"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.

9.13.2010

Journaling workshop









My church's first visual journaling workshop!!  Can I tell you how wonderful it was?  Over twenty precious women attended.  The time just flew by.  There seems never enough time to get everything in.  What a joy it was to see these women taking the time to slow down and create.  I had one busy mom ask if I ever felt guilty taking the time to do this.  I told her to not listen to those voices, this is an important thing she is doing.  Though I stressed "playing" in their journals, this is so much more.  Those of us that journal know this do we not??  My friend Wendy (who is in my ongoing Saturday journaling group) gave a beautiful testimony about her journey with visual journaling.  Thank you Wendy!!

What a learning experience this was for me!!  It was so much more work than I expected.  I have learned to begin preparing far in advance is much better than waiting till a few weeks before it begins.  Though I knew what I was going to do, I left the busy work of pulling everything together till the last week.  I will not do that again.  

Okay, take a look at the last picture I posted.  Isn't it precious?  Becky (on the left, who is a part of my Saturday group too) came with her mother and grandmother.  Her grandmother used to work in watercolor.  Becky's mom Carol, said to me, "I tried for weeks to get someone to stay with Mom so I could come to this with Becky.  But God had other plans.  I am so glad I brought her, this gives us something to do together."

I am going organized and clean my studio today (again). It seems like I am doing that often.  How can it get so messy I ask you?????  :)

Blessings!





30 comments:

Art by Darla Kay said...

How fun! I would love to spend an afternoon with friends doing something like this!

Debbie said...

Sounds like a fun experience!

Joji said...

How wonderful Mary. This is sure to bring much joy to all who particapate...I see Gods hand all over this.

Nancy said...

Mar, I am so excited for you and all that God is doing in your life.....What a treat to be able to share your passion of journaling with these wonderful handpicked girls....including the grandmother...Isn't that just like God, He even had plans for her at her age.......

You have given these gals a gift that could bless them the rest of their lives if they so choose......I am so proud of you for being obedient to His call......

Hugs and Hugs....now you get to rest alittle...

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Mary, The picture of Becky and her grandmother is priceless. It is a moment that they will journal about I'm sure. Thanks for sharing with them and with us.

Marsha said...

How wonderful! I can't wait until I learn this.

I know what you mean about the last week being crazy!

Blessings.

Denise said...

Sounds like alot of fun.

laurel said...

Looks like it was an awesome class.

jgr said...

I'm so happy for you and for all who attended. Looks like you had a blast!

Unknown said...

Just wonderful Mary : ) I love creating art with others.

Jo Reimer said...

Look at the intensity on all those dear faces! I love it that so many young women participated, that they were able to make time for this important workshop, and I have a feeling that they will all continue now that they have started. What a blessing for you and for them. I've been wanting to teach something similar. Maybe I can make it happen soon.

e.beck.artist said...

martha worked the kitchen, and mary sat next to jesus listening ....

in our world, marthas have trouble slowing down and taking care of themselves and journaling ... you, aptly named mary, are taking good care of your inner life and are teaching others too as well ...

good job!

Jane Farr said...

This looks wonderful Mary! Have you ever heard of Soul Care or "Write for Your Soul" by Mindy Caliguire? (www.soulcare.com) Your group reminds me of what that ministry tries to foster. :)

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

SO VERY PROUD OF YOU MAR! I'm glad you stepped out and did the BRAVE GIRL thing and shared your wonderful gift with those precious women. By doing that YOU just helped them open up a whole new part of themselves that God is going to use in their lives. I'm soooooo glad you are my friend and I can say "I know Mar", when you become famous for starting these visual art journaling workshops in churches! Awesome-awesome-awesome- Yes YOU are!

♥♥♥ Lee Ann

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Yea! Great turn out and I know the word will spread. Good on you girl, only trouble is, someone has to get a pic of you with the group next time! Feel like you're on the verge of something so much more...

Just Be Real said...

I bet it truly was wonderful Mary and you left there with such a good feeling. Glad for you. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Mary, thanks so much for sharing the pictures of your class. I am honored to follow your blog and see what God is doing through you. Would love to hear more about what you did and your plans? Will there be more, or was this a one day class? Was there a specific prompt for each person, did they bring their own supplies, did you charge???? LOVE to you

Unknown said...

Awesome, thank you again, for your inspiration. I know God led me to your blog...He is so good!

Jennifer Richardson said...

Priceless.
And how blessed they were
to have you as their adventure guide!
-Jennifer

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

I am SO EXCITED and HAPPY for you and so proud of you Mary!!!!!! I have goose bumps! That last photo actually brought a tear to my eyes. You are an angel. What joy you spread by doing this. I know God smiled down at your journaling group. Oh, Mary, I wish i could be there with you to experience this first hand. Thank you for sharing! ~Love, Kath (PS. School is going well, better this week than last too! The start is the hardest part. Thanks for asking, I do appreciate it.)

lori vliegen said...

i can feel the creativity and excitement in the air just by looking at your photos!! what a blessing....to the participants AND you!! the last picture is precious!! xox, :)))

Susan said...

Love the mix of young and old(er)! Especially Becky and her Grandma...priceless. Good for you for stepping out & doing this; good for them for coming. Can't wait to hear where this leads in the lives of all these women!

Buffy said...

I think God has given you a gift of teaching Mary,I'm so happy for you. Look at how many showed up. Thats so sweet about the grandmother. Thanks for sharing.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

What a truly beautiful day...you have inspired me. Perhaps I will lead up a journaling workshop at our church too! How wonderful! Any tips?

Martha Lever said...

Mary, this is wonderful. I hope you will write down your lesson plans and curriculum because this program could be used at other churches. God might have a bigger plan than you think. I secretly would love to do this with a group of women from my church and having a curriculum would be wonderful because the planning of this is just so daunting for me. You're a trail blazer, Mar!!! HUMMM....Something tells me you're into something good! (I sang that part)

Bonnie Heather said...

Mary your wonderful to do this for everyone. It takes a lot of work and caring. May God bless you richly.

Unknown said...

Sounds like such a wonderful time was had by all....you are truly an amazing and caring person, and will be blessed by your deeds!!!

Unknown said...

There you go sister, everyone has expressed exactly how I feel about you sweetie..I'm so very proud, and believe like Martha, that God has bigger plans for these workshops in other Churches...I've even discused it with some in my Church.. What a wonderful sight to see all those who attented so involved...another door opened that will definately change their lives...even the Grandmother. I hope to meet her when I come down in Oct. perhaps even come visit your Saturday group!!! What fun...love you so much Mar..

Mary S. Hunt said...

AWESOME!!!!!!!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is just Wonderful!!! Seeing your vision come to past has to be soooooo special. Only God could bring it about and bless so many!!!
Let me know if you ever come to Texas I will come to one of your workshops!!