shirts, bags, hats -- oh my!

I am absolutely in LOVE with the products that Midwest CBK is producing using my artwork.  Here's a peak at the catalog that showcases the shirts, bags and hats.  Swoon!!!!

listen to God

“At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to heed Him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God's hand until we learn to hear Him...Watch where God puts you into darkness, and when you are there keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet...When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.” 
― Oswald Chambers

patience

“Patience is more than endurance. A saint's life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, and He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says--'I cannot stand anymore.' God does not heed, He goes on stretching till His purpose is in sight, then He lets fly. Trust yourself in God's hands. Maintain your relationship to Jesus Christ by the patience of faith. 'Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” 
― Oswald Chambers

trust - He is merciful and mighty

dear Lord,
I took a leap of faith.  I stepped out of the boat, onto the waves, and only Your presence can ease my anxious heart.  The minute I stop, look around, listen to the news, I start to sink deep in these waters that surround me.  The only thing that keeps me afloat is Your word, standing in Your presence, and remembering Your promises.  And if the world gets to be too much for  me, You show me a tiny miracle here and there.  Thank you for constantly providing, always reassuring my heart.  The more steps I take in this life of faith, the more I see Your hand guiding, providing always -- and never letting go.  I thank you Lord and praise Your name.

my dearest child,
Your words are music to Me.  Continue to trust Me. Hold onto My hand.  I will not let you fall. Please try to remember, your heart makes plans -- but I direct your steps.  So this step in faith, it is right along with My plans for you -- or I would've shown You, whispered to Your heart before you stepped out.  And although some steps may not be easy at times, you are being purified, tested, shaped.   And you are right, the more steps you take in faith, the more you will see My hand guiding, providing always -- and never letting go.  

Matthew 14: 27 - 32  |  Proverbs 16:9 | 1 Peter 1:7 |  Psalm 50:15  |  Isaiah 41:13 | Psalm 7:9-10

chaos!!!

I have a confession to make ...

my. house. is. a. mess.

It is CRAZY in here!  Since September, when my busy season started but my life didn't stop, a lot of tasks had to be put on hold. Add to that 2 little girls, a dog and a busy husband -- things just aren't where they are supposed to be.  

So now, I have a list of "to do's" to get my house back to where I want it to be.  I'll try to keep this blog updated as we check things off to keep me accountable. Plus - a lot of the items can be fun.  I'm most excited about the first item.

1. Girl cave creation

2. Weight room re-established

3. Girls' room organized (new shelves!!)

4. Find a dresser, paint it blue -- put clothes in it

5. New curtains for sliding glass door (dog chewed the other ones)

6. New dining room table project

7. Craft closet

8. Storage room overhaul

Oh and the other "not-so-fun" tasks that continues to haunt me ...

1. Laundry (need to seriously catch up)

2. Sock baskets (now I have 3 sock baskets ... full of socks that need to be matched up)

3. Junk drawer rubbermaids (I have about 5 rubbermaids full of "stuff" that I didn't want to sort through)

This weekend is "let's begin projects" weekend.  The first one, GIRL CAVE, has been started.  So I hope to finish it up this weekend.  And with that -- update the girls' room and establish the weight room.  I'll add some before and after pics later.  

Now I've got to go walk the dog.

the atlanta gift mart starts today!!

Today is the day the Atlanta Gift Mart starts.  As a licensed artist, it is a BIG day.  And this year, it is for 2 reasons.  First -- my gift line through Midwest CBK is being debuted.  And then second, my agents will be walking the market -- talking to more manufacturers about my designs.

Here are a few pics of some of the products from my new line available through Midwest CBK.  I couldn't be more in love with the products -- and the company and everyone that works there.

prayer is rest for my soul

dear Lord,

I lay at your feet all my daily worries.  You know, the ones that creep up in my mind when I am enjoying a moment of silence.  Or maybe some fear that takes over my heart when I am just busy living.  I lay all those at your feet right now, Lord.  Guide me to my tomorrow.  Show me how to handle these tasks to best glorify You.

dear child,

remember ...I will teach you and show you in the way you should go; I will whisper to your heart and watch over you.  Do not worry about tomorrow.  I do what is right.  I know your thoughts and feelings.  I will protect you like a shield; I save those whose hearts are right.  And I will keep you in perfect peace as long as you keep thinking of Me and trusting in Me.  So my dear child, continue to be joyful in this hope I promise you, patient in any troubles, and continue to be faithful in prayer. 

Ps 34:8, Mt 6:34, Ps 7:9-10, Isaiah 26:3, Romans 12:12