The Role of the Artist

"It seems to me that the world is in little need of another message of confusion or chaos....The role of the artist in society, among all the "sound and fury" of life, is to stand patiently aside with quiet confidence, waiting, knowing that when all the noise and activities subside, someone will need a moment to pause, to reflect, to remember, to be filled with wonder or touched with emotion."

Scott Stearman, Christian artist

When I returned to my empty condo yesterday, I passed by some public art in a busy intersection and back alleys that fit this description for me of the role of an artist.



I don't know who painted these large murals on the outside walls of very old buildings in the neighbourhood. But they bring beauty in a decrepit part of the street and add colour, life and love.

I took these photos from a very busy and main thoroughfare but the noise seemed to "still" and calm came to me as I took a few moments to take these photos.

I hope you enjoy these wall murals as much as I do.

A Simple Bar of Soap

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High

Psalm 92:1

Most people don't really think about what a luxury it is to be able to have a bar of soap.

In Kenya, many of the villagers are unable to even buy bar soap or other things like toilet paper; things that we consider the daily necessities of life. This is one of many reasons why I am passionate about helping the Missions of Hope.

Today before I take my bath, I am grateful that I have a bar of soap. One that smells nice and has a rich later to soothe my dry skin. What will make you give thanks today?

As the sun sets...

...the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

As the sun sets over Vancouver



I enjoy reading a book that I've been wanting to read for the past several years.

I'm relaxing, enjoying a nap and a refreshment, watching a bit of tv, but mostly just relaxing and reading a chapter here and a chapter there.



It's been a good day as I gave myself permission yesterday to just relax and stay away from "have tos".

I hope you had a good day too.

Tomorrow, I "have to" go for my mammogram, long overdue and take care of some business. Have a good week.

Rest

Sunday.

I am going to put my feet up and rest. Or take a walk, or meditate in the garden, or simply relax. I hope you enjoy your day with friends, family or simply yourself and God. For God tells us to rest.

Psalm 23

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

I cannot recall the precise words of a sermon once given my current pastor but it was the first time I'd heard it put this way. He said in addition to assembling together as the body on the Sabbath Day, we ought to do things that bring us closer to God. So whether that be doing a favourite hobby, spending time outdoors or with family,or something else, in all things we can use it as an opportunity to enjoy the life that God has given us and reflect on what God has done for us.

I think it is hard for most people to rest, including me. We always feel we need to be doing something gainful. But out of necessity, I am having to rest more and more as time goes by and in so doing, learn that it is okay.

I am not wasting my time by being idle. On the contrary. I am using my time as a form of worship in doing things which give me joy and quiet. At the same time they bring me into deeper communion with God and restore the body that God gave me.

I pray you also have a rest.

The Path of Life

Enter ye in at the strait gate, says the Lord, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

This verse has been a powerful verse of scripture and positive influence in my life.