Pouring the Foundation
Featured Artwork: Laura Painter Stafford, Memphis TN
The most frequent comment people say to me is, “I do not have a talent. How did you find your gift? How did you get started?”.
It all starts with a solid foundation.
Just as in home building, the foundation is the most critical support of all that follows. It does not matter how beautiful the windows, doors, draperies and furnishings are if the foundation is not solid and strong. You can try to mask mistakes and take short cuts in an attempt to save time, money and effort, but inevitably the mask peels away and truth reveals itself. The neglect can often be costly and it can cause great suffering, more money and much more time.
So what constitutes a solid foundation?
A solid foundation is truth, brutal honesty, self reflection, vision, establishing guidelines and discipline in sticking to the goal. It will require compromise, budgeting, persistance and endurance. I grew up hearing my dad repeating his famous words, “Do it right the first time so you do not have to do it a second!”. Well, as you can imagine, I always had to do it a second time. My famous quote is, “Practice makes perfect!”.
In my past, I was always racing against time. Now, time is my precious and cherished friend. Forget instant gratification it only leads to mistakes! Instant gratification only fills a very temporary void and at the end of the day you are stuck with a visual and emotional reminder of , “What was I thinking?”. What is even worse is that you still feel empty.
STEP ONE. Take your time with plans and ask for professional help, “Hello, Jesus!”. Get comfortable, silence everything around you (including your own thoughts) and breath!!! Relax your body and let go of everything. Simply sit and ask God to infuse you with His wisdom. Do not tell God what YOU want. Your wants may not be your needs. Instead, ask God to SHOW YOU what your heart’s greatest desires are. ASK HIM TO SHOW YOU what you are looking for! Remember, HE knows us better than we do! God also knows others better than we do!!!
TRUST IN GOD. Know that He has your best interest at heart. He makes no mistakes. Isn’t that great to know!!!!
LISTEN. Be attentive.
WRITE. If a thought comes to you write it down in a journal.
REFLECT. Let it soak in.
BE CAUTIOUS. Our heart’s desires can often be filled with lust, greed, envy, jealousy, etc.. Ask God, over and over again to place your TRUE desires in your heart. Pray on this as much as possible! This is when I will tell you my famous quote again, “Practice makes perfect”.
BE PATIENT. This is when you need your friend, Time.
TRUTH. It will be revealed if you ALLOW it too. TRUTH may not always be what you want to hear. TRUTH may cause you to change YOUR PATH. TRUTH may cause temporary discomfort and pain. TRUTH will lead to FREEDOM, PEACE, LOVE AND JOY.
Based on my experience with in-terior design, I strongly encourage you to HIRE THE ULTIMATE ARCHITECT. His name is GOD. Give Him the opportunity to show you what plans He has drawn for you.
I can promise you one thing…
You will LOVE your new home!
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December 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I miss Memphis, and your post reminded me of a few reasons why I miss it. I’m planning a vacation there in the spring of next year. I am looking forward to it.
December 28th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Wonderful! Safe and happy travels!