Heart and soul
Lately, I have been dabbling with different kinds of art. I’ve tried painting with alcohol ink which has resulted in some very creative, abstract canvases. I’ve been experimenting with junk journals by gluing, cutting, rearranging, and adding bits of paper, feathers, buttons, lace and pictures. I’ve always loved taking photos and trying to capture different perspectives. I find all of it very relaxing, fulfilling and fun!
I know people pursue art as a creative outlet and make a living selling their work, but there are others who are gifted as musicians, singers, rappers, poets, writers, photographers, bloggers, podcasters, speakers and a plethora of other creative humans out there. How fortunate we are to be able to celebrate them, to listen to or read their words or to gaze in awe and wonder at their creations. Each one has put something of themselves into his or her song, musical instrument, composition, sculpture, canvas, or page.
There is a word not used often that encompasses all of those thoughts: Meraki is to do something with your soul, creativity or love. It is to put something of yourself into your work. So whether we are accomplished musicians, artitists or writers or just souls wanting to share some of ourselves, with others and the world, we can do so “merakily!”
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
mountains quake
As the snow falls lightly outside my kitchen window, accumulating a white blanket covering the green grasses and fall leaves in my yard, I can start to feel like I am falling into a winter of sorts in my soul. Dark mornings, cold winds blowing, hiding inside warm spaces are days I know will be long and dreary if I dwell on the parts I don’t love about this wintry season.
When those days can get me down, I know that I need to be getting up. I need to change my cadence to the music in my head. One of my favorite recent songs had me listening to the story behind the song. Tasha Layton talks briefly about the inspiration for her song, “Into the Sea - It’s Gonna Be Okay” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBHEHWFKFY and even though the events, situations, craziness of the world is evident all around us, our perspective can change. Have a listen.
The mountains remind me of the way I can approach winter and life. From afar, they are magnificance set against the sky. There is wonder and hope about the future. I know summer is over, but the closer I get to autumn and the peaks, the more daunting they are with rock faces and snow crusted tops and approaching winter. I can cringe in fear of them falling or devour the beauty with my eyes and see majesty. Because there is wonder all around, I am going to choose to see beauty and not fear.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear; thought the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46: 1-3 NIV
wise words
There’s a Great Horned owl that has recently frequented our neighborhood in the evenings. Western folklore, considers the owl a wise, silent and solitary bird of prey. but when I see this bird, I am reminded of one word: Wisdom. As it perches on the branches, silhouetted against the shadow of the sky, it sits waiting patiently, observing and attuned to its surroundings before it dives into the night to hunt for its prey.
We have wisdom teeth, great philosophers like Socrates, Magi or wise men from the bible, sages, Buddha and shamans; not to mention Elders, in the church, with Indigenous Peoples and throughout many cultures in the world. Old age is often honored, celebrated and respected and people search for and seek out those who possess wisdom. I watched a news clip the other night of a woman who was celebrating her 100th birthday. I had to chuckle, because when the reporter asked her what advice - or wisdom - she had for others, the aged woman replied, “Keep breathing.” We have access to inspirational quotes on social media giving advice and motivation. Even though we know that wisdom is perceived differently across cultures, one fact remains; it is desirable and has positive characteristics. How can we begin to even measure it?
Recently, Penn State University attempted to answer that very question. They discovered many factors that contributed to people’s perception of wisdom. Kind, joyful, optimistic, strong, concrete, respected were to name a few characteristics, but three remained dominant over all. They were charismatic, goal-oriented and unconventional. Basically, wisdom is desirable and has positive characteristics. Who wouldn’t want to be considered wise?
Sapience, intuitive or discerning knowledge, is at the heart of every religion. The bible has a number of books of wisdom including Proverbs and King Solomon’s thoughts in Ecclesiastes. In the New Testament, the book of James, Paul shares from James 1:5, NIV: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
And so, all we need to do is ask. Wise words indeed.
giving thanks
It is that time of the year when people start baking pumpkin pies, drinking pumpkin spice lattes or buying a turkey or ham and preparing for a festive feast with relatives and friends; but this year we may not be able to celebrate in the way we did before. That doesn’t mean that we still can’t be grateful, celebrate and praise - we just do it in a different way and that’s okay.
Isaiah 61:3a tells us that He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.
When the world feels like things are falling apart, look at the fallen leaves. Even though plants die and the trees are bare, there is always hope for the spring. We will make it through our long winter days and winters of our souls because we know that change is inevitable. COVID or not. When we feel alone, down and need that boost of joy in the morning; rise with the sun and watch the glorious display of a painted sky with clouds and the sun breaking across the dawn. When we have set backs and disappointments, we know that troubles don’t need to define our days. We can be filled with simple joys like a child’s laugh, a walk in the woods, a smile or a smize with our masks. We can praise God for the abundant blessings - safety, a home, sunshine, food, friends and family and love above all to give or receive.
My sister gave our family the idea to buy a pumpkin, a Sharpie marker and start to write down things that we are thankful for. When the blessings are formed into words on the outside of the pumpkin, you will be amazed at how easily you can think of them. And what a lovely decoration to adorn your home as a reminder of festive praise and joyous blessings!
And so this Thanksgiving, whether we are celebrating alone or with many, find beauty from the ashes, joy instead of tears and praise to replace despair.
Happy Thanksgiving!
FallEN OUT OF SUMMER
Have you fallen out of summer into the leaves of fall?
As we stand on the precipice of uncertainty and confusion for our current future; let us cling to the edge of love and fall gently into the unknown. Rethink old ideas; embrace the new but do not forget our pasts. Let us be more responsible for Mother Earth and aways treat each other with respect. What endures is what has always mattered; love….” Anne Rice Loving others, our world, our differences, ourselves, our Creator as we venture forward in this life.
Beauty Abounds
There is an observatory to the heavens at Mauna Kea, Hawaii, the big island. One can see out to the heavens and be amazed at the glories of the universe. I know that King David praised God’s love and in Psalm 89, stated that “.. the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord… For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?”
I think about this autumn season and I marvel what God must see from above as He looks at the masterpieces He has created with the earth as his canvas - the oranges, yellows and red leaves as they sway on the mountainsides; or the brilliant fall canopy of majestic colors displayed throughout the hills. I hear the honking of the geese as they fly in perfect formation over the colored treetops and land on the open waters of the still blue lakes. I feel the draft of cooler air in the morning as the sun creeps across the horizon waiting to warm the day.
As September draws to a close and the yellow and orange leaves dance across my yard, I see the green of summer fading into the browns and earthy tones preparing for a season of rest. I cry out to the dying plants and tell them, “hang on just a little longer; another day” but my foolish thoughts are carried on the changing winds as fall is ushered in to a new season once again. I know that the quietness of winter will come and I will be content to wait patiently yet again in the hope of summer days.