Thursday, April 4, 2013

With All Diligence - My Faith Art Journal - WAW#74

Hello Delightful friends and family,
It's already Thursday, can you tell me how that happened?! Hope you are having a wonderful week . I'm enjoying this new faith art adventure, here are my latest pages, just finished (well I think they are done, you never know I may revisit them and add more, time will tell!)  



My last art journal post I  shared about the verses in 2 Peter chapter one that I want to use for my inspiration in this journal. Those verses were the beginning of the "stepping out of my comfort zone" and the beginning of a woman's Bible study (that was just about 15 years ago!). 


 I had been teaching the children for years but never had taught in the women's ministry at our church.  But you know (or maybe you don't, I don't want to assume) when the Lord begins to speak to your heart about something that He desires you to do, He goes to great lengths to get your attention!  For me it was this small voice "suggesting" that I start a morning Bible study for the ladies at our church. Being the great woman of faith I jumped at the chance to be obedient (NOT)!!!! Sadly, I questioned, "Lord is this just me?  Is it because my husband is the pastor that I have to do this??"  I reasoned that the other pastor's wives never did this... surely this is just my own thoughts, right Lord?  I teach the children, I'm not scholarly, I'm not a good speaker, I hated speech class!  You've got to be kidding, right? 


Well, this went on for a week or so but it just wouldn't go away.  So, I prayed, Lord I believe this is You and I want to please You and be obedient, but if this is just me and my own thoughts, I just don't want to do it if that is the case.  Well, the Lord did answer that prayer by waking me up in the middle of the night and spoke to my heart and made it clear to me that I was to begin a study for the ladies and it was to begin in 2 Peter. Period. And that He would equip me to do it. Period.  And I can honestly say that He has done exactly that  and He has been so patient with me!  He is faithful and it is so true that when He guides us, He will provide for us, whatever the need may be.  
And so that gives you (if you made it this far) a little insight into my faith art journal and why these verses in 2 Peter are so personal to me.

I'm excited to share with you that my friend Abby (Little Birdie Blessings) has shared on her blog part of an outline of one of my Bible studies.  I had originally shared this with the group of ladies from the local Vital Network (Stonecroft Ministries) in February of this year.  The Lord is still taking me out of my comfort zone, from the four walls of my church and into the community to share His Word.  Thank you, Abby and to God be all the glory! 

Thanks so much for visiting!

I'm also entering this into Word Art Wednesday # 74

Some of the ingredients used: Stamp - Unity Stamp Co. (She was a Daughter); Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart); Chevron and Leaf Die (Taylored Expressions); Dylusions Spray Ink and stencil (Ranger); assortment of acrylic paints and Prismacolor Pencils; Zig Pen Writer, black; Faber-Castell crayons

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  James 1:17

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21 comments:

  1. Hi Natalie,

    I just hopped over from Abby's - thank you for the wonderful post on hospitality :) I greatly appreciate what you had to say.

    May you have a lovely day!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie

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  2. Natalie,
    You have double blessed me today. As I read the bits and pieces of scripture you have on you journal pages. It went right into my heart. My whole being says thank you.
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful artwork with us this week.
    Carole Robb Bisson
    Word Art Wednesday
    The Blessing of the LORD is Upon You and it shows!

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  3. Very pretty and creative Natalie. Love the pink shades and the black outlines of the images.

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  4. Wow Natalie this is beautiful!!!

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  5. First of all dear Natalie, your art journaling is stunning. Thank you for "listening" when the Lord was speaking to you, and for sharing your Bible study on my blog today. I was thrilled to have you be part of it. I've heard that God doesn't want us to be comfortable, but comfort - ABLE. He equips. ~ Abby

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  6. This is just delightful, Natalie. Coming to your blog is always a treat, and I can't thank you enough for sharing your art with us. You are such a blessing and encouragement to me. May God bless you as you create and share all the goodness He has shown to you. I praise God for you and for sending you into my life through crafting. Blessings on you!
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

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  7. I am so interested in your art journal. I love what you have done so far. I am taking a class at our church starting Sunday Morning for women only about being better wives. Our Pastor's wife is teaching it and should be very interesting since most of us are independent women. I'll let you know once it starts what books we will be studying out of.

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  8. Another stunner Natalie! Love the rich colour and yes, we should be diligent to add to our faith. The Lord is coming soon and what a wonderful hope we have of salvation!

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  9. Wowzers Natalie!! LOVE your Beautiful Art Journal pages!! The colors are so vibrant and cheery!! 8-)

    Hugs
    Shannon

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  10. I love putting art together with scripture! This is so lovely.

    I know these verses can be perplexing, since it is Christ, and Christ alone that changes us.
    I tend to be very analytical and use to say, "But how does this work, God?! Aren't You suppose to do all of this through me?"

    Now that I am older in the faith, I understand that the more we abide in Him and His Word (like these verses) abides in us, the more we will bear this kind of fruit.

    It is one of His mysteries how this all comes together- His working in us and us working out our faith and persevering in these qualities, but it does somehow by the power of His Holy Spirit!

    Beautiful work, Natalie!



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  11. Hi love the art work it's so pretty!! Just thought I would stop by your blog and say hello :)

    Vic

    Handmadecardsbyvicki.blogspot.co.uk/

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  12. what a gorgeous work of art and testament to your faith. Beautiful!

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  13. Gorgeous journal pages Natalie! Love your sweet girl and fancy journaling! Such a pretty mix of colors!

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  14. OH MY! I hear you on how time flies!!! LOL:)

    What a beautiful set of pages-- love the colors!! And your story is AMAZING! I love that I'm not the only one who questions what the Lord says.... I tried to start a study with women here, but two of them (the only other people in the group-- I start small! LOL!) couldn't get babysitters figured out and it discouraged me from continuing with it. Your story makes me realize that I need to pray again and if this is God's will... then He will see it through!

    THANKS for sharing!!! Many blessings;) <3

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  15. ohmygoodness! I.love.this. soooo pretty and gorgeous details. thanks for your reminder to pray and be obedient. and thanks for your kind words you leave on my blog. I really appreciate it!

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  16. Hello dear Natalie,

    My heart has been so blessed by the love and concern you have showed to me. I am truly amazed at the kindness of my blog friends. I am so thankful for your prayers and your comments - I am keeping a journal of the comments, letters and verses that were shared during this time of loss so that I can always go back and remember each kind act. I am grateful for God's loving arms and understanding - He has been my rock during the last few days and I am glad I can lean on Him at ALL TIMES!

    It gives me great joy thinking about Grandma in heaven sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His wonderful teaching :)

    Hugs and blessings,
    Stephanie

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  17. Hi Natalie,

    It's me again :) I drew names this morning for the giveaway and guess what? You are one of the winners - yay! I do not have your email address so I was not able to write you and tell you the good news. If you could just email me at kekepania525@gmail.com with your mailing address than I will get everything shipped off as soon as possible.
    By the way, you won the rose paper, ribbon, crocheted flowers and lavender sachets :)

    Hugs to you,
    Stephanie

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  18. Wow Natalie that sounded just like me when he spoke to my heart about teaching a ladies class. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. I love your art journaling also. Just beautiful my friend.

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  19. Natalie, my sweet friend, I have been away from here too long! I am inspired by your art journal. As part of my son's growing in his education, my accountability team has requested he begin a daily journal. Perhaps now is a great time for me to do so as well! Happy Birthday to your dear momma as well! Have a super tea party!

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  20. Gorgeous, Natalie! Your faith art journal is so creative and inspiring!

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