Rise Up. Take Courage. Do it.

Sometimes it's just that easy.
Get up, have courage, and do it.

Sometimes all you need is 2 minutes of courage.
Just two minutes...

And sometimes it's not that easy.
Sometimes its hard, sometimes you can't get a clear picture, sometimes everything feels fuzzy. My Mom would say: when you don't know what to do, do nothing at all... and never make a decision at night.

Wise words from a wise Momma.

What is it today that you need to be courageous about... something small, something big, something that totally overwhelms you?

Whatever it is... get up, have courage, and do it... you can do it.

Share the love,
M.

LostBumblebee ©2016 MDBN : Take Courage :
Ezra 10:4 : Printable : Free for personal use

LostBumblebee ©2016 MDBN : Take Courage :
 Ezra 10:4 : Printable : Free for personal use

20 Seconds of Courage.

Sometimes we need courage and we run away from hard things because we feel like we need enough courage to get through an entire ordeal, when the reality is, maybe- just maybe -we only need 20 seconds of courage. Those 20 seconds can be the start of something amazing or the end of something horrific. Just 20 seconds of courage.

20 seconds to pick up the phone
20 seconds to make the call
20 seconds to send that email
20 seconds to say I'm sorry
20 seconds to say I'm done
20 seconds to post art online
20 seconds to say no
20 seconds to say yes
20 seconds to take the first step
20 seconds to walk out
20 seconds to walk in
20 seconds to say I Love You


It doesn't have to be something complicated, just something you are scared to do for fear of what others may think. When I started my blog, it was scary. When I posted my art online for the first time it was scary. But all it took was 20 seconds. When I, (present tense, because I still get nervous) send clients work, for feedback and opinion, it takes 20 seconds of courage to press send. When I have to say no, when saying yes would be easier, just 20 seconds of courage.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to see what just 20 seconds of courage can do. It blew my mind. How just 20 seconds of courage can change a life. So this one is for everyone who needs just 20 seconds of courage to do that thing, you know the one, the one that has you worrying at night and stressed during the day, wondering what everyone will think- 20 seconds friend. Just 20 seconds of courage. It's all you need. Just 20 seconds.

Be Brave, Breathe, 20 Seconds of Courage, You can do this.
Share the love,
M.

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : 4x6.

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : 5x7.

LostBumblebee ©2015 MDBN : 8x10.

BE BRAVE...always.

Be Brave... always.

Sometime (most of the time) that is easier said than done. I think courage is a choice. You've just gotta do it. Sometimes it is really hard. (I mean really, really, really hard). I know for myself whenever I send work to a new client, I feel nauseous. I get nervous, I get a little panicky, it's hard. It's hard to send something off to someone that you've created -for the sole purpose of them to judge it. I guess I need to get thicker skin- but where do you buy that? Seriously, is there a pill you can take?

Usually it goes well, I get good reviews -so to speak, but still there is that little piece of me that panics, feels inadequate and pretty much just wants to hide. The blood drains from my face when the ding of my email goes off... But I do it anyway. Is it hard? YES. Do I have to overcome it every time I send work off to a client- yes. Is there a quick fix? No, I've been doing this for over 10 years and it hasn't gotten any easier yet... but I believe it will... so it will... and I'm anticipating that to happen tomorrow ;)

So in the spirit of bravery and courage and stepping out, here is a new Grown Up Colouring sheet for you :) It's a little different, it's a beautiful feather, I have mine all printed off, I haven't had a chance to colour it in yet... this one is hand drawn by me, for you. I hope you enjoy... and remember - Be Brave... always, even if you have to hide under the covers after, or your voice shakes, or you need to pee... just do it... you won't regret it...

Share the love,
M.

Please consider giving a donation to our Living Life On Purpose Journey- We are so encouraged by all of your support we really appreciate it! (D+M)

3 versions to choose from- 
Be Brave
Psalm 91:4
Psalm 91:4 complete verse

8.5x11

8.5x11

8.5x11

BRAVE.

Brave. Bravery, Bravely. Boldly. Go.

This year is a big year for the hubby and I. We're so far out of our comfort zone it is amazing and very scary all at the same time.

This year, I've got to be brave. Brave. I've got to be Brave with my art work. I've got to just do it, get it up, share it, show it.

I've got to go to a new place I've never been where they have snakes the size of tree trunks, spiders the size of whales and insects that eat you. Ok, maybe I am going a little overboard with my anxieties about weird and wonderful creatures... but I've got to be brave. It's an unknown world out there for us to see.

I've got to be brave when talking to people, brave when asking people for help. I need to be brave. It is not easy.

So today I'm encouraging myself and hopefully you today, to be brave. BRAVE!

What situation are you in today that required bravery? It could be moving, buying a new house, working on a new project, sharing your story, speaking up when no one else will, going out of your comfort zone to start something new... or taking on snakes the size of tree trunks... Whatever it is, I pray that you will go boldly into that new journey and be brave... because you can do it, no matter what it is, you can do it!

Share the love today + and be Brave!
M.

For more Grown Up Colouring Sheets Click Here :) 

8.5x11

8.5x11

Be Brave.

Sometimes I mutter this to myself, Be Brave. Just be brave, you can do this... But I know my strength (pathetic weakling that I am) doesn't come from me 'white knuckling' my fear... it comes from a higher power that "will not leave me or forsake me" (Deut. 31:6).

I carry a sense of security with me because I know I am never alone. Even so... when fear does grip me, and it does, sometimes more than others, and sometimes in weird and different ways:

I had a weird bout of this in China where it took my breath away, a fear so overwhelming that I had a physical reaction to the thought: what if we never have children. 

Be Brave.
The Lord your (MY) God goes with you (ME!); he will never leave you (ME!) nor forsake you (ME!).

We are dealing with some serious stuff as a family and we could use prayers for peace in our hearts...

Be Brave.
The Lord your (MY) God goes with you (ME!); he will never leave you (ME!) nor forsake you (Me!).

Some of you are dealing with illness in your family.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Some of you are dealing with issues of fear.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Some of you are dealing with loss.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Some of you are overwhelmed with life.

Be Brave.
The Lord YOUR God goes with YOU; he will never leave YOU nor forsake YOU.

Be brave. Be Brave. Be Brave.


I worry, I get scared, freak out a little, sometimes I have to do sheet therapy (i.e. take a nap). But I have a secret, I have a constant reminder, I know, that I know, that I know... "There is no fear in love; instead perfect love casts out fear..." (1John 4:18)  and I know... "The Lord your (MY) God goes with you (ME!); he will never leave you (ME!) nor forsake you (Meeeee!).” (Deut. 31:6)
and I know.... "that all things work together for good to those who love God..."(Rom.8:28)

Rest in knowing that you are not alone,
and that you are loved.
Share the love,
M.


Update: I added a second version - Scroll down, there is a version without the Bible verse for those who prefer it :) Have an awesome Day!
Share the love,
M.

4x6

5x7

8x10

4x6

5x7

8x10

Eat, Drink & Be Thankful!

It's that time of year, October in Canada, where the trees are all turning yellow and red and we get to celebrate thanksgiving. We celebrate it,  a month (plus some) earlier than our friends in the US, and I secretly love it! Canadians get to celebrate in October and then, because the world is so small- thanks to the internet,  we get to continue celebrating until the end of November!

I love that in my life there are almost two months carved out for being grateful, reflective, and thankful.  And that we get to celebrate this act of gratitude.

Yesterday was a terrible day in Canada. One of our own, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo (age 24) was shot while on honorary guard at the National War Memorial. It's a sad day in Canada, we are all rocked to the core with this horrible news... in this time of horror, it is hard to look into our hearts and choose gratitude instead of fear, retaliation, and hatred.  But we must, we must. Hatred breeds hatred... Love breeds gratitude and gratitude breeds love. I am so grateful to those men and women who put their lives on the line daily for our country and for other countries (maybe our Peace Keepers have even put their lives on the line for your country). I am grateful for the men and women who are first responders in emergency situations -who put their lives on the line for us every day. I am grateful for the people who stand for us and with us in times like these.  I pray peace over our Nation and over your Nation... 

In all things, give thanks... even in times like these...
Share the love,
M.

4x6

5x7

8x10

Maybe. Just Maybe.

Maybe, just maybe this is the key to having a happy, successful, productive life-  oh ya, throw in a little hard work, a lot of elbow grease, the desire to see others succeed and the ability to just keep on going.

Share the love,
M.

4x6

5x7

8x10

Frankly Darling...

I don't give a hoot.
Whoo me?
Nope I never feel like this.
Ever. I always care.

Ok, I'm lying- sometimes I just don't give a hoot. I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately... I often worry about things that aren't any of my business, my concern, or anything I need to even be thinking of.  Do you find yourself tangled up in this web of 'false responsibility' because it makes you feel valuable or worthy?

I've taken to reminding myself often "not my circus, not my monkeys" sometimes I have to say "not my circus, yes my monkeys" and still have to let it play out as it will.

I can't control everything, cause If I could, let me tell you... lol no, seriously- sometimes we just have to stop, let it go, and not give a hoot how it turns out for our own sanity! Sometimes we women tend to try to fix everything, for our spouses, our children, our friend's children, our parents - and the list goes on! But you know what... you don't have to fix the neighbourhood... you just have to live in it :)

I mean of course apathy sucks! That we take no part in- for causes that we need to stand for, we stand! For changes that we can make, we make! To fight the good fight, we fight! - I'm not talking about this sort of thing, I'm talking about the little stuff that we burden ourselves with, the stuff that tires us out so that when we do need to fight, apathy is just an easier choice.

What are you concerned about today that you need to let go of? What responsibilities are you carrying that really aren't yours to carry, but because you are such a good person, you took it over?
What do you need to say "Frankly darling, I don't give a hoot" about today?

Let it go... breathe... the world didn't fall apart- nope it's not easy, it sucks to not be in control all the time, but on the other hand, the freedom that it brings is marvellous!

Let it go + Share the love,
M.

4x6

5x7

8x10

July 4th!

Happy Independence Day USA!
For all of my friends south of the border (my border, the Canadian border)
This one's for YOU!

Happy 4th of July!
Share the love,
M.

4x6

5x7

8x10

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