Illustration Friday: Spring

"Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world's a choir - and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios."

Song of Solomon 2:12 (the Message)

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This week's Illustration Friday topic "Spring" was rich with possibilities. I however, was not rich with time. I would have loved to have done more. I adore Springtime - all nature awakening, so full of promise. Spring has been in full swing here in Texas for weeks (as seen in these pictures I took recently) - but my life at the moment seems more like Spring up north - you know it's coming, but there's not a lot of physical evidence. And these days I feel like a tulip that is still underground - there is so much happening just under the surface (I could fill a whole blog if I had time) - and I am pushing, pushing through layer after layer of rock and dirt and frozen ground - so close to breaking through and breaking free into the sunlight where I am meant to be! So today, I chose to have the quiet assurance that comes from faith that I indeed will break through into the new life God has promised me. Hopefully I'll be blooming before you know it...

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"The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will shout and sing! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the desert."
Isaiah 35:6

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"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Isaiah 43:19

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"...but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:14

Illustration Friday: Monster (and Feet)

"You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet."

(2 Samuel 22:40)

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Oh goodness, I have really missed taking part in Illustration Friday for the last couple of weeks. Trying to make up for it a bit by combining last week's topic "Feet"and this week's topic "Monster". I had a number of ideas for feet, but I was sick and had no time or energy, so this worked out great. It's important to note that it is God who provides the strength we need to overcome the "monsters" in our lives: greed, jealousy, envy, gluttony, lust and so on. He has already won the battle for us - and He lets us enjoy the spoils. You can't fail with God on your side! Struggling with these ugly critters on our own can keep us worn out and feeling constantly defeated - but victory is ours in the Lord!

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"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

(1 John 4:4)

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"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

(John 16:33)

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"Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good."

(Romans 12:21 - the Message)

Illustration Friday: Insect

Metamorphosis

How could the caterpillar possibly imagine what she would become in time?

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How many times have we believed that we can never change? How many times have we tried to rush the process? How many times have we not moved forward from fear? How many times have we chafed against the confines of the cocoon? How many times have we lost hope that we will ever soar?

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"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven"
Ecclesiastes 3:1

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"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more..."
2 Corinthians 3:18

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If you'd like to see a great teaching on metamorphosis, check out this online streaming video sermon by my pastor, Kerry Shook of Fellowship of the Woodlands church. When I heard this message this weekend, I knew what I had to draw for this week's Illustration Friday topic: Insect.

Illustration Friday: Tea

Tea for Every Season

(click image to see more detail)

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Barely made it in on time for Illustration Friday's topic: Tea. I had many ideas on and off this week for this topic, but very little time. I'm not a big tea drinker (except for iced tea) - BUT, I love everything about tea - I collect teapots, I adore all types of teacups, and I love tea parties. So, I guess I'm really just a tea wannabe.

NOTE: So sorry that I don't have much time at all for leaving comments on your blogs - I have seen lots of nice tea illustrations - I hope I can find time to stop by and say hi.

Illustration Friday: Song

I love the topic for Illustration Friday this week: Song. Although I am not much of a singer, I LOVE to sing and do so all day long - in the car, in the shower, in the grocery store along with the Musac (when I momentarily forget where I'm at). I love all kinds of music, but I especially like to sing praise and worship songs. God has so filled my life with His love and grace and mercy that I want to spend my days singing with a heart of gratitude back to Him.

"Your love, God, is my song, and I'll sing it. I'm forever telling everyone how faithful you are. I'll never quit telling the story of your love--"

Psalm 89:1-2 (the Message)

Illustration Friday: Simple

For this week's Illustration Friday topic: Simple, I chose to illustrate a quote from one of my all time favorite children's authors, Laura Ingalls Wilder. For those who may not be familiar with her work, she wrote the "Little House" series of books about growing up during the late 18oo's on the American frontier. I LOVED those books and read them over and over again throughout my childhood....and not too long ago too. She describes in glorious detail the simple (yet complex and dangerous) lives they led. Wonderful books!

When contemplating how to illustrate the quote, I decided to do an homage to another childhood favorite of mine, Holly Hobbie - the prairie-bound figures that celebrated girlhood, wildflowers, homespun calico and life's simple pleasures. I spent countless hours in the 70's drawing Holly Hobbie figures with their big, floppy bonnets - I loved them. I still do - they were an undeniable influence on my artistic style. I'm happy to see that good old Holly Hobbie is enjoying a bit of a renaissance. Good for her! (check out the Holly Hobbie e-cards - cute stuff)

So here's to the simple joys of life - may our days be filled with them and our lives enriched by them - and may we stop long enough to savor them!

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Illustration Friday: Chair

I found this quote and thought is was appropriate for this week's Illustration Friday topic: Chair. It is also particularly fitting for my frame of mind. One of the hardest things about moving away to another state was leaving my dear girlfriends behind. I miss them dearly. But they are a part of me, woven into me for all eternity - they are the type of friends that you pick right up with where you left off - even if it's been a year or two since you spoke.

Just recently I met a wonderful group of folks here at my new church - they are part of the large Singles ministry here, and they have adopted me - and it's wonderful. So I have now been blessed with great new friends. God knew that I needed to avoid isolation and re-connect, and He led me right into their path. So, I am rich in friendships, both old and new.

And I cannot forget my virtual friends on the internet - ones I've never had the pleasure of meeting face to face. We have shared sorrows and triumphs , inspirations and pet peeves, hopes and dreams. Plus, I've met people from all over the world that I never would have met otherwise - the internet is a wonderful tool for connecting, and I am forever blessed by those fine folks I've crossed virtual paths with.

So to all friends, old, new, and virtual I say:

"Tea pot is on, the cups are waiting, favorite chairs anticipating. No matter what I have to do, my Friend there's always time for you."

Anonymous

Why I'm Back in the Heart of Texas

Well, I thought it was about time that I told you why I moved back to Texas. There's no nifty, easy way to say it: I am getting a divorce. I was married for 22 years, exactly half of my life, and now I am launching into a new life. My wonderful parents have graciously invited me to move in with them while I finalize the divorce and sort through the financial issues and obstacles in preparation for buying my own little home. My job with the large technology firm is in tact - I still work from home and am all set up with my home office here, so I am in good shape with work. My husband and I were never able to have children, so we did not have to deal with that painful issue. All in all, I am in pretty good shape. But I'm not kidding myself - I have had and will continue to have pain and loss to deal with - you don't unwind and untangle two souls in a few weeks.

But God has been more than gracious throughout every step of the move, and He is continuing to provide one thing after another that I need. I am SO GRATEUL to be back in the midst of my wonderful family - they have been so wise and fun and caring and sweet and supportive through everything. My parents now have all their kids and their families within a 30 minutes drive. That hasn't happened since we all lived at home more than 22 years ago! It's been such fun!

Starting over again is scary and exciting at the same time. I am looking forward to the things God has in store for me here...He has a plan for me, and it is a good one. I trust Him, and therefore I have peace.

I'll share more soon about the many ideas I have for my new home as well as the plans I have for promoting my art, and so on. Stay tuned and thanks from the bottom of my heart for stopping by....you guys mean a lot to me!

Illustration Friday: Cats

(click the image to see it larger)

So many ways a person could go with this week's Illustration Friday topic: cats. For whatever reason, the phrase "The Cat's Pajamas" jumped into my head and stuck, so here you go - kitties in their PJs. I love kitties, and I love pajamas, so this was a fun one for me.

As to the phrase, according to the website Cat-ch Phrases, "The Cat's Pajamas" means:

"something considered to be outstanding. The term "cat's pajamas" comes from E.B. Katz, an English tailor of the late 1700's and early 1800's, who made the finest silk pajamas for royalty and other wealth patrons."

Learn something new every day...

Illustration Friday: e is for...

What can I say...it was the first thing that popped into my head.

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"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" (Isaiah40:11)

Illustration Friday: Sea

I get a kick thinking about all of creation praising their Creator. I wish I could hear it the way God does. But we CAN get a taste of it - the sunrise that practically sings with its glory, flowers that whisper heartbreaking beauty and fragrance, and the sweet symphony of the mighty sea as it crashes and sparkles and bubbles. I pray that my life would join in with all creation and dance to the rythym of joyful praise to my Creator!

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"Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their song of joy." (Psalm 98:6-8)

Belated Happy New Year - still settling in...

Hello friends! I am back online in Houston and am slowly getting back into the swing of things. I have REALLY missed visiting with all of you. Here and there I have peeked into your wonderful blogs and seen your great posts, I just haven't had time to comment much these past weeks. I should be back in full gear this week with an upcoming post for Illustration Friday and a bit more information about my move....as well as LOTS of exciting new possibilities and projects for 2006!

Meanwhile, I wanted to post a scripture picture that I gave to the Colorado gals in our women's ministry as a good-bye gift before I left. I think it is an appropriate scripture for the new year - remembering that we were all created for a purpose. I wish for each and every one of you that you would use your God-given gifts to spread love and joy to your family, friends, and beyond! There's nothing quite so wonderful as doing what you were created to do!! Big HUGS to all of you - I look forward to sharing more and more with you in this great new year of promise!

Merry, Merry Christmas!!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:14 (KJV)

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This will be my last post for a while as I make the big move to Houston. I expect to get settled in and set back up in a week or so. I will miss all of you! Blessings of the season to you, and may peace and good will rule in your hearts and homes. Thank you for your kindness these past few months - what a great blessing and encouragement you have been to me! May God richly bless you in the coming New Year!

With love,
Becky

Illustration Friday: Surprise

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:9-11

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What a lovely surprise for us all!

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(I always hear that verse in Linus' voice from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" :o)

12 Days of Christmas - What Was I Thinking?!

I really don't know what I was thinking when I had the crazy idea that I could post to my blog 12 days straight with new Christmas graphics and neat Christmas ideas to share. It was a noble thought, born out of a sincere desire to "deck the walls" of my blog and surround myself with Christmas cheer. But, look at what I'm in the middle of - packing and moving! I'm one week away from my move to Houston - and I STILL have more packing to do! What was I thinking when I thought that it would just take a couple of days to pack my studio!? Our upstairs hallway has become an impossible, impassable maze of boxes, and I still have much more to go.

I got off to a pretty good start with my 12 Days of Christmas effort - made it to day 5, but even at that I missed day 3 and had to post both day 3 and day 4 on the same day. But then, I happened to see that the Studio Friday theme for this week was: "What Was I Thinking?" - and suddenly, I knew I had to stop the madness. Sadly, I haven't been able to participate in SF for weeks now because of all that is going on in my life, but I saw a perfect opportunity with this theme to participate one last time until I get settled in Houston and get the studio up and running again. I even managed to pay a brief homage to last week's SF theme "Where the Wild Things Are"

Yes, those are all mine - yes I'm a grown woman - no, I do not have children. I guess even "What Was I Thinking" applies to this - how and why did I acquire all these stuffed animals - what was I thinking...?? Normally my critters are scattered strategically all throughout the studio, but as I gathered them all together to pack them, it seems as if they were crying out for a group photo - so there they are. And now as you can see they are safely packed away for a while until they get to their new home.

So, I still have a couple of ideas for Christmas posts, especially one I hope to finish by tomorrow for Illustration Friday's theme "Surprise"....shhhh, I can't tell you what I'm creating - it's a surprise.

It was fun to participate in Studio Friday again, to see how it's grown, and to look at all the awesome studios that so many of you are sharing now - what fun! Click here to see all the other great "What Was I Thinking" entries for this week. Enjoy! I hope to be participating again with all of you soon!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 5

Late once again with one of the 12 days, but that's OK. The hustle and bustle of the season can really get to us sometimes and take our focus off the things that are truly important.

For day 5, I have a really simple saying that I think is fitting:

"The ornaments of a house are the friends who visit it."

I wish I could attribute that to someone, but I've only seen it listed from an anonymous author. For day 5, I wish for us all a home graced with the fine fellowship and warm laughter of friends and family this holiday season!

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The 5th Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

A house full of friends and family!

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Hopefully I'll post day 6 tonight - stay tuned...

12 Days of Christmas - Day 4

The 4th day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Something nice for every birdy

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Let's not forget our dear feathered friends out in the cold this winter.

Here are some great winter bird feeding tips:

http://www.birdsforever.com/winter.html

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Great bird feeders:

http://www.backyardgardener.com/store/feeder.htm

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Told you I'd keep it quick - see you tomorrow!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 3

It's actually the 4th day, but I'll do two short postings in one day to get caught up!

For this post, I'd like to keep it short and sweet and list a few family Christmas links that I think you and yours will like - Happy Surfing!

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Annie's Christmas Welcome Page
(assorted wonderful, inspirational Christmas goodies)

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Annie's "Christmas is for Kids" Page
(dozens of great puzzles, games, coloring pages, and much more)

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The 12 Days of a Romantic Christmas
(sweet, easy, inexpensive romantic holiday ideas for you and your spouse)

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More Meaningful/Less Stressful Holiday

(great ideas for happy holidays instead of humbug holidays)

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Christmas in Cyberspace

(tons of great Christmas links for th whole family)

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Good Christmas Fun
(easy entertaining ideas for the season)

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The 3rd Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Christmas Surfing for your Family

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Stop back by for day 4!

12 Days of Christmas - Day 2

For day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me, I would like to share my movie "review" and other thoughts about "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." Several days ago, I excitedly purchased my tickets online for the Friday release of the movie I've been waiting for most of my life. Since the 6th grade, when my Sunday School teacher introduced me to C.S. Lewis' classic children's fiction series, I've wished that I could see the stories come to life in some fashion. They have certainly been vividly playing in my head for years, but I think I always wanted everyone to be able to see them big and bold and appreciate them for all their power and beauty and majesty.

So, when I heard a little over a year ago that Walden Media was going to be working with Disney to bring at least the first book in the series to life in a live-action motion picture, I was thrilled. I followed the news about the movie on www.narniaweb.com, and watched their daily countdown till debut - 287 days, 286 days, 285 days...

So, was it worth the wait? Did they butcher or water down the incredible story line? Did the animals and other creatures, especially Aslan himself, look hokey and fake? The answers in my opinion are yes, no and no. It was well worth the wait - exceeded my very high expectations - they were incredibly faithful to the story line (which is really the most important thing), and the CGI creatures were stunning! The actors playing the Pevensie children were fantastic, Tilda Swinson was perfectly icy as the White Witch, and a new favorite character emerged for me - Mr. Tumnus, Lucy's friend the faun. I always liked him in the book, but his character in the film absolutely stole my heart. Any let down for me...? The only thing remotely disappointing to me was the size of Aslan - I always pictured him bigger - but he was still absolutely gorgeous and majestic and very, very life-like. The whole thing was just a great treat, a thoughtful and faithful adaptation, and a rare film that celebrates character and courage and loyalty.

So, if you're not familiar with the story line, you may be wondering what in the world this has to do with Christmas...? Well, Narnia is under a spell from the evil White Witch Jadis which keeps the entire country locked in winter, but a cruel winter without Christmas. No spoilers here, so I won't explain more, but that is why this is part of my 12 Days of Christmas.

I suggest you give yourself and your family a big Christmas treat and experience this joyous, beautiful movie together...and if you've never read the books - do it! C.S Lewis was a genius! Your whole family will love them!

Couple more Narnia links of interest:

www.narnia.com
(beautiful web site with clips, downloads, music, Chronicle synopsis, and much more - make sure you click on the "Enter Narnia" link - awesome Flash animation!!)

www.thenarniaacademy.org

(explore Narnia with 1000s of Homeschoolers and Youth Groups worldwide)

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The 2nd Day of Christmas at Just Bee 'n Me

Don't miss the Lion's new movie

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Hope you'll stop by tomorrow - more pictures than words next time I promise. :o)

12 Days of Christmas - Day 1

My heart is echoing the words of a familiar Christmas carol,

"I need a little Christmas, right this very minute!"

That is precisely how I feel. It's as though I have emerged from a long winter's nap only to suddenly realize that Christmas is but a few short weeks away, and I am far from ready. I feel an immediate need to "Deck the Halls" all around me. Alas, I cannot do it in my home because I am in the process of packing and moving back to Texas on December 22nd. Why I'm moving is a long story that I will share more about in the days to come, but the fact remains that I want to surround myself with the sights, sounds, and smells of this wonderful season.

So, I've decided the one thing I can do is deck the halls of my little blog. Beginning today, I am kicking off "The 12 Days of Christmas" at Just Bee 'Me. I will post a Christmas-themed entry every day from today, December 8th, until December 20th, when I'll have to unplug all my computer gear and get it packed away for the move. So, I hope you'll stop by when you can and join me beside the fire for a cup of hot chocolate and a touch of Christmas cheer...

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The 1st day of Christmas at
Just Bee 'n Me:

Hot Chocolate just for you and me
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I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for more Christmas fun..