New Year, New Chapter

Life has sent me a few curves towards the end of 2007. I've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and a whacky thyroid... dang! this is a very big reality check! A very big wake up call that I better straighten up my act if I want to see my grandchildren grow up! So my very dear friend has agreed to team up with me for the "Biggest Loser's million pound" challenge... we're waiting to hear the rules... and have scheduled our first hike for January 1st. (this is big, hiking has never been my favorite thing to do, but it's also because I'm out of shape... maybe this will be the start of a new love.... in time)

My life is so out of control... eating badly, not exercising... I feel very confident that this is going to turn around and be successful... and having a friend to work beside me, both of us encouraging each other... we'll have someone to laugh and cheer our successes, cry with us over our failures... and plod through to a successful, healthy life... three cheers for dear friends!

I've decided to blog this new adventure... a journal of my ups & downs... successes and failures (I know it will be more successes) so until January 1st, have a glorious last week of 2007!

It is done...

I can't believe that title... I really thought it would never happen... and when I put the last touch on, it brought me to tears... this has been quite a journey - lots of ups and downs and many obsticles to overcome... but with God by my side... well what else can I say but "Thank you Lord, I couldn't have done it without you!"


God has been working on me, molding me like I molded the metal. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes smooth sailing... hopefully I will relax and follow God's lead... I know, sometimes I take it back because I want to be in control (ok, not just sometimes, all the time). And another lesson I've learned through all this: it's not always about me... case in point, these projects... granted a few know it's me (cause I told them!!) but the majority of New Heights doesn't know me... and week after week no acknowledgement of the projects... it was kind of dissappointing, but you know it's ok... it's not about me... it's about God and what he can do with "junk"...

Project # 1... The Tree of Life - ...the tree, birds nest & dragonfly represents life on earth. The quilt represents Christ and His promise of Eternal Life

When I went searching for quilt blocks I had a theme going in my head... I was doing this for God... and the top block, bethlehem star, is one of my favorites... so now the quilt represents Christ.

Quilt blocks (bottom up): Road to Heaven, Altar Steps,
The Cross & Bethlehem Star

The cross was an interesting design... I didn't have any brass - and couldn't find any, so I had to be creative! I used an old brass tissue box, cut it up and used the filigree design for the cross pieces.

For the nest I used a grapevine weath and a store bought bird's nest to start with... then worked the different weights of copper wire... as I was doing this I thought "UGLY!" but then it kinda grew on me... of course I added more wire before I was finally happy with the end result.




I had to add the dragonfly... alas I didn't create it, I just created the hanger it's hanging on - oh and I cut off it's legs (seems ghastly!) who ever sees the dragonflys feet? does it have feet? I don't know but that's how it came to me...


Project # 2... Quilt of Steel Emotions - sorry no witty name here... This one didn't come to me as well as #1... it's ok - but I don't think my heart was in it like #1... I need a redo on the vines & leaves... everytime I moved it, I knocked a leaf off.. it was just too light weight of a metal for welding... I'm going to make some changes to it for the art walk at Summer Festival.





The blocks use from top left to right: Churndash and Bethlehem star. I also added some tile to each corner - they were so cute, I couldn't resist - four different leaf patterns.



this last image was taken at the church... the lights were way too bright and the reflection a little harsh... but you can see the texture I put on the copper.



the text on the paper says:

Trudging through the scrap yard with all the muck and grime,
I search for bits and pieces that have been abandoned in time.
Scraps, seen as throw-aways, are placed together in prayer…
And becomes a patchwork quilt to adorn the garden fair.

As you’ve seen in the life of Moses and God’s love so true,
God will mold you in your life and you’ll become a masterpiece too

I am not implying that my work is a masterpiece, but God's work is!

Though this particular journey has come to an end... there are many more lying ahead... I have the creative juices flowing again and the need to create is at hand... actually I found an inspiration piece that I can't wait to get started on -

ok after I clean the house and get the garden in shape as they were sorely neglected over the last 8 weeks...

Thank you for following me on this journey... blessings to you all!

Falling on ill times...

I don't know if it was the stress of the projects or that some dear person left their germs behind just for me... whatever the case, it knocked me flat... I used my last bit of strength to finish the week 7 projects (and project 2 was rather sad, I might add)...

I have no little "wit" to add this week... the brain is out recuperating! All I can say is that God is faithful... I was only sick a couple of days, and here it is late Monday afternoon, and I think I'm going to be ok! Thank you Lord! I would have been in big trouble if I was sick all week and couldn't get the final projects done for the end - the final weekend...

I am really excited... the church asked for my images... they are going to put together a slide show of the various stages for the projects.... should be fun to watch...

Ok, Week 7

Project #1 - I've added the frame on, being careful that it hung straight. the initial border and background is on as well... I did have a little catastrophe... I knocked a limb off and a leaf... so it was panic repair mode for a time on Friday... it took quite a bit of time - just to be difficult... but yeah, I got it!!!

Project # 2 - this is really sad... I added a couple of quilt blocks as well as finishing the inside border... but I couldn't permanently attached the blocks until I have all four done... just to make sure they are all even... so they are basted on with copper wire...

Well next week is the final week and the reveal of completed projects... I sure hope I can get that done... thank goodness for Fourth of July - a extra day off to work on these... I'm pretty sure I know what I'm going to do (there goes God, laughing again) so let me say I have an idea, but the final outcome will be God's design...

until next week - stay cool, enjoy the 4th... and may God richly bless you...

She did what she could...

"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. " - Mark 14:6-8a

I was reading the book Take Flight, a Sisterchicks Devotional... The first sentence Robin says: "Last week was awful! Just awful. I was trying to accomplish three weeks' worth of stuff in three days. Everything I put my hand to turned complicated.... Every unfinished task was linked to something that needed to be taken care of first, so instead of dividing my problems, I multiplied them" oh, if that doesn't explain the day I've had nothing does!! I was at the gym (yep I was at the gym) this morning and reading this while riding the bike... I think I laughed out loud... It was my day in print!!! and I'm not alone... and I can't let the enemy rob me of my joy. Then Cindy says "Has that dark-winged vulture guilt told you lies? Girlfriend it's time to inform that old buzzard, "you're not welcome here!" AMEN!

This whole idea has been a wonderful "light bulb" moment for me... I can only do the best I can do... and it has to be enough... With that attitude the projects have gone well... I finished what I needed to get done in time... how do I know it's enough? God is guiding... all I know is that it needs to be finished by the 7th... and I'm not going to let that piece of knowledge scare the wits out of me!!!

Week 6 -

Project #1 - leaves are now on the tree... the leaves were a stumbling block for me... I didn't have the cutting capabilites for heavier steel and the lighter stuff wasn't welding quite well... so I'm sitting in my driveway - and had a light bulb moment... there by the garage door was the metal scrap from when I have a company cut me a sheet of sunflower petals... oh my word - the "negative" space (the left over scrap) were, with some imagination, the shape of leaves!! oh course they weren't exact, but when was "art" suppose to be exact when creating an abstract piece? I decided to use the leaves sparingly and love the effect!

this image was taken in the worship center - there's a microphone in front of it (don't worry it's not part of the project)

Project #2 - well it's taking shape... my hands hurt quite a bit from the wire and sharp edges of the perferated steel... it was like sewing with wire - even used a large craft needle for some of it... oh, my!!!

anyway... the rough part is over with... and this next week the designing starts...

until then, remember just do the best you can... and chase that dark-winged vulture of guilt out of your life!

Pray Continually

I had no idea how much I was going to learn from this experience... when I accepted the challenge to make two metal art pieces for church, I had made it all about me... and God laughed!

Today, another lesson... pray continually... and have thoughtful, profound people in my life that remind me that God is my joy and how good life is...

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today was another reminder. God has a plan for me, and me running around in a state of panic won't change that... I woke up this morning with a list a mile long of things that needed to be done... and all before 2:30 when I go over to watch Emma Grace. I'm going to be gone all day Saturday and needed to drop off the metal art in the morning - so everything had to be done Friday... the same for the 2nd project - and no time... but on top of that, I also needed to cook and prepare for singles group...

In my state of panic I passed on walking with a friend and going to a Bible study was out of the question because there was no time for a shower... and my dear friend (who I stood up) said: "Take a deep breath, say a prayer for peace (I'll say it for you too!) and remember you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time!!!!! I'm sure your bible study will appreciate you not coming with metal flakes sticking to your sweat.... God is in control of your projects!"

another wow (with a smile). God is in control... here I am, Friday night: the project #1 is complete for this week... and project #2 is almost done... praise God!!!

So here's the update - Week 5

Project #1 - additional branches - looking like a tree? yep, I think so...

Project #2 - and the structure is starting to change... hmmm, what could it be????

He will sit as a refiner...

I’m sure that you all have received the email about the silversmith and the comparison of our relationship with the Lord…

"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Malachi 3:3
“in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities-- How do you know when the silver is fully refined? The silversmith said: "That's easy - when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eyes on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. He knows the bitter, weary way. (Revelation chapters 2 & 3)."

A friend had reminded me of this story earlier this week… oh how it really comes to mind today. Over the last few days I have been stressing over the welding projects – what to do next to enhance the project without revealing what it is… then I got an email asking me if I could put “more interest” in it… I have to agree it is somewhat plain – but once I starting putting in detail, it will be obvious what it will be… so I have modified the projects end result… but I do have to share something that a very profound friend said to me in regards to this:

Just think of all the "not interesting enough" people God molded into incredible servants for His work. People who went unnoticed or thought not to be enough by others. Isn't it funny how we make judgments not realizing that God is molding and shaping. I'll be honest, when I looked at the pipe on stage, I was thinking, "HMMM, not much happening yet." I was thinking "Pretty unspectacular." "What, just another little pipe added?" But I realize that my thoughts are just what God wanted me to have. How can I judge when I can not possibly know or see God's
design? God is in control and he must be working because I just learned a whole lot!!

WOW, isn’t that an amazing analogy? I'm so renewed & excited with my project now!

Ok, now to the projects…

Week 4: Project 1... it's starting to transform from a stick...

Project 2: I added finials and vines with leaves. Looks like they're leaning a little... Guess I need to fix that now!

until next week be a blessing to someone - stop & listen... you would be amazed at how it will touch their lives...See you next week... Blessings!

“The Shaping of God’s Servant”

It is a glorious day in the Northwest. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and my garden is dancing! And best of all, God is smiling! Can you tell, I’m really feeling wonderful and positive today…

The beginning… I received an email from church a month ago saying that Matt was going to start a new series: “The Shaping of God’s Servant”. And what they would like to do is show different art projects in their various stages of completion. So each week for the next 8 weeks I will bring my project in – showing the different stages…from scrap to hopefully a work of art! Well you know me, I’m always up for a challenge… but not one challenge, noooooo I had to suggest I do TWO projects!!! At this point I’m ok… but I’ll apologize in advance when weeks 7 and 8 come along… there’s no guarantees that this blog writer will have any semblance to being sane and the words making any sense!!!

I wish I would have thought of blogging from the very start, but it’s week 3 now… so I’ll try to catch you up… one of the projects I’m doing is one I wanted to do for several years, ever since Mary and I went to Alaska… I had all the scrap, just not the inclination to get started… So this challenge was the boost I needed to get back into welding… and since these projects are in the front of the worship center, on stage, I really need to do an exceptional job… At first I made this all about me… fretting, fussing and down right stressing about everything… and of course nothing was working right… then a light bulb moment, this project isn’t about me, it’s about God and how He can create something out of junk (including us!)… 6 years ago I was given this awesome opportunity to learn how to create art out of metal… who knew God was shaping me for this event… so, I am turning it over to God and letting Him guide me though this adventure…

Ok, back to the project…

First week: a pile of scrap metal

Second week: Project 1, I found an umbrella stand a year or more ago in a "free" box of a garage sale... so I cleaned up the stand (ground the tube to silver & painted the base black) and then used the grinder to take the rust off a piece of pipe. (sorry, no picture for this step) Project 2, cut down a piece of electrical conduit… ground on it to shine it up… I had found two old wheels at a garage sale – had no idea at the time why… my problem was attaching the pipe to the wheel… thanks to God and a friend, I found the solution (wasn’t finding it on my own) hears a picture of project 2… I had to put it on a plywood base because the center of the wheel stuck out farther than the wheel part...

Project #2

Third week (this week): Project 1, I added additional height by welding a second length of pipe, ground off the rust, and add texture to the pipes.



Project 2, created a second stand – so now there are two…

So what am I making? You’ll just have to wait and see… Until next time, have a glorious a week… embrace what God’s placed in your path – whether praise worthy or challenged… you have no idea how God will use it down the road!