Jeremiah 29:11 Scripture Art {Behind the Scenes}

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FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU

declares the Lord

PLANS TO PROSPER YOU

AND NOT TO HARM YOU

PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE

{Jeremiah 29:11}

While creating this piece of Scripture art, I thought a lot about God’s goodness and love. I meditated on the fact that He DOES have a plan for our life, and most of all He longs to be a part of our daily life. Over and over in the Old Testament, God declares things like, “If only my people would acknowledge me. If only they would turn their faces towards me. If only they would come to me…” A lot of times people use this verse as a hopeful promise, which it is — it makes a great graduation gift or gift of encouragement for someone who needs to have hope for their future. But, I do not think this promise in Scripture equates to materially prosperity. Nor does it mean we will not have troubles or trials or hardship in our life. I am currently studying Romans and would like to cross reference Romans 5:1-5:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I think our secure hope and prosperous future lies in our spiritual life. The biggest plan God has for each of us is to know His great love for us which is found in Jesus Christ our Lord.

My Jeremiah 29:11 Scripture Art is on sale for the month of May at 30% off any size or color.

May you walk in His plan for your life and experience His peace and joy as you follow Jesus!

Grace & Peace,

Julie

Some Thoughts on Motherhood

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These 3. Be still my heart. Nothing compares to being their mommy. And, nothing has taught me more about the unconditional love that our Heavenly Father has for us as motherhood has. I would move mountains for them if I could. I would dry every tear, melt every fear & surround them with pure joy for the rest of their lives if it were possible.

 

I became a mama at the age of 29. I remember being totally in love with my Favorite Little Mister instantly. When they say “love at first sight” it is TRUE. {Though, really I had already fallen for him as he grew in my womb.} When he would sleep, I would just stare in wonder at this little child of mine. Two years later Sunshine Girl arrived on her due date, not a minute late. Those chubby cheeks & double chin, OH the cuteness! Then another two years passed and Pumpkin Poos completed our little family of 5. Her Chinese name means “The Lord’s Peace” as with any third child, I just wanted a peaceful baby who slept A LOT… well, that did not turn out & as you can see she is full of joy, so my hubby has renamed her “The Lord’s Joy” and it fits her so well.

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And, here we were last summer in the middle of the Badlands. See those black dots in the background to the left of my head? That is a herd of buffalo! We were FREE — free to run {while being mindful of possible rattle snake attacks}, free to jump, free to feel the wind in our hair in such a spectacular place. My name means “Youthful Spirit” & I think one part of motherhood that I love is the playfulness, creativity, and silliness we get to experience together.

 

And, can I just add — motherhood gets better & better. I LOVE the stage they are currently in {almost 12, almost 10 & 7} Not that it is easier by any means, but anything besides the baby stage is fine by me … I am NOT a baby person. But, seriously to travel, play sports, games, create art, have deep & meaningful talks & see who they are becoming is such a gift every single day.

 

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I created this piece of art with my own mom in mind. When brainstorming the text of the piece, I thought of my mom & how she truly raised us with kindness, tenderness, and ENDLESS devotion. My mom is THE epitome of selflessness & truly always put us first. She kept family first & strove to make our home a haven. She never missed a game. Always had time to talk. She gave me the gift of love and continues to be one of my best friends. She is such a support to our entire family and I love her so.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you moms out there! YOU are truly changing the world!

 

Grace & Peace,
Julie

Firefighter Art {Behind the Scenes}

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{Firefighter art is available HERE}

Today I wanted to share with you the “behind the scenes” artistic process of my firefighter art. This piece is near & dear to my heart, as I originally created it not to sell at all, but simply as a gift for my father who is a retired lieutenant of the Rockford fire department. That is his helmet in my photo, as well as a piece of hose he normally hangs on “the fire wall” in my parents’ house.

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Firefighting runs deep in my blood. My family uniquely contains 3 generations of firefighters: my grandfather, father & now brother who is active on the force. I grew up loving to visit my dad at the station, sliding down the pole, hopping in the truck, and gleefully covering my ears while the sirens wailed. I also heard countless stories around the dinner table of the thrills of firefighting, some of which would make me put my fork down & say, “Enough!”

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{talk about a throwback! My Favorite Little Mister visiting Grandpa at the fire station!}

I created this piece for my dad’s birthday. As I researched quotes, most often the firefighter’s prayer would pop up in search engines, but I did not want to use something so common. Then, I came across this quote from Chief Edward Crocker who was the fire chief of New York City in 1910 and something moved in my heart, knowing THIS is the quote. You see, every firefighter I know believes their work is so much more than a “job”… it is their calling. They live it, breathe it, and quite literally sacrifice their lives for it. Here is Chief Crocker’s famous quote:

I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman. The position may, in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which the fireman has to do believe that his is a noble calling. Our proudest moment is to save lives. Under the impulse of such thoughts, the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice.

When I gave my art to my father, he cried. When I gave it to my brother, he cried too. I know their hearts of service. I know how meaningful it is to be appreciated and honored, something the unsung hero does not often receive.

Recently a firefighter from Texas purchased my canvas

& this is the note he sent me after receiving the art:

When I first saw this piece of art it really stirred up a lot of old feelings I had about being in the Fire Service, and as I look at it now hanging on my wall between two of my old helmets, I can’t help but feel extremely proud about my chosen profession.

But at the same time, I am also extremely humbled that you have honored all of us in the Fire Service this way, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you for this wonderful and heart-touching expression of love that you originally made for your own family of firemen, but have also made it available to firefighters everywhere.

I am so grateful to be a small part in encouraging such a profession! Now thru the end of April, the firefighter art is 30% off as I hope you too will touch the firefighter in YOUR life. {And, we all know how every firefighter likes to decorate with fire stuff!}

Grace & Peace,

Julie

Grand Opening Sale!

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I am so excited to share with you all the BIG news I’ve kept quiet about for the last few months: MY NEW WEBSITE! I am so happy I can barely keep it in. One site which brings together my 3 totally distinct styles so that you can now shop for any gift, any style, any occasion with pleasure and ease.

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My VINTAGE COLLECTION features my love for photography and all things vintage. This collection is full of timeless beauty, sophisticated imagery and quiet typography for those of you who enjoy antiques, shabby chic decorating or sepia toned photos.

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My WORDS TO MOVE YOU collection features my love for typography as influenced by my training as a book designer. This collection is full of vibrant color {as you get to choose your colored background from a palette of 15 choices} and strong typography softened by my signature swirls for those of you who want to make a bold statement on your walls.

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My SUNSHINE STUDIO collection features my love for mixed media collage art as I go back to my roots of illustration! This collection is full of whimsical illustrations, lots of color and textures to capture your childlike side for those of you want to add a bit of sweet fun to your decor.

 

On the new site, I will be featuring 4 pieces of art each month which will be on sale for 30% off throughout the entire month. I plan to blog about the “behind the scenes” of these featured designs throughout the month so that you can get a glimpse into my heart behind the art.

For now, I am offering a FREE shipping coupon code as part of my Grand Opening Sale as I am so excited for you shop the new site!

At VIEW CART there is a place for you to enter a coupon. Enter the coupon code grandopening to receive FREE shipping off of your entire order. Offer is good thru 4.15 & must be used at time of checkout.

OH & here’s a little secret: for my grand opening week, I will also be doing several giveaways over on my Facebook page, so please join me over there for your chance to win some fabulous pieces of art!

Grace & Peace,

Julie