This morning part of my scripture reading was Psalm 121 which , in The Voice translation I am currently using reads:
I look up at the vast size of the mountains
from where will my help come in times of trouble?
The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains
will send the help I need.
As I sat here looking at the mountain outside my window (not as clear today as in this photo), the question that revolved in my mind as I meditated on this was not so much Where does my help come from? but rather Where does my inspiration come from? It is a question I often get asked, and I thought it was time to share some of what motivates and inspires me.
Of course it is not an easy question to answer. In a nutshell, my inspiration comes from an integration of contemplative practices with my observations of life and creation. Often when I sit quietly in the presence of God aware of each life giving breath and of each loving heartbeat, listening to the quiet whispers of the eternal One’s voice, I sense the energy of God surging through me. Busyness, tiredness, anxiety and just plain distractedness all quench that.
But there is more to inspiration than sitting quietly in the presence of God, though my doing so has encouraged me to look at the world in a different way that often inspires my imagination and creativity. It has taught me to listen to all the voices through which God speaks to me – the voices of those who talk to me each day; the voices of those around me who suffer and struggle; the voice of creation groaning and polluted, longing for the fulfillment of God’s redemptive promises for all creation. I am, as most of you know, constantly inspired by God’s presence in the garden and in the beauty of creation around me. I am particularly inspired by the art of Andy Goldsworthy who only uses what nature offers him in his art. I think that you too will be inspired by watching this video of his work.
My inspiration comes too through the delightful freedom from thinking I need to understand everything. Acknowledging my inadequacies and looking to others and to God for help when I don’t know what to do is a liberating and creative experience. I am learning to appreciate the creative power of criticism, not allowing it to pull me down, but grabbing hold of it as a way to reshape who I am and what I do to be more focused on God’s kingdom purposes.
What I realize more and more is that I need to make space and take time to listen to these voices. I am reminded of Richard Foster’s comment Busyness is not of the devil, busyness is the devil. Busyness strips all of us of the ability to listen carefully to God, to others and to the voices of creation. Busyness strips us of our ability to be inspired with new possibilities for grown and development in our faith.
So what inspires you today and how do you find the space and time to develop that inspiration?
By James Amadon —
“A path is little more than a habit that comes with knowledge of a place. It is a sort of ritual of familiarity.” – Wendell Berry
There is a winding path that leads through a narrow strip of preserved forest in my suburban neighborhood. I walk it so frequently that my feet seem to know the way without needing to consult my memory. In addition to centering my spirit and de-centering my ego, these walks sometimes produce creative insights into whatever theoretical or practical problem occupying my mind. It happens frequently enough that I wonder why walking in the natural world fosters these bursts of creativity. Let me propose three reasons.
- Walking opens our minds. Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, notes that activities such as walking occupy us physically but not mentally. He urges readers to cultivate such moments as a way to solve problems and accomplish tasks, calling it “productive meditation”.
- Paths meander like the creative process. We are trained to seek quick, straightforward solutions that maximize efficiency; the quickest way from one point to another is a straight line. This is neither the way the world works, nor how creative ideas form. A path winds through a forest, promising a way through but revealing only the next curve and requiring us to be present to our immediate surroundings. Creativity works the same way, involving twists and turns until we look up and realize we have broken through. (This idea came to me as I was walking the very path mentioned above.)
- Creativity is connected to Creation. There is something about walking in God’s creation as a conscious part of creation that can unlock a deeper creativity that rings in harmony with the world and God’s action within in. Perhaps this explains why so much of Jesus ministry happened while he was walking the paths of ancient Israel (see Mark 2:23; Matt. 4:18; 20:17; Luke 9:57; 24:15) or had just walked to a natural setting (see the Sermon on the Mount in Matt. 5-7).
Where is your path? Where do you walk in openness to God and solidarity with creation? It does not have to be in a forest or wilderness; this kind of path can even be forged on a busy city sidewalk. What matters is our intention and attention. As you walk, say a brief prayer and let your mind and heart meander. Be open to what is around and within you. Enjoy the walk for its own sake, but do not be surprised if God blesses you with a burst of creativity.
by Christine Sine
In the last couple of months I have become obsessed with hands. It all began when I came across a wonderful DIY project for creating planters shaped like hands out of cement. “Shaped by the hands of God” I thought and immediately added it to my “must do over the summer” projects.
“Shaped by the hands of God” – the imagery grew in my mind far outstripping the original concept of planters for my succulents. Every time I thought about it I felt as though I entered a place of security, peace and belonging.
I went looking for Bible verses that spoke of this. Isaiah 64:8 The Voice was the one that most resonated in my soul:
Still, Eternal One, You are our Father.
We are just clay, and You are the potter.
We are the product of Your creative action, shaped and formed into something of worth.
We are not just shaped by God’s hands but we are shaped from something that seems to be of no value (a lump of clay) into something that is of value, something precious, unique and highly prized by God. More than that we are shaped by the loving hand of God into the image of God – an image of love, compassion, justice, mercy, peace, generosity and righteousness.
Wow – to be shaped by the hand of God is an amazing thing.
Shaped by the Hand of God – messiness OK
Next I went looking on Pinterest for hand shaping exercises that would help move me further on my journey and created a special self care Pinterest board to collect some of my images. There are so many ways to use images of our hands to bring closeness to God, healing to our spirits and guidance for life direction. I hope to explore some of these in the coming weeks. Today however my thoughts focused on “shaped by the hand of God” and the verse above.
Shaped by the hand of God – vibrant colours in all of us
I took out my journal and traced my left hand.
I traced over the outline with a black marker, reciting the words shaped by the hand of God as I did so.
I painted inside my outline, choosing a kaleidoscope of colours as I thought about the vibrant colours and messy patterns that God has shaped into my life. My image slowly took shape. And it is a messy image, smudged in some places where I accidentally touched my still wet lettering. That’s OK I decided. It reflects some of the messiness still present in my life.
Shaped by God’s hand
I read through Isaiah 64:8 and meditated on the words – shaped by God’s creative action into something of worth…. in spite of the messiness, in spite of the imperfections, I am of value to God – I am a beloved child of God.
What are the God actions that have shaped me?
The was the first question that came to my mind. Created, redeemed, reshaped, transformed, being made new. These are the broad strokes of God’s shaping and reshaping of me. I added the words to my fingerprints and as I did so the prayer below came into my mind.
God thank you,
I am precious in your sight.
Shaped by your hands on the potter’s wheel,
Lovingly crafted by the great I AM.
God thank you,
I am created, redeemed, reshaped, transformed.
Held in Your warm embrace,
Beloved, belonging, precious, valued.
Loved and cared for by the Eternal One
Father and mother of us all.
What is the image of God that is emerging?
Maybe it would be better to ask: what am I being transformed into. This was a list too long to be added to my handprint so it has become as separate list on the page opposite – loving, caring, peacemaker, generous, grateful, proclaimer of justice, steward of creation, creative, playful, compassionate, chooser of joy, faithful to God and others, a seeker after truth. The list will I know grow as I continue to reflect on my question this week. God’s image is emerging and I am slowly being made whole.
What is Your Response?
Pull out a sheet of paper and trace your hand on it.
Grab a black or coloured marker and outline your print reciting the words shaped by God’s hand, as you do so.
Decorate your handprint with colours, or images as you feel inspired by the spirit flowing through you.
Add words of inspiration or comfort either on your print or around it.
Write the words Shaped by God’s hand, either across the top of the handprint or on the palm as I did.
What are the actions of God that have shaped you? Write these down.
What is the image of God you see emerging? Make a list.
Sit prayerfully in the presence of God. How does your heart respond? Is it with a prayer, a poem, a song, a dance or some other form of creative inspiration? Allow God’s creative energy to flow through you and create a response.
By Lilly Lewin and Cindi Slaughter
One of the things I love about our Sunday night community practice of Lectio Divina is the wonderful things God shows people from the scripture passages we listen to each week.
If there are 10 people, there are 10 different sermons preached through the Holy Spirit highlighting exactly what each person needs to hear as he/she listens to the passage read three times.
We listen to the gospel passage read in three different voices and two different Bible translations. Usually the NIV (New International Version) and The Message Bible. We follow the Church Year Calendar and tend to follow the lectionary.
Last week’s gospel passage was on Jesus and the Sabbath Day. Mark 2-23-3:6 (see below)
After listening to the passage, everyone has half an hour to journal from the passage. I give them a few questions to consider and journal from, and then we gather back together and those who want to share what God showed them.
Here’s what my friend Cindi Slaughter wrote about Sabbath during her journaling time. Cindi is a song writer, an artist, and always has great insight that inspires our group. It’s a beautiful reminder of why we need to give ourselves permission to practice Sabbath. As you begin your weekend, take the time to read Cindi’s thoughts and ask Jesus to show you how you might take a “mini sabbath” this week.
We Need Sabbath by Cindi Slaughter
Mark 2:27 (MSG)
The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren’t made to serve the Sabbath.
We need Sabbath – that’s why it was given.
It’s not about following the rules and changing my daily routine to fit within rules. That’s not it. It’s about creating space and place for God.
It’s about remembering what God has done for me.
It’s about stopping what I’m doing and seeing what God’s doing.
It’s about letting my body and soul rest so that I can be replenished.
It’s about giving myself what is needed so that I can continue on with the work that I am doing.
It’s counter cultural.
It doesn’t feel productive – even though it is.
It’s leaving the shoulds and oughts and taking a break from that mindset.
It’s about believing it is enough for God to just be and do nothing productive.
It’s about opening myself, listening, receiving, breathing, not being in control, not changing the world, not having a plan, not implementing anything, not managing….
Stop…ask God to be with me.
Wait.
Take what comes – if anything.
And the next day, get back to doing it all again.
We need Sabbath – that’s why it was given.
Mark 2:23-3:6 The Message (MSG)
23-24 One Sabbath day he was walking through a field of ripe grain. As his disciples made a path, they pulled off heads of grain. The Pharisees told on them to Jesus: “Look, your disciples are breaking Sabbath rules!”
25-28 Jesus said, “Really? Haven’t you ever read what David did when he was hungry, along with those who were with him? How he entered the sanctuary and ate fresh bread off the altar, with the Chief Priest Abiathar right there watching—holy bread that no one but priests were allowed to eat—and handed it out to his companions?” Then Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made to serve us; we weren’t made to serve the Sabbath. The Son of Man is no lackey to the Sabbath. He’s in charge!”
Doing Good on the Sabbath
3 1-3 Then he went back in the meeting place where he found a man with a crippled hand. The Pharisees had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath infraction. He said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.”
4 Then he spoke to the people: “What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” No one said a word.
5-6 He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out—it was as good as new! The Pharisees got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with Herod’s followers and ruin him.
As you read Cindi’s thoughts on Sabbath and the Gospel passage. What things do you notice? What are your feelings about Sabbath? About rest? About actually taking the time to stop and let God be in control for awhile? Talk to Jesus about this.
By John Birch —
I believe my busy hands can fix the world—or at the very least my world. When I begin to feel anxious about the events of life, I take out my knitting. The yarn, warm and soft, glides through my hands, rhythmically making one loop after another. I may not be able to solve my daughter’s health puzzle or take away a friend’s tragedy, but I can make loop after loop after loop. As I do, my shoulders relax, my breathing slows, my mind slows down. My love and prayers flow from my heart, down my arms, out my knitting needles and into the fabric. Sometimes I need this process over and over and over.
As I knit, I begin to build tangible warmth and love, embodied in fabric… a shawl for a friend grieving the loss of a child, one for a woman dying of cancer, hats to keep babies warm in Nepal, clothing for refugees from Syria, special items for celebrations and milestones. When people wear the items I create, can they feel the love and prayers? Because I think my hands believe they can heal the world.
Whatever the impact my creations have on the world, they are part of my own process, healing and connection with God. Though I have created things with my hands since I was a child, I am only beginning to recognize and have language for the potential of my knitting as a spiritual practice. I am entering a new season of life. My kids are all adults now and in college; for me the transition has been difficult. Though I thought of myself as a person who was calm, and of my kids as people who were competent with growing independence, I found myself experiencing almost daily anxiety. I journaled, I memorized verses, I talked with friends. Each of those practices would help for a bit, but seemed overused and stale to me. I longed for some new ways to engage with God.
Last fall, I decided it was time to cultivate my interests more deeply. I stumbled upon a workshop at a local yarn shop called “Knit the Sky”, based on a book by the same name. The author, Lea Redmond, expresses a desire to “draw attention to the already storied nature of knitting and explore ways to creatively engage that phenomenon in a way that deepens our humanity, both as individuals and social creatures.” My curiosity was piqued, and I signed up for the workshop. Throughout the evening, we played with knitting and story and Lea walked us through brainstorming ways to knit the stories of our lives.
Combined with my desire to experiment with my own spiritual practice and to address my anxiety, I was freshly inspired to draft a project. Throughout the course of the school year, I would knit a scarf for each of my children. This scarf would represent their life that year. I wanted to explore an appropriate role as a mother of grown children. Clearly their lives were their own, not mine. However, we will always be connected as family, so each day I could pick up their “lives”, and knit two rows. During the time it took me to do this, I could pray for their concerns, celebrate their accomplishments and pray my hopes for each of them. I even had special stitches to knit for both particularly difficult and happy days. However, when the rows were done, it was time for me to set down their lives for the day.
So, every day I did this. I prayed for them as I knit. I calmed down. I reminded myself of the truths that God cares for my children and will not leave them alone. I cannot say that I was not tempted to pick up their worries and concerns at other times of the day, but when I did, I thought of their scarves, a tangible reminder of the separateness of their lives from mine. And as time went on, the practice became easier and I could catch myself sooner.
The scarves were completed during finals week, spring of 2016. I wrote each of the kids a note, telling them about my project, affirming their growth, and my confidence that they are each growing into capable, lovely adults. I will always love and support them, but they alone have the challenge, joy and privilege of living their lives.
For me, the knitting of my prayers and concerns provided a daily tangible reminder to trust that something beautiful beyond my control is transpiring. It has left me more able to watch for God’s good work in the lives of those I love. And it has provided me with another way that God meets me right where I already love to be—hands busy making beauty.
Previously posted on the V3 Church Planting blog, by Tom Sine —
Were you one of the two billion people who viewed the Royal Wedding? If you did I bet you were among those who were impressed by not only the pomp and circumstance but by the surprising Gospel music and compelling message.
What Impressed you most about the Royal wedding?
Were you also impressed by the remarkable impact for our British neighbors of Prince Harry marrying a beautiful American bride Meghan Markle? Reportedly the marriage has humanized the monarchy for younger Brits and nearly half of Londoners who are from other cultures and countries.
The wedding service reflected an appreciation of Markle’s African heritage. A black choir from east London sang a moving gospel song. Reportedly what gathered the greatest acclaim from those at the event was the electric sermon by Michael Curry the head of the Episcopal Church in America. His high energy delivery was like that of a charismatic African American church.
How was the Royal wedding centered in change making?
Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Michael Curry proclaimed “We must rediscover the power of love, the redemptive power of love…and when we do it will make this old world into a new world.”
“As the Royal Wedding Unfurled, It Seemed World Was Watching,” declared The New York Times, May 20, 2018
I imagine as a teenager the last thing Prince Harry was likely thinking about was having an impact on the lives of others. Deeply overwhelmed by the tragic death of his mother Princes Diana, Prince Harry “described his adolescence as ‘total chaos.’” As he entered his 20’s he began to turn his grief into services to make difference in the lives of others.
He started in 2009 with his brother, Prince William, to start a foundation to both empower disadvantaged adolescents from different cultures and promote environmental sustainability.
In 2011 he started Invictus Games to help empower wounded vets in the UK. Last December he took HIV testing kits to Barbados on World Aids Day.
As a successful actress Meghan Markle has become a global ambassador for World Vision in Canada for gender empowerment. She has also become an advocate for women of color. In addition, Meghan has become an World Vision advocate for a clean water campaign in Rwanda.
Now Prince Harry and Meghan Markle view themselves as “united by causes that impassion them, the couple sets a promising example of seeking out social justice and change in both the United Kingdom and abroad.”(observer.com Nov 29, 2017 – The Social Causes That United Prince Harry and Meghan Markl)
How can we all become agents of change in times like these?
This is invitation to followers of Jesus to join all those in the U.K .and the U.S .who are working for racial, economic and environmental justice.
This work has never been more urgent in the US. We are seeing growing animosities towards people of color, people from other cultures and religions. We only have to remember Ferguson, Baltimore and the recent white supremacist rallies to realize we don’t live in a post-racial America.
Dori Baker, a United Methodist leader, working with the Rutba House in Raleigh Durham, headed a “Holy Pilgrimage.” She took a racially diverse group of 14 young people on a “deep dive” in Southern states as non-violent protestors and won the Voting Rights Act 50 years ago. (p.171 Live Like You Give A Damn! Join the Changemaking Celebration)
Welcoming refugee families from the middle east with festive meals is a part of life of the Axiom church plant in Syracuse, New York. In fact they are working to help these new neighbors successfully settle in their neighborhood.
In March I spoke to leaders of the Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. I was impressed by those are working for racial, economic and environmental justice. For example, First CRC Church is supporting the work of Martin Luther King Elementary School in their neighborhood. While there I also discovered a ministry called the Tree Tops Collective. This team of millennial innovators headed by Dana Doll started a social enterprise to offer job training for moms from Syria to become economically self-reliant.
There are many more followers of Jesus making efforts in the work for racial, economic and environmental justice in the U.S., the U.K., and around the globe. These are stories that encourage and inspire us as we work for the renewal of all things.
Send us your stories of how you are joining those who are working for racial, economic and environmental justice as followers of Jesus. We would like to share some of your stories with our readers!
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