I have opened a new etsy store~ Lulah Hildebrandt. Right now selling reasonably priced ornaments/ gift tags....little tiny pieces of art. Got my first volume order for an art gallery- very excited! Thank you Susan! So to all you readers out there in the beautiful state of Washington....check out the Art & Soul Gallery, on 238th St in Bothel!Hey stop laughing- it is POSSIBLE that I have many blog followers in Washington. They are just the strong, silent type who don't comment on blogs- in fact, many of my readers are um...the strong silent type...who um...don't comment on blogs! So you may not SEE them , but they are there. Kind of like fairies. I believe in blog readers! And fairies.
Praying for grace and mercy in my endeavors today. Remembering that God is sovereign . Spell-checking sovereign. Correcting spelling of sovereign. Wondering if it makes me a bad presbyterian because I don't know how to spell sovereign. Spell-checking presbyterian. Correcting spelling of presbyterian. Praying for guidance and direction. Wishing the world would slow down to my pace for just one day. Thanking God for His grace and mercy, today and always.
Just finished my second journal. If you are reading these posts on fb and can't see the photos you can go to my actual blog to see them sundapplednest.blogspot.com I had never seen this verse before- what a beautiful verse- Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility. For as often as I have messed up in life- you'd think I would be a pretty humble person. Well, sometimes not so much.It is definitely a tricky attribute. I am proud to say that I am more humble today then I was yesterday, oh crap- maybe not. ;)
This morning- a wonderful morning... Art and coffee with my dear friend Karin!!! This is my first try at making a journal. So much fun! So many possibilities, so many more journals we can make...got comp books on sale!
This is my dear sweet little Lily June. My dear sweet little Lily June hasn't wet her bed for months, but this morning she wet MINE. Yup, that's right. I woke up, a little confused, and wet. At some time last night Lily had crawled into my bed and snuggled up RIGHT NEXT to me. Awe, how sweet. Well, I had been meaning to get up earlier in the mornings. Today I was up, showered, and washing laundry by 6am. Life is good. Children are a blessing. And yes, God has a sense of humor.Ya all have a good day ;)
Well, I have been reading the proverbs, and have created an altered art doll, her name is Wisdom. You cannot see wisdom however, because my camera is broken and unlike my other recent art projects, she cannot be scanned. I hope to post pictures of her soon. I had a wonderful time creating her, spent hours with her in my art room. Well, I was also cleaning my art room too. Hope to have pics of it soon as well....before I mess it up again.
There is chapter after chapter in Proverbs dedicated to Wisdom- council to seek her, warnings against forsaking her, contrasting her to prostitutes, revering her above ALL earthly treasures...over and over again, the father to the son says "Seek wisdom...seek wisdom...seek wisdom...seek wisdom!!!!" Verse after verse, chapter after chapter- Parent to child "SEEK WISDOM! SEEK WISDOM!! SEEK WISDOM!!"
Um, I think I have fallen short. When I am home, my lips are FULL of instruction (some call it nagging) to my sons and daughters. I am sad to say I have not emphasized to my dear children "SEEK WISDOM!!" I am sad and ashamed. The closest I think I may have come lately was to not so softly encourage my teenager to "GIMME A BREAK-USE SOME COMMON SENSE!!!" Not exactly a verse out of proverbs. You won't find that one crosstitched on a pillow.
Well, God forgives, and children do too. God's word transforms the heart. And tomorrow is a new day.
So Dear Father, I pray...Thank you for giving me the wisdom to see something seriously missing in my parenting. Please remind me tomorrrow to encourage the dear ones you have given me to...
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. (Proverbs 4:5-13) I couldn't have said it better myself ;)
Ha- not catch up on EVERYTHING! That's too funny and too impossible. But I do plan on reading proverbs 3, 4, AND 5. Week end got away from me there. You know ya need a day off when you answer your home phone "Hello, Ruby Tuesday, Auburn, this is Heather speaking would you like to make a reservation?" Or when you ask your own fam at the kitchen table if they are ready for desert or do they just want their check.
Any who, let's watch a little bit of Tim Hawkins this morning- I could use a laugh, how 'bout you?
Here is my own personal challenge for the month-Each day read a proverb and create an art piece using that proverb as inspiration.
Today Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and pendants about thy neck.
Well these ornaments might look a bit silly hanging about my head- but I think they will look quite pretty hanging from some cupboard knobs and window locks.
I have an over abundance of these formica chips and had a wonderful time turning them into art- look for more in the future....
Well, I have never heard of it, was very glad to accept it ("I'd like to thank the academy....."), pleasantly surprised that I had another reader;) and so blessed to cyber-meet fellow artist and blogger Jessie of J.B. Guess & Co.
Premio Meme Award
The rules associated with this award are that I am to write seven little-known facts about myself, and then pass this award to seven of my fellow bloggers.
so, here we go....
1.I love the smell of a bowling alley- it reminds me of when I was little going with my mom, grandma, and later my little sister and my aunt to their bowling league games on Tuesdays . Afterward we would go to Long John Silver Restaurant and I would get extre FREE "crispies" with my meal. Little bits of deep fried batter crumbs- YUM!
2.I also love the smell of Long John Silver Restaurant. It reminds me of a time I could eat deep fried batter crumbs and not worry about clogged arteries- or moving up a pants size.
3. I was valedictorian of my senior class.
4. I graduated in a class of 8 students. ah- now #3 makes a little more sense to you.
5. I love Theology. I wish I could immerse myself in the teachings of Reformed theologians- past and present. Of course- I would have to start out with the basics- such as the well known book Deep Theology for Dummies. Don't bother googling that book- I just made it up.
6. I really like beer. Microbrews- not generic domestic crap like bud. I wish I could immerse myself in the study of beer. Of course, I would have to start out with the basics-such as the well known book Microbrews for Dummies. Actually, you could google that one- more of a liklihood that is an actual book.
7. I had a nic-name that my mom gave me as a child- friends, thankfully never found out about it, it was a term of endearment for me used by my parents, grandparents, and some aunts and uncles. ready for this? Hubber Ubber Sue-ber oober. It was sometimes shortened to just Hubber. Thankfully, most of the time they would just call me Heather Sue. If you try to address me as hubber I will block you from my blog. and if you are reading this on facebook- I will most definitely unfriend you. ;)
Ok- I know that I am only halfway done- I will post my list of 7 fellow bloggers later, While I sit blogging others lie sleeping and we are all going to be late. I am late for almost everything but work. That is a not so little known fact about me.
Last week my dear pappy passed away. I have been going almost nonstop since. Almost nonstop- had brief interludes of sitting at the airport (actually 4 airports if we are counting), and sitting on the plane (4 planes). God has granted me moments to meditate- on my pappy, his life, our relationship, my extended family, and my own mortality.
After the funeral, I had the blessed opportunity to spend some time with my sweet Aunt Mary (the sister of my departed grandma). I was able to take a day to stop, stay, and fellowship with one of the few older relatives still in my life. As a child I would sleepover at her house, go bowling, picnicing, and to meals on wheels with her. She is still on the go at the young age of 81. I hadn't seen her since my grandma's funeral- over 3 years ago. Too long. We talked and talked. I asked questions, so many questions, about my families past. She was delighted to share with me. We looked at pictures, many pictures, and talked. We visited my grandma and pappy's grave, We went to dinner with more family that I hadn't seen in forever, and at dinner we all talked and talked, laughed, and talked, hugged, And said our goodbyes. Not for long I hope. I had missed my extended family, and with my busy life hadn't realized how much I had missed them.
There were more family I didn't have the opportunity to visit. My sincere prayer is that I can visit with all of them too soon...and talk...laugh, cry, and talk.
Life is short. Precious, but short. I truly have failed miserably in keeping touch with the dear family God has given me. The family in our lives are not there randomly. These are people God has chosen to bond us with through blood. Not to be taken lightly I now believe. We share memories, ancestors, a common history, and love for those who have passed. May we also share our Savior and a true love for each other.
I miss my pappy. I miss him dearly. He gave me so much during his life. There were stories, jokes, and stories, coffee, checkers, and stories, the garden, card games,and stories! Did I mention the stories? He also gave me the priceless gifts of his forgiveness, his patience, and understanding. I realize pappy mellowed with age. I believe I was able to know him during the best years of his life. He truly loved me I truly loved him. I miss my pappy.
The last thing pappy gave me was the precious gift of being with family. I miss my grandma and pappy, more than words can say. But I still have my Aunt Mary. I still have my Uncle Randy, my Aunt Susan, My cousins Randy and Nick, My cousin Sean, my Uncle Russ, my Uncle George, my Aunt Gerry, my Uncle Walt, And on my dad's side, my Dad, his wife Janet, my grandma, my Aunt Sandie, my Uncle Ron, my cousin's Kristen, Stacie, and Nickie.
And I still have my sister Kim, and Brian, my brother Matt, Grace and ALL my sweet nieces and priecious nephews!!!
And I still have my dear husband Kevin, and my own beloved children!!
My prayer today is that I get through the rest of the week (still going nonstop- remember!!!) But more importantly that I go through the rest of my life visiting, calling, emailing and remembering my family. God chose each one of them to be family to me. They are all a gift from Him. Father, please help me to be a blessing to EACH one of them.
Well, had a day off yesterday, or should that be an off day...had A LOT I wanted to accomplished. Here are the tasks from that list that I actually accomplished:
cleaned bathroom
Now don't get me wrong, I did have quite the day, manged to turn a quick trip to Walmart into a not so quick trip that sucked up most of the morning. Came home to make lunch and burnt...ruined a batch of potato soup. Good thing I bought the potatoes on sale at Walmart. PBJs for everyone! Not exactly the rainy day comfort meal I had in mind. Was a bit tired from working my double shift on Wednesday so decided to lay down for a few minutes and woke from my coma 2 hours later. (Maybe I am getting too old to work double shifts- or too out of shape).
But we did round out the day with a make up comfort meal for dinner- Meatloaf w/ that yummy sauce, mashed potatoes And baked mac and cheese, candied carrots And broccoli...tried to hit everyones favorites. Nothing burnt. yay! But the best thing for dinner was the laughter. I had one of those mental snapshot moments where I sat back watching all my kids laughing with dad over a homemade meal. Nevermind the fact that it was after 7pm when we all finally sat down to eat. (remember the 2 hour nap threw off my timing a bit) zero arguements at the table, zero complaints, 7 happy faces and full tummys.
Now granted the rest of the day didn't go perfectly...bedtime for the little ones was a bit challenging for whatever reason.
Well, not exactly a chicken soup for the soul entry, but that was my day.
Today back to work for another double. Leaving behind many, oh so many unaccomplished tasks, leftovers in the fridge for the fam, and a clean bathroom. Taking with me my mental to do list and my mental picture from dinner ;).
Well, I am off to take a shower in my clean bathroom. Did I mention I cleaned the bathroom?
Leaving ya with my Gracie's favorite song and now one of favorites too..can really identify with the words of the song, except when the gal sings about being 20 years of age. I'm just a bit older, still great song.
So, I want to use my blog to share my art with others and honestly, to also use it as one of the building blocks in reaching my dream of being able to earn an income from home. (Which honestly is moving as slow as molasses- in January- in Maine- in the morning- before the wood furnace has been fired up- where you can see your breath in the kitchen- where you are trying to pour the wicked slow molasses) Anyhow.... I also am feeling the need to step out of my comfort zone and share- dare I say- my thoughts- and, (squirming uncomfortably a bit) more of my personal life. I want to be a more open person and I think that being myself on my blog is a good start. After all- it really isn't that hard- I mean- at this point I may only have a couple of readers (you know who you are) so- it is not like I am baring my soul to the entire world. Still it is good for me, and probably for you too. After all, when you spend a bit of time with me- you could possibly walk away saying... "hey, I (meaning you, the reader) really am not that bad off... or that weird, or that depressed, or that crazy, or ...well you feel in the blank ;) Don't get me wrong, I am not bragging about being imperfect (kinda like being proud of being humble). "I am what I am" ( words from the great philosopher from the early part of the 20th century, Popeye) Actually I think it was "I yam what I yam."The words of a song we sang at Free Grace last Sunday really stuck with me "Sinners then shall learn from me And return, O God, to Thee." So if you are looking for some imperfect, unpretentious encouragement, advice, friendship... I'm here for ya babe.
God is sovereign, I am not perfect, God loves me in all my imperfectness, and I love God the best I know how. That is about it for now I guess....more imperfect blog accounts will follow.
Here's the whole song. Well actually, it is not the whole song- after listening to it I realized Jars of Clay doesn't sing the one verse I had mentioned above. So I'll post those words at the bottom. Hope it makes you cry this morning... in a good way...
God be merciful to me on Thy grace, I rest my plea Plenteous in compassion Thou Blot out my transgressions now
Wash me, make me pure within Cleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sin
My transgressions I confess Grief and guilt my soul oppress I have sinned against Thy grace And provoked Thee to Thy face
I confess Thy judgment just Speechless, I, Thy mercy trust
I am evil born in sin Thou desirest truth within Thou alone my Savior art Teach Thy wisdom to my heart
Make me pure, Thy grace bestow Wash me whiter than the snow
Gracious God, my heart renew Make my spirit right and true Thy salvation's joy impart Steadfast make my willing heart Steadfast make my willing heart
Broken, humbled to the dust By Thy wrath and judgment just Let my contrite heart rejoice And in gladness hear Thy voice
From my sins, oh, hide Thy face Blot them out in boundless grace
one more verse.... Sinners then shall learn from me And return, O God, to Thee; Savior, all my guilt remove, And my tongue shall sing Thy love; Touch my silent lips, O Lord, And my mouth shall praise accord.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past; Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer? Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care; Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive, Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find; Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness; False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee; Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.
1. O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
2. O light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
3. O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.
4. O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be.
I want to share a new passion, an inspiration for my art, a true blessing to my heart- Old hymns set to new music. Words of depth and stunning truth set to beautiful music by such talented artists. Michael Card, Matthew Smith and others of Indelible Grace,the artists of Sovereign Grace and Red Mountain Music are my favorites.
I have been thinking about and praying for Joanna, an art friend, mentor, and her beloved husband, Ron. Ron underwent surgery on a brain tumor yesterday. Please pray with me for Ron and Joanna- FOR HEALING for Ron, and for REST, STRENGTH, and PEACE for both of them. God bless you Joannna! Love, Heather
