BEHIND THE NAME

So, where did the name, "Arts With Love," come from? What's the backstory? Is there a special meaning behind it? All of these questions are somewhat connected and all of them are answered in this blog. Jump on in and take a trip with me down memory lane ;)

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When my siblings and I were younger, we used to take turns staying overnight at our grandparent’s house in Cannon Falls. It was the highlight of our month! Usually, we would accompany my Papa on his farrier visits all day and then come back and spend time on their farm. During these visits, we would primarily eat ice cream, pizza, fries, or grilled food for dinner. For some reason, Papa and Nana’s food always tasted better than the food at our house. Isn’t it funny how that works?

​The next morning, my Papa would get up and make us grandkids pancakes in the shape of a Unicorn, Princess, or Truck. Without fail, my younger brother would always ask for the truck shaped pancake, my older sister would ask for the unicorn shaped pancake (and then proceed to cut off the horn and tell us it was actually like her own horse, Dandy), and I would always ask for the princess shaped pancake. We would eat maybe three or four each and then say in unison: “These are SOO good Papa! Thank you!” He smiled a little and then responded, “Well, they’re made with love!” It's the secret ingredient that somehow made the pancakes taste better. He'd proceed to wink at us grandkids or give us a hug.

Simply thinking of those mornings brings a smile to my face. The fact that the pancakes (or other yummy foods) were "made with love" made the treat more meaningful, wonderful, and special. This simple phrase taught us that even the smallest, seemingly inconsequential actions (such as making pancakes or doing dishes) can show the love of that person and even more so, the love of God. The action doesn’t have to be huge or daring, like in the movies, though it can be. Mother Teresa once said, “Small things done in great love will change the world.” This is the example my Papa and Nana gave us grandkids.

Likewise, this is the philosophy which inspired and named this nonprofit business, "Arts With Love." Although making handcards in the name of Jesus may seem small, it is done in love, and therefore, I believe it could change the world; even if it only changes the world of one child, one family, or one village. 
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