Making Divine Images Visable

This retreat was led by Ian Cron and Luci Shaw. On Saturday morning we were given a time of silence with the instructions to go to water. Look at water. Listen to water. Here’s some of what I heard and saw and thought during that time.

Later when many of us shared what we had written or thought or (in one case) filmed, someone said, “Never doubt the power of the artist prompt”. I don’t think I will any more.

Have you experienced a “grief burst”? If you have ever experienced a significant loss, you probably have.

I had an unexpected one this week.

In my last post I wrote about seeking a personal spiritual practice. This post is about what I am actually doing now. The real point is to lead a life faithful to God – whatever pattern for prayer is used. I pray you will find – and use – a pattern for prayer and devotion that works for you.

For years I have admired people who have a set spiritual practice. I don’t admire people who brag about this, of course, but rather people who – as I get to know them and the authenticity of their life – I learn about what they do as a regular spiritual practice. Recently my own spiritual life is being transformed. Let me tell you about it.

Some thoughts about “The Worst Loss”. I’m told I have experienced it but I wonder…

Both my mother and one of my sons were declining in 1993.
I went on a spiritual retreat where God’s comforting, nurturing presence met me.
A few years later this painting resulted. What does God look like in your imagination?

Bob, my spouse of thirty-eight years, recently participated in the Master Gardener program. He wrote this piece as part of his course work. He coined a new word (as far as he knows): Euthanatopia. Read why he thinks a garden would be a good place to die.

(The photos show Bob working with volunteers from St. Joseph Catholic Church of Bryan, Texas at the Elder Aid Garden.)

Five pastel portraits from the summer of 2010. What do you do to recreate your spirit?

Have you noticed that many of the Psalms recite the history of the people of Israel? These hymns were used to remind the people of God’s action in their lives. Some of these Psalms are: 78, 105, 106, 114 and there are others.

I was challenged to write my own Praise History and to reread it often. I have found this to be a rich experience and I recommend it to you.

Here’s mine. What would yours be like?

For a long time I’ve been trying to figure out how to use painting and/or drawing to tell my story and the story of God’s action in my life. Here is a new way that I have done this recently.

If you have an audience and a large dry erase board, I have markers! Maybe we should get together.

(Note there where I wrote “Psalm 16:9″ I should have written “Proverbs 16:9.”)