ahhhh....

This picture brings a smile to my face. A fresh snow makes everything look new and clean. And, that is what I love about this picture. My house looks complete with a fresh coat of snow.

I'm feeling a little anxious about my unfinished house...and totally okay with it at the same time. The cold air, warm heater, comfy bed and the enjoyment of exploring cooking have left me okay with being inside. But, I am ready for a spring burst of energy to hang insulation, plant flowers, and learn how to sew curtains. I'm excited about the Art Shack...and looking forward to it being a blessing to Charlotte & I, friends and strangers again.

Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it-because it does.

1 Corin. 14:1 the Message

"Loosen up. Don't you have some people to hug, rocks to skip, or lips to kiss?...Someday you are going to retire; why not today? Not retire from your job, just retire from your attitude. Honestly, has complaining ever made the day better? Has grumbling ever paid the bills? has worrying about tomorrow ever changed it? Let someone else run the world for a while." Max Lucado

This is not Liz Miller's world. Thank goodness. When I try hard, I fail. With God's help, grace, forgiveness, JOY, I can succeed. I can live peacefully. Don't do it by yourself. You will be very disappointed.

The Prayer of a 2-year old

Charlotte, do you want me to pray?" I ask her as I tucked her in. Today was her first day of pre-school.

"Yes...NO NO NO...I will. God pray for my school. and my teachers. and make friends. i will i will. try. and God pray for good time and go back. and God pray for mimi and papa and the dogs and sarah and greg and the kitties. and nate and crystal. God pray for me. and mommy and daddy. amen. no no i'm not finished. and derek and tonia and derek and carterman and the dog. amen."

This prayer brought tears to my eyes. This was the first truly authentic prayer from her. She was anxious, nervous and excited about pre-school and I truly think she knew that she should pray about it. PRAISE GOD! Nothing could be cooler!

Her prayers are cute. She says "and God pray for," repeats people and often remembers random friends or family. Sometimes it is not random that she thinks of them, I am positive. God speaks to kids, you, and me! Be encouraged!

Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits!

Psalm 136:1 (the message)

Thank you God for:
- Ben having a job he enjoys and is good doing.
- For Charlotte's sweet spirit and the adventure of pre-school!
- For a renewed lease at the townhouse
- For a MOM that loves kids
- For "all the creatures" of the world...that CZ prays for each night
- That we can talk to God, He listens, and answers
- Good friends
- Heat

“The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” Thoreau

Today, the beginning of a new year...at school. Feeling refreshed. Not taking myself to seriously. Giving myself a break. Being honest. For the first time in over a month, I drew. And, with my students. It is so relaxing to draw, doodle, explore on paper. I love my job. I love art.

Kim, a great friend at work who always lifts me up brought me a new book. "Random is a marvelous word--it indicates a certain faith and wandering." (Living Juicy, Daily Morcels for your Creative Soul by Sark). I love the thought of being okay with the randomness of who I am...as a person and as an artist.

I am not seeking happiness this year, as I listen to the advise of my pastors at church. I have no expectations of my house being complete so I can enjoy cooking more or entertaining. I do want to seek to know God more closely. Like a friend that you just can't get enough of. He knows who I am, and by knowing who He is, I will know myself better. I truly believe, as I heard on Sunday, that happiness will follow. P.S. I am going to try to be more responsible though. God has called us all to "attend to our flocks" and I want to do a better job of taking care of what has been given to me.

Peaceful. The feeling is sometimes fleeting. But, I love this feeling whenever I let it get a hold of me.