Before I lay me Down to Sleep

For the sake of time and sanity(i need my rest for the day ahead), this will be a short post but i just have to share my thoughts on the Bible study that i attended tonight. The name of the study is "Can We Talk?" by Priscilla Shirer. Since this was the introductory session we viewed tonight i won't be starting my homework til tomorrow morning but i am so eager to get started. The next six seeks will be about learning to talk with God. Each week has a different topic and the first week's chapter is titled, "Firestarter" in which we will realize the power of the tongue. I have to admit this has me cringing as i remember words that have been spoken to me and words i have spoken to others. Words have hurt me and unfortunately i have used words to hurt others. I hope everyone will stay tuned as i share what God teaches me in the coming weeks. It is also my hope that as you read that you will ask what God may be trying to teach you. Now, readers, i ask you to help hold me accountable too. Some of you know me personally and see me on a regular basis, when you see me will you just ask me if i am following through in what God is leading me to do? For those of you who know me through the reading of my blog please feel free to ask me whenever you drop by. I love hearing from everyone and thank God for you all! And now i say, "Good night, friends!".

A Book, a Blog and Inspiration

The inspiration for charis-ma comes from this book, "The Creative Call", by Janice Elsheimer. Elsheimer is a creative writing and language arts teacher and her purpose in writing "The Creative Call" was to help the artist realize his or her talents and draw closer to God, who has given us the gift of creativity. The book is set up to be used individually or in a group. There are eight weeks worth of reading and writing exercises. At the end of the eight weeks the reader is treated to a guide for an artist retreat. I am presently starting my fourth week which deals with forgiveness. Trust me when i say God is working on me through this book. When i started "The Creative Call" i expected to learn more about myself and God's intended purpose for the gifts and talents He gave me. What i did not expect was how God would use the book to open conversation with so many others who say they enjoy drawing, sewing and other creative pusuits but they do not consider themselves creative or artistic. As someone who has believed this way myself for many years i have been fascinated by their stories. As God opens my eyes to the potential He has given me and as He encourages me i want to encourage others as well. Charis-ma gives me that opportunity. This is my place to share my growth as an artist with anyone interested. Here i will also share my struggles,hopes,dreams and whatever may help those who stop to read. I will also share what inspires me, whether it is music,quotes or articles-whatever the source of inspiration if it can be shared i will post it here! Of course, this would not be much of a creative blog if i did not share my own creative works as well. There may not be a whole lot of that right now but as God works on me that will change. If you have made it this far into my first post i am grateful and also hopeful that you will be back to enjoy charis-ma. Please visit often and let me know how you like your stay here!