Working Hands
There is great strength that comes from working with our hands. Our sense of touch is fed, affecting the brain in a powerful way. As we work with our hands, either through our professional career or hobby, how often do we stop and think about how incredible this God-given gift is?
A line worker, an artist, a farmer, a chef, a writer, a baseball player, a carpenter, a housekeeper, a baker, a mechanic, a hairstylist, a musician, a florist, a quarterback, a music conductor, a seamstress, a doctor, a make-up artist, a gardener, a sign language interpreter, a volleyball player, a massage therapist, a knitter, a draftsman, a barber ….and on and on and on!
Our “handy” work honors the human spirit and gives purpose and meaning to our lives. It brings a sense of accomplishment and pride. Our hands are not always spot on but that is where we learn and grow. Our hands get tired and need rest… they also need praise for a job well done and grace when lessons are being learned. Take the time to stand in awe of your hard working hands …. praise them, praise God for them and then give yourself a round of applause for acknowledging & appreciating them!
xo Jana
photo: Mollenkopf
Ford Tough
If this 1965 Ford truck could talk I think it would say:
“Remember, hard work pays off…Freedom was fought for & is a gift that must be protected…Quality over quantity…Lessons learned from the past make for a stronger future…. Share the road but be aware of your surroundings….Never give up… Speak truth… If built well it will stand the test of time… Humor is good… A little rust on the fenders brings character & wisdom…. Be kind … Stay Strong…A good tune on the radio, a basket of daisies & a country road is good for the soul!”
Soul Expression
Play in a child’s developmental years is imperative to their “joy, freedom and contentment” (Where Children Grow, Froebel). We must not let it stop there! As adults, we must gift ourselves permission to carry out this same soul expression. It may seem like it is trivial or even immature to do so … quite the contrary! Swinging on a swing, twirling in a flower field, dancing in the rain, digging in a garden, singing in the shower, spattering paint, building a sand castle…. all beautiful ways to let go, bringing a sense of peace, freeing the soul!
When my clients ask me what they will be experiencing during our Intuitive Art (The Art of Surprise) session, I share that no matter your age, it is this free expression we will tap into, allowing your soul to soar:
~ Where Children Grow, by Friedrich Froebel, inventor of kindergarten. Cover, Justine Maendel, The First 2022
Just Because
A compliment, a smile, a flower plucked from the garden. It doesn’t have to be an occasion to shower an act of kindness upon someone. A thank you for “just being you” note, a little extra tip, holding the door, finding the owners of a lost dog, listening, a hug… the list goes on and on. And the beautiful thing, kindness grows like wildflowers, like dandelion seeds blown into the wind. With each new day brings opportunity, opportunity to shine these beautiful acts upon others…just because!
xo, Jana
photo: stock image
God’s Creations
“Everything created by God gives us an insight into his nature – mighty mountains, immense oceans, rivers, and great expanses of water; storms, thunder and lightning, huge icebergs; meadows, flowers, trees, and ferns. There is power, harshness, and manliness, but there is also gentleness, motherliness, and sensitivity. And just as the various forms of life in nature do not exist without each other, God’s children, too, male and female, do not exist alone. They are different, but they are both made in God’s image and they need each other,
to fulfill their true destinies.”
~Johann Christoph Arnold
Arizona Grown
I take great pride in being born and raised in Arizona! I have seen many changes in the Valley of the Sun over the years. The desert land is a sacred place that we must protect, respect and leave better than we found it! Our state seal proudly proclaims: “Ditat Deus” Latin for God enriches. May God continue to watch over & enrich our great state and may these blessings blanket our country. Proud to be Arizona grown and incredibly grateful for our freedoms those before us fought so hard for. Ditat Deus!
~Jana
Exquisite Intricacy
Look closely at a flower, not only taking in the color but really observing all the details of the bloom. What will be discovered is the exquisite intricacy of its form. Truly incredible really, that there are around 400,000 species of blooming plants that exist in the world with each showing off their uniqueness. Our senses are blessed & awakened by this beauty …. the exquisite intricacy…. zoom in, your senses will thank you!
xo, Jana
photo: Missouri Botanical Garden
Success Comes In Cans
It was 1980 and we were seated in our auditorium at Saguaro H.S. listening to a vibrant and fun motivational speaker. He was speaking to our Speech and Communications class, directed by Rose A. Nack.
The speaker’s name, Joel Weldon, professional public speaker, trainer and coach. He would later be known as instrumental in shaping the public speaking industry. He and Rose were great friends and we were excited to have Mr. Joel Weldon on our campus, enlighting us all! Beaming with his Arizona tan and bright white smile, we hung on every energetic word!
Rose Nack’s students were blessed with so many incredible tools for success. She equipped us with great nuggets from her tool box that I know many of her students, including myself, still draw from to this day. Not only did she teach us about the importance of a positive attitude, she helped us discover the genuine strengths each of us had within, helping us recognize and foster those gifts. And, as a bonus, she brought us Joel Weldon!
After Mr. Weldon was done shining his wisdom upon us that day, he left each of us with this quote and takeaway so we would never forget: “Success comes in cans, not in cannots”. Written on a can of course, to make it fun and really drive it home. Thank you Joel Weldon and thank you to the incredible Rose Nack … You made a big impression on us and planted amazing seeds for growth in our young minds! Forever grateful for your teachings, your wisdom and your dedication to us all!
~Jana
Into The Stillness
Through the haze,
it’s hard to see,
the distant light,
gently guiding me.
Into the stillness I go,
embracing the mystery,
taking it slow,
trusting the glow.
Surrounded by the beauty,
God’s hand in it all,
letting go of fear,
he’s got me,
even if I fall.
Into the stillness I go,
with strength & assurance,
it’s no mistake,
the heart is healing,
with each step I take.
Moving forward,
just being me,
walking with grace,
simple and carefree.
Into the stillness I go,
through the haze,
now I see,
he‘s always been there,
right beside me.
~Jana
Poetry 2024
Photo: Open Art
Moon Majesty
Moon Majesty all aglow,
midnight companion,
drawing us close,
hugging the soul.
Moon Majesty,
setting the night ablaze,
shining your face,
batting your eyes,
in mysterious ways.
Moon Majesty holding court,
beneath your radiance so bold,
memories are made,
stories are told.
A warm embrace,
a campfire song,
a tender kiss,
a quiet prayer,
the list goes on.
Moon Majesty,
what do you see from there high above,
do you shed a tear of sadness,
then a tear of love?
Moon Majesty all aglow,
midnight companion,
drawing us close,
hugging the soul.
Moon Majesty,
set the sky ablaze,
shine upon us from high above,
flood us with your majesty,
illuminate us with your love!
~Jana
Poetry 2024
Photo: Anzuoni