A Wonderful Opportunity

 The Wednesday night before Christmas, I participated in a service at our church that brought together multiple generations through art and the gospel. Four artists (elementary student, middle school student, me, and a retired person) were asked to create paintings that were our interpretation of Luke 2. They placed our work on stage, and interviewed each of us one at a time. They asked what in the text stood out to us, inspired us, or challenged us & how we represented that within our work. They also asked what stylistic choices we made within our work that helped convey the heart of our art. It was affirming, to me, as a believer & an artist to be a part of this service. The fact that we as artists were given a platform to serve the Lord with our gifts/talents & share the gospel through our work is not something I take for granted. This is not happening in a lot of churches...beyond doing crafts with kids or painting sets for VBS. We ,as believers, need to find the gifts/talents of our people and allow them to use those diverse, amazing, and unique skill sets to build up the body of believers...share God's love, and glorify the Lord. Bakers, automotive, organizers, hair dressers, gardners....can all be done for the glory of the Lord. It's time to view "ministry" as a way of life and not a narrow prescribed job description/role within the church. I loved every work & the words each artist shared. It truly was a blessing.

Talking about my art, choices I made, and the inspiration for it to around 190 people.

Me

Middle School Student

Elementary Student

Retired Art Teacher

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: BUSY

I have so many paintings I want to create.   I have so many supplies I want to put to use.  I have so many other projects I want to get started. I have family responsibilities.  I have work responsibilities. I have other things that need my attention. It is easy to become so busy that you get absolutely nothing done. It isn't bad to be busy, but when it overwhelms us to the point that we become ineffective or distracted.....something must change. Priorities are important for finding balance in our artistic journey (and life).  Sometimes it is as simple as putting away our phones or turning off our TVs.  Sometimes it involves staying up later or getting up earlier(which requires discipline).  An artist gotta art! (ha ha)  What changes do you need to make so your priorities are reflected in how you live your life?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named. Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42

Martha was busy.  So many things she wanted to accomplish. This busyness became a "distraction". We give her a lot of grief for the choices she made in this section of scripture.  However, I think we often end up doing similar things in our own life. We prioritize things that often distract us what is truly important in our families, relationships(friends), and churches.  We may be accepting the expectations of others or what we perceive as the expectation of others. The holidays really bring out this in many of us.  We don't have to have the perfect Christmas outfit, holiday party, church program, or the perfect gifts under the tree.  We need to keep the Lord at the center of all that we do, and make sure the things we busy ourselves with glorify him, help us to know him, and use our gifts & talents to serve him.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Old & New

Many artists are inspired by the things of "their" past or the things of "the" past. Events, both good and bad, can yield amazing inspiration.  It can provide content and context for amazing artistic endeavors.  There is a "comfort" and working from what has already taken place. Ideas, symbols, mood, individuals, circumstances, and even color can be already prescribed and easily adapted.  Others artists live for invention and innovation.  The new excites them, and they want little to do with things of old.  It could be that that they don't want to be accused of doing what has already been done, they have a deep desire for what is to come, or that "their" past  or "the" past is not something that they wish to explore or exploit through their work. Whatever the case might be, the challenge of creating something new is stepping into the unknown boldly.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 

Isaiah 43:19

Reflecting on the past can be both painful and empowering.  Many have experienced traumatic events (even within the church) that changed the course of their lives. Though this is understandably painful, so many find strength and mission through the overcoming.  God is able to redeem our struggles, and helps us to flourish despite our past pain.  Some use these experiences to connect with others in similar situations, and help them to process through the past & find peace in the present. The past also allows us to see when God met us where we were.  Seeing his faithfulness allows us to approach new situations knowing he is there.

As much as the past can guide us in our present and future....God often wants to do a "new thing" in our life.  This too requires us to trust in him.  We know that when he guides us in new circumstances that he will provide a way.  When we find ourselves outside of our comfort zones, we find ourselves before our God in a new way.  We can no longer rest on what we know.  We must rest in the arms of our Lord.  

In the old & the new....God is there. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Don't "Brush" It Off

 Most painters rely on traditional tools to create their masterpieces. Brushes are crucial tool for a majority of painters. The size, style, and quality of brush are of paramount importance.  However, brush maintenance is also a crucial element to a successful painting.  If you do not take care of your brushes, you will shorten their usefulness & life expectancy.  Allowing paint to dry can create an unbending non receptive surface for paint to transfer to or from. Paint brushes left to soak to long can begin to loosen the hairs and cause shedding to occur. It can also ruin the finish on the handle of the brush which makes it extremely uncomfortable to use. Improper storage of one's brushes can cause the bristles to bend in a way that causes great difficulty.   An artist knows that to be their best they must not neglect the "house keeping" aspect of their craft. It cannot be "brushed off".

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

With all my heart I have sought You: Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against you.

Psalm 119: 10-11

Believers can become neglectful of important "disciplines".  Some believers may just not like "disciplines" of faith because they feel too much like work.  However, if we neglect reading God's Word, praying, fellowship with other believers....we are setting ourselves up for a life that does not have the power, impact, or the vibrancy God intended.  Like the ridged bristles of a brush that has not properly been cleaned....we become ineffective in our faith.  We are not able to be used by God as he designed us to be.   Even though discipline may feel like work at times, you quickly realize the importance, impact, and joy faithfully seeking God out in His Word, through prayer, or even having a mentor relationship can bring to your life.  Like the artist knows they must be disciplined in cleaning their brushes to be able to use them to their full potential...so the believer must know that Christian discipline allows them to live out their life of faith to its full potential. 

Do you want to learn more about Christian Disciplines & deepening your walk with the Lord?

Check out Celebrations of Discipline by Richard Foster & 

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: The Importance of Light

 Proper lighting plays an important part in the creation of art.  It is as important as quality supplies for an artist.  There have been many times that I've continued worked in poorly lit rooms thinking it was not a big deal.  Why would I not just get up and open the blinds/curtains or turn on more lighting?  My  eyes adjust to the condition of the room, and I believed that I was able to see just fine.  Sometimes, it was because I was too lazy to do a simple thing like flipping a light switch.  Other times, I thought I was skilled enough to create in the diminished conditions. It wasn't until the work was brought into the light that I could see the glaring issues precipitated by lighting.  At times, the issues were minor things that could be easily fixed.  However, there have been times that I'd have to start completely over because the issues were too great to be fixed.  

Allowing ourselves to believe we are "ok" to continue in the darkness will create issues that will have to be dealt with at some point.  

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light;

And reproofs for discipline are the way of life

Proverbs 6:23

The imagery of light is used throughout scripture.  It is something that everyone can understand.  When you operate in the dark...bad things can happen.  How many times have I kicked my toe on the side of the bed when I've tried to find my way in the dark.  I thought I could handle it....making my way from the bathroom to the bed with the lights out.  We think we can until we can't. We usually come to that realization because of negative circumstances.  There are many times in our life where we think we can do things on our own.  We stop listening to the advice of those who truly love us and what the best for us.  We feel that we know what is best, and we don't need the Lord's guidance.  WE'VE GOT THIS.  And you know what?  We do have it!  Right up until we don't.  Then what?  Where do you turn when you realize the darkness you've been walking in has betrayed you. You look at your situation, your job, your life, your relationships, and you see how you allowed them to become so much less than they should be.  You see that things don't appear as good as you once thought they did.

 The good news is that you can find your way when you turn to the Light.  Light doesn't just illuminate the negative(which we so badly don't want to see or acknowledge), but it guides you to the path of where you truly want & need to be. We need to surround ourselves with God's Word & those who know and follow God's Word. This light will allow us to see ourselves & our situations accurately. The importance of light can not be underestimated.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Experience

If I told you to teach someone how to do a collagraph, but you knew nothing about it....how successful would you be?  If I told you how to do a collagraph, and asked you to teach someone how to do it...would you be more successful?  If I showed you how to do a collagraph, and asked you to teach someone how to do it....you might do ok.   If I showed you how to do a collagraph, let you do a collagraph while I watched and advised, and then asked you to teach someone else how to do one...you'd probably do a pretty good job. Experience makes a difference.  As an art educator, I seek out others who know and have more experience with media and processes that I feel unsure about.  In turn, I love to share the things I've learned along the way.  I know if I would not have had others take the time to build into me....I would not be the teacher I am now.   

What good is experience if we do not share it?  

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-6

 Emmanuel. God is with us. We often hear this at Christmas, but this truth is not seasonal. We serve a God who knows the struggles we face spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  He is with us.  God has also given us a family of believers who have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience the very things we are going through.  This provides for us those who can advise us, those who can cry with us, and those who we can come along side when the time comes.  The experiences we face are not in vain.  They allow us to trust God in new ways.  They provide an opportunity for God to work in and through us. Being open with our experiences & being willing to share with others what we have learned through them....is a beautiful gift that can provide comfort and connectedness. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Room

Is it on trend? Are they using the latest greatest supplies? Is it tackling contemporary issues? Does it push the boundaries of what we've seen before? Does it speak to all the social and political issues?  

Art is BIG!!  Sometimes people try to control what art is by trying to make it fit in a box.  That's art.  That's not art.  That's good art. That's not good art.  That person is an artist. That person is not an artist.  Is there not enough room in our world for people to create and not have to "fit" into a certain mold?   People create because it is within them to do so.  It connects them with their past. It helps process the present.  It gives them hope for the future.  Maybe they just want to make something pretty for their home.  Maybe they want to address issues they wrestle with.  Maybe they use craft paint from Wal-Mart. Maybe they use expensive "professional" grade paint from a fancy art store.  We should encourage everyone to create / make.  Art's worth can not be put into a box. There is room outside of the box for so much more.  

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Often when we think about those who "serve" the Lord...we list people/jobs like pastor, youth leader, missionary, bible study leader, choir/praise team director, or children's minister. We tend to have a narrow view of what it means to serve the Lord. We put serving God in a box.   Serving the Lord is volunteering to help clean up after an event.  Serving the Lord is rounding up supplies to give to the pregnancy help center or food pantry.  Serving the Lord is helping your neighbor with their yard.  Serving the Lord is working at fast food restaurant and doing your very best to honor God.  Serving the Lord is telling that mom in the store with the screaming baby...she is a great mom and doing her very best.  There is room for all kinds of service that will honor and bring glory to God.  He has gifted each of us in such unique ways.  Lets embrace who we are and serve God with all that we are. 

What do you see as one of the things God has gifted you to serve him with?  

Creating!

 I was not able to write my weekly Sunday Devotional With Mr. E this week.

(For those of you new here...almost every Sunday for the past 5 years I've written a post that connects art and faith.  I normally post that Sunday morning.)  My church asked me if I'd create a painting to co along with the new sermon series.  I LOVE that they want to include visual art...I've always felt that was something churches should embrace....allowing people to use their gifts/talents/skills to contribute to what the church does.  However, something had to give.  I'm a husband, father of three, and a full time art teacher.  I just don't have enough hours in the day.  So...I decided I'd invest the time I usually put into writing my weekly devotional into my painting (and a bunch of other hours I squeaked out here and there!).  It is 24 in x 48 in acrylic painting.  I'm not exactly sure when/how it will be used, but excited to see the church embracing us arty types!! ha ha 

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: A Heart For...

A love of color.  A passion for design.  A deep felt desire to create.  Unexplained art supply marks on your skin and clothing?  

 What is it that defines an artist?  Is it someone who can execute beautiful and thought provoking work?  Is it someone who makes money from their creations?   Is it the pursuit that defines an artist?  A person that applies the desire of their heart.  A person that seeks out opportunities to not only practice but develop their skills.  Someone with a need to express themselves through alternate means.  

Maybe you have a heart for art? 

A person with a heart for art will consume it (museums, arts & craft stores, books, magazines, YouTube, shows, or whatever other sources they might find).  A person with a heart for art will share their passions with others (sometimes even when the other person isn't expecting or wanting it).  A person with a heart for art will express in an artistic manner (not limited to only the physical creation of art). 

What is your heart for???? 

YOU WILL SEEK ME AND FIND ME WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART.

JEREMIAH 29:13

I have heard people talk about feeling "distant" from God.  I've heard people share that they once had a relationship with the Lord, but they just weren't sure any longer if that was the case.  There are many reasons for this.  Sin often gets in the way of our relationship with the Lord.  Apathy also seems to take our eyes off of God and places them on ourselves.  Whatever the reason...there is a need for change.  In Jeremiah, we see a "simple" truth.  You will seek me and find me if you seek me with all of your heart.  What does it mean to seek God with ALL OF YOUR HEART?   ALL MEANS ALL!  We can not seek out the Lord with a divided heart.  His desire is that we give ourselves whole heartedly to pursuing him.  So often we hold on to things for comfort, security, selfish ambition, and a host of other reasons.  This keeps ups from seeking God with all that we are....because we are trying to make our own way.  

Do you have a heart for God?  Do you have a heart for his Word?  Do you have a heart for his people?  Do you have a heart for the lost?  What are you doing if this is true about you?

What do you have a heart for? Do others see that in you? 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Am I Missing Something?

Have you ever taken something/someone for granted?  You get use to it/them.  They no longer seem special, just "the norm".   A new restaurant, romance, music, friend...at first you talk about them to everyone you know (and some you might not know). Then you mention it every once & awhile.  Soon people are having to ask you...."Hey, what was that restaurant you went on & on about?"  "How is your relationship going?"  "Are you still enjoying working out?"  

 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Psalm 96: 1- 6

When I first saw Christo's work,  I thought it was.....interesting.  The grand scale was enough to cause awe/wonder, but I still wondered WHY? Am I missing something?  However, as I asked the question "WHY?" about Christo's work....I realized something.  I was noticing something I might have overlooked otherwise.  Somehow the art brought attention to what had been right in front of me all along.  Though I appreciate his work....it made me appreciate "HIS" work even more!  Christo's art brings back the awe & wonder to what had been there all along.  

Too often I find myself use to the goodness of God.  I take for granted His gift of love, grace & life.   I forget the blessing I have in His Word! There are so many out there asking..."Am I missing something?"  I want to point people to the Lord.  I want to put a spot light on His awesomeness.  I want to bring Him honor...and glory.  He is great and worthy to be praised!  May I never become so use to His creation...His grace...His presence in my life that I "forget" or "forgo" giving Him the praise!

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Be Safe!

Some may think the worst thing that can happen to you in art is a paper cut.  However, there are many dangers that you must be aware of in art. Products, tools, and procedures require great attention in order to be safe.  At the elementary level we are constantly reinforcing scissor safety, refraining from putting small fingers into pencil sharpeners, and not eating the glue (IT HAPPENS!).  At the middle school & high school level, teachers are introducing hot glue guns, paints & products that could cause issues if ingested or contact with the eyes/skin, linoleum block printing, and other cutting tools that may be new to students and pose a risk if handled improperly.  "Don't touch that, don't eat that, don't stick that there...etc"  ha ha  Honestly though, life is full of "things" that can be dangerous if we do not protect ourselves & consider safety first.  Knowing the danger, having a plan in place for protection, and always handling things with great care will minimize possible risk.  Safety requires a plan!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13

Every day we are faced with multiple situations that have "risk".....to our personal, mental, relational, professional, and spiritual life.  These risks take many forms, but there are ways we can prepare ourselves and minimize potential risk.  God's Word speaks of our need to be prepared.  The passage in Ephesians that discusses the Armor of God lays out exactly we need to do to prepare ourselves and to be ready for battle against those things that come our way.  

Helmet of Salvation

Breastplate of Righteousness

Belt of Truth

Shield of Faith

Sward of the Spirit

Feet Fitted with Peace

Many of us learned the Armor of God in Sunday School as children.  However, do we put them into practice in our daily lives?  When we don't have a plan for safety, we place ourselves at risk of being hurt/injured.  We open ourselves up to become less effective for the Kingdom of God!  Maybe we think we are "ok"...or not at risk, but that is exactly when "things" happen.  We cannot be so confident/comfortable that we neglect what God has given us for our own safety & His glory!  Where in your life do you need to put in place a "safety plan".  What piece of armor do you seem to be lacking in your day to day?  How can "safety" make you a more effective believer?  

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Keep Going

Rejection letters.  Criticism.  Denied opportunities.

The art world is not for the faint of heart.  It can be pretty soul crushing at times.  Many become discouraged enough to walk away from their gifts/skills/passions.  Their hurt/pain is enough to cause them to want to retreat.  Though mundane...maybe it is safer?  If I don't put myself out there...I won't have to worry about rejection.  

However, there is that spark inside of you that just won't stop.  You have to keep going.  Art is extension of who you are.  It is the words you cannot speak.  It is the story you must share.  It is the wisdom you desire to pass on.  It is the joke you know is worth telling.  It is the cause you want to others to consider.  Your art cannot be stopped.

So often we become dismayed by the circumstances in our life, community, and world. We want to retreat from the pain, confusion, uncomfortable situations, and our own perceived weakness.  This keeps us from fulfilling what God desires for our life.  We focus on ourselves, our situation, and what is going on around us to the point that we forget that God is in control.  It is he who will work in & through you.  It is not for your might, power, intellect, or abilities that God desires to use you for his purpose & plan.  It is for your availability.  Are you unavailable because your too busy focused on the things of this world?  Have you allowed the fire that God placed in your heart to be dimmed by everything that is out of your control or the fact that you are trying to control everything?  When you realize that God is the strength of your heart & your portion....you can begin to rest in him.  This truth takes the control from your weak and tired hands (from holding on to something you were never meant to hold on to), and places it back where it belongs.  This brings rest to your weary heart & revives the flame God has placed within you to know him & make him known.  This....will allow you to keep going.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: It's Possible

There have been many times during my artistic journey that I've felt like I wanted to quit....

•  Freshman year of college a professor gave me a project I had no clue how to complete.  
• After damaging my right hand in an accident, I was told I'd finish the semester painting with my left hand. 
•   A professor telling me I needed to quit pursing watercolor because my subject matter was not traditional enough for the medium. 
• Teaching full time, having my first child, and completing my masters degree with an art show of ten original works on display. 

 The concepts were beyond my reach.  My skills were too weak. I knew I would not be successful. I was overwhelmed and unable to see how I'd be able to complete the task.  

 It is really hard to continue on when something seems to be impossible. 

However, when something seems impossible....what do you have to lose?  

There is a freedom that comes over you when you feel there is nothing to lose in the trying.  You begin to lay aside the worries, fears, and justifications...and just go for it.  You realize quitting yields no reward.  Pushing through the struggle and doubt allows you to develop necessary character to continue on as an artist. There is so much personal growth that occurs in this "process".  In doing so, the impossible becomes possible.  

Jesus looked at them and said,  

"With man this is impossible, but not with God, all things are possible with God."  

Matthew 19:26

Over the years I've talked with many people about their relationship with God.  Some shared that they weren't really sure what it meant to have a relationship with God.  Others shared that they weren't "good enough" ...so they quit even trying.  Many boasted of how "good" they were, and that God was lucky to have them on his side.  Some became angry because they had been forced to go to church, but had never known that God wanted to have a personal relationship with them.  Others talked about how they "hoped" they had more tallies in the good column than in the bad column...as if God was a score keeper in some kind of game.  

In Matthew 19:26, Jesus is talking to the disciples about how God makes the way for man to have a personal relationship with him.  This idea is so foreign to what they are use to hearing.  So much of their society (and our society) is about doing things on our own...being good enough...EARNING IT.  However, this also leads us to question...am I doing enough, am I good enough, am I doing the right thing, and can I mess up enough to ruin things?  This brings about so much doubt, fear, and worry....because so many are trying to do things by their own strength.

It is impossible to "earn" our relationship with God.  It is only through Jesus Christ that it is possible.  When we realize that God so wanted a personal relationship with us that HE MADE THE WAY....it gives us such freedom to live for him.  We no longer have to worry about being good enough...tally marks...or some how earning God's love.  We can live a life that expresses the love shown to us. What do we have to lose when we know the love of Jesus and have that personal relationship with him?  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: OK NOT TO BE OK

 Artists create through every season of their life. Their creations often aid in processing, documenting, and communicating that which they were/are going through.  Sometimes it may emerge more subconsciously in their work.  We see the melancholy of Van Gogh's life & his joy of painting, the "Blue" & "Rose" Period that Picasso went through, and the declining health of Matisse drastically changing his artistic process & product. In art, it is ok not to be ok.  There is almost an expectation that artists live their life (the good & the bad) through their work. Trying to "fake" it will not be sustainable. People desire to see authenticity.  

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the seas, though its waters roar and the foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

Why does the bible say that God is our refuge and strength?  Because we need refuge and strength!  Our world is far from perfect.  Our lives are far from perfect.  It is ok not to be ok!  This world longs for authenticity in those who call themselves believers.  It is tired of the hypocrisy.  God longs for authenticity in those who call themselves believers.  He desires for us to come to him...for he IS our refuge and strength.  He knows you don't have it all together.  He knows that you struggle.  He still calls to you to come....just as you are.  As the world around you seems to be crumbling....God is there.  He longs for you to be real. He longs for you to come to Him.  

What's stopping you?

What are holding back?

Sunday Morning Devotional With Mr. E: More Than A Copy

When I teach print making, I try to share with them how the art of printing is more than a copy.  However there are always students that rush into creating and do not fully understand the process.  After applying ink only once, they try to make multiple prints.  By the third or forth attempt, the student usually comes to me confused & questioning what went wrong....and claiming "THIS DOESN'T WORK!" Things just aren't looking like they thought they would.  They thought that they were doing things correctly.  They thought they were doing it just like I showed them.  I understand when students are excited to get started. Print making is fun!  You get immediate results.  Sometimes though...they are more excited about the product & the praise, and forget that there is a necessary process to get there.  Their final product is a poor impression of what should have been.  Their final print bares little resemblance to their original design.

  One day the evil spirit answered them,  "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"  Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all.  He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.   Acts 19: 15-16

They were doing what they thought they had seen done before.  They thought that they could just use the name of Jesus & Paul, and it would be enough to obtain the same results. In their rush to get the product & the praise, they missed the greatest part of the process....a personal relationship with the Lord.  They had used a poor "impression" of what should have been a vibrant & true reflection of the original.  The result was not pretty!  The demon called them on it.  "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"
I want my life to be a vibrant & true reflection of the Lord.  I may not be the perfect "print"...but the imperfections are part of the story & testimony of the Lord in my life.  I never want to hear "...but who are you?"  I want to be more than a copy of what it means to be a believer.  May my life clearly display The One who made me, The One who saved me, The One who loves me, and may they seek to know more because of what they see in me.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: BEYOND I, ME, & MY

 I think...

To me...

My opinion....

 Rarely are we short on opinions about art.  Rarely are we shy about sharing our opinions on art. Sometimes though...we rush to judgement.  We allow our first impression to dictate our perception.  Can we pause for just a moment?  Can we look beyond ourselves, our experiences, our training, our personal preferences?  Maybe we could gain a greater appreciation for art that is outside our "norm".  What do we know about the artist?  What was going on in their life during this time period?  Did they have any challenges mentally, physically, or financially?  Did they have a lack of resources?  Were they oppressed or discouraged from pursing artistic outlets for some reason? Some of this information we might not be able to obtain, but pausing for a moment and considering that there is a story beyond the story set before us....might temper our response. Thinking beyond ourselves might allow us to appreciate artists that are "different"...yet very much the same.  

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate, and humble. 

1 Peter 3:8

Have you ever noticed that opinions run rampant in the church?  We all have our thoughts on seating, service times, carpet color, and other EXTREMELY important things like that! (note the sarcasm).  Sometimes opinions can cause great division within a body of believers.  Why is this?  Is "pews or chairs" really that important?  "We have ALWAYS....."  "Where I went to church..."  "My old pastor would..."  "To me...."  

If we would get beyond ourselves (I, Me, & MY).....maybe we could get more accomplished?  In 1 Peter 3:8 we are reminded to be "like-minded".  That doesn't mean we have to all think EXACTLY the same.  Like-minded is being like Christ.  HOW?  The verse continues on to say be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate, and  HUMBLE (emphasis mine!). Basically, the verse is saying...IT ISN'T ALL ABOUT YOU!!!  We need to put away our personal opinions that we sometimes prize too dearly, and be more like Christ.  We need to seek to understand others. We need to love. We need to put these things into action.  We need to not think we know it all/have all the answers/are always right.

If we can do this...we would see that there is so much more to bring us together than to divide us! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Joy?

Does being an artist bring you joy?  We all have days were we aren't "into it"(no matter our job or passion ), but do you experience joy in what you do?  Many think it must be "fun" to be an artist.  They view what we do more like play than profession.  Some will not understand our vision or artistic direction, and won't keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves.  Outside voices and outside sources can truly impact our perception of what we're doing.  Not to be outdone, our inner monolog and overly self critical brain can wreck havoc on how we perceive ourselves, our work, and our chosen profession.  These negative "forces" rob our joy in being a creative.  We must find that place within us that knows who we are and what we are meant to do.  We also need to find those individuals that will cheer us on in our creative pursuits. Then we will find our joy in being an artist and carry on with our creative selves.  

  When we know who the Lord is & who we are in Him....we have joy (Not the same as happiness...that is a passing feeling.  Joy is deeper and not dependent on an emotional response.).  However, many things will try to distract us from the joy that we have in Christ.  The media, social media, entertainment, relationships, work, family, and so much more.....can take our focus from the One who is the reason for our joy.  We will face stress, hardships, negativity, and much more....but will we let it get in the way of experiencing & embracing the joy of the Lord.  Will we allow the negative things going on around us to impact what is going on inside of us.   Knowing the joy of God deep down in our hearts will grow our faith as we walk forward through the trials and the celebrations. 

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: CONTINUING

There are times when I am creating where I just want to give up.  It may be that the piece is extremely challenging. It may be that the time it is taking to create is excessive.  It may have nothing to do with the art itself, but something is causing the task to feel more laborious than joyous.  No matter the reason, as an artist you can not just give up on every piece that begins to tax your skills, energy, or emotions.  Continuing is the only true response for the serious artist.  This doesn't always guarantee success, but you will learn/grow more from continuing and failing than quitting and never knowing the extent of your talents and tenacity. 

This life can push us to the brink and beyond.  "How much more can I handle?"  Physical, financial, and emotional issues can seemingly rob us of our joy, peace, and love.  Circumstances seemingly supersede the truths we thought we believed. Things are just too hard.  This isn't how it was suppose to be.  We just want to give up.

YOU CAN'T GIVE UP! 

Continuing on allows you to see life is possible after the pain.  Continuing on allows you to see victories you never thought possible.  Continuing on in the face of trials will allow you grow in ways you never thought possible.  Continuing on will allow you to see the faithfulness of God. Continuing on will provide you a testimony to encourage, inspire, and instruct others when they are struggling with giving up.  Psalm 73:26 says " My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT GOD..."  We were never promised an easy picture perfect life.  However, we can not focus on the failing of the flesh & heart....we must focus on "BUT GOD"!  No matter what you are going through...."GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART AND MY PORTION FOREVER."  HE IS ENOUGH.  

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Stressed

Am I good enough? Are my ideas original? Will I run out of ideas?  Do I have the money I need to purchase supplies to continue creating?   Will I find a place to show my work? Will they like it? Will they buy it?  Will I make enough money from selling my work to keep going?  The mind of an artist never rests.  We travel down a thousand roads without taking a step.  In doing so, we can work ourselves into a mess of stress and anxiety.  This stress does not truly benefit us.  Oh, there are those that claim they work better under stress.  The negativity that accompanies stress weighs too heavily on the artist's mind, heart, and soul. However, stress is real.  We all experience it, but we do not have to entertain it. Having a group of people in your life that can be there to be real with you in your artist pursuits....AND ENCOURAGING...will keep you from being crushed under the weight of stress.  

 

Are you stressed?  Have you been stressed recently?  What is causing the anxiety that you are feeling?  Are they things that are within your control to deal with?  Are they things that are out of your control? 

What is your normal response to stress?

Too often people are trying to carry the burdens of the world on their own.  There are situations that can not be alleviated by another. There are also situations that are completely out of our control, yet we take them on as our own burdens.  We must allow others into our life to help challenge our thinking and encourage our hearts.  Sometimes having an outside perspective can help us get out of negative thought patterns. Sometimes we just need an encouraging word to give us strength and hope.  God reminds us of this in Proverbs 12:25.  I believe there are so many that have accepted being stressed as a way of life.  Let God use you to be a source of encouragement and reason to those who may be struggling. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: In Its Time

 The microwave takes too long.  Fast food isn't fast enough. Next day delivery seems like forever.  The internet moves at a snails pace.  We become very disgruntled if we have to set through commercials while watching a program.  It's as if our perception of time has been changed by "progress".  However, art does not always operate (well) in our new normal.  There is time required to grow as an artist.  Hours, days, weeks, months, and years can be invested in artistic pursuits to develop one's skills.  A YouTube video can not substitute for the practice, patience, failure, success, and growth that can only take place over time.  Too often people expect to be better/further along than they are. When they become frustrated because they aren't where they think they should be.....they quit.   This is true in showing and selling one's art.  You can not expect to be an overnight success. Van Gogh only sold one painting while he was a live (and created hundreds!).  How much time?  Each of us is unique.  We can not compare ourselves to others in our artistic journey.  Art develops in its own time.  Leave the microwave for popcorn...not art!

The microwave society we live in has found its way into the faith community.  We want our prayers answered now.  We want our healing now. We want to be in leadership now. We want our happiness now. The thing is....our timing might not be God's timing.  There have been many situations where I've "wished" I was in a different place in my journey.  I've tried to pray away what I was going through (personal illness, death in the family, stress, uncertainty).  However...I would have missed out on so much if God would have instantly taken away or changed my circumstances. 

I would not have learned what it means to rest in him, trust him, and believe that he is enough.  I would not have seen the body of Christ come together and help meet my needs.  I would not have been able to gain insight and empathy for what others go through.  "He has made everything beautiful in its time."  We need to embrace the time we've been given....he will make it beautiful.