Gems? Yes gems. Like diamonds in the rough. At first glance it looks like nothing, but look closer and a treasure can be discovered. My treasure in that heap of mess above? Well, two treasures really... the process of creating and the book I'm currently reading about it.
A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman, has struck a chord with me. At times, it has struck a nerve. And I like that. It's opening my eyes to so much and driving me to create. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it. Here are just a few excerpts from the pages I read last night for the chapter entitled, "See"
"When I am free and in good places, I trust their art {the art others make} and look to them to learn more of myself..."
[When I'm not] "Instead of being a friend, their art becomes the enemy... "
"To carry on [like this] is to worship the art rather than the Artist with a capital A. To carry on is to be pushed around by fear."
"Fear drives out the love."
Hello, Can I get an amen? This isn't what God wants and it isn't what He created me for. She proceeds on a positive note...
"The world needs you awake and alive. Does the world need another book? Song? Painted living room? Not necessarily. But the world does need you to come alive right where you are and not where you WISH you were. If writing books or songs or painting living rooms is what makes you come alive, then that's what you'll need to do." (emphasis added by me.)
He has given each of us gifts and talents to be used for His glory. Far too often I squelch the fire within me to create because of a fear that it isn't good enough. No more. The idea is to create period because when I do, I feel connected to The Creator. And that is good. That is a gem, no matter the end product and how many "likes" it receives. Get ready world!!! I'm not quitting!
This little guy is one of my greatest creations to date. By God's grace I get to pour into his heart and help shape his world daily. Both of my boys inspire me in so many ways.
For a little more motivation, check out this great video on "How to be Awesome" by the lovely Alison of The Alison Show. It's good stuff. So, what's your gift? What is the passion God has put within you? And more importantly, what are you doing with it? xo
Right on! I need to get back to the sewing too! I gave my sister in law this book for Christmas and failed to get it for me. I need to get one.
ReplyDeleteI am in a place of knowing God has something for me to do, but it sort of scares me a bit. I need a little push, but at the same time I am in a safe place by just thinking of the idea and not doing anything about it??
Great post yesterday too. I feel that way at times as well. Thanks for the reminder...
Thanks lady! you are always such an amazing encourager. Thank you for that and your friendship. xo
DeletePS - NO safe places... DO IT!
I had a great reminder from one of my littles a few weeks ago... It went like this
ReplyDeleteMG: Mom, do you have to be good at art to be an artist?
Me: Hmmm, what do you think?
MG: I think you just have to do it. Because what one person thinks is bad another person might like. So I'm an artist. That's what I'm going to be when I grow up.
I pray she can hold onto that for a long time!
Oh Christine, I love this. She IS an artist. xo
DeleteI just think you are swell. seriously.
ReplyDeleteRight back at ya friend. Right back at ya. xo
DeleteLove this. Needed the reminder. Love dropping into your blog and watching you create and write.
ReplyDeleteJessica, thank you so much for that. What a boost. xo
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