What was Joseph thinking after the Lord told him that Mary was with child.
He knew it wasn't his.

This is where faith is not enough.  The next step is  praying for and doing God's will, not ours.  God knew who was growing in
Mary's body.  He knew exactly what was going to happen all the way up to you and me.  Now your choice is simply to "pray for" God's will and "do it."
Stop making a "Santa list" or a list of all the things you think you need.  God knows exactly what you need!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
God loves you and watches over you.  He knows everything and has a plan for you, a good one, not to harm you but to prosper you.

Fransoddsandends: Thanksgiving I could've worried and made mysel...

Fransoddsandends: Thanksgiving

I could've worried and made mysel...: Thanksgiving I could've worried and made myself sick but I prayed and trusted. Even when one person deceived me about when I would g...

Thanksgiving

   I could've worried and made myself sick but I prayed and trusted.  Even when one person deceived me about when I would get a check (got it 2 weeks later) and another check hasn't showed up on time, I received another surprise.  Now, I'm meeting my basic needs and I can put together a Thanksgiving basket for the poor.  It's easy.  Buy an aluminum pan for the turkey and put the following imperishable items in:

   A paid coupon to purchase a turkey, a large can of gravy, a can of cranberries, a box for making mashed potatoes, a loaf of bread or box of stuffing, a couple cans of milk or boxes of dried milk, a large can of pumpkin, a box for making the crust, and 2 cans of green vegetables.  I think I've remembered everything.

Now, wrap it securely in see-through colored cellophane with a pretty bow and card wishing it's recipient blessings from our loving Savior and a secret friend.  (or something like that).

   Our church distributes them in the poorest areas to as many as we are able to collect from our congregation and our congregation is generous in spite of their own struggles.   

   You could also work in a soup kitchen, visit a nursing home or take something to a person in need or out of work.  Recently, someone slipped a $20 in my pocket, another person is leaving her dog with me instead of a dog hotel...."It is better to give than receive and God sees our immediate needs when we remain close to him and love him with all our hearts and minds and strength.  I am so grateful to be receiving the part-time work that I need and still give to the poor, visit the sick, and contribute to my church.  It's not about what I don't have, it's the blessings  I have, the greatest blessing to come and the ability to share God's love.

So many blessings when you trust God. 

   Since I've completely turned my life over to God, amazing things have been happening.  My first priority in life is my God.  I give 10% of my retirement money first and then 10% of my other income weekly, as it comes in, and it goes to Hope.  I love God more every day and see how he has been performing miracles in my life.

   I was very encouraged by a retirement dinner party that teachers from my old school gave me last night.  I really had not had a chance to say good-bye or catch up in what they're doing since I was out sick the last 3 months of last year.  

Anyway, we had a great time and they invited me to their Christmas party so I can see those who sent their love but had classes, were sick etc. 

  The art journal picture was a kind of planning wheel to prioritize my life and put God first, allow for rest to heal, be more involved with my church and have some fun. 

Trust God!  He is always working in your life!

I did this "art journal" entry when Jerry and I played these two songs at church.  A few of the black keys are blue because we played "Amazing Grace" in a bluesey gospel style.  I love to worship God when it's so much fun.  Thanks, Jerry.  His wife was the first lead singer in my own band, long since retired.  He and I played together a couple times in my band but mostly at church.  It's so good to have them back in our church.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I'm found 

Was blind but now I see.

Still growing in my faith and loving Jesus more every day.

I guess you can tell this is one of my favorite paintings because it's Georgie and I at the beach and I still haven't made it back since my PTSD.  If it's God's will, we'll make it.  One of the children at church said yesterday, that looking at video of the ocean and beach reminded her that God created all of that and us and we're all part of one big symphony.
Don't you just love that?

 An Apology To My Readers!

   Where am I?  Oh, yes, in my studio, blogging.  Of course, it would be nice to be in this picture again, but not now.

   I confess, I sometimes forget things.  Most adults do but sometimes my forgetfulness is a little over the top.  Pray for me.

    Oh, yes.  I was apologizing for forgetting that some of you might be responding to my blog in my Yahoo account.  Whoops, I hadn't checked that for awhile.  I promise I will since I now know that some of you are reading and responding to this blog.  Thank you for your sharing.   

   I am feeling useful, blessed by you, purposeful, or all of the above as I share some of my "growth odds and ends" (not advice-that title is bogus and I don't know how to change it.)  Anyway, thank you and forgive me.  I was actually looking for comments in the blog.  Now,  I'll read yahoo and grow some more.  Thank you for cheering me up, making me laugh, making me feel useful, stuff like that.  Love you all.  God Bless You.  

I'm so grateful for today, too.

   Today, I get to teach 3rd grade Sunday School.  We call it Power Hour because of the creative way it is set up for 1st-5th grades.  The children sing some great songs, pray  and then perform in a skit, watch a recipe demo (today's activity), go back to their tables to make the recipe....and get to move around and participate a lot.  I love my 3rd grade group.  They're so adorable...great kids.  Some of them are piano students and a couple of them are in a musical production that I'm playing for, in a dance studio.  

   At the rehearsal yesterday, one of them said, "I'm so glad you're my teacher on Sunday, Miss Fran."  Later they waved loudly from the group and said, "See you tomorrow, Miss Fran."  That kind of thing just gives you goosebumps.  Their mom is delightful too.  She's so generous, kind, and expressed such gratitude for having my humble participation in the show.  I'll have to make some changes in the score but it's worth it.  This is another great group of children.  I don't want to let them down.

   I expect the rest of the day to be great, too.  And, I've discovered if it doesn't always turn out quite the way I expected, God has a plan anyway and I trust him.  I've been working on "trust" and "staying in the moment" so that I don't project negative worries or worry, for that matter.  God has performed so many miracles because of that trust.  I love this prayer:

God, grant me the serenity 

to accept what I can not change;

the courage to change

what I can

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Your will, not mine be done.

Amen

This is Jessica and me (Fran) with Rusty in 1991.

My first band was a trio and expanded to 6 pieces plus a horn section add-on.  It was successful and made great money to support me as a single Mom but I was a mess.

  

   I was baptized into the church in 2001 and shortly after studied with Jessica.  Beth and Veronica helped me since it was my first time doing a Bible study to baptize someone.  When I was baptized, I finally felt that I had truly become a Christian by studying the Bible in depth, knowing exactly what I was committing too, and repenting of my sin before I was baptized.  

   Now Jessica and I are playing for free at nursing homes -one the day before Thanksgiving coming up.  Jesus said, "Visit the sick."  We got a big encouragement in seeing the differences that God has made in our lives, when we considered 20 years ago."

   I am so grateful for so many blessings, but baptizing friends into the church and my being a part of our church is a BIG one.  I love all of you in my church and I'm so grateful for the way it has changed my life.  

Art Journal 

Blogging

as a part of your quiet time/devotional,
a way to relax, explore, meditate,
doodle-quest for answers,

a reminder of what works,

an art ode of worship to God,

a way to dream,

to grieve,

to celebrate, to express your feelings,

A way to free your creative self...

It can be anything you want it to be,

 but it's great!

   Whether you journal, art journal, blog or combine them, I highly recommend taking the time to do it.  

   There are many resources out there.  An internet friend that I met through a class, has a book called "Journal Bliss-creative prompts to unleash your inner eccentric" by Violette.  You can also google her for her blog/web under Violette.  Another good one is "Faith Books and Spirtual Journaling-expressions of faith through art" by Sharon Soneff.  If you look in the crafts section of your book store you'll find "Inner Excavation," "True Vision," "Creative Wildfire," and many others.  Stampington has a magazine called "Art Journaling" which comes out again Jan 1, I believe.  You can google Stampington, as well, to find it.  Look for art journaling on Amazon, too.

   I didn't plan this art journal entry, at the top of the page, I just created.  I think maybe it was an art quest and shows me what's been on my mind.  Simply exploring where I am today.

Be Brave and Be Proactive.  Depression Hurts.

Here are some things I learned and wrote in my little encouragement book:

• Sugar produces a stress response in your body.
• Sluggish, tired, brain-fogged...sugar does that.
• Eat low salt, sugar and saturated fat
• Good posture and breathing
• Relax, breathe, exercise, get a massage, take a nap, ride a bike or walk, take a warm bath, read, paint, play music, Chai Tai, play pool, help others, live in the present, lose weight, listen to music, dance, journal or art journal...
• Have a physical check-up including thyroid, sugar, GYN and mammeogram (guys too if you'e over weight.)
• Sleep study.
• Ask questions like:  Where do I want to be this time next year, 5 years, 10 years?.....What are my priorities?  What do I love to do? What part of my character needs work, be gentle but open?  What can I contribute to make the world a better place...can be more than one?  Add your own.  Play, dream and have fun.  Fake it until you make it.
• Yes, some people have to take medication for depression.  Different types of depression can be life threatening.  See a doctor and a counselor or psychiatrist. 

Loving and obeying God has to be my first priority!

   As an addict, in the past, I have used prescription pain meds, nicotine, relationships and until 8 days ago, "sugar."  Yes, I said sugar and junk food, actually.  

   When my mind is obsessed with my next comfort (and that's what addictions do for us), it is not focused on Jesus, God or the Holy Spirit.  1 Corinthians 3:16 say, "Don't you know that you, yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?  If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him, for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."  That sounds harsh but most addictions do destroy us.  Friends, he really does know what's best for us.  

   I recently got a referral for a nutritonist from my doctor and turned my entire will (including my food) over to God   I'm 6 pounds lighter, more energetic and I'm happier.  

   I guess I thought that even when C.R., at my church, recently accepted "sugar" as an addictive chemical, I could still do this myself.  Well, with scripture, the fellowship, and prayer,  I failed for four weeks using my will-power.  The final pieces fell into place when I  realized at a Wed. night meeting, God wanted me to completely turn this one over to him as well.  It was my idol.  My favorite slogan from 12 step programs, has become "Just For Today."  

   By the way, paying my tithe and giving to "Hope Worldwide, " in other words to God, first, is working out too.  As soon as I wrote the check, my agent called and gave me two gigs in D.C. and a  sister in the church got me a musical production gig.  That pays for my tithe and I'm still praying for more gigs and more private students.   I'm still down-sizing.   This retirement will work for the basics and that's all I need.  I know that God's still in control and still working on me and my budget.  
   I also taught in "Power Hour" at church and had so much more energy after giving up sugar.  YAY!  

 Thank you for blessing me and never giving up on me!

   To God Be The Glory! 

Workaholism

an exerpt from 

"The Artist's Way Every Day"

by 

Julia Cameron

(A Year of Creative Living)

November 5

   Workaholism is an addiction, and like all addictions, it blocks creative energy.  In fact, it could be argued that the desire to block the fierce flow of creative energy is an underlying reason for addiction.  If people are too busy to (write, paint, draw, compose- my interjections.  Julia talks about "Morning Pages" which is what I'm doing with my different journals including this blog.  She also talks about an "artist date" which you put on your calender to do a creative activitiy.)  She says, "if you can't do either of these then you are probably too busy to hear the voice of authentic creative urges.  Only recently recognized as an addiction, workaholism still receives a great deal of support in our society.  .............The truth is, we are very often working to avoid ourselves, our spouses, our real feelings.  In creative recovery, it is far easier to get people to do the extra work of the "Morning Pages" then it is to get them to do the assigned play of an "Artist Date."  Play can make a workaholic very nervous.  Fun is scary.

   Oh, by the way, when I blogged about not having my tithe but planning on giving it anyway and trusting God, I immediately got 2 gigs playing piano at the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown.  God is good.  Since Sat. was Mr. Warren's funeral, I played a few tunes in his honor, like "Satin Doll" and thought about him a great deal.  How grateful I am that God put him in my life AND made this gig possible.

God Has A Plan For You!

Knowing God has a plan for your life is very important.  

   When things happen that are totally out of our control, it can be very discouraging.  It's easy to become frustrated, to feel afraid and to question what the future holds.

   Putting faith in God's plan allows you to trust that events in your life are meant to be or that God will turn it into the best for you.  It helps us make choices based on prayer, the Word and spiritual advice, knowing that God is , in fact, in control.  There is a peace in knowing that His plan is playing out in your life.  When you are confused, remember that God is not a God of confusion, is still in control and He loves you very much.  Thank Him and His plans.

   You are not alone and you never will be.  God is with you every step of the way.  He is lighting lamps to guide you.  And if you ever do feel for a second that He is not right there beside you, perhaps it's you or perhaps he's building a bridge for you that will keep you safe from harm.  He will lead you on toward the light shining through.  

   As a mature disciple of Jesus, I have seen,  felt and experienced this many times, even in the darkest pit, before I truly became a dedicated Christian.  He still loved me, even then, and he loves you, where ever you may be.

Where's my Evo chicken and turkey dried food?  We're out?  You don't have enough money to buy any?  Meow!!

   Do I love Jesus radically and completely enough to put him 
first in my life?  How much have I been trying to do in my own will- power, knowledge and strength?  Good question?

   In my human pride, it's difficult when my disability checks 
only cover my bills and my three piano students don't cover 
food for myself and my pets.  And forget about the new 
brake pads and Christmas gifts.  But I have to ask myself, 
"Where is my first priority?"

   It was only after a lesson on Sunday that I could buy a little food, $25 worth and only on Monday after a student $25, 
that I could get Riff's cat food, just in time and a little food.  

   A radical love of Jesus calls me to tithe first to Him;  If I love him first and foremost, I can't give him my left-overs.  That's my choice this Sunday and then just as he has done in the first 4 months of my disability retirement,  blessed me in many ways to take care of my bills and basic food for my little family.  

    I'm looking to down size and get a one bedroom condo.  The buyer's market is good but can I get enough for my  3 bedroom.  The seller's market is awful.  Maybe I can sell mine and what's left to pay off on mine could be added to my new mortgage.  It's the condo fee on the 3 bedroom that's killing me.  I feel like it's wasted money that I could give to the poor and my church even when I do get enough students and gigs to make my budget work.

    I still have things to sell, a violin, a PC and an engagement ring, although that's not easy. I can still downsize to a small basic cell phone, get a land line/DSL and get rid of my broadband wireless.  That will save some.  I'm already at the most basic cable, just enough to get the news and a couple shows on my little  t.v.  Don't watch much t.v. anyway.

   I made very good money as a teacher but I've always tithed and I paid at least half for my sons' college.  I socked away as much as I could for retirement after they were out of college.  I showed my Italian half brother the states on a credit card.  Well, that's done.  

     If I'm going to finish this Christian C.D. and publish this children's book, I'll need extra money for that.  I don't expect to make a profit but I would have to recoup my expenses, at least. 

     Well, here goes.  I'm working on it all.  Some say I'm being radical, but hey, that's what Jesus and the early church call us to do.  Perhaps it's the world that has "watered down" their faith and I'm the normal Christian.  Oh, and I might be making my Christmas gifts.  
    I don't need much but have so very much compared to the largest world population.  I can do my part in changing that ratio.  If a lot of people do that,  we can feed the starving.
    Meanwhile, God blessed me with disability retirement, 
brought me through a very difficult illness and I am very 
grateful.  I'm also grateful that he has put me in a place
where I must totally trust him.  I need him for everything and love him more than anything, but I still have to depend on him for even the love to give away.  Thank you so very much, 
Jesus.  I am truly blessed this Thanksgiving.

Gratitud

Gratitude II


This is a gratitude placemat that you can make.  More about it is explained on my arts integration blog
www.drumdream.wordpress.com

Gratitude 


   I am so very grateful for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in my life.  I have received so many blessings in my life.  God has always loved me but now that I've repented and been baptized, I am able to draw close to Him every day, all day.  And he truly has blessed me.  This is a poem I layered on to a picture of my childhood rocking chair and the overgrown road into the coal camp where I was born and spent the first 9 years of my life.  There's nothing there now.  You can't even get down the dirt road.
   I was reading this morning in "Crazy Love" and the author was saying that the Bible said that we could test God on tithing.  That he has promised to bless us.  I haven't quite made my retirement checks cover my bills, food, gas etc. but once again I will tithe 10% of my earnings, knowing that God will bless it.  I need a few more piano students and a couple solo or duo gigs a month to be secure but God keeps making it work with surprises...selling an instrument or two, babysitting, and gifts.  I'm not worried, I know he's looking out for me.  Jess and I are sharing our talents with nursing homes a couple times a month.  Jesus calls us to visit the sick, to give (Hope Worldwide) and serve our church community as well.  Started working in children's ministry again, occasionally music and of course CR.  All these are also gifts from God that help me and others.  Thank you, God.