"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.

1.23.2012

workshop feedback



it is so fulfilling when you hear something that validates what you feel God has called you to. very soon after my  journey with visual journaling began, i felt the pull to share how God uses this to show us our hearts.  how we can use it to explore them and what is going on internally. 

after saturday's workshop i received a request from a lovely young woman asking if she could share a bit about it and how it has impacted her life and art on her blog.  i wanted to share it with you.  i want to celebrate not me (though it is thrilling to be used) but God and what he is doing.

thank you Isabel.  

you can visit Isabel here



On Saturday, I attended an art journaling workshop taught by artist Mary Freeman, who is an incredible lady. After the very first time I attended this workshop, I can easily say my art was never the same. The central message of these workshops is that the art you create is not supposed to be a masterpiece but instead is supposed to be an outlet for you to speak and reflect on your life. In short, its a form of art therapy. You don’t have the pressure to make everything look “perfect” and can just freely experiment with all the cool supplies Mary Freeman brings to each class. You don’t have to be an amazing artist. You don’t even have to know how to draw a straight line!
And what makes these workshops even more powerful for me is the fact that my faith can also be intertwined with my art. Every class, Mrs. Freeman has Bible verses to share and stories that serve as prompts for the day. I love it most when my God gets involved with my art because, for me, true therapy is achieved through him. But, regardless of your faith, anyone can come to these journal workshops and anyone can be inspired by Mary Freeman’s amazing work!
Above I attached a few pages of hers that particularly inspired me on Saturday.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

YOur students are very lucky to spend time in your presence and it must feel amazing to know you are exactly where you need to be on your path. xox Corrine

Diane said...

what a wonderful testimony to your following God and guiding others! Would love to attend one of your sessions. Did you get the info about Unleashing the Artist in March in Atlanta? I highly recomend it!

Martha Lever said...

I wish I could come to one! You really are a blessing, Mary, and God has you just where He wants you.
oxox

Nancy said...

To be in the zone created for you...WOW...such peace comes from working out of that area.....and to get affirmation is just the topping on the cake.....But then I am not surprised because I know first hand that you and your art is wonderful.....

Mar, I am so proud of you for being obedient to your calling..I know sometimes you don't feel good but you press on and God blesses your efforts abundantly....You have touched so many lives with your teaching and love of art.....

I love you girlfriend.....

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

It's a wonderful affirmation Mary and so wonderful to see someone else 'get' how through creating we connect so deeply with ourselves and with our Creator.
Loved your previous post too, and the new opportunities coming your way! Yeah!

jgr said...

Mary, congrats on your great workshop!! I'm off to check out the link.

caryjo said...

How sweet and encouraging. You are, obviously, a blessing.

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

So AWESOME Mary! I love seeing how God is using you and your gift/talent to encourage others to open up themselves. What a wonderful testimony and thank you this sweet woman shared from the experience that you made possible.

♥Lee Ann