What is Worship

Is it found in a particular type of music, or how fast or loud it is played?  It is a certain way that certain words are said or repeated?  Does it occur at a specific time of day? 

Our lives in their entirety should be our form of worship.  Is the music we listen to or play giving God glory?  Are the words we say or repeat edifying God?  Is each moment we are given, given back to the One who allows us the next breath?

This is our act of worship.

A Prayer

I found this a while back.  I wrote it several years ago for the girls, and as I read it, I realized that God is answering this even when I forget to ask.  He is faithful and true, even when I am not paying attention!

 Father, bless their sleep, my prayer

Guard their minds, their souls, their cares

Keep them still throughout this night

Wake them with the morning light

Bind their fears and grant Your peace

May Your mercy never cease

Stay with them all of their days

Bless them Lord, is all I pray

Lord of Hope, of Grace, of Love

Look on these girls from up above

Smile on them Lord, shine through them too

May they be bright lights, shining for You

May they know the love you gave

 By sending Your Son, our souls to save

Let them share Him faithfully

And allow others Your love to see

Father, bless their sleep this night

Keep their spirits shining bright

Thank You for this day we’ve spent

And for these girls who are heaven-sent.

--Holly Campbell

The Beginning. . .

The beginning of anything can be intimidating. Trying to write that first word, think that first thought, paint that first brushstroke. What if it isn't the right word? What if the thought makes no sense? What if that brush goes in a direction different than I wanted it?

Creativity is intimidating. There are so many creative people, and what if my projects and ideas don't measure up?

As I carry on this journey, I want to try to honor my Creator by using the talents He has given me. I don't want to get caught up in comparisons and self-inflicted criticism. I want to enjoy this journey, taking in all the beauty around me and finding the beauty within.

Identity

There are days when I am not sure who I am. . .

Mother



Wife



Daughter



Sister



Friend



Artist



Gardener



Dishwasher



The list could go on and on. . .



My creative side tells me I should be looking for art, for beauty. . .

or making something to exhibit my style, my desires, my ideas. . .



My mothering side tells me I should be helping the girls have fun, taking them to the library, making sure they are getting outside enough, and eating all healthy snacks, and not watching too much TV. . .



Then the garden needs weeding and mulching. . .



The dishes are piling up, and the sink is getting full. . .



I need to encourage my husband to pursue his latest aspiration, discussing his options, making sure he has my support for the correct things. . .



I need to call Mom, making sure she and Dad are okay, and calling just to chat about ideas, and what they have been up to. . .



I should be making more effort to reach out to my sisters and brother, trying to get in touch, and stay connected with their lives. . .



What are my friends up to today? Do they need encouragement? Do they need help with anything?



With all of these "to-dos" I feel done in. I am trying to keep my head up, and trying to accomplish the things I think I am supposed to. I know relationships are important, and they should be my priority, but sometimes I need time to be myself, and be by myself.

Tea Parties

I regret that I didn't attend a Tea Party on Wednesday.

I have read a few posts from others who did attend. One person who did not attend, got together with a friend and prayed for our country. We should all be so wise and faithful.

A challenge for us all:

To do what we have been called to do from the beginning, fall to our knees and pray to our Heavenly Father-for our leaders, our country, our future.

My Job. . .

This is a post I had written last year, but I need reminding every once and again about my true calling. . .

I was reminded this morning of my chosen line of work. . .I have a very big responsibility every day.I hold in my hands the power to shape and change lives for generations to come. I have the ability to change history for the better--or worse. I choose better. I can teach the right things, or I can teach the popular things. I choose right. I can choose to show love or hate. I choose love.

I am a mom.

Back to Basics

I have learned that I need to keep learning

I see that I need to keep looking

I hear that I need to keep listening

I have been reading, searching the internet, looking at magazines, watching TV, trying to find ideas, inspiration, that 'something' to get me started on the next project (not that I have finished any of the last dozen or so. . .).

This evening it finally hit me. I need to stop looking at what others are doing for a moment, and think about who I am, where I come from, and what my art should be. Don't get me wrong, everything I have seen out here is amazing! All of these incredibly intelligent creative women who seem to be able to continually produce wonderful works of art, either in artwork, cooking and baking, or entertaining and hospitality are fun to follow in blogland.

I just need to follow myself for a bit.

I have been overwhelmed and I need to simplify. Perhaps to listen to that still, small voice that tells me who I am created to be and what I am to create. . .