May 26, 2026
I decided to share one of the best ART adventures I’ve had in a long time! My granddaughter, Cataleia, loves to draw and invent new looks on her playful girly figures each adorned in fashion and style. We decided to create a cohesive collection on 5”x 3” card stock, and this post is what developed from a small initial idea with no real clear vision as to what we’d end up with.
My daughter-in-law thought it was a good idea to have Cataleia sell her art at a flea market. Kids art is right in my wheelhouse, so I quickly assigned myself to this marvelous task of guiding Cataleia toward a fabulous table display of saleable art. I hit the ground running with what she loves to do…draw her imaginative girly figures. This began the process of multiple phases.
Phase One included the completion of 10 small expressively drawn little gems on 5”x3” card stock, that were framed in white.
Phase Two…IDEA! Make COLORING PAGES from her original art!
Phase Three…Design 10-page handmade COLORING BOOKS to include all 10-characters. To accomplish this, we transformed 8×10 white gift bags sold at Walmart and used foam core for structure. Ribbon handles on the bags were perfect for carrying purposes.
Phase Four …COVER DESIGNS came next. The artistic challenge for the book covers and inspiration were taken from the master artist of cut paper collages, Henri Matisse, where only scissors are used to draw with. Cataleia chose 12 of her favorite encouraging quotes. To create a bright and cheerful look, each letter was cut creatively and ununiformly from colored card stock. No pencil sketches or outlines permitted. The only other item used was a glue stick. Imperfections were a must and celebrated! Cataleia’s 7-year-old brother even jumped in on the action.
Phase Five…the PRESENTATION. The completed coloring books were then tucked inside cellophane sleeves for a protected professional look. To button it all up, round sticker logos to place on the back were then designed to read—-ART by Cataleia.
Phase Six…yet another IDEA became evident! There were loads of leftover card stock scraps, thus cellophane bags that contained all shapes, colors, and sizes became—-Make Your Own Collage, which boosted sales potential.
Phase Seven- THE TABLE. A silver rainbow metallic tablecloth draped with colorful floral garland and a big poster board sign -ART by Cataleia - became the focal point and was sure to draw customer attention.
Needless to say, the entire table of product including 12 books and 12 collage bags were ~SOLD OUT~ by 12:30pm. Comments were so supportive and gracious. Cataleia’s art and book covers were heartwarming and happy, and the collage bags were a great inexpensive grab and go item. It was a huge success and learning experience for my sweet 10-year-old granddaughter… and for me! And she was quite the pro at interacting and engaging with the public!
THE MORAL OF THE STORY. Sometimes we don’t always know how something will unfold, but the exercise is to get started and let the work begin. Inspiration and ideas always develop out of a “hard commitment” to taking that first step. Rarely does it work the opposite way. Determination is key to push through challenges. It was a memory in the making.
Like the cover saying on one of the coloring books exclaims, it was “THE BEST DAY EVER!” Well done, Cataleia!
Zechariah 4:10 tells us—- “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
April 29, 2026
A Homage to Utrillo, by Helen Schem. The year was 1967. My aunt Helen was a painter. I cherish the most vivid memories of visiting her at her home on Long Island. As my cousins and I walked past the kitchen, she’d be sitting at her easel, painting. I had never seen that before and that image of her working was imprinted on my brain. It almost seemed sacred and unapproachable, as if it were holy ground, yet I was so curious to see more. This was my first encounter with oil painting and even the smell of it. My aunt continued to paint well into her senior years. The passion for painting became one that I would later dedicate a good portion of my life to, even to the point that I am sitting here writing about it. And just like Aunt Helen, I set up camp early on right in my dining room. I painted morning, noon, and night, even in the middle of the night. My kid’s friends often saw me painting when they sauntered through the front door of the house. I wonder if they were intrigued by it as I once was.
The realization is this — children need exposure. I’m convinced that it’s the exposure that imparts an interest in something that can later be developed. Raw talent is predicated by early exposure. My aunt bestowed a blessing on me without even knowing it. A synonym for bestow is also impart; to transmit, give, leave, pass on, to bequeath. The impartation through early exposure to painting mapped out a future journey. To be in close proximity to something, or in association with something early on is like being “caught rather than taught” in terms of learning.
While there are no coincidences with God, I have always hoped to be used as God’s instrument; one that imparts on others that same sense of wonder, both creatively and spiritually. The architectural plans for someone’s future growth and development are what lies in the balance. This, by my own definition, is the construct of a life well-lived.
April 28, 2026
My granddaughter Cataleia, age 10, is currently working on a series of small drawings directly from her imagination. She is not only musically gifted but is developing her artistic voice as well. Like most kids, her spirit is filled with joy, laughter, innocence, and trust. These precious little expressions echo those attributes and character. She recently drew a picture for her Papa’s birthday and thoughtfully captured his uncommon jade green eyes, which have not been inherited in two generations so far.
Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” One thing we prioritized in life early on was devotion to our children over careers. While we struggled financially in many ways, we believed that being available for our children was priority and often had to make many sacrifices to do so. Financial Advisor Larry Burkett once said that your biggest investment is your children, and it is one that will pay great dividends. I took that to heart years ago and never forgot it. Now that we are grandparents, we are seeing the fruits of our priorities and commitments. Our lives are full and rich beyond measure; certainly, more than worldly success or money can buy. Our grandkids are now being raised by parents that are wise and godly, and thus, the family circle surrounding my husband and I are as a crown of glory.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll, Insight for Living, talks about this verse and concludes by challenging fathers to prioritize their children and their relationships over their career. He urges men to openly show affection to their wives and to protect their “oneness” with their children, ensuring that professional success never shoves the family aside. The ultimate goal is to leave a legacy where, long after the father is gone, he is remembered for his integrity.
If there are any dignified goals in life, this is certainly one that ought to rise to the top. It’s a call to dads to fulfill their very important God-given role in their families. A righteous man who walks in his integrity — how blessed are his sons after him. (Proverbs 20:7)
April 16, 2026
Where are the places God has called you to?
Frederick Buechner says, ““The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Your gifts and God’s mission go hand in hand. Ask God how He wants to use you and what your personal mission field is. Pay attention to the local needs of your church and community. Has God given you a passion or gift that could fill that need? (Center for Great Commission Studies) I would add, pay close attention to your immediate family first. Is there a need not being met?
“God provides us with unique skills, gifts, and talents, and calls us to particular roles and activities. Although the roles might have apparent differences in importance, our callings are equal. They are a spiritual calling. There are no second-class callings from God. We will be worthy of this calling if we are devoted in our relationship with Him and look to Him only for leadership and strength.” (Theology of Work Project)
1Peter 4:10-11 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies---in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Discover the way God wired you and gifted you. Nurture and develop those things and begin to capitalize on them. Allow God to employ them at any given time, even if you think you are not capable. God desires to use ordinary people in ordinary circumstances, for extraordinary purposes. Know that our heavenly Father smiles on you as you give all you are and all you have, for His Name’s sake, however big or seemingly small that might be. Remain in the mindset of seeking the Savior; laboring to bring people to Jesus and Jesus to people.
Excerpt from “Love and Labor,” by D. Jencsik
Art by Cataleia, age 5
April 15, 2026
This amazing sketch was recently recovered from a saved pile of artwork. It was a giant birthday card given to her Aunt Lexie, affectionately known as “Tash.” There’s not one mistake on it; each line deliberately and innocently drawn with intention and precision. There are no second thoughts. There’s no doubt about it. It’s art at its purest and finest, created with the fullest expression of the nature of a young child. It made her so happy to create and gift this card, and it makes us so happy years later to have recovered it. The little artist (who happens to be my granddaughter) took great pleasure in the offering of this magnanimous creation.
I love to research the meaning of names and words. Here’s a quick exploration and explanation into magnanimous. When you see anima, animus, or a similar formation in a word, it’s often an indicator of something alive, lively, or spirited; something described as animated and full of life. The word animal refers to a living thing. The Latin word anima means “breath” or “soul” and animus means “spirit.” In magnanimous, animus is joined by the Latin word magnus, meaning “great.” Basically meaning “greatness of spirit.” (Miriam Webster)
We have a Magnanimous Creator. I came across an interesting commentary this morning after reading Psalm 104:31: “The Lord shall rejoice in His works.” The Lord literally takes pleasure in all He has made. God finds pleasure in the contemplation of His own works; in the beauty and order of creation; and in the happiness which He sees as the result of His work of creation. There is no impropriety in supposing that God finds pleasure in the manifestation of the wisdom, the power, the goodness, the mercy, and the love of His own glorious nature. (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible)
Being made in the image of God, art should make us happy, not only in the creation of it but in sharing it with the world for others to enjoy, even if it’s within our own familial world. Think of the unspeakable delight the Creator must have felt. By exercising the full expression of His nature in the creation of all things, humanity would have something to behold, receive, and enjoy. It’s no wonder artists throughout the ages paint directly from nature, gleaning both inspiration and pleasure from it.
An accomplished and disciplined artist/pastor/friend, who when asked why he paints, without reservation replied, "…for pleasure! If God created for His good pleasure… so can I.”
That uncomplicated straightforward response liberated my soul!
Art by Slade, age 7
April 14, 2026
I have always been inspired by the art of children, and this drawing is no exception. Picasso once said that it took him four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to learn to draw like a child. I think it’s wonderful to embrace imperfections and definitely okay to celebrate them!
My entire “True Colors” Collection is the simplest most enjoyable way I can create art that even closely resembles child-like qualities, yet I realize that they are highly sophisticated in their own right. It took me years of study to even begin to make sense of ripped up paper shapes and how they relate to one another. Then to find a satisfying expression and how to execute that in tiny spaces can take hours, believe it or not.
All skills are transferable. Whatever the degree of diligence and intensity you employ in one particular area, you will in like manner apply to another. It carries over. If you can learn to master one thing, you’ll certainly be able to master others. The best work ethic that I live by is this: Whatever your hands choose to do, do it with all your might. (Ecc. 9:10)
Someone said doing art and making art are two different things. Perhaps we are drawn to make art (which implies labor) because we need something of value to do? I will tell you that God just kept on creating in a labor of love. He worked. He is the author of work. Since we are created in the image of God, we too have been imbued by God with boundless creativity and wondrous imaginations…but I wonder… how much of it we employ???
God himself is a worker, and we will be more like Him then, not less than we are now. (Genesis 2:2) “On the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” And Jesus said in (John 5:17), “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” GOD IS A WORKER.
From the time of Creation, Genesis 1, all the way through to the Eternal State, the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21-22, love and labor reign supreme through God’s hand of perfection--
“God’s created order started with the perfect garden (Garden of Eden) and will be consummated in the perfect city, the New Jerusalem.” (The Theology of Work)
Not only did He speak the world into existence, but sculpted humans, planted gardens, even tailored garments, (Gen. 2:7,21; Gen. 2:8,9; Gen. 3:21) factor in all the animals, sea creatures, and the heavenlies! If you struggle with color combinations, just look to God’s created world. He perfected it all.
I’m reminded of this other quote by Pablo Picasso. "God is really only another artist. He invented the giraffe, the elephant, and the cat. He has no real style; He just goes on trying other things.” It’s true! Explore for yourself all the amazing creatures in our world, big and small. One must believe that our Master-Artist-Creator did try His Hand at everything! Just look in the mirror!
Excerpts from “Love and Labor,” by D. Jencsik