Blog – Page 6 – Tru Original

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Honor the Reflection of Your Journey

In my last post, I shared with you that I had been struggling with negativity and how difficult it was to change my outlook and perspective…in other words, to kick that unwanted house guest in my head right on out the door! When we are struggling with low self esteem, negativity, and/or stress I believe the biggest challenge is to identify and reflect on how and why we are having these feelings, but not go into the rabbit hole of obsessing. Sounds easy, right? It is not easy but it sure is fruitful!

Is it easy to take responsibility for our choices and actions? To take over the plane when we have been flying on auto-pilot for so long. What if we crash? What if we can’t navigate through the storm ahead? What if we let our passengers down? We may not be playing the plane wreak scenarios in our heads, but maybe you’re asking these questions…

What if I fail? What if I’m rejected? What if they see my imperfections?

We all ask these questions! These questions can help us to logically navigate through the storm, right? The concern is when we can’t stop asking these questions after a storm and we are still feeling fear even when the storm has passed, we went down the rabbit hole. What then? Stress, low self esteem, anger, confusion, fear, negativity…you get it and this is where we become stuck on auto pilot again. Better to let that guy handle those things.

It’s easy to not identify or acknowledge our feelings in our world today. We are busy and with all the distractions we can check out on our feelings and check into the TV, internet, work, social media, drinking, eating, etc. and feel like we are accomplishing something. We choose to not honor our feelings and soon our feelings are manifesting themselves in other ways like addictions, overeating, complaining/ negativity, restlessness. obsessiveness, not able to sleep, depression, and fear or lack of peace.

I was in this dark place and I was dwelling on negativity, completely unaware of my feelings of hurt and rejection. So how did I get out of that dark hole? I am not an expert on feelings or anything for that matter, but I can tell you about 4 things that are working for me.

Set aside time for prayer and reflection everyday.
Identify my feelings and acknowledge why I’m feeling that way, then release them.
Intentional thinking.
Attitude of gratitude.

I am going to go into details about these 4 steps in the coming weeks posts. These are steps which you can apply to begin living a life that honors the reflection of your journey. I know that our journeys are hard sometimes, filled with struggles, sorrow, and pain. But know this, we are not defined by our circumstances we are defined by our response to those circumstances and we are defined by God’s love for us. We are ALL precious in the eyes of God, no matter our choices, no matter our mistakes, no matter our circumstances. So let’s honor each and every step on this life journey so that our soul reflects love and truth.

My next post will offer tips on how to make more time for prayer and reflection.

Be gentle on yourself this week!

It Begins with a Thought

Have you ever thought about how powerful our thoughts and words are? I hate to admit it, but most of the time I cruise around on auto pilot not really considering that I have control of the pilot. I react when the planes going down and wait for the breathing masks to dispense. This is something that I have given a great deal of time working on this past last year…about how I entertain worse case scenarios or dwell on feelings of hurt, rejection, and insecurity. The problem with entertaining negativity, taking a peek into our plane wreak scenarios, is that it invites negativity to reside in our head. Once that guy shows up, he is like a house guest. Fun times for a few days, wallowing in your hurt and pride, partying it up, but then what? It gets old and that house guest won’t leave. He likes the attention and you can’t leave your guest hungry. Did you intent to invite that guy over?? NO! So what now??

We all struggle with negative thoughts, we are human after all. I want to dedicate the next 5 posts on sharing what living a life of intention this past year has looked like for me. We can and should have control over our thoughts and who shows up as our auto pilot. I know what is working for me and ~~maybe it can~~ it will work for you too.

Just One Foot

Just one foot is sometimes all you need to get yourself through the door. That’s what this post is! Just one foot through the door to begin blogging again. Feels good to find my way around this new website template and blogging format. I had been DREADING that, intimidated by my lack of experience with WordPress, but as with most things, it’s just not that big of a deal. I spent most of this morning saying to myself, “you can do it”, “relax”. The impatience inside me wanted to scream and give up several times as I fumbled around. Just one step at a time, one click at a time. And here I am, posting! Yay! Would love to hear from some old friends on this little blog of mine. Honestly not sure if my move from Blogger to WordPress has allowed me to stay connected with followers, or previous blogs that I followed. Still finding my way around that. Seems like Im always beginning again. How bout you? Where’s your foot been lately? Leaving myself open for some great comments on that question!

Finding my way through the Dark

HOME

Dear Heart,

Finding my way through the dark these days…or should I say the incredibly bright, can’t even bare to look, light. Yes…let’s call it that… TBL…the blinding light!

TBL is amazing, warm, soothing and nourishes my thirsty soul. The problem is, I’ve become so unfamiliar with TBL that is feels like dark…and I’m scrambling around. What do I do with all this love? Now don’t get me wrong…no pity party here, I’m loving it. But as a wife and mom, as the servant God has called me to be ( us all to be) …How am I the one being served? I even tried to read a magazine on the back porch last week and noticed how uncomfortable it felt. Not to be doing something, just sitting there. This is not ok, this discomfort. This is not who God made me, any mothers and wife’s, to be.

God has been speaking a lot to my heart about rest…so many passages about rest and restoration of the soul but here is one that really moves me…

“In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.”

and then it goes on to say…
“But you were not willing.”

Isaiah 30:15

Ouch…it’s the “but you were not willing” part that stings. Oh Lord, I’m willing…might have to remind me how!! Of course it’s hard to rest right now with family in the background playing Aerosmith on 10! Feel like yelling out BE QUITE! Now the vacuum! Bad to complain about vacuuming, huh? Still feel like yelling!

This Mother’s Day…I hope you rest! I hope that every mom will find themselves resting in the arms of Jesus. Can you picture that? Sitting on the lap of our Jesus…resting. AWWWWWWWWW. Now that feels good! Bask in TBL!

Please stop over on Mother’s Day and visit Mixed Media May, where 30 international mixed media artist are offering interviews. My interview is scheduled for tomorrow…Mother’s Day! So very cool and it’s an honor to be part of this collaboration of talented artist.

Hey beautiful you…Happy Mother’s Day!!!

MIA…that’s me!

SOLD

What a long strange trip it’s been:) And what a year 2012 turned out to be. like the above painting i did and the one in the post below, i have felt so open and free to being FILLED up and completely surrendering to God’s will in my life. Along the way He reassured me as I closed many doors and gave up on a dream or two. God provided many opportunities to grow and yes He did stretch me a bit… well a lot. At times it hurt a little..well a lot, but looking back it was an awesome year and I continue to be in awe of God’s generosity.

i have many goals for 2013 and hope to connect here in this place more often. to continue to share my heart and creative spirit remains a hearts desire but i also hope to build bridges with people who share that calling.

To stay rooted in my goals and wishes for the new year my reminder word is GROUNDED. I want to continue to surrender and be grounded in God’s word and will for me. I spent so many years of my life soaring, exploring, and discovering myself. I get the picture of who i am and what i have to offer. i want to stay grounded and content in who that is and remain open to what God would like to do with me.

i am inspired by each of you and feel so much support! it is humbling as i see many of you struggle and grow with such grace and freedom. If you have a word that inspires and nurtures your 2013 journey…what is it? I would like to stop by and support you in that mission.

If you don’t have a mission for the new year…maybe it’s because God has you in a similar place that i found myself in 2012…open and growing, completely surrendered and totally wiped out. If so…be brave cause it is the beginning of a transformation. Be easy on yourself because it’s a first step on a long road. I would like to be there to encourage you. Remember, we don’t always have to soar…sometimes we need to land.

thanks for being a soft place for me to land:)

jill

Filled with Thee

Filled with Thee

20×16″ mixed media

stapled back canvas

Dear Heart….

You take me to this place of pure abundance…

filled to the rim with Blessings

given to me with love and encouragement by you.
Then one drop at a time, ever so gently, you pour me out.

Taking

until i’m empty, thirsting and hungry

for you.
It is only in THIS place, void of ME
That i can be truly and abundently
filled with THEE.

Amen.

Discovery

DISCOVERY- 16×20″ Mixed Media

Dear Heart,

I happened upon this quote today and it stirred something in me…
” I was raised to sense what someone else wanted me to be and to be that kind of person. It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes”
Sally Field

Awwww, Sally! How you struggled with the same demons that taunt so many women. I can still hear you crying as you accepted the Academy Award so many years ago saying, “you like me…you really like me!” I just love how vulnerable you were in that simple statement.

During this Lenten season one of the things I’m trying to do is LOVE more. As i came across this quote this morning, I realize that i need to include myself in that. I need to love me more. Not in a selfish way by putting myself first. Not a worldly love, but a agape love. I need to remind myself that the only eyes that are allowed to judge are the eyes of God and be grateful for the person He made me to be. My discovery today is that when I truly LOVE who I am it is easy to put others before myself. I will do it out of gratitude to the one who made me, seeing HIM in me and in every face I meet.

Dear Heart…and Inked Tiles

Dear Heart….

I can’t believe my crazy life! God has me going and going and going and ~~at times~~ i feel just like the energizer bunny! I know that God has me in this place to help me grow and so that i rely on Him even more and I just LOVE it. It feels like I’m standing in the middle of the most beautiful storm, with arms wide open, completely unafraid.

Since starting this part time job with the Church, I do miss connections and friendships. Sitting over a glass of wine or a warm cup of coffee, pouring out my heart (to my sweet blog friends or to my dear friends here at home) But again, I have to say that it makes me depend on the friendship of the Lord even more. He is so dear and faithful to me and He truly fills me up. I have been called to give up many things that i love and it has not been easy. I do watch in awe as the Lord takes away and gives much more.

Recently i have decided to change my view of this blog. I want to get back to the heart of why i write this blog and as much as i enjoy every comment and follower, that is not why I blog. I blog to share my heart, to remember my journey. I have to admit that at times I have lost my way and thought more about gaining followers and less about why i’m here. I’m going to try my best to remember not to do that and honor myself by beginning each post as DEAR HEART… so for any readers that I’m blessed by, just know that this is a real journey and you have an open invitation to ride along .

Whew… felt good to get that off my chest!!!

I love the workshops i have been doing. I love the women that take my workshops, I love teaching and I love the challenge! My town has been very supportive in marketing my workshops and providing me a great venue to teach mixed media. I can’t believe i have been doing these workshops for 3 years now and although it has been lots of work for little pay, I LOVE IT! I can’t believe that my town recently featured me as Fishers Artist of the Month. I have even been invited to join the Fishers Arts Council and feel like this is a great opportunity to tap into the beat of my large town and be part of the growth we are experiencing. I’m just so excited!!
My dream is to host a retreat here in my town and travel the country, dare i say world Lord?, giving these mixed media workshops…not sure what God has planned for me but He has surely Blessed me as He keeps sending people that want to explore their creative spirit. The more I put the Lord first, the more fruit He provides me. I have to continue to let Him lead and allow Him to carry me because it is ALL ABOUT HIM!
I work on the curriculum for my workshops a lot which is not my favorite, but i have seen first hand what happens if I don’t put my whole self into it. It’s hard because I have rarely given the same workshop twice. With over 50 workshops given i’m wondering how long i can maintain this… i’ll stop when it isn’t fun anymore i suppose.
I want to remember this workshop “Inked Tiles” in particular because it is FUN, EASY, and good for all levels. (plus I promised this to my awesome blog friends who have been VERY patient with me. I may be slow but i keep my promises and this promise has been nagging me for months!)

********************

Details-12 women participated and cost of workshop was $35 . Artists took home 3 tiles! I set up stations for each of the three techniques i demonstrated.

Supplies needed for TAPPING TILE technique…Can be found at most craft stores

Ceramic tiles found at most hardware stores

Ranger Alcohol inks

Ranger Blending Solution (blends, lightens, preps surface, and erases)

StazOn stamp pad

Water based sealer (Gloss Mod Podge is what I use) – picture shows gel medium but you need Mod Podge for this technique

Sponge brush for applying water base sealer

Blending tool (wood block with felt)

Assortment of rubber stamps and paper embellishment

* Always create Alcohol Inked Tiles in a well ventilated area.

-Prep your tile by squeezing a squirt of Blending Solution onto blending tool and rubbing over the entire tile surface

– Squeeze drops of ink onto the felt pad of the blending tool. Hold and squeeze 2 seconds for colors and 1 second for metallics.

– Tap onto the entire surface of tile. Add more ink or Blending Solution to the pad as desired for depth of color. Allow to dry.

-Once you have created the background of your Alcohol Inked Tile, you may rubber stamp any design using STAZ-ON rubber stamp ink. After you stamp in the top surface of tile, rub the ink pad around the sides to ‘Frame’ in black.

– After you have added stamp, seal the tile with your water base sealer. Remember that you will want to use a light hand while applying sealer and a one stroke motion is best. Kinda like painting our nailsJ Allow tile to dry completely.

-After the tile is completely dry you may glue, using the same water base sealer, any paper embellishments you have picked out. Dry again.

– If you would like you may add another coat of sealer.

– Display and enjoy!

Love that workshop!! It was inspiring for me to watch every artist take home these vibrant colored beauties!

******************

Lord,

I am yours

every inch

every action

every thought

they belong to you.

Thank you,

you have been there to lift me when I fall

and

guide me when I’m lost.

Keep me Lord

Your

Arms.

With You I can do all things.

For you are my way

you are my portion.

I love you.

Amen

Jill

Wishing You and Yours a Blessed Christmas

TWO MONTHS!!! I knew it had been a long time….but TWO MONTHS!? Thank you for your unending patience with me. I wish i could be that patient with me:)

Lot’s of exciting things going on here! Some things feel like more than i can handle at times, but i realize that makes me lean on HIM more.

I look forward to catching up with you over Christmas break, including my long overdue lesson on Inked Tiles, i have not forgotten!! But had to take this opportunity…in the midst of unwrapped gifts, uncooked food, and my unclean house, to wish you and your families a Blessed Merry Christmas. What a JOY to walk away from the organized chaos and sit with you for a bit.

Your support, prayers, and visits were a true Blessing to me in 2011 and i look forward to leaning on you and offering all the same love and prayers in 2012.

May we always remember that HE

is the reason for the season!

You’re on my list!

If your a Seinfeld fan, which I am, you may recall the episode when Jerry and Elaine make rental car reservations. When they arrived at the ticket counter the attendant tells them that they didn’t hold their reservation. Jerry begins the process of explaining to the counter attendant the meaning of a reservation.

Watch…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7uvttu8ct0&feature=player_embedded

I think this is a great example of customer service these days, but only Jerry makes it funny.

I also think this is sometimes a good example of prayer life.

Do you ever ask someone to pray for you?

Do people ask you to pray for them?

What an honor to pray for someone and have someone pray for you!! I feel like it is really the most powerful thing we can do for someone. And to ask someone to pray for you puts one in an amazing place of humility and according to Scripture…God loves a humble heart!!

I have to be honest when i tell you…I’m finally starting to get this. Used to be when someone asked me to pray for them, i would say i would but quickly i would forget them when it came to prayer time. I used to think that to actually ask someone to pray for me would be a sign of weakness, you know…I’ve got it covered don’t bother…even when i needed the prayer badly.

I have actually had someone say to me “don’t pray for me, pray for yourself!” after telling them i would pray for them. Maybe they sensed it was just something i was just giving lip service to.

Just like the lady at the ticket counter! Anyone can just say they will pray!

God has really convicted me on this. After all, when you say your gonna pray for someone they are taking you at your word…that you’re going to pray for them. And how prideful of me to not want or ask for prayer. What a gift…it is a prayer!! I need prayer (feel free to pray for me anytime friends)!

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

One thing that has helped me to “keep the reservation” is to make a prayer list. It is very special to me to write someones name on that list. You’re on my list! It helps to keep me focused, really it is my prayer to-do list:)

Do you have a prayer list?
If so…could you add me to it?!

Just a reminder that i will be back soon (hopefully Friday) to post about the Alcohol Inked Tiles.

I think you will so enjoy these inks!!

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