the saltys

I just wanted to share a quick post about these awesome "trophies" husband and I made for his school service awards. John teaches middle school religion at a Catholic school and so he wanted to do something extra special to acknowledge the kids that had gone above and beyond with their service hours this year - thus the "Saltys" were born! They are based on the Biblical ideal of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world - so salt and light bulbs! We did different size bulbs for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd most hours in each grade and the kids loved them!

illustrations: blessed john henry newman

I have always loved to draw with words and so I have decided to challenge myself to share at least one illustration of a quote by a famous person each week with you, my dear readers. This week's comes from Blessed John Henry Newman, "God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another."

All of my illustrations will be free for your personal use. To download the full size picture you can visit this link. Please attribute where you got them from if you share.

Hope you have an inspired Tuesday!

Keep Us From Pettiness

A friend of mine from high school passed away recently. It was long before her time, and her presence in our community will be greatly missed. In reflecting on life and death I was reminded of this prayer, which has been one of my favorites for a long time. I am Catholic, but I believe that this particular prayer transcends some of the traditional barriers between religions and holds important meaning for all who read it. I think everyone has some pettiness they can try and cut out of this life. I know I do.

 
Keep Us From Pettiness

Keep us, O God, from pettiness;

let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.

Let us be done with faultfinding and leave off self-seeking.

May we put away all pretenses and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice.

May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous.

Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.  Teach us to put in action our better impulses-straightforward and unafraid.

Grant that we may realize

it is the little things of life that create difficulties;

that in the big things of life we are as one.

Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind.

Amen.