"Fierce and Free"

The eagle is one the largest birds that is able to take flight. It's wing span can reach up to seven feet and it flies fierce and strong.....But it does so with grace. Riding on the waves of the wind. They are fierce. They are strong. They are free.

     I want to be like that. Throughout life, there will be constants. Constant encouragement and constant discouragement. I think it's interesting that so many of us are quick to notice when we are brought down by the people around us. Whether it is a mean word, a stale glance, or even just the subtleness of being ignored, it is so easy for us to point out the negatives we feel from friends, family, and strangers. Unfortunately, a lot of the time we neglect to see that most of that negativity we so simply blame on those surrounding us, is actually an unconscious negativity we put on ourselves.

     As an athlete, it is easy for me to allow myself to feel discouraged. Often times I am told that my chances of making it to the pro's are slim to none......wait.....is that really true? Okay, so maybe I've only been subject to that a handful of times at most. But, I fall prey to the idea of it on a daily basis. Because it is what I subject MYSELF to and I place the blame on a person who may have just passed by without even seeing me or maybe had a bad day and didn't feel like talking. It's selfish of me really. God created me to be fierce, strong and free. So why is it so hard to believe I can be that?

The eagle is one of the largest birds that is able to take flight. It beat the odds. Gliding through the clouds without a fear in the world. Enjoying the wind and looking beautiful in the process. They represent freedom and grace.

So, that's my goal. To be fierce, strong, CONFIDENT, and free. To not let the "odds" bring me down, but to set a new record. To spread out my wings like an eagle and claim the sky.

Dream Big!

     Goodness gracious, it's been too long!  2014 started off with me running and I haven't slowed down since! God's glory is so rich and throughout this next year it's only going to grow that much stronger! Today's painting that I would like to share is titled "Lamp Unto My Feet." I took on this project for one of my best friend's, Jacob Miner's, birthday a little while back.
     One of my favorite conversations to have with friends, family.......and complete strangers, is about our dreams. I think that it is super important for us to talk about our goals and aspirations. Sometimes our dreams can feel a little far-fetched so we unconsciously lower our bar of expectation so that it feels a bit more "reachable". I admit, I definitely have fallen under that category many a time. But here's the cool part......you ready?.........God wants us to dream big because HE dreams big, and through him we can do ALL Things. So, with that said, let's take a look at the bar we've mentally lowered. And let's put that back on the top notch, shall we?
     Ever since I was a little girl, I've had ideas of who I wanted to be when I grew up. I went through the phases of wanting to be a princess, to a zoo-keeper, to a cowgirl, to who knows what else. But when I hit the age of 10, I knew that I wanted to play soccer professionally. Since then, that dream has grown and grown and continues to grow. Now here's the tricky part. There's this little seed of doubt that continues to try and put my bar back on the lowest level. Whether it's through people saying that the chances of me making it to the big leagues are slim, through financial scares, or through that growling voice in the back of my head (I like to mentally make it growl so I know it's of the enemy :p) saying that maybe I'm not worthy enough, that seed tries to plant itself right smack-dab in the middle of my dreams............But it's ONLY a seed.....so I flick it away and dream on.
     Now, this year is going to bring crazy adventures for all of us. It's filled with roller coasters varying from It's a Small World to Splash Mountain to California Screamin'. But no matter how crazy, scary, or exciting it may be, all of it is important to God. YOUR dream is important to Him. So don't lower your bar, don't put your expectations on a more "Reachable" level. Go out and conquer the world! I encourage you to find someone you feel comfortable talking to, whether its a family member, friend, or a complete stranger (Make a new friend!), and tell them about your dreams because you are WORTHY enough to reach them.
     Also, I mentioned briefly how when I was little I wanted to be a princess. That "outlandish" dream came true, because I am the daughter of the King, who loves me and is proud of me. He is my leader and no matter what is thrown my way, I know I can do what ever I set my mind to.

Blessings,
Anniegirl <3

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Inspiration

     I did this painting about a year ago, based off of a few pieces I had seen in the past. You might have seen this design before and I think that is what makes this piece so cool. Artists in any "genre"are inspired by something. The best artists are the ones who are willing to learn from those around them.
     When I was little (still in the "Coloring Books/ Color by Number" phase) I always got mad when my little buddies would copy my drawings. Which is ironic seeing as we were drawing out of coloring books. For the longest time, I didn't like that people were using my ideas. However, as time went on and I got older, I began to realize something. Every artist bases their ideas off of something or someone. It's how we learn and grow.
     The painting shown below is my reminder that IT'S OK. It's ok to base your ideas off of someone else. To be proud of something that might not have necessarily been completely original or completely yours. A wise person once told me that as long as you paint with a purpose and make it your own, there is nothing to fear.