Dream 2020

Any opportunity that I get to share a moment with friend, and influencer, Sherry Schie, I truly can expect to get an upgrade in my spirit. She has an amazing story, an open heart, and a drive to encourage others to dream big as she has done and continues to do in her own life.

She was lead to create an evening of dreaming, brainstorming, and encouragement. She opened her beautiful restaurant, Shy Cellars (a dream realized), and spoke from her heart about giving yourself permission to dream and steps on how to move forward.

She worked joyfully to set the environment for us to let go, laugh, and dream big as only Sherry can do. She spoke with authority because she has been there, she's walked this journey, and she walks it again and again because God is always giving us seeds of His big ideas as He desires for us to co-labor for His purposes on this side of heaven.

Shy Cellars was all set with a space for each guest, complete with our own art journal and all the creative supplies we needed to give us inspiration as we move forward to create the beginnings of vision boards.

I'm so excited for the next one!!! Yes, there is another one being planned for February 3rd with an amazing speaker that you won't want to miss!! Go to Shy Cellars on FB and Instagram and the www.shycellars.com and get on the mailing list so you don't miss the announcement for registration.

I was so honored to be able to have her invitation to share my heart as she gave me the opportunity to speak on battling opposition as you dream. (I'll be posting about that in the coming days)

What a privilege and the moment was not lost on me that I got to stand in the space with a group doing the same thing I'm doing. Knowing there is more...knowing we have purpose...knowing that God's vision and plans are way bigger than what we can see..

and knowing it's important because the impact of our walking in our calling is greater than we can see. It's eternal.

The first thing we encounter when we have a desire to move into new territory and walk in that Dream/Vision/Calling is opposition. It's just something we can expect, but don't be discouraged....we have effective weapons for battle.

I'll be discussing my thoughts on battling opposition and new territory in an upcoming post. I'm excited to share with you what the Father is teaching me about this subject that often kills a dream at the moment of inspiration.

Blessings to you

Tina

*photos used in this post were used with permission from dreamer/attendee, Natalie Mann

Design

Long before I became an artist painting primarily on canvas, much of my work focused on interiors. I love it! I've created many a mural and wall accent in homes and businesses over the years.

This particular mural happens to be in the wine tasting room at Shy Cellars in Strasburg, OH close to where I live, a beautiful and unique dining experience for everyone who visits. It also just happens to be owned by our good friends and fellow creatives, Chef Sherry Schie, her husband, Ralph, and daughter, Executive Chef Tara Schie.

Sherry and I share a similar heart philosophy about spaces. Wherever you are, it should feel like you belong.

That feeling of walking into a space, knowing where to go, having a wow moment, an exhale, a peace about where you are at that moment and the permission to be fully present, is what makes a successful space.

I've learned, over the years, that the best way to approach a space and make it feel like home (even for a moment), creating a setting for the best experience for someone, is simple really.

It's about The Five Senses. Yes! it's about design...not necessarily the design of the interior space as much as our design internally. You see, we are uniquely designed to perceive our surroundings through our senses. Taking the direction from our divine design never fails.

What we see, smell, taste, hear, and feel is how it all gets in. Getting as close to the satisfaction of all of these senses and doing our level best to hit that mark, is a creatives way of loving on people.

Loving in this way and surrounding myself with other creatives who do the same, keeps me on an exciting learning curve discovering new ways of expression all the time.

I believe this with all my heart.

I think about it every time I stand in front of a blank canvas, wall, or space. I know that what I'm about to do has the potential power to create a mood, encourage, be a reminder to keep going, to transport (even for a moment) a person to a peaceful place. What a privilege to participate in setting the stage for a memory.

I know and have experienced, both as a giver and receiver, the power of God (the true Creator) has worked in people's lives through the senses. Tapping into the flow of what He is doing in the world as He desires to lavish His love on people everywhere is the creative's purpose.

There was a time when I simply created pretty things and that was ok for that time. It was my training ground.

But now and for the past few years...

Before I make a creative mark, I've learned to ask for guidance, ask to be filled with vision, and ask to be fully skilled to accomplish a piece...for I know that it's not for me, it's for someone to experience as we are designed to do just that and for God to get the glory of which He is worthy.

I still make "pretty things" but with a deep appreciation of our divine design.

Blessings

Tina

Exodus 35:35

35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

source www.biblegateway.com

Dream and Play

So, I kept having dreams. Two dreams that I was painting on denim. I "don't do that" by the way.

When, in my head, I said...um, no, I don't do that... I still couldn't get it out of my heart, so off to find something blue jean to paint on.

I was a little concerned because there's a fine line between cool and tacky, but being obedient, having no peace about doing this, I decided to play.

and play I did!

I had the best time, even when I looked at my very amateur sketch that made me giggle. Pressing on and trusting that I was supposed to keep on going, that's just what I did.

Continuing to play with copper and loving how that was looking against the indigo...not taking this moment too seriously, I found myself having a fabulous time.

JOY took over!

What I learned by just going for it, not really knowing what "IT" was, is that it's ok to let go and just play.

It's ok to do a new thing.

You don't need to have peace and a direction to dive in!

Oh, the power of play, trying a new thing, and no pressure to perform. So Freeing...Life Giving...Authentic!

Giving myself the permission to play is a practice I will do more and more.