Considering Truth Scrap? Read here for info behind the purpose of Truth Scrap from Lain (and I)

 Hey Friends,

I just wanted to share with you a little more about our upcoming online event called Truth Scrap.

I've ask Lain Ehmann to share a little about her reason for gathering all of us together for this event. This event is not something that was just decided upon lightly... this even is something that has been stirring in our hearts individually, and Lain brought together out of a common need. A need to remind all of us (women AND men) that what we were designed for IS important and extremely relevant to this world and our community. I often describe it as a puzzle with a missing piece. If we take what our purpose IS and take it out of this world, cloak it in self doubt, hide it behind the scenes than all we can offer this world is an incomplete puzzle... sure you can make sense what its suppose to be, yet it will never truly be complete.

Friends, this is exactly what it is when we take ourselves out of the equation. When we don't step forward into our purpose, when we don't raise our hand in a meeting and speak up from our gifts the ideas that are in our hearts and minds... We truly rob ourselves and others of a uniquely crafted beauty.

I'd really love for you to read below a little more about this class and just what Lain had in mind when she invited us all to join in on this journey.


Here is a little more info behind the scenes from Lain herself:

" As a professional scrapbooker and business owner for the past
decade, I've heard just about every reason for not crafting, not
sharing our creations, for not letting ourselves be vulnerable.
But the one that breaks my heart is this...
"I'm scared I'm not good enough."
When a woman looks at me with longing in her eyes and shares her
fears of inadequacy with regard to her artwork or creativity, I
just want to climb right into her brain and remove the thoughts
that have somehow gotten distorted to the point where she thinks
creativity is some kind of contest or race.
It's this false belief that we are going to be measured and found
lacking that keeps so many of us from sharing our heart.
We worry we'll choose the wrong colors.
We worry our page will get messed up.
We worry that our creation won't be as good as someone else's --
particularly the "professionals."
We worry that people will judge us.
We worry we'll do it "wrong."
We worry that WE are wrong.
UGH. Once we get on that escalator of self-doubt, it only goes in
one direction - down.
And let me tell you right now that down is NOT the direction that
God intended you for! God intended you to take your love for Him
and your love for creating and to use them to glorify Him and to
inspire others.
(And unfortunately you're not very inspirational if you are scared
to open your sketchbook and put your pencil to the page.)
I know - it's really easy for me to sit here and type these words.
After all, I'm a "professional." But you know what? Once upon a
time I felt the same hesitations and fears as you do. I worried
about the products. I worried about the results. I worried about
what others thought about my work. Until I got so sick of worrying
that I begged God to show me a different way. And He did.
He showed me how to have an audience of one - Him. With his loving
eyes as my only judge, my creations are a gift to Him. Even before
I wrote this email, I sat down and asked God to guide my words,
that they be pleasing to Him. That's what I worry about - not
whether my language is flowery enough or my grammar correct.
When I stopped worrying about everyone around me, my art became
easier. And God continually challenged me to stretch myself and to
share my journey with others, to free them from the binds of
judgment, self-criticism, and insecurity.
Which is EXACTLY why I developed Truth Scrap -- an online, LIVE
event that blends art and faith together. Coming to your computer
on Saturday, Jan. 31, Truth Scrap includes seven classes that will
show you not just HOW to worship God with your art, but WHY, and
how these seven women were able to get outside their own heads and
fight their own insecurities. Techniques, yes -- but even more
importantly, each instructor will share her individual journey,
with the intent of inspiring you to grow in your own creative path
to God.
http://www.truthscrap.com

We've already registered more than 250 people for this event, and
while you have several weeks left to sign up, I'm writing today to
encourage you to take advantage of our special $50 off discount. If
you use code "LASTCHANCE" at checkout before midnight 1/16/2015, you can
register for all seven classes, plus the pre-event PJ party, plus
special bonuses, PLUS get $40 off.
You cannot find a better deal on faith-based inspiration, a better
assortment of teachers, or a better price. So if you've been
waiting for a sign that you should sign up, let this be it!

http://www.truthscrap.com
Whether you choose to attend or not, please know - God loves it
when you connect with Him. He doesn't care what color ink you use.
Big ♥♥♥,
Lain"

 I ask you to take a moment to check out the Truth Scrap site and see if it is something that could benefit you at this time. If you need a little spiritual push wrapped up in some artful magic than this is the event for you... Like Lain mentioned, this is the lowest price this class will be offered going forward. So if you are on the fence and considering joining us use code-- LASTCHANCE -- to receive $40 off at check out here.

I look forward to getting some time with all of you... connecting our hearts towards purpose and THRIVING together this year in what we are meant to be.

I hope you'll join me.

~Liz ♥

Introducing TRUTH Scrap... my FIRST online E-Course (and a little back story)

Words can not describe how happy my heart was when I was asked to teach for Truth Scrap. I haven't taken on a whole lot of contract work from the arts and crafts industry since finishing my last contract back in April. As much as I love working in the arts and crafts industry it takes its toll. Back in January I was faced with a tough decision, but ultimately it was the best decision for my family and that was for me to take a break from full time contract work and focus on being Mom PLUS getting myself healthy again. January (in general) was a tough time for our family...but that is a whole other story for another blog post.

During this time I struggled with letting go of that "NEED TO DO MORE" attitude that I had fooled myself into thinking was natural...desired. I had such a hard time letting go of what I thought my life was supposed to be and remembering what my life was actually supposed to look like. My overall purpose in life was a blurred image that I could not even recognize anymore. I had done this to myself and in my defense, it wasn't necessarily WHAT my heart desired, but mostly I did it out of fear... and again... that is a whole other story and a whole other blog post.

It's funny how easily this happens, over and over again. How fear creeps in through little cracks and settles into our hearts and minds. My fear is and always will be the well being of my family and thus my down fall when it comes to making sure their needs are put first.

But through this feeling of needing to provide, being a Mom, a wife, keeping up with our home and finances... I began to crack. At first it was little things like nagging colds that I couldn't shake. Then returned my stomach issues and soon I succumbed to an overwhelming feeling of just feeling helpless. Slowly the kids needs went by the way side, my husband and I juggled communicating, schedules and just trying to keep it all together. All of this eventually wore me down to someone whom I didn't even recognize. I remember looking in the mirror after returning home from a show, being horribly sick and just crying. I was not happy and I had done it to myself.

The wonderful thing about hitting bottom is YOU CAN ONLY GO UP.

Its not easy... but eventually you rise. During this time you have the amazing opportunity to peel back your layers and remember who you are again. WHO YOU ARE TO THE CORE.


What I had forgotten about myself during this time was that I was a FIGHTER.

I love WHOLLY.

I feel DEEPLY.

I NEED to process and PURGE.

In processing, I LET GO. I MOVE ON. I BUILD UP in myself and in my community. I make SENSE of it all so my heart doesn't hold on or hold grudges.

What was covered by fears and self doubt through these last few years suddenly began to wake up. Through much love and compassion from my husband, my children and my beautiful friends... I remembered just what this girl was made of and what she had in store for her. Some how my life had taken a turn in a different direction... it was time to turn things around and get back on course.


That's where this class comes in.

You see, I know where I am supposed to be. I can see what I should be doing clearly yet I use every excuse possible to widen the gap between what I am doing... and what I SHOULD be doing. Fears of taking on to much, not being available for my kids... even the fear of telling my husband what my desire for my future is... because I fear that he will not be supportive. They are all real fears, but they are the kind of fears that need to be CONQUERED. I knew deep in my heart that my life was not meant to be in a holding pattern. It was meant to move FORWARD. I couldn't let the fear of not knowing or difficult conversations hold me back. It is all part of the process and like I mentioned before... In order to process and move forward even difficult talks have to happen... Fears need to be confronted and excuses need to be reasoned with.

So I took steps, little ones, some BIG... and some so scary and huge that I didn't know just where I would land, but I knew that I would be going FORWARD and that was all that mattered. And through this I celebrated. Taking on these hard subjects and projects makes for some awesome victories. Victories that I may have often brushed aside during the crazy throws of life... but this time around... I was going to celebrate them.

What is this class about?

Well, as you can see from my story above, it's about process. It is about finding a foundation in life that you can stand on and move forward from. It's about GROWTH, recognizing in ourselves where we are and where we are supposed to be. It's being OK with not being OK. It about making mistakes, being HUMAN and embracing this...NOT running from it. All this wrapped up in some faith and encouragement. Although some of the material and content that I will be sharing will be biblical, this is not a class that is meant to alienate or make anyone feel out of place. This class is just the opposite. This class is meant to help each of us remember what we all share to the core. We are HUMAN, we each have PURPOSE, and we ALL need ENCOURAGEMENT on our journey.

Who should attend?

• A) Those who need a little help getting back to their purpose.
• B) Those who just love art and learning new techniques. 
• C) Those who want to dig in deeper into learning about art mediums and applications. 
• D) Those who have not taken the time to just "TAKE TIME". AKA, You want to take a break from the hamster wheel.
• E) Human beings that recognize they are flawed and are looking for a safe place to have fun and create beautiful works of art.

What should I expect?

Well, the nice thing about Truth Scrap is that you gain access to 7 fabulous instructors. So besides my class, you will have access to 6 other instructors who have poured their hearts into their own class. Classes from home decor, art journaling, scrapbooking and MORE. So you are most likely going to find something you will enjoy. In my class I will share my in depth love for mixed media art and give you an overview of art mediums, their purpose, composition and how they can be used together to make mixed media glory. I will teach you to create a piece of art work that represents YOU and your purpose to act as a guiding post reminder. In addition, we will visit some of my "bible flaps" that I add into my bible to journal on. This will give you some ideas of how to use the art mediums we will talk about on a more regular basis and everyday journal purposes.

What do I get when I sign up?

(I copied this straight from the source)

-Full admission to all 7 classes, live

-Pre-Event PJ Party

-Unlimited access to class recordings to view at your convenience

-More fun than you can shake a stick at AND extra goodies!

…And you’ll get this all for the low price of $149 $79* – if you register NOW!

SAVE $20 NOW with discount code: ADVENT (till 12/24)

(That's over 50% off PLUS you get early bird access such as special sneak peeks, discounts, and more!)

This is only like $11 a class PLUS it will be the lowest price offered.

How do I sign up?

If you are ready to join me and my friends on this wonderful creative adventure than Click here to view more details. This will share with you all the info you need for the classes and give you an overview of each instructor PLUS a little description of the class. I am super excited about this class and can't wait to share it with you all!

I know I kind of shared a lot in this first part of this post... I'm sorry if it was a little too much but I feel it is important to share the heart behind my project and why I am so passionate about this class. I am a work in progress and have worked hard to give myself GRACE through life. I have learned so many lessons in this time and through faith, friendship and family I have found a good balance that suites me well. I hope this class gives you some help with finding this same clarity in life.

I hope you'll join me on this creative journey...

~Liz Hicks ♥