A MORNING REVELATION...

 

A MORNING REVELATION

It is a rare moment when in one morning, from three different sources, I read/hear Biblical inspiration that all blend and merge together in one message: God made us as we are and for a purpose – don’t bury or hide what God has made.

As I arose early this morning, I wanted to finish reading a novel of Christian fiction – The Christmas Kite by Gail Gaymer Martin. I picked it up from the FREE shelf at the library last week and once I started reading I couldn’t stop. The story was intriguing, but it also had a definite spiritual message interwoven throughout. Toward the end, as the two struggled to accept the past and move forward, I came across the following quote:

God has made us as perfect as He wanted us to be. Each of us has limitations, but still we are perfect because God made us, even with limitations. Our challenge is to recognize the opportunities life gives us. To accept our purpose.”

After my morning walk, I picked up my current devotion book, YOU CAN BE CREATIVE by William Coleman. In the second chapter discussing our fear of creativity, he writes of the Parable of the Talents and about burying the gifts God has given out of fear to take a risk. And then the reminder from 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and self-discipline.” Hmmm...God has made us just as God wanted us to be, so don’t be afraid to use those gifts God has given. Be bold.

And then I went to church. A rare Sunday when I didn’t have ANY other responsibility than to sit in the pew with the rest of the congregation and sing the hymns in harmony (which I can’t do when I am playing the piano!) The following words were part of the Blessing Prayer:

Blessed are those who inhabit their lives fully, who do not shrink back or hide who they are, but who shine for all the world to see….Blessed are those who know that God created them exactly as God would have them be, and calls them good.

What is God trying to tell me today? The message seems clear: Use my creativity in bold new ways. Don’t shrink from sharing the talents God has blessed upon me. Hmmm….what new project can I dream up that will “be the light that reveals the God-Colors of the world.” (My favorite verse from Eugene Peterson’s The Message and the Sermon on the Mount. I think tie-dye whenever I read it!) Time to don my ‘pumpkin shell thinking cap’ and let the juices flow!

YOU CAN BE CREATIVE (Wm Coleman)

 

YOU CAN BE CREATIVE:

Making Your Dreams Come True

by William Coleman

CHAPTER 1 – What Are We Talking About?

• For many people creativity fades as they grow older. They become well-hewn adults with most of their adventure chipped off. But there is hope...The channels which God has given can be opened again. (9-10)

• Creativity is taking what is already existing and available and changing it in unpredictable ways. It is finding new and unique ways to solve problems. (Dilling, 10)

• Performance is often judged on our ability to comply rather than to create. (11)

• A closed system, one in which all the answers are already in, is the enemy of creative thought and action. (Bayly, 12)

• A person with limited freedom has boundaries narrow enough to give him security yet they are wide enough to offer him liberty. There is enough rope to roam but not enough to get lost. (15)

• Creative people are looking for change. Those who are happy with everything the way it is can never create. (15)

• What makes a creative person? Four basic ingredients: fair amount of intelligence, thirst for adventure, sense of humor, and a feeling of restlessness (17-18)

• A major role played by God in the universe is as Creator. Made in His image and personality, we are invited to play a part in Gods ongoing creativity. (18)

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  Just to get started...I took a Celtic Knot design and added a few quotes and key points from the first chapter.  

  
  
  

A WEARY WORLD REJOICES

A Weary World Rejoices!

An Advent Devotion by Wycliff Bible Translators

      I explored a number of difference Advent Devotions last month - finding it difficult to find one that called to me in both a spiritual and an artistic, creative way.  I finally settled on this one as it also focused on one of my favorite Christmas songs, O Holy Night.  And indeed, our world is weary right now and in need of a little rejoicing! 

SOULFUL SIMPLICITY

 SOULFUL SIMPLICITY

by Courtney Carver

     Thursdays Rick and I volunteer at the Senior Center to drive for Meals on Wheels.  I always pause at the 'free table' when we leave for the day.  I found the Holy Moments book there that I used previously for devotions.  A week ago I found this book by Courtney Carver on the table.  It looked interesting, so I picked it up.  The length was right to last me until Advent!  (Isn't that the best reason to choose a book?) 

     My daily prayer pictures are based on the cherry blossom illustrations Carver uses throughout the book.  Why cherry blossoms?  I had to look that up,  but I love the 'springtime' feel in the midst of autumn!   (And who doesn't like cherries??)  So, according to the internet, cherry blossoms "symbolize both life and death, beauty and violence. As the coming of spring promises new life, so the blooming of cherry blossoms brings a sense of vitality and vibrancy. At the same time, their short lifespan is a reminder that life is fleeting."  So this process of simplifying our lives can bring a sense of new life!

     Each day features a quote from the chapter and a simple summary haiku or twitter poem of my creation.  Daily prayers surround the picture.  

And what has been the result of this SIMPLE book?  I have started to go through a few things and eliminate, donate, let go of THINGS.  Slowly, but surely!