A Student of Beauty

Whoa it has been awhile since I have written here… lots has changed in my life this past year but one thing hasn’t (I am sure many of you know where I am going with this) the constant love of our Savior! I have been reminded time and time again of His goodness to me.

While I have  had some down time this summer (I got a job as a teacher last fall-see what I mean, glorious goodness!) I have been doing a Bible study from if:equip called Reflections of God: The Theology of Beauty and it talks about the following practice of becoming a student of beauty.  It is my mission this summer and hopefully beyond, to quietly begin a practice of writing down 5 things of beauty everyday.

Today’s 5 things of beauty:

• Happy art students
• The color of ice tea
• Suzanne’s white hair
• birdsong
• paint on my fingers

The verse seek and ye will find from Matt. 7:7  or from Jeremiah 28:13   talk about this. As a student of beauty I will begin to live and practice this into my everyday life. I want to see with eyes of the Savior. Will you join me?

Living as God’s Beloved with the Women of Elim Evangelical Free Church

Living as God’s Beloved.

This was our theme for our creative gathering, with the sweet women of Elim Evangelical Free Church. What a joy-filled day! They were welcoming, excited and ready to experience God in a new and different way. The church decor was not only relaxing and inviting it was the perfect setup for what we do at made. They served up a delicious meal of hearty soups, bread and salad and the hospitality and fellowship was genuine and inclusive!

I was filled with anticipation too.

I always am.

It is such a privilege to share God’s truth with others. Sharing the word of God through the creative process can be scarey but from the photos all you can see is creative joy and fun!

As a creative and a maker of things, I marvel at what an imagination can do if given space, time and encouragement!  I love teaching (if you know me personally you would say that is an understatement) but it is true. I am always tickled when I give the same set of instructions and the same medium to work with,  to a room full of inspired women. I never tire of seeing the eyes widen in discovery or the infectious smile triggered by the spark that ignites creative inspiration.

This Creative Gathering was no exception. The Creative Team provided guided creative activities through listening and quieting exercises, watercolor play,  journaling and group discussion and a clay project. All of these activities disengaged the analytical mind allowing the language of the imagination  to form something outside of themselves. They got to see their thoughts, ideas, even their faith and gain new perspective.  All through the lense of scripture and Living as God’s Beloved. It was an amazing day!

What I also never tire of, is the connection that is made as sisters in Christ. It is wonderful to watch the creative circle grow as the Lord leads us in new directions. May the Kingdom of the Lord continue to be proclaimed and women of Elim never forget that you are fearfully and wonderfully…made.

 Here are some memories from our day, enjoy!

Reflection Scriptures

Opening

Quieting Exercises

Watercolor taught by Shauna E.

Clay taught by Heather W.

Journaling time taught by Sarah C.

Thanks Women of Elim! We had an amazing day with you all!

~Heather and the Creative Team at made.