Are Angels Real?

I was struggling with an art journal entry over the weekend. It seemed that the color choice was the issue, but I realize now that it wasn't color at all. It was something more that was playing havoc with my inspiration and motivation.

This morning I woke up knowing that my journal page was to be of an angel. Though I believe in angels as heavenly beings, this page was about how we fly in times of struggle with the help of another.  

According to the Bible, an angel is a pure spirit created by God.

Although the word "angel" in the Bible, meaning a messenger, nearly always applies to heavenly beings, it can occasionally apply to human messengers. 

I believe that some angels are right here with us every day. They are real people with a special purpose. They are unassuming and they are simply there when they are needed. They show up when we need them most.  Sometimes, it is somebody we know, and sometimes it is not.  

Notice the people who always help out, always give their best, never let anyone down. The people that others turn to when they need a safe haven.  

Those are angels among us. They are examples of God's love.

They are here to show us love and teach us about love.

Ok ... so here is the crazy part and yet the part that shows me the sense in my struggle over this page. I no sooner finished the page and was scanning it (to make note cards) when I opened facebook to see an entry in an art group I belong to. Someone was reaching out to the group for help. They have had an enormous amount of struggles in their life lately and I think they just knew that it was time to ask for help. They needed an angel to walk with them. She has quite a few angels walking with her now as this group is so amazing. 

So, this page is for Nichole...

Courage: My Word For 2014

Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Anyone who knows me well, knows that courage is something I lack in all aspects of my life. Not being courageous, has altered my life in negative ways over the years. Instead of saying my wants or needs out loud, I have accepted the decisions others have made for me or the consequences imposed on me by my lack of action.

Even though I have become more courageous over the last couple of years, I still have a long way to go to being the calm and happily full soul I want to be.

" Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
   ~ Anais Nin

That said, I have chosen 'courage' as my word for 2014.

Contrary to what some believe, courage doesn't just happen. It isn't just lying dormant inside you waiting to be abruptly awoken. Everyone of us faces fears, doubts, depressions, and anxiety. But, not everyone has the courage to move beyond them. It is only those that do that are considered courageous.

I know that I am going to have to step REALLY far out of my comfort zone to develop my courage. I hope you will follow me on this journey as I learn to be more brave in my life.

Perhaps, my stumbles as well as my successes will help you learn to be more courageous, too.

Thanks to a very brave and supportive group of artists, mentored by Tracy Weinzapfel, and the support of family and friends, I am hoping to muster up my courage this year.

This mixed media piece is 'my part' of the January Challenge that Tracy proposed to our group. Believe it or not, I have never hung any of my art anywhere. Yet, today, I tied a ribbon on this painting and hung it in my craft area. I am proud and I am becoming COURAGEOUS! Yay me!

T