This Art Journal entry was inspired by Tracy Weinzapel from last weeks Mixed Media Monday webcast. You can watch a replay of the video and join the fun this coming Monday!

Journal Notes:
God may be leading us into a different life by closing a door or ending a relationship. It may seem like the end of your world, but it’s not. John 10:10 tells us the thief (devil) comes in order to steal, kill and destroy life. Jesus comes that we who believe may have and enjoy life and do so in abundance (blessings).
As Christians we are a new creation in Christ. Matthew 9:16-17 talks about new wine skins and the old wine skins. New wine skin ~ a new life/creation in Christ. The old wine skin is the former self. We need to learn to view ourselves the way that God does.
Life is precious. Do not waste your time dwelling on the past hurt, regret, and failures. Jesus said ‘ I remember your sins no more’. If He who bore the price for your sin doesn’t remember them why are you or anyone’s else dwelling there? If others can’t move forward with you, you do not need them in your life.
A new life means a fresh start and new attitude. If anyone or any church is dragging up the past you need to run from them and find a body of Christ who believes and practices the Word of God. Know who God is and who you are In Christ Jesus. When Satan or anyone else throws something in your face about the former you, tell them whose you are and who you are In Christ. God is not going to give up on you.
Emotions and some memories can bring up old feelings of hurt, sorrow, and anger. Know that just because you feel a certain way, you do not have to give into the emotions and mind set. We have to be determined to run and finish the race before us IN Christ!

Adopt the attitude that something good is going to happen to you each day. This is the day The Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it. Say it out loud, write on your mirrors, put on a post it note in your car. Sing to The Lord a new song. Say Jesus over and over. Tell him what you are thankful for. Remember His blessings in your past! This is what it means to encourage yourself in The Lord. Do it daily!
John 11:40-44 take off the grave clothes (your old self and ways). You are a new creation In Christ. Cloak yourself in His Word. Get to know Him and allow the Word to transform and renew your mind. Ask Jesus to help you in this journey of studying the Word.
Isaiah 43:18-19 … Do not remember the former things of old…behold I am doing a new thing! Think on what Jesus has done and is doing in your new life. Get a picture of it and dwell on Him and the new life you have. Can you see it through faith? Will give heed to Him? Remember God is not dependent on your circumstances or your past. He is doing a new thing in you!
I am who God says I am. I will rejoice and be glad in knowing who I am in Christ Jesus. Whatever our short comings are, God can help us overcome them as we trust in Him. Make room for Jesus in your life and take steps of faith. Refuse to give up on yourself. God has great plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11.
Remember Zacchaeus? He was so short he could not see Jesus due to the crowd. He did not let that circumstance stand between him and Jesus. He became a tree climber and Jesus recognized his determination and invited himself to his house!

Craft Notes: Mixed Media paper, acrylic paint, gesso, heavy weight watercolor paper, stencils, Scrapbook paper, alphabet stsmps, Stazon ink, bling, charcoal pencil, permanent marker, Pitt pen, glitter pen,
This was so fast and a lot of fun to create! The longest part was my title and lining up the stamps. To save time I think I should create my title on the computer, print it out, and apply with a gel medium. Thanks Tracy for the inspiration!

Blessings!
Donna Lee