Saturday, December 30, 2006

So, what is art?

This is quite a debate among a certain circle of artists I know. I am curious as to what the rest of you think. I am still struggling to come up with my own definition. Here's what I've got so far:

Art = intentional, creative expression toward the artist's purpose

That purpose may simply be the desire to create, or it may have an agenda such as expressing a belief or thought. It may be the artist's attempt to share him/her self or view point with those interested enough to contemplate. It may be a way to connect with others. The purpose may vary from piece to piece as well as from artist to artist.

Not much of a definition yet, but I'm working on it. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the topic. In the meantime, keep working on whatever art is yours to accomplish. We are, after all, created in the image of the Creator.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Happy Day After!

My eyes are still bleary this morning at nearly 10am. We had a wonderful day yesterday. Thankfully, our son is not an early riser so we were able to sleep in a bit before being dragged out of bed to the happy cries of "Get up! It's Christmas!" There were many fun moments as the wrapping paper slowly (or not so slowly) buried the floor, leaving Zak amid the pile of new loot. Nutcrackers (he collects them), Legos, books, action figures... the promise of excitement to come as he puts each new item to use. (We got some great stuff, too!)

Then it was off to friends for food, fun, food, fellowship, food... By the end of the day, I understood why gluttony is a sin. But as I sit back and consider the joyous events of yesterday, I am reminded that not everyone's Christmas was fun. There is still war and many families are separated this year, some will never be reunited. There are still children going hungry and being orphaned at an alarming rate - it doesn't stop just because the calendar says "December 25". Closer to home, I received an email that a childhood friend's dad had a heart attack last night.

It was for reasons like this that Jesus came into the world. He came to "seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick..." (Ezekiel 34:16). He came to make his love for you known. He came to give us hope.

So, as we enjoy the bounty of this year's harvest and begin the process of annual reflection, take a moment to inventory all that you really have been blessed with. Then use it joyfully, thankfully, and bless others.

Here's to another New Year!

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas!!

Trying this blog-thing again! Obviously, it's been a couple years since my last post. Much has happened over that time, but I don't think I'll start with that. Let me just wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, a Merry Christmas and a fresh start for the New Year. May you recognize all the blessings in your life, especially the important ones (God, family, friends). May you be blessed even more in the coming year. May you share those blessings with others.

Thanks for stopping by!