Friday, May 13, 2011

Faith

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. {E. Roosevelt}



There's a fairly new ministry that started at our church called HAVEN. It's all about art and worshipping God thru various forms of art. We meet once a month and I started attending last January. One day way back then in January, I was asked if I would teach a class in May. It just so happened that I was having a good self-esteem day that day~you know the kind~ your hair looks good, you weighed yourself that morning and found you'd lost a couple pounds, all was right with the world.....and I said "YES"!
GULP. So now May is here and I'm teaching the class this Sunday afternoon! I am a wreck. I have never taught an art class before. What was I thinking? Who do I think I am? Are they gonna 'get' the kind of art that I do?

Yesterday I made the example. I started with an 8X10 canvas, covered in in old dress pattern that I got at the thrift. Layered old sheet music, wallpaper scraps, rubber stamped various places, framed the word 'Faith" in an old tart mold that sits on a snippet of lace.

I printed out this scripture and then covered it with more dress pattern paper. I love how it gave a parchment look to it.

I am scared to death. I don't like getting up and talking in front of people. And it's a vulnerable thing to show your personal form of art. Not everyone is going to like it. But then, I don't like all art..it's just a matter of personal taste. And I don't judge the artist just because I don't care for their art. In fact I appreciate the artists that follows their passion..and I appreciate their creativity and their own personal talent. Maybe that's what the people who come Sunday will think.  We all just want to be accepted, don't we?
And I think one of the deepest longings of people is to just be accepted. Me included.
 Bottom line, this is where FAITH comes in. I know God accepts me just the way I am. I know He delights in me because He created me and He knows me so well. So why do I concern myself and work myself up in worry for fear I am going to disappoint some people? What if I do? I am still loved. In the broad scheme of things, it's really no big deal after all, is it?
I agree with Paul where he wrote:



 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (New International Version)


Sigh. I feel MUCH better now. Thank you for our little chat! I am going to be okay! ;-)

I am linking up to Debra over at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday








12 comments:

  1. Yes, you are going to be ok now. You may be introducing your 'class' to an art form they may never have considered. I find your art enriching.
    - Joy

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  2. Don't worry - they will love it! Sally

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  3. They are going to love your class. Just be yourself...get excited about the art and all will be fine! Wish I could be there!!

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  4. Babe,

    You are an incredible artist and need to give yourself more credit than you do. God has Blessed you will a talent, not only in your art but in your personality and how you relate to people. You are going to be great and if those that attend the class "don't get it" they will "get you" and see your passion for Christ and your willingness to serve Him. I love you and I am so proud of you!!
    steve

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  5. Myrna, your art is so beautiful and unique, just like you! I wish I lived nearby so I could join your class! I'm sure that you will do just fine!

    May God bless you as you serve Him through the talents He has given you!

    Hugs!
    Lori

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  6. This is beautiful Myrna, everyone will love it. As I was scrolling down, I recognized you from The Tattered House. Love your blog and I'll be back to see what you're up to.

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  7. You will do GREAT!!!!!I believe in you! And most of all God believes in you and created you and "He don't make no junk"!

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  8. Oh Myrna! Your art work is beautiful and I'm SURE everyone will just love it. I've done the same thing before. Just have faith in yourself. You are VERY talented!!

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  9. Hi Myrna
    I am sitting reading the lovely comments and had to come visit your Blog. You mentioned you noticed my name over at Dorthe's Blog - I am so glad you took the time to visit me and of course, your name is in the hat for my little Giveaway.
    Beautiful artwork. The canvas is striking, it is such a beautiful image you have used.
    Have a lovely weekend.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  10. Dear Myrna,
    I know exatly what you mean...I have had my shop for 14 years now-and never added things I don`t love myself--that means lots of paople visiting,and walking away without even saying a word....but it also means wonderful visits of people whom loves my art and all I have in the shop--- there will be many loving your beautiful collage- just like I do-and then there will be some don`t understanding ....like you said--but it dosn`t matter dear Myrna-what matters is that you did it-and that you can show your passion for what you do, and give it on to everyone attending.
    Have a wonderful sunday afternoon.
    Hugs Dorthe

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  11. Hi Myrna, first of all i love what you did for the class. I know they'll love it, too! I've been where you are, and you know, God will be there too. Just be yourself, prayers going up for God's presence in each heart. Have fun and enjoy the afternoon! Thanks so much for sharing the inspiration with us,
    big hugs, Debra

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  12. Just found your blog and how very nice it is.

    Trish ( uk )

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