Art.

It. Is. Finished. 

I sat down determined to finish that painting I mentioned a few blogposts ago. Surprisingly, I did!

One of my favorite sites. 

Details in the fabric. 

 My mini me. I love that she loves art and painting! And I love time spent with her even more!

Happy Thursday!

Jennifer

Bishop/Eaddy Wedding Day!

   

A little over a year ago I wrote THIS about my cousin Jordan.

When I think of Jordan, his name and what he has been through I can't help but be reminded of Joshua 4 especially these verses:

23-24 (The Message) “Yes, God, your God, dried up the Jordan’s waters for you until you had crossed, just as God, your God, did at the Red Sea, which had dried up before us until we had crossed. This was so that everybody on earth would recognize how strong God’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always.”

This past weekend I got to be a bridesmaid and stand beside two of the strongest people I know. To say that I am honored to have been a part of my cousin Jordan and his beautiful wife Kaila's wedding day is an understatement.

Just a little over a year ago our family, community and several people across the country begged and pleaded for the Lord to spare Jordan's life. 

Jordan was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer and was given little chance of surviving. We weren't sure if we would get to see him live a few more minutes let alone another day, but because our God has a greater purpose for Jordan and because He was faithful to the cry of so many hearts, here we are over a year later witnessing the miracle of Jordan standing at the alter next to his pastor and his groomsmen while watching his bride walk down the aisle. 

Here are a few more pics! Enjoy!

We had to write how long we have known the bride;)

I love you Jordan and Kaila! You set a beautiful example of what God intended the institution of marriage to be before you even took your vows. I'm so proud of you both!

Borders.

One of my favorite worship songs lately is: 'Oceans (where feet may fail)' by Hillsong United. 
I had this song blaring while I painted on Saturday. I thought about how one of the reasons I love to paint is because there are no borders.
I get to put anything I want on that blank canvas.
With each new and different stroke of my brush I watch as colors that were chosen intentionally become the foundation of what I'm creating; they become this array of colors that begin to take on an image. Until that image is complete though, it often looks messy, strange, and a little odd. Sometimes I feel like its a complete waste. Then I remember it's a work in progress and so I start adding the small details, perfecting it bit by bit until its beautiful in its own unique way.
Sometimes I feel like art. I feel messy, strange, and a little odd. But I too am a work in progress- God is not done with me. He is refining me and working out every detail of my life to mold me into His image. 

Though my present and my future look a little different than I thought they would, I'm okay with that. It was never about me or the idea I had for my life anyway; His plans are always greater than my plans.
I stumbled across the picture above somewhere on instagram and I just love that quote. It's so easy to let our negative circumstances define us and allow the pain, fear, and anxiety of life get the best of us. The truth is we live in a sinful, fallen world where there is pain and fear abounding-there's no getting around that, but I do still believe it to be a beautiful place.
I believe that because it's the place that God has provided for me; it's my lot in this small infinity and it's the lot in which He is going to carry out His plan for my life.

I don't know exactly how He is going to work out the small details in my life, but I know that He is good and He is sovereign. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

My biggest prayer as I step out and trust Him with the details is this part of the song 'Oceans'. 

''Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine"  

Ellie Kate's space and Saturday!

This past Saturday, was an absolute blast for this creative soul. I spent the entire day painting with my Jude dude, writing and doing a little interior decorating. It was great!

I also got to observe this beautiful double rainbow with Jude at the end of our day and explain to him about God's promise and His faithfulness to His people. 

As for the rest of Saturday...

I'll just start by explaining that the kids are sharing a room in my new place. The thought of a seven year old and her three year old brother sharing a room day in and day out (especially during the summer days) sounds terrifying right? Surprisingly, they are doing exceptionally well. Each space is split smack dab down the middle by their adorable rugs and both kids have been more that respectful of each others space.

Jude's side looks so cool, but Ellie Kate's not-so-age-appropriate décor didn't look quite as cool. So like any budgeting Mom, after we got settled in a few weeks ago I started keeping my eye out for major bargains.  Believe it or not, I managed to cover her walls and bought her a brand new comforter and sham for just under $75.00.
I found most of the wall décor at Hobby Lobby. The three princess pictures were from target a few years ago but this adorable chalkboard and burlap banner (hobby lobby) was $5 bucks! I added the burlap ribbon (which ended up looking like little roses) to cover the unsightly nails I used.

I love that the added ribbon kinda goes with the rose theme above the next picture.. which are both also from hobby lobby.

Can you believe this picture (again, from hobby lobby) was $2.80?! (I added more burlap ribbon above it to add a little flare.)

I'll be honest, I really wanted to keep this one for myself. How beautiful is this picture of Psalm 51:10?!

And this comforter with matching sham?  Target. I have been eyeing it for a while and finally managed to score it for $10!!

Ek came home from spending the week with my mom to find her side of the room totally made over and she loved it! 

As for my painting, I only got 1/4 of the way through it.. I know it's nothing exceptional at this point. It's a work in progress; It's messy, undone, flawed and certainly not 'nice looking'. 

 I love this quote I found on Instagram recently "She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something." 

I will finish it at some point. In the meantime, you can look forward to a blog post on it up next!