Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Direction

Art is all about rebellion.  There are no rules.  Anything & everything goes. 

Many believe these statements to be true.  I'll concede to the fact that art often pushes established ideas, concepts, and boundaries. However, art is also full of rules, processes, and procedures that are paramount to creating.  Without the establishment of these norms, some art forms would not be possible.  Knowing & practicing the rules & directions for a given medium do not impede the artist, but allow them to find success as they imbue their work with their adaptations, stylistic choices, and unique voice.  Following the directions are important!  Not warping a loom correctly, firing at improper temperatures in ceramics, removing enamel from the kiln too soon, using spray adhesive in an enclosed non-ventilated space (umm, this might have happened to me the first time I used the product and did not read the directions)......when you don't follow the directions you often deny the integrity of the art form.

It is God's will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power.  You are free from the law, but that doesn't mean you are free to do wrong.  Live as those who are free to do only God's will at all times.  Show respect for everyone.  Love Christians everywhere.  Fear God and honor the government.  1 Peter 2: 15-17

Many view Christianity as a list of do's & don'ts.  It is made up of rules that must be followed, but that no one seems to follow well.  The "Commandments" can come across big, scary, and unobtainable.  Those that view it this way are missing an important thing...GRACE.  The idea of grace is a major component within the Christian faith, but is often misunderstood.  Grace is unmerited favor.  It is a gift we are given freely that we do not deserve and are without the ability to "earn".   In Ephesians 2: 8-9 it says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works so that no one can boast."  However, God's grace transforms us.  Some may think grace is a "get out of jail free card" or a license to sin, but I wonder if they have truly experienced God's grace in their lives.  When a person truly is impacted by the grace & love of the Lord, they want to live a life that is honoring and pleasing to God.  They want to apply what the Bible says in all areas of their lives. The list of do's & don'ts become the heart's desire to honor God, know Him, and a way to make Him known.  The "directions" make sense when you understand grace.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Why Worry?

Fads fade quickly.  Styles shift/change.  Non-archival materials will cause art to deteriorate.  The sun/lighting can cause damage to the color and/or surface of a work.  If let outside in the elements, weather can ruin even that which was designed to be outside.  Excessive handling of art can cause issues due to naturally occurring body oils for the skin being deposited on the surface.  Artists go in and out of style. A bump, clumsy act, or even a natural disaster can cause a work to be damaged or destroyed.  So much of what we do in the arts is fragile.  Any number of things can cause the demise of a work.  I create because it is in me to do.  However, once something is created I only exercise so much control over the longevity of the work.  Why worry about things that are out of our control? 

 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

How much of our life have we invested in worrying about things that are out of our control?  How much do we worry over things that truly don't matter?  Although, does worrying about things that do matter benefit anyone?  We must use our time, talents, and attention on those things that matter most.  When so much is out of our control...we must be wise in those things that are within our control.  We each have been given this life to live by God, and I want to do so getting to know him, praising him, and making him known.  I want to invest myself in the things that matter most, the eternal.  How much are you investing in the temporary?  What can  change in your life to have a more eternal focus in your everyday?  

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: Affected

Have you ever used a marker, crayon, or oil pastels and had an unexpected color/mark appear?  These materials can often "pick up" color from use, misuse, and abuse. I always warn my student not to color marker over top of marker.  This can cause a transfer of color onto the tip of the marker that may have unappealing results for whoever uses that color next.  Crayons and oil pastels can easily pick up the "crumbs" of other colors while in use or storage. Just being together in a box is enough to cause a transfer of colors on to each other. If you are not careful, these seemingly harmless acts can affect a work of art.  

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:30

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

I have a very diverse group of friends & people that I associate.  I feel that just because I'm a Christian does not mean I must only spend time with other people that believe the same way I do.  How boring would that be?!?!  Plus, I feel that we must get outside of the church walls if we want to have an impact on the world around us.  Jesus made a point of spend time with those the "religious" people would not consider.  However, we must be very careful not to place ourselves in situations or with individuals that will have a negative impact on us. I would not place myself somewhere that I felt would cause me to struggle or would influence my ideas & attitudes in a negative way.  Many people will say, "But it is my ministry!"  The Lord would not place you in a ministry that would corrupt you & your character!  We must take responsibility....knowing ourselves, the people, & the situation well enough to know if we need to be in the midst of it.  Because if we are not careful...we will be affected by the influence.  So often people just assume they are unaffected by the company they keep, the places they spend their time, the music they listen to, the websites they visit, the things they read, or the things they listen to on radio, podcasts, or television.  Like the transfer of color that can happen so easily...we pick up things when we are unaware.  We must protect ourselves & those that look to us for guidance by making wise choices in all we do.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: INFLUENCED

 As artists, we are influenced by a multitude of external sources.  We may take from our family, community, affiliations, education, interests, emotions, attitudes, entertainment, travels, or even other artists/artwork.  Not that we simply regurgitate those influences, but more so synthesize the information gathered through our own internal processes to produce works of art.  Often influences manifest themselves in style, content, and/or meaning.  

Van Gogh's fascination with Japanese art is extremely evident in many of his paintings.  Carmen Lomas Garza's work centers on her own family, community, and culture.  We see examples across time & place of movements in art, geographical proximity, and cultural changes impacting multiple artists in similar fashions.  As much as we would like to think of ourselves as completely unique/original, we are impacted by our life & experiences.

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?  That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.  "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."   

Galatians 5:7-9

Influence is an extremely important concept in our journey of faith.  Both... WHO (OR WHAT) IS INFLUENCING US? & WHO ARE WE INFLUENCING?  These questions can often be glazed over because the answers are challenging to what we've become comfortable with in our lives.  Things we watch, things we read, things we listen to, people we spend time with, and places we frequent can influence us negatively or positively.  We must take a hard look at what we are allowing to impact our hearts & minds.  Though we may say, "IT DOESN'T IMPACT ME....I'M STRONGER THAN THAT!".....scripture warns us that "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." (Galatians 5:9) The negative influences in our life can quickly impact us though we might not see it in the beginning.  It seeps in and slowly starts to take hold of us.  In Proverbs we are encouraged to keep good company..."Walk with the wise and become wise."  Those we choose to surround ourselves with can & will impact us!  Also, we need to see that we are placing ourselves in situations where we can influence others.  Sometimes it is as simple as a smile.  Sometimes it is deep conversations about God & what He means to you as a believer.  We have the ability to positively influence our family, friends, co-works, and total strangers!  Are we seeing those opportunities?  Or are we shying away from the responsibility that God has given us.  

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: 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: All That You Need

 

Across the country many art educators are teaching their students virtually because of Covid19. It is an interesting and challenging time, but art teachers are resilient, creative, and resourceful individuals. There are many "issues" that art teachers face: internet, technology, district plans, re-imagining dissemination of curriculum...etc.  With all of these real struggles, one of the largest challenges we face is that students do not have the necessary supplies. Basic materials such as paper and crayons can not be found in some of our students' homes.  Our classrooms were a place where they had all that they needed to explore the opportunities we provided for them.  It was a safe place that could meet their needs and provide a foundation for success. Many educators are trying to find a way to get their students all that they need so they can do great work in the midst of a not so great situation.  

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And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, 

having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8   

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If you grew up in the church, you might have heard the saying "Where God guides...He provides!".   Someone may have been asked to teach Sunday school, sing a solo in the choir, go on a mission trip, help with the food kitchen...or a number of other situations.  Stress, worry, doubt, feelings of inadequacy, lack of time, financial issues can all weigh on the individual even when the are faced with a "good" thing.  The feelings are real. However, as we see in 2 Corinthians 9:8....God is going to meet our needs so that we can do those things He has called us to do. We may still have some doubt and anxiety, but when we trust the Lord...we will experience that he is good & faithful. 

You will see that you have all that you need to do all that he has called you to do. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Example

Over the years I've seen many artists fight themselves.  They fight with their skill set because they think they should be better or different than they are.  They fight with their ideas. They feel their work doesn't say enough or what the current trends are in art.  Even though it is good to strive to improve & question one's self....fighting with yourself usually ends in feeling defeated & being ineffective.  I was told my style was not appropriate for the medium that I was using & my subject matter was all wrong. It was like they were trying to make an example of me. They wanted to put me on display so others could see not to break their "norms".    I wrestled with what was said to me.  For a time I felt like giving up.  However, I realized that my artistic voice had a place in the midst of all the noise in the art world.  I had something to say & a unique way of saying it. I wanted to be an example of expressing my voice in a way that felt authentic to me.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11

 We all have skills that can be used to glorify God & reach out to those he has placed in our path.  However, we often find ourselves defeated & ineffective because we are trying to operate outside of how we were designed.  We see others who seem so skilled & gifted....and we want to be like them. We were created to be ourselves.  We need to look at the unique person God made us to be, and be the very best version of that.  We also need to make sure we are faithful with gifts & talents we have been given.  If we are not employing those skills they are not doing the kingdom, others, or ourselves any good. Plus, we need to be examples of what it means to live out the life God has uniquely called us to. 

Are you using your gifts/talents/skills to glorify God?  If not, why?  What is holding you back from being your best & doing your best for the kingdom? Are you being an example to those around you on serving God what all that YOU are in him?  

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: MORE

 Have you ever felt alone...misunderstood...unable to connect with those around you?  I think that most of us have felt like this at some point in our life.  Deep down we all wish there was more....more togetherness, understanding, and connection!!  It seems all too common among "art people".  We often see, feel, think, and express things differently than our peers.  The danger is not in the differences, but in self isolation and associating only with those of like minds. As much as I might love being left to my own thoughts at times or spending time with others involved in the arts....it is incredibly important that I connect with those outside my "circle".  Keeping to myself or associating with those who "get" me,  I am  neglecting the amazing opportunity to educate, inform, and engage with those who may have not been afforded the same opportunities and experiences in the arts. This doesn't mean that we will get everyone to understand the finer points of neo-expressionism, but we can help & encourage others to appreciate art and those who create it. This will build bridges.  The more bridges we build...the more connections there will be.  Soon we will find that we are not as alone as we once thought, and that others do "get" us (and even if they don't...they still like to be around us).    

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. 

Ephesians 2:19

  Everyone struggles with feeling alone, misunderstood, and disconnected.  Sometimes this is a passing feeling/reality.  Sometimes it is a more chronic experience.  The struggle is real, and often we are unaware that those around us are in the middle of the battle.  In Ephesians 2:19 we are told that there are no longer foreigners and strangers in the house of God.  There is an amazing connectedness that comes through a relationship with the Lord.  However, we often need to work on it in the day to day.  Sometimes we are a bit selfish/busy/oblivious. We need to be more purposeful and reach out to those around us.  We need to find ways to connect.  We can not wait for others to come to us, but we need to be the ones that builds the bridges, makes connections, and helps everyone to not feel like a foreigner or stranger.  We need to be the family that God has called us to be.  We need to be MORE than we have been. What MORE can you do?  

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.   

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Mirror

  

When I have my students draw self portraits, they will often default to a simplified human face.  Even though they have lived with their own face their entire life...they don't seem to truly "know" it enough to translate it into a drawing.  It is very interesting because it happens at different schools, in multiple grade levels, and with children from diverse cultural backgrounds.With a basic set of instructions in how to draw faces, students will create very similar portraits.  However, once students are given  mirrors...their work begins to develop characteristics that are unique. Their portraits truly start to resemble them.  It is amazing when we are faced with ourselves...how things can change!

What happens when we find ourselves out of the habit of reading God's Word, spending time in prayer, finding opportunities to serve God, praising God for his many blessings, and being in fellowship with other believers?  These things are a mirror in our relationship with God.  If we are not face to face with those things God desires for our lives....we are face to face with the world.  We begin to look like, act like, talk like, and think like the world.  We need to reflect on the things of God in order to continue to grow,  renew our mind, and carry out the things he has for us.  When we look deeply into those things, we will not only see God clearer, but we will see ourselves clearer. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

Have ever looked back on past work and wondered..."WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?"  Art work can be an interesting snap shot of a specific time and place that you were in mentally, emotionally, relationally, and artistically.  When we look back at that time in our lives, it can feel like someone else's life. We might view ourselves as immature at that point in time.  Whatever our reasoning for that "season", it was created from where our minds & hearts were focused.  Art is an expression of the artist.  It only makes sense that it would capture that "period"(Picasso Blue & Rose Period anyone?)

What we allow our mind to entertain can often give direction to our mental, emotional, and relational state.  Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is stress infiltrating every area of your life. Are you finding yourself speaking & perceiving things in a much more negative tone?  There is so much going on in our world & in our own lives that we can begin allowing it to change us.  The reality that "life" is happening to us that is beyond our control is just that....LIFE!  What you do with that is on you.  If we focus on the negative...we become negative.  If we focus on the stress....we become stressed.  I'm not saying we bury our head in the sand, but we do have a choice of where we focus our attention and energy.  Philippians 4:8 tells us the things we should be thinking about! In this world we will have trouble....that's scripture...that's truth.  However, if we chose to reside in those things....our life will reflect it!  We are not denying the bad things that happen...but we are choosing to to live in the truth that God's love, God's faithfulness, God's provision is enough to meet all of my needs.  

What are you thinking??

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Time Wise

When you pursue art as a passion and/or career, you must be wise.  You must be training/ skill building wise.  You want to learn from those who will nurture and challenge you as you seek to grow as an artist. You must be money wise.  Supplies can be extremely expensive.  You want to invest in those things that are good quality and beneficial to your art making.  You must be time wise.  Using your time to research, develop your skill, try new ideas, investing into what is most important, following through with concepts, and finish your work are all pivotal to being an artist.  You also need to be time wise in regards to letting things go when needed and being able to say no to things that will distract you from what is most important.

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.

 Reminded me that my days are number- 

how fleeting my life is.

Psalm 39:4

At first read, this verse can come across as a bit morbid.  Most of us do not enjoy contemplating our "end".  The truth is that we do not know the number of days we will be given.  The author is not writing this with a sense of dread or depression.  They are writing it as a reminder of the urgency to LIVE. We are given today.  What will we do with it? 

 If someone is in need....should we wait till tomorrow to help them? 

 If a friend needs to talk....do we ask them to call us back later?

If someone needs a hug....do we figure someone else will meet that need?

If we feel God calling us to pray with someone....do we choose not to because we aren't comfortable praying out loud?

If we see a need in our church....do we figure someone else will meet it?

If someone seems down...do we try to ignore it because we don't know what to say?

Do I want to get to the end of my days being able to say I watched all the movies I wanted to watch, played all the games I wanted to play, slept in often, and enjoyed my life???

OR

Do I want to say that I trying to make a difference each and every day.  I looked for opportunities to be the person God made me to be as I lived my life (that He gave me). 

Are you being time wise?   Maybe you can take an honest look at your life.....tomorrow?

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Trying Something New

It is very easy to become stuck in art. 

Stuck on a color, style, subject matter, medium, process, brand....or whatever else one might get stuck on.  We (artists) do tend to be a stubborn lot.  Though not wanting to give up on something can be a very admirable trait, it can also cause one to stop growing as an artist.  Doing what we've always done or using what we've always used does not allow us the opportunity to grow through experiencing new things.   The act of trying something new can not only challenge us, but can be a source of new inspiration.  It isn't that we abandon or forget the hows, whats, and whys of our past creative pursuits, but that we are willing to move forward with great expectation.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

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 43:18-19

It is very easy as believers to become stuck in the past.  It might be our past mistakes.  There are many that allow who they were to keep them from becoming who they are meant to be.  Others might become stuck on past miracles/victories/strengths.  Though it is good to remember what God has done for us, we must not "live" there.  It is like the high school athlete that can't see past their "glory days" to see the good before them in the present.  God desires to do a "new thing" in and through our lives.  Living in the past and expecting things to be as they have always been prevents us from growing.  A "new thing" allows us to trust God in new ways.  This trust/faith helps us to develop a deeper relationship with God. So the Lord may call you to try something new....because he wants to do a new thing in you! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: TOGETHER

Collaborative/Group projects can be challenging for students (EVERYONE!).  We are different.  We have different ideas.  Different skill sets. Different personalities. Even when you place like minded people together in a group...there are differences that arise that can cause issues in accomplishing a project.  I have seen students work so beautifully together that THEY were the true work of art.  They were different because of the experience.  I've also seen the opposite.  Amazing artists that could not figure out how to work together.  Their work showed it too!  So why do we do collaborative/group projects?  First, it is important for everyone to learn to work in groups. This is truly a life skill.  We must learn to listen, share, give, take, lead, and submit. Healthy & successful relationships, friendships, and work all need development in these areas. Second, working in a group setting can often yield amazing results.  We all have weaknesses and strengths. When we work as a group....weaknesses are minimized by others' strengths and strengths are elevated to new levels.  When we have a common vision and a desire to see one another succeed...we are so much better TOGETHER!  

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we,thought many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:4-5

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

In John 13:34 it says "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  Love isn't always easy, but we are commanded to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  Not only are we commanded to love one another, but we are told that THIS is how everyone will know we are true followers of Jesus.  It should be at the very core of who we are as believers. 

DO YOU HONESTLY SEE THIS FROM THOSE

WHO CLAIM TO FOLLOW CHRIST?  

What do you think, feel, or see as the reason why this is not at the core of believers today? 

Pride, self centered, insecure, detached, disingenuous? 

Look at your own life? When you are not as loving as you could be...why is that?  

We must come TOGETHER as believers, and have love at the center of our relationships, friendships, work, play, service...etc.  This requires us to put the Lord first in our lives (and not ourselves).  This will make an impact on our world. TOGETHER we can be the instruments of change.

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: BE PRESENT

Art has the amazing ability to tap into our emotions. It can take us on a journey of great heights and tremendous depths.  It has the ability to bring tears to our eyes or make us laugh out loud. Some work has the power to enlighten our human experience. Art might cause a visceral reaction.  Even if a piece does not particularly resonate with us, it is eliciting a response none the less. However, if you are not experiencing such emotions while viewing art....WHY NOT?  Could it be that you are not truly "present"?  Being present requires us to set aside the distractions in our life and devoting our attention to a given person, place, or thing.  It is easy in our world to allow distractions to rob us of these deep felt emotional responses to art.  Put away your phone. Clear your mind of all those things that are vying for your attention.  Be present with the art.  Allow your self to think and feel deeply in response to the work that is in front of you.  Don't allow your mind to wander.  Be present. 

There is so much happening in our world right now.  It can be incredibly overwhelming.  We don't know what to think.  We don't know what to feel.  We don't know what to do. Some respond by shutting down.  Others might compartmentalize. While some will micromanage areas of their life in order to feel like they have some semblance of control.  We embrace the distractions instead of being present.  The Bible really gives us an amazing response to such a time as this.  When others are happy....be happy with them!  When they are sad...share their sorrow.  Work together. Don't act like you know it all or have it all together!  When I read these verses from Romans 12:15-16...it lets me know I don't have to have all the answers. I just need to be present. I need to have an open heart & an open mind.  I need to trust God.  I think we will truly be amazing what God can do in and through us if we just make ourselves available....with a loving and humble heart.  BE PRESENT!

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: For the love...

Have you ever met someone that really loves art? I mean REALLY loves art!

  As art people, we often love to talk about art. We discuss the good , the bad, and the ugly (and sometimes we really love the ugly!!)  We love to create art.  From grand works to little doodles, we just want to be creating something.  We love to go to galleries, museums, and to look at art work other artist.  It expands, inspires & challenges our artistic vision.  We love to buy art supplies (whether we need them or not! ha ha). We love to share our passion for art with others. Sometimes this is through "formal" teaching, but often it is just casual conversation.   When we sincerely love something, it is only natural for it to spill over into other areas of our life.   We don't do it with some "agenda"...it is simply for the love of art! 

Have you ever met someone that you feel has a sincere love for God?  What are some of the characteristics you see in them?  Words like true, real, genuine, different, compassionate, and loving might come to mind. For the love of God transforms people, and they are no longer the same.  I'm not talking about the people that are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.  People that have been truly transformed by God's love will be sincere in love.  This love is a call to action.  Love can not be passive and be true.  Romans 12:9-10 goes on to say that there will be "hate" for what is evil. We can not passively view "evil".   We must have a strong visceral response to those things that are not of God that calls us to action.  This verse goes on to say that we must cling to what is good.  Why is this important? If we are not careful we can become so focused on the negative that we lose hope that God is still on the throne.  The last part of this section of scripture goes back to the need for the love of God in our life.  This love reminds us that we must "die to self". In other words...STOP BEING SO SELFISH!!!!  Too often we place our wants, our needs, our comfort above what God is calling us to do.  If we want to truly live a life of sincere love...we must become more like Christ.  If we desire our love for the Lord to overflow into every area of our life, we must devote ourselves to knowing him. In doing so, we will begin seeing more of the Lord in our heart, mind, attitudes, actions, reactions, and relationships.  It will spill over into every area of our life.

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Start New

 

There have been many times over the years that I've become "stuck" on a concept, style, medium, brand, color(s), or technique.  There wasn't a conscious choice to become stuck.  It just kind of happened.  There are different reasons for this: a stubborn desire to make something work, a fear to try something new/different, we are comfortable doing what we've always done,  lacking vision for what's next, or some combination.  Though it is noble to see something to fruition, holding onto something that isn't working prevents us from moving forward.  Painting over a canvas, tearing out a page in your sketch book, switching the medium....when you start new you give yourself the freedom to let go of what was and embrace what is yet to come. 

Past successes and failures have the potential to get in the way of what God wants to do in our lives.  Living in what was prevents us from living in what's now.  Some rest in the glory of the past. Some wrestle with the mistakes of the past.  Both need to start new!  When we are given the gift of "today" we must seek God on how we might grow to know him more and to make him known. Our past experience inform our present but do not define it.  "SEE, I AM DOING A NEW THING!" What is it that God desires to do in and through you...TODAY.  What past experiences are you holding on to as excuses?  You've gone on mission trips, grown up in church, taught Sunday school.....but what about TODAY?   You've messed up...repeatedly, you feel like you've run from God, you are still struggling.....but what about TODAY?  Today is a day to start new!  Today is a day to trust God.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: OPEN

(FOR THOSE OF YOU NEW HERE...

EACH SUNDAY I WRITE A POST THAT CONNECTS ART AND FAITH.

 IF THAT IS NOT YOUR THING...MONDAY - FRIDAY I POST ON ART, ART ED, AND OTHER ECLECTIC INFORMATION.)

DRAMATIZATION 

PERSON A  "I don't get abstract art? Abstract art is stupid!"

PERSON B      "YOU’RE STUPID!"

People have strong opinions about art.  They will often draw a line in the sand concerning what they feel is art or what they may consider to be good art.  Though I do enjoy a good debate every once and awhile, I do not believe it is my place to "defend" my perspective on art/good art.  I do feel it is my place to "educate" others when the opportunity arises (in a non-condescending manner).  I come from a place of exposure, in depth study, and diverse training from a multitude of instructors from multiple perspectives.  This is not to say that my thoughts on art are"better", but it is informed differently than most.  When others express their opinions, they are sharing out of their experience, understanding, and perspective.  There is great value in this.  As an "art person", I should listen, ask questions, and encourage others to think about/process/unpack their opinions/beliefs about art.  If I remain open to what others are saying...they may remain open to learning, growing, and experiencing art.  If I am closed off  or try to shut them down, they will be less likely to open themselves up again.

Being open does not mean compromising your beliefs. Being grace filled does not mean you are allowing others to walk all over you.  In Colossians 4:5-6,  we see an admonition to believers in their actions and interactions towards others.  We are not called to be confrontational and demeaning.  We are not called to be finger pointing zealots.  We are not called to be callous spewers of religiosity.  NO!  We are called to be wise, grace filled, and conscientious to the individual.  This means we must be open to share our own story.  We must be open to hearing their story (without judgement or condemnation).  We must be open to give and speak the grace that has been given to us.  Our actions, attitudes, and words need to reflect that life and love. God is all about relationships.  We should be about relationships.  We need to listen more.  Ask questions without expectations.  Encourage others to think, process, and unpack their own journeys. If we live life this way...it will be amazing to see how God might use us when we're open.