Hope.

I love this verse and I wanted to share...

Don't ever give up... no matter the situation-

Hold onto Hope, it is an anchor for the soul.

Share the love,

M.

another version of this verse can be found  >> HERE <<  told you I liked it :) 

These are Inked-like, so take note, that the ink may be lighter in some areas than others :) They were made that way.

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 : 4x6 

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 :5x6

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 :8x10

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 4x6

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 : 5x7

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : Hope is an Anchor Hebrews 6:19 : 8x10

Hope...

It is just 6 months before we fly away to Uganda to volunteer in an orphanage and to share our love with children who are already here :) I am so excited, I cannot wait, my heart wants to go now, my head says, "whoa Nelly, there is a lot of work left to do... "

In light of all that is happening in our lives, this poem keeps running through my head and my heart, these words, I've shared them before, and if you know my story, you will know that hope is something that is alive and well... most days, sometimes it gets hidden under the weight of the world, but it starts to sing again, and shines its light on the world, and it's like spring in my heart- it might sound corny- but true.

I remember a while ago, I was meditating and I asked it it was ok to let go of hope and just live. I was in a sad place, I didn't want to hold on to hoping for a miracle anymore. It hurt. The bible says "Hope deferred makes the hearts sick..." and my Momma always quotes the rest of the verse, because generally I'm complaining when we discuss this verse - "but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life".  I had literally asked if I could give up on hoping, give up on hope...  that was a Saturday- the next day- our really good friend came and spoke at our church- he spoke about not giving up, not letting go of the promises, holding on to hope. I literally laughed out loud... Yup, what a wake up call.

And I thank God for that wake up call, because it is true "Hope deferred makes the heart sick - BUT when the desire is fulfilled- it is a Tree of LIFE!" 

My prayer for you today, is that if you are hoping and dreaming about something, hold on to that hope, believe it in it, trust that when that desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

Share the love,
M.

A poem by Emily Dickinson:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers - 

That perches in the soul - 

And sings the tune without the words - 

And never stops - at all - 

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - 

And sore must be the storm - 

That could abash the little Bird 

That kept so many warm - 

I’ve heard it in the chillest land - 

And on the strangest Sea - 

Yet - never - in Extremity, 

It asked a crumb - of me.

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BE BRAVE...always.

Be Brave... always.

Sometime (most of the time) that is easier said than done. I think courage is a choice. You've just gotta do it. Sometimes it is really hard. (I mean really, really, really hard). I know for myself whenever I send work to a new client, I feel nauseous. I get nervous, I get a little panicky, it's hard. It's hard to send something off to someone that you've created -for the sole purpose of them to judge it. I guess I need to get thicker skin- but where do you buy that? Seriously, is there a pill you can take?

Usually it goes well, I get good reviews -so to speak, but still there is that little piece of me that panics, feels inadequate and pretty much just wants to hide. The blood drains from my face when the ding of my email goes off... But I do it anyway. Is it hard? YES. Do I have to overcome it every time I send work off to a client- yes. Is there a quick fix? No, I've been doing this for over 10 years and it hasn't gotten any easier yet... but I believe it will... so it will... and I'm anticipating that to happen tomorrow ;)

So in the spirit of bravery and courage and stepping out, here is a new Grown Up Colouring sheet for you :) It's a little different, it's a beautiful feather, I have mine all printed off, I haven't had a chance to colour it in yet... this one is hand drawn by me, for you. I hope you enjoy... and remember - Be Brave... always, even if you have to hide under the covers after, or your voice shakes, or you need to pee... just do it... you won't regret it...

Share the love,
M.

Please consider giving a donation to our Living Life On Purpose Journey- We are so encouraged by all of your support we really appreciate it! (D+M)

3 versions to choose from- 
Be Brave
Psalm 91:4
Psalm 91:4 complete verse

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Spring, Easter, Amazing Grace + Jesus.

It's spring. I write this and giggle a little as fluffy white snowflakes swirl softly to the snow covered ground. It's Spring. I tell myself. It's Spring! My heart believes it, because Easter is coming, that special time of the year when I celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

You may not believe in this, and that's ok... I do. And it is a heavy, exciting time of the year for me. It's filled with hope and expectation, anticipation and gratitude. I try my hardest to follow the words of Jesus. Even if you see Him only as a man- He was a great man, who spoke of love, and love, and more love. His mandate is to love. So ya, I love Him.  (do I fail miserably at loving (amongst many other things)? yes-daily,  and not just once, but more times that I have fingers and toes to count on).
But am I ok with that... yup... most days.

Share the love today,
M.

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Incase you ever wondered what Jesus did say about love... here is a great place to start :)

Matthew 5:43-48 

As Found in:The Message (MSG)

43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

48 “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

Mark 12:28-31The Message (MSG)

The Most Important Commandment

28 One of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he put in his question: “Which is most important of all the commandments?”

29-31 Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”

More Fun Spring Prints? Okay!

>>More SPRINGY PRINTS Click here << 
>>Spring has SPRUNG<<
>>HOPPY EASTER<<
>>THE OLD RUGGED CROSS<<
>>LENT CALENDAR ETSY <<
>> MATT REDMON 10,000 Reasons Song ETSY<<
>> Hip Hop<<

Purpose + Grown Up Colouring!

So it is official, as you know we are going! I had the opportunity to share my heart with our Church Family- I was so humbled by the support we received. People came up to me after my talk and just wanted to hug me, say thank you, tell us that they will be supporting us, either in prayer, encouragement and some financially. We are so honoured.

If you'd like to see my personal story, hear my voice, hear my heart, you can click here:
 >> MARCH 01 2015 << 


On another note, I wanted to add more GROWN UP COLOURING pages to the blog. I have been using these and loving them. What a great way to spend some quiet time meditating on the good things;

Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and good, think on those things! (Philippians 4:8)

I hope you take the time to watch my video and also to download these sheets and spend some quality creative time with yourself :)

Share the love,
M.

>>FOR MORE GROWN-UP COLOURING SHEETS CLICK HERE :) <<

>> EVEN MORE GROWN UP COLOURING SHEETS HERE <<

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8.5x11 (this one is more complicated, it will take
some sharp, sharp pencil crayons  but it will
be beautiful:) ENJOY!

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Be Brave.

Sometimes I mutter this to myself, Be Brave. Just be brave, you can do this... But I know my strength (pathetic weakling that I am) doesn't come from me 'white knuckling' my fear... it comes from a higher power that "will not leave me or forsake me" (Deut. 31:6).

I carry a sense of security with me because I know I am never alone. Even so... when fear does grip me, and it does, sometimes more than others, and sometimes in weird and different ways:

I had a weird bout of this in China where it took my breath away, a fear so overwhelming that I had a physical reaction to the thought: what if we never have children. 

Be Brave.
The Lord your (MY) God goes with you (ME!); he will never leave you (ME!) nor forsake you (ME!).

We are dealing with some serious stuff as a family and we could use prayers for peace in our hearts...

Be Brave.
The Lord your (MY) God goes with you (ME!); he will never leave you (ME!) nor forsake you (Me!).

Some of you are dealing with illness in your family.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Some of you are dealing with issues of fear.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Some of you are dealing with loss.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Some of you are overwhelmed with life.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Be brave. Be Brave. Be Brave.


I worry, I get scared, freak out a little, sometimes I have to do sheet therapy (i.e. take a nap). But I have a secret, I have a constant reminder, I know, that I know, that I know... "There is no fear in love; instead perfect love casts out fear..." (1John 4:18)  and I know... "The Lord your (MY) God goes with you (ME!); he will never leave you (ME!) nor forsake you (Meeeee!).” (Deut. 31:6)
and I know.... "that all things work together for good to those who love God..."(Rom.8:28)

Rest in knowing that you are not alone,
and that you are loved.
Share the love,
M.


Update: I added a second version - Scroll down, there is a version without the Bible verse for those who prefer it :) Have an awesome Day!
Share the love,
M.

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It's October- I know.

I know, I know- it's only october...
but my brain in already wandering to those cold evenings with snow twirling down...
I've got Christmas on the brain,
and I can't get this song out of my head...

Share the love,
M.

Scroll down for Watercolour Version :)

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Maybe. Just Maybe.

Maybe, just maybe this is the key to having a happy, successful, productive life-  oh ya, throw in a little hard work, a lot of elbow grease, the desire to see others succeed and the ability to just keep on going.

Share the love,
M.

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Love.

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16

Share the love,

M.

If you haven't read about our Living Life on Purpose Africa 2015  >> Please take a read and if you love free printables please consider giving a donation to help us on our journey! 

 

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No Greater Love.

There is no greater love. period.
I think I needed a reminder this morning... you?



I also wanted to say Thank You to everyone who is sharing in our journey of #livinglifeonpurposeafrica2015 - your donations, comments and purchases are amazing. We are on the right track to hitting our goal-  If you haven't read about our Living Life on Purpose Africa 2015,    >> Please take a read and if you love my free printables please consider giving a donation to help us on our journey! 

 

By sharing, pinning, face booking, tweeting my art, it helps to spread the word, and it helps when more people visit the blog, so please continue to share!

Share the love,
M.

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8x10->>  #7in1 -> cut it up + SHARE THE LOVE

Your Cares Part 2

I'm experimenting a bit with a new version of printables- I'm working on some ideas that I am hoping to put up on Etsy to further our #livinglifeonpurposeafrica2015 journey - you can read about that here: Living Life On Purpose Africa 2015

I wanted to create something a little fun, slightly DIY and definitely inspirational.

So what I've done, is: on an 8x10 sheet (you can print it either on photo paper, card stock or on a regular 8.5x11)

I've included :
1 bookmark (2x8)
2 4x6 prints
4 mirror /  bulletin board / fridge / scrapbook / mini reminders (you can cut out and put anywhere- even hid one in your wallet :) (2x2)

The original print can be found here: Your Cares.

Let me know what you think-
How will you use this? Let your imagination run wild!

Share the love,
M.

1 page, 7 prints! Cut it up and Share The Love!
(8x10 300dpi)