Author Arleen Jennings

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observe with purpose

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My town is small. So small, in fact, that we don’t even have a traffic light. Thanks to local entrepreneurs, the majority of the buildings along Main Street are occupied, most with antique shops or thrift stores, along with the library, bank, and post office. The buildings are all old, but they hold historic interest. The street is lined with Maple trees and rustic lamp posts.  All in all, it’s a quaint village that would be a great vacation spot . . . if only we had an ocean, or a canyon, or snow-peaked mountains . . . but we don’t.  Consequently, it remains a small, quiet town with hopes of more, but content with less.

In spite of these businesses, there are still a few unoccupied storefronts that are in rough shape. This one hasn’t been open for public use in decades, but it has been maintained and was even re-painted once upon a time.

At first glance, it’s not much to look at, but that’s where creativity comes in.  To the observant, buildings like this grab the attention, not because they are beautiful or grand. Not because they are new or perfect, but because they have character, history, and in their own way, charm. Beyond that, there may even be possibilities.

It’s all about looking past the obvious—an old building—to see what it can become, to find the hidden potential.  I’m not talking about renovating the building to make it a thriving business, though that could be a viable option. I’m thinking simple, like how it can take on a whole new look or feel by adding something of visual interest.  For example, it becomes a fantastic setting for photos when cropped appropriately. 

My daughter and some of her college friends came to our town several years ago. Each of them used a different building as the backdrop for their senior pictures. This is one of my favorites!

Next time you’re out for a walk or taking a drive, try paying attention to your surroundings and see if you notice something that you’ve never seen before. You could be surprised by what you actually discover.  You may even find a hidden treasure to become the backdrop for your next photo or maybe the setting for a new painting.  If nothing catches your eye, don’t lose heart. It’s a good habit to learn to observe what’s around you. In time, you just might be amazed by what you see and the possibilities that come with it.

If you haven’t yet, please check out my debut novel, THE PAINTER
Adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance = The perfect summer read.

a blank page

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Do you ever look at a blank piece of paper with wonderment?  Do you see endless possibilities?  Does anticipation fill your heart and mind at the prospect of filling a blank page?

It seems there’s a diverse range of responses when it comes to a blank page.  Some fear and avoid it.  Others jump at the chance to fill it; they answer yes to my first three questions without hesitation.  Even if they don’t have an idea, they will come up with one and set to work.  On the flip side, others are quick to say “no thanks” or “not interested” without a second thought.  Some might ask, “What am I supposed to do with this?”  Then there’s the, “I’m not able, so why try” group.

The question then becomes why. But, before the why, we should address what.  What does the blank paper signify?  It could be a challenge, or better yet, an opportunity.  For some of you, the opportunity will be journaling, blogging, writing a story or a novel. Others of you look forward to drawing or painting.  If these options don’t suit your fancy, no worries, the possibilities are endless. Map out your next quilt design or write down your latest recipe.  You could be into designing websites or developing floor plans for a new house.  Come up with a fresh landscape design. Some of you will fill the page with music.  Add your creative outlet here: __________.  The goal is not to avoid the emptiness of the page but to come up with a creative way to fill it.  To be active.  Productive.  Successful.  I’ve known those who are so afraid of making a mistake that they won’t do anything creative.  Mistakes are not a failure.  Quitting is a failure.  Never starting could also be considered a failure. Don’t miss out on a lifetime of pleasure because the blank page intimidates you.

The why is also very important.  If you don’t have a purpose or an end product in mind, it’s very hard to get started.  If you’re writing, what is your goal?  Is it to motivate?  To make people laugh?  To tell a story?  Will it be fictional or historical?  Who will be the hero or the villain?  What will be the moral of your story?  Once these questions are answered, it’s much easier to start filling pages.  I find filling the first page the hardest, but once I have a plan and start writing, it grows quickly.

The same is true for any creative outlet.  Once you have a specific purpose or goal, you’ll be more determined to fill your page(s). This is important because talent alone is not enough. It takes effort and hard work to stick with it when things become difficult or don’t go as planned.  

Even those with “natural ability” must work at filling their blank pages. But that’s what makes the result precious and worth the effort. What’s the expression? If it were easy, everyone would do it.

Learn to give yourself some grace. Even if your early attempts fail or don’t turn out as great as you imagined, you took the risk to stretch yourself and hone your skills. This automatically gives you a better chance to succeed in your next attempt.

Don’t be afraid to start small. Just one blank page. When it is full, start another. Then another. And another. Eventually, the blank page will no longer be intimidating but an exciting opportunity to flourish.

Arleen Jennings is the Author of:
THE PAINTER
Their lives we all but destroyed . . .
Her paintings are about to change everything.
Mystery and Adventure with a Touch of Romance.

motives for using talents

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Enthusiasm is necessary when it comes to developing and using talents, but our motives also come into play. We should desire God’s presence more than His blessings and the Gift-giver more than His gifts. Putting Jesus first and growing in our relationship with Him will increase our sensitivity and availability to minister to others.

Creative expression can change like the wind—the purpose, the method, the mood, and even the results. The difference will depend upon what we are going through at the time, or by what we want to accomplish. That’s why we should search our hearts, every now and again, to make sure our motives are still pure. There is nothing wrong with recognition or popularity, but if we are not careful, these things can divert our focus and open ways for pride to creep in. God desires to use our talents and is pleased when our efforts prosper—except when we allow our abilities to take preeminence over Him.

Sussi has a fantastic voice and loves singing for the Lord. There came a time though when she felt compelled to lay her gift aside. She didn’t know for how long, but her desire was to obey the leading of God’s Spirit. Motivational issues seemed the probable cause since Sussi lacked confidence. Consequently, she found her self-esteem in the approval of others through her ability to sing well. Nevertheless, Jesus wanted Sussi to find her worth in Him so that when she sang, it would bring glory to her Maker and minister life to those who listened. She sought counsel from her Pastor concerning the situation and together they agreed it would be advantageous to lay her gift aside for a season.

At first, Sussi didn’t sing at all, not even in the privacy of her own home. However, it wasn’t long before discouragement lingered to the point of mild depression. Praying about this, she realized there was nothing wrong with singing and lifting her voice to God. Singing wasn’t the issue, the need for an audience was. A year passed before she began accepting invitations to sing again, but this experience brought personal growth, along with a pure heart of worship.

Our Christian walk has a lot to do with matters of the heart, which in turn, affect our creative outlets. Jeremiah 17:10 tells us, “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” When our artistic expression pleases the Lord, He will bring the increase. But when we make it about us and what we can gain, we limit our effectiveness on an eternal scale, even if we find success in this life.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

We see by these verses that God expects works, but they must be done in a godly manner and with a right heart attitude. David cried out in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” This is a prayer that we should pray often, that we might serve the Lord to the best of our abilities.

Me Time selfish or not?

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In the past few weeks I’ve heard the expression “me time,” over and over. Now this could sound a bit selfish . . . Yet the people saying it are some of the most unselfish people I know! So what’s up with that? Basically, it’s a simple way to say, “I’ve spread myself too thin. If I don’t get some time alone, to unwind and do what I want to do, I’m going to lose it.”

Truth of the matter is; we all need some me time to maintain a healthy attitude. It’s even scriptural. Genesis 1 tells us it took God six days to create our universe. Creation was then complete. Well, almost. The seventh day of creation came quietly and without visible significance. What then makes this day important? Necessary, even. Rest! God “rested from all His work which he had done.” Then He “blessed and sanctified it,” and gave rest as a gift to humanity (Gen 2:3). Blessing and sanctification: we desire both in our lives and yet so often they seem to elude us. In part, because we do not take the need for me time seriously, nor do we understand the inner workings of God’s Spirit to revitalize us through rest.

Lower Falls, Letchworth, NY / Acrylic by Arleen Jennings

Creative outlets can serve as an escape from the daily grind, becoming a time of rest for us—no pressure, just pleasure from doing art.  It’s good to have at least one creative channel simply for fun, especially if your other talents are used for service, monetary purposes, or if they come with deadlines. The balance is in knowing when art refreshes and when it becomes another form of work.

I talked to a blogger recently who hasn’t written anything new in months and as I tried to encourage her to do so; she said, “Yes, I need to take time out of my busy schedule to write, but even if it’s not good enough to post I need to do it, because writing restores me.” Sometimes art has to be more about refreshing than results. Ultimately rejuvenating our souls and helping us return to our responsibilities with new vigor.

Without me time, fatigue sets in, which not only affects our bodies; passion dissipates, peace becomes elusive, simple tasks seem overwhelming, and the light of God grows dim. When these warning signals emerge, we must heed the call to rest. I learned this the hard way. There came a point in my life where I continually put others and their needs before mine, at the expense of my own health and well-being. I fell into the pattern of good works and felt guilty if I did anything for me. Even after the grip of exhaustion tightened, I still kept busy, pushing myself past physical and emotional limits, doing more than God required. Then the grave reality hit me that if I didn’t choose to change my lifestyle, destruction would inevitably follow. I found that writing, painting, or quilting, along with taking personal time, actually empowered me and renewed my ability to assist others.

reading helps to 🙂

I’m sure many of you have laid down your lives for others and that’s an admirable part of Christian living, but it shouldn’t come to the point of destroying your health, your happiness, or most importantly, your witness for Jesus. When we begin to lose our ability to serve the Lord with gladness, we need to step back and pray for guidance. I firmly believe that if we will allow ourselves times of refreshing and occasionally walk away from the front lines of service, in the long run we will serve the Lord, and others, more effectively! God ordained it to be so and He has a purpose for every situation and season in our lives. No detail has been overlooked and His provision includes stillness and contemplation.

Do you find your creative outlet refreshing? Does it help you to keep things in perspective? Being creative is a part of our inherent nature, something God intended for our good. The blessings that come from taking time to create will affect more than the finished product. The strength we gain and the vitality we feel will carry into our daily routines, improve our attitudes, and bless those we interact with on a regular basis.

 

 

learning to pay attention Seeing is one thing; paying attention to detail is another.

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Seeing is one thing; paying attention to detail is another. Though many things come daily into our view, very few actually register into the thought process. As you read this blog, think of situations in your life that make this example relevant to you.

As a group of landscape artists climbed the rugged terrain of a popular mountain to reach a point of great views and possible paintings, Jeff suddenly stopped and pulled out his sketchpad. “What are you doing?” Trevor asked, “We haven’t reached the top. Besides, what’s so interesting here?”

Not intimidated by Trevor’s tone, Jeff said, “You guys go on ahead; I’ll be along in a few minutes.”

By the time Jeff rejoined the group, everyone else had found their spot of choice and were working on the layouts for their paintings. Jeff took a good look around and began his second drawing.

Later that afternoon, while the artists took a break, Chloe said, “Hey Jeff, are you going to show us your first sketch?”

“Sure.” He flipped back a few pages and to every ones surprise, perfectly situated among the rocks that lined the trail was a single wild flower. No one else in the group had noticed it. Jeff went on to say, “The flower seemed drastically out of place to me; so soft and delicate, yet growing in this rugged and unlikely setting.” He hesitated before adding, “I was intrigued by the fact that this flower lives in complete isolation, yet it stands strong and uninhibited—to me, a symbol of hope.”

Chloe still absorbed in the drawing; said, “I was so focused on reaching our destination, I never thought to look for artistic expression along the way.”

Jeff found beauty in a place where the others didn’t think to look. He didn’t require the perfectly picturesque view that awaited him at the mountaintop because he trained his eye to observe the details of his present location. Consequently, creative ideas are available to him in all situations. He simply chooses to be mindful of his surroundings, looks for something interesting, and takes action by putting his impression of it on paper.

Many artists are stuck believing a masterpiece has to be impressive or grand. Actually, art can communicate powerful thought through just a glimpse of something more, leaving the rest to the onlooker’s imagination. What may seem inconsequential, like Jeff’s flower among the rocks, really has the potential of grandeur, simply by the message it delivers. The other artists with Jeff remained focused on their original goal of painting at the mountaintop, where undoubtedly the view was amazing. Unfortunately, their inflexible resolve caused them to forfeit artistic opportunities along the way.

Things that most of us would walk right past without noticing can become visually stimulating when seen as an art form. If it evokes thoughts not otherwise reflected upon, observation and communication are achieved. The piece succeeds whether considered impressive or not.

Jeff’s watchful approach also opens the door to individuality. When applied to our lives, it allows each one of us to see and respond according to our own personalities. What appeals to one may not even catch the eye of another, or we could all look at the exact same thing and see it differently—because it’s not only what we observe, it’s how we perceive it. For instance, some never actually focus on what they see; they are oblivious to what’s around them. If they saw a car accident, they could not give an accurate description of the scene or what had happened. Others choose to focus on details and look intently. They would likely be able to answer most questions concerning the same accident. The rest of us lay somewhere in between these two extremes and each of us would have a different account of what took place. In part, because of the angle at which we saw the accident and partly because of how closely we chose to pay attention.

This also brings us back to the importance of individuality. Because we are created distinctly unique, no two impressions of a single event, artistic opportunity, or expression will be interpreted exactly the same. Perception varies and is fundamental to translation; as a result, it increases our capacity for diversity and appreciation.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to subscribe via email.
Arleen

 

 

enjoy the moment busyness has a way of making us lose sight of what’s important

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Have you ever stopped just to enjoy the moment? Say to look at a beautiful sunset? We’ve all seen them on our way home from work, or to and from some event and think, “How beautiful,” as we continue to our next destination. We hardly ever consider how refreshing it might be to actually stop for a moment and enjoy the view. I’ll never forget the night several years ago when I was coming home along a road that lies above our village. From that location, the sunset was the most spectacular sight I’d ever seen.

I immediately pulled over and parked my car, where I sat in awe. As I watched the sky before me, I lifted a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus for the privilege of being right there at that very moment. Colors and cloud formations such as I had never seen before. Then it hit me: for the first time, in I don’t know how long, I didn’t let the opportunity pass. It typically wasn’t in my nature to stop for anything; I was always in a hurry, even when I didn’t need to be. As I sat there, an unusual calm came over me and my existence, with all its busyness, collided with the reality of God’s omnipresence. A display of His awesome grandeur lay before me,prompting stillness and reflection. (photo: not of that night)

Slowly, the sky changed, and so did my thoughts, back to the things I needed to do when I got home. There I was, caught in a moment of time between perfect peace and my hectic schedule. This divergence of emotion beckoned me to evaluate the pace at which I lived. Was it necessary? Were there things I could change that would make my life less stressful? If I can’t take time to appreciate the life God has given me, including a brief pause for an amazing sunset, then something’s wrong. How about you? Does your busy routine keep you from the simple pleasures that make life special?

Since that experience, my pace has slowed and I’m more mindful of the things and people around me; yet occasionally, precious moments still pass me by. It takes a conscious effort on my part not to allow the busyness to creep back into areas that should be off limits, such as time for my family and friends, my health, and my art.

Not long after this ‘sunset experience’ my husband, Ron and I had just heard our two youngest teens play their instruments in the school’s spring concert. On the way out to the car, I wasn’t talking about the concert or how well they played; no, I was saying how we needed to get home so I could finish planting the garden. There was still a little daylight left and I wanted to take advantage of it.

It was then that Colleen spoke up and said, “Gee Mom, let’s just enjoy the moment.”

A dagger of conviction pierced my soul as her passion for life and understanding of what matters most beckoned me to join in her peace. Here I was, a promoter of the arts, and I couldn’t even finish soaking in the achievements of these young musicians before other things distracted me.

Think how many days go by, or years for some, where creative actions suffer neglect because of jobs, deadlines, meetings, and other such things. Everything else takes precedence over creative outlets and the lack of use dulls our senses, while endless activities paralyze any artistic desire that remains.

I would like you to take a moment and make a list of everything you do in a day and keep track of it for a week. You’ll be amazed at how much time could be set aside for art by a little rearranging of your schedule. It doesn’t have to be large blocks of time or even every day, for that matter; but it should be consistently enough to make a difference. Once creativity becomes a priority in our lives, it will freely flow in and through our thoughts and show up in our actions. It’s time we cherish the gifts of God and nurture them.