a hand held saw. It's not like I don't have an electric saw. I just thought that it would be cool to do it manually. I mean artists of the old days had to cut the wood by hand. They didn't have an electric saw at their disposal. However, God made new things for a reason, and I plan to make use of the new next time!

So despite not feeling real motivated today I decided to show up and get the job done, and done well anyhow. That's how champions are made. They show up to the plate even when they don't really feel like it. I'm in the game and ready to win!

Your Thoughts:
When is the last time you did something the long way on purpose?

Until next time...

A Vision

It's Saturday night and my day was pretty full. Actually, this whole week was pretty full.

All week we had dedication week at the place I fellowship. I ended up painting for two nights (Wednesday and Friday). I got the vision for the painting only a few days before, which usually rocks my nerves. I never thought I would become okay with getting the vision for what I was to create a few day, a few hours or a few moments before I needed to create it. But this time I had no choice but to trust my Spirit man. I trusted the God that is in me. Honestly coming off the week of my show I was to exhausted to do otherwise. Too exhausted to worry and/or stress about what I was going to paint.  And it worked out!

I prayed and God politely answered and gave me a vision of an open mouth with water being poured into by a clay jar. The piece is called, "Thirst No More". It's what I imagine Christ saying to the Samaritan woman at the well..."but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water in them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

It reminded me of my thirst for Him and to ultimately live out my purpose. It reminded me that if I am obedient to that which He desires for me, my purpose will go forth with excellence. I will thirst no more for those things that don't line up with with my purpose!

It's the revelation in the simple things that make me so happy! The journey is getting interesting, and I am looking forward to seeing what it brings about!

Your Thoughts:
Where does  your inspiration come from? How do you best convey your inspiration to others?

Until next time...

The Tendency

I have lots of things to accomplish now. I know that in my mind. I've listed those things in previous posts. A few days ago I was on top of things. I managed to get the database done, and sent out a few thank you emails. However, since then....hmph!

I think that my mind wants to fall into what "the tendency" is. You know...bask in the victory...enjoy the sun while it's shining...stop to smell the flowers of this win!  I want to do all of that, but I know that there is so much more work that lies ahead. 

This may sound odd, but I have been thinking some of the same "I'm not sure I can do this" thoughts as I did before my show. Now, I know that I can, and I know that I will, but that doesn't stop the thoughts from coming. I fight them off with a stick and words of affirmation (scripture for the most part). But really what is next? I've got plans laid out, written down visions of the next steps, but how in the world do I get started on the "next"?

I often think of stars that make it big, and how they came to do so. Trust me, I don't want to be a star in the lime light. I am not start struck, and neither do I want others to be star struck over me. However, what I do desire to do is to make an impact in this world, as many stars have. I want to enlarge God's territory. I want to leave an amazing legacy for my children, my family, my friends, my acquaintances, and even my enemies. I want to do all of this through my creative endeavors. 

 

I left out the "I want to get paid" part, but we all know that to be the case. If I am honest, I want to make a lot of money so that I can bless others. It would be nice to be able to pay some poor students (who hasn't been a student for 15 years) school loans off. Who knows...that poor student could be you! I want to be able to do random acts of kindness for people unrecognized. 

For all of this to be accomplished, I would need to get off the "I'm not sure I can do it" train. So that is exactly what I will do. I will believe that just as I completed the last large task of having my first art show, I can and will do even greater things to come!

Your Thoughts:

Do you ever have an "I'm not sure I can do this" moment? How do you overcome those moments? 

Until next time...

Getting the Records Straight

Today and the next few days will be days of getting some records in order.

Some years ago I had the notion that I didn't really need to have a mailing list for my art business. I was interested in the creating portion only. Side note...I still am! Now I just recognize that I need to do the work that I don't want to (the dirty work) until I have the means to pay someone who can do it for me. Besides it is always good to be in the know in all areas of your business.

So today I created a database of those that came to my art show. I thought that this would be a good time as ever to start.  It's a small start, but humble beginnings bring about a bountiful harvest! 

Your Thoughts:
What were you humble beginnings?

Until next time...

The Days After

I did it...certainly not alone, but I did it! The art show was a success!

I know I dropped the ball with posting a few fays before the show, but I was swamped! In addition to getting prepared for my show,  I was  looking for a job, rehearsing for an upcoming dedication week, and visiting with lots of family.  Oh and let's not forget working!

Saturday was simply amazing! I have support beyond my wildest dreams, and this is just the start! Not only did my local family and friends attend, but I had friends come from NY, MD, and North Jersey for my event. Sometimes we don't recognize how much we are loved, and if I didn't know by the end of Saturday night, then I will never know!

I sold, I was commissioned for a few pieces, and networked...networked...networked! Tom and Josh (the owners of the Factory) were super personable as usual, and made everything so fun and easy. Amy (Tom's wife) was so sweet. We chatted for a bit about life, family, the future of the Factory,  and my creative/art career. She looks forward to helping me on my journey, and I'm looking forward to soaking up any information that they have about business.

It's Monday now,  and the momentum can't stop! In the days to come I'll be sending out personal thank you notes to those that attended, and starting a database.  In the weeks to come I will be working on branding, marketing and advertising for a new project that I am resurrecting.  I will write a kickstarter proposal for this project. And in the months to come, I will be creating, writing, blogging, looking to have studio space, and networking out the wazoo.

I am blessed! I am fortunate to have this opportunity! I am loved beyond measure! I am experiencing life, and fulfilling purpose! Thank you for continuing on this ride with me! It is sure to get real live!

Your Thoughts:

Is it a sad, happy or indifferent feeling when you have completed an enormous task?

Until next time...

1 Day Left - Peace

It's hard to believe that I only have 1 day left before my show!

My mom asked me earlier if I was nervous. And the answer is no. I'm neither excited nor anxious...I just am! That means I am not subscribing to any sort of emotion actually. I am just in work mode.

I will say that I have a peace about things though. The quiet still feeling comes from a surety that I have that this is indeed what I am supposed to be doing. I was made for this!

My friends and family will be there! Those from outside will be there! There will be men, women, and children. And I will be ready to receive and greet them...and you too!

I know I still have yet to talk about my future plans of asking, but I will share in the days after my show.

Your Thoughts:

Are your nerves rattled before a big event?

Until next time...