Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Have you ever hit a road block in your creativity?
I did this week. The paintings I had started were not compelling me to pick up my brushes. When this happens, I know that my artist child is unhappy over something and that I need to cajole that part of myself back into playing with the paints again.
My artist child wants to go outside and play in the gardens instead of painting. Gardening in April is stiff competition for my painting projects, so I had to up the ante.
Starting projects is play for me and finishing them is work, so I started a new large oil for the Artprize competition in Grand Rapids. It is of a father sitting in a chair holding a baby girl. It is another one of my painted prayers for Haiti and is a prayer for the fathers who have baby girls.
I'm working on correcting the proportions, but the idea is good, and the composition is nice. The feeling of love is there already through the body language, the circular lines and the warm, inviting colors.
Love, Sue
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Art Show
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Did you ever have mixed feelings about a success you had?
Today I put up a one woman show at the Art Center of Battle Creek II, on Michigan Ave. in the downtown section (where the bakery used to be.) I'm happy about my success.
I'm also sad, because I'm not quite ready to part with all of these paintings at once. I had them in our bedroom and kitchen where I admired them often throughout the day. I am going to miss them; they are my babies.
I suppose this is preparing me for the day when we take our son to college!
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Did you ever have mixed feelings about a success you had?
Today I put up a one woman show at the Art Center of Battle Creek II, on Michigan Ave. in the downtown section (where the bakery used to be.) I'm happy about my success.
I'm also sad, because I'm not quite ready to part with all of these paintings at once. I had them in our bedroom and kitchen where I admired them often throughout the day. I am going to miss them; they are my babies.
I suppose this is preparing me for the day when we take our son to college!
Love, Sue
Monday, April 26, 2010
Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your minitries this week!
Does your town have a special event?
Our whole town is recovering from the Maple Syrup Festival today.
The festival was an opportunity to see a group of Amish girls encountered by a gang of bikers, who revved their engines, as they headed in the opposite direction. The bar downtown did half of its annual business in 3 days. People came from everywhere, tasted this year's maple syrup and commented on the color and taste as if it were fine wine.
Our whole family worked and played together all weekend! The Trowbridges had a joint yard sale, marched in the parade, rode the rides, performed in the talent show and even hosted a pancake derby. It was awesome!
Today, I understand why Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go away to a lonely place to pray."
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your minitries this week!
Does your town have a special event?
Our whole town is recovering from the Maple Syrup Festival today.
The festival was an opportunity to see a group of Amish girls encountered by a gang of bikers, who revved their engines, as they headed in the opposite direction. The bar downtown did half of its annual business in 3 days. People came from everywhere, tasted this year's maple syrup and commented on the color and taste as if it were fine wine.
Our whole family worked and played together all weekend! The Trowbridges had a joint yard sale, marched in the parade, rode the rides, performed in the talent show and even hosted a pancake derby. It was awesome!
Today, I understand why Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go away to a lonely place to pray."
Love, Sue
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Free Gifts
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
What do you give away for free?
Everywhere I go, people confide in me. How do they know that I am a pastor and will listen to them? We could be perfect strangers and they will talk to me like I were their best friend and tell me their secret sorrows.
Is it my face? My demeaner? What is it?
I think its because there is a lot of hurt in the world and people just need SOMEBODY who will listen and care. I used to get paid for this kind of thing when I was appointed to a church. Now I don't mind doing it for free, because I can't stand to see people suffer.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
What do you give away for free?
Everywhere I go, people confide in me. How do they know that I am a pastor and will listen to them? We could be perfect strangers and they will talk to me like I were their best friend and tell me their secret sorrows.
Is it my face? My demeaner? What is it?
I think its because there is a lot of hurt in the world and people just need SOMEBODY who will listen and care. I used to get paid for this kind of thing when I was appointed to a church. Now I don't mind doing it for free, because I can't stand to see people suffer.
Love, Sue
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Creative Binge
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Did you ever get into a creative binge?
I gave myself permission to make dolls all day today. I started at 7:30 a.m. and didn't stop until 5:00 except for a lunch break. I was possessed with the urge to do it!!!
I guess I needed a little break from the intensity of working on my painted prayers for Haiti throughout the entire work week for months on end. I will get back to it and I will be refreshed.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Did you ever get into a creative binge?
I gave myself permission to make dolls all day today. I started at 7:30 a.m. and didn't stop until 5:00 except for a lunch break. I was possessed with the urge to do it!!!
I guess I needed a little break from the intensity of working on my painted prayers for Haiti throughout the entire work week for months on end. I will get back to it and I will be refreshed.
Love, Sue
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Something Different
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Do you have any unfinished projects hiding in your nooks and crannies?
Five years ago I had to make paper one night. I was obsessed with the desire to do it so I looked on line and read enough to get started. I did lots of experimentation which is may favorite way to learn and I loved what I did.
I carved some sticks and intended to make dolls with the sticks and paper, but life got in the way of finishing my project.
Today a friend invited me over to do papercrafting, so I took my sticks and homemade paper and had a lovely time, visiting with the sweet ladies and making my dolls. I hated to leave when it was time to go.
Now I want to work on my dolls tomorrow, but feel I should get back to my painted prayers.
I'm curious which part of my mind will win this battle of how to spend my day.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
Do you have any unfinished projects hiding in your nooks and crannies?
Five years ago I had to make paper one night. I was obsessed with the desire to do it so I looked on line and read enough to get started. I did lots of experimentation which is may favorite way to learn and I loved what I did.
I carved some sticks and intended to make dolls with the sticks and paper, but life got in the way of finishing my project.
Today a friend invited me over to do papercrafting, so I took my sticks and homemade paper and had a lovely time, visiting with the sweet ladies and making my dolls. I hated to leave when it was time to go.
Now I want to work on my dolls tomorrow, but feel I should get back to my painted prayers.
I'm curious which part of my mind will win this battle of how to spend my day.
Love, Sue
Monday, April 19, 2010
Morning Pages
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
How do you get inspired?
In the book, THE ARTIST'S WAY, Julia Cameron instructs people to write three pages in long hand in a journal. I gave it up a few months ago and went back to it this morning. Boy, have I missed it! It's my way of punching into the Magic Kingdom and becoming childlike again.
I went for a walk when I finished my pages to admire the neighbors gardens and pet their cats. When I came home, I was ready to paint all day long. It went well.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this week!
How do you get inspired?
In the book, THE ARTIST'S WAY, Julia Cameron instructs people to write three pages in long hand in a journal. I gave it up a few months ago and went back to it this morning. Boy, have I missed it! It's my way of punching into the Magic Kingdom and becoming childlike again.
I went for a walk when I finished my pages to admire the neighbors gardens and pet their cats. When I came home, I was ready to paint all day long. It went well.
Love, Sue
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Guarding Dignity
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
What is the best way to help others?
Of course, we want to supply immediate refief to people when they are in a disasterous situation, but it takes wisdom to do ongoing mission work. Helping people to help themselves is the kind of aid that we most want to provide.
How about if we start sending kits of art supplies to Haiti? Then Haitian artists could make art to sell to the missionaries. The artists would have the therapy of creativity and the dignity of earning their living, instead of being financially dependent on others.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
What is the best way to help others?
Of course, we want to supply immediate refief to people when they are in a disasterous situation, but it takes wisdom to do ongoing mission work. Helping people to help themselves is the kind of aid that we most want to provide.
How about if we start sending kits of art supplies to Haiti? Then Haitian artists could make art to sell to the missionaries. The artists would have the therapy of creativity and the dignity of earning their living, instead of being financially dependent on others.
Love, Sue
Friday, April 16, 2010
Artist's Reunion
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
How do you like getting together with old friends?
Yesterday at painting class, we had several "prodigal" art friends arrive unexpectedly to rejoin our group. It was a fabulous painting, talking and eating party! There is nohing else like it!
I'm still glowing today from all of the fun!
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
How do you like getting together with old friends?
Yesterday at painting class, we had several "prodigal" art friends arrive unexpectedly to rejoin our group. It was a fabulous painting, talking and eating party! There is nohing else like it!
I'm still glowing today from all of the fun!
Love, Sue
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Mothers Have Eyes in the Back of Their Heads
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Have you ever lost track of a child who was in your care?
Last night our son's theater rehearsal finished super early, so when I went to pick him up earlier than the stated ending time, the director told me that our son had left with his friends. I asked if his best friend was with him and she said yes, so I went to his best friend's house. Our son wasn't there, but the brother of his best friend said that our son was at the pizza parlor. When I walked into the pizza parlor, our son wondered how I knew where he was. I replied, "Mother's have eyes in the back of their heads." He told me that he was going to return to the theater for the usual pick up time, so all was well.
Sometimes we as Christians take a detour from our intended path. Fortunately, God always knows where to find us.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Have you ever lost track of a child who was in your care?
Last night our son's theater rehearsal finished super early, so when I went to pick him up earlier than the stated ending time, the director told me that our son had left with his friends. I asked if his best friend was with him and she said yes, so I went to his best friend's house. Our son wasn't there, but the brother of his best friend said that our son was at the pizza parlor. When I walked into the pizza parlor, our son wondered how I knew where he was. I replied, "Mother's have eyes in the back of their heads." He told me that he was going to return to the theater for the usual pick up time, so all was well.
Sometimes we as Christians take a detour from our intended path. Fortunately, God always knows where to find us.
Love, Sue
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Influence
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Who do you influence?
While spending 2 days with my sister, Debbie, she taught me to play hearts on the computer and I signed her up for facebook. She called last night to tell me she loves facebook and I told her I've been playing hearts during my free time! We surely do influence one another!
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Who do you influence?
While spending 2 days with my sister, Debbie, she taught me to play hearts on the computer and I signed her up for facebook. She called last night to tell me she loves facebook and I told her I've been playing hearts during my free time! We surely do influence one another!
Love, Sue
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Magical Moment
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Have you had a magical moment recently?
Last night at 7:00 I went for a 3 mile walk in the country for exercise and it was beautiful! There was a dramatic sky, with dark clouds moving my way trailed by veils of rain to water the earth. I was well prepared with a raincoat and hood so I figured that the chance of getting wet was a small price to pay for the visual display in the vast horizon.
Far away, I spotted something that I couldn't identify which made me curious. As we drew closer, I could see that it was a small Amish wagon pulled by two wide ponies who were about as tall as golden retrievers, carrying a father and 3 children. As we met, they stopped to visit for a bit and I learned that the kids were aged 2, 3 and 4. They were absolutely darling!!! I was slightly acquainted with the father, who trains and trades horses. They were on their way home from putting trash in a neighbor's dumpster which they share. While we talked a little about horses, art, and family, I felt connected even though our beliefs are different. I wanted to talk longer, but the man was getting cold. The kids were bundled up, but he was in his shirt sleeves, so I let them go.
As I continued my walk, I felt grateful to God for my magical moment, visiting with my charming neighbors.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Have you had a magical moment recently?
Last night at 7:00 I went for a 3 mile walk in the country for exercise and it was beautiful! There was a dramatic sky, with dark clouds moving my way trailed by veils of rain to water the earth. I was well prepared with a raincoat and hood so I figured that the chance of getting wet was a small price to pay for the visual display in the vast horizon.
Far away, I spotted something that I couldn't identify which made me curious. As we drew closer, I could see that it was a small Amish wagon pulled by two wide ponies who were about as tall as golden retrievers, carrying a father and 3 children. As we met, they stopped to visit for a bit and I learned that the kids were aged 2, 3 and 4. They were absolutely darling!!! I was slightly acquainted with the father, who trains and trades horses. They were on their way home from putting trash in a neighbor's dumpster which they share. While we talked a little about horses, art, and family, I felt connected even though our beliefs are different. I wanted to talk longer, but the man was getting cold. The kids were bundled up, but he was in his shirt sleeves, so I let them go.
As I continued my walk, I felt grateful to God for my magical moment, visiting with my charming neighbors.
Love, Sue
Monday, April 12, 2010
Spring Break
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this morning!
Do you get to mentor people?
Over Spring break, I was fortunate to spend time with two of my favorite people, our 14 year old son, and my sister, Debbie. We went to Frankenmuth, MI which is a charming German Village, ate their famous chicken and toured the village a bit. We loved the giant cuckoo clock on the side of the Bavarian Inn that tells the story of the Pied Piper and of course, Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store.
We also took my son to visit university campuses to see what they have to offer in his field of interest, which is computer animation. We learned a lot and were fortunate to meet a department head at one school and an instructor at another. We talked to students, gathered literature and peeked into the classrooms.
As a parent it's hard to know how much direction to offer to my son. I am trying to help him gather information, encourage him in his dreams and leave the decisions up to him as much as possible, within our budget.
I'm pleased that he has a passion already and is interested at researching colleges at such a young age. It may seem early to some people, but this is his choice, not my idea (even though I love it!) The biggest blessing is that he now knows that every grade he gets in H.S. is important for reaching his goals.
Watching young people dream and pursue their hopes is one of life's thrills! As a mother, I am bursting my buttons in pride as he takes the bull by the horns to further his education. My prayer is that all children find ways to fulfill their sense of destiny and vocation.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries this morning!
Do you get to mentor people?
Over Spring break, I was fortunate to spend time with two of my favorite people, our 14 year old son, and my sister, Debbie. We went to Frankenmuth, MI which is a charming German Village, ate their famous chicken and toured the village a bit. We loved the giant cuckoo clock on the side of the Bavarian Inn that tells the story of the Pied Piper and of course, Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store.
We also took my son to visit university campuses to see what they have to offer in his field of interest, which is computer animation. We learned a lot and were fortunate to meet a department head at one school and an instructor at another. We talked to students, gathered literature and peeked into the classrooms.
As a parent it's hard to know how much direction to offer to my son. I am trying to help him gather information, encourage him in his dreams and leave the decisions up to him as much as possible, within our budget.
I'm pleased that he has a passion already and is interested at researching colleges at such a young age. It may seem early to some people, but this is his choice, not my idea (even though I love it!) The biggest blessing is that he now knows that every grade he gets in H.S. is important for reaching his goals.
Watching young people dream and pursue their hopes is one of life's thrills! As a mother, I am bursting my buttons in pride as he takes the bull by the horns to further his education. My prayer is that all children find ways to fulfill their sense of destiny and vocation.
Love, Sue
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Teaching Art to Kids
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
What would you enjoy doing as an alternate career?
Today I get to teach art to kids which is great fun! Yes, I get stressed from all of the commotion, but I love to see kids create!
I'm helping them to make puppets out of tree branches today. They will come up with wild characters!
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
What would you enjoy doing as an alternate career?
Today I get to teach art to kids which is great fun! Yes, I get stressed from all of the commotion, but I love to see kids create!
I'm helping them to make puppets out of tree branches today. They will come up with wild characters!
Love, Sue
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Stress
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
How do you handle stress?
I feel stressed today after receiving some bad new last night. How do I handle it? This one will take some prayers, some scripture, some music, some painting and maybe even a little chocolate.
God will bring something good out of it.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
How do you handle stress?
I feel stressed today after receiving some bad new last night. How do I handle it? This one will take some prayers, some scripture, some music, some painting and maybe even a little chocolate.
God will bring something good out of it.
Love, Sue
Monday, April 5, 2010
The Joy of Easter
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
How was your Easter?
I love Easter! It rivals Christmas in spiritual joy! Plus it's so darned fun with all of the pretty little girls in their dresses, spring flowers and loved ones laughing. Such bliss!
Yesterday was one of the most joyous Easters ever for me, because it was also our anniversary. I remembered the joy and energy I felt on our wedding day, 17 years ago, when, believe it or not, I preached two worship services in the morning and we got married in the afternoon. I was the pastor of two churches at the time and it was my way of including all of my parishioners in our wedding. I sure can't imagine having that much stamina today!
My husband was sweet and romantic in celebrating our marriage and our shared faith. Thank you God for answering my prayer with the man who is a wonderful match for me!!!!
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
How was your Easter?
I love Easter! It rivals Christmas in spiritual joy! Plus it's so darned fun with all of the pretty little girls in their dresses, spring flowers and loved ones laughing. Such bliss!
Yesterday was one of the most joyous Easters ever for me, because it was also our anniversary. I remembered the joy and energy I felt on our wedding day, 17 years ago, when, believe it or not, I preached two worship services in the morning and we got married in the afternoon. I was the pastor of two churches at the time and it was my way of including all of my parishioners in our wedding. I sure can't imagine having that much stamina today!
My husband was sweet and romantic in celebrating our marriage and our shared faith. Thank you God for answering my prayer with the man who is a wonderful match for me!!!!
Love, Sue
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Have you ever been mistreated by a whole group of people?
I never realized how painful that was until it happened to me and it took me years to recover from it. I'm glad it happend, in a way, because it gives me much more sympathy for Jesus Christ as he was persecuted and crucified by a mob of people that he loved. His example of non-violence and forgiveness is beyond my human understanding. I am grateful and filled with awe.
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones and your ministries today!
Have you ever been mistreated by a whole group of people?
I never realized how painful that was until it happened to me and it took me years to recover from it. I'm glad it happend, in a way, because it gives me much more sympathy for Jesus Christ as he was persecuted and crucified by a mob of people that he loved. His example of non-violence and forgiveness is beyond my human understanding. I am grateful and filled with awe.
Love, Sue
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Arnold Natioanl Holiday
Dear Friends,
God bless you, your loved ones, and your ministries today!
What is your favorite holiday?
This morning, I woke up early and went outside to see the full moon as it set in the west. I was surprised to see a helicopter had parked in our back yard. I wondered how it could have landed without waking us up sometime last night. As I approached, I saw a goat sitting in the driver's seat, chewing on the steering wheel. I hollered at him to stop and he said, "Mind your own business, Earthling!"
Love, Sue
God bless you, your loved ones, and your ministries today!
What is your favorite holiday?
This morning, I woke up early and went outside to see the full moon as it set in the west. I was surprised to see a helicopter had parked in our back yard. I wondered how it could have landed without waking us up sometime last night. As I approached, I saw a goat sitting in the driver's seat, chewing on the steering wheel. I hollered at him to stop and he said, "Mind your own business, Earthling!"
Love, Sue
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