Kirsten Borror

Taking from the One Who Gives

2012-02-02T23:37:00.002-05:00

Blessing Coat

The time for embracing is over. The time for comforting is over. The healing and equipping has been accomplished and it is now time to move. The Lord is leading and I will follow. Did you ever consider that this means you are looking at His back? I hadn't until tonight.

Jesus is walking in a throng and as the crowd is pressing in, one woman reaches out and steals a touch of the hem of His robe believing that doing so will heal her hemorraging. She is rewarded with instant health. Jesus immediately feels the power leave Him and turns around to ask, "Who touched me?" She knows she is caught and immediately confesses for all to hear. The significance of her confession is that in doing so she exposes her shame and humiliation. She is considered unclean because of her discharge and therefore she is shunned by society; excluded from the Synagogue, the marketplace, ceremonial events, and the human touch. Jesus' declares in front of the people that her faith has won her victory, and He tells her to go in peace. He replaces her shame with blessing. He wants to do that for all of us, but we have to be willing to acknowledge our shameful state. Are you desperate enough for what is better that you would come behind the One who has Healing in His robes?

Guarding Your Heart

2012-01-31T10:27:00.001-05:00

Swimming Free

In Lake Kutubu, Papua New Guinea you will find the Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia lacustris. If you want to purchase one, know that it is hard to find with this much coloration. If you are patient and diligent in caring for it, within 12 months you may see males as brilliant as this one. It is an active swimmer, needs lots of open space for darting about, as well as thick vegetation in which to hide. Provide the right environment and the fish will reward you. We live out of the environment of our hearts. Is your heart right? Do you want to live freely able to display your true colors? Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Praying for Transformation

2012-01-28T20:18:00.001-05:00


Captive

Skittish alone, comfortable in groups. The neon dwarf rainbow fish of New Guinea is happy to breed in captivity, happy to be in a school. Alone is a strange place to be when you've spent your entire life always living with other people. I'm told it will be a growth experience. I'm more than halfway through my life, and I'm going to finally grow up. Yippee! Maybe this will be like Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, or Jonah in the fish for three, or John on the island of Patmos when he received the Revelation.

Deceived

2012-01-25T10:29:00.002-05:00

Beautiful Liar

Seeing things as they are, seeing things as they could be, seeing things. It is easy to be fooled by the beautiful, the charming; ones who carry an appearance of being caring but their hearts are full of deceit. A liar is an abhorrent abomination to the Lord. Our eyes are limited, but we can ask for discernment from God.
How do I deal with a fool?
There's a lot in the Bible about that. I am quoting from THIS
Proverbs has much to say about fools. They despise wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 22, 10:21, 23:9); they are right in their own eyes (Proverbs 12:15); they are deceitful (Proverbs 14:8) and scornful (Proverbs 10:23, 14:9). The wise are also given instruction on how to deal with fools in Proverbs. Instructing a fool is pointless because his speech is full of foolishness (Proverbs 15:2, 14) and he does not want wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 18:2).

The futility of trying to impart wisdom to a fool is the basis of Proverbs 26:4-5, which tell us how to answer a fool. These seemingly contradictory verses are actually a common form of parallelism found in the Old Testament, where one idea builds upon another. Verse 4 warns against arguing with a fool on his own terms, lest we stoop to his level and become as foolish as he is. Because he despises wisdom and correction, the fool will not listen to wise reason and will try to draw us into his type of argument, whether it is by using deceit, scoffing at our wisdom, or becoming angry and abusive. If we allow him to draw us into this type of discourse, we are answering him “according to his folly” in the sense of becoming like him.

The phrase “according to his folly” in verse 5, on the other hand, tells us that there are times when a fool has to be addressed so that his foolishness will not go unchallenged. In this sense answering him according to his folly means to expose the foolishness of his words, rebuking him on the basis of his folly so he will see the idiocy of his words and reasoning. Our “answer” in this case is to be one of reproof, showing him the truth so he might see the foolishness of his words in the light of reason. Even though he will most likely despise and reject the wisdom offered to him, we are to make the attempt, both for the sake of the truth which is always to be declared, and for the sake of those listening, that they may see the difference between wisdom and folly and be instructed.

Choice Food for Thought

2012-01-19T22:23:00.000-05:00

Air Risk

The Ryukin is an ornamental fish that is at risk of retaining gas. Because of its thick girth it has difficulty passing gas and therefore may not maintain stable swim balance. Did you know that passing gas is a good thing? So, how might a goldfish swallow air in the first place? Well, if you feed it dry food that has air in it and floats, the fish will suck down air as a result. Stick with frozen wet food and the fish will remain balanced. What am I feeding myself? My spirit is fed through my eyes and ears especially. What are my eyes set on?

What are my ears filled with? I have been very protective of what I'm watching and listening to in media during these past 3 months and therefore am more aware of how affected I am by what I see and hear. Fasting is good for awakening sensitivity to outside influence. Think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable.

2012-01-18T23:15:00.001-05:00

King Gazing

The celestial goldfish is a domesticated ornamental fish bred for the purpose of having eyes for the Chinese emperor whenever he passed the koi pond. It would never survive in the wild as it swims awkwardly due to its double tail and has difficulty locating food because of its limited field of vision. Could we call this a trophy fish; good for nothing but looking pretty? I'm glad that God gave us choices by giving us curiosity and minds that investigate possibilities. We are not mindless robots created to satisfy a selfish god. We give ourselves to a passionate loving God who gives himself freely to us, even while we are yet ugly, imperfect and rebellious. We are more than pretty temples, we are in a commune with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Asking for a Garment of Praise

2012-01-15T01:02:00.000-05:00

Light Seeking

The random fronds of green take me back to a jungle-covered cliff of Mexico's Yucatan 1973. It was wild and a nearly untouched Eden, a giant rain forest with black sand, beautiful crabs all over it's beaches, birds sounding and echoing. The paradise that was on the peninsula is gone now and paved over with hotels, resorts, concrete. I remember that place, though!

I am asking to remember joy. Re-joy; rejoice. I get overwhelmed with grief. It starts to mess with my mind. I start to think it'd be better to be someplace else. It's a lie from the Enemy, the Thief who comes only to steal, kill and destroy the rightful heir and the rightful kingdom. I know in my gut what is right, but I am faint in spirit.

Painting with Tears

2012-01-13T18:51:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Suffering

Mixing colors on my palette tonight I saw a drop on the palette just below my face. As quickly as I saw it, the color I was dabbing into was starting to dry. I swished the brush through the tear and increased the fluidity of the yellow. It is whetted by my own tear drops. Sometimes there aren't words to speak our mourning. I will only say that the groan in my heart is evidence of an ocean of love.

Restoring the Feminine

2012-01-11T22:45:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Predator Fish

This fish will lie motionless and attack its prey by ambush. There is a softer side to Venustus though. Mama Venustus will scoop up her fertilized eggs and keep them in her mouth for three weeks. If she is disturbed before the three weeks are up, the developing eggs will be spit out and the brood lost. Protective measures need to be taken over mother so she can bring forth new life. Rest, peace, being still, waiting to receive, these are aspects of femininity. We don't like to do this because taking action, bullet points, "going forth" are our masculine cultural preferences. Nurture, holding, being present are necessary to growth and to knowing ourselves. It is scientifically proven that human beings are deeply marred if not touched and held as infants. If we as a culture want to get to new ground, we will have to value the feminine in ourselves. Tomorrow I'll post my painting of this fish.

Parenting Skilled

2012-01-10T22:31:00.000-05:00

Discus

The Discus comes in all kinds of color combinations. They are highly developed as parents; and both sexes will care for the young, even to the point of secreting food which the newly born babies will feed from initially. They live in the Amazon river, a fresh water habitat. My little one is making his way at college, and I couldn't be more proud. Day 2 of P.K. (Post Kids) is going well. Seeing my children flourish makes my heart soar. I am grateful for this happy moment in our family, and I will enjoy it! Now that I am such a highly developed parent, how will I use my skills without any juveniles around? Being married and having children is good ground on which to be trained in the path of holiness.

Transition Officially Started

2012-01-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

Oscar

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I will call this era I've entered for the first time "PK": Post Kids. The house is very quiet! I'm not sure about this solitude. It's so odd! The pulling on the tether is suddenly slight and distant. I'm not sure how this is going to go, except to say that I will be adjusting to it, and preparing to receive what is coming; whatever that will be.

I wonder how this fish got the name Oscar? Its coloration reminds me of a lava flow. Oozing out of the black rock like you see in Hawaii, the orange scales peek out and flash against the attack of Piranhas, which live in the same environment with Oscars. The colors of fish can attract or repel predators depending on the fish. In this case hobbyists are attracted to the Oscar's colors for better or worse. Useful or attractive defense mechanisms can be an asset and a liability, so handle with care.

Parenting: A Gift and Reward

2012-01-06T23:46:00.069-05:00

Ripened in its Time

This fish takes 2 years to develop it's coloration, and it's worth the wait to see it ripen into such a display. Likewise it's been worth everything to see our three sons develop into young men. Today our last son started college in DC . How do you describe what it's like to raise three children over 25 years?

All the prayers, tears, beaming, anxiety, love, beholding, encouraging, witnessing, sharing, playing...turned upside down over my own selfishness or complete sacrifice it is endlessly meaningful. It has meant ever yearning to be the recipient and dispenser of enough holy love and nurture that would set them off on the path that they should go. It seems like material enough for a thousand films, all of them full of enough poignancy and universality to earn an Oscar every time. My sons have carried me to a mountaintop of betterment simply by arriving in my life. They truly are gifts from my Father in heaven.

Staying Positive During Difficulty

2012-01-06T22:31:00.002-05:00

Positive in Difficulty

God is excited when we are obedient to Him no matter our circumstances. Focus on Him, believe that I will come out a winner. It hurts to go through this, but there is and will be benefit. I am growing more and more satisfied with Jesus and less dependent on circumstance. My faith will be proven, purified, stronger and more valuable than gold. My contentment in Him will make me more joyous in my life. More joy? Bring it on! I'm in school as long as I am walking the earth, and I want to be on His dean's list.

Sketching Out for Clarity

2012-01-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

Sketch for Scat

The scat fish starts its life in fresh water and as it matures it will enter the ocean. I've spent some time drawing the fish that were most interesting to me. Taking time to map out the shapes, lines and shadows is like doing an outline for a paper because it gives a general idea of where I want to go with the painting. Sometimes we get a chance to do outlines in life and in some things we don't. I'm in the middle of something I've not experienced before and was not expecting, so I'm doing my best to sketch out what it is while being in the midst. Lord, give me eyes to see, ears to hear, faith to believe that You will sketch out this circumstance with me. And that You have my best interest in mind.

Find Strength to Be a Warrior

2012-01-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Swimming in Health & Friendship

Work in Progress Day 2. This luxuriously colored fish of the African Congo is easily afraid, therefore it is happiest living in a school. In a healthy environment its scales will be colorful. In a polluted environment, the colors will be dulled and muted. Like this fish, we need the company of healthy people who desire growth in order to walk confidently into danger and to fulfill our true colors. I am in a dangerous, dark place where evil lurks! I cannot be His warrior if I'm overcome with fear. If I am going to survive and thrive while I am in this dark suffering, I am going to have to draw strength from stronger, hardier folks. Proof of their desire for growth will be seen in their pursuits. Deed and words must agree, otherwise the words are empty.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

Seeking the Lost

2012-01-03T23:04:00.001-05:00

Work-in-progress

I decided to do another sketch painting which I will complete tomorrow. I'm drawn to this fish because of the fragile pink, lavender and silver. I suppose it's because I'm feeling fragile myself. A friend gave me the following words from Ezekiel 34:16: "I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them with justice." Sometimes I hear people say that the Old Testament God was angry and judgmental. Would you say this passage reflects that? He will seek us out, bring us back, bind us up, and strengthen us. I like that! He has hope and healing in His wings.

Godly Desire

2012-01-02T22:28:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Desire

Yesterday's work-in-progress is complete now! The desire of the stomach keeps this little fish occupied looking always for food in the aquarium. It is spectacularly colored, and useful in keeping a tank healthy by way of its feasting. It's a good thing that it likes to eat. Desire is a blessing from God; don't fight it! He wants to satisfy your desires, so that you are bold and vital. See it, accept it, and ask God how to satisfy it. The last point is essential because if you choose the wrong things they will leave you unsatisfied. You may also do harm to others. Continuing in a pattern of bad choices will make you drained, old, and incomplete like a limp balloon. Choose vitality! Embrace what God has planted in your heart!

Unfinished Journey

2012-01-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

Work in Progress

This painting looks a bit strange because it is not finished. It is a "work in progress", just like me. And 2012. The year will be a linked chain of 365 days. That's how we are recommended to live this year: one day at a time. It can be an accumulation of days that start off right with a choice to spend time with God in prayer. The prayer journal I started in May has turbo-injected my walk with Him. I need the act of jotting down notes to keep me focused. It's just too easy for me to spend prayer time drifting off into random thoughts! This also gives a record of how and when God answers my prayers. Being conscious of His response is...awesome. You'll desire more and more of His presence. The structure and instructions came from Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity by J. Scott McElroy. I recommend you get it. Now. Why not?

Walking in the Night

2011-12-31T02:15:00.000-05:00

Swimming with the Stars

It has been a warm winter this year. I don't think I've ever come this far into December without all my winter clothes out of storage. After dinner my husband and I took a very long walk on the beach, talking and looking at constellations such as "Christmas Tree" and "Mitten"; did you know about those? If you stare at Orion with "Christmas eyes" you'll see what I mean. By Grace, there was also a long lasting shooting star. Just the fact that I had been looking at the right part of the sky when the star fell is a clear sign to me of good things to come. My husband asked me if I made a wish and I hadn't, so I will tonight before I sleep. That'll count won't it?

Not Forgotten

2011-12-30T00:48:00.000-05:00

Protective Caregiver

Laying your eggs in a protected place makes sense. This Tanganyika Lamp Eye knows this and makes it a point to shoot its eggs into the cracks of rocks where they are sheltered in the space of a solid mass. As big and large as the Creator must be, it is apparent that there are small spaces in which to nestle; away from noise, from currents, predators, and the changing light of day and night. Insulated, the fish eggs simply incubate unconcerned about hunger or sleep; they are becoming fish. The proper time for hatching comes, and out they pop into the rhythmic turning of the earth. Incubation is non-activity; all is suspended as optimal and specific conditions occur, Lord willing, and bring growth and development. May it be so. May we be still and know that He is God.

2011-12-27T23:38:00.000-05:00

Hardy Survivor

The Steel Blue Killifish of Nigeria survives or dies annually in waterways that often dry up, or become stagnant. It's eggs remain viable under the mud waiting to hatch the next time the rains come.

God watch over my vitality and regenerate my essence when the time comes for this dark period to end. A spectacle of red, green and blue iridescence contained in a 3 inch fish that may or may not survive this year's dry season. It's a lot of celebratory display in a little creature, isn't it?

Christmas is Today

2011-12-27T00:35:00.000-05:00

Wired for Satisfaction

The Golden Wonder fish has a sensitive nerve that gives it the ability to detect a mosquito landing on the water above its head. It is an insect predator in South East Asia similar to our North American Bats. Their hunger for insects combined with their unique capacity to locate the target means that they succeed in eating quite a few bugs. I am praying for God to form in me a similar "cephalic lateral line nerve" to know that every moment is to be targeted for savoring. We have reason to rejoice all the time; whether it is painful, happy, dull or thrilling. Celebrating doesn't have to stay on big holidays like Christmas! May I recognize that every moment contains beauty and purpose. All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

If you have ever had someone dear to you die, you know that it is all of the times you had together that are filled with weight of meaning. The laugh, the cry, the turning of their eyes, their voice hollering or teasing. All are moments valued and measured over and over. We realize afterwards how glad we are for them. Even the conflicts become glad moments because it all meant we were alive together. The French know how to handle the day in day out; they tell it straight with honest emotion; and then they embrace and let something new begin.

Messages of Love in the Deep

2011-12-22T19:14:00.001-05:00

Daddy Fish

This small fish has a unique reproductive strategy which is that the male stays with the eggs, guards them and fans them to keep them aerated in the fresh water where they live. If a 2 1/2 inch fish can care for it's eggs, I suppose the Creator of the Universe can watch over me with infinitely deeper care. During my time in the deep of suffering He has shown up. Today He sent oxygen over my spirit by way of my friends and family who reached out with phone calls, texts, gifts, cards, prayers, and kind words. God knew I needed help today with my Christmas enthusiasm. Saying yes to kindness is a benefit of learning I need help sometimes to carry out right attitude. Relationship is give and take. Thank you for helping my attitude today; you know who you are!

Ghost of Christmas Past

2011-12-21T22:41:00.000-05:00

Wearing Magic

I am responsible for my response. You are responsible for your response. Hurt others with your rude behavior so that the person won't have any expectations of you; or is it that we want them to "get it" or to "get them". That's what it is. Rude behavior for the purpose of cutting the line that keeps people tied and off you go to your unencumbered future, or so you think. The other is adrift, bobbing up and down, on their own to fall apart. That's what the Dark Side wants to happen; that we will be and remain torn apart. Suffering rips into our relationships; we are raw eviscerated community. Baby Jesus has the power and desire to put us back together with His supernatural healing.

I called up someone tonight who had abandoned me in a significant way many years ago. As I apologized for rejecting his Christmas presents, I began to break down. Up bubbled sadness I didn't know was still there. I am responsible for my response today, tomorrow, and for the ones I had in the past. The memory of this pain I had inflicted on him came up in a flash this month as I thought about Christmas, presents, and rejection. The Holy Spirit brought it up so that I can make peace with a brother. I think what I did not expect was all the tears I shed while talking! Part of my confession of sin is finding out that not only did I hurt him with my response, but I maimed my own soul. Positive, affirming words and "Merry Christmas to everyone!" ended the conversation. Christmas presents under the tree on Sunday will remind me of the healing gift of forgiveness.

Dancing in the Dark

2011-12-20T23:56:00.000-05:00

Wear your Dots

I talked with my friend who said she's lonely. She and I don't want to stay lonely. So I said, "You don't have to be. Just reach out and share. Let's pray power prayers together!" It's weird this adventure I'm on, just plain unbelievable. Is this really happening? Am I actually here, going through THIS?! I feel exceptionally odd, but it is what it is. I am asking God to build me up so completely that I can sing and dance no matter what-even in this dark trial. Ultimate joy is having it whatever your situation. I'm tired of being banged about because I lack trust and faith that I'm in Good Hands. This story isn't over, I keep waking up to a new day, and I guess this isn't killing me. If this is the last day I have to live, well, I want to dance in it! I still have two legs to dance on before the Lord; and I know where I'm going after I take my last breath! Thank God for sending a little child to lead us, Baby Jesus! I can dance because He was and is and is to come.

Grateful for Less than Excellence

2011-12-19T22:57:00.000-05:00

Small and Sufficient

The minnow is a small fish without much acclaim in comparison to other fish. I love that God honors the small things in His book, the Bible. He highlights His ability to work mighty victories through less than ideal people, things and places. I'm speaking of renowned events such as 5 stones in the boy David's sling to bring down the large enemy Goliath; the least important family member Gideon from the weakest tribe to save Israel from their enemies; a few small fish from a boy's lunch to feed multitudes; faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain; the highly valued temple offering of a widow's two small coins; an insignificant town called Bethlehem to birth the Prince of Peace (Jesus Christ).

Are you scoffing at the insignificant, the weak, the young, the fragile, the bleakest of circumstance? Thank Him for it, because there He may choose to mightily show forth His victory.

Taking Care of Worry

2011-12-18T00:17:00.000-05:00

Look Up & Shine

Today was pay-attention-to-and-purposely-relax-your-body day. I noticed that although my appetite is back there is tension in my stomach. What is in the core of my gut that has me under constant apprehension? I spent time observing, working hard to see and understand the feeling, "what is it like?" Finally I put my finger on it; it's the feeling of having been punched in the stomach without any warning, so you keep tensing your abdomen against the next punch. It was diligent effort to release that apprehension to God. I asked Him for just a bit of faith to believe that I'm in His care, and to stop worrying. Worry does nothing to change my situation except rob me of joy. After that I felt light and happy today! By extension, I chatted with people out Christmas shopping like me, gave a nice tip to my hair dresser, and danced to music.

Hope for the Hopeless

2011-12-17T00:19:00.000-05:00

Light Bearing

Spiritual darkness covers the earth, but I don't need to be full of woe because there is more to the story. Have you experienced a set-back recently, or do you recall a time in the past when you suffered under such circumstances? You can choose to discover what God provides to you in the middle of your painful time. His intention for us is to bring us into His goodness and He does this through Jesus Christ.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn."

Isaiah 60: 1-3

Joy-filled Giving

2011-12-15T23:07:00.001-05:00

Father of Abundance

I have to make clear that I give out of what God has poured into me. The giving isn't to get something in return, such as acceptance. I spent three years processing grief with God and receiving His healing. Recovery takes work! Prior to that time, my giving was often to avoid rejection; it was either a success or a failure depending on the other person's reaction. Now my giving brings me joy as it comes from a position of wealth and is freely given out of His abundance. The supply is not running out! Do you recall the loaves and the fishes? God blesses and multiplies our offering. There is more than enough!

Christmas peace came today as I prepared for giving. Making cookie doughs while listening to Carols, sharing french pastries at work, thinking about the gifts I've chosen for my family; it all brings the mood up! Love is an action, friend.

2011-12-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

Resting Vessel

I am satisfied to rest after laboring emotionally. Thank God that I feel less panic today after battling for two months to stay buoyant. Now it's continued attention to the still small voice of God that says, "look here", and to digging wells before I need them. Always examining if my heart is centered on redemption, mercy, love, trust because I need to. One day of living for higher purpose connected to another day of seeking to please God, and it becomes normative. It takes 40 days to establish a new habit.

Washing in Living Water

2011-12-12T23:59:00.000-05:00

Inner Rooms

Finally a day starts with new courage, new calm, peace, strength. And then it comes to the end of the day and there is a fresh piercing. Thinking of past rejections, I find a narrow puncture that reaches down deep that I didn't realize was still there. Again, throwing my self down before His cross, "I forgive _____ for his sin against me. Bless him now." Now, I confess that it hurts to be told you don't measure up. Is there anything worth loving in me? Residual soil is exposed; places in my past I thought had been washed by His healing hand, only to find that the dust pan left a little. I recall a time when facing my pain made my feet lift off the ground; gravity was suspended and I felt I would fall off the earth and into an airless void. Praise God, I didn't! Unresolved grief is part of what makes people dark and terrible. Left in the chambers of your heart it will come out in various ways; a slow draining of capacity, a sudden squall, an earthquake breaking a marriage, a collapse. God have mercy on those around you who will wear the splatters, smoke and poisonous air you emit. Take care of this pain in you. There's something better in store for you and all those around you if you let God remove the curse. Let Him blow your mind and heart chambers into marvelous containers of His Supernatural nature.

Looking Forward to New Life

2011-12-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

Radical Skin

This is the second Sunday of Advent which means Christmas is two weeks from today. I haven't been in the party mood, however, I have been in the Christmas mood! As a Christian, I look forward to the coming of Jesus; and December 25th is the celebration of God coming to earth in a newborn baby's skin. I desire the new heaven and the new earth, where righteousness is at home, where there are no tears. While I wait I will be the change I wish to see. 2 Peter 3:13-14.

I bought an Advent Meditations book by Henri Nouwen yesterday and his commentary on Christian life and expectation is worth quoting. "You are Christian only so long as... you emphasize the need of conversion both for yourself and for the world, so long as you stay unsatisfied with the status quo and keep saying that a new world is yet to come. You are a Christian only when you believe that you have a role to play in the realization of this new kingdom, and when you urge everyone you meet with a holy unrest to make haste so that the promise might soon be fulfilled. So long as you live as a Christian you keep looking for a new order, a new structure, a new life." Wanting a new life is a good thing! It's how you go about it.

Priority in the Deep

2011-12-10T00:58:00.001-05:00

Rock Dweller

This little angelfish lives among rock work and may disappear in it for days in an aquarium. It eventually reappears well fed but will spend their lives never far from the rock. In deep suffering now, I am sticking close to my Rock, to hear His word, to be comforted by His Holy Spirit, and to swim with other people I find sheltered there. In the middle of being torn, some people and situations must fall away if it means leaving my safe place. When His redemption of this conflict is revealed, I will emerge a well fed fish.

Ready to Receive

2011-12-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

Prepared Pair

I walked the beach the other day choosing to sink my feet in the low bed left by the tide.

Sometimes things catch in this natural weir that differ from the millions of stones covering the beach elsewhere.

Here I found these two worn scallop shells, typically found in the deep far from where waves sound.

Who knows how they ended up so far from home; perhaps a dredger's net lifted them out of the muck and a storm current pulled them up into foam-white surf. It's clear they've been battered at the bottom a long time. It was cold that day and I didn't want to walk all the way home holding them in the wind. I laid them in the beach grass by the seawall thinking someone would surely walk by and take them. "If they are there next time I come, I will bring them home." Well, you see how that turned out! Two empty shells, without life in the home, holes at the apex. They are ready to be laced with the hunter's cord, or prepared for something new to inhabit that space. Lord, lay something profound and new in these travelers.

Night School

2011-12-07T23:24:00.000-05:00

Gathering

Enter the deep and you'll find others like yourself. Joining forces in order to feel comfortable engaging in degrading behavior is what we all need to avoid. Gathering together in order to encourage each other

to love during intense rejection is the right thing to do. Say yes to it. Jesus clearly communicated that God provides supernatural power to those who pray together. What are you waiting for?

A Path in the Mighty Waters

2011-12-06T22:41:00.000-05:00

Not Alone
The Lord makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters. I keep to His commands and the direction becomes clear. Soon, I begin to see a new thing; now it springs forth. Just try Him and see if it is true! Why not?

Seeing Stars

2011-12-04T22:20:00.001-05:00

Star in the Deep

To see the stars you have to be in the night. I am discovering that even in my time in the pit, He is providing in gentle, surprising ways. Psalm 139: 11 describes being out of sight when covered by darkness but verse 12 explains that God is not held back by it and night is as day to Him. This is all bookish platitude until you are in this desperate suffering and see for yourself God's hand at work in your circumstance. It's a good thing to learn now because, the day will come when people will be overcome with pain, their hands will hang limp, their courage will fail, and their faces will burn with shame. It's the arrogant, proud, cruel who will fall. In those days, every star and constellation will stop shining. Pray that God prepares you well for that day.
I will thank Him for this temporary trial which brings an eternal benefit.

Learning What's on the Inside

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Swimming in the Dark

Being in the dark means the horizon is hard to see. But knowing what's inside is quite apparent. Sink beneath the surface and all goes quiet, rock back and forth with the force of currents, suspended above a sandy bottom, and I feel God's presence overtaking. There is hurt. Today it was a menacing ache in the heart, like a cut that was bandaged, but a germ got in. It gets red and sore again, oh yeah, there's that hurt again. Rocking back and forth between calm, joy, peace, and a grief-gripped, raw center. Time to go back to the beach and cry to Him again. I won't let this hurt stop me.

Source of Life

2011-12-02T22:59:00.000-05:00

Spring-fed Trout Pond

Go back to the birthplace. Where did life begin? The source is buried out of sight How can water come up from nowhere? This pond is magical because it is formed by a spring. Clear, fresh water bubbles up in the forest floor and an oasis forms; someone plants fish there. The fish feed and grow, the spring keeps flowing, and life happens. In the middle of a wild place provision comes. His hand is evident in odd places and in unexpected ways. Free boards were given to me yesterday-I've got supplies to paint every day for the next 3 months! Today, a free organ concert, delicious cookies and tea delivered on a tray at the Community of Jesus, Orleans MA

Church of the Transfiguration, Orleans, MA

Visiting with Debby Topliff was extra special as she lives in Michigan and happened to be here with her husband on a business trip. She showed me her book of Mark banner which is all imagery and no text. Check out her website! We met through the Visual Story Network Artist's Group. Maybe you would like to join us?

Moved to the Night Shift

2011-12-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

Swimming in the Deep
On October 12 my horizon changed from surfing happy and free to being dumped off the surfboard, falling into the dark deep. It's been a wrenching journey. I no longer can think beyond today. There is no place now for imagining because fear brings me to the worst. For now, I am sustained by swimming in the depths of His mercy. He doesn't fail to answer my questions, or to give me peace. His gifts come each day as I pick out an ugly thorn of bad attitude in obedience to His command to love others no matter what, to thank Him no matter what, and to trust Him.

Perspectives on Peace in The Middle East

2011-11-10T21:57:00.000-05:00

Salim Munayer comes to Boston. See him November 13, 14 or 15!

Founder of Musalaha, Salim is a Palestinian Christian who has been working

towards reconciliation between Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians in Israel.

This is an amazing opportunity to meet a man who puts his Christian faith into action by doing the hard work of forgiving and loving.

Don't miss it! www.uniteboston.com has the details on their calendar "Perspectives on Peace in the Middle East".

Free Conference Call

2011-10-26T23:27:00.000-04:00

Fabric Art by Marge Malwitz

I'm excited about our second Art in Mission call tomorrow at 2:00 Pacific / 5:00 Eastern (GMT - 7:00). Bert VanderMark www.visualparablesart.com and Marge Malwitz www.margemalwitz.com will be sharing about real examples of art in mission. Discussion will focus on ways to expand the use of art in mission. Come ready to learn and to share your insights.

To join the call, dial (559) 546-1200, enter 172002801 followed by the # key.

You may access the visual elements of the meeting by going to www.freescreensharing.com/meetings/172-002-801 during the call.

Artist Meet-up

2011-09-30T22:34:00.000-04:00

What is in store for us when we come together? Thank you to all who showed up on the artist conference call on Thurs, Sept. 29th! Next event will be October 27th. Email me for the details:o) I'm hoping we can try a video conference so as to include my overseas friends. This amazing video is by Steven Follen.

About the Words We Speak

2011-09-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

K. Borror

Radical Love Campaign: Be accurate when we speak about Muslims and their faith. Overstatement, exaggeration and words taken out of context should not be found among followers of Jesus, for he calls us to be careful about the words we speak (Matt 12:36). God commands us not to bear false witness against our neighbor (Ex 20:16) and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matt 7:12). Thus we endeavor to speak truthfully about Muslims, and we seek to be clear and positive in our communication of the gospel to Muslims.

As much as it depends on us, we seek to live at peace with all people, while acknowledging that speaking the truth, even graciously, will offend some. We acknowledge that respectful and gracious witness does not imply naiveté or silence about troublesome issues. We are called to speak the truth in love. At the same time we refuse to project onto all Muslims a violent agenda espoused by only a minority. We choose to relate to Muslims as unique individuals rather than assuming they fit our stereotype of a “Muslim.” Moreover, we refuse to prioritize concerns of political power and self-protection above the commands of Scripture, such as love for neighbor (Matt 22:39). We affirm that proclaiming the Good News of Christ's love is a higher priority than defending our culture.

Believers Prepare for 2012 Olympics

2011-09-25T07:25:00.003-04:00

Bright Fish 2011

Just got word last night through Christopher Clack that Run With the Fire is now available for purchase. This project was put together by a group of Christian arts organizations with the purpose of helping churches of the UK prepare ways to engage with all the visitors who will come to see the Olympic games in 2012. It is an international compilation of art from 25 artists available in a DVD. Organizers state, "This project is unique in that every participant has started their artistic journey from an idea or vision statement provided by another artist. This has created a sense of community and energy which comes through clearly in the finished pieces. Different artists, different media, different nationalities but one common purpose– to glorify God through their work." Bright Fish is my contribution to Run with the Fire, and I am so honored to be a part of it. It feeds into my hopes for believers working together to advance the Kingdom. The image is my response to South Korean Hyun Young Kim's vision statement "Jesus brings us rest and release from hopelessness, sickness and dark lies."

Intercultural Exchange

2011-09-11T17:38:00.000-04:00

Intercultural Exchange 9/10/11

On Saturday, September 10, Pastor Paul Biswas organized a cultural exchange in Cambridge.
My husband and I traveled together to meet new people and build bridges across cultures and religions.
Since coming here from Bangladesh, Pastor Paul has made great progress in connecting with Bangla people all over the greater Boston area. We met not only Bangla people but Pakistani Christians, Hindus, Tamils, Indonesians, Southeast Asian Muslims, a Nigerian, a Chinese Christian and Jesus-loving Texans! I couldn't believe a whole group had flown up to Boston for this very special event! They even made southern style cookies for the evening! The majority of attendees had driven long distances with the purpose of making new friends. How wonderful it is to be together with happy, caring people who desire to be hospitable to the foreigners in our midst.

Art in Mission Lecture 9/11 Sunday

2011-09-09T22:04:00.001-04:00

September 11, 2011

by Joel Klepac
The Christ Lutheran Church in Scituate MA has invited me to give a presentation on Art in Mission. The focus is on how the Global Church is using art in missions. Fifteen people will be discussed. Exhibit will be on display and remain at the church. Join us for worship at 9:30. Program is from 11-11:45am. Refreshments to follow. Public invited. Handicap accessible, ample parking.

The Glad Artist

2011-09-06T22:53:00.000-04:00

How happy I am to have found the work of Aminah Robinson, a living artist who was at the Columbus College of Art and Design the same time as my parents! Her work pours out of a marriage of formal schooling in color, shape, line and an expressionist's hand in choice of materials, format, and surface texture.

My Lord What a Morning

The show at the Columbus Museum of Art featured never before seen works such as My Lord, What a Morning, inspired by the Sunday morning sounds of African American spirituals she heard in the neighborhood from churches and radios. Her visualizations are a glad song that tenderly render real people, places, experiences. The 6 foot work that I keep coming back to is John T. Ward Transporting Fugitives in Columbus Ohio to Freedom, 1800's

John T. Ward Transporting Fugitives in Columbus Ohio to Freedom, 1800's

Coastal Vacation

2011-08-06T05:10:00.001-04:00

Harriet's Window, Gulf of Maine

Fascination with looking in, looking through, and seeing out to the horizon beyond was what brought me to this window. The landscape by itself can be fascinating of course, but seeing how it can be "framed" by individual experience makes it even more interesting to me. This image feels like I'm sitting in the middle of the ocean, in my own reality, enjoying the good gilfts. How do you "sit" in your landscape?

Emmanuel Gospel Center

2011-07-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

Emmanuel Gospel Center Annual Dinner 2011

I was introduced to the Emmanuel Gospel Center by my friend Jane Dizazzo when she started ministering to Boston's homeless population. Since then I've had some opportunities to engage with the staff on a number of occasions such as serving Easter dinner to the homeless, planning the Starlight walkathon, brainstorming with staff about the arts, organizing art in mission functions, etc. If you haven't met them yet, you are truly missing out. I'm talking about a group of Jesus-followers who humbly serve and love. They are happy to nurture what God is doing in New England by empowering churches here and abroad; and that includes you!

Calling Christian Artists to Gather

2011-07-21T14:20:00.000-04:00

The basic human need we all have is friendship. If you don't see Christian artists in your local church community, it may be that you have not identified them yet. Step out of your private zone and into the public sphere and you might find others who would like to join in The Celebration of the Greatest Story Ever Told. Olive Knight did this for us in New England. I dare you to do it, too.

Artists Meet-Up

2011-07-11T21:53:00.001-04:00

This Saturday 7/16 will be a Christians in the Arts meet-up in Boston, and I can hardly wait! I met Olive Knight and her husband Alphonse back in May. They've had years of experience promoting musicians and have turned their talents and passion toward connecting the New England Christian arts scene. This will be a chance to go from virtual to up-close and personal! Bring examples of your work to share (small format such as a small photo album) as we'll be doing "speed networking". AgapeVine Christian Arts Network

Art Tent Needed

2011-06-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

My Summer Studio

My vision is to be in my backyard the rest of this summer making art. I have art supplies, a yard, ideas, and papier-mache sculptures in progress all over the first floor of my house. Yikes! Would you consider donating money to help me purchase this tent? This one is great because it will allow light in, and protect the sculptures from rain & wind. You can see the cost and info by Clicking HERE . I will have to figure out a way to anchor it down so the wind doesn't take it away. If I can get 14 people to gift me $10 each, I will be able to get my 'free studio' up and running! I will send each sponsor an 8 x 11" signed color reproduction of my work with a personal note written on the back! Thank you so much! Questions? Encouraging words?

Blooming at any age

2011-06-19T10:26:00.001-04:00

Paper Mosaics by Mary Delaney

I revel in hearing about people who do wonderful things at any age, because it encourages me to keep imagining. Mary Delaney (1700-1788) a talented artist and independent thinker began her 1,700 botanical collages at the age of 71 stopping at 88 only because of failing eyesight. She had a passion for plants and had friends who encouraged it. She had displayed her conspicuous talent in crafts all her life. One day I'll get to the British Museum and see these in person. I'm sorry I missed the exhibit at Yale in 2009.

Indigenous Christian Expression in Australia

2011-06-15T21:02:00.001-04:00

St. Therese's Church & Presbytery, Australia

Pope John Paul visited Australia in 1986. In his address to the Christian Aboriginals he said, “... your Christian faith calls you to become the best kind of aboriginal people you can possibly be and reconciliation and forgiveness are a part of your lives. The Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until your contributions are made and are joyfully accepted by others.” Is the American Church listening?

Mobile Phone: A Path to the Unreached

2011-06-02T15:58:00.000-04:00

Make your contextualized art, film it, and share it. See what I mean here:

What does Love sound like in Swahili?

2011-05-27T16:23:00.002-04:00

Victory Methods

2011-03-15T22:28:00.005-04:00

Collage 24" x 36"

The top 40 countries with the least freedom to choose how to worship God are named in the painting above. The Lord's people are threatened with the worst kind of torture and death still today. What can we do? The battle won't be won without prayer. Exodus 17 records that when Moses held up his hands in prayer above the war zone, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the enemies began to win.

The letter to the Ephesians 6:18 fervently directs us: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people". Jesus says something extraordinary in John 15:7, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you"!!

Fish

2011-02-23T16:25:00.006-05:00

Mixed media 6” x 9”

The first letter of the Greek translation of the following words: “Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Savior” form the Greek word IXOYE (pronounced ICHTHYS) which means “fish”.

Reconciliation

2011-02-09T17:13:00.002-05:00

Mixed media 9” x 7”

This is based on the work of Musalaha, a reconciliation ministry that has been active in bringing Christian Palestinians and Messianic Jews into relationship with one another.

Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

Clarified People

2011-02-05T00:28:00.008-05:00

Mixed Media 5" x 11"

Ephesians 4:24 Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and

holiness.

Defining

2011-02-04T20:26:00.006-05:00

Mixed media 6”x 9”

Jesus knocked on the door of my heart for a long time, desiring to show me how much He loved me. He waited like a perfect gentleman would, until I trusted enough to say, "I don't fully understand what You are offering me, but I want to know You." He met me where I was!

We get a new definition of ourselves the moment we ask Jesus into our hearts.

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Hosts Arrive

2011-01-28T19:25:00.004-05:00

Mixed media 5” x 7”

One of the names of God in the Old Testament is the Lord of Hosts. Hosts here translates "armies". The Lord commands ministering spirits for His children. We see this in 2 Kings chapter 6 which records the story of Elisha and his servant being surrounded by the vast Syrian army.

2Kings 6:15-17 [And Elisha’s servant] said to Elisha, Oh, Master, what will we do now? And Elisha answered, Fear not: for there are more on our side than those who are against us. And Elisha prayed, Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see. Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Your Body is the Temple

2011-01-17T22:10:00.004-05:00

Mixed media 4.75” x 7”

A basic tenent of Jesus is that we are part visible and part invisible, the body and the soul. It became more real that my body is a habitation for my soul after seeing Gunther von Hagens' Body show at the Museum of Science, Boston. http://www.bodyworlds.com/en.html
If you accept this premise of a soul, add now the concept that we can ask Divinity to enter our bodies. Human beings can be a dwelling place for Holiness. Our lives become the place where we can worship God, what was two has become one.

I Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God…

Rooted and Grounded in Love

2011-01-12T20:16:00.002-05:00

Mixed media 8.5” x 6”

What do you see when you see a pregnant woman? Do you see the miracle of life? The woman in this painting isn't pregnant with another human life however; she's pregnant with possibility.

Voluminous with vigor

hefty with heart

laden with loveliness

chubby with cheer

We are instructed in Ephesians chapter 3:16 to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. So, in other words, as a Christ-follower I am to be strong with power. What is that power like? It is the power of His Spirit, God, the one who is love.

Walking in the Good Works

2011-01-11T22:51:00.002-05:00

Mixed media 9” x 16”

Imagine that your talents, skills, personality and experiences are a gift to you from above. Now, see yourself being and becoming more and more who you were meant to be. The idea that there is a structure around our existence that we can tap into and be a part of seems fantastical. The idea that we can be recreated by Our Creator's power into a being with new vitality divinely endowed seems just a little bit 'hollywood'. It reminds me of the first Matrix movie except Jesus is the one who brings us to the other side. It's your choice to take the wild ride or not.

Ephesians 2:10 for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Living Water

2011-01-04T21:24:00.002-05:00

Mixed media 4.75” x 21.5”

A woman at a well had a conversation with Jesus about life and water (John 4). She had an invisible but very real thirst for goodness, mercy and love. Who doesn't? Jesus explained what it would be like to come to Him

for this living water. He is the water that brings a soul to life.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.

Collection of Patricia Curry

Praise Dance

2010-12-29T20:40:00.003-05:00

Collage, 4” x 10”

When we recognize God is love and our hearts gladly receive what He gives, we are colored with joy.

Would or could you believe that He takes pleasure in you? Do you dance in church? Or anywhere else?

Psalm 149:3,4 Let them praise His name with the dance…the Lord takes pleasure in His people.

Kingdom Seed

2010-12-20T22:36:00.003-05:00

Mixed media, 5.5” x 9”

Luke 13:18,19 [The Kingdom of God] is like a mustard seed which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.

Community

2010-12-13T21:44:00.003-05:00

Acrylic on canvas 4' x 5'

This painting was commissioned by the team in my church that helps people determine their spiritual gifts.

We prayed together about it, and this image is what emerged.

1Corinthians 12:4-6, 20 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all…there are many members, yet one body.

Courtesy of North River Community Church, Pembroke, MA

The Inside-Out Nature of Painting

2010-11-14T22:26:00.003-05:00

I lived briefly in Australia with my husband and sons in the late 1990's. While there, I was surrounded with Aboriginal art and was taken in by the freedom of the forms, and particularly a style called "X-Ray" by certain tribes from the North of Australia. This is a 4000 year old technique in which the inner parts of animals and humans are painted within the silhouette of the figure, often lined with white pigment. The figures are sometimes secular and other times sacred depictions of supernatural beings. It was attractive to me for the way it described things unseen as well as for it's bold and direct aesthetic.

How I Became Involved In 2010Boston

2010-11-09T22:10:00.001-05:00

It was because of the late Dr. Ralph Winter, the creator of the Perspectives Course http://www.perspectives.org/, that I knew about this very special gathering of mission leaders across denominational lines. I highly recommend this class for expanding your heart and vision of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Many of the lectures from the Boston meeting have been posted on the website: http://www.2010boston.org/

The Changing Contours of World Mission and Christianity, 2010 Boston

2010-11-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

The conference ended on Sunday, Nov. 7th. Thirteen of my paintings were included in this centennial celebration of Edinburgh 1910 at The Walker Center, Auburndale, MA through November 17, 2010. The director Susan Smith is very hospitable, and an accomplished artist herself. Many of the 2010 Boston attendees lodged here. It's a nice place and not too expensive. http://www.walkerctr.org/