Creative Christians...

Growing up you envision how your life will progress at a high level. Little do we realize that our plan isn't always ours alone. Whether you believe in a higher power or things happen for a reason, karma or what have you, there are many variables on how the cookie is going to crumble. It's up to us how it crumbles and if we vacuum it up or call the dog over to eat them. Shoot there may not be any crumbs at all!

People, environment, beliefs and much more all play a role in how you will evolve into the adult human you're to be. Many projects are reactions to things gone well, wrong and indifferent.

For example, we have a huge tree painted on the living room wall born out of frustration that someone didn't call. Many clocks are a collage art piece over our davenport due to tight funds and a great sale. Each thing is beautiful in its own way. Relationships alike have different flavors, smells and effects on us. What is most interesting is how over time we can grow tired, be excited or chill with the choices we've made.

Purchasing the Shire was hands down the largest achievement I've experienced in my adult life. It was a choice made on my own for my (and hopefully my future family) for our future happiness. I sincerely believe God had his hand in it wholeheartedly. Let me explain...

The gentleman who called to tell me I was approved for a mortgage (which I expected a no) was from our church. The gal showing me houses was from our church. She decided to not want to go further into real estate and we stopped looking. While working with the youth I was introduced randomly to a mom who sold homes. She took me once to see homes. Our list was of 3 and she had a 4th magically in hand. She thought I had sent it. I didn't recall it. However, we walked in and it was "the one". The layout was spot on and all the desires were there. Not to mention the perks of the location. God is good. My promise was to use this home for good.

Fast forward to 2015 and I was at my wits ends on the dating scene. My thought was, "If this doesn't work, I am taking a sabbatical from dating for a while". When I saw him at the DIA I was so pleased and excited at how much we laughed, talked and shared. He looked so handsome in his pageboy hat, cargos, boots and professor sweater (patches and all). It was a breeze. Not much after that did we marry and have our first little bambina. Now the Shire is full of love, baby giggles and memories being made.

I would say the Shire is blessed. Time to give back a tad...

This is the "Living Life" Inspiration tree and how it was created. Have fun with textures!

1.) METAL URN STEEPLY ON SALE AT PIER 1 IMPORTS - NAILED UP

2.) PENCIL HAND FREE DRAWN BRANCHES AND TRUNK.

3.) BLACK PAINT OUTLINE OVER PENCIL

4.) FILL IN WITH BROWN PAINT.

5.) SPLOTCH WITH BLACK PAINT TO ENCOURAGE BARK LIKE EFFECT

6.) USED FINGER PRINTS FOR THE BLACK, GRAY AND BROWN "LEAVES"

7.) COPPER METALIAC PAINT BY MARTHA STEWART - USED CLOTH BLOTCHING

8.) LIVING LIFE POEM BY BONNIE L. MOHR - PURCHASED FROM A HOSPITAL GIFT STORE WHILE MY GRANDMA RECOVERED FROM SURGERY.

Embrace Life and Get Creating!