"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

8.04.2010

I have a request




I am excited to say I have been invited to share visual journaling with the women of my church. Beginning to journal ones feelings in any form can be a little frightening. And those that have never seen or heard about visual journaling will have many questions as to what it is and it's benefits. I would love to give them some encouragement in the form of quotes from other visual journalers. In the brochure that will be given out, I have mentioned the various ways visual journaling can be used.

To work through problems
To release powerful and distressing emotions
To discover insights about yourself
To explore you interior world
For relaxation
For self-expression

If you are willing, I would love to hear from you as to how you use visual journaling and what it means to you. You can email me with your reply at maryefreeman@hotmail.com   

Thanks so very much!

23 comments:

DJ said...

You can bet prayers are going up for this venture right now ~
Gotta go get my knee-mail going...
Blessings!

Nancy said...

Oh Mar, this is wonderful news....I am so happy for you to have this opportunity to use the gifts God has given you with the women of your church.....

I will definitely will be praying for you and for the women God chooses to attend....

Hugs to you my friend,

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

What a wonderful, positive, helpful thing you are doing!! How exciting a project! {hugs} ~K

Rebecca Anthony said...

This is great, it's so nice to meet you!! I am following you now(O: I am a fellow art journal keeper and it is a way for me to try new things everyday!! I have created art just about everyday of my life and this is where I've ended up. It's the most amazing way to express myself whether it is to write something about what's going on in my personal life or sometimes writing an explanation of the technique I tried that day. Art Journals are simply incredible tools for everyone to express themselves in a beautifully visual way. I find it meditative to work in my journal, I love it!! It brings me peace on a daily basis!

Buffy said...

Hi Mary,this is so awesome,I'm happy for you. I'm away right now on vacation so one idea is its a great way to relax while you're away and another idea is you could use it for a bible study,sometimes I'll read the bible and do alittle journaling about it. Oh and by the way I love your page here too.

Kate said...

I'm thrilled that you are going to be able to share this with women at your church. I love your journal pages -- very inspiring and encouraging. I know journaling can be a form of prayer as well -- and it serves as a visual reminder of your prayer each time you look at it.

Jennifer Richardson said...

I can't help but think how absolutely thrilled their hearts will be as they begin this journey. And what a gem they've been given as their tour guide!!!
Prayers for favor and fun and extraordinary grace to cover and keep you along the way:)
-Jennifer

Martha Lever said...

Mary, this is a wonderful piece!! And that is so exciting about showing this to the women of your church. I would so love to be a fly on the wall when you present this--or even better if I could be there. I wish I could snap my fingers and be there. I will be thinking of some tips. I would like to know some tips myself!

Denise said...

Congrats sis.

Hindsfeet said...

Like I said, Mary, I'm soooo technologically challenged, but I think if you click on this link https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=7f3c4ba567&view=att&th=12a3a17a418ff01d&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw you'll be able to view my very first attempt at visual journaling...

I was so encouraged, it was such a catharsis, such a window into what was going on inside me....really something....

Anyway, this picture didn't come out so clear, but it is a woman (me) underground whose feet and hair are roots but she is pushing up out of the ground, into the light of a new day.....breakthrough......like a seed planted long ago pushing up through terra firma to finally make a re-appearance in the "Land of the Living", totally transformed.......

loving this outlet and, again, am so thankful for the inspiration here to give it a try...

thanks so much, Mary...really look forward to hearing about how this class goes! : )

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Way to go Mar! I know that all of the areas you've listed come into play for me, but I'll take some time and send you off an email, anything to help you as you launch out in this expanded workshop setting. Too cool

Anonymous said...

oh, mary! what a cool opportunity! you are going to be awesome...thank you so much for the beautiful card you sent. it has a special place in my heart and in my studio! xoxoxo

Kendra@Creative Ambitions said...

Mary... so good to always hear from you!! I hope I can do justice to the farm table. It was on it's last leg... ha!

I think this is awesome! What a great way to combine the love for art and journaling and fellowship with others at your church. I pray it will be growing ministry for your church and will help others in expressing ideas, and the healing and nurturing of minds!

Love it!

Kendra

Mollye said...

Hi Honey, I haven't read the above comments so if I'm duplicating someone else, please forgive me. My thoughts are:
1. a prayer journal
2. a "who my son is meeting up with in heaven", 3. a slice of my childhood; interests, etc. for future grandkids and greats
4. a creative journal with a theme of colors, shapes, or something structured
5. a gratitude journal
6. a self-help journal to review in a year to see how far you've come in a certain area

So many different reasons for journaling. You are amazing and they will love your presentation. Love you, Mollye

julie king said...

oh mary that sounds like such a fun project. i'm sure the women in the group will appreciate your guidance. here are a few ideas you may be able to use:

what do you miss about being young(er)
what do you love about being old(er)
who do you most want to be when you grow up
sketch the person who has influenced your life the most

a few original quotes of mine:
hope whispers, love dances, joy sings out loud
she journeyed far to find herself
hope blooms in your heart

have fun!!!!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

that's wonderful Mary...wish I could be part of that group. They are going to be so blessed by you.

Odd Chick said...

What a wonderful idea! I use visual journaling to promote and value my inner creativity- to release either the beautiful or the ugly that resides within my mind that day

laurel said...

That is so cool that you are teaching that class. I'm sure you and the other ladies are going to have a blast. I could use a journaling class myself. Seem to have a block with that. PS love your new banner.

Dena E's Blog said...

May God continue to Bless you Sweet Mary in all you do to share about Him in everyway that you are able..Because of your great love and devotion to Him ,,He will keep working through you and so you can keep sharing Him as the Holy Spirit directs you.. How Aqwesome Our Sweet Lord is!!! I thank Him for you evderyday,,even when I am not blogging ;0) What a Blessings you are..
Big Hugs Dena

Just Be Real said...

Mary you are truly a blessing to so many .

Hindsfeet said...

sorry about my picture not coming through....still can't wait to hear all about this, Mary : )

Eden said...

Mary, this is wonderful! You must have a neat group of ladies at your church. For me, the Art Journaling clarifies my thoughts, It takes me from a place where I thought I new what the answer was a little further......It uncovers all the layers of truth and feelings, if you will.

Good luck!

larkswing said...

First: I hope you feel better soon - a speedy recovery and energized for the move!

Ok, so many months ago, maybe a year ago, I came across a miscellaneous blog, as I was reading, one post was about her beginning a visual journal. I was intriqued. Then you started following my second blog. Again interest was sparked. Then yesterday I came across somerset studios art journaling and gave in and purchased the book. Again, I am intriqued, have a strong urge to do one but intimidated - I am not an artist. But I came to visit, challenging that part of me that says you have to be an artist, and I came back across this about teaching it to you church. So I am guessing you don't have to be too artistic? Can one learn (as an old dog) how to paint and draw, you think? Ok, guess I am now rambling, so I will keep plugging away through your journey. Thank you for the inspiration (p.s. I did attempt some pages, more than one because as I have read here and other spots, wow! it does help sort through the layers -easier and more honest than words in some ways)
:)