Each Of Us "Feeds" One Another's Imagination!  

Discerning The Time When It Is Finished, The Vision Of Expression! 

Packing Up All The Tools We Need For The Job!

Using the right tool for the job is essential for the completion of most tasks. From our hurts we learn and grow. From our triumphs there is satisfaction and, often, relief. From the times that lie between the beginning and the end of the vision we learn patience. These are all part and parcel of the ongoing lives that we live. If you aren't in the habit of living fully it is very likely difficult to fathom why some feel the "need" to pursue their passions. I watch as the gifted artist places brush to canvas. She seeks the elusive expression of emotions that are already bubbling from every square inch of more than 16 square feet, covered in hues brought together as an image of the ocean of existence upon which we are but floating as the odd bits of flotsam and jetsom. Her vision grows within, and culminates in a piece that literally explodes into graphic detail in the eye of the beholder. And, still there comes a time when she must declare the work "finished." The entire depth that the attempt to capture has brought out may not be the 100% desired, but there has to be a time when we choose to say, "I must call this one done, there will be another."
Quite often the completion of a project is determined by "deadlines" in our minds or of another's choosing. A very famous artist was once asked by a young journalist, "What do you consider to be your greatest painting?" The octagenarian replied with an ironic smile, "The next one." You have probably heard this story before, but I would draw your attention to the spirit of what is being said, not the words. There is that within each of us that longs for the freedom to create and continue creating. It is a part of the "heart" that God has given us. Herein we find another insight into the very nature of God. That longing to create and keep on creating is what we are each about. Set in motion by our Creator we are the "gift" that truly keeps on giving. I know God has a sense of humor, and I believe that God finds joy in all that we strive to do for good. Taking it one step further I also believe that God has placed within us that desire to do better, to keep striving, and to "view" the vision in our mind's eye even while we are in the process of capturing it to the best of our abilities. The greatest tool in our box is not needful of a semi trailer to haul it around, it is within our minds, our spirits, our souls! I give thanks today for the physical strengths that are called upon to carry out the work of the vision each of us has. In an emergency everything can become a drum(or was that a hammer), getting older we sometimes forget. God bless, Preacher.

Learning How To Use A Semi For A Toolbox! 

There are oversights which can cost much more than money! 

Witnessing The Handiwork Of God In Strange Places!

I usually write about something that is of interest to me without giving too much thought to how my perspectives may impact someone else. There is a situation, event, or series of circumstances that I have gone through at some time, preceded by a picture that provides a visual impact, and a series of thoughts designed to "draw" the reader toward a goal that is then summed up in the final picture. That's what I think I am doing with this blog. You may have other thoughts, concerning my motivations or intent, but believe me, "I'm as 'unconscious' as the next guy when it comes to ulterior motives." I pray I gave those up along with my need for acne remedies. Tonight(and today for that matter)I've been thinking about how I go about my life. The seeking I do to find places to get away from everything, and why no matter how far I go there is still the need to share a vision of faith with another person for whom things aren't going as well as they might like. Quite often these journies away are spent on two wheels this time of year, and irregardless of the distance, I find that I am still in the midst of attempting to do my best to be a good witness on behalf of the Savior I serve. Today was no different! I got so far away that I couldn't remember for awhile what day or time it was(if I could just put this in a tablet someone would make a legal fortune), but there it came, right through the open door of opportunity, a chance to make someone's day more livable. There I was, off fishing in the wilderness with my favorite rod at(the laundromat, grocery store, car wash, restaurant, internet, etc.)that river we call life, when a very real storm came up in someone's life and their need to be heard was more important than anything in the world. Sometimes it isn't the "most" important thing in the world, but we can't know that until we listen to what it is! This was an earth shaker, and may take weeks, even months for resolution, but that is not the object of this quest. I desire to let others know that they, also, can be the ears that God has lent to another if only for the ability to be a "good" listener for a moment. We all need to be "heard" sometimes. The weight that others place on our sharing may not be as intense as it is for those of us with the desire to express feelings and emotions, but that does not lessen their need to get them out. Do you ever want to just go fishing? In Christ's Love, Preacher.

Locating The "Wilderness" In An Urban World.