A Little Bit of Frida

Guest Artist: Marfi

Hi Everyone:
When I saw this painting by Marfi, I was enthralled as I love anything that is Frida Kahlo....When I was in Mexico City, I visited her home where she lived with her husband Diego Rivera....It was like walking back in time. What stands out the most in my mind? Their kitchen was large and bright and had their names on the wall--it was spectacular....I also visited her art studio and in it were all the braces she had to wear after her tragic accident. These were so tiny and she was such a little woman.

For a woman of such small stature impacted by tremendous adversity, she made a big impact--To this day, she inspires others to keep on "keeping on" in the midst of any setbacks...She is truly an inspiration, even though she has been gone many years.

I wanted to share this delightful painting of Marfi's with you as she has amazing talent and is also inspired by Kahlo, as well. Kahlo and Rivera are no doubt, one of Mexico's treasures. They brought so much awareness to that country and ultimately to the world through their art.

When I saw this painting on Marfi's blog and felt like it was serendipity because we both have such an appreciation for this artist.

So, how can this be inspirational on my blog today? I think that Frida's story reminds us that even in adversity, we can persevere and that sometimes, adversity propels us to greater heights to pursue things we might never have without it...

I think that is a poignant concept to ponder. Has adversity ever pivoted you to greater heights? I know it has with me.

After a tremendous loss in my life, I went back to college and just so that I wouldn't have to focus on the loss, school kept my mind occupied so I didn't have time to cry...It was the hardest time in my life--and in that rough moment, I had to do something positive just to survive. We never know where life will take us, do we? With God's help, he leads us to where we need to be....It is a journey and it is often those unhappy things that happen that carry miracles on their wings.

Marfi, thank you for joining us here and sharing your amazing talent. You are so blessed and we are fortunate to share in your gifts. If you would like to visit Marfi's blog, it is called Incipient Wings and if you click on her name up above, the link will take you right there.

Love to you all and I am keeping each and every one of you in my prayers.

XO
Cindy

If God Was Coming to Dinner

Guest Artist: Dore


I saw this beautiful table setting by Dore--Isn’t it pure delight? It made me wonder what we would feel like if we thought that God was coming to dinner at our house...What would we wear? What would we ask Him? Would we scrub every nook and cranny?

Then, I started to think that in reality, He is at the table of our lives every day. Do we make Him feel welcome? Do we converse with Him and make Him feel as if He is really important to us?

I reflect on this table setting and I think that if my heart was as welcoming as this, the Lord would always feel like He has a place in my heart to reside. You know what the best part is? I don’t have to wait for a special occasion to invite Him in. Nor do I have to wait for everything to go “downhill” before realizing that I need His help in all the decisions of my life. I can do it now. It only takes a minute to say, “God I welcome you and accept your guidance in my life.”

I feel like Dore’s beautiful setting is the inspiration I need to always keep this in mind. It is such a poignant picture. It is such a true reflection of how our hearts should be--welcoming and intent on making the Lord feel at home there.

I remember years ago when my son was little, I took him to Disneyland. We were gone all day and when I walked through the door that evening, I found out that there would be guests coming to stay for a few days (friends of friends) and that I needed to cook a big, formal dinner for the next night. To say the least, I sprang into action!

When the guests arrived the next night, they were made to feel very welcome. The dinner table was set with finest china and silver. The most beautiful linens were chosen for the occasion. Everything was in its place. And then as we ate, we started to talk and they were the kindest, most wonderful people. I was delighted. What they did for me spiritually was much more than what I offered them in the way of accommodations and a well-prepared meal. They gave me what I needed spiritually.

If we live our lives in such a manner that we make God feel welcome, He can bring us joy that is beyond measure. So, set your spiritual table and make Him feel at home in your heart. Each day is an opportunity to get closer to the One who created us and sustains us from moment to moment.

Dore, thank you for this inspiration--it brings me such JOY to share it with others and show them your amazing creativity!

If you want to see a gorgeous designer blog, take a look at "Dore's World." It is spectacular. Just click the name "Dore" that is written up above right after the words "Guest Artist."

And, please, one more thing--if you have a chance, please visit Renee's blog at some point today or tonight...She has a video on it that you won't believe...it is beautiful! Get out the kleenex because I promise, you will need it...Renee's blog button is on the sidebar...just click it.