Gone but not forgotten

Just checked the date on my last entry. March 2009. 17 months. Pathetic.

I think about blogging often. I value the word of others in the blogosphere. Why can't I get into a rhythm and do this more often. Probably because I'm afraid I have nothing to say or nothing interesting to share. I can use the excuse that life is too busy, or time just gets away from me. That's always going to be the case. From now on no excuses.

Starting today, I resolve to post at least three times a week, whether I have something to say or not.

Intolerable Compliment

I've been following a new blog lately called The Intolerable Compliment. It is well worth a read. These are stories about interactions with real people we too easlily overlook in our day to day busy-ness. I'm thankful that someone is taking the time to tell these stories, and to tell them well.

Check out the link to the right.

Worship arts retreat

Last summer I was invited to conduct a workshop on painting in the church. With the conference scheduled for February of '09 year I readily agreed. As February drew closer I wondered whether I really had anything to add to a retreat dealing with corporate worship.

As I prepared for the trip I struggled with how I would approach the subject and how to present painting as a viable and valuable art form that should be embraced and celebrated by the church. I wondered how many people would even want to participate or try to understand my point of view. Often when I have participated in church services as a painter people either don't understand what's happening or see me as a distraction from the "singing."

To me that kind of attitude is the reason why artists have trouble in the church. They find their talents discounted and feel as if they don't fit in. It's interesting that in the book of Exodus God tells Moses he has given a group of artisans talents and abilities to create the Tabernacle-the place where God is to be worshiped. These artisans then create and amazing place of worship where all of Israel is invited to encounter God.

Why have we drifted so far that we now go to worship in buildings devoid of any kind of artistic expression? Why does the church see any kind of artwork not containing a dove, rainbow, cross or praying hands as suspect? And how is it that worship has become purely auditory (singing, playing instruments) and not visual as well?

God is creative. Just look at the world around us. We should celebrate that with whatever talents and abilities we've been given.

The retreat I attended featured music, drama, dance and yes painting. My fear of not being understood was, thankfully, not realized. The response to the workshop was tentative (just four people showed up), but the overall response during the general meetings the painters participated in was very positive. It was a good weekend. I hope to give more specifics in an upcoming post.

Time flies

March? Already? Is it me or is the year flying by?

It seems so much as happened since my last post. Been traveling some, to Portland for an arts retreat, to Vegas and Santa Ynez for pleasure, celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary and attended an amazing conference called Idea Camp. Well there was also Christmas and New Year's in the mix, too. Now it sounds like I'm just making excuses.

My apologies for not being more diligent in putting my thoughts down here. Can't promise I'll be more consistent, but I will try.

Christmas does not equal consumerism

Check out this video. As an artist I appreciate the creativity. As a human being the message resonates deeply. I have made a conscious effort this Christmas to give more to the poor and needy. Even with our economy in the state it is, I have been able to carve out more to give away and still not build debt (no credit cards!). There are plenty of ways to give. Be creative. 

Some of the things I've done are: I've partnered with a group of people at the office to adopt a family (through the Salvation Army)—we bought Christmas presents and food certificates for a family of seven; I've donated toward purchasing coal for an orphanage in China; I have filled gift boxes for my faith community's Laundry Love Project; I plan to help put together baskets for trafficking victims and build hygiene kits for the homeless with PATH. I don't share these to toot my horn (what an odd phrase that is). I do it to show there are things we can do locally and globally to effect positive change in the lives of others. I encourage you to find something that you can do for those in need.

 

Junky Car Club

Here's something unusual that I find pretty cool. It's an organization called the Junky Car Club. Sound intriguing? Essentially, it's a growing group of people that have given up driving nicer, upscale autos and purchased (hopefully reliable) beater cars. The money that would have been spent on excessive car payments, outrageous insurance rates and general upkeep is donated to the poor—in particular the mobile homeless (people who live in their cars). Their slogan is "Living with less so we can give more." I heard founder Mike Foster speak a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed. Who knew driving a crappy car could be a sign of social awareness.

The Junky Car Club is holding a rally this week in Costa Mesa, CA. It's on Saturday, December 6. Visit their website for more info. on the rally and the organization. FYI Mike mentioned that the Junky Car Club has worldwide membership and is apparently very big in Russia.

"Sin boldly"

Another book I've read recently is by Cathleen Falsani called "Sin Boldly." How's that for a provocative title?* It's a fabulous book and an easy read. Each chapter is essentially an essay about finding grace in unexpected places. Cathleen is the religion columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

The book has inspired me to look for hope in every situation, whether it be for me or for someone else. I've been learning how to really focus on grace for the moment rather than fixating on on the "why" questions we all face (a sure way to drive yourself and those around you crazy). I guess you could say I'm learning to live with the unanswered questions, even though it goes against everything I've been taught. Why must everything have an explanation? Is it a desire to control everything? I would rather live with the mystery (or even the mystical) than know everything.

Bottom line: The answer to "Why?" may come tomorrow or may never come, and I think I'm OK with that. Maybe that's what faith is really all about.

*"Sin boldly" actually comes from a quote by Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Falsani devotes a chapter in her book to discussing the quote and what Luther meant by it.