Bible Study Relieves Stress

Okay, Fellow Traveler, it shouldn't be a big leap that doing a Bible study on a regular basis would be a stress reliever. But, duh. It's been a crazy week with MIL's fire and such, and there are only so many hours in the day. So, there have been several days where I don't get to my Advent Bible study until 10:30 pm.

But, I've worked hard TO GET TO IT. And it's made all the difference. I posted Days 1 and 2 here. Guess my art work isn't your typical "Christmas-y" type of thing. But that's not where God led me during my art time with Him. I'd thrown around several ideas on how I wanted to do the study and record it in a new art journal, but when the time came...

I didn't have a plan. [gasp] 
I just jumped in and went for it. [double gasp]


Yes, I - The Empress of Planning - entered into a 25-Day Project without a roadmap. Without an inkling. I was "winging it."

And the world didn't come to an end. {However, if Jesus had shown up after I started Dec. 1, I would have been okay with that, too.}

So, here's my Day 3 "The Source of Strength" This is Proverbs 18:10. <I need to add that to the page> This is French Blue craft acrylic that I dabbed with a tissue while the paint was still wet. I added a doily stencil in the top right corner and sprayed with Dylusions Turquoise. Then I sprayed Dylusions White Linen through a plastic canvas in the top left corner. I blotted the canvas on the bottom right. I used several stamps with Memento's London Fog. I collaged a photo from nearby Jed Johnson Lake (one of my fave places) and wrote/doodled with Prismacolors. Finally, I added texture paste (spackle, actually) through an alphabet stencil and bits of drywall tape. Do you find craft supplies in your hardware store, too?

This is Day 4: "The King Comes"
Actually, I'm not sure it's finished...I did an image search for cross with thorn crown and sketched the one I liked best. This is watercolor (literally a $2 set from WalMart) with my favorite text stamp and Prismacolors. 

Aren't we blessed, my Traveling Friend? Jesus came to us with the "End" in mind. He knew what was to be required of Him from the onset. He was uncomfortable in the manger. He was tortured on the cross. And the thorny crown sat on the head of the most powerful man to ever walk the planet. He deserved the finest gold. The best and biggest jewels. But He took the thorns FOR ME. I racked up a debt I couldn't pay. He gave up His throne FOR ME. So underserved.

So why should it be so hard for me to fit in time with Him on a daily basis? Well, time with Him seems to fly when He and I art together.

Why don't you join us?

Prayer: Dearest Father God, thank you for spending time with me this week. Help me to remember You are always there; I'm the only one with scheduling issues. Thank you for sending your Son on His rescue mission. Let us all spread the word: From Manger to Cross to the Grave and Alive - Your plan is already in motion!