Life is Good

Life has been super busy for a while now. Spring was full and a lot of my time was spent getting ready for an art show that I participated in. We also had a full summer, with a trip to New York to my brother-in-law's wedding, and then our daughter was married in August! Both weddings were beautiful and we are so happy for the newly-wed couples!

The fall season is upon us, and just around the corner our little guy will turn three. These past three years flew by and I have enjoyed them so much with our sweet little boy. He is a joy to our family and friends. The holidays are close at hand too, and I'm looking forward to all of the celebrating this season brings.

I sometimes look around at a messy house, unfinished projects, and sometimes I have to squelch the longings that I have to get in my studio to paint, and I remember it is all good. :)  There is one thing that stays consistent, my faith in the Lord. Even if life takes me on little detours, I know that God is always with me whatever I do, and he is working out all the details of my life. There is a bigger picture and I am thankful for this season of my life. As busy as it may seem at times...I am enjoying each day with all that it has to offer. I am pressing into to my faith in Christ and enjoying sweet fellowship with the Lord. Life is good!

Broken Chain

                                  An edited/enhanced copy of my original painting "Outpouring."

I ran across this poem that I wrote a few years ago and decided to share it on my blog today.

Broken Chain

Under the blue sky sounds of the world pass by.
Hearts deny the creator and the creation groans for the maker.
Steady steps are taken into poverty.
Not lack of clothes, riches or fame, you see.
But lack in the spirit and sunk into the profane.
Eyes darkened by the traps of the chain.
Holding hearts captive, keeping things the same.
Standing in the dark not knowing you are smothered.
Till you feel the first bite and realize you are covered.
The link is in now in place.
You want to break free from the darkness you embrace.
As you wipe away the tears and feel the burning sting.
You realize the chain that binds has gained another ring.
There is a key in place to unlock the chain that binds.
The Key that I’m speaking of… is the eternal kind.
He set the world on its foundation and spoke the stars in place.
He created water, earth, and sky, and fashioned the human race.
He enveloped Himself in fleshly form to overcome the iron bands.
He took our chains upon the cross as they pierced his innocent hands.
He gladly took the weight of it all and forgives those who are bound.
If one will only receive the Key, eternal life will be found.
It’s not in vain or lack of power that he became the key for you.
When that chain was yoked around His neck, He knew what he must do.
He was sent here from the Father’s heart from that heavenly place above.
He willingly laid down His life…to break the chain with Love.

Written by Tammy Ratzken  ©

Leap of Faith

                                             A mixed media tile that I created in 2013. sold


Taking a leap could be a scary thing, but concerning my art, when I think of taking a leap...I'm not thinking of taking a leap off of a cliff. I am thinking of jumping into something warm, fluffy, and inviting. A place made especially for me and I am the only  person who could ever fit where I will land. When I fall into that wonderful, cozy place in my Father's hand...I am landing in my destiny. No matter how it may feel when I take a step, I know that every step I take...I take in Him. God is my compass. I seek to bring honor to the name of the Lord through this gift that He has placed within me. I was created to worship Him through my art and as I continue to step out He always meets me. In this leap of faith into my Father's knowing...I hope to inspire you, and through my art I hope to shine the light of my Father in heaven.  Have a wonderful heartfelt day.

Having Fun Going

This is what is on my easel today! I hope to create something beautiful...we shall see. This painting has been started, painted over, and has been sitting in my studio waiting on me to come back for a visit. I like to ponder my paintings and I love it when the painting gives me a peak of direction. This one has already given me a glimpse of something interesting. I like to paint random backgrounds and watch what unfolds. I can see a face emerging out of this one...which is very interesting, because I was thinking of painting a scene of The Lady at the Well. I'm not sure if that is the direction I will go, but I am going to have fun going. :) Have a wonderful day!

Bye, Bye Birdie

Hello dear people! I'm sharing my lunch time with blogging today. I'm figuring if I don't type this between bites...I might miss another day on the blog. Btw...this salad is delicious. I'm eating totally healthy again and I'm so happy for me. It really does make you feel better. I need all the energy I can get to keep up with my two and half year old and have the energy for studio time.

I hope everyone had a very Happy Easter weekend and a great start to your week. Yesterday, I managed to start and finish a painting that was a commissioned piece. The person had seen my work hanging at our local church gallery and wanted a smaller, similar version of one of my latest paintings. I was very happy to oblige. :) What a wonderful feeling to know my art is being received and getting new homes.

This is one of the paintings that my new client was admiring.

And this is another one of my new paintings.

This is the one that I painted yesterday, size 9 x 12 inch. I don't really like the lighting in the picture, but it will have to do, because I don't have the painting anymore. I had to hurry and grab a few shots of it today, before my husband took it away to hang in the Hall Gallery at our church, until the owner can pick it up on Sunday. All I can say is bye, bye birdie, enjoy your new home. This little painting was fun to paint! Well, now I am off to paint some more beautiful things. Have a very blessed day and remember... He Cares For You.

Rainy Play

                                        A painting I did for a class that I taught.


I love rainy days! Today...I'm going to play in the rain. :) Well, not actually, but I am taking my son to a play-date while it is raining. When I return home, I hope to put some finishing touches on a painting I have been working on. Enjoy your day!

Quilts and ABC's

Today I was out and about. I had to make a trip to Hobby Lobby (love that place) to pick up art supplies. While I was there and strolling around the store, I was smitten by the cutest, coziest little chair. It was calling my name. The deterrent for me was the price tag. Thankfully, I have a very cute, cozy, and very comfy old chair that was given to me by my parents. I love this old thing. Right now it sits in my living room with an over-sized, unattractive chair cover on it. I really want to turn this old chair into a warm beam of sunshine. I can not part with it...so clearly it has to change with the times.

I love the quilted look! It reminds me of snugly naps under my Granny's tender care. What a wonderful world, :) buried under heavy cool blankets. Not only was I wrapped in love, I was covered with the most cozy, comforting blankets that were magically filled with cool air, even in the summer time. You may know what I'm talking about, if a place got warm, you could move and it would be like an air conditioner was on under the covers. :) I would snuggle down under those handmade quilts and sleep in peace. I took great naps at my Granny's house and it marked me for life. At the time I had no idea the impact that those colorful inviting quilts would make on me. I think now, I can partially link my love for color to those cool inviting quilts of my childhood.


Well, here she is! Isn't she lovey!  Now to tackle trying to make a patch work chair cover something like this. I may need my Mom for this huge undertaking. She has great sewing skills. I am really busy right now...maybe this fall I can tackle this project.

 While I was getting lost in all of the eye-candy in the store...I happened upon this lovely ABC beauty. Which totally reminded me of my son's obsession with the alphabet.

Now, I am wanting to turn a very old antique dresser that I own into something like this. Of course, it will have to match my newly covered patchwork chair. I will have to revisit this post in the future with my knock-off version of my finds. Stick with me on my journey and have a blessed evening.

Celebrating Passover

Yesterday, we gathered around the table with friends to celebrate Passover. We enjoy celebrating this holiday in memory of the Lord Jesus Christ, who became the pass over lamb for all who would believe in Him.

In ancient Egypt as the Israelites gathered for that first Passover, they were instructed to put the  blood of the lamb that was sacrificed for dinner onto the door posts of there house. The last plague to overtake Egypt was a grim one, and each family that followed this crucial command had the assurance that the blood over the door posts would protect the first born son of that household. This marking of blood would set them apart as the Death Angel came through the land and destroyed the first born son of all in Egypt, this included the first born of the animals too. (Exodus 11:4-5)

 Jesus became our Passover lamb when he was laid to rest on that holy celebration and He rose from the dead three days later. His blood was shed for the sin of the world and His blood is set on the door posts of our heart when we become a believer. We are then set apart for the kingdom of God and death no longer has a hold on us. We have an assurance, just as Jesus rose from the dead, that we will have eternal life too.   
This holiday is a wonderful picture of Christ's saving grace. He cares for you.

My only regret concerning the evening...I forgot to take pictures. 

Spring Leisure

                                                  Cherry Tree close to my home.

What a beautiful Spring day! I took a walk with my little guy this morning and enjoyed the cool breeze and budding flowers. The gorgeous blooms of the Cherry Blossom Tree have given way to full green foliage. It was nice to be out and about. When we take walks, I always pick flowers (wild ones only, mostly weeds) for my son to examine while he is strolling along. Today, I found some wild Wisteria growing close to the ground. It is such a pretty plant...but fades rather quickly. It was a nice walk.

On our return home my little 2 1/2 year old wanted to play outside. He enjoys the slide on his swing-set and we had a wonderful time, until a swarm of gnats interrupted our play time and made it necessary to retreat indoors.

                                           My little guy. This pic was taken at a local park recently.

I topped off the morning with some yummy pancakes with strawberries. mmmmm soooo good! I know this totally defeated the purpose of my walk...but it was worth it. Especially having my family around the table with me and  my son enjoying his lunch so much, that when he finished his, he wanted mine too.
Now I am listening to my sweet little guy talk and jabber before he falls asleep for his nap. What a blessing  he is. He brings so much joy into our lives each day. It was good to slow down and have a leisurely morning. I hope to make some more changes to my blog today and add to a painting I am working on. Wish me luck. ;)

Portions of the Heart

Let us love one another.

 Let us be kind to one another.   (This is a mini collage/painting that I did a while back.)

Let us be heartfelt, giving, caring, compassionate, gentle, patient, peaceable, thoughtful, generous and comforting.You are a lovely unique individual. Let your light shine. Treasure all the good things in your life. Have a wonderful day!

                                                            Blue Rooster

This painting had a long journey before it was completed. I started this baby and it sat in my studio for years collecting dust. At the beginning of this year I was praying for direction for my art and I felt I should finish this neglected painting.

It has completely changed from the original version, although the message is clear and is still the same as it was when I began the painting back in 2008. The pink highlighted scripture in the painting says:
Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

May you have a beautiful day! 

Journey

Yesterday was a blogger day for me. After a long absence from this window to the world, I spent the day re-navigating my way through it. My updated blog will focus on my art and my faith. I hope you will visit again and check it out. I'm still getting it together, so stick with me as it grows, changes, and rearranges.

 Join my blog and follow me on this journey. Have a beautiful day!

Hello Dear People!

Spring is in the air and it is flowing onto my canvas. You can see by my new painting that I am loving the colors teal and purple. I had so much fun creating this piece of art. I will be adding new art and postings to this site and offering my art for purchase. I'm working out all of the details and learning how to navigate blogging again. I hope to add lots of new changes and interesting details.

Hang in there with me as this site changes. Please check back soon.

If You're Happy and You Know It

                     My little prince clapping his hands to the song "If You're Happy and You Know It."

I have been away for a while! Whew, time does fly. To sum up my absence: I was sick for a while, then got better, then I got pregnant, and was sick and in bed during my whole pregnancy. Had our son and it took time to recuperate, and I have been juggling mommy-hood, homemaking and being and artist. That is the very short version.

Truly I am blessed! My husband and I have always wanted to have a child together. We have a beautiful daughter from a previous marriage and we are so thankful for her. We had hoped to give her a brother or sister to grow up with. We had no idea that it would take us 19 years of marriage, before we would have a baby. When our son was born, his sister was 20 and about to turn 21. Waiting so long was not the way we planned it...but God has a better plan. My son Levi is my joy every day! I find it challenging at times to juggle it all, but I know that with God all things are possible.

                                  Levi hanging out under my easel, in my studio, while I was painting.


As for my book...it took a back seat again. The good news is I am almost finished with the illustrations. My partner in illustrating did his job and I am adding the final touches. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with this project. (Deep breath, big sigh)

Please come back and join me on my journey. My hope is to keep this blog current.

A Little Grace Comes to Tizzy Town

One night I could not sleep and as I lay in the bed praying...a childrens book began to dance around in my head. It followed a rhyming pattern and as it unfolded on the landscape of my mind...sleep began to overtake me. Nearing that much desired dream land, I a hoped and prayed that I would be able to remember the whimsical tale and I locked the title in mind, "Tizzy Town". The next day, I went on a search for the perfect journal...I settled on a beautiful hot pink journal. This was going to hold my dancing thoughts and the story that was still fresh in my mind. I opened the crisp new book and wrote the title "Tizzy Town", 2004. At this point...my time was up and we needed to be somewhere else, so I closed my new journal and thought that I would write the story later.

I had thought for a very long time, that I would like to write a story for children, but was not confident that I could pull it off. I found my time was consumed with my family and taking care of other children along the way and at the end of the day...I was tired. Although, along the way...I would occasionally allow my creative self to come out and play.  I enjoyed decorative painting on ornaments, wood, purses and even painted some murals. I also would do prophetic painting during worship services on canvas. If you are not familiar with prophetic painting, it is simply a form of worship, painting what God has placed upon your heart. Most of the time it will be accompanied by scripture, giving you a visual of what that scripture is speaking or what you feel the Lord is speaking at that time. As time went on, the vision for my book was vaguely in my mind. I felt that I had lost most of the story, by not writing it down immediately. In fact...I let years slip past, before I felt the tugging at my heart to write again.

This tugging seemed to be getting stronger. I was not sure that I would be able to recall the book that had first danced across my mind. One evening I was watching a show on the internet called "It's Supernatural", the guest on this broadcast, captured my attention. Her name is Roberta Simpson and she was...at the time seventy five years old. As her story unfolded...hope began to arise in my heart. While driving her car one day...the Lord spoke to her to write a childrens book. Amazingly, she went home that day and began to write. She has now published, "Nana's Bible Stories". A wonderful book presenting bible stories in a fresh light for children. I began to think...if God can use a beautiful seventy five year old lady, to write books to honor Him...why couldn't He use me? I pondered this for a about a week and one night...while I was up alone and the house was all quiet...I said, "Here I am Lord, if you will give me back the story that you gave me years ago, right now...I will write it." I sat in front of my computer and the words began to flow onto the page. I wrote the book in a few hours and the next day I spent time tweaking it. I was utterly amazed that I was able to write a heart touching story in rhyme. My excitement began to grow and then...as time went on...and life took over again, my story, "Grace Comes to Tizzy Town", took a back seat. Although, during this time...I continued to write and even wrote another book in the Tizzy Town series and began a novel for tweens and teens.

Looking back...I can see that fear was holding me back. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of rejection, all of these combined were the force that held me captive and immobilized me from moving forward. I began to think about my book more and it began to stir in my heart again. I prayed for God to help me move forward and He being God, knows just what we need. He sent a precious friend, that I had not seen or spoken to since high school, back into my life and she was a great encouragement to me. I will forever be grateful for this wonderful friendship! I can't thank you enough, Gini W. H. for your encouragement for me...to step out. I even told her that I wanted to buy some books to help me, and she so graciously offered to allow me to borrow the books that she had used, to send off her own story for publication. She was truly sent into my life to get me on track. She is an angel sent from heaven!

Isn't God amazing! When I determined to go along with His plan...He began to send the people and resources I needed to accomplish my goal. I became increasingly aware, that I could not continue to write, paint and be able to do my own illustrations. It would just be too time consuming for me...I prayed about an illustrator and God sent a very talented young man, Tony Whitten to do the illustrations. He read the story and it resonated with him and he agreed to lend his talent to see my book get published. I had a specific look and feel for the illustrations that I was going for and we worked together on the design and sketches. Now, Tony has done an amazing job, bringing the story to life.

This is one of the almost finished illustrations for my book. I love the whimsical feel of it.

I am still on a grand adventure to see my story go to print...and I know that God has a plan. I will continue to move forward and trust the Lord for the rest. I am so thankful to God for giving me...a little grace...with Tizzy Town. I look forward to seeing "Grace Comes to Tizzy Town", in the homes of people, being read to children and encouraging their faith.

A Filtered Heart

I'm sure you have heard the old expression "looking at the world through rose colored glasses". Well, last night I was pondering this and I had a new thought about looking at the world. We all know that a filter cleanses the impurities out of what ever it is being used for, such as an air filter causes the air to be cleaner or a water filter causes the water to be purified. Have you ever considered that Jesus is the filter over our heart? He comes in and cleanses us, caps off our heart and filters what comes through it. When we see the world through that filtered heart, washed white as snow, it changes our perspective. If we allow that filter to do it's work to purify our life...we will no longer walk in judgment of others, we will walk in love. When people do us wrong, we can remember the wrongs that we ourselves have committed and the forgiveness that we received from our Father in heaven. We will not try to take punishment into our own hands. Through that filter of love, our hearts will be moved to pray for those who are against us. Out of that filtered heart we will love passionately, care deeply, share abundantly and consider others before ourselves.

My status on face book yesterday was, "If you want to move the heart of God...move your heart closer to God."  The closer we are to God the better the filter works. If we want to see the power of God released in the earth and walk in what Jesus himself, said we could walk in, then we must pray with our whole heart, "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). When we pray prayers that are not filled with faith and if we are holding things in our hearts against others, then our filter is clogged. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The good news is...it only takes a minute to clean the filter. The Lord is full of loving favor and pity, slow to anger and great in loving-kindness. (Psalm 145:8)

Looking through rose colored glasses is not a bad thing to do...it simply means to see the world as a better place or being optimistic and hoping for the best. A filtered heart, is faith in action and looking through this filter of Love, will enable us...not to just hope for a better world...but to be a light in this world. I hope we can share in seeing the world, through a Christ filtered heart.

Daughter Day=Sunshine

Today was a wonderful day. Sometimes you have to just toss your plans aside and be available to spend time with family or friends. This was one of those days. I got to spend much of the day with my sweet daughter. I so enjoy the time that we spend together. She is all grown up now and making her way on her own. Our times together are not as abundant as they once were, with her work schedule and mine combined. The time that we have is precious and I love every minute of it.
No matter how old she or I gets to be...she will always be my sunshine. My daughter is a bright spot in my life...whether I see her often or not. She is in my constant thoughts and prayers. I thank God for the privilege of raising such and awesome person. I guess...until she has children of her own...she will not understand the place that she holds in my heart. I am so thankful for the time we shared together today. I thank God for this daughter day and for sending me my Sunshine.

His eye is on the sparrow

This has been a peaceful and relaxing Sunday afternoon. I have thoroughly enjoyed the time of solitude. The evening is winding down and I am becoming aware of little worries trying to creep into my mind and steel my joy and peace. I resolved that there will not be any cracks in my thinking to allow worry or doubt a place to rest. All we can do is set our eyes on the prize. Doing our best to accomplish the things that we can and not worry about the things that we can not do.

Scripture tells us that worry does not add anything to our life. We all know that worry can take many things away from us, and even has the power to add things that we do not want. Worry distracts from our time and engages our emotions. Leaving us drained and depressed. Worry also adds stress to our lives which aids in illness. Worry can even give us those dreaded wrinkles. In short...worry has a whole lot of baggage. So since it carries so much baggage...I'm insisting that it take a staycation...far away from me. lol Since it is going to a land far, far away...I insist that doubt go right along with it. They do enjoy each others company so much.

I'm going to rest in knowing that God's eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches over me. "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Mat 10:29-31)

Happy Heart

 This is a very short post. I am enjoying a happy heart today! I'm going to keep it happy...by getting on the treadmill. Lots to do and things in the works to share with you. Hope you have a wonderful day! Enjoy every moment of the gift that has been given you. Well...I'm off to make my heart smile. lol Happy Day 2 U!

Oh, I just noticed the little sand Angel in the left hand corner of the pics. See if you can see it...let me know .I wrote in the sand one day when I went to the river walk in our town.

Sharing My Creative Heart

I am sitting here doing research on my computer...while catching glimpses of the painting staring at me from my easel. Life has been busy today and has kept me away from my one of my favorite spots in my home. That little spot right in front of my easel. Listening to inspiring music, letting my heart touch God, while I paint my inspiration. One of my joys of life.

My little studio is constantly calling my name and I'm sure it is very sad, when I have other things capturing my attention. My studio and I have a love...love relationship. lol I want to be there as much as it misses me. I am enjoying this creative time in my life, and I wish I had more time to paint the day away or write my heart out. I love what I do and I want to do it more! In between...I have to live life and take care of business. It is a joy to have a place in my home set aside for creativity. I look forward to letting my creativity flow. I also look forward to sharing my creative heart with you.