Regent University School of Udnergraduate Studies

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Worldview Art - Need Help!

I just finished reading “Do Fish Know They’re Wet?” by Tom Neven for the third time.

I am currently working on an art challenge - the subject is "Symbols of Our Culture".
I am trying to think of a way to depict the damage that is part of our culture as a result of the varying worldviews in our country. Signs of the times, I guess, is what I'm aiming for... but as this project evolves, that will probably narrow. (Much like Kyle's research topic...)
It is an art quilt so I have use of more depth than more traditional two-dimensional media.

There's no cash prize associated with this challenge.
Its purpose is to spur us to keep moving forward artistically.
But, IMHO, there is a bigger "prize" at stake... The souls of countless artists out there who hold every different skew of the truth imaginable.

I'm known for using words in my art & this is the list I've come up with so far (like, the last 30 seconds)- I was thinking effects of popular worldviews:
euthanasia
suicide
abortion
bombs
gangs

This is only in its infant stages... so any insight, idea or direction is appreciated!
It'll be interesting to see which way this takes off.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Change is Good

My 25th high school reunion is this summer, and my DH and I have been reminiscing about this and that. "You haven't changed a bit!" is usually what everyone hopes to hear.
I don't.

I saw an old friend at Christmas time.
She went on and on about how much I had changed. And I had.
Dramatically.
I don't look much different than I did then.
My personality hadn't changed,either, but my inner workings had had an overhaul of healing and freedom I didn't know existed back in high school.
I'm me - only better at being me.
I silently thanked God that the change in me was visible.

But as she rambled from one subject to the next, I realized I couldn't say the same about her.
Outwardly she had changed quite a bit, but inwardly she seemed to be carrying the same baggage and holding on to the same stuff she was focused on when we were kids.
She was stuck in high school, and it saddened me.

Today I received an email from another high school friend.
If I hadn't known who sent the email, I am absolutely certain I could have guessed.
I barely survived high school. This guy always had a way of making me feel better about myself - he was a bright spot in what was a horrible time for me. And I'm grateful I have the chance to thank him now.
He's still the same guy, but I can tell he's not entirely the guy I remember.
He grew up.


I pray that no one ever has cause to tell me I haven't changed a bit.
I want to continue to grow and continue to heal into everything God has for me.
I don't ever want to settle for good enough.
Jesus didn't come for me to have "good enough".
I want every mark on his body to count.
I want everything he died for me to have.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Wake-up Call

Two days ago, I received the results from some blood work I had done.
After lots of symptoms and no answers, it was finally confirmed that I have rheumatoid arthritis.
Finally knowing what is going on was an answer to prayer.
That doesn't mean I am happy about it....

I was feeling a wee bit "poor-me" when I received my issue of Voice of the Martyrs magazine.
My monthly reality check in the mail.... :o)
I didn't even have to open it to feel the impact of its presence in my kitchen.
I did an about face.

I haven't even had a chance to sit and read through it, yet.
But I know I will be inspired and humbled by what I read.
Those brothers and sisters expose us for the spiritual wimps we are in this country.
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