Glass Ceilings

Our new series that we are going through at church is called Glass Ceilings. Its a series on growth. I really enjoyed designing this window and I'm so thankful for the opportunity. Some may ask why are you doing this? I say this is my gift. This is what I do. I want these windows to inspire and encourage.
I used to sing in a praise band and have practice during the week and then sing in one or two services. I enjoyed that so much but with William in my life, home is where I need to be the most. So this is a perfect ministry that I can do most of the work at home and use the gift that I'm best at.

I always draw a plan out.....as an artist/visual person I need to see how its going to lay out. I guess I've learned the hard way a few times about not having a plan. And watching my favorite designer Candice Olsen on HGTV I've learned a thing or two. She always draws 1st, then picks details, and has this cute wiry basket/ben that she puts samples, tiles, fabric, carpet, ect.

I titled this window breaking through glass ceilings. I wanted to make a big statement with the broken window, something eye catching. Then I put a touch of nature by making this great trees. John Hefner got me these great limps that we made trees out of them. Then Jan and I glued on around 1400 leaves. It was work and there where times that I said to myself why do I have to make this so complicated....I mean detailed!???. But in the end the extra effort always is BEST! The trees are breaking through glass ceilings and I dangled broken pieces of plexi glass on the trees to look like the glass is falling down.

It was hard to get a picture of the glass....but it really added some sparkle to the trees!

I added some softness and warmth to the windows by making these stain glass windows. And with the theme being glass ceilings I thought it was fitting. One of my favorite things in the new building just happens to be those great yellow chairs and yes that inspired me to do yellow trees. Plus nothing takes my breath away more than a brilliant neon yellow tree in the fall time.

Trees are represented as people in the bible. I heard the song "Oh how he loves us so" many times. While doing this window this song spoke to me in a special way. Here are some of the lyrics:
Verse 1:He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory, And I realize  just how beautiful You are, And how great Your affections are for me.
Chorus:And oh, how He loves us so,Oh how He loves us,How he loves us all.

Following God has it's up and downs growing pains if you will. I have to be honest when I heard about this series I was like oh great this is going to be tough. Then I heard this song and I was reminded of a loving gracious Father who loves me and has what is best for me. I love how this song illustrates that he loves like a hurricane! I was reminded that I have nothing to fear when following him or stepping out as he asks me to grow.

This part of the window represents people stuck in a glass ceilings. You see them pushing up trying to break through.

Jeff is suggesting a book to read on growth every week!

Brought in stumps to represent not growing.

Are you growing....if so how are you growing?