Adore HIM Creations

Workshop Schedule 2012

For complete schedule and workshop information, please see the page (found on the right column under features).  New classes and dates have been added.

Captivating Book study

Chapter 3-5

Chapter 3 is about the deepest question we all have as women.

I used a scrapbooking paper, stencils and distress ink and made a small booklet with the question mark that flips and covers some of my journaling. The next piece is a envelope that I stamped and decorated and then inserted journaling ( things I wanted to keep private) inside.                                                                                                       The next page is Chapter 4 how our hearts are wounded. I used a transparency, and stamped wounded on it with stazon ink. I used tulle to cradle my metal heart. I cut a heart from a soda can, embossed it and then added alcohol inks. I punched  holes into it and added black ink around the holes.  Underneath is a white page that I collaged a gavel and stamped verdict. Depicting how we make a decision and choice about the state of our heart.

 

I love these next 2 pages for Chapter 5.  I think a picture of my heart is that on one side the devil whispers and pulls me with all the negative things I am scared of- unlovable, fat, ugly, worthless, etc.  And there is another side that pulls me- Jesus whispering into my heart all the truth- my life is a symphony, he heals my heart, he hears my cries, etc.

So I took a heart shaped cutout, painted it red, attached them together and added to a plastic transparency. I used black paint on the left side, with white gesso and a stencil and then wrote the words on the gesso. On the right side I used gold and a stencil to depict Jesus' words.

 

 

Chapter 6 is about healing the wound. We are advised to renounce the lies we have believed, grieve the wounds, forgive as a choice, heal my broken heart and release my captivity to strongholds.

I used 2 scrapbook papers, and cut out the design and inserted a prayer inside.

Captivating Book study

More to share, this study is very good, and it helps to have a group of women who meet with me weekly to discuss, share and do art journaling together!

we all have beauty to unveil. I used a stencil and traced the lines on a piece of scrapbooking paper, then cut each out. I used the stencil to spray on the white paper also. Then I attached each of the pieces on top of the sprayed ones and made them so each would flip open. I put all my journaling underneath. See the next picture for  a few of the pieces opened up.

 

This next page talks about how I am convinced that I need to take matters into my own hands all the time. I need to give Him the time and space for His plans not mine.

Women are victims of the curse and we either are dominating or desolate or alternate between the two. I used a stencil of a tree on the 12 x 12 scrapbooking paper, and then copied pictures of my mother, grandmother ( on both sides and my great grandmother. Added them to my family "tree". the flap on the side hides my journaling.

Back of that page is the wall I have around my heart. I used the brick embossing plate on brown paper and then journaled and added around a picture of me.

I wanted to show my heart as it indulges and keeps me in chains with clothes. food, reading, dogs, etc. I drew a large heart, collaged it, and added crackling paste and glued silver chains on it.  The background is spray inks and tapes and stamps. the inside of the heart is how God sees my heart, I used glue and large glass glitter.

 

Well that gets you up to Chapter 3!  Next week I will reveal more of my art journal faithart book.

 

Captivating Book study

Wow, I have been so busy forgot to update you all on the study. We meet each week on Sunday and either do a new chapter in the book and journal or just create our own journal pages.

Here are my newest pages. If you have any questions on techniques or products leave me a comment and I will be happy to respond quickly!~

Eve was the crown of creation. I used stencils to represent the garden flowers and found a drawing on the internet of a woman's body and printed it on vellum paper and stamped the words on the vellum.

God longs for me !  I used the song music O the Deep Deep love of Jesus as a collage paper, added gesso texture with a stencil, chipboard letters and a small folder with stamps for journaling.

 This page is about Gods relationship with us.  He has made women to be  inviting, tender, merciful, devoted, inviting,  and fiercely protective.  I used a 12 x12 double sided paper and folded the side to match the width of my book. drew the circle with a stencil and then used the flap for my journaling notes.

The back of this page is about Genesis 2:18- "It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him an ezer kenedo ( helpmeet)". 

Watching Wednesday

Great day in the studio last Saturday. A new student Donna came and we had so much fun.

Here are their beautiful faithart canvas projects.  Donna made hers for a co-worker who has cancer and is getting hospice care and Rusty made one for her sister. Love the colors, textures and the love put into each one. Both used the music "Amazing Grace" as their collage papers underneath the texturizing.

Hebrews 11:1 " Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Psalm 149:3 "...praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp."

  Heather made her OLW canvas and her favorite color is purple, so isn't this beautiful?

Guest Artist Series 2012

I have been working on this project for a few months and am so happy to announce the Guest Artist series at Adore HIM Creations studio. 

I have met so many wonderful talented artists that allow God to create their art and I wanted to share those experiences with  you!   So mark your calendars for  Saturday Feb 11/2012  9-5.  Sign up quickly as there are only 12 seats available. 

The first guest artist is

 Pattie Ann Hale

Pattie Ann is a fine artist, writer, and teacher with a  focus in worship and prophetic art.      Pattie offers seminars and workshops in which she guides participants in experiencing the   visual language of the Spirit. Her experiential workshops often focus on wholeness and healing.

Pattie is an accomplished teacher, having taught art classes in various mediums and has led  community art classes for children and the elderly .  She has been involved in several    community, national and international art shows, special gift collaborations, and mural  projects for community and ministries. She has had several solo shows in galleries, community centers, and churches, Her art is collected nationally and internationally. Hale is writing a book titled: A Sacred Revolution – The Power of God in the Arts, which will be released in the near future. 

Her website is found at  http://www.pattieannhale.com

 

Arise & Shine

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

 Through an exploration of Isaiah 60, workshop participants will take a multi-sensory journey through the depths of the mind, soul and spirit, progressively identifying and moving out of shadowed areas and further into the light of God and His Radiance. This workshop will be a visual, auditory, and tactile exploration of the glory of God. As we engage the scriptures through music, movement, and the mixed-media project, participants will symbolically and prophetically      experience the transformation of moving out of darkness and into light. Though mixed-media techniques will be obtained, the focus is on the journey. “Out of the heart comes the art… so I want to help your heart shine,” says Pattie Ann Hale.

 The cost of the workshop includes a birch panel, specific fabrics, select papers, and various other collage elements, which will make up the mixed-media project. All materials and tools, including paints, paintbrushes, markers, pencils, adhesives etc. will be provided. The participant does not need to provide anything for this workshop but is welcome to bring additional personal collage materials and supplies if so desired.

Saturday February 11  9:00 to 5:00 pm  

  $100

Class size is limited to 12 students and requires a 50% deposit due by 2/1/12.  

Final payment is due 2/11/12.  A gourmet lunch is included.

 Join us as we experience God's presence in our art!

 

 

To sign up please email me directly at diane@adorehimcreations.com

The next Guest artist will be Connie Denninger.  Save the date of April 28 for "Living a Life of Prayer" with Connie Denninger.

 

Christmas Gifts

Been waiting to post this special project that Jenny, Penny and I made for our small group leader Berna.

It is based on the Create canvas from Jennifer McGuires online class.  Berna is such a wonderful example of a servant leader, so we used the word servant.  We asked the women in our small group to send us a bible verse or note to Berna and then we used that as a background to the hearts. Since she gives her heart to all of us, we gave our hearts back to her!

I typed up the notes/bible verses and printed them onto a separate paper for Berna to read. I stamped it and included it with the gift.

 

Each year I make our small group some special gift from me to each of them. This year I made original tags- 31 of them and let them choose the one that spoke to them.

I had such a good time praying and creating these little works of art.

Merry Christmas!

Canvas online class

I can't believe that I missed posting this great class!

The class was called Inspiration Showcase with Jennifer McGuire. Even though the class is over, you can still take the class at your own pace. I highly recomend it!  It is a great technique class. Here is the link. She also has a new Christmas Card class starting soon.

Here is the canvas I made. I loved doing each heart technique.

I took some individual row pictures too. Enjoy!

 

 

Faithart Projects

I have been blessed  by the Father with His gift of creativity. My prayers have been answered - prayers for finding my style, and what God wanted me to create to bring him glory and honor and turn the hearts of others to Him.  Here are some of the canvases that I have created that will be for sale at the Craft show this weekend.

I pray over each one and ask God to bring the person who he wants to hear the message in each one. Thanks for your encouragment and support!

Technique Tuesday

Thanks to my children, I was able to make a video from start to finish of my faithart canveses!   I think you will really like this one. Step by step from conception to finish!

Here is a photo of the completed piece. It doesn't have the seal coat on it yet, due to the rainy day today.  Hope you are inspired to create your own faith art canvas with your special bible verse!

Supply List:

12 x 12 canvas

Gesso

stencil

Matte Medium

Spray Inks- SEI Tumble dye, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Adirondack Color Wash ( your choice of colors)

Printed Bible verse

Seal Coat- Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze

 

 

Watching Wednesday

Wanted to share the beautiful work that God is doing at the studio!

Saturday we had 5 women here creating faith art.

Cuky created a canvas with Psalm 3:5-8. She envisioned the words on the shield of faith.  We made a flower from a soda can. She was very scared to come and create, but she overcame that fear and look at the beautiful art God created through her hands!

 

Jennie is one of the regulars who is really growing in her creativity!  She made these 4 6x6 canvases.  Here is the story behind the art in her own words:

"The Story"  I used copies of hymns on each canvas  1. Just as I am- God takes you as you are a mess  2.  Take my life and let it be- He rearranges our focus pulling us together. He uses us to make a picture.  3.  Be Thou my  vision- He pulls me together  and 4.  Come thou Font of every blessing- we become completely focused on God and He is working through us. 

Here are the finished canvases.

 

Penny  is another regular and worked on her own 6x6 projects. Love the time theme, she cut out the clock with the Big Shot and then inked it to look like metal.    The red piece is about the music. Love her creativity and color choices.

 

Denise stenciled and painted this beauty (12x12).  She has such a great eye for composition and color. It is Phil 4:13  " I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me."

Rusty made a 12x12 canvas also. She used the same bible verse as Denise, and stencils with gesso.  Love how she put her words going up- she said it reminds her - her strength comes from Him!

Great day, lots of fun, lots of beautifull work.

 

Be-Attitudes Faith Blog Hop

Welcome to the Be-Attitudes Faith Blog Hop postponed from last week!  Every month we choose a theme with which to honor Christ and become closer to Him.  We then create a project to reflect that theme and boldly post it on our blogs so that the whole world sees that even our talents belong to Him! This month we have chosen the Beatitudes found on Mathew 5:3:12 and we invite you to hop through our blogs to see the Lord’s Glory manifested through the work of our hands and the stories He has written in our lives.  If you arrived from Kari - http://purplefuntastickcreations.wordpress.com/s blog, you are in the right place.  If you just happened to land here, make sure that you hop on over to www.mypapertreehouse.blogspot.com to begin the journey.  Know that we have been praying for you and hope that the Lord would bring you just a bit closer to Himself…

In Matthew 5:3-12 we find the well known Beatitudes.  This portion of Scripture is very peculiar because every statement begins with “Blessed are those…” and yet the attribute that is mentioned right after is NOT something desirable before the eyes of the world. 

Look at the list of attributes along with the blessed reward:

Poor in spirit: Kingdom of Heaven

Mourn: comfort

Meek: inherit the earth

Hunger and thirst for righteousness: will be filled

Merciful: will be shown mercy to

Pure in heart: will see God

Peacemakers: called children of God

Persecuted because of righteousness: kingdom of heaven

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you

 

If we were to be honest, we would all say that none of us would like to be considered poor in spirit, or be caught in the midst of mourning.  Meekness is considered a sign of weakness and in America Hunger and Thirst for righteousness is replaced by hunger and thirst for worldly acceptance.  It is very difficult to be merciful and pure in heart for our hearts are always seeking to satisfy our own needs; and we are not willing to make peace if that peace requires that we would submit to someone else’s authority.  We do not want to be made fun of, or persecuted, or bad mouthed…  Yet all of these things the LORD calls blessed! 

 

The reason why they are Blessed is because only when we have these attitudes can we truly see ourselves for who we are and God for who He is.  Only when we see the depravity of our being and the sin that enslaves us, can we be set free by the only ONE that is Pure and Holy!  May He grant us the privilege of being called BLESSED by Him because in us are found the Be-Attitudes.

 

With this in mind I can say that I created some art journaling pages about the beatitudes. I tried to show what God was saying to me in each of the blessings. I hope you enjoy!

 

There is no greater gift than that of finding Christ, but we would like to bless a group of you with some Grand Prizes from the following sponsors. 

 

To qualify, like Paper Tree House Studio in Facebook, become a follower of their blog, and leave a comment.  Those that choose to participate by creating a project that follows the theme will have a greater chance of winning, so make sure that you create something or share your own story in your blog to then come back and share with us your creation and thoughts. 

 

Hop on over to Susan – http://susanascorner.blogspot.com
 ’s blog to continue in this journey…  May you be filled with the “Be-Attitudes” this week.

 Love in Christ, Diane

Adore HIM studio classes

I am leaving for vacation today and will be gone for a week. We have had 3 classes this past week and the work God is creating through His people is amazing.

1.  Youth for Tomorrow in Bristow VA- Vera went on  a mission trip to  work with these kids and I came each afternoon and we did art journaling.  The girls each created a collage cover journal.  Can only show the work not the faces, but look at the beauty God is creating out of the ashes of pain!

  2. Bible Verse Tag class was last Thursday night and we had 7 students who made beautiful tags.

Our bible verses for this class were

"This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

"Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find and knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

3.  Last night 8/1 was the faithart canvas class. It was wonderful to see how creative each woman was. This class uses a 12x12 stretched canvas, gesso, stencils and lots of acrylic paints to create a beautiful textured canvas.

Aren't they magnificent?

I won't be posting anymorethis week and next, need a vacation!

Stay tuned for lots of new classes, projects and Gods work at the studio this fall!

I will be back online on  Aug 15 .

Testimony Thursday

The beatitudes final installment

Well, Jesus went from peacemaking to persecution in this next sentence.  I wouldn't have thought I was persecuted, however, I know that once I became a Christian, I did experience persecution.  In this verse He is telling me that I must live with and adjust to the fact that persecution - ( the clash between two irreconcilable value systems) is a fact of life as a Christian. He called me to represent Him and I must do this patiently enduring the opposition to my values.

But he does have sympathy for my struggle and reminds me to "rejoice and be glad" because I will have a great reward in heaven. Again, the focus for me is not here and now but eternity.

His gift to me is eternity in heaven with Him.

I have come to understand my true character through persecution, so it could be a blessing in disguise. It is humbling to be pressured from persecution of my beliefs.  How true are His words, "Without Me you can do nothing"  John 15:5.

 

 

 

I am called to be the salt and light. I am to shine into the darkness of this world. I must let my influence count for Christ in such a way that God will get all the glory for the good deeds in my life.  I so have experienced that in my life!  The entire adoption was orchestrated by Him, for Him and with Him. All I can do is share my story with others and point the light to Him.

My prayer for these pages was to show how God's word has given me hope, love and a purpose. My purpose is to share my faith with others no matter the cost ( lost friendships, ridicule, persecution). To use my hands to make beautiful pictures of His word in my life.

May God bless you and allow you to be a blessing to others.

Technique Tuesday

Today is a video about creating a collage journal cover.

 

Some technique pointers:

1.  use medium not wet glue ( like Elmers or school glue). The school glues have too much water and it is difficult to dry quickly.

2.  Use up those scraps from any scrapbooking projects. I also like to use my paper towels  from misting, painting, and the paper I use to paint on. Keep the cut out paper from using your Cricut or Silhouette- makes a great statement!

3.  tear most of the edges, and don't worry about lining them up perfetly with the edges. I go over the edges, cut them with scissors and then file it with sandpaper ( or use a course nail file!)

4.  Add color with distress inks. I use a color ( blue, red, etc- whatever complements the collage) first, and then use black soot last around the outside edges.  The color adds a lot to the mix.

5.  Use your favorite stamps to add your personal touch. Print your favorite bible verse and collage that in also!

6.  Coat the final pages with gloss medium ( I do 2 coats).  It seals the project and provides a great sheen and strength.

May God bless you this week!

 

Testimony Thursday

Back to the Beatitudes project  Today is Matthew 5:9-10

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.”

In this sermon, Jesus began by describing the traits he was looking for in his followers.  He called those who lived out those traits blessed because God had something special in store for them.

Blessed can be thought of as saying "it will go well with the one who....".

What is a peacemaker? Is it someone who never says anything that is not diplomatic? Is it someone who never wants to rock the boat? Is it someone who never says anything that could cause separation? One who is a peacemaker is one who strives to first have peace between themselves and God and then peace among the people around them. 

As a peacemaker, I need to  proclaim what Christ has accomplished for me so that others may  come to Him and experience peace between  themselves and God . So a disciple of Jesus should be promoting peace. I do this by spreading the Gospel of peace to the world, and by promoting reconciliation within the household of faith as well. In short, I should be doing the work of the Messiah. Then I will be  called a daughter of God.

My experience of peace is the relationship I have with Jesus. I am calm knowing he is with me at all times, that He loves me and gives me mercy when I sin. I know where I am going when I leave the earth and I know I will see Jesus and be with Him for eternity. All of that gives me a sense of peace. I share that with my family and friends and pray that they will come to have a personal relationship with Jesus and experience "the peace the passes all understanding."

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

At first I woudn't say I have experienced persecution, however if I look at the reaction when I try to share my faith, or  promote peace, or champion righteousness, or live a life of gentleness and meekness, I do find opposition. There is such rebellion to God in this world. People  might want a form of justice, but in their own terms. They much prefer power, and privilege, and possessions.

The lesson would simply be that I should be living for Christ in this world, living the way members of the kingdom should live, championing righteousness and justice, showing mercy, remaining meek and poor in spirit--all the things that the beatitudes praise. My reward for chosing this way to live will not be found here on earth, but will be given to me in heaven. And so, I look forward to the prize and accept the persecution and rejection today.

I want to blessed by God and to live a life that worships Him. As a sinner, I recognize that I can't do it on my own, and my obedience and surrender are required.

These pages helped me to explore Jesus words and apply them to my life.

May God blesss you and keep you this week.

Technique Tuesday

Vacation time is coming!  We are going to Florida for a big family party to celebrate my grandson's first birthday next month.  Trying to remember what we did, or what someone said is difficult once I get back home from a vacation. So much to do- un pack, order pictures and get back to work. I discovered an easier way to remember and enjoy my vacation and make sure  I don't forget those precious moments with my family.

This is different than creating a scrapbook. First  I think about what I will be doing, where I will be going and what ephemera I will be collecting and want to keep.  Then  I decide what size I want to work in, ( small keep in my purse or pocket, a bigger notebook size?) Then I create a blank journal book. Once  I am on vacation, I keep this with me at all times and make notes, journal and collect all those ticket stubs, postcards, receipts, etc. 

Look at this first video of a completed project my daughter Vera did for her first vacation trip out of state a few years ago.This will help you understand what I am describing and get you inspired to recycle those cool packages   you have sitting around ( or start saving them now).

Next week tune in to see what you can do with a purchased scrapbook or journal for your vacation plans.

Enjoy!

 

becoming free friday

Today I want to share about a struggle I have in my "free" journey. I have shared with you about my struggle as an artist- to even call myself an artist. I have such self doubts and self criticism about my art. I like what I make and feel called to make most of my faithart, but when it doesn't come together immediately I really get discouraged.

See these 2 canvases?  They are 8x8 size and I was creating a new version of this  blue green canvas project ( trust in the Lord...).  I used some new stencils and new paints and neither of them has come together. This picture is actually the 2nd stage, they are now covered with a coat of gesso so that I could start all over again with the texture. 

They are sitting there waiting for me... I feel the pressure to finish them..... I am not excited to work on them..... they are not perfect.....

All those thoughts run through my head each time I walk past them and look at them.  Dissatisfaction, discontent, rejection, failure....  Part of me wants to throw them away and to foget about them.

So, how does this relate to my one little word you might be asking???

I have discussed this struggle a few times on my blog here and here and here.  Today it is more about my self control and my self talk. I want to create beautiful faith art!  I really am driven by that. There is such a a parallel between creating faithart and the work God is doing in me to create the person He wants me to be.

"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.  Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness."  Malachi 3:3

 God is sifting and refining me. To become free I must go through a period of refinement and purification- a painful process. This involves Him changing me, stripping away and separating my old ways ( ways that don't work and don't serve Him).  The refiner ( God) sits and observes the melting metal, waits for the correct, proper time to pour it out and separate the impurities.  I love the idea that God is sitting and watching me, waiting for me to submit to His hands, in control of me and my life. That requires patience and grace. So even though the refining process can be difficult and painful, He is doing this to ultimately make me into His creation- the person He desired me to be before I was born.

My art should be like this process. I have to wait for the right moment, do the right things ( maybe many times and many layers ) to get the final result that I picture in my mind.  The blue trust picture is a perfect example of that process!  It started out as something entirely different- I didn't like it at all, so I covered it with gesso and created another painting. Still didn't like it and wasn't about to throw away the canvas.  So the third time I decided to let go of any pictures in my mind of what it "should" be and just play, add texture ( to cover up what I didn't like underneath) and new colors. Wow, when I let go of my preconceived notions in my little box it became a beautiful piece of art!

So, in my becoming free walk- God is refining me, and in my faithart walk I am refining my techniques, mind and spirit.  What an adventure He is bringing to my life and what a blessing to be allowed to be refined by His hand.  Stay tuned for how the canvases turn out.....

 

 

4th of July

I hope that you are celebrating our American freedom this long weekend. We had a fun day yesterday just creating!

Enjoy!

Testimony Thursday

Continuing series on the Beatitudes.....

Matthew 5:5-6  "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Meekness - wow, what does that word even mean?  The definition of meek is "patient, long-suffering or submissive in disposition or nature; humble; spineless or spiritless; compliant; an obsolete word for gentle."    Ok, I don't like the word submissive ( I guess my old women's liberation attitude comes out) but again if I look up the definition of submissive it is a form of cooperation. Now cooperation I can do.   Patience is something that is very difficult to do on my own, but with God's help I can wait, wait for him, wait for the best for me not the ok. 

So God is saying I need to be patient, cooperative and gentle. These are all good traits that I would love to have others describe me as. Why is it so hard to do???  

One reason, is because I continually try to live live on my own power, my own ways. However, when I wait - wait for Him it turns out so much better. 

This page was collaged. Underneath the paint, you can barely see the map page that I added. Then I looked up the definition of meek and enlarged it and collaged it too.  I used acrylic paints on top  of the collage. 

journaling:  I am willing to see myself as I am; submission to God and His word.

 

 

Next is hunger for righteousness.  Again, so many words in the bible I think I know what the mean and when I look up the definition, I realize I don't really understand the depth and breadth of a word. 

Righteousness:  "holy and upright living, in accordance with God's standard.  The word righteousness comes from a root word that means "straightness."  It refers to a state that conforms to an authoritative standard. Righteousness is a moral concept. God's character is the definition and source of all righteousness. "{Nelsons Dictionary of the Bible}

So God is telling me that I will be blessed when I hunger for righteousness. In my own paraphrase

I am blessed when I hunger ( a compelling need for) and thirst (strong or eager desire; craving) for holy living ( to become like Jesus).  That is pretty powerful and I desire for that to be my motivation, it isn't always, but I desire it.   Another way to look at it is "constant and recurring satisfaction with God's way."

Technique:  a collage paged. Used a page from an old children's cookbook showing a mother making food for a child, and pictures of fruits and veggies and a child eating a sandwich.  Then doodled, stamped and journaled. 

Blessings to you and I pray God's words and my pictures can minister to you this week.

 

 

Coram Deo “before the face of God”

 

Testimony Thursday

I love to take a topic or a passage and do some intense bible study and allow God to use the images he has created in my mind with His word to create faithart. For the next few weeks I am going to share the beatitudes with you.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

 

The beatitudes are found in Matthew 5:3-16. It is also called the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus gave it on a hillside near Capernaum.  When I read His words, I picture him with a microphone and the people enraptured with his words. Of course, there were no sound systems then, so it had to be a miracle of God that so many heard it. I pray that my faithart journal pages will give you  pictures of His words and help you to understand Jesus better.  I want to discuss each line and share what I am learning and have learned with you. I pray this ministers to your heart!

Let's dig into the word....

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

    ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Lets begin with the word blessed.  Each  beatitude begins with how to be blessed. In my Nelson's Dictionary of the Bible it says about the beatitudes:  "The Greek word translated  blessed means " spiritual well-being and prosperity", the deep joy of the soul.  The blessed have a share in salvation, and have entered the kingdom of God, experiencing a foretaste of heaven. The Beatitudes describe the ideal disciple, and his rewards, both present and future. The person whom Jesus describes in this passage has a different quality of character and lifestyle than those still outside the kingdom."

So unlike lifestyles of the rich and famous, the beatitudes tell me how to live not in the world, with the worlds values but live a life that draws me closer to God. It tells me how to experience hope and joy independent of outward circumstances.    So let's look at the first beatitude, verse 3.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"  This so clashes with worldly values of pride and personal independence.  I have spent most of my life being proud of my accomplishments- in my professional life, in my home ( decorating), with my children.  If I go to James it further emphasizes what God is asking me in this beatitude.  

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

How do I come near to God? James gives me 5 ways to do that.

1.  Submit to God. Yield to His authority and will, commit my life to him and his control and be willing to follow him. 2.  Resist the devil. Don't allow Satan to tempt me  3.  Lead a pure life  4.  grieve and mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for my sin  5.  humble myself before the Lord- recognizing that my worth comes from Him alone, not my works, my words, my accomplishments!

I can't do any of this on my own. I have to rely on Jesus and be humble to know that it is not about my pride and independence, but about my dependence on Him for everything- everything I do, say and have. This helps remind me of who is in control of my life, my will and my time.  It is not mine, but His and I pray for his strength to be humble .

Have a blessed week!

Technique: stencils, paint, collage ( there is a geography page underneath the paint), journaling

Testimony Thursday

Today I want to share a lesson I learned about waiting for God and receiving God's best.

Prior to my conversion in 1992 I pursued life on my terms. I decided what I wanted, what I thought was best for me and went and got it. I was a typical Type A personality.  I wanted to be married and have children, so I met a nice guy in July, and by Christmas of the same year was married to him. I wanted to have children, so in March ( 3 months after our marriage) I got pregnant.  I continued working after my son was born, ( the days of women's liberation was rampant) because I was the primary breadwinner in our home.  I wanted the perfectly decorated home, beautiful children and the best clothes. So I worked to get what I wanted.  When my 2nd son was born, I decided he needed to be baptized, so we began going to a church and the children were baptized.  I didn't really pursue God, just pursued the religion of going to church.

When my marriage fell apart 13 years later I looked at my life  emotional, physical, spiritual, professionally, I had it "together" except in the spiritual realm.  So I went to a southern Baptist church in Houston TX with my neighbor who had been inviting me for about 6 months.  There was my "Damascus Road" experience. I heard music that I had never heard before, saw people worshiping in a way I had never seen and felt God calling to me.  On the third Sunday of attending I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It felt so good to be asking Jesus to be in my life.

My life pretty much fell apart for the next few years.  I divorced my husband, moved back to VA, started a new relationship and went through a series of job changes.  My children began to live with their father, and I had them every other weekend and a few days during the week. 

Again I pursued the things I wanted in life- a new relationship and marriage, a new house, a new job.  I was trying to fill that hole in my heart with things and other people.  It sure didn't work.  Falling apart in my life was really about the pieces falling together in Gods plan.  Although at the time I didn't see that. 

As I began to pursue God and not people and things, He began to show me  Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11-12 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

I had been so busy taking what I wanted, that I never had received God's plan or His best for me!  I didn't even know what His plans were for me, I was moving at breakneck speed in my life. I didn't stop and think or pray about anything. If I wanted His best ( what would that look like) I had to stop, stop taking, stop controlling and "be still and know that He is God".  That was difficult on the one hand, but easy- when everything is taken away and you are truly broken, then you can listen and slow down.

So, hopefully this will help you slow down and ponder the important questions of life. Do you know what his plans are for you? Have you experienced His best for your life? Do you experience his purposes?  If the answer is no, then spend some time in solitude with Him, He will tell you the plan for you if you will listen. You will experience such peace and joy when you listen and follow Him.

Blessings to you!

 

 

Watching Wednesday

Final pictures of the girls my 3 hearts books.  This was a great opportunity for them to delve deeper into themselves and who they are in relation to God. I sure am proud of them and hope you have been enjoying their work.

Vera:   This was the heart she hides. The one only she knows about.

 

Natalya:  This shows the path her heart has taken and where she wants it to go.

The bible verse Natalaya uses sums up their pictures so well

"God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for thei will see God."  Matthew 5:7-9

 

Watching Wednesday

This week on Watching Wednesday, I am watching women grow closer to God through creativity!

Last Saturday was open studio and we had 6 women here who all worked on individual projects. It was a blessing to see God opening their hearts and minds to the word- some did the canvas about the word that they are focusing on this year, some did collage folders and Connie did a beautiful altered book journal. Here are the pictures!

  Faye is an accomplished oil painter, and I loved watching her use acrylics  on her background. She blended them so amazingly.  I love the restful feeling her picture generates.  She is a talented lady I am blessed to call friend!

 

 

Deshua's canvas is rejoice. She has such a sweet heart and it was a joy to help her create her canvas.

 

Julie  was very original and created Passion. I love her rainbow effect and how she used white crackle on the letters and then edged them with distress inks. I love all the flowers too. Isn't it just beautiful and happy?

Connie created a personal journal book from an old book I found called Roses- it was some fiction story, but the cover and the inside pages had the most beautiful antique roses paper. Connie loves antiques, so this was the perfect vehicle for her to create her one of a kind journal.  Here are a lot of little pictures of the pages inside.

Lee and Casey created collage folders. Love their use of punches, stamps and papers and the cool sewing.

Yes, I am a blessed woman, that God has given me my studio in my home, and the opportunity to teach and share my love of creating for God.

Watching wednesday

For the past couple of weeks, Natalya has been struggling with a comment. For anyone else, most comments don't affect us that much.  But for a child with disabilities, some comments can turn your life upside down.

So, what was the comment?  I casually told Natalya that she was good at expressing her feelings on paper. My intent was to compliment her and build up her fragile self esteem. However, when you have reactive attachment disorder (RAD), a comment like that can send you off in a complete tizzy.  Natalya suffers from RAD that has an anxiety- people pleasing component. So if someone else tells her something about herself, she believes it totally and gives them authority over her. That is what happened in this situation. A casual comment meant to love her, turned her upside down into "now I have to be a writer."  Writers write books, I don't know how to write a book, so I better figure it out. Obsessively she began to ask so many questions, how do I write a book ( this from a girl who struggles to write a one page story), how do I name characters, do I type it or write it......

Finally I asked her if she was nervous about this, and she confessed that she felt all this pressure to be a "writer", but that is not what her heart was telling her.  So, after a discussion, she realized she didn't want to be a writer, so the pressure was off. I encouraged her to write about her feelings, and  she was able to journal.

RAD is a very sad emotional  condition. All of my daughters suffer from it in one degree or another.  For Natalya, RAD is more about being anxious and preoccupied.  It  causes her to be anxious most of the time, to spend all of her energy trying to please others instead of being at peace with herself in the world. She is very clingy and impulsive.  She will say she wants to be emotionally close with others and is uncomfortable when she isn't, and she feels it is her fault. Actually they view everything as their fault.

I am proud of the progress Natalya has made in the past 5 years.  She has gained some understanding and control of some of her issues and she is learning to lean on God more and more.  She is working towards being free of the emotional chains that bind her.  She is a daughter of the King!

Technique Tuesday

What a whirlwind the past few weeks have been!  So many art shows, successful studio days and lots of creating going on!

This week my technique video is demonstrating my mixed media technique for a 12 x12 board canvas. The title is " this is the day".  Be inspired to use the word of God to create a beautiful picture of His word.

Supply list:

Ampersand Gesso board 12x2

acrylic paint

medium- to glue the pictures

Ranger Distress inks (Fired Brick, worn lipstick)

stamps of your choice

Sakura Glaze pen (black)

Stencils  Crafter's workshop Doodling Numerals

Stazon Black ink

Music paper

computer generated bible verse  ink jet print

 

May God bless your heart and hands as you create faith art!

 

Testimony Thursday

The girls and I attended a charity Tea last Saturday at Prince of Peace Church in Springfield, VA.  Hosted by Connie Dellinger,  the Vintage Living Luncheon and Silent Auction  is an annual event that raises money for charities.  Adore HIM Creations was able to display our faithart and we donated 15% of our sales to SALT. (Serving as Advocates for the Lost and Troubled)

SALT, Serving as Advocates for the Lost and Troubled, a 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian organization, is an international humanitarian mission dedicated to assisting abandoned, suffering, and poor children by means of financial, emotional, and spiritual support to local ministries in developing countries.
"Ye Are the Salt of the Earth..." -- Matthew 5:13

 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Colossians 3:23

Do your work (2038) (ergazomai from érgon = work) means to work out, engage in an activity involving considerable expenditure of effort. It was used to describe one toiling energetically and diligently in the vineyard. The present imperative is a command calling for this as one's lifestyle or habitual practice.

No matter what my daily chores might be
To earn my livelihood, still may I see
My job, the real position that I hold,
Is bringing others to the Master's fold. —Stalter

Adore HIM creations is about the intersection of my faith and art. How I can use art to share the gospel, to bring others to know Christ as I do, as my savior and Lord.  I have been given a gift - the ability to translate Gods word into pictures, colors and shapes. Each picture, or item I create, I pray and ask God to speak to me and use my hands to create what He wants. To use the faith art I create to witness and to bring Him glory and Honor.

My prayer is to be open to His leading, His desires and to use my hands and feet as His.  Thanks for reading my blog and for your comments and support.

Here are some examples of His recent work!

 

Watching wednesday

This week Vera is sharing  the completed page from 2 weeks ago.  Psalm 25 :1-4

 ¹ O Lord, I give my life to you.
    ² I trust in you, my God!
   Do not let me be disgraced,
      or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
 ³ No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
      but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

 ⁴ Show me the right path, O Lord;
      point out the road for me to follow.

The pink is a passion color and she is passionate about pursuing God in her life.  No journaling on this page, just the bible verse.   She is asking him to help her make right choices in her life and lead her down the right path.

Natalya:  This is from the song "Jesus Take the Wheel" by  Carrie Underwood. 

Jesus Take The Wheel lyrics
Songwriters: James, Brett; Lindsey, Hillary; Sampson, Gordie;

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy
With the baby in the backseat

Fifty miles to go and she was running low
On faith and gasoline
It'd been a long hard year

She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way too fast
Before she knew it she was spinning
On a thin black sheet of glass

She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry
She was so scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
?Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat
Sleeping like a rock

And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the way
I've been living my life

I know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own

I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I'm on

Oh Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, I'm letting go

So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus, take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, why, ooh

Natalya's words: I have been experiencing the need for God in my life to control my life and me.  When I think of Jesus taking the wheel, I think of letting go of what I want and putting him first. 

Technique Tuesday

Easter was a quiet affair this year at my house. We went to Church for the early service at 9:00 am and then came home to a beautiful hot summer day. So we finished potting our summer flowers, and laid another 16 bags of mulch, and then just relaxed in the sunshine.  It reminded me how thankful I am for my life, my home, my children and my relationship with Jesus.

Today's technique is going to highlight some of my favorite products. 

I like to print bible verses from my inkjet printer and use them in my mixed media collage work. However, once I glue the paper down, I usually use some paint over the printing for coloring, and the words become difficult to read. So I tried using these great glaze pens and love the effect.

You can get them at both Michaels ( in the store)   and online at Jo-Ann's.

Here are 2 projects that I recently completed using the pens.    "Be joyful" 12x12 canvas faithart. and upclose

 

Here is the finished tag:

and a close up of the effect of the glaze pen on top of the paint.

 

 

Here are some pictures of the beginning technique and the video shows how to finish the tag.

1.  Gesso a manilla tag. Print and cut out your letters.

2.  Using stencils, spray Adirondak spray color wash (Terri cotta) onto the stencil/tag. I turn the stencil over and use the excess color wash onto a journal page, so not to waste it.

3.  Stamp your desired background images. I used a stampin wheel with music  for the background.  Use Archival Waterproof Ink ( Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black), so that it won't bleed onto you paint.

4.  Use a light background acrylic paint color and cover the entire tag.

 

I can't get the video to embed today. So if you want to see the video, go to my youtube site and watch  Technique Glaze pens on paint. Technique- Glaze Pens on Paint

Watching wednesday

Vera's journal for this week.

April 7: Trust in God with everything is very hard for me.  God, I want to trust you with everything. Lord please help me to remember that you are the Lord of my life and that you are big enough for my concerns and problems.  Thank you for helping me and forgiving me every time I mess up.  Lord of Lords, King of Kings, almighty God, you are so perfect and powerful and you would even consider helping me. Thank you for caring for me. I love you.

Natalya's journal:

April 5, 2011

I had the best time at the retreat, worshiping God and getting to know him better. I came there desperate for God and in need of something to make me happy.  I have found out that true happiness comes from within God. The topic was being a fool, and I think I have been a fool . God has changed my heart. I thought that i could do things on my own and depend on myself, but I cannot. 

 

Be Here:  Natalya made this page because she wants to be present and listen, process and confirm what she heard. She is struggling with over promising and under delivering.  

 The images symbolize that she is happy to be with God and to praise Him.

 

I am so proud of them. They have come so far in 5 short years. They are beginning to "own" their faith. To love Jesus because they do, not because I do.  God is doing a mighty work in their hearts and lives.