Tag: emotions

Getting That Crafty Feeling

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

I have always been a fan of crafts. I have memories as a little girl, filling paper plates with rice and gluing them together for a tambourine. I delight in the thought of jazzing up the paper plates with markers and whatever else I could find to make them pretty.

In my creative world, I live by the motto, everything is better with glitter! In fact, glitter was a very prominent part of Bella’s story in my debut novel, Bella’s Beautiful Miracle. After surviving a storm, Bella learns that God’s light can be shown on our faces when we are so filled with His love that we can’t wait to share it with others. As Bella’s faith in God grows, so does the glitter in her smile!

About a year ago, I was introduced to making diamond art creations. At first, the only thing I felt was frustration, but that was because I had not brought God into the moment with me. I was solely focused on the fact that the little diamond, though pretty, was very small. I let that “little” fact ruin my experience on that day. Since I loved the outcome and how pretty the item sparkled, I decided to give it another try, and this time I absolutely loved it! I purchased a pill organizer and gave each color diamond its own spot. That small, simple act of organization made a world of difference. In no time at all, I had 8 adorable glittering coasters.

Since then, I have made a suncatcher to gift my friend, and a very elaborate glittering tree which is now framed and hanging in my dining room. It goes to show that when you take a moment to organize, the experience changes completely, and the outcome is that much better! This is true in our relationship with God as well. Think about a frantic day, and what a struggle it is to spend time alone with God. The frustration, when left on its own, gets bigger and bigger; a snowball effect.

We can organize our prayer life, just as I did with the colored diamonds. Take some steps to give God a special place, an undisturbed area of your home, even if it’s the corner of the couch. Find somewhere to let your bible, journal, and maybe a candle rest so that when you are ready for prayer, you don’t have to go looking for anything.

Recently, I found a way to incorporate crafting with my prayer! You can read about that experience by viewing my article titled Finding God in The Relentless Act of Scrolling, posted on the Catholic Writers Guild Blog. In this piece, I weave together prayer and creative organization.

Perhaps the most intriguing form of creative expression I have experienced lately is that of developing the illustrations for my next middle grade novel, Firefly Fred & The Rainbow Rescue. Set to launch in September. The process, grueling at times, seemed more difficult than the actual writing. I’ve known for some time now that there is no prayer too small for God, as He wants to be involved in all aspects of our lives. So, on the rough days, after searching for opinions from family, I go to the one who already knows what this book looks like and ask the silly questions. Like, should the villain have a pointy nose, or do you want Fred to be cute or nerdy looking?

I can “second-guess” myself for the rest of my life, so I’m glad the publisher gives me a set number of what they call passes, where changes are made. Once I have signed off on the release of the work, it’s set. Or so I thought! Only last week I signed off on the page design, and yesterday I had the horrible realization that I didn’t check the spacing or font size. Needless to say, I sent my project manager a plea for help, and by God’s grace, they can make the changes! That only proves to me that God will make sure anything we do with Him and for His glory will be just the way God wants it!

Take some time today, and get crafty! Be sure to click the article link and head over to the Catholic Writers Guild Blog to learn how to craft your very own prayer bible! Keep your eyes on my website, kimberlynovak.com, or my author Facebook page for the release date of Firefly Fred & The Rainbow Rescue!

By the way, this blog post is the very first public announcement of the book title! Thank you, dear readers, for sharing this post and helping to announce the arrival of my next middle-grade novel! I appreciate you!

Blessings,

Kimberly

A Beloved Daughter of God Set Free

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

“See what the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” 

1 John 3:1 (NRSV)

I attended an UNBOUND conference recently, and the blessings I received during and after have been life-changing. UNBOUND is a model of prayer for healing and deliverance from Neal Lozano and Heart of the Father Ministries.  

The real treat for me was that Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, a Catholic priest, and the Director of Spiritual Formation and the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary, presented the content for the day.

I have become familiar with Father Boniface through the opportunity to write book reviews for two of his authored and co-authored books with CatholicMom.com. In his writings and video courses, Father’s gentle and thoughtful ways of praying always captivate my heart. I knew signing up for a conference he spoke at would not disappoint!

I went into the conference with little information on UNBOUND, but knowing Father Boniface’s background, I had high expectations. The day’s agenda allowed every participant to experience and immediately put into practice a life-changing model of prayer. A simple definition of UNBOUND is that it is a well-balanced and easy-to-follow teaching method as long as one has an open heart and is ready to surrender everything to our Lord.

As for me, I am made new! That day, I left a lot of baggage in the church hall, mixed in with healing tears and the full knowledge that I am a beloved daughter of God the Father. I am more equipped to apply the Gospel to my life and have renewed faith in allowing God to run the ship!

It is amazing and much easier to see ourselves as God sees us when we make room for His love by renouncing and taking authority over spirits that ultimately bring us down. Additional key takeaways from attending an UNBOUND conference are:

·       Pain deserves to be repaired, no matter what has caused it; all you need to do is permit Jesus to do His work.

·       God never forgets, hears all our prayers, and knows our hearts.

·       When we struggle with something, it is the enemy trying to undo what God has done.

·       We are meant to bless each other!

·       True identity is found in the heart of God.

I recommend attending an UNBOUND conference or scheduling an appointment with a group in your area. You will have no regrets, transformation will ensue, and you will feel God’s love. God has already planned for you to check it out, just as He planned for you to read this program review. Don’t hesitate; let God steady the ship and take you on his chartered course.

If you have attended an UNBOUND conference or session, I welcome you to share your thoughts in the comments.

Blessings,

Kimberly

Informational Links:

Neal Lozano and Heart of the Father Ministries.  

Father Boniface

https://www.fatherboniface.org/wordpresshome/monastic-musings/

CatholicMom.com.

www.kimberlynovak.com

A Hallelujah for The Win!

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

The saying “things come in threes” is a popular myth, we will call it, that usually surrounds unfortunate events. Once two events are connected by subject or person, one believes one more is on the way. Recently, I received a link to a new song from three people on three different dates; this was a big red flag for me that this song needed my attention!

I prefer to live with the saying “good things come in threes” because if you really think about it, once an unfortunate event has occurred, it is most often followed by a positive event, or dare I say, “light at the end of the tunnel.” The problem is that most of us cannot see that light when we are knee deep in the throes of despair. Many resources, such as Christian Worship Music, can help pull us through those moments. I knew this new song, sent to me in threes, would be very good.

As I listened to Brandon Lake’s newest song, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” I thought about the many trials I have triumphed over, and those yet to be won. I reflected on the role my relationship with God plays in everything life throws at me. I decided to jot down words or phrases God pointed out, and I couldn’t take notes fast enough. Faith over fear was my overall interpretation of Brandon’s message, at least to my heart.

I hope Brandon’s passion becomes contagious. We could have a major revival if we all prayed, like he sings. Once I settled into the song, many lyrics touched my heart in unique ways and gave me a chance to know what I needed to surrender and what required fervent prayer.

The chorus of the song paints a perfect picture of faith over fear as Brandon takes the listener into a powerful conversation with God,

“I’ll bring my hard-fought heartfelt
Been-through-hell hallelujah
I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story to tell hallelujah
God, You’ve been patient
God, You’ve been gracious
Faithful whatever I’m feeling or facing
So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
It is well hallelujah“

The musical interlude, or bridge, allows one to reflect on any emotions that bubble up. In my case, it provided time to focus on what needs the attention of faith over fear and a hard-fought hallelujah lifted to the Heavens. Usually, the softer ballads of Christian music tug at my heart strings, but this song has taken quite the hold. The familiar reactions to life events in the lyrics Brandon has chosen, allow me to face the struggles, and offer them to God as each one settles in my soul.

As a prayer warrior, I like to pair songs with God’s word, giving me a package deal when something in my life needs a faith lift. One of my go-to scripture verses is Philippians 4:13 (NASB), which says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Adding this passage before and after the chorus is the perfect marriage and sets the tone for a successful mission, regardless of destination. The key phrase in the chorus for me is, “faithful whatever I’m feeling or facing,” which serves as an act of surrender and trust.

I encourage you to listen and reflect on how the music and lyrics have affected your heart, mind, and body language. Every time I hear it, I cannot help but lift my fists to the air and drop to my knees in a heartfelt and hard-fought hallelujah. Don’t forget to share in the comments to encourage, inspire, and uplift one another.

Blessings,

Kimberly Novak

Courageous Butterfly