focused on Glory (playground dedication)

week 39

Yes I realize that the once a week foG project has fallen to once a month. Both Jennifer and I have had a few issues. Let's just leave it at that.  ツ

Our church is going through a remodel, and that includes new playgrounds for the children. Last week the children's Sunday School classes went out to write their names and scripture verses on the new playground foundations. 

The church wanted to thank God for and dedicate the new site. What better way to teach a lesson on thankfulness to our children. It will all be covered by a rubber substance, but we know it's still there.

I have many pictures of the children, but didn't want to post any without permission from parents. At one point as a class was leaving, I turned around to see our Discipleship Pastor had "sneaked" in and was writing on the concrete. I called Garrick's name and snapped his picture as he was writing Matthew 19:14. 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, 

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 

Be sure to check out Jennifer's BLOG to see her foG posts too!

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter or Pinterest. And I'd love to hear from you, so drop me a note via the comment section or the email option on my profile page! 

focused on Glory (painting with clouds)

Week 38

Last night's sky. 

This morning's sky.

Thank you for the beauty Lord.

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter or Pinterest. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page! 

focused on Glory (Investing in Youth)

Last month I learned about a YMCA program that provides free bikes and helmets to youth. As it turns out, the program also welcomes adults.

WOO HOO!

The program takes place over three Saturday mornings. The first week we picked out our donated, refurbished bikes. We spent our time cleaning and making minor repairs to our bicycles. Any major repairs were completed by volunteers over the following week. Week two was for safety. We went over road rules and practiced riding through intersections.

I attended the class with my friend Brenda. She invited another friend named Tonya. We were the only three adults in the program without a child. The rest of the class was made up of a group of kids from Children's International. And may I tell you how much I enjoyed those kids! What a fun group with which to spend a few Saturdays.

Today was the last Saturday. We went for a short ride past the Clinton Presidential Library and onto the new pedestrian bridge. As we rode past the library we encountered a large art festival. High school art clubs from around the state were gathered, and they were drawing amazing, chalk images on the sidewalks. It was a visual delight.

We rode back to the warehouse and said our goodbyes. I am going to miss seeing "our" kids next Saturday. Then Brenda and I took our bikes to her house for storage. (I CANNOT believe I forgot to take a picture of my bicycle!) I got an amazing cruiser (circa early 80's) with a sweet wire basket on the front. It is chocolate brown, but I am going to paint it baby blue. I will post before and after photos.

Here are a few of the photos I snapped with my phone today. The old saying is that the best camera is the one you have with you, so I hope you don't mind the picture quality.

Everyone was given a helmet. All the helmets had a shape similar to what you see professional cyclists wear. All of the helmets but mine. None of the "tear drop" helmets would fit on my enormous melon, so I got stuck with the white combat variety. (I'm blaming the thick french braids I was rocking on helmet fitting day.) I looked like I was going to be shot out of a cannon.

I decided to embellish my helmet. I had plans for a more creative design, but being sick for the last two weeks left me with little motivation. The circles still look better than leaving it plain. Note the silver, glittered nickname added to the front. Fun, fun!

Brenda and me over the Arkansas river.

Our motley crew of bikers. I will miss those personalities.

Beautiful chalk art in progress.

Doesn't this make you smile?

I really liked this flaming bird.

This is Malcolm. He is one of the program volunteers. He makes sure the bikes are in good working order for each participant. He is such a delightful character. You will smile if you are in his presence.

I can't express how much fun it was to participate in this program. Not only did I get a free bike and helmet, but I got to spend time with amazing people. The Children's International sponsor said she was happy that we (the grown up girls) were in the class with her kids. She told me that she thought we were good influences and short-term mentors for the children. I was humbled by that remark. It was an honor to help with her group.

One last mention for the YMCA leaders who headed up the program. We were blessed to have God loving folks who were interested in investing in children of the metro community. They were the true role models. They showed God's love and generosity with such enthusiasm. The whole experience was a blessing.

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter or Pinterest. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page! 

focused on Glory (lightning)

week 36

focused on Glory is a weekly feature in conjunction with Ponderings of an Elect Exile. (minus a couple of missing weeks)

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page!  

focused on Glory (beautiful puddles)

Week 35

Take a moment to stop by Ponderings of an Elect Exile to see Jennifer's double rainbow.

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page!  

focused on Glory (in fellowship)

I had a great day hanging out with a sweet friend today. Carla asked me to help her get canvases ready for a women's event at church. It was a great day with a great gal. We laughed, acted silly, and shared stories. What a present it turned out to be.

Without knowing it, earlier in the week, Carla repeated the Bible study lesson I had just covered. That lesson and Carla reinforced a decision I'd been called to. God has further substantiated what he has asked of me. Don't you love hearing him speak? I do.

focused on Glory is a weekly post in conjunction with Ponderings of an Elect Exile. Make sure you stop by to hear about the great blessing Jennifer encountered.

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page!  

focused on Glory (in need)

This one is a little tough. I am making a choice to focus on God. I will see His Glory if I look.


As you can see, I shattered the glass on my phone. This is the latest straw on my haystack, and I'm praying it's the last for a while. I'm not able to get everything repaired that has broken lately.


Now let me point out that I am well aware that a smart phone is a luxury rather than a need. It simply represents that things seem to be falling apart at an alarming rate, and I can't keep up. There are six pricey issues that have popped up with my car in the last several weeks. The car is 10 ½ years old, but replacing it isn't an option at this time.


There are other major issues that also require the almighty dollar, but I don't want to get into that. You'll just have to trust me that I have a death grip on Philippians 4:19, and I can't wait to see how it shows off God's Glory.

And if any of you know of a job lead, feel free to inbox me. 

focused on Glory (painted sky)

This is last night's sunset.

I know the verse is a repeat, but repetition is good 

for remembering. 

focused on Glory (the simple answer)

I know that my faith is sometimes looked upon as silly, weak, and for the simple minded. Well I can be silly, and I can be weak, and if believing that nothing of this world happened by accident- that there must be a creator behind it all- makes me simple minded, then I'm that too. 

Sometimes we like to complicate things when the best, most trustworthy answer is the simplest. There is no way I, or anyone, was created by cosmic accident. Every where I look there is evidence that this world was designed. The odds that all of this happened as a result of a chain of events are astronomical. I think you have to work harder to believe that theory than to believe the truth. The verification of God's glory is everywhere.

... "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;

the  whole earth is full of his glory."

Isaiah 6:3

Here are examples of two things I do no believe are accidents. In fact, I am amazed at the creativity (and I love anything creative) involved with coming up with thousands of species of watermelons and mushrooms. 

As a bonus, there are links to recipes at the bottom of today's post. Enjoy.

Watermelon is a favorite of mine!

Don't you love the crack in this old bowl? I do.

These little guys were growing in the front yard. I think they are adorable, and I'm big fan of the ones you can eat.

Here are the recipes. The mushroom page has instructions for 30 dishes. Just click on the thumbnails to take you to a specific one. Enjoy!

http://westchesterdish.com/2007/06/ten-facts-you-never-knew-about-watermelon/

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/recipe_slideshows/healthy_mushroom_recipes?slide=1#leaderboardad

As always, I want to shout out to Jennifer's blog Ponderings of an Exect Exile. You might enjoy her simple minded faith as well.

Thank you for visiting creative confetti!  Please take a moment to "like" creative confetti (website) on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter. And I'd love to hear from you via the comment section or the email option on my profile page!  

focused on Glory (through the rain)

focused on Glory is a weekly (or almost weekly) post on creative confetti 
and Ponderings of an Elect Exile. 
Each post features a photo from that week 
that reminds us of God's glory.

After weeks of drought, it finally rained. It was little more than a long sprinkle, and all it did was wash the dust off the landscape, but I'll take it. Thank you Lord. Please send more.

Rain drops in the old birdbath. 

I will try to post another foG post later in the week to catch up. In the meantime, check out Jennifer's BLOG. She always has something interesting, touching, inspiring, or funny to pass on, and don't miss her past foG posts either.

focused on Glory (answering a call)

I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!

Was that too much? Too many exclamation marks? I don't think so. In fact, I think I will add a few more. 

!!!

Even that isn't enough, but I should continue with this post. I've fulfilled the photo requirement for foG, and now I'll tell you a small bit about how this image represents God's glory.

This is part of the Wagner family.  Andy and Katie were missing because they were out of state. :(   But I did get to see Ken, Tammi, and Melonie during my trip home to Nashville, and it did my heart good to spend time with them.

Ken and Tammi are fun loving, fall-on-the-floor-and-spit-out-your-drink-funny! They. make. me. smile. They can evoke a smile in me even when their hearts are heavy, and they've been carrying a pretty hefty payload lately. The reason can be found in their impenetrable faith- a faith they have worked to pass on to their children and those they encounter.

And speaking of their children, let me introduce you to Melonie. She is 19 and has just completed her freshman year of college. She is extraordinary, and I adore this young woman. We became close when I worked with the student ministry in Nashville. I had the honor of being a Bible study teacher for Melonie and several other fabulous girls. Now Melonie is teaching me.

As I write this, she is in Kenya on a mission trip with International Sports Federation. I can't wait to hear about her experiences when she returns. It's a life changing trip, and I'm excited to see how it grows her. She truly lives for His glory.

While I was in Nashville Melonie told me she was speaking to the students at church, so I went to hear what she had to say. She spoke of how her relationship with Christ had grown over her year at university. She stressed the importance of having a daily study/worship time with God. 

It was during a one-on-one moment with God when she prayed a six word prayer that led to new revelations and new continents. She opened her heart and mind and said, "Wreck my world. I am yours."

Wow! What a great concept. Total abandon for what could be expected.

She also reminded us (ME) to pray big... something I had forgotten as of late. I appreciated that little kick in the faith.

Father God, thank you for Melonie and her desire to know You more. Pour Yourself in and through her as she follows Your plan. Draw her near and bless her faithfulness LORD. 

focused on Glory (in good times)

It seems easy to focus on God's glory when things are going well. But how often do we actually stop to take focus? I know I don't always, but this week has been really good so far, and I've been trying to reconcile it all to His glory. Nothing happens without His prior knowledge, therefore it must all tie to His glory if we allow it to. Sometimes there are things that happen that make us want to lash out and accuse. Other times bring so much happiness that we forget that those moments are also part of His purpose.


This week I sold three of my Razorback canvases, and I have an order for two more. It's a slow start, but I'm thrilled. I also got to spend the entire day with my sister yesterday. That was the best! Unfortunately I had forgotten to take an inhaler, so that meant we had to keep ourselves  in check as much as possible. Mary + Me= LAUGHTER) ( Which also equals an inhaler!)


We went shopping and spent very little, but we had SO. MUCH. FUN! Then we went bowling at the LRAFB. There was fabulous 50's music playing, and we knew all the words to the songs. There was also dancing as we bowled, with little regard as to the stares of those around us, and I almost dropped my pink bowling ball on Mary's foot because we were laughing. For the last game, I dragged the ball ramp over to our lane for Mary to use. She was having issues with her ball. It was grouchy and wouldn't cooperate. That last game was a hoot too because I bowled the whole thing left handed! (One more thing. We realized that the lady behind the counter didn't put anyone on either side of our lane.)


We also had time to talk about a few things that were on our hearts. I told her about a situation in which I am having a hard time praying about something, but that I need to be disciplined to do it anyway. She listened and agreed to pray too.


What a good day. Thank you Lord. 

She let me take a few photos of her before we left for the day. 

Isn't she lovely. 

focused on Glory (when glory fades)

My sister bought a bouquet of roses for Mama on Mother's Day. They were lovely, and Mama enjoyed them for many days, but the flowers sat in the vase until they had died and dried. A couple of days ago she pointed to the flowers and said, "Look at how sweet the roses look. It's as if they are bowing their heads in prayer." What an adorable thought.


She was right. They do look as if they are bowing in humility, and why shouldn't they? It's as if nature itself knows its creator and pays homage to the glory created. I think the roses are as beautiful now as they were when they were fresh and dewy. What do you think?

Be sure to check out Jennifer's BLOG if you haven't stopped by in a while. Oddly enough, I'm not the only one remiss with posting lately. It seems that Jennifer, Kecia, Angie, and I have all been a little lax as of late, but we're trying. (You can also link to Kecia and Angie above.) Maybe we should start a blogging accountability group. hahaha

focused on Glory (and reminiscing)

Last week was crazy, and I'm sorry for skipping my foG post. I'm probably speaking only to Jennifer. She's pretty much the only person that cares about whether or not I post anything here, and I'm okay with that. To the three or four of you that stop by from time to time, I also apologize for my lack of posting.


Some of the issue goes back to Mother's Day. My mother lost her baby sister that day. Over the next few days we tracked several miles down memory lane. That included pulling out old photographs. We needed to choose pictures for my Aunt Susan's memorial. In the process, we paused over many other printed memories. 


Here is a bit of what we found. Most of the photos didn't make it into the shot, but this is a nifty sampling of our family from years past with the exception of one picture of Tony & Mama. I don't know how that one got mixed in with the old ones, but I like it, so I didn't remove it. Click on the image for a larger view.

Some of these folks are gone, and I miss them. I love the ones who remain, and I pray for them by name. My deepest desire is for each of us to know God intimately. There isn't a hurt He can't carry us through. Of all the times I thought He had abandoned me, I can look back and admit that I was the one to turn my back. 

Jesus gave up more than I can imagine to come to our imperfect (by our own hands) world. He became one of us so we would know He understands how we feel. He gave up life willingly. No one took it. He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice to redeem us. Without Him there is no entrance to Heaven. We are not worthy to stand before God, but all of us will. I know that when my time comes that Jesus will step forward and say, "She's mine." In the meantime, I hope to stay focused on Glory, and do my best to honor His grace.

Please don't miss Jef's BLOG. She has some good stuff coming.

(re)focused on Glory

Last week was rough. I was feeling a little bruised. I needed a heavenly hug, and I got one- several actually. I poured out my heart to God, and He loved me. He reminded me that I'm his girl, that I can do this, and that it's okay keep running to Him. He never gets tired of me. He loves me.

My heart still hurts for the friends who are grieving the loss of a parent, and a friend who has gone through a tough couple of months. But I'm also delighted in the joy I see even in the face of death. And I'm proud of the growth and strength I see in a friend traveling through a dense valley. 

Last night I attended my first "Prayer & Share" with my new SS class. It was sorely needed. Encouraging isn't a strong enough descriptor. Our "speaker" was one of the ladies from class. She shared what God had given to her, and it was soaked up as a sponge by those in the room.

I was/am going through a dry spell in many areas of my life, and Tammy spoke to my heart. She shared a passage that broke the skin, dug deep, and implanted itself. 

At least there is hope for a tree: 
    If it is cut down, it will sprout again,
    and its new shoots will not fail. 
Its roots may grow old in the ground     
and its stump die in the soil,
yet at the scent of water it will bud
    and put forth shoots like a plant. 

Job 14: 7-9

I was a puddled mess when she read that. I had just written (below) that my hoper was on the fritz, and this was telling me there was hope. The imagery of the tree also resounded with me because I love trees. In fact, the second week of focused on Glory featured pictures of a magnificent tree (here) and the story of the tree (here). 


Since I was adjusting my focus, I thought I would go back to the beginning. Like I said before, trees seem to be stretching their branches out in praise. It's how I feel when I draw near to God. My arms stretch out from side to side as if I'm trying to catch God's glory as it rains down.


I still had the business card of the gentleman who was gracious enough to allow me to intrude on his day and take pictures of his tree. Once again Mr. Roberts was accommodating and told me to "come on over."


I couldn't help but smile as I pulled into the driveway. "My" tree was dressed to the nines and holding court in the pasture. It was a splendid site. I had to praise God for His masterpiece.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberts told me I was welcome anytime. Mrs. Roberts told me I could bring a picnic and eat under the tree if I wanted. What a lovely idea.

Of course Mr. Roberts took me out back again to feed the fish and see the horses. I noticed the pony was gone and he replied, "I sold it. I didn't need it." 

This is Starfire. It's the only horse Mr. Roberts has ever called by name. Starfire came close to check out what I was doing. When I turned the camera to take a picture of the other two horses he walked in front of me again.

This gate leads from the back pasture and pond back to the house. I think it is charming.

 Here are my precious hosts. They are delightful.

Father God, I thank you for your beauty and glory. Oh the love you show through your creation. Thank you for sharing.

Be sure to stop by Jennifer's BLOG to see her foG post.

focused on Glory (barely)

I am barely getting an foG post in this week. It's been a little busy physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I hardly picked up my camera at all. The few shots I took weren't what I was wanting, and I almost gave up on this week.


I realized that I really haven't been focusing on God's glory. Maybe that explains the hopelessness that was creeping up on me. I was on the phone with my mom this week, and I told her that I think my hoper was on its last leg. It has taken a beating lately. There have been several medium to BIG things for which I had been hoping and praying. 


None of those hopes came true. It felt like I had been kicked- a few times.


In doing what she does best, my mama loved on me and encouraged me to keep hoping (and praying). Likewise, my daddy also did something very sweet for me. When I asked why he replied, "Because I love you."


So today's picture is another of my precious parents. It is from the archives, but I don't think my four readers are going to care that it wasn't taken this week. Here it is. Aren't they cute?

I am so thankful for my parents. Ours isn't a perfect relationship, but it works more often than not. That brings up another reason my heart is heavy. 


On April 23rd (Daddy's birthday) I received a text from my friend Cathy telling me that a young friend of mine from Nashville had just lost her father. It was sad news. Little did Cathy know that 10 days later she would lose her father suddenly. More heartache. On April 30th another precious friend's father had a heart attack. Tammi lost her mother a year and a half ago. Now she is sitting with her father as they wait for him to  join Miss Lois at the feet of Jesus. Today Mr. David's son Scott wrote on facebook, "We are thankful for each moment we get to spend with him. He is still teaching us." 

I adore this family. And what a testimony! If that isn't a kick start in the Glory direction I don't know what is. Mr. David Mills is a great man. His love for Christ was lived out loud. He will be missed, but I know he is excited to see the face of Jesus.

I didn't know the other two fathers, but they must have been pretty amazing to have turned out the families they did. My heart hurts for those families, but I know that they also have peace and joy in their pain.

So hope isn't gone. I've just been out of focus. I have to go now. I need to see a carpenter about getting my hoper fixed.

I hope you guys stopped by Jef's BLOG. 

Don't miss out on her foG post.

focused on Glory (forever friendships)

I met Jennifer (the other half of focused on Glory) in 1988, and I know God smiled when he made that introduction. She was part of the singles Sunday School class at Woodland Heights Baptist Church. I remember noticing her because, as I recently told her kids, she was just so nice. There was something pleasant and refreshing about this girl, and I thought it would be fun getting know her.


One day this nice girl announced that she needed help teaching a children's class on Sunday nights. I jumped. I had been looking for an opportunity to get involved at my new church, and getting to know Jennifer was just frosting.


We had so much fun teaching Mission Friends. It was a blast coming up with creative ideas to go with the lessons. A sisterhood was born, and I knew Jef would share my heart for all time. There have been more tears, hugs, heartache, and giggles than can be counted over the last 24 years.


When I moved to NW Arkansas we kept in touch with cards (some actually mailed to each other), letters, a few phone calls (long distance was expensive), and the occasional visit. It wasn't long before Jennifer moved to less than and hour from me, and the heavens rejoiced.


Soon it was time to part again. I returned to college to finish a long awaited goal. After graduation I moved out of state for almost 12 years. Jennifer and I went about 7 years without seeing each other, but that didn't matter. 


Now I'm back in AR and get to see Jef and her ridiculously awesome family about twice a year. Can you feel the grin on my face as I type? It's there!


Jennifer has grow into a whole group of people to love. She married Billy (who is the bomb-diggity as far as husbands and fathers go), and they have four cool kiddos. It goes without saying that they are not a perfect family, but they are pretty great. Billy could teach young husbands about leading and caring for a family, and Jennifer is his compliment in every way. They work hard at equipping their children with knowledge and faith in God. And they are true examples of falling on their faith when it's too hard to stand. God's glory is most definitely in the testimony of this family.


Last Thursday we all met in Conway, and may I just say how cool it was to go back to where it all started. We ate lunch at the Cross Creek Sandwich Shop on Oak Street. It's attached to Jennifer's Antiques and one of my recent favorites. Since JBPBE&G hadn't been there before, it was perfect. The food there is so tasty! 


After lunch I got to snap a few family pics outside the antique store. The girls and I went shopping, and Billy and Peter went back to the hotel to swim. I put in a request for time to stand still, but that didn't happen. I'm grateful for the few hours I had with my beautiful friend.

It looks as if Billy is looking at his sweet wife. I love his expression.

Do NOT miss Jenn's blog this week. She has a fantastic post from yesterday. It's a long but excellent read. You can see it HERE.