Master of many...

All my life, I heard that if you do many different things then you cannot possibly do any one thing well. I believed this sentiment at one time. I learned to focus on one thing at a time. When it was time to move my business from teaching only things related to drama (voice, movement, costume design, storytelling etc.) to teaching several different creative subjects (cooking, sewing, writing, scrapbooking, jewelry making etc.); I was filled with much doubt. I had the phrase "jack of all trades, master of none" playing in my head. The saying became a part of my inner critic. I was extreme and mostly only did one thing at a time. There was no balance and very little confidence that I could be successful at several things. I was led to the passage of scripture in Exodus 35:30-35 and boy did reading that correct my stinking thinking.

Now, I had read this passage many times before, you know, when we do our 'read the bible in a year' assignments. However, this time the LORD had something else in store for me. As I worked through the book entitled 'The Creative Call" by Janice Elsheimer; I completed an exercise that propmted me to ponder on the fact that the early artists in the bible were specifically called by name.

God says: "All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded." Exodus 35:10 I wonder...does God think that I am skilled? Later in Exodus 35:30-31 Moses says: "...the LORD has called by name Bezaleel...and hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." You mean not only did God call Bezaleel by name, but he was also given the skill to do many different crafts. He was skilled enough to be entrusted to work on the storage place for the Word of God, the Ten Commandments. WOW! And futhermore Bezaleel taught what he knew to others. Ahhh haaa moment! I am a teacher. It brings me joy to 'pass on' to others what I know.

OK...redeem the time LORD, since I now believe that it is ok to do more than one thing at a time. Sure, be focused on the task in front of you, but do not be limited. That false teaching has kept many of us immobile and afraid to step out on faith. It has stolen our confidence and dreams. Whenever I need to trust God and move into unfamiliar territority, I try to remember: God gave me gifts, He has called me by name to use those gifts to bring Him glory. God has entrusted me to be the master of many trades. My heavenly father is and always will be the Master of all trades. He is truly Adonai-LORD and master!

Scripture challenge 2010: Word #5 FOLLOW

Where He leads me I will follow...
LORD, help me to be an obedient disciple, and to go where I may not want to go. Teach me to fish for souls. I am going to need some flashing signs along the journey to ensure that I do not stray from the path and that I get the job done right. I heard you loud and clear when you said "...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19 Your will be done-AMEN

Scripture Challenge 2010: Word #4 HOME

"When I think of home I think of a place where there is love overflowing..." Therefore, I try to make my earthly home a place of love, refuge and peace.
"Only God can make a house a home, so heaven help the home..." I thank you LORD for giving me shelter, I thank you LORD for your presence in this house.
"I'm building me a home, cause the souls gotta have somewhere to stay..." I may live in a stick built house, but I am working for my home on high.
In the stillness I know that the Father's near and He will give me just what I need that is why I feel like I have a "Home, home, home on that rock; and I'm never gonna leave it..." "This world is not my home, I'm just a stranger passing through..." God gurantees me eternity in His house where there are many mansions. In the meantime, I will continuously work to help others have safe, descent and affordable homes, but more importantly I will tell all about how to secure a home in heaven. Thank you Jesus for assuring us when you said "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

Celebration finally realized

Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba !!!!! I saw the Lion King on stage this weekend. I cried during the opening scene. What wonderful art!

Once upon a time, a long time ago...my brother purchased tickets for him and I to see the Lion King on Broadway. It was to be a celebration for my 30th birthday--I told you it was a long time ago-lol. As my excitement grew, I thought "What a perfect gift idea for a drama queen." You agree--right? Well, the travel company that was hosting the bus trip to New York, filed for bankruptcy right before the show date. My brother never got his money back, we never saw the show, and the case is still in litigation. My dreams of seeing the Lion King were crushed. One day I mentioned to my friend, "I would love to see the Lion King, I heard it was coming to Philadelphia" Fast forward to modern day...that same friend was celebrating her granddaughter's birthday and got us all tickets to the Lion King. I think I was smiling more than the children in the audience.

Rafikki (the monkey) opened the show with the African chant...Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba! The whole theater shook and my bones trembled at the sound of the magestic voice enveloping the onlookers. I have been singing the chant and the 'Circle of Life' ever since Sunday. If I could, I would be on tour with the company right now...carrying a prop, sewing a costume, running some lights, being a tree in the background... something... anything...just to be connected to such wonderful art!!!!! I am so grateful to God for allowing me to have such an awesome experience. My spirit is full and my creativity has been sparked. I think I just may live happier ever after.

Mission Possible!

One of my 'Scrapping Sistahs' facilitates a group of blog owners. She noticed the lack of updates, so she issued a blog challenge: "Your challenge this week, should you choose to accept it, is to update your blog with 10 Fun Facts About YOU!!!"

1. Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water...(Simon and Garfunkel) I am so thankful that the LORD carries me through life! I love the LORD.

2. It's fun to be at the YMCA... (Village People)
I go to the Y 5 times a week. I love water yoga, it helps me to manage chronic pain.

3. I'll Always Love My Mama...(Intruders) She truly is my favorite girl. I am so glad that she nurtured my creativity.

4. A Spoonful of Sugar Helps The Medicine Go Down...(Mary Poppins) I try to tell the truth all wrapped up in love.

5. Let's Just Kiss and Say Goodbye (Manhattans) When necessary, I clean out my friendship closet, because not everyone was meant to be in your life forever.

6. Oh Miss Celie, I feels Like Singing!...(Shug, Color Purple) I frequently blurt out lines from plays, movies, commercials and books. I am a DRAMA QUEEN-I view it, I perform it, I teach it, I write it, I love it!

7. See that girl, watch that scene, diggin' the dancing queen...(ABBA) In my heart, I am a dancer; but I can only get on point in the swimming pool. In the pool-I AM a ballerina!

8. Let It Be...(Beatles) I am learning how to rub my ears, exhale, and let things go.

9. Waiting On The World To Change...(John Mayer) I am a warrior for social justice or in simpler terms a community organizer.

10. I Need Thee, Oh, I Need; Every Hour I Need Thee! O Bless Me Now, MY Savior, I Come to Thee! (Annie Hawks) I sing this hymn every morning. It helps me push through pain and get out of bed.

Bonus fact: When I hear music it makes me dance!(Debbie Deb)

Nothing like a loving kick in the pants...thanks for the challenge sisterfriend.

I was wondering...

I have never been accused of being a talker. There is no need for folks to tell me because I know that I am. So, I was wondering...why I am not talking/writing...hmmmmmmm? My new friend, Nancy, said not to worry...just go with the flow. I am trying to heed her great advice and not sweat my sporadic posts.

Well, I went to the Stamp art Tour in PA. I traveled with my gal pals Diane and Melissa. It was a girls weekend...so my eating plan was out the door. I managed to choose kinda wisely at the dessert buffet. BTW...does green icing or mint leaves count as veggies? I had a wonderful time and I met some cool ladies. The projects and the event were wonderfully organized. I didn't win any prizes, but I had fun. Here is a card that I made.

Baby Gift Baskets

Hello blogger friends. I was invited to a baby shower recently. So, I finally tried my hand at making a diaper cake. Boy was it fun! I am already gathering items to make more. I now see why other crafters sell diaper cakes for such a large sum. The cost of the baby items can add up really fast. But the look on the face of the gift recipient was priceless. I just love giving gifts!

The teacher in me came to the surface as I created a 'Basket 'o' Books' for a baby shower gift. I wanted the little tyke to be well read. Plus, I wanted the first time parents to know what it will sound like to constantly hear "read it again!" I had a great time making and giving these gifts. The baby shower hostess was making a scrapbook for the baby. So, with primitive tools in hand, I even got to make a scrapbook page at the baby shower. Ok, alright already, I made TWO pages. Ok...and I also asked to have some embellishments to make a page at home. Confession is good for the soul.