Jan's Joyful Blogs

November, 2014 Blog            Finding joy is not easy. It takes effort. No doubt about it, life's circumstances cause stress, sadness and frustration. But we do have a choice on how we will react to these situations. Even when we have moments of frustration, we don't have to continue to stay in that frame of mind. We can control our thoughts. Are we going to let negativity rule in our minds or are we going to make the decision to live a life of peace, joy and gratitude? By this stage in my life, I've learned a few things about getting through the hard knocks of life. One of the most meaningful and rewarding things that I've learned is: 1. Forgiveness.  It's one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do in my life. People can be hurtful and insensitive. Most people who are hurtful (and hateful) are hurting individuals themselves. I can't imagine how difficult their lives must be to carry hate in their hearts. Although I may have been on the receiving end of abuse, I don't have to accept that attitude and can focus on what is good. It is a decision and a choice that I make (almost on a daily basis). I'm not perfect and I slip into depression or frustration now and then (usually when I'm tired), but I know what is going on and I consciously make the decision to seek God and be grateful. Which leads to… 2. An Attitude of Gratitude.  There are so many reasons to be grateful…but sometimes it does take effort to focus on those blessings. We can be grateful for family, friends, our health, love and much more. But as we think about our blessings, we sometimes simultaneously think of our lack of blessings in certain areas, such as losing a loved one, being lonely, having a chronic disease, etc. But even if we are sick, we are alive. We can see. We can feel. We can touch. We are breathing. We haven't left this earth yet. God has a special purpose for us while we are here on this earth. I once had a friend who had multiple sclerosis for many years. Even though she was bedridden and could barely move, she had such a beautiful attitude. As we would make small talk, she would smile and say, "Bless God! God is good." One time, my sister and I were racing her through the nursing home in her wheelchair. She starting laughing… but then she started coughing uncontrollably and couldn't stop. One of the nurses had to come over to help her. After her coughing fit was over, she smiled and said, "Jesus loves you." What a wonderful blessing she was to me! She is with Jesus now, but when I think of her, I smile. God loves us and wants us to have a joyful life. Life is short. We have a decision. Are we going to live with bitterness in our hearts, or are we going to focus on God and his blessings? God speaks to us in a still, small voice. Are we listening? In the spirit of Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I am giving 25% of the sale of my "Joy to the World" painting to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They provide treatment for children with catastrophic diseases and treatments at no charge. To find out more about St. Jude, here is their link: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I've listed my painting for auction on ebay starting at 99 cents. With the sale of the painting, the donation will help to benefit children with life-threatening diseases through St. Jude's research and treatments. If you are interested in making a bid for the painting, here is a link to my ebay site.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season. May your days and years ahead be filled with God's blessings. Blessings, Jan                 Make a bid on "Joy to the World" painting. 25% of the sale will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Jan Marvin Art Studio 'The 'Art of Joy' is available as prints, tote bags, throw pillows, coffee mugs and much more. Click below for more info. Jan Marvin Original Paintings    Jan Marvin Prints, Gallery Wraps, etc.   Jan Marvin Accessories, Coffee Mugs, Tote Bags, Throw Pillows, Shower Curtains & more.            If you have any questions, I may be contacted at marvin.jan@gmail.com or call me at 706-818-2741. October, 2014 BLOG Autumn is commonly thought of as a season to wind down and to get ready for long, cold, dark evenings. But, autumn can also be an exhilarating and fun season with: ~ Cooler temps ~ Camping ~ Campfires, smores and marshmallows ~ Hiking and fresh air ~ Beautiful fall colors ~ Football games, hot dogs and high school bands ~ Butternut squash and pumpkin spice latte ~ Fall festivals with super heroes, pretty princesses and lots of candy To help you keep warm with the cooler temps, check out my collection of hoodies and sweatshirts with a 15% off sale until midnight Monday PDT (September 29). Include this discount code for HOODIES & SWEATSHIRTS ONLY when checking-out: HOODIE15 Purple Butterflies Hoodie by Jan Marvin - available in various colors and sizes.

It's a Good Day Sweatshirt by Jan Marvin - available in various colors and sizes. It's a Colorful Good Day Hoodie by Jan Marvin - available in various colors and sizes. Years in Your Life Hoodie by Jan Marvin - available in various colors and sizes. And to keep you warm at football games, check out my "Shem Creek" blanket: 54" x 38" Woven Throw Blanket - $87.95 And warm up with coffee or hot chocolate with a coffee mug for $15 plus shipping. Remember that the holidays will be here before you know it. You can do some preliminary shopping or shop early for gifts. It's easy! Just check out these awesome gift items. Aprons, shower curtains, tote bags, iphone cases, ipod cases, t-shirts, onesies, kids t-shirts, coasters, throw pillows, rugs, wall clocks, duvet covers and more! All of these pieces include art created by Jan Marvin. Original acrylic paintings are available. If you are interested in purchasing any of my original art, I may be contacted at marvin.jan@gmail.com or call me at 706-818-2741. My art is also available as art prints and canvas wraps and may be viewed here: Autumn is a wonderful season. What are your thoughts about Autumn? Have a blessed season. ~ Jan Marvin

AUGUST, 2014 BLOG

Can you imagine going through the hot, steamy month of August without a glass of clean fresh water?
1.1 billion people, 20% of the world's population, lack access to safe clean water. This is one reason that I am giving 10% of all Jan Marvin Art Sales (through the month of August) to a wonderful local organization that provides clean water to those who don't have access to it… Water Missions International.

- Every day 25,000 people die from having an inadequate or contaminated water supply.
- Every 15 seconds, a child under age 5 dies from a water-related illness.
- Women and girls in developing countries walk an average of four miles per day carrying five gallons of water.
- For more information, go to www.watermissions.org

My art exhibit at Honeycomb Cafe on Daniel Island (SC) has been extended through August and I've added new art! It is more vibrant and colorful than ever. Brighten your day with art and help to give to a great cause. Check it out! Or you may go to my website to purchase prints in various sizes.

Have a wonderful summer!
Jan Marvin 

JULY 4th, 2014 BLOG

Happy Independence Day!

President Ronald Reagan said, "America is freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. Freedom is special and rare."

This is the greatest country on earth – and I am proud and grateful to God, every day, to be a citizen of the United States of America.

Today, as we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and traditional American cultural activities, I also hope you will…

Proudly fly the American flag…
Say the Pledge of Allegiance…
Remember to honor those who sacrificed everything for our freedom…
And pray to our gracious God for the restoration of our nation!

I am blessed personally to have my art on display at the Honeycomb Cafe on Daniel Island throughout the month of July!
Jennifer Johnston of The Daniel Island News wrote a wonderful article about me and my art this week. The article is shown below. 

LINK TO ARTICLE ABOUT JAN MARVIN ART

Have a wonderful and blessed Independence Day!

Jan Marvin 

JUNE 4th, 2014 BLOG

We sometimes get so busy running errands and making sure that our to-do lists are checked off that we miss the most simple and enjoyable things that are right in front of our eyes. We fail to notice some of the most beautiful sights and sounds because we aren't really looking and listening. These small, insignificant things can actually bring joy into our lives.

We need to clear our minds of daily clutter and appreciate the precious moments that God has provided for us while we are still here on this earth.

For example, here is a scenario of something that is insignificant and ordinary that brings joy into my life: I am walking outdoors on a quiet, warm and sunny day. I see the clear blue sky with a few white cumulous clouds floating above. I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I hear the hum of an airplane flying overhead. This scenario reminds me of a time when I was a child running and playing in an open field. It brings back feelings of being free and happy and most of all…joyful. This simple memory brings a smile to my face.

Would you like to find joy in the ordinary? Here is a suggestion: Turn off the TV and stereo (or ipod) and then S-L-O-W-L-Y read and act upon the following:

- Very slowly look around you. What colors do you see? Bright colors, dull colors, soft textures, rough textures, the pattern in a woven basket, shiny, clear surfaces, etc. Isn't it amazing that we can see such a variety of amazing and beautiful colors and surfaces?
- What sounds do you hear? The hum of an air conditioner, someone talking in the background, a lonely train in the distance, a bird singing, a dog barking, a lawn mower, the sound of your breathing, etc. Isn't it amazing that we can hear so many varieties of sounds?
- What do you feel? The soft breeze from a fan passing by your face? The soft petal of a flower touching your skin? Your faithful heart beating in your chest?
- What do you taste? That chocolate you ate a few minutes ago? The aftertaste of coffee? Isn't it amazing how our taste buds can pick up sweetness, bitterness, saltiness, sourness and such a variety of flavors?

How can ordinary and insignificant things bring moments of joy into your life today?

Blessings,
Jan Marvin

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul...Psalm 23:2

10% OFF ALL OF JAN MARVIN'S ART FOR ONE WEEK ONLY! Use Code CUYZUE to receive discount upon checkout.

JUNE 4th, 2014 BLOG

The Gift of Flowers “The earth laughs in flowers.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bring joy to someone special in your life. Purchase a flower painting for your loved one to brighten their life for many years to come.

Original flower paintings and all online purchases are 10% off until May 11, 2014. Use CODE # YBVCUZ to receive the discount.

Come and join the fun and view my flower paintings this Saturday at Pickled Palate in Mount Pleasant, SC from 1-4. The Old Village Block Party starts at 2:00 on Hibben Street.

Have a wonderful and blessed day,
Jan 

APRIL 17th, 2014 BLOG

Would you describe yourself as a joyful person? Why or why not? What does the word "joy" mean to you? What brings you joy? Is it an attitude that we choose to have or does it just come naturally?

The definition of joy in Merriam-Webster is: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: delight

As I ponder the word "joy", my paintings have become more of a pleasure to create and have become whimsical, colorful and fun. As a result, my life and relationships have become more joyful.

How can you bring more joy into your life today?

Have a wonderful and blessed day,
Jan

P.S. ONLY A COUPLE OF DAYS LEFT of the Daniel Island Art Show where three of my original paintings are displayed. Show ends Saturday, April 19 at 6 pm. The show is at at 186-D Seven Farms Drive on Daniel Island. For more information, call the Daniel Island Property Owners Association at 843-971-9200. 

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