This might be a long one so grab some coffee.
I am getting ready to launch a new class in about a week and I am also headed to a retreat in a few weeks to CREATE.
Today's post is to "address" a comment left for me a few days ago (you can go read it in a minute!) and share with you my purpose (you may have to read a little between the lines.)
First, my new class coming up mixes "Faith & Creativity"
Part of the purpose of this class is to remind you to take time to "make time" and then spend that time listening, watching, focusing, refreshing and refueling. It is NOT to tell you, sway you or show you about Christianity or any religion.
In case you do not know me, I am not a "religious" person. What I have is a "relationship" with God and what I do is balance my life with Faith. It is the only way I get through the day.
It is a really wrecked world we live in and there comes a point where you know you have to STOP and then comes a time when we just need to be quiet, pay attention, listen....then create from what inspires and influences us. For me, it is my faith in GOD that inspires and influences me and I am secure enough to not be swayed by others and compassionate enough to never force it on others.
When I was developing this class, I knew that the word FAITH and/or GOD was going to immedialty turn people away. I hope that you continue to read this before you click away to another site because I want you to understand me . I know that we all come different backgrounds and I know that our beliefs are different BUT (and it is a BIG but), I also know that we all have a mind, a heart and a need for LOVE to connect in every way.
Now, coinsidently, without even planning this, the purpose of the CRAFT Beach Retreat is exactly the same as my new class..to "make time" and then spend that time listening, watching, focusing, refreshing and refueling..and then creating..
at the beach..for the Love of Pete..hello!
Although my class is not at the beach (sorry!), I am reaching out to you in a creative way..to remind you of things you already know, just maybe forgot to remember....To focus on taking time to write, to pray, to use words, reflect on memories, to reminense with photos, to make time being still & quiet and then to create based on what is written on your heart after being influenced by your own reflections.
You all know that I LOVE to create things, from paper, ink, fabric, batter, dough...etc. and what I believe is, GOD gave me the skills (and the big ol' heart to love to make things) for a reason.
"To Create" is part of my "purpose." and my faith fuels my creativity and supports my life entirely. (The world is tooooo messed up for me to even begin to handle it on my own.)
My class is NOT a class to tell you or even suggest to you that what I believe in or the relationship that I have with God is what you need to create about or with. I am simply using the abilities and skills that God gave to teach, share and inspire you to create. It might be with patterned paper..a bowl of cookie dough...a piece of wood, thirty different colors of paint, sometimes with a needle and thread, the possibilities are endless....my point is, I want to share, inspire and be a good creative influence on you.
Even though we are online, miles apart and our beliefs are different, through our fellowship and commitment to creating, we can do this together. We will apply our struggles and strengths, and well, some Mod Podge to creating and with HOPE…we will all "enjoy the process" and in turn, share our work, spread some kindness and inspire others...sorta like "Pass it On".
Thank You,
You are Welcome
and
Amen.
I heart you, Stephanie! Can't wait. And as I always say, in the crafty/artsy world, Mod Podge makes the world go 'round. :)
Posted by: Sarah Martin | October 24, 2011 at 07:45 AM
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for your inspiring art! I truly understand your relationship with God and your faith! It is comforting when I "get" what people say about their beliefs. I hear ya! Please keep sharing your art and inspiration!
Posted by: msmag | October 24, 2011 at 07:56 AM
wonderful way of sharing your heart! xo
Posted by: bonitarose | October 24, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I love this post! Stephanie, with your skills may you make the name of Jesus Christ famous. I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord and King now and forever.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing your blog on a daily basis :)
A love all that you create and inspire others to create. <3
Blessings,
Cindy
1 Peter 4:10-11
New Century Version (NCV)
10 Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God's various gifts of grace.11 Anyone who speaks should speak words from God. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.
Posted by: Cindy Jackson | October 24, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Ok, not sure at all where that comment came from . . . that retreat looks wonderful! I am constantly amazed by what people will do and say online, and the grief some bloggers get. I love how you said that you're not "religious," that you have a relationship with God. I feel that way to, and think that it's the only way to go!! (I also love your statement about being secure in your own faith and compassionate enough not to force it on others -- I think the world would be a much better place if more people practiced that!) I can't wait to hear more about your online workshop -- it sounds amazing, as well!!
Posted by: Kate Ware | October 24, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Hi from NZ! Thanks for sharing about your faith and how you combine your faith/beliefs with craft. It's part of who you are and how God made you. It's inspiring, & encourages me to go a bit 'deeper' into what I'm feeling and believing. And also to 'listen' more to God and to my own heart. You have a gift. Keep it up!
Posted by: Kellie L | October 24, 2011 at 01:26 PM
I believe my artistic creativity was also a gift from God. The more I create, the more I please Him. I have often used my talents to help others and believe this is a part of that gift. I look forward to learning both more about your online class and your beach retreat.
Posted by: Maggie | October 24, 2011 at 01:29 PM
Love it! I've always thought I should have studied religion - I really adore and respect so many different religions and beliefs. And though I embrace my Catholicism wholeheartedly, I've had so many interesting discussions about faith, and have friends who are Jewish, Mormon, Lutheran, Baha'i, you name it! And for me, creativity is as important as eating, breathing and just living. For years now, you've been so inspirational to me, in a uniquely spiritual creative way. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Kirsten J | October 24, 2011 at 07:35 PM
Stephanie, you are always able to write so eloquently what I am thinking in my head and heart. Love you for that. I cannot WAIT for your new class!! You are such an inspiration to me as someone who is totally using her gifts for the Kingdom of God. My sister, who I gave the complete reigns of our previously-joint business to, recently made the decision to give 100% of the profits from the business to charity - and she too, inspires me daily to use my gifts more and more for His Kingdom. xoxo
Posted by: Jen Clark | October 25, 2011 at 02:08 AM
Stephanie, thank you for always sharing from your heart and being genuine. I am learning that creativity and faith go hand in hand. Looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming class!
Posted by: Michelle | October 25, 2011 at 03:42 AM
Your blog inspires me daily.
I LOVE your creativity and also look for creative sparks from what God is giving you. Your honesty about your relationship with God is great too - A citty on a hill cannot hide its light--- people just have to see that!
(I am an SA girl, presently serving in Uganda... so I love your references to SA too.) Please continue to serve as God leads you... there is no-one alive who is you-er than you. (Dr Seuss)
Posted by: Karen Scheepers | October 25, 2011 at 11:05 PM
I'm the one who made the comment that Stephanie
refered to here. I may have overreacted, but my
intentions where sincere. I will keep quiet from now on and only listen. I thoroughly enjoy this blog and
Stephanie has been a wonderful tool in God's hand to
help me through very hard times in the last month.
I love her creativety an her honest way with words!
Stephanie, you're great!
Posted by: Colette | October 26, 2011 at 02:22 PM
Steph,
You are wonderful, have a great time. I know we all will benefit form what you learn and come away with. I can't wait to see. Love, K
Posted by: Kendyl Chamberlain | October 26, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Thank you so very much for sharing your creativity and faith with the world. =) You have inspired me to bring the two together more often and to share and encourage others to do the same. Thank you! I look forward to trying out your workshop...can't wait! Sweet blessings, Pamela
Posted by: Pamela O'Connor | October 27, 2011 at 06:40 AM
No need to be quiet...that is what I love about sharing. We are all at different places on the journey and many of us are on totally different journeys...the wonderful thing that connects us is our love for creating!
Posted by: stephanie | October 27, 2011 at 06:52 AM