When I come across writing that really moves me and inspires me, my reaction is twofold. I want to share it with others and I want to draw something that is worthy of it. I love finding quotes that stop people-that really make them think. And I love the idea that my work, combined with meaningful words, can provide comfort or inspiration to someone.
Mary EngelbreitMy best ideas come to me at unexpected moments, like when I'm reading children's books to my kids (the pictures inspire me), shopping, driving somewhere, seeing different things.
Mary EngelbreitEveryday life inspires me, the situations that we all find ourselves in at one time or another.
Mary EngelbreitThere are some people who want me and my husband to stay where it is safe and draw a paycheck every week instead of what we are doing (which is creating and sharing our art with others). The truth is that there are people in this world - Dave and I being two - who would die a slow painful death if stuck in an office and made to do the kind of work that we are not made to do.
Mary EngelbreitLife is too short to not tell every one you know about Jesus. I need to practice this more.
Mary EngelbreitThings that influence me are my kids, their happiness, colorfulness, and vitality. My husband - he comes up with some great quotes and ideas. God - He is the Ultimate artist. And what I see around me - flowers, leaves, trees, birds, fruit, vegetables.
Mary EngelbreitSo many people com einto our lives and then leave the way they came. But there are those precious few who touch our hearts so deeply we will never be the same.
Mary EngelbreitThe only thing I know for sure about the creative process is it always comes back. Magically. When there are no creative juices and nothing is coming to me - if I wait - it comes!
Mary EngelbreitLife is too short to be safe and sit still and do nothing. Unless of course that is what God has for you to do in a particular place in your life.
Mary EngelbreitI wish I would have kept the big picture in my mind at all times - what it most important? That my kids seek to please God and learn about their Creator.
Mary EngelbreitJust being able to express myself and reach so many other people by doing so is really great!
Mary EngelbreitThe world would be a vastly better place if people saw their need for God and accepted Him as Savior and Lord. And then lived by His rule of Love being the most important thing. Can you imagine the world if everyone was motivated by love for others?
Mary EngelbreitLife is too short to waste time changing the sheets every week. Especially when you have small children who tend to wait until you change the sheets to then wet the sheets.
Mary EngelbreitI am extremely thankful for my family. I am very thankful for what God is allowing me to do artistically. What a dream come true for me! That I get the opportunity every single day to use my talent for His glory.
Mary EngelbreitMy mother always read to me as a child. I really believe that bonding time between a parent and child is so important and precious. I have lasting memories of those stories because the experience was special.
Mary EngelbreitAnything good that we do is because of God. Whenever we get our eyes off of Him we crash and burn.
Mary EngelbreitLife is too short to leave your walls bare or colorless. Unless you like bare and colorless then it is fine.
Mary EngelbreitI have been trying to get the hang of not being proud but instead turning that into thankfulness. Really whatever we have to be proud about, it is something given to us by the Lord.
Mary EngelbreitWe should see dreaming as one of our responsibilitie s, rather than an alternative to one.
Mary EngelbreitWhen you go through a process of #1 praying daily and staying in God's word #2 obey Him in the small decisions every day #3 ask advice from a number of spiritual counselors then you can step out peacefully knowing that pleasing God is all that matters. America was built on this attitude.
Mary Engelbreit