Three Cross Prints

Four T's in Communicating With Your Spouse

 Meet me Monday!!

So today I am launching a new side note, if you will, to my blog called "Meet Me Monday!
Each Monday I will share my heart and a little bit more about this girl who happens to paint.  :) Recently, you may have seen my post about a local event called "Soul Mate Live" (SML).This takes place two-three times a year at my church in Memphis Tennessee. The purpose is to bring together young married couples and prayerfully equip them to build a solid foundation for their marriage. Marriages are being attacked from all sides and challenged in different areas.
My husband, Chad, and I are humbled to be involved in this ministry and feel that God has truly united our hearts in this area. We have a passion for Biblical marriage and pray that God will speak truth into the hearts of those who are growing, hurting, and searching through each season of their marriages.
Recently Chad spoke about Communication in marriage. I wanted to share what he called the "Four T's in Communication."
I truly believe Communication is the bridge to intimacy in marriage. The following are four ways you can better communicate with your spouse....

1. Tone 

a. Your tone will absolutely make or break what you’re trying to convey.  You can say the exact same thing in different tones and deliver an entirely different message to your spouse.

b. Few examples:

i. That’s great!!!  (SUPER EXCITED )

ii. That’s great (DISINTERESTED)My son Caleb had an experience with an adult recently where he got this one.  As he was telling me about it my oldest son Carson said, “Yeah dad, that’s what adults say when they don’t think your idea was any good.”

iii. Oh, that’s great! (ANGRY)

c. Watch how you say what you say

2. Time - Here is a great rule for communication with your spouse.  It’s a very simple acronym that actually is used in programs that deal with chemical dependency.  But the same principal applies in marriage communication.

a. H.A.L.T. - Never initiate a critical conversation when one of you is HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY, TIRED.

b. Angry - I understand that many times the issues themselves, or perhaps your spouse’s response to certain issues, is the very reason you are angry. Yet, anger does nothing to help you deal with issues effectively. Quite the contrary: anger causes you to feel tense and irritable; anger causes you to see things more narrowly with a "closed" point of view; anger causes you to say things you wouldn't ordinarily say. Don't engage in any charged discussion when angry. Call a "time out" and resume discussions when you are calm and clear-headed.  What’s scripture tell us?

c. James 1:19 (NLT) - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

d. Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) - 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 

e. The words that we’re capable of saying when we’re angry can have permanent impact.  And men, know this, your wife has remembered words you’ve said to her years ago and you can’t even remember what you had for lunch yesterday.  

f. James 3:5 (ESV) - So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.  How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 

g. Youcan build your marriage up with words of affirmation, encouragement, OR you can absolutely burn it to the ground.  And that’s why it’s much better to save those big conversations for times other than when you’re feeling hungry, angry, lonely or tired.  Literally HALT in the name of love!

3. Trust – you’ve got to give your spouse the right to complain and keep their dignity.  

a. Controlling/dominant spouses (and they can be male or female) will make you pay a price for saying how you feel.  Don’t be that way.  Let your spouse be free to say how they feel without fear of retribution or attack.  

b. What it doesn’t mean is that you have to agree or even understand the position that your spouse is taking.  What it does mean is that you’ve established an environment where they will never have to pay a price for expressing it and that builds confidence and trust.    

4. Truth – 

a. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) -  15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

b. There is no other relationship in your life that will require more Christlikeness than the relationship with your spouse.  Why?  Because you know everything about them.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  Just like Christ knows all that stuff about you.

c. “Truth without grace is mean and grace without truth is meaningless.” – Jimmy Evans

d. Research has proven that marriages that experience conflict with appropriate resolution are more satisfied than marriages that don’t experience any conflict at all.  Why is that?  Because if you never fight in your marriage because you never talk about the things that really matter your satisfaction will plummet over time.  

e. What does that look like?  “I love you, but I need to tell you how that made me feel.”

Thanks for allowing me to share a little about me... I would love to hear your thoughts...

Xo kristi

 Loving my city...praying for Memphis! Prints available www.etsy.com/shop/KristiHallArt
$30 for 8x10

Paint Break...Stitch Fix

I finally did it. I had talked about it for a while and decided I would take the time to sit down, fill out the "application" and send it in. I scheduled my first "fix", Stitch Fix that is...and waited.
It really was very easy to do. I like the fact that you can choose what pieces to focus on. I typically like to try on my jeans, pants, etc. before purchasing. So for now, I am focusing only on tops, outerwear, skirts and accessories.
I recently turned 40...I still do not feel..40..but my Mom says I am "that" old, and I guess she would know.:) I may be "old " to some of you...but I still enjoy all the things I enjoyed when I was in my 20's. I look around...and as much as I enjoy fashion, I am somewhat disgusted as to what is accepted in our society.Too much of.. too short, too tight, and too low. LADIES...THERE IS A WAY TO BE BEAUTIFUL WITHOUT REVEALING ALL GOD GAVE US... I actually think we are more beautiful when we allow our life to reflect whats on the inside rather than all we have been "gifted" with on the outside. Modesty = Beautiful! "Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised. Prov. 31:30
I could go on and on...but I'll save it for another day.

So, I got my box. I ended up keeping one piece which is the top in the pics below. I have somewhat of a system when I shop. I buy basic/timeless pieces at pretty well known places. (LOFT, JCREW, Anthropolgie, etc.) because typically they hold up well and will last for a while. I buy more "trendier" pieces at a lower price range...often Target, Marshalls, etc because... well trendy means...passing, won't be here for long. While I am on the topic of "trendy"...just because it is "in" does not mean it will look good on each of us. I try to keep that front of mind when trends come and go..
  
My box consisted of a
~ black sweater...basic...I can get a cheaper one at Target that looks similar, so I sent it back.
~a maroon tunic top... I liked it but it was too basic for the price.. sent it back.
~a chevron ( cream and gray) cardigan. Very cute, but I did not like where it hit me. Sent it back.
~a pair of hoop gold earrings...nah...sent them back.
Great thing about it... if you do not like it, you have three days to send it back..free of charge.
BUT.. the top was a keeper. Not only can I wear it now, but I think I will be able to take it into Spring with some white skinny jeans...or maybe a fun colored pair.
Overall, I enjoyed my fix and look forward to the next one. I decided to only receive one, every two months.
That, Ladies was my first, "fix".....

Things I have learned...
Getting to know your stylist
This is very important! I am in the process of  creating a "Stitch Fix" board on Pinterest. Really cool idea and a great way for my stylist to see things I have pinned that I like. Over time, she will have a better understanding of my taste, my style and the vision for my wardrobe.
It is possible....Just because I am forty does not mean I need to wear turtlenecks ( even though I do like them) and frumpy clothing. I consider it a challenge..Join me on Fridays as I take a "paint break" and hopefully find some fun things to make us feel pretty!

"All Things New"

http://vimeo.com/114024339

There they stood, lunch boxes in hand and backpacks securely fastened. I felt a lump in my throat. How could three little people have so much power over my feelings? I poured out so much of myself over those last ten years…rocking, wiping noses, singing, teaching, exhausted, overjoyed. Then I blinked, drove them to school, and walked them in. My baby never looked back. HE NEVER LOOKED BACK! I drove myself home all alone and picked up my cold, half cup of coffee.

Let’s just be real here, THIS was the day I had longed for. This was the day I would be all alone and all those things I wanted to do and couldn’t, I could now do. I often dreamed of it. But instead of joy, I was sad. Right then and there I had a party. All my friends were invited, you may know them—self pity, fear, and anxiety. They all came and we had a great time. I sat on my couch and big tears filled my eyes. For a few moments, I felt as if I had no purpose. I was finished. I had given so much to those three little boys and now they did not need me anymore. As sadness slipped over me, I felt the warmth of  hope. 

My heart was stirred with truth from Gods Word, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19.

A new thing? What possibly could that mean? I had no idea, but I was somewhat intrigued.

Little did I know God was about to teach me a very valuable truth with a little pruning—or was it purging?

Art had always played a part in my life. I had always loved color and enjoyed experimenting, whether it be through decor or my own fashion sense. A lot of, “Oh no, she didn’t” moments, I am sure. I didn’t have THE day when I went and bought a canvas and knew immediately I had found my calling. There were many days full of learning, failing, and trying again. It was more like God was leading me, and I was just taking the first step to follow. This is when God began to do a special work in my heart.

I had been studying in my own quiet time about reacting in the flesh vs. responding in the spirit. I was in the midst of a season in my life where I was dealing with a lot of emotion. Why would God allow things to happen that hurt me? How could something good come from something ugly? What was all this swirling around in my heart that was not pleasing to my Father? I looked at the blank canvas, and God began to use it to represent my heart. I heard that soft, gentle whisper, “Create in me a clean heart.” My heart did not look clean or white like the canvas, in fact it was very dirty. I began to write on the canvas UGLY things, everything that was in my heart that I was begging God to help me with. Unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, self-pity, self-righteousness, doubt, fear, and the list went on. I began to weep because I understood it was too hard for me to let go. My flesh wanted to hold on to these things. Why? Again, the whisper, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and RENEW a RIGHT SPIRIT within me.”

After I had written down all these things, I reached for a big bucket of spackling, which is my first step in creating. Yes, the kind used to fill cracks or holes. As I began to scrape spackling over the canvas covering all the things I had written down, I was reminded that the Holy Spirit works exactly like this. He covers the ugly through the blood of Jesus. When these things are present in my heart, I am hindering the very presence of God. God cannot use me when they are present. One by one I covered each sin in my heart until it was all white, all clean. I prayed and asked God to help me. I knew it was a daily battle, and I knew I had to “take every thought captive” (2 Cor. 10:5).  It is only through HIM that I am able to respond in the Spirit.

I then reached for paint, my next step. With all these beautiful colors before me, I began to mix and blend creating the perfect color. Color. Isn’t that a little like the BEAUTY of the Fruits of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. I was reminded that through Christ, I have been given these fruits. God used the beauty of paint and color to remind me of who I am in Christ. One by one I replaced the ugliness of my heart and flesh with the beauty of these fruits. Daily, I must completely surrender to Christ.

I cannot tell you what I painted that day, but it was the beginning of my journey in being an artist. God used the elements of my artwork to do His work in my own heart. To this day, I cannot begin a painting without these reminders. I am still learning and gaining wisdom from each mistake. Each piece of art teaches and molds me. Often, God gives me a specific scripture, and I use it within the artwork. Every piece of art that leaves these hands has been prayed over. I pray that wherever it lands it will reach a soul, touch a life, and maybe even heal a heart.

God used it to heal mine! He is forever faithful, even when we don’t feel it or understand. HE IS FAITHFUL!

 “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.” Philipians 1:6

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

And my life verse…

“Now unto Him, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

I am an artist only through the grace of my Lord and Savior. I pray I use it to bring HIM glory!

God has also allowed me to use this painting technique to minister to other women through paint parties. Each time they leave with a special piece of art. Only God knows what has been dealt with underneath the paint.

You know what else? Those three little boys of mine, turns out they still need their Mom!http://vimeo.com/114024339

The story behind the nest....

 The Birds Nest... My Inspiration

For some reason I have a fascination with nest and birds, bird towels, pillows...nest on canvas and necklaces.

A few years ago I began working on a birds nest for my family. I had wanted to place three eggs in my nest to  show my three blessings from my Father.  I carefully finished painting and placed three eggs in my nest  for my three boys....blue of course.

As I was finishing my youngest who had just turned 5 came running to me ...eyes wide with amazement. Mommy...come quick there is a bird outside my window.  Oh buddy, isn't that cool...I am sure he is flying around from the tree. I gave my, ashamed to say it,but normal response. "Just a minute, and I will be right there." After finishing whatever was keeping me from my anxious 5 yr old,  I headed upstairs...tripping over legos, train tracks and matchbox cars. I found Chase staring out his window, sweetly watching all the action.When I made it to the window, I could not believe it. A beautiful nest, so carefully constructed from twigs, mud and leaves...all swirled together to make a comfortable home for...yes you guessed it three little blue eggs...nestled inside.

This nest became our family project..we checked on "our eggs" every morning and I watched in 
wonder as the Mommy bird sat and sat  to protect and warm her eggs. She never left their side...always aware of her surroundings. We waited and waited for the big day...the day the eggs would hatch..waited and waited. My boys were so patient but yet excited. Finally, it happened and Chase, since they were outside his window, they were HIS eggs. He declared to the entire house one early morning that the baby birds were here. We all watched  as the mommy and daddy would gather food and feed them, protect them and yes eventually "give them their wings"... I couldn't help but think of  Psalm 91:4  

"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

We are protected just like those eggs...yet we have protection from our Heavenly Father who loves us more than we can fathom. He IS the great promise keeper...each promise is our armor and protection.

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Yes..we are HIS! Adopted by the King! How comforting to know that HE is faithful! He will never leave us nor forsake us.

As the birds grew they eventually were ready to fly away....this past Sunday morning only one baby bird was left. He was sitting  on the window sill,  not yet sure he was ready to take off.  He was  scared and  unsure . How many times have we been unsure...failing to trust.   God equipped this bird with wings...He  has equipped him to fly. My friends...God has equipped you and I to fly  also. He has equipped you to face whatever your circumstance...and you can rest in HIM knowing HE will 
never leave you nor forsake you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

It's a promise..it's in HIS word!!!

So whatever your circumstance today...Know he loves you. BELIEVE HE has equipped you... Trust HIM....spread your wings and fly. He will be there to catch you!

Kristi Hall

Spring 2013                            

  

Angels

November

Rustic Elegance

I love it...the way the palette knife moves across the canvas. In a way of its very own, it creates such conversation. It is by far my favorite weapon... ;) or tool. Lately, I have started my little stocking stuffer stash. I cannot believe I'm talking Christmas. I love the minis...for various reasons. They make a fabulous happy while styling a table or shelf by adding color and conversation. The other reason I love the minis is they cast a vision for larger pieces. One can see by the mini what a larger piece will look like.
Following are a few of my new minis..
Thanks for stopping by!
xo kris

Couple of Newbies

September

Friends,
Can you feel it? The crisp in the air? We had a little taste over the weekend here but things are quickly warming back up. I am excited about football, pumpkin spiced lattes, apple everything, blankets, fires and smores!
I just wanted to take a moment and update you on a couple of exciting opportunities coming up over the next couple of months. On Oct. 18, I am participating with over 25 other vendors at Christmas in the Valley. For more info"like" on Facebook.
Once again, I am participating in St. Georges Art Show, November 7-9 in Collierville.
I would love to meet you if you are in the area!
The following are recent pieces. I would love to hear what you think!
 Eph, 3:20
~kristi

Out of the box...

These two are a couple of new favorites. I have been seeing a lot of gold lately, you? I am trying to incorporate gold into some accessories and thought why not add some to a couple of pieces of art. The first piece is a custom piece for a client in her new bedroom. The second is a piece that I have been thinking of for a while and decided to go for it. I would love feedback. I went back and forth between cream or brown for the deer, but loved the gold antlers! :) Hey, it may be the ONE piece your man may encourage you to invest in.! Thanks for stopping by...
kris

Morning Reflections

Rustic Beauty

blues and minis

I am loving all the blues coming into play for Fall! Check out a few of my favs! Thanks for stopping by...

a painting for a page in Southern Living

Rustic Praise

minis and more

Grace Place

Clothed with Strength and Dignity

Peace

Painting for a page in BH&G

Summer Lake Series /mini grouping