American Craft Council

Hi everybody! the American Craft Council has just announced their deadline for crafty artists to submit for the show in Baltimore and Atlanta. I believe this story is always held in Feburary but you will need to check their website. I found out via the American Craft Council fanpage on Facebook. the deadline is Oct 15, check it out. http://www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore

Nightlight

this is an organization that helps women get out of a life of prostitution and human trafficking. http://nightlightinternational.com/ please note, some subject matter is not appropriate for children. you may also purchase Jewerly in their store which helps women, become independent, learn a trade and hopefully free them from the sex industry. Please continue to pray for women in these grips here and abroad. God bless.

NEVER GIVE UP

(image courtesy of http://breadsite.org/)


I was awaked on my facebook news feed to the new website for the Jesus storybook bible. Be sure to check it out.http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/ I was also inspired by a devotional by Priscilla Shirer who spoke about Pearl Fryer, who was a topiary artist of African American descent.(see www.Goingbeyond.com ) He was told he could not move to the "elite" neighbor for whites because they were afraid he would not keep up his yard. Well, today he is a well known topiary artist in Bishopville South Carolina. (see) http://www.fryarstopiaries.com/ He said that he didn't know it was impossible, because no one had told him it was. Just like my desires to become an artist, many times people discourage you, based on their belief system, people will tell you it can not be done.


Like David and Goliath, David had no reason to fear the Giant, he never knew it was impossible because no one had ever told him so. It wasn't until others told him the "reality" of his situation that we hear of the "danger" . This danger never occurred to David.


1 samuel v33 Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth."


Are your "reality" checkers telling you it is impossible, because of your circumstances, or color.

"What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 1 samuel 26,

Obviously it never occurred to him he wasn't capable or could lose.David reviewed the other times God saved him and came through for him(see 1 sam 34) It was even a disgrace for Israel to be cowering for fear of this GIANT. Here GOD is on their sides and they are trembling in fear. Have you been afraid to attempt something, even though you knew God had your back.

So what is your giant, for me it is becoming an artist, writing bible stories for kids and adults: in the midst of doubters, and many obsticles, and other challenges. For you it may be having a child, or finding a job you want even overcoming illness or finding a mate. Don't be a doubter, be a DAVID...

45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

Artist of the Week.

I will be featuring Crafters and Artists who use the gifts the Lord has given them. Stay tuned!

Follow the signs....

Have you ever felt like God was trying to get your attention! Still trying to have the faith to get this company up and running, God has taken me on quite a faith journey the past few years... and remember He knows who you are and where you are coming from. He also knows how to get your attention. Today in the dollar store I found this company http://www.freedomgreetings.com/ which stated on their mission that they were one of the few companies to feature African Americans in their cards. How did God know I would pick that particular card up? Why would they feature on the front page, a comment about African Americans. God knowing me being a Christian "Stokely Carmichel" reminds me that God knows exact where you are and how to get your attention. Which somehow brings me to African American community and the Abortion debate.

Obama.(Is that a sentence?) this is not a political blog.. ..it's about using your gifts and business for Jesus, but I can't help but wonder if God has been trying to get the African American community's attention regarding the Abortion issue. I and my community should know that oppression and murder is wrong better than anyone..this is not just a african american issue..it is an american issue.....why are we doing the same thing to the unborn..we did to African slaves..using oppression and violence just to further our personal agenda..Mr. Obama, and the rest who voted.. Shame on us...It brings me to my ambitions, am i willing to sacrifice God's children/purpose for my life for my own agenda.....as they said back in the day..things that make you say Hmmmm?

Encouragement for the Journey..

1. Start where you are! Today Ted Kennedy died at 77. It meant alot to me, because he was the youngest and actually lived beyond some of the curses and expectations on his life. (through i heard he changed to pro-choice) It is a still a lesson to me..never count yourself out. You might not have what you need, you might be the lowest in age, stature or some other disability and challenge, but God loves to use the lowest and the weakest in order to show Himself strong. I will be featuring new work this week and will be closer to finishing my webpage sooner than later. Stay tuned.

Overcoming Discouragement- beware of the Boat Dwellers

Well, this is a biggie. Never underestimate the power of a positive word, or a negative one. Which is why it is so important to surround yourself with positive people who will not only tell you what you want to hear, but also what you need to hear. The following are tips I heard from many Pastors and sisters along the way.

One of the biggest deterrents to success is the fear of man and people. Which is probably why God says don't so it. If we fear God more than man, we can surely accomplish our goals: however if we are concerned with what people think more than God or even ourselves, you can make sure failure is right around the corner. Some people are so comfortable in their failure they think they are really happy when they are actually miserable. Stay away from those people!

Get out of boat! Remember staying where you are you have everything to lose, going and taking a risk on God is about the safest place to be. Here are some things to remember when deciding on your business or other venture.

• people who are chicken, (boat dwellers) will always try to stop your attempts at getting out of the boat. usually it means they aren't doing something themselves and or they are mad they don't have the guts to do it themselves. don't take it personal, it isn't. There issue is with them selves not you. Remember the Older brother in the Prodigal son. He was mad at the younger brother, but everything the father had already belonged to him, he was putting his focus on the wrong things. Boat dwellers many times will try to take you down but don't focus on them.


• Sometimes the circumstances look real bad, but keep focusing on Jesus. If you keep your focus on Jesus you will be able to continue walking.


• Get over it, sometimes we get bogged down thinking, how can my family, friends and church people, not be happy I am trying this venture for God. Get over it, it may be that God is teaching you something, and not them. Whatever He told you to do. Do it.


• Build a support network. Find builders and get away from Boat Dwellers. Seek out those that are already doing it, and build yourself around them. Don't be a hindrance, if you find yourself exhibiting Boat Dwelling characteristics have the courage to let others continue..don't try to bring others down. Stay in the boat and commiserate with the others but by all means don't bring other folks down.


• get the right information. Not everyone knows everything, do your homework and research, this is where the hard part comes in. Knowing what to do is easy, doing it is another matter altogether, there's a reason some people make it at some don't. We all have what we need to succeed.


• If you see someone without..Help them.

That's it, this is just the inspiration portion tomorrow, I will bring some practice tips for people who are interesting in starting their small business venture.

• see scripture re: Jesus asked Peter to walk on water)