My most Artful gift from @NixiNoxo

“The gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” 2Cor 8:12

Lots of people are nervous about Christmas coming and not having money this year because of lost business income, lost jobs, or lowered paychecks. Maybe this can be an opportunity for us to embrace the Artful Life and see what blessings God planted in our hearts, that we can give away without spending much or any money.

You don’t have to consider yourself an “artist” in a worldly sense, in order to live out the Artful Life. If you can find what God placed in your heart of beauty and joy to give away, you will be one of His most incredible artists and everyone around you will be blessed.

My daughter gave me the ultimate Artful gift last year. I’m sharing it here to give you an idea. I think I’ll share more ideas for an Artful Christmas in the days ahead. Nicki has to reach into her Artful self to find ideas to bless everyone, because she has 5 children. Even with good jobs, 5 Children in Christian school can make you feel like a pauper, by the worldly commercial standards.

But the world of commerce can’t begin to touch the beauty of this gift. She couldn’t have bought it anywhere at any price. And to me it is priceless!!! Bingo! That is God’s view of Fine Art!

I have 9 grandchildren and you see each one’s silhouette arranged by age in this framed plaque. Below the cut out silhouettes are written sentiments about us, as grandparents, decorated with scrapbooking stickers. Isn’t this beautiful? Isn’t it an incredible gift? She didn’t just include her own children either. She knew it would mean much more to us if she went to the trouble, of running around getting all of our grandchildren’s silhouettes. Now this is what I call Pollyanna Art! It is uplifting and inspiring every time I look at it. It is straight from the heart of God to us…via our daughter!

Pray for inspirations, or use other people’s ideas to bless your family and friends this Christmas. I’ll give you more ideas here, but this is one of my favorites. You would be amazed at the supplies and potential gifts you have all around you too. Most of us have STUFF! Don’t worry about not being able to go get more stuff!! You and God together have all the stuff you need. And what your family and friends really need is to know how much you love and care for them.

Have an Artful Christmas with your unique ideas and God’s inspirations. Leave a comment and let us all know what inspirations you come up with!!

Live the Pollyanna Artful Life and Be Blessed!!

We want so much for our children to have a wonderful Christmas season! Sometimes we might get ourselves so busy trying to make that happen that we miss what they really want most. Children want the adults in their lives to make time for them and play with them.  It really doesn’t take much.  They are most excited about the Christmas gifts that will get you to sit down and play with them.  What children really want most for Christmas is YOU!

Arrange your time to have nothing to do but be a kid again on Christmas and you will make memories your children will never forget.  Long after the toys have lost their luster and broken down completely, memories of your love and attention will linger in the most treasured corner of your child’s heart.  If you do not take this time to be a kid again for a few short hours now and then with your child, there will remain an empty spot in the heart that no one else can fill. And you too will lose out on a blessing and memory that is priceless and never again to offer itself as an opportunity in just the same way.

I often caution young parent who struggle with the stress of very young children that a time will come when they long for a sticky  kiss, or a sleepy child with whom they can snuggle. These little ones are are on loan to us for such a short time and it is our honor to shape their memories and character.  The beautiful thing is that God placed within them a powerful desire to spend time with us! If we miss that opportunity…well…we miss it!

Sometimes people do not reach out to try to play with kids because they don’t know what to do. The internet has a vast database on free activities to do at home with kids. Just Google it and see what looks like fun. Better yet let you kids look with you and pick a fun activitie you both like.

Here are a few I have learned never fail…

• Play board games they like.
• Teach them board or card games you like.
• Cook and bake with kids.
• Have a window, balcony, or backyard campout with hot dogs, camp songs, flashlights, and story telling.
• Make notes and cards for others with kids art.
• Go for a walk, skate, or bike ride.
• Exercise together with kids…Wii fit is great if you have one!
• Sing and dance.
• Go on a picture taking scavenger hunt.
• Make stuff…any stuff!
• Make up skits and vidoe shoots.
• Read the same book and talk about it(In fact make sure you read what they read) I even learned to play the same video games so I could know their lingo and what the game makers might be sneaking into their heads.
• Go lay down outside in the dark and study the stars.
• Chase them around with spray string!
• Set up an new blocks game, or train, or anything!
• Take them Christmas shopping at the dollar store.
• Put on a special theme party or banquet with them.

The key, as you can see is that you set aside time and make it a #1 priority on your calendar to build memories with your children. Artful relationships are built as you connect, listen, laugh(or cry), and pray together for the things most important in their world. One day they will be grown with children of their own and you will long for this kind of time. Don’t miss the chance to be significant NOW! Give the gift of YOURSELF…the gift that keeps on giving! HUGS!