Karla's Korner

It's Been A Long Time!

Where have I been? In my studio painting away! I want to show you all the art I've been working on for my new book, "Give Thanks", but since I can't, I thought I could at least give you a sneak preview of a portion of page 47...

I have to say I feel a bit more flaky than fragrant though! I had such grand aspirations of blogging in 2009 on a more consistent basis and I had a wonderful list of things I wanted to share with you... including my studio transformation... and then came the phone call. "The deadline has been moved up," she said. In one short conversation I discovered that I would have two less weeks to complete all the art and more design responsibility then I had expected. Well... so much for more blogging... and time to spend on my studio transformation!

But... TRUST ME... I am not complaining! I am THANKFUL! God already knew it was going to happen before I even said yes to the book and my times are in His hands. I am confident He will give me everything I need... faith, creativity, strength, endurance and a heart to praise Him throughout the next few weeks! And I'm so excited to share with you everything in the book, both in story and art, I can hardly wait! And I can hardly contain myself wanting to show you what I had already done in my studio before that phone call... including some fun tutorials. So don't give up on me too soon... there will be more to come!

My times are in your hands...
let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 31:15,16

But even now, after putting in some very long hours and therefore feeling a bit more confident about meeting the deadline... I think I'll be able to visit a bit more often.  Now don't hold your breath but I do promise to be back!!

Love you guys!

Tuesdays Treasures... A Friend's Giveaway!

My friend Lani, a wonderful mixed media artist and precious person, is cleaning out her studio and has some TREASURES to giveaway. Just look at this stash! I can see such possibilities of self expression... collage art, greeting cards, scrapbooking and more!  Just visit Lani and leave a comment to enter.

 

Monday Musings... Bread of Life

Have you ever read the book of Ruth? It's a beautiful story of God's love and redemption even though God Himself is not mentioned even once. But you can see the impression of His hand and His heart through all four chapters.

In chapter one we see Elimelich packing up his family and moving from Bethlehem to Moab because there was a famine in Israel and the pastures looked greener over in Moab. What struck me was some background information. Did you know that Bethlehem means House of Bread? It does. But there was no bread to be found in the House of Bread so, rather than trusting in God's provision during this famine, fear of starvation and death drove this family out of the presence of their God and into a foreign land. Sadly, Elimelich and his two sons all died leaving Naomi a widow with two foreign born daughter-in-laws. What they feared the most happened. The grass was not greener on the other side of the fence!

I couldn't help but think of how Jesus is our Bread of Life. And it made me wonder how often our lack of faith... our fear of the unknown... drive us... drive me... out of the peace and presence of God and into the land of worry or self-reliance? There is an economic famine in our land... and with it comes the temptation to pack up and travel to the land of unbelief that leads to depression, despair and discontent. But there is never a famine in the Spirit... for Jesus is our Bread of Life and He bids us to come and eat that we might find our joy in Him despite our circumstances.

So... are you hungry for peace of mind? Are you starving for hope? Are you tired of looking for your sustenance in the things of the world or in trying to figure out how to fix things on your own?  Are you longing for a taste of eternity? God calls us to return to the Bread of Life... to taste His goodness and rest in His provision. Trust in His sovereignty and His goodness... remind yourself of His blessings... and enjoy the banquet!

"I am the bread of life."
John 6:48

"The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul."
Proverbs 13:25

Heavenly Father, we long to be women of faith... not women of fear. Search our hearts today and show us if there is any area of our lives where, like Elimelich, we have packed up and moved into the land of unbelief or self-reliance. Forgive us and lead us back to Your Presence... to the House of Bread... to the Bread of Life. We are hungry for You Lord. Fill us with renewed faith in You. In Jesus Name... Amen.

Studio Transformation... and Organization... Again!

It's that time of year again... time to get rid of the old and bring in the new. And that's just what I've started doing in my studio... AGAIN! If you're the creative type you know it's an ongoing process... kinda like our spiritual lives! So... I took a few photos of the before to give you the overall look and feel and every week I will show you at least one area of transformation as I clean it up and dress it up.

I do want it to be organized but more importantly I want it to be INSPIRING...
a place that reflects the beauty and the joy of the Lord in my life.

So come along with me, if you will, and we'll see what happens together.
And... oh yes... if you have any suggestions along the way please
don't hesitate to chime in... we'll have fun together!

I know to some of you it looks great just the way it is...
but I need a new look to go with the new year!
Plus I need to be able to find things easier!



I hope to share a few tips on budget decorating along the way as well...
frugal is at the top of my list!



And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2

Heavenly Father... Thank You that we are work in progress... just like my studio. It makes me smile to think that just as much as I want to be creative and make my studio a reflection of me...You love being creative in our lives when we let You and Your heart is to make us a reflection of Jesus! Father help us to yield our minds and thoughts to You allowing You to clean out the old and bring in the new... clean us up, dress us up and use us to bring glory to You and inspiration to others. Amen.