Crazy Little Monkey

Day 365: 

I DID IT!

I can't believe I made it! 1 year--365 doodles! I kinda feel like this crazy little monkey looks!  Happy, and a tad frazzled!

What I learned after 1 year of ensuring a completed doodle, every day:

• It is extremely important to make time for your hobbies-it helps keep you sane, ensures an outlet for many different emotions, thoughts, or bursts of energy.
• There is a greater sense of accomplishment in undertaking a longer-term task.
• Doing something when you don't feel like it is more palatable then not meeting a commitment.
• You can only improve with practice.
• Forcing yourself to be creative does actually make you become more creative.
• Everything-no matter how enjoyable-does take time, so prioritize well and ensure balance.
• Trying to keep perspective can be very hard; I found it so rewarding when I would start and finish my day with a focus on perspective.
• There truly is a Bible verse for everything.
• It's surprising how many people you inadvertently reach with a word, a sketch, or a thought.  
• Good ideas don't always come easily.
• The more time you spend on something, the better your results usually are; however, sometimes great results come when you least expect it, when you don't have time to fuss about a thing.
• A bad doodle is still a doodle.
• Encouragement from friends is always priceless! 
• God truly is involved in the silly, minute details of our lives.
• After the "high" of completing something, it's time for a good rest!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who were such a great encouragement over the last year.  I will continue to doodle, and post them as I do them.  But I think I am going to take a break --at least for a week!

Much love, and God bless!  I hope you all consider doing a challenge of your own.  I would love to compare notes!

Please, God, bless!

"So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have."  2 Corinthians 8:11 ESV

Reason to Celebrate

Did someone say cake?!?!?!

Day 364:  We went out to dinner to celebrate Mom's birthday. I ran across this list on a blog called 12 Most that I thought captured some fun reasons to celebrate your birthday!

1. You still have one

2. Wisdom really does come with age

3. Self confidence also comes with age

4. Accomplishments really rack up

5. You’ve figured out the shortcuts

6. Opportunities to Love

7. Treats

8. Facebook

9. You reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going

10. Silliness

11. Being grateful

12. Cake


Please, God, bless!
"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."  Ps 20:4

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

In the Storm

Day 363:  TWO DAYS LEFT!

This morning I had the words of a song going through my head as I was getting ready for the day...."I will praise you in this storm..."

This afternoon I had a conversation with a bestie about all of the crazy that is going on in the world..flagrant injustice, deception, evil, terror, self-centered idolatry, etc.  The headlines are enough to make me want to hibernate for a very, very long time.

Tonight I come home and read: "The first thing that happens after we have realized our election to God in Christ Jesus is the destruction of our prejudices and our parochial notions and our patriotisms; we are turned into servants of God's own purpose.  The whole human race was created to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever.  Sin has switched the human race onto another tack, but it has not altered God's purpose in the tiniest degree..." --Oswald Chambers

Then I open my Bible and see this:

"And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?"  Luke 8:23a-25b

So, what I get is this--in the midst of all of this turmoil, all of the crazy and pain that doesn't make sense, we need to remember that we are still God's servants. His light in a dark place. His hands. His feet. He may call us to go against the grain of the world.  But overall, when the storm rages, we are not to fear.  We are to have faith.  He is always with us, He will never leave us.  He is always in control.

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

TOTALLY SKUNKED!

Day 362:  THREE DAYS LEFT!  

Watching my team totally get skunked today!  I'm thankful that, though I love the game, that I am not really that affected by their win or loss. I still have to go to work in the am. I still have to clean up the dishes. I still have to iron my clothes. I still have a great husband, and awesome kid, and God is ever so good!

At least skunks are cute.  Maybe the Eagles should try some tomato juice and wash off the stink!

Praying for the injured players today!  

Please, God, bless!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." Ps 136:1 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Visit to the Fox House

Day 361:  A visit today to the Fox's House, hangin' with the cousins!

Please, God, bless!

"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth (her cousin)." Luke 1:39-40, (parens my addition) ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Just Days Away!

Day 360:  Only 5 more DAYS of my doodle challenge!  Speaking of days, time flies, doesn't it?

There are ONLY

• 42 days until Halloween
• 68 days until Thanksgiving
• 97 days until Christmas

Time is a precious commodity, one I know I often take for granted. Our days are numbered, wouldn't it seem a better idea to live each day until the fullest?

In honor of the upcoming holidays, I doodled a pumpkin snowman!

Please, God, bless!

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."  Ps 90:12 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Leaves

Day 359:  

"He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers." Psalms 1:3

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Pumpkin Everything!

Day 358:  I went to Trader Joe's today and they had their annual "pumpkin eveything" aisle out. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin pancake mix, pumpkin scone mix, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin biscotti, pumpkin salted caramels, pumpkin cereal, pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin beer, pumpkin dog treats................................

......mmm.......

.........sorry, stopped to eat a pumpkin salted caramel.

So of course, I had to have a pumpkin cup of tea!  I love the fall!  It's my favorite season, and October is my favorite month!

Please, God, bless!

"They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest." Jeremiah 5:24

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Holy Ground

Day 357:  A friend retired today after 40 years of service to this country.  He is the most humble man I have ever met, and easily one of the nicest.  He is a strong man of faith, character, and integrity.  He is one of the smartest security types I have ever worked with, and has taught me a great deal over the years.  He always greets you with a smile, and his pleasant demeanor contagious.  His legacy is one of many firsts, a man who was ahead of his time, with many, many significant accomplishments.  He will be sorely missed.

At his going away, I was struck by several things.  It was almost the sermon for my day. Even after all of the accolades, and wonderful things touted about his accomplishments, he refused to take any credit. He later went on to speak about folks he met and admired, about their great accomplishments, and how his comparatively amounted to little. He mused about how our whole lives we strive to achieve great things. But at the end, what do those achievements matter?  It's about the people.  It's always about the people.

He is right.  No matter how great our achievements, there is always someone who has achieved more. No matter how significant our accomplishment, there is always another who deserves credit.  No matter what we think we have accomplished, it warrants little if it doesn't impact people...at the end its about the lives we have touched.

How true!  Think about the great example God sets for us to follow!  God is in the people business, about loving people and saving people.  He reminds of His many accomplishments, too numerous to count. He is deserving of all our praise.  But it is the Love that touches us, the love that seals us as His.  So, too, are we to do the same.  We are to be about His business.  Where we tread with the Spirit residing in us, it is always Holy Ground.

Please, God, bless!

" ...take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Ex 3:5b

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Mussels

Day 356:  My mom was in the mood for mussels tonight, so we had mussels and linguine.  Tasty little buggers...

Please, God, bless!

"Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything." Genesis 9:3 ESV / 172 helpful votes

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer." 1 Timothy 4:4-5 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Choked

Day 355:

"And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature."  Luke 8:14 ESV

Please, God, bless!



Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Be Our Arm

Day 354:

"O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you.
    Be our arm every morning,
    our salvation in the time of trouble."  Is 33:2 ESV

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Never Forget

Day 353:

9-11-2001

NEVER FORGET!

Please, God, bless!

"But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries." Exodus 23:22 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Lucky Duck

Day 352:  I made my football picks for the week.  I picked several underdogs, which may not be the smartest thing, but hey...its football.  Nothing is certain in football...its kind of like those "lucky duck" games you played as a kid at the local fair-a lot of it is just luck.  You could have the best players but unforeseen injuries, penalties, or trick plays can throw all the best planning and statistics completely off.  And of course teams that cheat and continually get away with it don't exactly help...but I digress...

Who knows?  Maybe I'll luck out!

I'm so glad that with God nothing is uncertain.  I know my destiny is secure.  I do not have to chalk things up to chance or luck.  God is in control, and he knows the beginning and the end.  Of this I am sure.

Please, God, bless!

"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" Prov 16:33 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

TWO MORE WEEKS

Day 351:  I can't believe it!  I have only two more weeks of my doodle challenge! I have no idea what I will do when I'm done!  Any suggestions?

Please, God, bless!

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

A Graceful Garland

Day 350:  I was having a conversation with my boy yesterday about video games.  He's at the age where games are either slightly too young, or slightly to mature for him.  We were talking about some of the first person shooter games, and their if they were appropriate for him to play. (I have to confess, that I personally like first person shooter games.)  My concern for the boy is the realism and extreme violence of some of these games.  He has played a few at friends' homes, and was telling my why certain games were ok, and why he refused to play others...basically schooling me on what is appropriate or not.  In talking about a specific game, he tells me "Yeah, you shoot people, but its not like Mortal Kombat or other games that are extremely violent and show everything.  And, there is no sexual content or anything like that."  Well....I'm glad he knows what he shouldn't be playing.

It is so important to impress on my boy--or any kid--the value of wisdom. I can't keep him in a bubble, but I can try to teach him well, pray an awful lot, and hope he makes wise choices. Games that sensationalize extremely graphic violence and are slathered with sexual content cheapen life and intimacy--and even though its a game, the realism of them is startling. He was correct in his assessment of this particular game, and I was surprised (yet secretly glad) at his discernment.

I happen to like the game he was talking about, and I think you can tell its a game.  It is far more realistic than my pac man days, but it is not nearly as gory as some scenes in movies geared for his age group. I know some would disagree with me, but I think boys are born with a sense of warring, after all, they are the heroes, the protectors the soldiers of destiny. Making sure they can be honorable heroes--now that is the challenge.

Teach and model...continually.

Please, God, bless!

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck." Prov 1:8-9 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Busy Beaver

Day 349: Did you ever hear the saying, "Busy as a beaver?"  Beavers are always busy building and repairing their dam.  They are very productive little critters!

Today, I was very productive.  I sifted through mounds of paper, got the bills done, took care of some accounts, made dinner, cleaned up, got the clothes taken care of for the week, and now to finish up my doodle post.  You guessed it--a happy beaver! Really....she's smiling....or stretching her facial muscles to prevent wrinkles...not sure which.

I hope you had a productive day as well!

Please, God, bless!

"Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon..." Ecclesiastes 11:6a

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Being a Little Creative

Day 348: I had the time, so I got all fancy with my nails today. Yeah, I even doodle on my nails! Philadelphia Eagles on my fingers and toesies...not that I'm excited for football season or anything...And of course I have a cosmic Eagle going on tonight.

Too often we neglect our creative side.  That's why I started this challenge-to make myself keep that creative side from falling asleep from lack of use! Even the least creative person can do something artsy....anyone can color, and they have coloring books now for adults.

There are many benefits to nurturing your creative side.  Studies have shown that doing creative things can reduce depression, provide distraction from the not-so-lovely things going on in your life, reduce stress, lessen distress, improve spontaneity and social attitude.

So, pick up a pen, play an instrument, write a story, sing a song, dance a little. God's creativity alone should be an inspiration!

Please, God, bless!

"Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing." Ex 15:20 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Hummingbirds

Day 347: I looked out the window today, and saw something I have not seen in our 15 years in this house...a ton of hummingbirds swarming around a blooming bush by the fence.  They were so precise, and orchestrated as they flew around each other. It was amazing to watch.  I hope they come back tomorrow!

Please, God, bless!

"I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine."  Ps 50:11

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Korean Tonight

Day 346:  Had dinner with "chosen-family" tonight -- one of my faves-Korean food! I love that we have food from all over the world right in this area!

Here is my quick doodle of the Korean traditional dress, which I've always thought was so princess-like.

Please, God, bless!

"After these things, I looked, and there was a crowd so large that no one was able to count it! They were from every nation, tribe, people, and language...."  Rev 7:9a 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Peace and Beating the Drums of War

Day 345: The blatant hypocrisy, false pretense, and rationalization of stupidity is stultifying!  Reading the news is a shocking, surreal experience any more.

Case in point: as Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is calling for Islamists to unite against the world's bullies--the USA and Israel--and as the commanding generals in Iran are boasting about defying the recent nuclear agreement and welcoming war with the USA, our politically sold-out Senator puts out his statement for support of the nuclear agreement with Iran.  Feigning a struggle with what is an obvious partisan decision, our elected official tries to rationalize his support as he chooses his party over our countries welfare.

Would anyone seriously enter into an agreement with one who blatantly and brashly states their desire to break the agreement and destroy the parties of that agreement?  How about something we can relate to...would anyone seriously put their money in a bank where the President of the bank boasts about breaching contract, raising rates, and stealing the customer's money?

Peace, they cry....This agreement is a step towards peace.  Really?  Does it make sense, then, that those supposedly agreeing to peace make a point of declaring their defiance and desire for war while ?they are signing on the dotted line?

Wake up, and shake of the political spin. Because should we go to war, a cleverly devised sound byte won't save anyone.Ag

God help us!

Please, God, bless!

"One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless."  Prov 14:16 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Bubble Burst

Day 344: My bubble has been burst. Do you know the feeling when you expected a good thing all day just to find out it isn't at all what you had hoped for?

Please, God, bless!

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."  Psalm 43:5 ESV 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Surprise Gift

Day 343:  I think it is so cool when you see a prayer answered so unexpectedly.  Its like a surprise gift!

Please, God, bless!

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 ESV 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.