Send #scripturedoodle to Thailand this Christmas

The other day I posted this picture on Instagram... and today God is showing how incredibly true this really is, about a dream of mine: #scripturedoodle. 

God gave me the idea about three years ago for #scripturedoodle- a quick illustration of a bible verse. I first thought it was just for me, but God has shown me #scripturedoodle is not just for my artist heart but it is for everyone, for people wanting to explore God's word in a creative way. As we are all allowed to sing in church we all have the freedom to try art in worship. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Three years later God is using #scripturedoodle to put hope in the hearts of children in Thailand. 

Here's a story about a little girl called "Hope" and her #scripturedoodle shared by my new missionary friend, Kathryn:

"She wrote Ephesians 5:8 (in Burmese). It says "for once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!" She told me that God put a dream in her heart to start a "Jesus home". When I asked her what she meant, she said, "I want to start a home for children who are unwanted and show them how Jesus is our Savior! At my home they will learn that Buddhism can never save them, only Jesus gives light and life!" And she is only 11 years old!! 

Hope, like the 149 other children, is an orphan. She is part of the Mercy home orphanage where she receives care from missionaries. Sending her a #scripturedoodle starter pack will not save her life, it won't even feed her, but it will bring her hope. It will be hers, and it will help her dream, and as a child, I think that's a need, a treasure, a sweet privelege of  being young. And if she can learn the hope of Jesus at a young age it will carry her through the rest of her days. 

Here's what I know: 

1. I can't do this without you and group of people passionate about helping. 

2. God is doing something incredible here and I don't want to miss it. 

3. This is a huge goal #scripturedoodle starter packs for 150 kids = $3000 

4. Christmas is on December 25th and my dream/mission/hearts cry to God is to get the packs there by then. 

Our goal is to raise $3000 to send 150 #scripturedoodle starter packs to the children of Mercy Home and the Life Impact Centers. Please consider helping. What does that look like? Prayer-first and foremost for the children of Mercy Home and the Life Impact Homes (three homes total). Pray for their safety and God's blessing over them. Second, consider sponsoring a pack for a child for $20. If you have kids maybe help them put together some sort of fundraiser to help, like a bake sale. If you are a doodler or artist, consider selling some of your own #scripturedoodles or artwork to help raise funds. If you're not able to give then share our story with anyone who will listen. And pray for God to provide the funds, I know he will because GOD IS FAITHFUL. 

We have set up a gofundme page where you can donate: http://www.gofundme.com/ggo9mg 

And if you want to learn more about the ministry team serving there you can visit their site: www.lifeimpactintl.org 

God's story is the sweetest, and I'm so glad we get to be part of it!

Why #scripturedoodle?

Have you ever been chasing a dream that maybe wasn't what God had for you even though it was a good thing? That's been my last two years. Even though I was pursuing my art it wasn't the part of my art that He wanted me focused on..... Here's a few things He's been teaching me:

After much stress and fighting God sometimes without even knowing it I finally said okay. And can I just say that it feels so good to say yes to God! I know now where he wants me and that is spending time on #scripturedoodle. For the past couple years I steered away from it because frankly I didn't think the idea could sustain me financially, but as we know but sometimes need reminding- it's not about the money it's about obedience. And if God calls me to it, he will make a way financially for it.

All to say, you'll be seeing a lot more of it in the coming days. I feel like God wants to use the creative worship space of #scripturedoodle to make himself famous and to draw hearts to him. I feel so strongly that #scripturedoodle is not just for the artists- it is for anyone who wants to explore God's word in a new way, that is my heart and so I want to make it available to everyone. I have this wild pipe dream that someday we could illustrate the whole bible with #scriptuerdoodle.... I can't even wrap my mind around that one but I'm just speaking it so that God knows I hear him and I believe that nothing is too big for him.

I also have a huge confession to make, I am NOT A BUSINESS MASTERMIND.... not a big surprise to those of you who know me well, (especially my husband). The whole idea of growing this thing is a bit scary and seems too much for my creative brain, but I do know that if this is where God wants me he will guide me and show me the steps to take to build it. You can follow most of what's happening with #scripturedoodle not here but at worship-artist.com

SO... what is he calling you to? Will you say yes?

Be Strong and Courageous Joshua 1:9

What a strong verse this is! Although these words were spoken over Joshua before battle I believe they can be for us too. Take a moment to read the scripture again, but this time read it as if it is for you. 

Whatever battle you are facing today know that "God will be with you wherever you go". "Do not be afraid" and no matter how hard it gets "Do not be discouraged". God will make a way for you. He knows your situation and he is already at work on your behalf. He is after all your father and he will fight for you (nehemiah 4:20).

MAR

25

Let's Collaborate

Y'all it has been a while since we've done any kind of #scripturedoodle collaboration around here and the other day my girlfriend said, "it's time". If you don't know what it is you can read more about it on this site.  In a few words #scripturedoodle is a quick doodle or illustration of a bible passage. For me it's a great way to look at God's word from a new perspective and as an artist it brings that visual element that I love. I do it during my bible study time, morning or night, whenever I get my mind straight to make time for Jesus, can I get an amen?

SO... starting tomorrow I'm inviting you to join me for a super low commitment- short and sweet collaboration, just to get your feet wet. We'll be going through Habakkuk, don't worry it's only three chapters so we'll be done by friday. How it works: Let's read a chapter a day, maybe read it through once and then read it again to get a better handle on it. Then, choose ONE verse or a couple if they fit well together to draw a simple illustration of what the verse is saying. I usually use pen and paper, but whatever your heart desires is what you should use, you are the boss! Lastly- post it on IG or FB and tag #scripturedoodle #habakkuk so we can all follow along.

Very briefly let me say that #scripturedoodle is NOT about making excellent artwork for people to ooh and aah over. It IS about worshipping God. It IS about unlocking a creative element in your time with Jesus and it IS about freedom in Christ. If you're still not convinced you should try this here are 5 reason why you should!

See you tomorrow!!

A Doodle of the Day from @gabydoodles

Sharing a doodle today from a girl who has taken the idea of illustrating scripture and made it her own! Daily Gaby shares simple #scripturedoodles that bring  the truth of God right to your heart. Be sure to follow her #scripturedoodle feed on Instagram @gabydoodles

Here's one of our favorites from her!

A guest doodle from Amy Lou

Proverbs 31 is the ultimate scripture for women. I have the verses all over my house and I love reading the encouraging words. As we strive as women to embody this proverbs 31 woman let's remember that God's love is filled with grace upon grace! What He desires most from us is love and worship- not perfection and striving. There is freedom in Christ! 

I love this doodle from @amylouhawthorne via Instagram. Her feed is full of beautiful artwork and encouraging love to others. Be sure to give her a follow. 

Matthew 13:47

Today a #scripturedoodle from @kingsqueen75 via instagram. I'm not sure I remember ever reading this scripture before but I'm sure I have. I just love the visual that the kingdom of heaven catches fish like a net. Aren't we just so blessed to be those chosen by him. And that it says, "all kinds of fish". We are all different and made by him just to be ourselves. That's something I've been wrestling with lately. What does it look like to be "me"? I love myself and I'm so thankful for the life He's given me, but I often think, "am I doing this right?" So glad He is my guide.

Happy Monday!

Doodle of the Day

Today I was flipping through the #scripturedoodle hashtag search on instagram and I'm just blown away by all the beautiful illustrations out there. I love that God is receiving worship in so many ways! Here is one of my favorites by a gal called @leah_marie_brusselsprout. Such strong words from the book of Ruth and a Chris Tomlin worship song I believe. And- i love the compass.  Thanks for letting me share Leah!