Write the Vision

In January 2013, I started a daily "gratitude post" on Facebook.  It started as a "one month" goal of posting something I am thankful for... and then I discovered that an attitude of gratitude changed everything.  At the end of year one...I was going to stop, but as I wrote about stopping...I discovered from the many comments that I was not alone on my gratitude quest...so I've just kept going.  I savor and welcome those who have joined this journey. I relish every comment and "share" when something God put on my heart speaks to another soul... where they are...in the moment... in their walk with Him. We are all pilgrims. Our journeys intersect at home, at work and in cyberspace.

This is a layout I created to go with my gratitude post from a few days ago.  I am entering the world of "Bible Journaling" and this verse is speaking to my heart.  Perhaps it will call to yours as well.  The layout is simple and uncluttered.  I didn't want to lose the message. 

This is old photo of my youngest son...the one who just graduated form high school. I seemed perfect for the verse.  

Daily Gratitude Year 3-Day 140: Today...I am grateful for the simple task of making a list...and writing a vision. 

I am not a big list maker...but as I get older and my memory is less reliable...I find that a simple list is not just convenient, it is necessary. It is quite satisfying to cross something off when it is accomplished. I am planning a graduation party and I need my lists to accomplish the task and reach the goal!

When I make a list that doesn't get accomplished...here is my guilty secret...I will write down what I did instead of what was on the list... just to have the pleasure of crossing it out. Sometimes the day takes us down a different path, but it doesn't mean the tasks completed were unworthy of recognition.

Do we live by lists or do we make lists to help us live? Imagine the day there was no pen and paper at our disposal. No "Post-it notes"?

Habakkuk 2:2-3 is a great pair of verses that I might have to memorize:

And the Lord answered me:“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets,so he may run who reads it.For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie.If it seems slow, wait for it;it will surely come; it will not delay.

WRITE THE VISION! How I love this instruction. I have some instructions posted all around my desk to inspire love and gratitude daily.

SO HE MAY RUN: Sometimes I run...some times I trip!

WHO READS IT: We must read it to find the vision and the path.

FOR STILL THE VISION AWAITS: Find the vision. Even in failure or what feels like failure...there is hope.

ITS APPOINTED TIME: Oh yes...God is not finished with me yet...I am a work in progress and far from perfect.

IT HASTENS TO THE END: As I learn and grow...I do think the little planet spins faster as we get older.

IT WILL NOT LIE - God's plans...His vision...his path is straight and true...even when it seems to zig and zag! HE is the TRUTH.

IF IT SEEMS SLOW - Anyone else feel that arrow straight to their impatient souls, like I did?

WAIT FOR IT...How much longer? I do get impatient. I always say I fail His patience test so He keeps giving it over and over. He is a patient God.

IT WILL SURELY COME - That is a promise you can take to the bank!

IT WILL NOT DELAY - In fact, His perfect plan is in motion, even when we can't see His handwriting on the wall. Will it be "Well done good and faithful servant."?

So what will we do with THIS day. Let us WRITE THE VISION! Write in on our hearts, in the margins of our Bibles (oh yes...it is His living word ready to reveal truth and guidance).

Today I will review my party planning lists...and cross off the things I accomplished. Then, I make another list. Hopefully, it will all come together as envisioned, but even if it doesn't...we will "run with it."

In truth...it is the gathering of friends and family that matters. Making special moments and celebrating accomplishments and relationships is what counts ..not a perfect menu or cute decorations(although I like both of those things).

I am grateful I can WRITE THE VISION and press on toward a goal.

Today...I am grateful for the simple task of making a list...and writing the vision.

Aimed for Monochromatic...

And missed the mark! I really tried to follow a prompt for a  monochromatic layout.  Look at the "Guilty" album by Barbara Streisand and Barry Gibb for inspiration on the power of  white on white.  So...off I went and chose some white elements and began.  '

Add...take away...add take away...next thing I know the white has been swapped out for ecru/neutral tones and the gold paint and glitter have found their way to the page.  Oh well...that is the benefit to a digital page, no mess to clean up.

I am not sure I will use this in his tabletop book of images, but it will get printed for his scrapbook. 

Sometimes, creativity takes you down a different path. :) I say...go with it. Enjoy the ride.

Back to the blog...

It seems that the thing I always have to give up when things get full is this blog.  I have a daily gratitude post on Facebook that is a real commitment and this little creative spot is the last to get my time.  Perhaps, I need to merge them.

I am fortunate to be doing another LOAD(Layout A Day) this month with Lain Ehman and my "Scrap sisters" on line. It is a creative bunch of girls who love story telling.  This time...for the first time...I started giving myself "permission" to skip a day.  My goal is 31 in 31 but with Walker graduating, family visiting, Randy traveling off and on...I will NOT let this hobby I adore take from my family time and making the memories I love to write about.  I am keeping it real and whatever happens, happens. Ahhh....sweet freedom. 

That said...the first day was about "musical style".  I am working almost exclusively on Walker's graduation books - so those stories must by told. Yes...it will be a lot of Walker.  I hope you enjoy his stories and photos for the art and the heart. 

This layout tells of his eclectic music style and uses a great Dr. Seuss quote. It fits him and his crazy shoe pairing.  He wanted to pay homage to his Swedish Roots and to his USA birth. I love his confidence and comfort in being his own person. 

Scrapbooking Technique notes:  I chose papers to compliment the road in the photo.  The accent colors were pulled from the shoes. The photos reflect the quote intentionally. Simple, fast and done!  

What is your music style?  Tell that story, today. 

Valerie