A Flower Operation

[caption id="attachment_1874" align="alignleft" width="241"] Oil on Canvas 16x20[/caption]

I'm so glad you stopped by. It's been a few weeks since I've taken the time to blog and I'v missed it! I've missed you! I will say that I have a million things to tell you, but I promise not to blog them all at one time.

My first blog back I wanted to challenge you to be creative. Don't tune me out. I know some of you are thinking "I'm not creative" or "I don't paint"or "I don't draw" or whatever...But it's not true! You are creative! Being creative is not just painting or drawing. Being creative can be rearranging your furniture. It can be hanging a picture. You are being creative when you take a photograph, scrapbook, garden, cook, or choosing a fabulous outfit for the day. What I'm trying to say is that YOU are creative! So, for the next 52 weeks I am challenging you and myself to be intentional about creating at least one thing a week. I probably shouldn't have used the number 52, because it sounds kind of daunting. However, it gives you a goal and a purpose and I think it makes you more aware of the beauty around you.

[caption id="attachment_1875" align="alignleft" width="224"] Paige made me cookies designed like an artist palate. Fabulous and delicious![/caption]

What have you done creative today? Don't say "Nothing." Think about it. Just the fact that you chose the shoes you are wearing or not wearing was a creative decision. Not earth shattering, but none the less, creative. I merely wanted you to see that your are creative every day. Those little things add color and fun to  our lives. When you do something as simple as wrap a gift or set the table or even rearrange furniture it is using your creativity. Even if the furniture ends up back in the same place where it started, there is something so satisfying about the process. It's feeding and filling your creative soul.

My friend Paige has creativity all over her. She is one of my friends that can do anything. Do you know what I mean? Even if it's something she's never done, she will google it and figure it out! I love that! Perfect example and hilarious story! My twins needed flowers for a dance a couple of weekends ago. They went to pick up the flowers from the florist only to find that their flowers had been sold earlier. Crazy mix up. The florist felt terrible and made a few calls and found another florist to "help" us out. Long story short, I went to pick up new flowers later that afternoon and how do I put it? They were horrible! Forty dollars later I am left holding flowers that were obviously leftovers masked with sequins, florescent ribbon and plastic jewels. Yes, they were bedazzeled! I had about one hour before the twins needed the flowers.  I sat in my car for a few minutes taking in all the glitter contemplating my options. I called Paige. I barely said "hello" before I asked her if she knew anything about flowers. I really didn't give her time to respond to the question, I was already into telling her the details of my afternoon with the florists. She laughed with me for a minute and then without hesitation offered her help.

 

[caption id="attachment_1876" align="alignleft" width="181"] Operation Paige[/caption]

I ran by my house and picked up some fresh flowers. On the way to Paige's house I ran to the store and picked up floral tape and ribbon. I arrived in the driveway with a thirty minute deadline. You should have seen Paige's kitchen counter. It looked like a corsage operating room. From the minute I called Paige to the time I arrived, she had watched a utube tutorial and gathered supplies. It blew me away! Do I even need to tell you that within  thirty minutes we had the most beautiful flowers ever? They truly were fabulous!

I started out telling that story to encourage you to be creative, but the "creative" point of that story is secondary to me. As I sit here reliving that afternoon, my heart is filled love and friendship as I think about Paige dropping everything that day to serve me with her creative gifts. She was completely invested. She jumped in with both feet and wrapped her arms around me that day. The flowers were amazing after operation Paige, but it was her sweet heart that flooded my soul.

[caption id="attachment_1877" align="alignleft" width="203"] Can you believe I don't have a better picture of the flower? We were in a hurry!! At least I got one with Fox![/caption]

This is my challenge. For the next 52 weeks, use your gifts that God has so graciously given you to glorify Him. Listen to that voice that prompts you to color with your child or take food to a friend. Bake cookies, plant flowers, write a love note, whatever you do, do it with just a little something extra. You know what I'm talking about. Keep a small journal of your 52 weeks of intentional creativity. Journal what you do, how you do it, who you do it for, and how it made your day different. Come on! Do this with me! It will be fun! More importantly, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.And love your neighbor as yourself."

Love love love Ruthie