Daily Quiet Time

Hello Friends,

This post is especially for my sisters in Christ.

The one thing you can count on in life is change. With each life change, I have had to adapt and sometimes it takes me a while to discover how to connect with God on a daily basis. First thing in the morning has the most powerful impact for me, but it is also the most challenging time.

I don’t sleep well usually so getting up early may mean I need to take a nap later on. Plus, as soon as my feet hit the floor, I have my multiple critters clambering to be let out, fed, watered and cleaned up after. During the course of doing that, many other chores present themselves and it would be easy to roll up my sleeves and dive in.

Lately I have taken to getting up early, taking care of the critters while my tea steeps, and then having my time with the Lord while the house is still quiet. I take my cuppa (Red Rose) and just sit in silence, inviting the Lord to speak. (Listening prayer) By the time my tea is finished, I pick up my bible and read where I last left off. I might then write in my journal, do some simple art in my bible or listen to a worship song.

I find this sets the course for my day and I am better able to hear the whisperings of Holy Spirit throughout my day. If I need to take a nap later on, and I am able to do so, that is what I do. It is hard to get up early most days, but the benefits are worth it to me.

I often think about our mothers with young children or those women among us who have to rush off to a work place every day OR those heroic women who have to do both. How do you manage to align yourself with Holy Spirit at the start of your day?

I am really hoping those who have discovered some way to connect with God at the beginning of your day will share your methods with the rest of us. No matter how simple, or even if you are in the process of figuring it out, you will probably encourage and help someone else. No matter what stage of life you are at, this is a struggle for all or most of us.

Blessings on your day,
Teresa

Journal Page - Fly Again

Hello Friends,

Does God ever speak to you through movies? Last night I watched a movie on Netflix called, "Coffee Shop". The main character was going through a stormy season of life and everything looked pretty hopeless. An older man gave her a note that said, "Don't get lost in the temporary." That really spoke to both my husband and me.

Sometimes when the wind is whipping your hair over your face and rain is pelting your eyes, it is impossible to see that there even is an end to the road you are on. That is when you have to believe that God has a hold of your hand and His vision is never obstructed.

Last week I started an art journal page after watching a Mixed Media Monthly challenge from Lisa on PraiseHeart. The challenge was to use nature in your page. Lisa pounded flowers and leaves onto her pages with a hammer. My wild flowers were less vibrant and juicy than her garden variety blossoms, so the process was not very satisfying for me. Still, I think it illustrates what my life has been like lately. It takes a lot of pounding to get any colour out of me and it doesn't look very impressive for all the effort.

I threw down some crushed chalk pastels to perk up my background. Eventually I started to see the form of a bird so I penciled it lightly in before the colours dried and faded. (I forgot to take a pic of the background. Sorry)

Today I finished off my pages with a black paint pen for the words and some white gouache on the bird. I included a quote from the movie.

Thank you for visiting today. I hope something I have said, or just the art itself, has inspired you in some way.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Little Treasures

Hello Friends,

I started making small mixed media pieces a couple of years ago. I am now selling them in a friend's gallery gift shop. Each piece has several layers of collage, paint, ink, etc. As I work on each layer, I play worship music and pray for those who will receive them.

Here is a piece I completed today. It is 3x4.5 inches. (Many more are in various stages of development.)

Front - Before

After I let this sit for a while, I felt it was a bit lack-luster. I spritzed on some gold shimmer and added a thin layer of pouring medium. Then I felt it was really done. Can you see the difference?

Front - After

Back - Before

Back - After

I am thinking about calling these small works of art "Little Treasures", but I would love to hear your suggestions, if you have any.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Paint a Prayer

Dear Friends,
 
Have you ever grieved over the suffering of a loved one? Has that cherished one rejected any help from you or from God?

I have been praying Isaiah 41:9-10 over a family situation the last few days. Speaking the words gave me courage and strength, but I wanted something visual to go with the scriptures and my prayers.

So I drew a likeness of my loved one on that page in my bible. I painted it with water colours, adding tear tracks and red, swollen eyes. It is my heartfelt prayer, my plea for mercy and my declaration that God has chosen this dear one and will not throw him away.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Your Garden

Hello Friends,

Yesterday I wrote a poem during a particularly sweet quiet time with my Lord Jesus. I made this water colour background and simple sketch in my art journal to go with it.

Here is the poem on its own in case you can't read it on the art page:

Your Garden

By Teresa Arsenault ©2017

As I walk in the garden with you

Dappled sunlight filters through the leaves

The smells of fruit and flowers mingle

With the glory of the smile on your face

As you look at me

As you gaze at me

My footprints are swallowed up in yours

Light fills the hollows in the places we tread

You lift a hand and point a finger

To the road you have chosen for me

As you walk with me

As you’re guiding me

Your garden leads to all good paths

Where pursuits blossom in loving rest

Gentle urgings from your Spirit flow

To call me to the place where I belong

As I follow you

As I’m here with you

In your garden

Where I am blessed.

The Bee Singer Queen - Conclusion

Hello Friends,

Happy Friday. I didn't think you would want to wait all weekend to hear the conclusion of the Bee Singer Queen, so I am posting it a few days early.

I have included a short epilogue (about 3 minutes), which hints at the contents of Book Two: Son of Abeilhe. I'm afraid you will have to wait a while for that because I have not finished writing it yet.

My goal this summer is to revise and format The Bee Singer Queen for print and Kindle editions. If you have enjoyed the audio version, I hope you will consider giving a review on Amazon once it is listed. I will let you know.

Thank you for your interest in my book. I truly hope you have enjoyed listening as much as I have enjoyed reading it to you.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 28

Hello Friends,

For those of you who have been following along faithfully, this is the second to the last chapter of The Bee Singer Queen.

Enjoy!
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 27

Dear Friends,

Today I have chapter 27 of my audio book for you and there are only two more chapters to go. I hope you are enjoying this story and I would love to hear your comments when it is over.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 26

Hello Friends,

I do apologize for not uploading a new chapter last week. I hope this one is worth the wait. I really enjoyed writing it.

As we are nearing the end of the book, I may surprise you with some extra chapters in the next few weeks.

Enjoy!

Teresa

My 1st Journaling Bible

Hello Friends,

Yesterday was my birthday and I received my very first journaling bible. It was the exact one I wanted and in my favourite translation.

The inside covers are filled with gorgeous illustrations to colour. Many scriptures are beautfully illustrated, with lots of extra margins for my own art and notes.

I am extremely grateful to my son (with the help of my Amazon wish list) and can't wait to get started, coloring and meditating on the Word.

Here are some pics.

The cover has a glittery shimmer and is soft & flexible.

The box it came in is too beautiful to toss.

A closer view.

The lovely pattern on the page edges reminds me of a dear vintage book.

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 25

Hello Friends,

Here is my latest chapter of my audio novel, "The Bee Singer Queen". I hope you enjoy it.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Sowing in Tears

Dear Friends,

All week, on the advice of a dear friend, I have been meditating on and declaring Psalm 126. Verses 5 & 6 say,
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."

Have you ever been in the weeping stage, crying night and day for a loved one? Did it seem like the season of tears would never end? I know. I am and have been in that season for a long time.

But I have seen times of harvest as well and I know that not one of my tears is wasted. Each tear waters the heart of the one I love and weep for. And so I weep. But I don't stop there. I decree and declare every promise I have ever been given concerning that one who is so dear to me. Because if my tears can water that seemingly unyielding heart, my faith can fertilize it, and I know the harvest will be great. Moreover, my JOY will be great.

I drew tear tracks on my painting because I believe my joy will come even as the tears are still drying on my face. And those tears are precious. They are like the birth pains of a mother - sorrowful, but oh so necessary. They are a precious part of the baby she holds in her arms, emphasizing his worth and value.

Dear friend, if you are in the valley of tears, let me squeeze your hand and say that you are not alone. But let us smile through our tears, for JOY will come in the morning, no matter how desperate and hopeless things look now.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 24

Dear Friends,

I apologize for the late offering of my new chapter today. I recorded it yesterday, but did not have time to convert and upload it to You Tube. Chapter 25 is also uploaded on my You Tube channel if you can't wait until next week for it.

Have a great day and I hope you enjoy this new chapter.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 23

Hi Friends,

Back again with chapter 23 of The Bee Singer Queen. Thanks for listening along.

hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 22

Hi there,

I'm back with Chapter 22. I hope you are enjoying the story as now seen through the eyes of young Darva. Chapter 23 will be uploaded promptly next Tuesday. If you can't wait, you can always cheat by skipping over to my You Tube channel.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Good Shepherd

Hello Friends,

Yesterday I did a little painting of a lamb (along with the Frugal Crafter). I added a scripture to it and will give it to my pastor. I want him to know that he is still a good shepherd, even though sickness has kept him away from the congregation for longer than any of us would like. I know he prays for us and we are never far from his thoughts.

I drew the lamb with a water soluble graphite pencil and used Neo Color crayons on the background. I activated it all with my Pentel water brush.

The first picture is of the painting alone.

The 2nd pic is after I mounted the painting to dark green cardstock and added a verse.

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 21

Hello Friends,

I apologize for not having a chapter for you last week. It was a challenging week for me physically. The good news is that I recorded three chapters this week so you will have a steady flow for a bit, at least. I will try to keep on top of things so I do not lag behind again.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 20

PART THREE

Is Jondon's love, or even the love for her child, enough to keep Abella from succumbing to the dark but delicious draw of Lucretia's powers and being supreme commander of the hive?

Put up your feet and have a listen as our story turns a corner and is now seen through the young eyes of Darva, Abella's daughter and granddaughter of the original Bee Singer Queen.

The Bee Singer Queen - chapter 19

Hello Friends,

As promised, here is chapter 19 of my novel, The Bee Singer Queen. I hope you are enjoying it. If you have missed some of my chapters, you can catch up by listening on my You Tube channel.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - Chapter 18

Hello Friends,

Today I have chapter 18 for you. I also wrote and recorded Chapter 19. It will appear here next Tuesday or, if you can't wait, you can always view it on my You Tube channel.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying my novel.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Faux Encaustic Junk Journal Page

Hello Friends,

Lately I have been playing with crayons, an old pancake griddle and a heat gun for a faux encaustic technique. It is only faux because I am using wax crayons rather than true encaustic paint, which is definitely on my art supply wish list.

This page was inspired by a poem I wrote a couple of months ago called, "Kaleidoscope". Once I was satisfied with my faux encaustic painting, I added three different glitters, gold wire and resin butterflies. I also used a tracing wheel to add some interesting texture. Unfortunately, the shine and sparkle does not show up in the photo.

Here is the poem which inspired my painting. I started with acrylic paints for my background. After collaging the printed poem on, I sponged lightly with gold acrylic paint and a bit of black around the edges. I finished it off with pouring medium so it would be as glossy as the flip side. Again, my camera did not do the glossy finish justice.

I am linking this to Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #33, Sweet Inspirations.
 

Since you probably cannot read the poem from my photo, here it is:

KALEIDOSCOPE

Teresa Arsenault ©2016

The colours of life: the greens, golds, blues, yellows; all hold no pattern of their own

Man tries to make sense of them, tries to gather them to his breast

His heart leaps at their beauty;

his mind grasps for understanding, as at a feather in the wind

The heart finds peace but for a moment

The mind exalts itself as being wise

Greys and browns come; clouds blot out the sunny days

Whispering winds that eased the mind with lies

turn into gales and icy winds speed down descents

To valleys of discontent, confusion and pain

Where is your lightness now, oh heart?

Where is your understanding, vain-laden mind?

This earth-bound life has beauty, yet it has ugliness and scars

My heart is deceptive and my mind all agog

I can trust neither; I can depend on not one, nor the other

I put my trust in you God; I surrender to you each aspect of my life

You weave through it your scarlet thread

You splash it with your wondrous colours and infuse it with your light

The scarlet thread forms the pattern, ever changing,

but ever consistent to your loving and holy nature

New mercies each day delight me

Without, there would be no form

Only a chaos of colours; no meaning, no sense

A painter gone amuck

Oh God, my God, my beautiful God

Your designs hold true; they do not fall apart

Sweet nuances of colour and pattern

Amaze me each time you alter my perspective

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

Melted Crayon Art

Hello Friends,

I have not done much faith art journaling in quite a while, and what I have managed to do, I haven't posted. I wish I could say that is going to change, but I am not going to make any promises at this point.

What I do have for you today is something I have been longing to try for a long time - encaustic painting. Actually this is more of a faux encaustic treatment since I only had a box of Crayola Crayons with which to work. I started the bigger piece using only a heat gun, but this weekend a friend gave me her old, scratched-up pancake griddle and I really got to have some fun. I bought some cheap hog bristle brushes and melted my crayons in mini pie tins on the griddle. It is slow work because the wax dries so fast and not very exact since the wax moves whenever you fuse the layers with your heat gun. Here are my first two pieces.

This is a junk journal page, made with box board:

 I used a tracing wheel (for sewing patterns) to make some interesting texture in the wax here, while it was still somewhat warm.

For the wood-grain texture, I simply pressed corrugated cardboard into the hot wax. The book part was cool so it did not receive the texture.

The back is just the scripture written out over my original melted crayon play, which I did with only my heat gun, before I got my pancake griddle. I used permanent marker, but its permanence on the waxy surface is questionable.

This one is a page in my "Identity - I am Statements" tag journal. I embedded seed beads into the warm wax. It took quite a few tries to set the beads before the wax dried. I started by engraving (with a stylus tool) around a stencil. I pushed graphite powder (from a soft graphite crayon) into the engraved parts (gloves on) and wiped the excess off with a baby wipe. Maybe 2 baby wipes; that stuff is messy. Then I kept building layers, with the beads being the last layer.

Tag Journal Page

The Back just has the scripture written out on a painted background; nothing fancy.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope I have inspired you to try something new and fun in your crafting.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

The Bee Singer Queen - chapter 17

Dear Friends,

At long last, here is chapter 17 of my audio book, The Bee Singer Queen. I hope it was worth the wait.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa

I'm Back!

Hi Friends,

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. The last few months we have been making a major shift in our household, clearing out our office/craft room. It is now all set up as a spare room. My husband's office, for his computer training business, is in the dining room and I have moved to the basement. Little by little I am unpacking and reorganizing, but first I purged a lot of my craft supplies. My husband plans to build me some shelves, as soon as he has the time to do it. Then I can get the remainder of my supplies put in their places. I have a lovely peg board and hubby installed some fabulous LED lights overhead. Once everything is organized, I will have 3x the work space. I will take some pics and show you once I have it all done. It's not a pretty space, but I think it will do very well.

In the meantime, my computer is set up and I am back to working on my novel, "The Bee Singer Queen". Since January is a time when many people feel the urge to reorganize, why not have a listen to my latest chapter while you clean out that closet?

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you are enjoying my story.

Blessing hugs,
Teresa