Lemons and Larkspur: doing what you love

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Galatians 6:4 MSG

I am drawn to color...flowers and fabric and paint and paper and ribbon and buttons, oh my!

I can't imagine my life without it. I believe even if I wasn't living in a place that gave me such full access to colorful things I would still seek them out. I would figure out a way to turn the vibrant colors of flowers into paints and dyes. I am just wired that way.

Turning that love into a vocation has been a dream come true for me. For so long I compared what I did to others and never felt what I did was as good, or good enough. The encouragement of family and friends (like you) has given me the courage to share what I love to do with others.

The positive response to my little shopette on Etsy, has led to a couple of other dreams that will be coming together in the near future.

I will be teaching a bible study to single moms that will also include making beautiful bible verse tags in March....and I just agreed to teach a banner making class this spring at my local quilt store.

It has taken me a long time to figure out that doing what you love...whatever that creative expression is that brings you joy, is service to God. He gave you that creative ability to use for others.

Oswald Chambers says, "God gets me into a relationship with Himself whereby I understand His call, then I do things out of sheer love for Him on my own account. To serve God is the deliberate love-gift of nature that has heard the call of God. Service is expressive of that which is fitted to my nature..."

Service is expressive to that which is fitted to my nature...I love that. What I love to do...what you love to do...that is meant to be our service. That is how God equipped us to serve. Our only responsibility is to do it!

Happy Weekend.

xo, Patty

20 comments

20 North OraJanuary 19, 2013 at 8:57 AM
Patty - I so agree with what you wrote about. I have come to a place in my life where I need to do what I feel the Lord wants me to do. I love being home and doing my blog and my Etsy shops. I feel like that gives me so much more time to do the things I want to do - like helping others, grandchildren, etc. I still don't do as much as I should but, finally, I've realize that's what I want my life to be. Knowing what HE wants me to do and doing it!!

Judy

PS I just LOVE my heart you made! Gorgeous. You do beautiful work and I love the scriptures.

corners of my lifeJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:12 AM
Looking forward to seeing what those lovely yards of fabric will become . . .
Sunny Simple LifeJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:17 AM
Patty they will all be so blessed by your teaching. I love the colors you have gathered and the vintage fabrics.
KrisJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:33 AM
Patty, that is so exciting. I totally agree with everything you said! When is the class???
xo Kris
krishnaJanuary 19, 2013 at 10:53 AM
the vase is too beautifull i also agree with you..
StasaLynnJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:28 PM
I love that verse in Galatians and what a wonderful praise to God and your opportunity to serve.

Thanks for sharing! Love your fabric choices!

Many blessings
My Little Home and GardenJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:39 PM
I think it's very exciting that you'll be teaching a banner class. Have fun!
-Karen
Dayle ~ A Collection of DaysJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:40 PM
All the best with the class. I know you will be a blessing.
Maria from Cuddle Bug KidsJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:56 PM
Thanks so much for the lovely reminder that what we love is so connected to God's plan for how he wants to use us. Blessings!
oldthingsJanuary 19, 2013 at 3:06 PM
Lovely blog and nice photos !
The fabric are so beautiful !
Have a nice weekend !
Olympia.

Lisa~A Cottage To MeJanuary 19, 2013 at 6:17 PM
I am so happy for you! You should be so proud of yourself! Good things are happening for you and well deserved! Love your fabrics!
LauraJanuary 19, 2013 at 6:34 PM
What a beautiful post Patty.
Everything you create looks perfect to me.
Your spirit is obvious.

Have a beautiful weekend,

Laura
White Spray Paint
❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁January 19, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Following your dreams and being obedient to God's calling. I'm sure your heart is overflowing. Good for you!
On Crooked CreekJanuary 20, 2013 at 11:13 AM
Patty,
I love the scripture at the beginning of this post!!!
Although my designs are made with paper, I, too, find that fabric is a great inspirational tool for me when I'm creating. Following your dreams is such a rewarding experience in life!!! A true sense of fulfillment!I'm grateful that we are both able to do those things which we love, our heart's desire!
Fondly,
Pat
ConnieJanuary 20, 2013 at 1:32 PM
Hello Patty, what a lovely post . . . service to others is pure love and joy. I'm excited for you and your new class. God bless you.
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
Maryjane-The Beehive CottageJanuary 20, 2013 at 4:08 PM
Hello Dear Patty!

Such a sweet and refreshing post! Loving one another and giving of service is what our time here on earth is all about! LOVE the colors of your fabric! Can'y wait to see what you make with them!

Have a wonderful week my friend!
Love ya,
Maryjane
MollyJanuary 21, 2013 at 6:53 AM
Your post is wonderful. What an exciting time for you! We were out of town this past weekend and I went shopping in a historic old town filled with quaint shops. I walked into a cross stitch store and rediscovered my past joy of stitching. Excited to work these fingers again....
Kathleen GraceJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:31 PM
This is so true Patty, sometimes it does take a lifetime to find what you love. It has for me! But I am learning how to use it for God and that is the happiest feeling ever:>)
Wonderful post!