Friday, January 1, 2010

A Fresh Perspective for the New Year

 I spent a very interesting New Year's Eve...fighting a cold......alone. It was a great opportunity for reflection.
Hubs and I had planned a quiet evening at home with a movie since I hadn't been feeling well. It became necessary for him to spend some time with his parents last night, they have been in need of a bit of help these days due to some medical issues. So I stayed home and he ventured out. By the time he got home it was 9:00 and I was almost asleep. Needless to say the New Year rolled in without any hoopla from our house!

So on to the fresh perspective, I thought I'd share a new card in which I used some water-color pencil coloring. I don't usually use much coloring (just don't think I'm very good at it) but I have decided to branch out and try some of the techniques that my Flickr friends have been using so successfully. (I've even dragged my sewing machine out to try some stitching too.) There is some sparkles from Perfect Pearls misted over the colored image. (click on the photos to enlarge them)
I'm hoping to branch out with new and improved art this year and I'd like to invite you to come along with me.

Thought for the Day: So back to the opportunity for reflection mentioned above. I spent some time "pondering" Philippians 3:13-14, Paul is writing to the church in Philippi...
"But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
   It's the first day of the new year, another milestone occasion to start fresh. Millions of people are starting diets and embarking on a quest to achieve their new year's resolutions. Many if not most will fail miserably, haunted by past failures. But Paul's advice is excellent- forget those things which are behind!
   Years ago there was a silly film called The Cannonball Run, in which oddball characters competed in an illegal cross-country car race. One character, the stereotypical suave, wealthy Italian who drives the expensive sports car, stands out in my memory. In one scene he yanks off the rear view mirror on his car in a show of bravado, and declares, "What is behind me is not important!" His goal was to reach the finish line first, that was his focus. Silly movie, but a wise statement that has stayed with me. Too many times I've been derailed by the ghosts of failures past. Paul said to forget what's behind- it's not important. And focus on ONE goal- to know Christ and to grow to be more like Him.
   My prayer for this first day of 2010, is that I would resolve to know Christ and to grow in that knowledge every day. To begin each day with fresh perspective, forgetting the past and it's failures; realizing that God's forgiveness is real, His mercies are new every morning and to take another step toward a life of faith and obedience. Every morning can be a fresh start if we follow Paul's advice.
Some additional verses to ponder: 2 Timothy 1:12; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1-2.
Blessings for a fresh start,
Nancy

20 comments:

  1. GORGEOUS!!!! I have ordered this stamp....I so want it right NOW after seeing your beauty!!!!

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  2. Beautiful card and a wonderful new way to look at the journey ahead.Warmest Regards,Cat

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  3. Your card is absolutely stunning! I love the close up pics here on your blog. You did an AMAZING job on the coloring and the mist of perfect pearls is beautiful!! Love your perspective for the new year. Such a great feeling to start fresh! :) I'm praying that 2010 will be wonderful and fufilling for you!!

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  4. Your card is amazing, Nancy!! And your coloring is fab!!! Have a wonderful New Year!

    Hugs,
    Vanessa

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  5. I think your colouring is beautiful Nancy and so is this card, I love the stamp. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2010 XXX

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  6. Nancy, adore your colouring and your card is beautiful. Hope you are feeling better today than you were last night. Many thanks for the lovely comment you left on my blog earlier. Happy New Year and all the best for 2010.

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  7. Nancy, it looks like 2010 is off to a great start! What a beautiful card, complete with sewing! Hope you're feeling better....sending warm hugs!

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  8. Hope you are feeling better Nancy. Wonderful card! I love your beautiful design and gorgeous colouring. Great idea to try out techniques you don't use very often (must do the same too). I'm looking forward to seeing all your creations in 2010 including those with stitching and colouring! Happy New Year to you and your family!

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  9. BEAUTIFUL heart card Nancy. Great design work! Doing Project 365 over at my blog. Check it out!

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  10. You use this stamp so well Nancy - lovely coloring! Hope you are feeling better! Thanks for sharing the verse, so so true!

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  11. Pretty card Nancy and it's great to see you try a technique that you don't use often. I'm all for going out of your comfort zone to try things because it's always a wonderful learning experience. I definitely want to do more of that this year. Happy New Year!

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  12. Beautiful card, Nancy! Your reflection just about brought me to tears. So many things I want to do better this year... be a better wife and mom and more faithful Christian. It's so easy to look at my failures and feel like there's no hope for improving. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
    Hugs,
    Sarah M

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  13. Hi Nancy! Hope you're having a good weekend! Just wanted to let you know there's a little something on my blog for you. ;)

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  14. Really an amazing card Nancy!! Wow, what a way to start off the New Year is with a beautiful card and love the coloring you did....hope your cold goes away soon!! I've been having a cold for a while now, but keep fighting on, as usual. Happy New Year to you!!

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  15. Thank you for both the BEAUTIFUL card and for the inspiration. I hope I can remain forcused on what's in front of me and not on the past. But I have found that the most difficult challenges once accomplished are always the most rewarding.

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  16. Stunning card, Nancy! I hope you are feeling better!

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  17. Good morning, my friend, I've passed some blog awards on to you - see my blog today. Hugs!

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  18. This card is fantastic! Love the coloring and the additional sparkle you added. Gorgeous! Love the inspirational thoughts, keep sharing them. They help us all.

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  19. Wow Nan this card is a stunner...love the muted colors and the glimmer adds just the right touch. The coloring is perfection all those tiny flowers and hearts...you have inspired me this wasn't on my list but, going to add it now...lol
    thanks and happy new year to you..jill is amazing
    hugs,kathy

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  20. Hi, Nancy! This is truly stunning! I love the colors you've picked, right down to that rich royal purple! :-)

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Thanks for your comments, I love hearing from you!