(Free Printable) Prayer Reminder for the Christians in Iraq

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When it comes to praying I can have good intentions and a bad memory.

There are so many things I can pray for, but if I don’t write myself a note (or am reminded regularly) I forget certain requests when I pray. Lately I’m trying to remember certain prayer requests on a regular basis, especially since there are so many things that need prayers today.

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The Christians in Iraq are one of them, so I made myself a printable to remind me to pray for them, and thought you might like to join me.

It’s an outline of Iraq with the Nun symbol on it. The top flick of the symbol sits over Mosul where most of the problem has been occurring. I’ve found the simple reminder of pray encouraging me to do just that more often over the week.

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If you want to join my in praying for our brothers and sisters in Iraq CLICK HERE to download a free printable version to tape on your walls or stick to your fridge.

So how you remember to cover prayer requests?

If you prefer having a professional print, I’ve put the print up in my Society 6 shop. I do make some money from each sale in my Society 6 shop, but the reason I made it available in both ways is so you can get a copy in the way that you prefer and will work best for YOU.

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Inking In and Other Updates

I’m left handed so I’m used to getting ink on my hand, but I don’t get much of that when I’m inking in a digital image.

What do I mean by inking in?

Inking to me means drawing over my messy pencil lines with, hopefully, smooth black lines. It’s kinda the difference between pencil drawings and comics. It’s important, but does take a lot longer then I usually expect.

So far, I like the way the images I’m working on are coming together.

 Photo Credit: RBolance via Compfight cc


Photo Credit: RBolance via Compfight cc

I’ve also been taking a blogging course called The Art of Blogging by a lady I’ve followed for a while, Alisa Burke. On a side note, her name is really said “Alyssa”, and here I’ve been saying it “A-lisa” for years and now it’s stuck. Oh well.

The course has been interesting, except for the deep questions about myself I’m supposed to ask. Like what do I want my blog’s purpose to be? I’ve never done very well with those sorts of things, or quizzes for that matter. I’m usually a little bit of everything.

The plus side of the course though is it’s got my mind working over time on ideas, including ways I can improve the pictures I take, because frankly — they could use a little help.

If you’re a blogger how did you decide what to consistently write about?

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1 Reason Bumblebee’s Make Me Smile

Bumblebee’s are so cute.

When they’re not flying next to my head that is. Then I turn into an arm waving maniac, but today I found this especially sweet one outside!

bumblebee-flower

Did you know that a French entomologist (fancy name for a bug guy) named Antoine Magnan wrote this in his 1934 book Le Vol des Insectes*?:

“First prompted by what is done in aviation, I applied the laws of air resistance to insects, and I arrived, with Mr. Sainte-Laguë, at this conclusion that their flight is impossible.”

That quote is about the chubby bumblebee.

I remember hearing that they shouldn’t be able to fly, but to find that their flight is “impossible” reminds me how great God is.

It doesn’t matter what I think will work, if God wants it to it can work. We just haven’t figured out how He did it yet.

So if you’re feeling down remember you can “do all things through Christ who strengthens” you. (Philippians 4:13) It might feel impossible, but just like the bumblebee if He wants you to be able to do it — you CAN fly.

   “Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.” Mary Kay Ash

*Got the translation of Magnan’s work on Wikipedia

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Brushes, Studios, and a New Book in Progress!

Tons of things have been happening between posts lately. Course it helps that there’s so much time between them.

Last month I went to a Bible Forum and got to see several friends and make some new ones. It was a great weekend, but I have to admit nothing much got done on the book writing/illustrating end.

But now I’ve actually been working this week on my next book!

lambchop

Image from DailySquee

Yup, I finally had an idea that the writing got to the final editing stage while I’ve been sketching some super cute the images for the book. It’s so nice to have everything I work on in one place. So far I have the sketches for 8 pages of the 34 page book.

Which I just realized is basically a quarter of the way there. Wow. Can I say again how pumped I am?

Plus getting my sketches working on paper I also bought some digital brushes from FRENDEN for the art suite Manga Studio 5 (which I finally decided on for a belated b-day present). I’m excited to start inking the images.

Oh, everything’s coming together.

I think these inking brushes will look so much better then what I’ve been producing so far, though my art keeps getting better.

This end of the screen is back to being busy and I’ll be writing more about what the next book will be so stay tuned.

Talk to you soon!

P.S. If you don’t want the hassle of remembering to check back be sure to sign up for my newsletter!

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Reading Too Much

I think I read too much.

Not books, but learning how to do what I want to do. I don’t know how many pages of blogging rules, writing and all it’s rules, as well as social media how to’s are tucked up in this head of mine.

But it sure is heavy around here.

Which is why I’m trying not to look up more how to’s or learning, but making it my own way.

Sometimes knowing the “rules” of a man-made system like writing or blogging is what holds me back. Sure, sometimes they help, but at the core there a lot of rules I knew anyway, plus the things I do as a Christian, which means I already have a unique way of being myself online. So the rest is just candy on the top of a pretty awesome cupcake (gluten free).

Having all those rules swirling in my head, most of the time, can stop me from accomplishing. From finishing. Because nothing can fit all the lines I’ve created as acceptable. (for example how long a picture book should be, or should I use the -ing ending?)

But that’s why I got into writing, because of the freedom of spreading my wings and doing things my way. Yeah, I’m a bit of a uniqueness nut, but we all have things we want to try. Sure it might not get published by that group I imagined falling at my feet and promising me the world (creepy!).

But there are other opportunities.

And experimenting is the best way to find my way. So let all the rules fade and try to create something awesome today.

I’m with you — let’s shut that inner critic up.

What’s your inner critic’s name?

I think mine might be… Archibald or Arachnid. Bah, maybe another name will come up later, but it needs to be annoying. Any ideas?

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A Tangled Key to Getting Stuff Done

I really enjoy the song from Tangled by Grace Potter. It’s catchy and upbeat, two of my favorite things in a song, but as I was singing it I realized it had a key for why I don’t get the things done that I should.

by Disney

Okay, I do get things done, I don’t want you to think I twiddle my thumbs around here, but we all have voices in our heads telling us what we should have gotten done. And our reasons for not doing said things.

So, I was wondering what is it that tends to hold me back when it hit me — wham!

Take a quick listen:

She said, I want something that I want;
Something that I tell myself I need
Something that I want
And I need everything I see.

Most of the time I don’t get things done because I’m waiting for something I’ve convinced/told myself I need. Case in point — blog posts. I’ve meant to be timely on them, but I’ve given myself the slip because my computer’s on it’s last leg. So, I’ll do better once I have a new one.

Guess what self? You won’t.

Each day it’s about learning to create better habits, the one’s we want in our lives. And I can’t do that if the piece I need to accomplish it is always just a little farther out there.

On the plus side this argument applies to pretty much every part of life. Spiritual, physical, work… you name it.

So what have you been putting off and why? Maybe you’ve convinced yourself too that what you want is really a need — if so it might be holding your back from success.

 1st Timothy 6:6 (ESV) “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.”

Full lyrics can be found here.

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DIY Sketchbook

I stepped into the waters of DIY yesterday. Usually it doesn’t work to well for me, but this time I was pleasantly surprised.

DIY Yellow SketchbookScience projects never seemed to turn out quite right, as well as the simple a-line skirt pattern I tried… I don’t know how many times. So I tend to be cautious when I try DIY projects.

But when I saw this tutorial by Sea Lemon I wanted to try it.

I recently filled my last sketchbook (yes, almost every page is chock-full, and it surprised me too). Since I needed a new one, but didn’t want to buy one right now, and I decided to use a floppy sketchbook to make me a small book-like one.

One that could hopefully fit my next picture book. I’ve been working on ideas, but writers block has been messing with me and so I hoped that having a small sketchbook that’s like it’s own picutre book could help me.

And – YAY! – this time my DIY worked. DIY Yellow Sketchbook

My version

  • 15 pages from an old sketchbook (like this one)
  • 1 colorful folder (like these, but mine came from Staples.   I cut it to size once I sewed the pieces together)
  • Embroidery floss (I used cobalt blue, and waxed it with beeswax)

For the directions check out the video, because it totally works. Plus, I think I found a favorite new channel.

My book has some rough edges, but I like it and can’t wait to cover the front and inside with sketches — and hopefully work out my next book in it.

Do you have a favorite kind of book to work (draw or write) in?

*Amazon links in this post are affiliate links, see my disclaimer for details.
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Updates 12-13-13

Busyness is such a weird looking word, but one that so often gets in my way. Am I the only one who trips over this guy?

When you’re trying to find time to do everything, simple stuff can get in the way and throw you off your game. Then you realize that you haven’t written since November (wow, November you guys), and you feel bad.

It’s not that I haven’t wanted to write, or had things to write. But I haven’t put my fingers to the keyboard to get the words on your screen. Yes, those words that your eyes are reading right now. Pretty aren’t they?

Anyway.

I thought I’d update you on what’s been going on this end of the screen.

Christmas for Woodstock Peanuts

Photo Credit: sfroehlich1121 via Compfight cc

Last month gave away two copies of Harold Hark on Goodreads, and it was awesome! You gotta sing the word awesome so it comes out right. I’ve held giveaways on a previous blog I had, and it was sad. Like ten people entered it, and when you see those things on Pinterest or Twitter (etc) you’re like “Wow, if I do that millions will flock to my blog.  Okay thousands… Hundreds?”

I’m not saying I wasn’t grateful for each person who entered, I was, but it was a bit of a let down that a giveaway wasn’t a magic button that got tons of entries.

Enter Goodreads giveaway. I think I’m in serious like.

330 people entered my giveaway. Three hundred and thirty. Wow, no way I could have gotten that on my own. People who’ve never heard or seen me entered, and the lovely ladies who won wrote two wonderful reviews!

Harold Hark ReviewsI’m blown away, and my heart is very full — thank you all!

On top of that I joined and learned a lot from Katie Davis’ Little Chicken’s Big Christmas picture book launch. It opened my eyes to the simpleness of a picture book and was a lot of fun.

That’s what’s been going on here. If you don’t have a copy of Harold Hark yet this might be the perfect time to snag one! (Amazon has been putting them on sale lately.)

So, what have you been up to? Or if you can’t think of anything how about telling me what your favorite color is? (That is still one of my favorite questions to ask, and no I’m never growing out of it xD)

Some links are affiliate links.

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How to Be More Awesome

I like watching Kid President. From his message to his laugh and the way he talks. I laugh a lot listening to him.  I mean where else are you going to get someone quoting Robert Frost before going off on his own ending?

But you won’t fully appreciate him until you watch an episode to see my point.

Throughout his videos Kid President has question and answer how do we make the world a better place?

By Being. More. Awesome.

But I was thinking the other day… yeah, I know it’s dangerous, but my question was — is that really true? Will being more awesome make the world better?

I think it will if we do one thing — realize that being awesome is being more like Christ.

Yup, so go out there people — Be More Awesome = Be Like Christ.

Be More Like Christ

Luke 9:23 ESV

And Jesus said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

 

I replaced the word “he” with Jesus since that’s whose talking. ;)

 How’s a way you think people need to be more like Christ?

 

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Harold Hark – Craft Ideas

I’ve been having a ton of fun scouring Pinterest, for cool ideas that can go with Harold Hark. There are a ton of craft ideas out there, and if you want more just check out the Harold Hark Board.  (I’m thinking of making it collaborative, what do you think?)

Meanwhile… these star projects/crafts look like a ton of fun. Personally I’m a little bit of clumsy when it comes to origami, you could make a little dipper with glow in the dark stars (which would just be so cool!)

My favorite is the beautiful art chipboard from View Along the Way.

Star-projects

1. Christmas Chipboard Art Project  (View Along the Way)  2. Glow in the Dark Starry Sky Paintings (No Time for Flashcards)  3. A Galaxy of Origami Stars (Bloomize)

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