security and significance ...

My most valued needs ... security and significance.

Having someone believe in me and stand in my corner.

Knowing I am loved and accepted.

Trusting that when I fall, someone will be there to pick me up.

The support and encouragement to step out and be courageous.

These are all right there in the person of Jesus ... but it is my choice to believe it and really put that belief into action everyday.

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. 

  John 7 : 37-39

I heard someone say today ... We decide when we are strong what will be when we are weak.

If I want my belief to be strong ... then i need to work on it ... spend time getting to know Father, Son, Holy Spirit ... have a good solid daily prayer time ... make sure to worship and praise God ... get in His corner and be where He is.

Be blessed and be a blessing

Teena

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just like a chocolate box ...

GodTags is all about telling the people in your life they are loved and valued.

That is why I make and sell postcards ... an easy way to write a quick note and send them out into the world ... with an encouraging word.

My latest postcard packs come in a chocolate colored glitter box.  A little bit of sparkle that can be kept and reused as a keepsake box once the cards are all sent.

Feel the smile these bring to your face ... now think of someone who needs your love and encouragement ... send them a note or give them a call.

Now you have just passed on God's Love ... it's as easy as that ... DONE!

Be blessed and be a blessing

Teena

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all things are possible postcard pack ...

Moving with the times ...

Thanks to TED I had a chance to see this amazing video about Janet Echelman, an artist who has adapted and moved with times.  Her sculptures are all about 21st century technology.  She must be very courageous and willing to experiment with new things.  But more than anything watching this talk has shown me the power of collaboration ... Janet's willingness to ask for help and seek out people with knowledge.

 

The old saying 'it takes a village to raise a child' can be applied here.  It takes an open heart and open hand to create amazing Giant Billowing Sculptures.  None of this could have happened without Janet. 

Maybe I need to be a bit more willing to ask for help.  Thanks Janet for your inspiration.

Be blessed and be a blessing

Teena

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God's creative heart ...

Can I just tell you how excited I am that I have a God created me with a creative heart.

Sometimes I am intense and frustrated ... other times I am bursting in the flow ... today I am living in the moment and accepting what comes.  Every day is different.

But that is what I love about creative energy ... it isn't consistent ... it isn't neat and ordered ... it is chaotic and messy and unpredictable ... but the results are exciting and fulfilling and make me smile.

I have been reading a lot of blogs about creativity versus productivity, it seems to be a hot topic at the moment. How to overcome procrastination and turn on the creative tap.

And it has got me thinking ... what does God say about creativity? ... lots and lots actually ... not only in what he has said through his word but also what he has done.

God spent the first 6 days creating ... so his first act was creation ... and much of his word speaks of putting our hands to good and honest hard work, that is productive and builds up his people.

Proverbs 31 talks of a woman making good use of her time ... making good choices, working with eager hands and being generous.

'From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.'

Proverbs 12:14

' In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'
Genesis 1:1

'So God created mankind in his own image,'
Genesis 1:27  

So my intention is that my creative endeavors build and encourage faith ... that they point to my creator and shine the light on LOVE and JOY and PEACE and JESUS.

... and I become more and more like the woman of Proverbs 31.

 Be blessed and be a blessing

Teena

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Reading Bliss ...

Reading can be like like taking a holiday without leaving the house.

I can travel to places all over the world, move through time and feel the heart of someone's highs and lows.  All this would never be possible without getting myself lost in the pages of a good read.

Chatting at the Sky suggested 'A Sound  Among the Trees'  by Susan Meissner, as a good read and I wholeheartedly agree ... so loved the mix of current day and civil war scenes. 

Another book I am chewing my way through is 'C.H.Spurgeon - The People's Preacher' by Peter Morden.  I have previously read a few of Spurgeon's collated sermons and prayers and I love his true heart for God.  Now reading a biography about him I have a clearer picture about his life and trials and the man behind the sermons.

"Let God send the fire of His Spirit here, and the minister will be more and more lost in his Master.  You will come to think less of the speaker and more of the truth spoken; the individual will be swamped, the words uttered will rise above everything."

 These words spoken by Spurgeon in 1861 are as true today as they were back in the 1800's.

So I am ever thankful for Christian Authors who continue to fill my bookshelf.

... because not only do I have more good books to share but my heart has been enriched by good stories ... fact or fiction ... beautifully woven tales that take me beyond the pages ... introduced me to new characters that feel like old friends and put a smile on my face.


I pray today has shown you a glimpse of who God Is.

 Be blessed and be a blessing

Teena

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Inspire Me corner ...

My little Inspire Me corner is what keeps me keeping on with my postcards ...

This is my inspire corner …  all my Etsy buys for May … 

 

I love the color and texture of Angie Vandenbogaards' print …  the way her prints show the texture is fabulous.

Love Love Love the layering in Kate Masons' Collage with words.

Words are key to me … so SprinkledJoy word art is such a great reminder.

As always Kelly Rae is everywhere … she was my catalyst and constant inspiration

I have placed my inspire corner directly opposite my desk so every time I turn around I see it .. it makes me smile and reminds me that there are other people following there dreams just like me.

Etsy gives me access to the world of handmade art … such creative people … it is such a wonderful platform to work from.

Arise and Shine keeps going around and around in my head this week.
 

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.

 “Lift up your eyes all around, and see:
They all gather together, they come to you;
Your sons shall come from afar,
And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
Then you shall see and become radiant,
And your heart shall swell with joy;
 

Isaiah 60:1-5

I know this verse is talking about Zion but the greater context being us as a generation of people who need to shine the light of Christ ... Me needing to use my God given gifts to shine His Glory.

God speaks to my heart in so many ways.


I hope your God size dreams are blooming with the colors of the rainbow ... never let go of His promises ... keep on keeping on ... and lift up your eyes so you can pass on God's Love everyday.

Be blessed and be a blessing 

Teena

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