Surrender Sunday Today is a rest day. Not a productivity day. Not a "catch up" day. A rest day. "Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10 Notice it doesn't say "be busy for God" or "produce something for God." Just — be still. Know. If you painted today, let it be slow and joyful. If you didn't paint at all, that's holy too. Rest is part of the creative life. What does Sabbath look like for you?

Welcome to Watercolor & Worship: @Akash Raj Please head over to this post and introduce yourself: https://www.skool.com/christines-beautiful-life-2340/welcome-introduce-yourself-share-a-pic-of-your-workspace?p=9b26d440

Last night, after a very long 2 weeks, I painted. For the first time in I don't know how long. I had a purpose: I wanted to create a painting to thank a dear friend for opening up her home to Mom & I as we travelled back and forth to Orlando to visit Dad in the hospital. Here's my process: 1. Decide what to paint 2. Search Unsplash for inspirational photos 3. Decide composition/layout 4. Using my Cricut Lightpad and watercolor pencils in similar colors to the paint I'd use, I lightly traced the basic outline and landscape. 5. I blissfully painted...for I don't know how long...until it was done. I also scanned it and created a greeting card for her where I wrote my thank you note to her. And she'll be able to choose a frame for the original watercolor.

Just a quick note to let you know I've had a family situation come up this week — my dad is in the hospital and I've been by my family's side. I'll be a little quieter than usual for a short time, but I'll be back soon with open arms and new content. 💛 Thank you so much for your grace and understanding. This community means the world to me. With love, Christine 🎨

Wow! And just like that, the first month of 2026 is almost over. What motivates or inspires your creative side? Art? Music? Nature? More than one? Something else? Tell me in the comments!