A New Perspective

Sometimes we get stuck with the “same old same old” routine and don’t know how to try something different. We may not even know that different is out there because we are so focused on what’s comfortable, what’s right in front of us, and what’s known.  We find it easy to stay the course and coast, rather than to shift gears and take it up a notch.  We do this in relationships, in our careers, even in our homes. Change can be hard, and harder for others. But here is the truth - change can be very good. Change can be very exciting. There’s definitely a time for coasting, but we have to be ready to shift and flow as God leads.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Even when change is difficult, if we put our trust in Jesus, one day we will see that the process made us stronger, better, closer to God, and more confident in Him. When we allow the Holy Spirit to move us from glory to glory, rather than staying stuck in one place, we live the victorious life and truly reflect all that He is to others. And isn’t that what this life is all about anyway? We are here, alive on earth, to live out loud for Him and represent Jesus to everyone.  When people see me, I want them to see Jesus Christ!

Mirrors reflect and reveal. When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see the beautiful creation that you are? Do you see the masterpiece that God, The Father fashioned in your mother’s womb?

I had an opportunity to paint an antique mirror this past week. I recently stained a piece for this client (watch the video here)  and once she saw the difference it made, it inspired her to change the mirror. She could no longer tolerate the dullness in the mirror and how bland it was. She needed a change.

This lady has her entire house decorated in 80's fashion. She’s never changed it. She’s slowly changing certain things in her home, but she’s keeping it 80's. So for now, she’s on the Grand Millennial trend. 

The top of the frame was barely hanging on. She had her son stain it but it was too dark for her and she couldn’t live with it. She tried some kind of furniture oil she picked up from an antique store and still wasn’t satisfied so she brought it in and asked me to do something to it.

I cleaned it really well with a micro fiber cloth and a solution of TSP and water and followed by mineral spirits with a lint free cloth.  Can you see the staining?
	I glued the frame using Titebond Quick and Thick. The excess glue will ooze out so make sure to clean it up with a dampened rag so that you will have a nice clean edge.
I clamped it for a bit and let the glue set.
	I nailed it together with my brad nailer and let it sit in the clamps for a couple of hours.
Now it was time to prime it. I knew that this would be a bleeder since my white cloth showed signs of staining. My preferred primer is Shellac. I didn't want to get the Shellac on the mirror, so I covered it with brown packing paper.
	After two coats of Shellac on my back porch, it was time to paint. Shellac dries quickly and even more so when you do it on a nice hot summer day. And so does DIY Paint!
I used DIY Paint's Crinoline to paint the mirror. Since it was such a dark mirror, I knew I would need 2-3 coats for total coverage. After the second coat, I spotted a bit of bleed through. When this happens, STOP PAINTING....I have learned that the best thing to do is to just spray those areas with Shellac and repaint it.
	Once I repainted those spots, I distressed the mirror with a sanding sponge. I then brought it back inside to seal it with DIY Paint Big Top Top Coat.

We can't change every circumstance. But we can fix the things that need fixing and we can allow God to do what only He can do! Then we can SHINE SHINE SHINE knowing that we are in His Good Hands and everything will work out in the end. 

This mirror was old and worn. But now, it will go back to its rightful place and shine brightly. Isn't that what we should do too? Shine in our positions - wherever or whatever they may be. Choose to reflect Christ today no matter what your circumstances are.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it is not too late to choose Him today and then you will be able to walk in confidence knowing that you are now a child of The Most High God, God The Father, Eternal... and no matter what tomorrow may bring, you are now saved and can spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Feel free to reach out if you need prayer or have questions about salvation or Jesus.