indigolines

[indigolines]

A drop in the ocean

Sitting here and feeling the sting of regret.

Earlier today my phone took a nose dive into the loo.

Having absent-mindedly jumped up to close the bathroom window, I landed back on the ground and in one swift motion, my phone bounced up from my pocket and into the loo.

In some comical way the worship music playing on my phone continued to play as I sat there.

Scooping it up quickly and anti-bacing it down, wiping away as much moisture as possible – I realised that the touch screen was on longer touch sensitive.

 My heart dropped, as held my head in my hands, I realised that this was the worse time for this.

At a time where communication via phone and internet was needed more than ever, without having the pleasure of simply meeting friends face-to-face – this event had quite an impact on me *gulp*

This now means no phone calls, and so long to the ease of Whatsapp and Insta chat which have now become my vital drip forms of communication in these days.

 Fast forward past blame, regret and anger, I finally questioned why?

 Why did this have to happen at a time like this where Corona is forcing us to self-isolate and communicate differently?

 Moments before this happened, I felt the Lord say

“Charlotte, what are you doing? What are you focusing on with you time?

That question was so distinctive and clear.

 Our phones, even though beneficial for communication, can also be a distraction too.

Breaking up our conversation with every little ping, sound, message and video.

I’m still praying that my phone will come back to its 100% capabilities (please pray with me)

 But in the radio silence I will listen to the still small voice willing me to focus on what God wants me to do in this season. 

To appreciate life and to continue to journey with him with my eyes and focus fixed on Him, from a position of rest.

 “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you..”

2 Chronicles 20:17

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This sums up my day nicely. . Early this morning my walk to work was highlighted by gentle blossoms drifting over me. Walking home in the afternoon after treating myself to these sunny mini roses I came across a similar scene. . Who needs virtually reality when you can be right in the middle of experiencing life in it's fullness, we only need to recognise it. . Life is bursting forth every where we look right now as creation joins together and sings a chorus since the world began. Just try stepping outside your door at 6am and you will hear what I mean, there is nothing that stops those birds from singing, not even my loud sneezes! . "For the Lord your God is living among you...He will rejoice over you with joyful songs" Zephaniah 3:17. . #spring #newseason #newbeginnings #birth #life #new #makeallthingsnew #christianlifestyle #worshipinaction #worship #recogniselife #singing #creationsings #zephaniah #today #dailymusings #blossoms #yellow #miniroses #treatyourself #youreworthit #blossomconfetti #walking #onthemove #recordyourdays #creativegod #christian #grateful #thankful (at Enfield, Enfield, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwDZ2qLFp_D/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=a906iu3rff0

[indigolines]

With Spring now in full swing. It's time to share a little of my 'behind the scenes' life. . I've been creating and experimenting with my art, ideas and use of colour for my very first art exhibition on May 10th & 11th 2019. . Last year the thought never crossed my mind about exhibiting my art as an artist, let alone doing it for my faith. . But God suddenly did it! . So here's me warmly inviting you along to share in the joy of the unexpected and to discover together what Abba Father means. . Hit the link in my bio to find out more, get tickets and discover the different talented artists that will be joining me in sharing their perspectives too. . Can't wait to see you there! x . #unveilingarts #christianlifestyle #worshiplifestyle #christian #behindthescenes #art #newbie #artist #artexhibition #london #londonart #christianart #abbafather #spring #may #suddenlys #godcandoit #birthing #birthingthemiraculous #perspectives #getyourtickets #friends #propheticarts #celebratethenew #newness #newbeginnings #2019 #egg #goodegg #abstract (at Enfield, Enfield, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsC2FlhWaa/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tb446pzq0lzb

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A customer walks into the shop holding a bunch of flowers, and without a thought I joked that they were for me. He took one look at them and said "yes they are" and handed them over the counter to me...what?! Did that just happen? . Turns out the flowers were given to him randomly and he was looking for someone to give it to. . But even more specially the flowers are so vibrant and colourful, full of detail and silliness - like the lime green plant with the spikes on it and full of air inside it. And yet all of the colours work perfectly together framed with a fanned palm leaf. God knows me. . "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights" James 1:17 . Expect great things from your heavenly father daily . #flowers #surprised #suddenly #presents #amazing #heavenlyfather #givesgoodgifts #goodgoodfather #christianlifestyle #testimony #colourfulflowers #askandreceive #perfectgift #expectgreatly #daregreatly #jesuslovesme #loved #lovedfromabove #iamafriendofgod #christian #imachildofgod (at Carnaby London) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsy4dDDl4Pj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=up31xjw9x7xn

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In times when you can't finish your mega meal, save on tupperware and use your multi-purpose keep cup to get the job done and bring the food home! . My cup overflows with rice and goodness today- in blessings, friends and God's miraculous provisions. . God healed my arm today, the one injured from being hit by a bike in the middle of Oxford street 3 months ago. Before, there was pain everytime I put pressure on it, and now in the middle of a church meeting which God interrupted, the pain is gone! God heals. . "..You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:5-6. . #keepcup #creative #multipurpose #savefood #tomorrowsdinner #refashioned #mycupoverflows #overflow #miraculous #miracle #godheals #provisions #godsprovisions #suddenly #creativechristian #christianlifestyle #blessings #familyeverywhere #familyaswego #psalm23 #rice #newways #newmethods (at Wood Green, Haringey, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsjRa-plsY-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=cunbme2y89l4

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Flames of wonder. We should be set ablaze with light because we have already WON- derrr?! . But in all seriousness Christ has already claimed the victory, so why hold ourselves back when we were meant to burn brightly and fiercely. No one lights a candle and hides it away, it's meant to illuminate truth in times of darkness. . Flame on! . #flame #wonder #won #victory #victoriousinbattle #christian #christianlifestyle #word #birthdaycake #flameon #christian #christfollower #bible #candle #light #lightanddark #faith #shine #truth #illuminate #colourfullight (at St Stephen Walbrook) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqsx2A9FCke/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fnuvhyik3ome

[indigolines]

On a Sunday walk I stumble across the ruins of this 4 walled church, which still has it's steeple standing. Plants and trees of all sorts has taken up residence here and it's wonderful to see. It was so peaceful here that even the guy on the bench fell asleep long enough for me to sketch him. . #stdunstanintheeast #sketch #illustrate #drawoften #inktober2018 #inktober2018day21 #wonder #nature #plantinvasion #ruins #beautyinruins #churchruins #naturewins #ink #penandpaper (at St Dunstan-in-the-East) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpM-xrQDnyp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=170eilyvixuqi

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Weekends are good for reminding us why we do what we do. Always a breath of fresh air when I get to sketch without any time pressures. This cute shop called Italo is opposite Bonnington Gardens, a cure oasis from busy London. . #inktober2018 #whoknowshowfarbehindiam #inktober2018day20 #sketch #art #breathe #breathoffreshair #freesketch #usewhatyougot #bonningtongardens #italo #oasisfromlondon #inlondon #weekend #freetime (at Italo Delicatessen) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpKW2l0jslD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d5vcwv27zhs5

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In the weekend I stumbled upon @planttherapylondon and was amazed at this plant known as Fittonia. . I tried to draw in the blurred parts of the photo too. . #drawtober #inktober2018 #inktober2018day7 #colouringpencils #plants #plantsoflondon #pinkandgreen #nerveplant #fittonia #spitalfieldsmarket #saturday #greenfriends #lifegiving #illustrator #sketch #sketchbook #art #artiseverywhere #plantcanvas https://www.instagram.com/p/Boqr3fejqfz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=163jxw0w5122l

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It's great when you have time to intentionally create. Today I sat down to explore a story of my own called 'Pocket Prince and I' and completed it. . It's been a while since I made a zine, 4 months to be exact. A big thank you to friends and family for their ongoing encouragement. . It takes courage to create. . Here's to many more stories to add in the future zine collection🏀 . #inktober #inktober2018 #pencilandink #colouringpencils #illustrate #handmade #homemade #zine #zinemaking #adventuresinlondon #intentionallycreate #create #creativity #thankyou #courage #couragetocreate #sunlight #naturallight #naturallightisthebest (at Enfield, Enfield, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BohPM8rj7ns/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7oh5p51ed7fj

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During my 30min break I quickly scribble my view whilst eating everything in my bag and giving my feet a much deserved rest. . #inktober2018 #inktober #buildings #surroundings #ink #illustrate #view #break #scribble #euphorium #euphoriumbakery https://www.instagram.com/p/BofEiR-j-A7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1c9d0tqcqrgbk

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Today was a day off for me as well as the ink, so it's more of a drawtober, as I sat in the sun and sipped a chai latte. . #inktober2018 #drawtober #draw #pencil #colouringpencil #justdraw #observations #illustration #londonlife #dayoff (at Kahaila Aldgate) https://www.instagram.com/p/BocdyaCDh4X/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bxxonxlt4qkq

[indigolines]

Bioluminescent light?

I made a note on my phone at least a month ago as a reminder to look into bioluminescence – I can’t tell you why, just that at times these curiosities would crop up and I would have to write it down somewhere otherwise it will continue to follow me like an annoying fly buzzing in my head.

All that I knew was that it was yellow or bluey-green and kick-ass creatures like fireflies have it.

Anyways, having rediscovered that exact note, I searched out the answer my one question – How does bioluminescence create light?

Within no time at all my question was answered and then the most surprising revelation happened.

Light is created in the form of Bioluminescence through a chemical reaction of substrate, oxygen and enzyme.

In most cases the substrate is known as Luciferin and the enzyme is known as Luciferase.

Now isn’t that a funny thing! Both names lend itself to the Prince of Darkness – Lucifer.

And in one chemical reaction where light is produced, Luciferase erases Luciferin.

Lucifer is erased - it’s even in the name - literally turning darkness into light!

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  - John 8:12

God really has the last laugh now – He’s such a funny God, even nature speaks of his victory over death and darkness.

Anyhoo, you can learn more here.

Until next time friends

x

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I started a new thing last week. On the last day of HTB Focus I wanted to bless people around me. . So with a few bits of paper I asked friends what bible verse God was currently speaking to them. I then turned them into small illustrations together with the verse and returned it to my friends with the onus that they leave it somewhere for a stranger to pick up and be blessed by. . This Friday I leave for Romania on mission for a week and would like continue this. . Can you send me a current verse God is speaking to you about and I will do my best to transform it and bring it's blessings with me for strangers to pick up and be bless by it too. . Thanks x . #notes #littleblessings #blessings #christian #christianlifestyle #godspeaks #encouragement #movements (at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BmOW-mwjmFg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3z6nkvk126re

[indigolines]

Courage

As with most things, we have plans, all sorts of plans and lists to do something, but for some reason we don’t get round to it or stop ourselves from beginning a task, let alone completing it.

Well here we are - I’ve been meaning to blog as a way to get my thoughts onto “paper” and to also practice writing.

So let’s get started. And I hope that you’ll join me on this journey too.

Have you ever wondered about the words “Dis” and “En” - they’re found as prefixes to other words.

For example “Dis” would be used in Disengage, Disguise and Distrust. Whereas examples of “En” would be Engage, Encompass and Entrust. In some ways Dis and En are on opposite sides of the see-saw, Dis is negative, pushing things away and En is positive, drawing things in.

Recently I went to a women’s conference, and in the meeting the speaker said something that was quite apt. She said that “Jesus wanted her not to be discouraged, but encouraged” What linked those words together was the word “Courage” - and amazingly the theme for the conference, written in large lights on the stage was COURAGE!

That’s just beautiful symmetry in both thoughts and words.

So we have a choice - do we want to add courage to others ENcouraging them or do we want to take courage away from others DIScouraging them?

Earlier that day I was reminded of that bible verse in 2 Corinthians 9:6

“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously.”

Do you want more courage? Then go out and sow courage.

Last night when reading a chapter of Christine Caine’s book “Unstoppable”.

Christine highlighted the word “enthusiasm”,  another EN word, my ears instantly pricked up. She went onto explain that the word “enthusiasm” comes from two Greek words: 

“En” meaning ‘in or within’ and “Theos” meaning ‘God’

So “enthusiasm” means “in God” - Christ in us! We have enthusiasm and passion because Christ is in us.

God knows that there are and will be trials and tribulations that will cause us to question whether we have enough courage for ourselves, let alone enough to give to others, but Jesus says

 “..take heart! I have overcome the world” - John 16:33

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Throwback to Vicky's birthday and our inspirational tour of the Monet & Architecture exhibition @theNationalGallery Featuring our version of "the water-lily pond" painting. Which was incidentally painted on a square canvas, who knew that he was ontop of the Insta-game even then! 😂 . #insta #instagame #square #thewaterlilypond #monet #inspiration #monet&architecture #pen #ink #doodle #london #sunnyday #birthday #surprise #friends (at National Gallery)

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Creating is messy, but so is life. I guess it's reflective 😂 . #musings #creating #zinemaking #zine #zinemaker #messy #life #maker #made #scribbles #kinderchocobons #chocolatefuelled #reflecting #artistic #artreflects #artreflex #words #evenings #saturday #fairylight (at Freezywater, Enfield Lock)