soulperblog

Two Thumb's Up for "Buck"

2012-01-12T23:53:00.001-05:00

It must be movie-watching week or something around my house. Both of us have had full work days and felt too tired to do much besides watch flicks at night while our daughter escapes to create music.

This evening we watched "Buck." It's about the master horseman who inspired"The Horse Whisperer," including an interview with Robert Redford and footage from the film he starred in. "Buck" won Sundance’s Audience Award forBest Documentary. Despite Buck’s tragic childhood, he demonstrates that grace triumphsover rage. Apparently how one treats a horse tells a lot about how he or she treats other humans.

Couch to 5K with Heiroglyphics

2010-03-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Free review copy provided by Zondervan

I've been reading Leeana Tankersley's new book, Found Art; Finding Beauty in Foreign Places. In it, the author describes the (sometimes uncomfortable) process of discovering her deepest self at the same time she discovers the country and culture of Bahrain, where she and her newlywed husband are stationed for Naval duty. Each chapter highlights an instance when Leeana must see, learn, adjust, contemplate, embrace or let go of a part of herself.

By the time their one-year tour of duty passes Leeana has gone through so many subtle transformations that returning to her hometown of San Diego is almost like arriving in a foreign country. America hasn't changed, but Leeana has. The journey through her habits and perspectives, her travels with the Lord, and her winnowing experiences overseas have honed her into a somewhat different person now.

I particularly connected with Leeana's encouragement to view all of life's circumstances in light of the grand artwork God has in mind. In her chapter entitled, "peace", she writes:

It's strange how often life requires something foreign to connect us with something that, in the end, was so close all along. Sometimes we need a change of scenery in order to see what is really there inside us- all the parts and pieces of ourselves that have somehow been lost but are in desperate need of finding again. (pgs. 143-144)

The collage above is my recent experience of "foreign things."

Two years ago, when a very dear friend confided in me that they no longer trusted the veracity of the Bible, I handled the conversation very well. On the surface.
These were common misgivings in one’s faith-journey, I knew. Nothing to get up in arms about. Nothing to sweat over. Right?
Internally however, I was a mess. I was sweating. And churning. I felt blindsided and scattered. I sensed the footing of our fellowship crumbling. I did not know how to behave with this new dynamic coloring everything between us. I wanted a passionate pursuing relationship with the Lord and I wanted a running mate. My friend wanted to be my running mate, but was running in another direction. We’d been transported to a completely foreign place. (Egyptian textile)
Two years later I'm still in the foreign land. Not feeling much more savvy about how to maneuver on these streets. Still with very little idea how to be comfortable in this place.
Like a 21st century American plopped in the middle of ancient Egypt, everything feels strange. I want to learn to thrive in this place, not just survive, but I feel as though all the instructions are written in heiroglyphics. If only I knew how to read them. (b/w girl and magnifying glass)

I'm also joining my soon-to-be-40-year-old husband for our first 5K this spring. This is new territory.
I've never liked running for the sake of running. Team sports, tennis, sprint running to perform a specific goal- I can handle that. Running just to feel my legs and lungs burn... nope, not interested.
But with the vigor of youth leaving us rapidly, we decided to buck up and work our bodies toward a common goal, however small. Enter the 5K.

I have to learn the runner's lingo as well as find something about running to enjoy so I can see this through to race day. Mostly training on the treadmill, I seem to go nowhere, I look at the bland vanilla walls of my basement, I plug away and try not to fall off convincing myself that this is fun. Or, if it can’t be fun, then at least it is something beneficial. The Apostle Paul’s words about buffeting my body get a lot of playtime when I’m working out.
The body hurts, blocking the time out of my day is sometimes costly, the other things I’ve had to let slide in order to make training more of a priority… are all factors that make me want to just quit. Trust me that there are many things I’d rather be doing than logging mileage on these Nikes. (treadmill)

But there’s a glimmer of hope: I am beginning to enjoy it. I have come to look forward to my treadmill time as undisturbed quiet time with God. I feel my flab jiggle and shake and it inspires me to push a little harder, run just a bit longer, knowing that in the end there will be the reward of better health and knowing I accomplished what I set out to do.

Spiritually, as I have engaged my friend over these last two years, I've felt the jiggle and bump of useless weight on my soul. The laurels I rested on, the spirituality I clung to, my misconceptions about how I fit into the universe (in the very center, thank you very much!) really only added more weight to lug along this journey into a foreign land. God's been speaking to me that the one who travels lightest travels farthest. Like the Hebrews in the wilderness, my needs are supplied daily by the Provider. I don't need to pack provisions. They'd be useless anyway. And, like the book of Hebrews promises, setting aside laziness- both physical and spiritual- and journeying with faith and patience results in my inheritance. Heb. 6:12 (medals)

These journeys have become a sanctuary of sorts. A place for me to meet with God and seek refuge. A place to gain the sustenance I need for one more step along the path. And who knows how long these paths will stretch.

Do you have a "travel memoir" to share? Interested in winning your own copy of Found Art?
Pop over to They Hang Like Paper Lanterns for details.

Art vs. Social Justice?

2010-01-04T11:59:00.003-05:00

I was with Heather Goodman the day she walked through Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial to the Holocaust. She writes about it in The Curator, exploring the purpose of art, and whether pursuing creativity is a worthy pursuit in the face of social injustice. You can read her thoughts here.

SPS Sabbatical

2009-09-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

It appears that Kona with Jonah is not going to arrive from Amazon in time for us to do a SPS study without crossing over in to the holidays. As a result we are canceling this SPS study.

The delivery delay by Amazon has moved to the forefront something that the SPS team has needed for a while --a sabbatical.

We've been doing the blog for five years and it's been good, but we all recognize a couple of things.

We're all stretched pretty thin. Even though I quit my job over a year ago with intentions of giving SPS a makeover from head to toe, other priorities took over. It's been a year of great personal healing: my husband was laid off, there have been five deaths of friends and family, and my father was diagnosed with cancer. Although an extra paycheck would have been nice during this time, not having the responsibility of a job allowed me to deal with everything else.
We all agree that SPS is stalled. It either needs a makeover or a retirement. It's time to look at SPS and decide where it goes from here. It's definitely not where we imagined it would be by this time. If we move forward with SPS, it will be a huge undertaking.

Considering these factors, we've all agreed that it would do us tremendous good to step away from SPS for an eight- month sabbatical and get some perspective. We each have more things stretching us for our time and, if it isn't going to evolve then, SPS is just going to be a drip-drip-drip drain on us mentally and physically.

We've appreciated your participation and interest and hope you've been enriched.

Carry on.
Rhonda ♥

Sandi♠

Erin ♦

♣

Winner! SoulPerSuit Kit

2009-08-31T10:36:00.003-05:00

Congratulations go out to Abby, winner of the SoulPerSuit artsy kit and CHOCOLATE!

We'll be sending your prize out to you directly. :)

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-08-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

""Restore My Soul" - by The Choir

I've been thinking a lot about how my decay inspires me to worship God, the divine. This was a rather easy card to put together. I mean how can you make depravity presentable? I really let myself get sloppy and it only added to the effect.

The lyrics to this song by The Choir are full of imagery:

"I crawl to you with 10 fingers blistered from turning the pages of sin...

With my vertebrae twisted from dancing with creatures of night...

Restore my soul.""
- Erin

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Song for the National Parks

2009-08-24T20:17:00.002-05:00

Isaac Watts was born in 1674, and he is best known for penning the words to the Christmas carol, Joy to the World. Yet one of his lesser-known songs, I Sing the Mighty Power of God, has been running through my head in the past few weeks since my family took out 5,700-mile loop through six National Parks.

In all our travels I never once saw a BankofAmerica, but I did see osprey babies in a nest, watch a badger dig (impressive!), boars fighting, wild horses grazing, bison snorting... Nothing makes me worship quite like waterfalls and wildlife.

Take a moment to worship as you think on Isaac Watts's words:

I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.

There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.

Why not go a step further and sing it? Here's an instrumental background for you:

We Have Winners!

2009-08-24T06:46:00.000-05:00

The winners of the drawing for free copies of Kona with Jonah are Kelley and Katybug.

But that doesn’t mean we’re finished offering freebies!

Want to be prepared for the next round of SoulPerSuit? Rhonda is giving away an SPS kit that includes these goodies: a journal, craft paper, clip art sheets, stickers, tags, a Sharpie pen, glue stick, playing cards and (the drum roll please) M&Ms.

To enter, leave a comment that includes your favorite kind of chocolate. Are you a Nestlés girl or a Godiva guy? Dark or light? With peanuts or without? Babe Ruth or Butterfinger? Let us know and then make sure to check back on August 31, when Erin announces the winner.

(SPS specifically disclaims all warranties with respect to the SPS-kit winners, their web pages, or your use thereof, express, implied, or otherwise. Materials presented in these pages are the views and research of individual authors of the documents. Tax, title, and license separate, according to the Surgeon General’s office. Win at your own risk.)

Jonah - coming in September

2009-08-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

June, July, August 2009
* We've only got one week left in our mini-SPS this summer on Worship.

Please send us your art so that we can post it on Gallery Wednesday. You can also link to your blog or web site from the comments. Next Wednesday's Gallery has not been assigned yet so submit anytime up to midnight on Tuesday.

September 7 ??, 2009 - Kona with Jonah
We'll start a full SPS in September. We're excited because we'll be going through Sandra Glahn's new Coffee Cup Study "Kona with Jonah". It's available for free shipping when you purchase $25 so now's the time to bundle your order with the new "Frappé with Philippians" and another Coffee Cup you've been wanting.

*Amazon says that I should get my book by September 2 so we should still be o.k. to start by Sept. 7. We'll keep you up-to-date here.

* I just received an update from Amazon again today. My "Kona with Jonah" may not arrive until Sept 25! This is a discouraging pattern. I think we may have made a mistake in scheduling a new SPS so close to the book's release. We will have to regroup and decide what to do. Thanks and stay tuned.

* There are three more days left to leave a comment on Sandi's post for a chance to win a free copy of the book!

Speaking of Amazon, anytime you order, we recommend that you do so by going through the Amazon link provided in the left hand column.

Sandi's husband, Gary, is Special Projects Manager for the East Africa team of East West Ministries International. If you place any of your Amazon orders through theAmazon link in the left column a portion of your order will benefit Gary's efforts! How easy is that!

Check here on Fridays for other news and scheduling updates.

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-08-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

"I absolutely love the garden. My husband and I... worked feverishly the past month to put in a perennial garden. It was such hard work! We live in an area that is filled with huge rocks and stones so digging even the smallest holes was a challenge.

I feel this way a lot of times about my relationship with the Lord. My heart is the earth filled with so many hard rocks and stones that are so difficult to work with and remove. The Lord is so gracious though - with His love for me, even as a sinner - He plants those seeds within us and as long as we are willing to nurture them and care for them by living by God's plan, in time, we will grow with much wisdom and love and in our own right become the beautiful flowers in our Father's garden." - Trinh

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Art Cements People

2009-08-17T14:30:00.004-05:00

The first impression from this video was amazement at the artist's skill and the simplicity of her medium. Sand on a light table... sheer genius!

As the video progressed, I was drawn into the story Kseniya Simonova wove and the response of her audience. The recognition in their eyes, the tears being wiped away as they collectively remembered a dark time in their country's history.
The entire studio audience was brought together in their understanding of her references. Ukraine shares Simonova's story line.
All of Europe can partake in the telling of this story.
Around the world, we all share in a portion of her tale- life in this fallen world is rife with pain.

Ms. Simonova's piece illustrates well how art transcends language, time and place and speaks a language common to all of humanity.

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-08-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

"I wanted to create (a card about) the names and characteristics that I use to describe my God." - Dena

See all of the Worship Gallery.

FREE! Kona with Jonah Giveaway

2009-08-10T08:02:00.001-05:00

Starting September 7, 2009 we'll start a full SPS using Kona with Jonah, the latest in my Coffee Cup Bible Study series, due off the press next week. And that means now's the time to think about a couple of giveaways with winners to be announced August 24. Here's how you enter for the drawings: Write a few lines about a storm you remember. Here's mine to get you started:

When I was three years old, a terrible storm blew through Oregon's Willamette Valley on Columbus Day. We lost power for a few days and my dad was out of town, so a friend of my parents rode his bike out to our rural home to make sure my mom and five kids were okay.

Remember, winners will be announced August 24. You may enter twice.

Voice Like a Waterfall

2009-08-10T06:02:00.003-05:00

My family and I just returned from a 5,700-mile trip through the western USA visiting six of the national parks--The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain.

When we were in Yellowstone, we pulled over to a lookout point and saw a path to the vista point. As soon as I stepped out of the RV, I heard the rushing of water. It sounded really close, even though the pathway to my left and right looked long. Then I saw through an opening in the trees that I was standing about five feet from the edge of deep canyon, and I was within yards of an enormous rushing waterfall. Powerful. Magnificent. Overwhelming in its force.

Later that day I read in the Book of Revelation that when Jesus appeared to John, the prophet fell as a dead man because he was so afraid. But Jesus told him not to fear.

I trembled with awe at the thought of that kind of power.

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-08-05T01:00:00.004-05:00

"I wanted a card to represent Christ and what sin did to Him on the cross. He was bruised for our transgressions. His body was beaten, torn, spit upon, hit and treated with utter disrespect."

"The scars are still there but He is healed. The visible scars remain for us to see but the bruising and violence of the cross are over. They are made right. " - Becky

See all of the Worship Gallery.

The Passionate Heart of Youth

2009-08-03T06:30:00.000-05:00

My three daughters went to dance camp last week. This is their recital performance.

As a child, I never knew the words "worship" and "dance" could be used in the same sentence.
I am grateful that my children have opportunities to express themselves at such a young age-- body, soul, and spirit-- in worship of the One they love.

(The whispering in the background is another dance mom and myself enjoying the seriousness with which our daughters approached this dance. They owned their worship.)

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-07-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

""You Are Holy " - by Nichole Nordeman

This was one of my most difficult themes. The Trinity is so beyond my comprehension that I am indeed inspired to worhship.

I wanted to capture the essence of the Trinity without being cliché. In the end, I had a big pile of "visual gunk". I decided to scrap it all and go simple. And I'm much more satisfied.

I chose to do the triptych design to reinforce the idea of three parts making a whole." - Erin

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Ancient Hebrew Call to Worship

2009-07-27T07:15:00.000-05:00

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him;
Worship the LORD in holy array.
Tremble before Him, all the earth;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
And let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
Let the sea roar, and all it contains;
Let the field exult, and all that is in it.
Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD;
For He is coming to judge the earth.
O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

(1 Chronicles 16:29–34)

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-07-22T01:00:00.001-05:00

"This card is obviously chaotic and not very attractive. This is exactly the look I wanted in representing the chaos in my life right now. This also represents a difficult time in my life... there's too much to even mention. There were many times it was difficult for me to worship. Jason and I realized that these things were happening for a reason while our selfish desires and motives made it hard at times to believe this, we continue to pray for direction from Him." - Trinh

See all of the Worship Gallery.

The Un- God

2009-07-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

Last week my nine year old and I were thinking together about how God is The Uncreated Creator. No beginning, no end. He was there from the start, forming all that we know by His creative genius and might. The variety He has imagined is staggering.

Soon our conversation turned a corner and we contemplated how God is The Unmoved Mover. Nothing shakes, shifts or shatters Him. He goes where He pleases, when He pleases. He is a rock and solid foundation, charging Himself with keeping the rest of our universe held together and in motion.

Both Ellie and I were drawn into worship reflecting on these truths, and it made me wonder...
what other "Un"- words can be used to describe this God that we worship?

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-07-15T01:00:00.001-05:00

"Simple and elegant.

Make it "pop out" as it should in my heart. Keep the visual close and I stay closer on my path. I wanted to add color and when adding the green, they reminded me of the nails - not pointed, not round - painful.

This card represents the brightness I can look for at the cross. The nails Jesus took for me are illustrated in the green paper." - Dena

See all of the Worship Gallery.

What Makes You Worship?

2009-07-13T05:42:00.010-05:00

Here are some things that caused me to worship last week...

Meaningful interactions with friends.

Sunrise near Neopolis on the Aegean.

A breeze, just when I thought I'd explode from heat.

A body that works well enough to walk and carry things and go up and down steps and swim.

Delicious food. >>>

Listening to Steve Green perform.

Seeing kittens.

Perfect timing... A group of photographers rose before six to catch a sunrise over Athens on film, and just as it looked like the sun would appear, a huge cruise boat blocked our view. Oh, no!

But after the boat crept past (it seemed to take forever), we discovered to our delight that the sun had not yet appeared after all.

Then there it came.

We snapped like crazy, and then another cruise boat blocked our view.

Still, the precise moment we needed the sea clear, nothing blocked us. >>>

What has caused you to worship?

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-07-08T01:00:00.002-05:00

"I've heard it said that the blood of martyrs is the fuel for spreading the gospel. When we let go and allow God to consume us, all of us to the core of who we are, we are refined and we burn for others to see. How terrifying it is to say we are God's fuel - when a match is lit and it is near fuel, the reaction is immediate, explosive. What would it look like if we really lived as though we were God's fuel." - Becky

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Rufus M. Worships Well

2009-07-06T04:02:00.000-05:00

Our family recently got a dog. My three daughters have never had a pet before, so you can imagine the attention this little scruffy guy gets in our home. Someone is always ready to brush, hug, snuggle, feed a doggy treat, dote, or oooh and ahhhh over him. The girls fight over loving him, in fact.
Rufus M. is well-loved by all standards.

When he joined our family a month ago, Rufus M. attached himself to the leader of his new pack-- me. I'm his Alpha dog. I show him where to potty, when to eat, what furniture he can nap on, and where we're going to take our daily walk. He looks to me to help him understand and navigate his new environment. But I appear to mean more to him than a mere guidance counselor or food provider. My children are capable enough to lead him on walks, they fill his food bowl, they brush him and play toys with him: all (easily) 10X more frequently than I do every day. And yet, when I enter the room, Rufus M. is bounding away from whichever forlorn daughter of mine was mid-belly-rub with him and adopting his position right by my side.

The Alpha dog is the center of Rufus M.'s universe. The Alpha dog is where, for Rufus, meaning is found. The Alpha dog is his anchor.

I love this picture of worship found in the book of John:

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

John 6:67-69

To whom shall we go?

Where else is meaning found? Where else can we hear and taste the words of life?

Are we not already at the center of the universe? Why then should we leave? What's better out there than this?

In his book, The Cost of Discipleschip, Dietrich Bonhoeffer discusses following Christ for the benefits of being a Christian rather than following Christ for Christ. One is false worship, the other represents a true worshiper's heart. Do we claim the name of Christ because we want to get to heaven? Because we enjoy the Church so much? Do we pursue Jesus because we desire more grace and mercy? Is it the clean living and the feelings of righteousness that drive us in our faith journey?

Of course none of those are offensive by any means, but what if those things were not a part of the Christian's "package deal"? Thinking of Rufus M.; is he constantly beside me solely for a scrap of bacon and fresh water in his bowl, or is there a deeper need inside him for a connection with his "source"?

Would we still be following Christ if the only incentive was Christ alone?

It's a sobering thought that can help me align my focus to worshiping the only thing, person and future that deserves it. Christ the Anchor, the Center, the Meaning.

I agree with Simon Peter, to whom shall I go?

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-07-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

"Christ Before Me" by Margaret Becker

I made this card after a particularly rough couple of weeks in general. I was getting frustrated with the decay in my world and my inability to handle that decay in a godly manor.

I felt as if life was a pack of dogs nipping at my heels. No rest. No end. No resolution. And no one was going to "be nice" to me (according to my definition!). And I just kept fighting for my rights.

This is a powerful song about continuing to abide in Christ, to be filled with His power and to allow the Holy Spirit to change my perspective.

"Christ above me, Christ beside me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me..."

If only I could learn to submerge myself in Him so that I can be His perfect bride. " - Erin

See all of the Worship Gallery.

The Who and Why of Worship

2009-06-29T08:33:00.001-05:00

As we launch into our SPS focus on worship, it’s important to consider who we worship and why.

Centuries ago King David prayed in the presence of the people saying, “Yours, O LORD [Yahweh], is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD [Yahweh], is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all."

Why worship? Because our LORD is great and powerful and glorious and majestic and splendid. The Almighty made and owns everything in heaven and earth, including us. God is King and we are subjects. No other master is worthy of our worship.

We were not made to worship money or technology or our cars or morning coffee or other people or our pets or stars or any other created thing. We were made to worship our creator and offer thanks for created things. As Augustine wrote in Confessions, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.”

Worship with joy. The object of our worship is wonder-full!

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-06-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

"I once did a bible study with two of my girlfriends called "Loving Your Husband" by Cynthia Heald. The author writes, "A wife rightly related to her Lord will be a wife rightly related to her husband." This card represents my love and commitment to my husband, Jason. He is truly such a gift from God and I adore him with all of my heart. But, as with any relationship, it takes a lot of communication and commitment. The same goes for our relationship with the Lord." - Trinh

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Summer and Fall Schedule

2009-06-19T01:00:00.001-05:00

June, July, August 2009
For the summer we're doing a mini-study on Worship. This was one of the very first SPS topics so it's a great time to revisit it. A mini-SPS is more self guided so it's totally up to your own interpretation. Please send us your art so that we can post it on Gallery Wednesday. You can also link to your blog or web site from the comments. Next Wednesday's Gallery has not been assigned yet so submit anytime up to midnight on Tuesday.

September 7, 2009 - Kona with Jonah
We'll start a full SPS in September. We're excited because we'll be going through Sandra Glahn's new Coffee Cup Study "Kona with Jonah". It's so new, in fact, that it's only available right now for pre-order on Amazon, due to ship July 27. It's available for free shipping when you purchase $25 so now's the time to bundle your order with the new "Frappé with Philippians" and another Coffee Cup you've been wanting.

Speaking of Amazon, anytime you order, we recommend that you do so by going through the link provided in the right hand column on Sandi's blog:

Sandi's husband, Gary, is Special Projects Manager for the East Africa team of East West Ministries International. If you place any of your Amazon orders through this link on Sandi's blog a portion of your order will benefit Gary's efforts! How easy is that!

I guess that's enough news for now. Check here on Fridays for other news and scheduling updates.

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-06-17T01:00:00.004-05:00

"Some days are such a struggle to stay in the right mind frame. Satan attacks from all directions and sometimes he gets in the barriers." - Dena

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Worship: Music

2009-06-16T06:05:00.000-05:00

How many ways do you express worship? Offering praise and thanks? Kneeling? Lifting hands? Writing out prayers? Contemplation? What about drums? Dancing? Worship along!

Jonah - coming in September

2009-06-12T01:00:00.005-05:00

The spring study through Judges was intense! But I hope you all enjoyed it. I've never done a study of Judges so it was a great first time. If you'd like to go back through Judges on your own, just click on the tag "Judges" in the left column.

June, July, August 2009
For the summer we're going to do a mini-study on Worship. This is one of the very first SPS topics so it's a great time to revisit it. A mini-SPS is more self guided so it's totally up to your own interpretation. Please send us your art so that we can post it on Gallery Wednesday. You can also link to your blog or web site from the comments. Next Wednesday's Gallery has not been assigned yet so submit anytime up to midnight on Tuesday.

September 7, 2009 - Kona with Jonah
We'll start a full SPS in September. We're excited because we'll be going through Sandra Glahn's new Coffee Cup Study "Kona with Jonah". It's so new, in fact, that it's only available right now for pre-order on Amazon, due to ship July 27. It's available for free shipping when you purchase $25 so now's the time to bundle your order with the new "Frappé with Philippians" and another Coffee Cup you've been wanting.

Speaking of Amazon, anytime you order, we recommend that you do so by going through the link provided in the right hand column on Sandi's blog:

Sandi's husband, Gary, is Special Projects Manager for the East Africa team of East West Ministries International. If you place any of your Amazon orders through this link on Sandi's blog a portion of your order will benefit Gary's efforts! How easy is that!

I guess that's enough news for now. Check here on Fridays for other news and scheduling updates.

Gallery Wednesday - Worship

2009-06-10T14:09:00.001-05:00

"Words that represent worship to me." - Becky

See all of the Worship Gallery.

Check out This Link

2009-06-09T11:38:00.001-05:00

I found this artist today. Check out her stuff.

Worship!

2009-06-08T10:36:00.002-05:00

This morning I'm thinking of reasons to worship God. These two come immediately to mind:

For creation - the smell of cinnamon, the feel of sand, the sound of Rachmaninoff, the taste of chocolate pie, the sight of roses blooming after a long winter

For making people into new creations - for the life of my friend who lost six family members during the turmoil in Rwanda and went on to found a reconciliation ministry with the brother of the man who murdered his own brother

Give thanks for the five senses. And share some of your favorite creations or re-creations here.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges wrap-up

2009-05-27T01:00:00.004-05:00

I did this little piece of art in the front cover of a book I was studying. It's in the form of a tattoo and was done in colored pencils.

To tell you about my drawing above and give my wrap-up of Judges, I'll tell you a funny method I've used for memorizing scripture.

One of the very first verses I memorized was Philippians 1:21: For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. But after that I had a lot of trouble memorizing scripture. I decided the problem was that I couldn't remember the numbers. To solve the problem, I decided to memorize all the 1:21 and 21:1 verses in the Bible instead. I mean, it's not like there are any bad verses in the Bible to memorize, right?

He Means What He says and He Says What He Means

The book of Judges is written in a very matter-of-fact style: this happened and then this happened. This form has not endeared this book to me. I want to know how these people were feeling when they made their decisions. What was going through their mind. Were they conflicted? How did they get to where they are in these events? So many questions.

But this methodical rhythm of chronicling Israel's history does make the points of Judges very clear. An obvious one is that God means what He says and says what He means. Although this seems seriously harsh because of the repercussions Israel suffered, it really is good news. For example it reminded me of one of those 21:1 verses I memorized.

The Lord visited Sarah just as he had said he would and did for Sarah what he had promised. - Genesis 21:1

What a profound little verse! You can almost hear the sarcasm in the writers tone. He's sort of rubbing it in that God made a promise and, oh, look at that, He kept it. So even if we doubt Him or try to take things into our own hands, God still means what He says. It tells me I can hold Him to it. I can count on all those promises He's made me for an abundant life.

Choose Life

God had an abundant life in mind for Israel. You can go back to when He explained how tremendously great things could be now that they were no longer enslaved in Egypt and His very chosen people:

Look! I have set before you today life and prosperity on the one hand, and death and disaster on the other. What I am commanding you today is to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to obey his commandments, his statutes, and his ordinances. Then you will live and become numerous and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you are about to possess. - Deuteronomy 30:15-16

Wow! Life, prosperity, numerous, and blessed. Doesn't seem like a hard choice, huh? Just love Him, pursue Him, and Obey Him. That's it, right?

Guard Your Heart

So, given this clear three-step process for an abundant life, how is it that so few, like Hannah and Samuel, end up making the choice for life when so many in Israel didn't? A verse I learned recently about life is Proverbs 4:23:

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. - Proverbs 4:23, NASB

Maybe Hannah and Samuel were diligent to protect their heart. Maybe they knew if they were going to protect their love for the Lord, they would be attacked in their heart. Samson certainly didn't protect his heart.

I know my heart has been ransacked by those I've loved who don't promise me life. I've pursued those who don't mean what they say or keep their promises and found myself empty afterward. And I've obeyed my own desires, leaving my heart vulnerable to fear and drought.

The results truly are disastrous.

So treasure God's love in your heart. Guard it with diligence and you can count on God when He says, "You will live."

Java with the Judges- Wrap Up

2009-05-25T21:59:00.004-05:00

Here we are in our final wrap-up of Java With the Judges. Whadidya think?

What characters stand out to you?
Which passages of Judges struck you at your core?
What timeless truths have you gleaned through this study?
How has God revealed His nature, or the nature of mankind, to you?
Did you find a new role model?
What would you like to continue studying deeper?

Java with the Judges encouraged me to begin looking at the habits of my flesh. My eyes were opened to a few areas in my life, both minor and major, in which I operate on "auto pilot" and allow my flesh patterns to dictate my behavior. I end up frustrated/angry/irritated by circumstances that (surprise, surprise!) can often be traced right back to me. It's as though I am standing beside a pond, grumbling because the water splashed up, when I was the one tossing rocks in the pond to begin with!

Circles, spirals, carousels, concentric rings and spheres kept coming to mind.
I listened to Life House's song, Sick Cycle Carousel, a lot during the first weeks of Judges.

Trying to break out of the cycle of thinking only about circles (ha!) I prayed God might give me another mental image of what was going on in the time of the Judges; and a parallel to my own experience.

Nothing profound came to me until I mowed my lawn for the first time this spring. Our home is situated on old farm land, and there's enough grass here that we have to use a riding mower. There's a certain direction in our yard, that every time I mow that way I can feel the rise and fall of each of the farmer's old furrows and hillocks. I often wonder what sort of crop was sewn along these bumps that now threaten to jostle me off the seat of my John Deere. It brings to mind images of long days spent in back-breaking labor in the sun-- breaking the sod, poking holes in the dirt, counting out seeds, covering and tenderly nurturing what's been sewn, watching the sky for rain, trying to keep critters and disease at bay, and eventually rejoicing in a harvest.

This land has been tended for a long time; much longer than I've been around on it.

So it is with the book of Judges. Israel already had a history before the time of the Judges. They recounted to each other the stories of being chosen as God's people, His deliverance from slavery to Egypt, His provision for them as they wandered in the desert. They even had accounts of God's wrath against His people that chose to go their own ways in gross and egregious fashions. And yet... here we are in Judges watching the people of Israel continuing to make many of the same poor choices their forefathers made.

I think of Samson, in particular, who seemed to think that being a Nazarite (a chosen amongst the Chosen) meant that he was entitled to special treatment. His extreme strength, his position as a judge of Israel, his go-get-'em spirit somehow warranted him permission to seize whatever shiny thing caught his attention. And when he screwed up, he believed he had a never ending supply of get-out-of-jail-free cards. He was God's golden boy, after all, right?

Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.

Tend To It
Acrylic on Canvas
12 X 12

It's easy for me to think that Samson got off scot-free, but the reality is that he paid a price for his arrogance. Israel paid a price for the lustful seeds Samson sowed and nurtured. Like the furrows I bump along on my riding mower, Israel has had to bump along over the seed beds of their ancestors for centuries. Their ancients tended the spiritual fields of the nation, but the question is, what kind of seeds were they planting? God-honoring, righteousness-seeking seeds? Or self-focused, defiant, thumbing-their-nose-at-God seeds?

Israel planted many seeds of sin, and even though they were God's chosen people, that didn't absolve them. Those seeds eventually ripened and came to fruition such that the entire nation reaped and harvested some pretty ugly stuff. Some of that painful harvest was the discipline of God, but some of it was just plain natural consequences. If you plant a bitter herb, you ought not expect a sweet flower to grow up in its place.

So, what kinds of seeds am I tendng? The season of harvest is approaching.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 6

2009-05-20T01:00:00.002-05:00

Smile

I was thinking about the Play Your Hand question:

How do your actions/treatment of strangers reflect your spiritual condition?

We've talked a lot in our small group about how we can make a difference in our everyday life because we come in contact with so many people on a daily basis. Just count the number of people that simply see your face in a single day - from the cashier at the drive-thru to your co-workers, from the people standing in line behind you at the grocery to the person who cuts your hair.

This question reminded me of the gallery I did for Week 5 where I talked about how I don't use my gifts which require me to interact with people. My tendency is to sequester myself in front of my computer. But I also isolate myself when I'm out in public. You may know the moves. Look straight ahead, don't make eye contact, pretend to be looking at something in your purse, or look at the ground in front of you. I am way too good at this. So I've started working at making eye contact, smiling, and saying hi if I don't think it will freak people out. Lucky for me, people in the south are very friendly and polite, so this should be received very well.

This may seem like a silly little thing but think what my face and body language must say about my spirit. I'm unapproachable, stoic, too busy for you, and not happy. Is this a true reflection of my spirit? It shouldn't be because this is not the spirit that is really in me. Why am I hiding it away and not sharing it?

Play Your Hand

2009-05-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

We’re in week six of our journey through Java with the Judges. This study includes both the ending of the Book of Judges (the diced-up concubine) and the introduction to the Book of 1 Samuel (Hannah). The events in the stories we’re exploring took place during a time in Israel’s history when judges ruled. In this week’s events—which include both gang rape and quiet faithfulness—we see the interplay of power and corruption as well as silent strength.

Now it’s time to engage creatively, reflectively in what we’ve read.

Below are some options. Feel free to make up your own or select from one of these:

Make your card about…
. How your actions/treatment of strangers reflect your spiritual condition.
. What sacrifice you could exchange for obedience.
. What purpose you are fulfilling--or not fulfilling.

For more info about how to do Play Your Hand exercises, you can go here.

Free Key - Dragon Key

2009-05-15T13:02:00.003-05:00

I've been playing around with the fantasy Free Key idea since Wednesday and having a really good time with it.

It started off too cutesy. It was like I was trying to force it; I don't know why. I guess I haven't completely recovered from that whole glitter incident. Bunny ears, musical notes, and sun beams are just some of the things I started drawing.

Gag.

I know!

It just wasn't working. For some reason I was fighting the compulsion to make the key look like a bat. When I quit fighting the urge, things really started to click.

Fantasy art has always been very appealing. Last week I came across a book on how to draw dragons, which I'd love to do. So this is how I ended up with a draft for the dragon key.

It's great because this is an idea I'm excited about. I just haven't decided how I'm going to execute it yet. My original plan was simply to cut it out of colored paper and accent it with gel pens (and glitter. no. just kidding. maybe glitter. snap out of it!)

This concept needs something more. I've considered watercolors (believe it or not) or colored pencils. This was spurred by a wonderful full color picture I found while researching dragons.

Now this is more like a key to a fantasy land I want to visit. I still think there will be bunnies. Let's hope they're the right kind (warning, graphic bunny violence!)

()___()
[* x *]
(u( x ) u)0

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 6

2009-05-13T01:00:00.004-05:00

Free Key

I love the way ideas come from a long line rabbit trails. I was thinking about the Shuffle the Deck idea of making a name tag for your work space. I thought I'd write on the tag all the things I was allowed to do in that work space. Then it hit me. Instead of a name tag, I'd make a key tag because keys unlock things and I needed my imagination and silliness to be freed in my workspace.

I tried to make this as simple as possible but when I was done, I didn't like the old key I used and thought of a more make believe key I could make. I'm going off now to design a key to an imaginary place where you dance on the beach, the sun plays loud rock music, bunny rabbits don't run away when you try to pet them, flip-flops are worn all year round, the sand is mixed with glitter, and cotton candy is served instead of salads.

Java with the Judges- Week 6

2009-05-12T12:24:00.003-05:00

Civil War and Anarchy
Java With the Judges (Coffee Cup Bible Series)

Welcome to Week 6 of the SoulPerSuit Blog group venturing through the book of Judges together.

I must confess that Samson is a character that I love to hate. Even though God used him to bring judgment on the Philistines and to even act as a judge amongst God's own people, I still don't really like the guy.

There, I said it.
I'm not fond of someone lifted up in Hebrews as "a giant of the faith."

I have some more wrestling to do with the concept of God using a very flawed character to perform His purposes. Obviously, God is a God of grace. I am quite thankful for that fact, and certainly when I examine my own character next to Samson's character, I'm going to come up smelling just as stinky in just as many ways. Thank God for His sovereign grace on me!

Ready to jump into our last week together?

Here's a refresher on our schedule:

March 3- 16: Introduction and The Good Guys
March 17- 30: The Good and the Reluctant
March 31- April 13: Gideon
April 14- April 27: Jephthah
April 28- May 11: Samson the Conflicted
May 12- May 25: Civil War and Anarchy
May 26- May 31: Wrap- Up

Reminder:
- This SoulPerSuit group is hosted solely on the blogosphere. All the information this Judges group needs can be found right here on SoulPerBlog and in your personal copy of Java with the Judges.
- If you don't happen to have your own blog but still want to participate, just use the comments section here to share your thoughts on the book of Judges.
- If you're participating in this Java with the Judges study, please let us know when you've written a new blog post relating to the study.
- Be sure to visit the other Java participants' blogs to see what they're thinking about the book of Judges.

Right here on SoulPerBlog every 2 weeks I'll be posting some Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Rhonda will keep us visually motivated on Gallery Wednesdays, and Sandi will offer some additional insights to round out each study with a set of Play Your Hand questions.

(Not sure what any of that means? Click this link for an overview of each aspect of SoulPerSuit.)

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Shuffle the Deck activities for Week 6.

1) At the dinner table, each person usually has his or her place to sit. In the family room, dad has his chair and mom has hers. Each person has his or her own room, office, desk, etc.
Make a decorative name-plate for one of your “spaces” in your home. Maybe include rules for your space.
2) Alter a magazine cover! Find a magazine cover (a person’s face is a great starting point). Alter the image using pen, pencils, paint, scissors, whatever! Take a photo of your creation. * No digital work - get off your computer!

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 5

2009-05-06T01:00:00.009-05:00

Locked Away

For this weeks Play Your Hand, I made two columns on a piece of paper. On the left I listed my strengths; on the right I listed my weaknesses. Then I stepped back to see if I could make any observations by comparing and contrasting the lists. Something obvious stood out pretty quickly.

My strengths had to do with interacting with people, my weaknesses isolate me. If I'm ever going to maximize my strengths, increase my joy, glorify God, and worship in the beauty around me, I've simply got to get out more.

So my SPS card is double sided. On one side, I represent the "alone me", the weaknesses side. There I am, at my computer, reading and generally... computing stuff, I guess.

On the other side I tried to represent my strengths. The computer may be in there but it's not what stands out. And neither do I. There's so many people to help and experience and I could miss that is I stay safely on the weaknesses side of the card, alone with my computer.
I didn't notice it until after I'd cut out the little picture of the computer that, on the screen, was a bunch of people, like on the strengths side of my card. I do a lot of social networking online but I thought this little bitty depiction of a group of people was a great contrast to the large group on the opposite side of the card.

Play Your Hand

2009-05-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

This week in the Book of Judges, we read how Samson, empowered by the Spirit, killed a lion and later ate honey from its carcass. Both events foreshadowed key episodes in the story, telling us something about Samson’s strength and weakness. His lion-killing skill showed what he could accomplish through the Spirit’s power. With God’s help, he defeated one thousand Philistines, just as he killed the lion.

But his honey-eating episode suggested his failure to control lust. Satisfying his physical desire was more important to him than his status as a Nazirite. (Nazirites weren’t allowed to hang around carcasses.)

Sometimes we’re a lot like Samson. We may accomplish great good as we yield to the Spirit. But we may also indulge our flesh. All in the same afternoon. We’re so conflicted!

As you consider your inner spiritual conflict, take some time to engage creatively and reflectively in what we’ve read. Below are some options. You can either go with your own idea or select from one of these:

Make a card about…
. Your Spiritual Strength vs. Fleshly Weakness
. A way to set yourself apart for God
. In what ways do you feel inadequate to serve God

For more info about how to do Play Your Hand exercises, you can go here.

Perspective exercise

2009-05-01T12:22:00.006-05:00

The idea of perspective really stuck with me after writing Wednesday's post. I got this idea about taking a series of photos from odd perspectives, mostly laying on my back looking up. Here's my first.

:-p

Update:

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 5

2009-04-29T01:00:00.006-05:00

Take Me Away

For this weeks Shuffle, I'm selecting to take some pictures of my cathedral - a place where I'm inspired.
Most people know that I love the beach. You might find it surprising that I actually don't like water but I love laying on the beach. The sounds and smells are so relaxing to me.

I experienced God's cathedral when I was at Reynolda Village, laying on my back on their lush lawn looking up through the enormous pine trees at the blue sky. Suddenly I felt like I was in the chapel that God built.

There is a more readily available place I can go and I went there today. My bathtub. There's just nothing like a steaming hot bubble bath. I light a candle, put on some Benedictine monks or sounds of the ocean, and lay back on my plastic pillow. (You may notice I don't have a picture for this. You're lucky; I thought of it but not until after my soak.)

I find it interesting that all of these have my laying down which changes my perspective and shuts out as much of the busy world around me as possible. I'm able to concentrate on the sensations available.

Java with the Judges- Week 5

2009-04-27T14:13:00.003-05:00

Samson the Conflicted
Java With the Judges (Coffee Cup Bible Series)

Welcome to Week 5 of the SoulPerSuit Blog group venturing through the book of Judges together.

Here's a refresher on our schedule:

March 3- 16: Introduction and The Good Guys
March 17- 30: The Good and the Reluctant
March 31- April 13: Gideon
April 14- April 27: Jephthah
April 28- May 11: Samson the Conflicted
May 12- May 25: Civil War and Anarchy
May 26- May 31: Wrap- Up

Reminder:
- This SoulPerSuit group is hosted solely on the blogosphere. All the information this Judges group needs can be found right here on SoulPerBlog and in your personal copy of Java with the Judges.
- If you don't happen to have your own blog but still want to participate, just use the comments section here to share your thoughts on the book of Judges.
- If you're participating in this Java with the Judges study, please let us know when you've written a new blog post relating to the study.
- Be sure to visit the other Java participants' blogs to see what they're thinking about the book of Judges.

Right here on SoulPerBlog every 2 weeks I'll be posting some Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Rhonda will keep us visually motivated on Gallery Wednesdays, and Sandi will offer some additional insights to round out each study with a set of Play Your Hand questions.

(Not sure what any of that means? Click this link for an overview of each aspect of SoulPerSuit.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shuffle the Deck activities for "Samson week."

1. My Cathedral, My Prayer Closet (Inspired by Rhonda’s Week 4 Gallery post)

Cathedrals were built to be awe-inspiring places of worship. The grandeur and beauty of the cathedral was meant to overwhelm the senses of anyone who entered and, using craftsmanship and artistry, to draw visitors into adoration for God.

Think of a place that acts like a cathedral in your personal worship life. Is it the seaside? The mountains? Lying on your back, identifying stars in the summer sky? Sitting in the front row of the symphony?
Take a photo or sketch your personal cathedral. Describe what it is about this place that inspires such worship in your spirit.

The Bible speaks of each Christian keeping a “prayer closet,” a quiet place where we can individually meet with God for contemplation, conversation and intimacy.

Think of a place that acts as a prayer closet in your personal worship life. Is it a literal closet? Is it your hot morning shower? Is it in the car on your evening commute? Is it walking laps around the high school track?
Take a photo or sketch your personal prayer closet. Describe what it is about this place that enables you to climb like a child onto the lap of Jesus.

2. Describe your day-to-day activities as a warrior doing battle. Describe the enemy, weapons, fields of battle, victories, and defeat. Do it in the form of prose, a comic book, an illustrated book, or an epic poem. Or video tape it using puppets or actors.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 4

2009-04-22T01:00:00.005-05:00

I didn't get a card up for Gallery Wednesday; things have just been crazy this past week. (And you guys aren't helping! Is anyone else making cards? Is anyone out there - there - there - there? Hello - Hello - Hello - Hello?)

This "card", for what it's worth, is the best I can do for this week. It just goes to show you sometimes it's not the art or the time, it's just getting your feelings on the page.

So how does this card apply to you?
What verse or quote would you attach to this card?

Play Your Hand

2009-04-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

We’re in week four of our journey through the Book of Judges. And we continue observing ancient Israel’s cycle of sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. Often we find this very cycle in our own lives. We mess up; we endure the consequences; we ask for deliverance; God bails us out. History certainly repeats itself!

Now it’s time to engage creatively, reflectively in what we’ve read. So below are some options. Either make up your own or select from one of these. Make a card about…

. Any change in your personal Cycle of Misery. If you made a card for your personal cycle in week 1, review the card. Are there any changes? Why? If you didn’t make a personal cycle of misery card in week 1, consider making one this week.
. What your current spiritual legacy looks like.
. A prayer for God’s Church that is suffering.
. Like Ephriam, fighting with the family while ignoring the common enemy.

For more info about how to do Play Your Hand exercises, you can go here.

SoulPerSuit Goes on Retreat

2009-04-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

SoulPerSuit went on retreat recently. Here's a photo diary of our time:

Gilded frames awaiting masterpieces

Some participants needed time to unwind and let their thoughts lie peacefully.

Some participants chose to continue a long-running conversation with the Lord.

Some needed a chance to begin a conversation or come to terms with what God was doing in them.

Others used it as an opportunity to free up their worship experience.

Some used it as a means to process the weekend's teaching times in I John.

Everyone enjoyed a time to fellowship and create together over a common purpose.

Gilded frames overflowing with our words and pictures. Blessing each other and blessing the Lord.

Interested in incorporating SoulPerSuit on a retreat? Ask us how.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 4

2009-04-15T01:00:00.003-05:00

One of the Plays for this week was to color a monochromatic face with colors that describe my mood today.

I quickly sketched a female face on watercolor paper and then outlined it using a sharpie. I have a lot of Fernanda Guedes influences in there. I love her portraits.

Lucky for me, I think, I was in a really great mood today. The sun is out, the temperatures are mild, I got a fantastic haircut, did some shopping, splurged on a latte, and my husband started a job after six months of unemployment. Pretty much all the best things that can happen in one day.

My face turned out looking a lot like a transvestite but I felt very colorful, bright, and happy to be me today. Pink is my happy color for 2009. I wanted the portrait to appear friendly and psychedelic. The flame hair may not really fit with "friendly".

Java with the Judges: Week 4

2009-04-13T08:46:00.004-05:00

Java with the Judges

Jephthah

Welcome to Week 4 of the SoulPerSuit Blog group venturing through the book of Judges together.

Here's a refresher on our schedule:

March 3- 16: Introduction and The Good Guys
March 17- 30: The Good and the Reluctant
March 31- April 13: Gideon
April 14- April 27: Jephthah
April 28- May 11: Samson the Conflicted
May 12- May 25: Civil War and Anarchy
May 26- May 31: Wrap- Up

Reminder:
- This SoulPerSuit group is hosted solely on the blogosphere. All the information this Judges group needs can be found right here on SoulPerBlog and in your personal copy of Java with the Judges.
- If you don't happen to have your own blog but still want to participate, just use the comments section here to share your thoughts on the book of Judges.
- If you're participating in this Java with the Judges study, please let us know when you've written a new blog post relating to the study.
- Be sure to visit the other Java participants' blogs to see what they're thinking about the book of Judges.

Right here on SoulPerBlog every 2 weeks I'll be posting some Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Rhonda will keep us visually motivated on Gallery Wednesdays, and Sandi will offer some additional insights to round out each study with a set of Play Your Hand questions.

(Not sure what any of that means? Click this link for an overview of each aspect of SoulPerSuit.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shuffle the Deck activities for "Jephthah week."
1. Put on some music and do a happy dance.
For inspiration:
The Evolution of Dance
Snoopy's Dance
Matt's Dance
Ellen's Dance

2. MonochromaFace
In descriptive writing color and emotion are often tied together. “He turned red with embarrassment.” “She’s green with envy.” “A yellow-bellied coward.” “The little girl was tickled pink.”
What color describes your mood today?

Enlarge, print and color in one of the mannequin faces below using the entire range of hues for the color you choose. (Ex. for green- use light green, kelly green , olive, lime, forest green, teal, grass green)

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 3

2009-04-08T01:00:00.008-05:00

Hanging on for Dear Life

Do you ever feel that way - like you're hanging on for dear life?

I just finished reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and there's an analogy she shares that describes this feeling perfectly:

"Imagine that the universe is a great spinning engine. You want to stay near the core of the thing - right in the hub of the wheel - not out at the edges where all the wild whirling takes place, where you can get frayed and crazy. The hub is calmness - that's your heart. That's where God lives within you." - "Eat, Pray, Love", Elizabeth Gilbert

The imagery was so poignant for me I drew the picture above in my journal with the quote. It wasn't until I decided to include it here on the blog for Gallery Wednesday that I saw it was another cycle.

There are times in our lives when we're closer to God than others (that's my little meditating stick figure next to the heart). This is often described as being at peace or having a sense of peace. But we're constantly moving in and out of this cycle, sometimes closer and other times farther away. I know when I'm farther away, I feel more like the little stick figure hanging on to the outer ring. Everything seems harder and I feel more scared. Look at all that emptiness around the poor stick figure hanging on! There's nothing else to grab onto.

I also enjoyed finding a little math applied philosophy in my sketch. If I have to get to another point on the ring, I have to travel a lot faster and a lot further on the outer rings than when I'm closer. The closer I am to God, the easier the pace, the shorter the distances.

This also reminds me of my labyrinth!

Even if you're closer to the center and there's chaos going on around you, you still feel calmer than when you're on the edge. Gideon seemed more frazzled hiding in a winepress to thrash wheat (Judges 6:11) than when he was at the edge of the enemies camp armed with nothing but trumpets, jars, and torches (Judges 7:17-18).

Play Your Hand

2009-04-06T05:51:00.001-05:00

It's "Play Your Hand" day. Play Your Hand is a SoulPerSuit label for the exercise in which we provide questions designed to inspire artistic interaction about the week's study. Because we're journeying through the biblical Book of Judges, this week's questions relate to our third week in Java with the Judges.

For more info about how to do Play Your Hand exercises, go here.

This week: Choose one of the questions below or make up one of your own. As you ponder it, think about how you can make an SPS card (or clay piece, or jewelry, etc.) to illustrate your idea of choice. Here are some idea options for week three.

Make a card about…

. An area where you’re weak and God is strong.
. The signs you require from God before you believe Him.
. Your fleece.
. Bing like Jotham—allowing God to seek vengeance on your behalf.
. Worship in the midst of your weakness.

Not for the Life of Me - Judges 3

2009-04-03T09:48:00.004-05:00

It seemed appropriate, when I kicked off my TGIF playlist this morning, that "Vacation" by the Go-Go's started. I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love by Melissa Gilbert about her year long trek across Italy, India and Indonesia so my mind is in a get-away kind of mood.

When Gilbert was first in Italy, she struggled with the notion that she was there for pleasure. She had an ingrained sense of guilt about deserving to enjoy her surrounding. In a response that I'm very familiar with, she tried to strive for pleasure. "I wanted to take on pleasure like a homework assignment."

I am constantly striving and the question in this week's study, Java with the Judges, is very hard to register: Does it ever bother you that you're weak? Yes! Always!

Somewhere along in my early childhood I surmised that being weak was bad, very, very bad. So, from this childhood mystery developed my self preservation technique to never be weak. Seriously. Freaky, huh? I mean, how can someone do that? Quite obviously, not without a lot of damage which defeats the whole self preservation thing and creating guilt in experiencing any kind of pleasure. Hmm, that sounds like a cycle.

God wants us to have pleasure in the way that we live and serve; he's provided so much for us to have pleasure in. The reward in living and obeying is in discovering where you fit and experiencing pleasure from it that you never imagined possible. The obstacle we all run into is our modus operandi - our mode of self preservation. It blinds us from seeing what we can do.

Gideon was scared, there's no doubt about it (Judges 6:15). When told what he was to do, he stalled. But when you get him in battle, he's on fire (Judges 7:15)! He takes the reigns and thrives. It may be hard to say he took pleasure in this but its obvious he's in his element; there is no more fear or worry of self preservation. When he got past his knee jerk reaction, he learned something new and amazing about himself.

So maybe the false modes of self preservation we have aren't only preventing us from serving God in some cool way but even keeping us from experiencing the amazing delights God has bestowed generously on us like food, worship, and relationship.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 3

2009-04-01T01:00:00.007-05:00

For this weeks Shuffle I made a cootie catcher. It's not finished yet but I like the idea of doodling on it for the rest of the study. I stuck with pencil and paper this time; no glitter.

The idea of a cootie catcher is like casting lots or using an 8 ball. You ask a question then select a number between one and eight. The cootie is moved that many times and then you select another number between one and eight. This number reveals your answer. So there are eight slots for you to insert whatever kind of answers you want ("Never!", "Could be", "With certitude", "Not in your future", etc.)

I hadn't planned on making it spiritual; it just sort of happened that way. There have been a few key verses that I've attached too over the last month since we've been going through these hard times. I put them in the cootie catcher to help me remember them. Instead of writing the verses out, I created little icons to represent the key parts of the verse.

I've only got four verses right now so I have room during the rest of the study to add more. There's also the fun of doodling a design on the outside.

SPRINGS OF LIFE FROM HEART
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. -Proverbs 4:23

CROWN OF BEAUTY IN GOD'S HAND
You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem in the hand of your God. -Isaiah 62:3

GOD EXCHANGES ASHES FOR BEAUTY
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. -Isaiah 61:3

YOUR HEART REFLECTS YOU
As in water the face is reflected as a face, 1 so a person’s heart 2 reflects the person. - Proverbs 27:19

Java with the Judges: Week 3

2009-03-31T06:00:00.007-05:00

Java with the Judges
Gideon

Welcome to Week 3 of the SoulPerSuit Blog group venturing through the book of Judges together.

Here's a refresher on our schedule:

March 3- 16: Introduction and The Good Guys
March 17- 30: The Good and the Reluctant
March 31- April 13: Gideon
April 14- April 27: Jephthah
April 28- May 11: Samson the Conflicted
May 12- May 25: Civil War and Anarchy
May 26- May 31: Wrap- Up

Reminder:
- This SoulPerSuit group is hosted solely on the blogosphere. All the information this Judges group needs can be found right here on SoulPerBlog and in your personal copy of Java with the Judges.
- If you don't happen to have your own blog but still want to participate, just use the comments section here to share your thoughts on the book of Judges.
- If you're participating in this Java with the Judges study, please let us know when you've written a new blog post relating to the study.
- Be sure to visit the other Java participants' blogs to see what they're thinking about the book of Judges.

Right here on SoulPerBlog every 2 weeks I'll be posting some Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Rhonda will keep us visually motivated on Gallery Wednesdays, and Sandi will offer some additional insights to round out each study with a set of Play Your Hand questions.

(Not sure what any of that means? Click this link for an overview of each aspect of SoulPerSuit.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shuffle the Deck activities for "Gideon week."

1. Make a cootie catcher: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cootie-Catcher

2. In the movie Waitress, making pies is Jenna’s art form. She used it to process and deal with all the trials, events, and emotions in her life. She made “Fallin’ in Love Chocolate Mousse Pie," “Lonely Chicago Pie," and “Jenna’s First Kiss Pie." (More pies from the movie.)

Like Jenna, make a luminary that represents you today – your feelings, tasks, or events today. Represent these with simple images/icons that you put on a paper bag. You can cut the images directly out of the paper bag, you can draw or write directly on the bag, or apply cutouts, clippings, or stickers. You can make any size and any number of luminaries. (Example: make a small one that sits in your kitchen window.)

SPS on Twitter

2009-03-29T01:00:00.001-05:00

SoulPerSuit is now on twitter.

Follow SPS and get:

Study updates
Blog summaries
Discussion questions
Quotes
Links to artists
Links to study resources
Book recommendations
Movie recommendations
and other fun stuff

What can SPS do for you through twitter?

Mentors - Judges 2

2009-03-25T10:08:00.006-05:00

A couple of years ago I took the Clifton StrengthsFinder that evaluates natural talents. Along with a top five list of those talents or strengths, comes a helpful action item list on how to best utilize your them. One of my strengths is Focus which means I am extremely efficient and goal oriented. One of the action items for this strength said "Identify your role models. Write down in detail why you want to focus your career toward similar kind of achievement."

I couldn't think of anyone. At first, this seemed arrogant but I think I was being a little too hard on myself. Personalities are complicated and being a severely disciplined person, I tend to put my head down and drive forward carrying the weight of everything myself. I don't think I can or presume to ask anyone else for help. I'm too busy trying to do my thing perfectly to see how great everyone else is.

This question has come back up for me as I'm evaluating what I want to do with my life and how I want to direct my passions but I still can't think of anyone. Well, not anyone who's not fictional. There's Trinity from The M atrix who had such unwavering faith that she lost all of her fears when the world around her was quite literally being shredded. There's Eowyn from The Lord of The Rings who acted with such courage and loyealty to defend her people. And even when these women were called to fight a battle, they did not lose any of their femininity.

Who are the women who got a late start in life but made great achievements? How are they motivated to push themselves forward despite their obstacles? Who are these women in today's culture? I know they're out there but my head has been in the sand.

Who are your mentors and are there any women today, in the public eye, that inspire you?

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 2

2009-03-25T01:00:00.007-05:00

Free to be Me

This is the companion card to the "Fear" card I made the first week. The cards were painted at the same time. I knew then that flying away in freedom was going to be a process, not a flip of the switch or one walk through a labyrinth.

As I write this, I have to admit that I feel very much back in the fear prison more than ever. Did you see the movie The Aviator about Howard Hughes? The accuracy of the facts aren't what's important but the image of Hughes near the end, imprisoned in a room of his own making came in my head. The progression of accepting your fears builds and builds until you've given in to so many of them they are all you see. I remember thinking at the end of the film how sad, what a waster of a great mind. Are we not doing the same thing with the gifts and talents God has given us as we use fear and circumstance over and over again as an excuse not to glorify Him as the wonderful beings we are?

I got that image of Howard Hughes and finally became more afraid of the room than the fears. I want to keep that image of cowering in that room when so many love me and care for me and see my potential. It's still a long path to trust and courage but at least I prefer it to the room.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted
He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives,
And freedom to prisoners." - Isaiah 61:1

Play Your Hand

2009-03-23T05:50:00.001-05:00

Monday is "Play Your Hand" day here at SoulPerSuit. Play Your Hand is the SPS label for the exercise in which we give you thought-provoking questions about the week's study. Because we're journeying through Judges, this week's questions relate to our second week in the book.

If need more info about how to do Play Your Hand exercises, go here.

For this week: Choose one of the questions below or one of your own. As you ponder it, think about how you can make an SPS card to illustrate your idea of choice. Here are some idea options for week two:

Make a card about...

. A time God delivered you.
. An altar to your faith in God. Something that chronicles how He’s been faithful that you can show others, “See what God has done for me.”
. Areas where you use your gender as an excuse.
. Being like the biblical Barak—what what conditions do you place on your obedience?
. Being like Deborah—whose faith you can bolster with your presence?
. Being like Deborah—how can you encourage someone to godly action from “behind the scene”?
. Being like Jael (see painting)—what unconventional, yet familiar thing in your life can use to glorify God?

This is Your Brain on Glitter - Judges 2

2009-03-19T11:09:00.005-05:00

Here's the result of the Shuffle I did from Monday to create a first prize tiara.

Public Service Warning: View at your own risk.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 2

2009-03-18T01:00:00.005-05:00

Time is flying by so I didn't finish my Shuffle for a first place award this week. I'll work on it today and get a picture up soon. It's a fun Shuffle so I can't wait to do it.

Tiaras have really been on my mind lately so I decided to make that my first place award. Here's a little drawing I did of my idea. The main part will be made out of fun foam attached to an old headband. Everything I use to make it will come out of all my art stuff. It'll give you an idea of just how much stuff I have! I have no idea how I'm going to do those poufy things at the temples. Maybe a giant bow or some tissue paper?

I'm going to get sick of seeing my art work every Gallery Wednesday so you guys send me your stuff so I can post it instead!

You will be a majestic crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal turban in the hand of your God. - Isaiah 62:3

Java with the Judges: Week 2

2009-03-17T01:13:00.000-05:00

Java with the Judges
The Good and the Reluctant

Welcome to Week 2 of the SoulPerSuit Blog group venturing through the book of Judges together.

Here's a refresher on our schedule:

March 3- 16: Introduction and The Good Guys
March 17- 30: The Good and the Reluctant
March 31- April 13: Gideon
April 14- April 27: Jephthah
April 28- May 11: Samson the Conflicted
May 12- May 25: Civil War and Anarchy
May 26- May 31: Wrap- Up

Reminder:
- This SoulPerSuit group is hosted solely on the blogosphere. All the information this Judges group needs can be found right here on SoulPerBlog and in your personal copy of Java with the Judges.
- If you don't happen to have your own blog but still want to participate, just use the comments section here to share your thoughts on the book of Judges.
- If you're participating in this Java with the Judges study, please let us know when you've written a new blog post relating to the study.
- Be sure to visit the other Java participants' blogs to see what they're thinking about the book of Judges.

Right here on SoulPerBlog every 2 weeks I'll be posting some Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Rhonda will keep us visually motivated on Gallery Wednesdays, and Sandi will offer some additional insights to round out each study with a set of Play Your Hand questions.

(Not sure what any of that means? Click this link for an overview of each aspect of SoulPerSuit.)

___________________________________

So, ready to launch Week Two? Here are a few Shuffle The Deck activities to start it off:

1. The Best of the Best
Make a first place award (ribbon, trophy, crown, sash, etc.) to give to yourself.

2. Chorgatron 6000
Using magazine clippings, objects from your junk drawer, drawings, and other found objects, glue them on paper to build a robot that will do your most dreaded chore(s).

3. Necessity is the Mother of Invention
Human beings are always coming up with unconventional ways to use things. Old boots and whiskey barrels as garden planters, using a butter knife as a stand-in screwdriver, holding hair back with a pencil or a chopstick, etc.

Think about your daily routine and write down some examples of your creative uses for ready-made goods.
OR
Challenge yourself this week to find a useful, but unconventional job for something in your house, desk, or purse.

SPS on Facebook

2009-03-15T01:00:00.005-05:00

Updated 03/16/2009

Are you on Facebook? So are we.

If you'd like to be a part of the SoulPerSuit Group on Facebook, ~~let us know so we can send you an invitation. You can leave your Facebook account name in the comments or e-mail it to us at soulpersuit at soulpersuit dot com.~~ just do a search for "soulpersuit". When the search results show up, click the "Groups" tab. We should appear on the first page. Click "Request to join" and we'll approve it asap!

In the group you can post your SPS cards, participate in discussion questions, and get to know the whole SPS community.

Are there any other social networks that you use?

Oops! I did it again. - Judges 1

2009-03-13T08:41:00.010-05:00

Like the Israelites, there are some things in our lives that God has asked us to eliminate and we just haven't done it. What's amazing is that these are things God knows are tripping us up and of no benefit to our lives and to those around us. What's the deal and what do we do about it?

Look for a pattern. Do you find yourself saying, "Oops! I did it again."? What do you keep doing? Is this a part of your cycle of misery? Write it down and give it a name. Come face-to-face with it.
Look for the catalyst. More than likely, you're back in the cycle of misery because of fear and instead of trusting God, you've invented some other built in response when you get afraid. Why don't you trust God? Is it a lie? Find the truth!
Look for time with God. Confess. Get it off your chest. Explain it all to God and ask for help. He's dying to be a part of this with you.
Look forward. So, what's next? Will this ever happen again? Probably. But, things can be different next time. You have a name for what you've been doing and the trigger. You've started a dialogue with God about it. Make a battle plan. Set up reminders. Be on offense, not defense.

SPS cards are great for this working through this process.

Monday, we start Week 2 of Java with the Judges. It's a tough study. Or, is it just me?

If you're still on Week 1, that's fine. Stay there as long as you need to. We're all about flexibility here. Send in your SPS cards whenever you get them done and we'll post them on Gallery Wednesday. Post links to your blog post in our comments and we'll make sure they get highlighted too.

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 1

2009-03-11T01:00:00.013-05:00

UPDATE (03/13/2009)
Other participants:
Schweers' Mom

During my personal sabbatical last week at Well of Mercy, I dug deeper into how complicated our cycle of misery is. I mean, I really wish it were as clear in my life as it reads in Judges:

The Israelites did evil in the Lord's sight... - Judges 3:7
The Lord was furious with Israel and turned them over... - Judges 3:8
When the Israelites cried out for help to the Lord, he raised up a deliverer... - Judges 3:9

These are statements of fact. Sometimes I think that's why it's hard to identify with the Israelites during their many adventures because the nuances of who they were, what they did when and why are not there. It would be helpful to see their individual character development. There's a bottom line, they disobeyed, but, on an individual basis, it was probably more complicated than that because I'm just discovering some of these nuances about my own actions.

During my trip, I painted two watercolors. One shows me imprisoned by fear. This prison is one that I built and that others helped build around me. This is a prison that is the result of sin, mine or other's, because fear does not come from love. Who did evil first, who started building the bars, is a moot point, because at some point you have to start taking responsibility for your contribution.

This is the verse I wrote on the back:
You have taken account of (recounted) my wanderings (fugitive exile); Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? - Psalm 56:8

Thank goodness God knows all the nuances that went into building my prison and forming my actions. They are not excuses but at least He and I can parse through them together and sort out the lies that I've let poison my trust in Him. There's a prayer labyrinth outside at the Well of Mercy where I left my watercolor in hope that the rain and sun will fade that prison until it disappears.

Play Your Hand

2009-03-09T05:44:00.002-05:00

Monday is "Play Your Hand" day. Play Your Hand is the SoulPerSuit label for the exercise in which we give you some thought-provoking questions about the week's study. Because we're journeying through Judges, the questions this go-round relate to our first week in the book. If you want more explanation and an example, go here. Choose one of the questions below or one of your own. As you ponder it, think about how you can make an SPS card to illustrate the idea. Here are the ideas for week one:

Make a card about...

. A time when you were suffering because of your sin and you cried out to God.
. Someone like a “judge” whom God sent in answer to your cry to be saved/rescued/ healed/freed.
. The Canaanites in your life, whether people, places or things. What or whom should you avoid because it/they will cause you to sin?
. Your own personal cycle of misery to remind you of the importance of obeying God. For each step, describe what you do and think at that step to remind you of what you’re doing. Write scripture, a letter, or instructions to yourself about what to do when you find yourself in this part of the cycle.

. Being like Ehud--an area of your life that requires immediate and drastic action
. Being like Shamgar--a creative solution to the need for change within you circle of influence
. How much God hates sin.

Judges Week 1

2009-03-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

The Cycle of Misery in introduced in the first week study of Java with the Judges. This is the painful cycle we see God's people (that includes us) repeating: sinning, suffering for their disobedience, grieving their disobedience against God, and then God saving them.

In two of these steps, we are active participants: sin and supplication. For the other two steps, we are the recipients. Now if I boil this down in my analytical mind, that means, of the things I have control over, I am either in communion with God or I'm not. My role is not complicated to understand although it may be difficult to do.

In the book, Sandi asks if there is something you can do to improve where you are in the cycle.

This week I did something different and took a 1-person retreat for 48 hours. In Hamptonville, NC there is a not-for-profit ministry called Well of Mercy. Established and run by the Sisters of Mercy, it is intended for individuals - no group retreats allowed. They are meeting the need of individuals who want a place to go to be alone with God. Embedded in a beautiful, natural setting along a creek, there are no TVs, no ringing phones, and no computers! Believe me, the silence is hard to get use to.

We take vacations to de-stress. We take coffee breaks, smoke breaks, snack breaks, even "mental health" days. But what do we do for our spirit? How tired and stressed must our spirit be?

How creative can you be in coming up with new ways to vacation with God?

Gallery Wednesday - Judges 1

2009-03-04T01:00:00.002-05:00

Here's my quick shot at the circular calendar Shuffle.

The seasonal pictures were all taken around here where I live, except for summer which was taken in Florida. I've written brief descriptions of how I feel about those seasons.

Winter is my least favorite because I hate being cold. I also hate bulky clothes, sweaters, and dressing in layers.

Spring and fall are my favorites because nature puts on such an amazing color show and in the spring you can start showing off your pedicure.

I'm not sure why but I started thinking about clothes seasonally and, naturally, ended up at shoes.

My sister bought me these wonderful zipper boot shoes for the fall. I feel so stylish when I wear them.

Of course, the year round shoe is the fuzzy pink slippers.

You may notice there are no shoes pictured for the spring. Darn, guess I need to go shopping.

Java with the Judges: Week 1

2009-03-03T13:22:00.010-05:00

Java with the Judges
Introduction and The Good Guys; Judges 1-3

Welcome to Week 1.a of the SoulPerSuit Blog group venturing through the book of Judges together.
Before we get into the study itself, let's do a bit of administrative housekeeping.

- We are taking TWO calendar weeks to go through every ONE lesson in Java.

Our schedule for Java with the Judges:
March 3- 16: Introduction and The Good Guys
March 17- 30: The Good and the Reluctant
March 31- April 13: Gideon
April 14- April 27: Jephthah
April 28- May 11: Samson the Conflicted
May 12- May 25: Civil War and Anarchy
May 26- May 31: Wrap- Up

- This SoulPerSuit group is going to be hosted solely on the blogosphere. Don't look for a Yahoo group or the instant messaging studio chats we've done in the past, because you won't find them. All the information this Judges group needs can be found right here on SoulPerBlog and in your personal copy of Java with the Judges.
(That said, if you're on Facebook or another social network and you see other Java participants on-line, by all means, strike up a conversation!)
- If you don't happen to have your own blog but still want to participate, SoulPerBlog is here to accomodate you. Just use the comments section here to share your thoughts on the book of Judges.
- Be sure to visit the other Java participants' blogs to see what they're thinking about the book of Judges. Of course, that means...
- If you're participating in this Java with the Judges study, please let us know when you've written a new blog post relating to Java with the Judges. A simple note of "Hey, I wrote something today, come and read it" in the comments section here is great.

Right here on SoulPerBlog every 2 weeks I'll be posting some Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Rhonda will keep us visually motivated on Gallery Wednesdays, and Sandi will offer some additional insights to round out each study with a set of Play Your Hand questions.

(Not sure what any of that means? Click this link for an overview of each aspect of SoulPerSuit.)

___________________________________

So, without further ado...
I give you...

Shuffle The Deck activities to get things rolling:

1. Create a circular calendar on one sheet of paper representing the four seasons.
Indicate within each season’s decoration- your favorite time of year, your favorite weather, how your mood changes with each season, and/or any family or household events that happen with the cycle of these seasons.
2. Who is an invaluable resource in your life, someone you are glad to know because you can cry to him or her for help? Maybe the son-in-law who’s a computer whiz, a friend who knows how to decorate cakes, the handy-man you have on speed-dial, a babysitter, etc.
Make them an especially creative, elaborate business card. Be sure to list all of their wonderful qualities and why you’re able to depend on them. Decorate it to show how important they are.
_________________________________________________

So, what next? If you've already got your Java with the Judges book, begin by reading the Introduction (pgs. ii- xvi). Jot down your first impressions of the culture in which the Hebrew judges operated. Compare and contrast that to your own culture and historical context. Note the things that don't make sense to you or any questions that arise. Get out your map pencils and color code the judges and their corresponding regions or spots on the time line. Try a Shuffle the Deck activity.

Let's roll (like Gideon's biscuits)!

Gallery Wednesday

2009-02-25T01:00:00.004-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"I think this card expresses the despair which often comes from decay. In this case decay seems to be a lack of connection. This lack of spiritual connection isn't fulfilled anywhere on this card. All windows are dark and empty and the figure refuses to see beyond the gray despair. I want her to see the blue film and look beyond it for the divine that is always there." - Melissa

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

Intro to the Book of Judges

2009-02-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

“Oops, I did it again.”

Britney may have made these words famous, but she didn’t originate the concept. In fact these words summarize perfectly the recurring cycle we find in the biblical Book of Judges, the events of which took place about 1220 BC to 1050 BC. The entire book demonstrates a national downward spiral of sin, suffering, supplication, salvation, sin, suffering…

The setting? The Israelites’ promised land, following centuries in Egyptian bondage and forty years of wilderness wandering. God had parted the Red Sea, given them daily manna, kept their shoes from wearing out, given them daytime clouds so the desert wouldn’t fry them and nighttime fire so the desert wouldn’t freeze them. And then He finally brought them home to the land of their ancestors. So do you think they responded in worship and love? Of course not. They’d do okay for a little while and then blow it. Over and over. And over. Oops.

Kind of like us.

Sometimes we learn from our own mistakes; when we’re wiser, we learn from the mistakes of others. The Book of Judges, if we pay close attention, will help us learn the easier way. (So join us here for a study that starts in March.)

Why the title, “Judges”? In contemporary times we think of a judge as someone who presides in court. But judges then served both as judicial officials and clan chieftains. And God directed ancient Israel for a time through these judicial-chieftan leaders, male and female. (The image above: Jael showing Barak the dead body of Sisera, whom Judge Deborah helped him defeat.) Our foray together into the Book of Judges will give us a glimpse of the Lord’s greatness despite humanity’s weakness.

If you’re imperfect but you have a big God, you’ve come to the right place!

February 23 - Java with the Judges

2009-02-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Get your book now for our Spring study through Java with the Judges.

On February 23, Sandi will give us an introduction to "Judges".
We'll begin Java with the Judges in March.

Get your book as soon as possible to be ready:
Amazon
ChristianBook
Bible.org
Overstock.com
AMG Publishers

Stay tuned here for more details to come.

Can't wait?
Read an excerpt here.

Gallery Wednesday

2009-02-18T01:00:00.003-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"I wanted to draw a Barbie to represent the perfect, empty, false person I present to the world, but it was ironic. The Barbie that a friend lent me had slightly mussed hair, her leotard slightly off one shoulder and one knee duct-taped. I kind of forgave this Barbie because it seemed she'd been a bit battered by the world, like we all have." - Jodie

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

Artuality: The Table of Grace

2009-02-16T15:14:00.007-05:00

Each month, L'Chaim hosts a blog carnival in which participants celebrate the varied forms of art and the ways it inspires our lives. The theme for Artuality in February is furniture.

I am attracted to furniture because of the stories I imagine behind the pieces. How was it made? Where did the materials come from? Who made it? Was it a rugged cotton farmer making a primitive stool for his son to sit on and whittle by the fire after chores? Was it a highly-trained furniture maker tooling a cabriole legged chair with velvet upholstry and claw-and-ball feet for a wealthy British family? Did it sell for millions of dollars at Sotheby's last auction? Did a bunch of neighborhood kids find it in a chicken coop and heft it up to their tree house to store their treasures?
I just love to imagine who and where it came from... and who and where it's going to.

My mother owned a small antique shop when I was in junior high and there were few places I'd rather be on a weekend than milling around the antique mall while she worked, looking over strange and wonderful remnants of days gone by. My teenage-girl bedroom was outfitted in primitive antiques. I felt so comfortable there.

Here are my inspirational pieces of furniture for February:
About 3 years ago some neighbors of my parents were moving and trying to find homes for their unneeded furniture. Our family was the blessed recipient of a complete set- dining room table, 6 chairs, a sideboard and hutch, and a china cabinet.

Free furniture that is in gorgeous shape, with a beautiful finish, and is large enough for our family and several friends... and... did I mention it was completely free?
Sounds like grace.

I thank my God for those kind neighbors every time I enjoy dinner with my family at this table, or see the kids fetching their crayons and Playdoh out of the sideboard, or dusting Granny's thimble collection in the china cabinet. Every time we add another leaf to the table to make ready for a feast with friends, I recall the grace that was bestowed on us in this gift.

We barely knew those neighbors of my parents. There certainly wasn't anything we'd done to deserve their dining room set.
Grace.

Doing schoolwork at the table of grace

Gallery Wednesday

2009-02-11T01:00:00.004-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"It honestly brings me to tears to see the beautiful thing that God makes out of what looks like just another layer of dust to me. I would sweep it away without blinking an eye but He writes love letters to me in it." - Beverly

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

Decay and Divine

2009-02-09T19:15:00.004-05:00

I find an interesting juxtaposition of decay and divine in illuminated books of hours or pieces like this from one of Dante's early works. The ideas and the pictures that illuminate them raise us to new heights. We ponder lofty thoughts and look on works of art, all on the same page.

Yet these hundreds of years later we find decay amidst the beauty. Yellowed edges crack and fall off. Places touched by human hands have marks where body oil met paper. Bindings leave flakes in the laps that hold them.

A used book store is full of such fading finds. A new store smells of fresh ink; an old one reeks of mildew. New books have perfect, white pages; old books have watermarks, dog-eared pages, underlining, and yellow paper. But what treasures one can find amidst the decaying edges.

Check it out: This site includes photos from old books as well as engravings of initials.

What is the oldest book you own? Does it show signs of decay?

Gallery Wednesday

2009-02-04T01:00:00.003-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"I hope this card elicits some sense of reality. War seems distant and unreal until we face it's ultimate sacrifice - loss of life. We can try to justify it but the fact remains - a lot of people are going to die." - Melissa

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

Mini-SPS Group: DIVINE

2009-02-02T17:00:00.003-05:00

Today marks our first day examining our next theme:

Divine

As a particular compliment to last month's focus on "decay," I look forward to enjoying what God reveals to each of us. I have a suspicion there's a lot more to decay/divine than just a simple compare and contrast activity.

We're going to camp out on the Divine for the entire month of February, so there's plenty of time for you to observe and engage your life. And then, of course, share it on your blog or right here in the comments section on SoulPerBlog.

Here's a Shuffle the Deck question to get your thinking started:

What reminds you most of the Divine?
Take a picture of it and put it next to the pictures you took last month of Decay. (If it's a song or a video, play it while you look at the pictures of Decay.)
What are the differences? Why do those differences exist? How can you focus more on the Divine during your day?

Gallery Wednesday

2009-01-28T01:00:00.011-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

Please leave a comment if you can't watch the video for some reason.

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

Quote to Ponder

2009-01-26T18:36:00.002-05:00

I came across this quote today in my old notebook. Sorry, I didn't write the source! But I had to share it:

Imagination ...[isn't], as some would have it, a dreamer's way of escaping through reality, but rather an active power by which language one reshape[s] the world, overlaying images of alternative possibility and the beauty of change over static images of defeat.

Sound like decay and divine to you? Me, too.

The Decay of Passions

2009-01-22T23:01:00.005-05:00

Webster's Dictionary defines "passion" as; a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.

This week I've been pondering why it is that our passions often seem to suffer the decay of this fallen world. The things we are devoted to deep within our hearts are, many times, not the things we spend the bulk of our days engaged in.

What I'm not talking about are fads. Florescent socks, mullet haircuts, poodle skirts, catch phrases and Hollywood diets are fickle trends. They come and go as quickly as the sun rises and sets.

What I am thinking of are the gifts, talents and passions that our Creator has placed within us. The things that stir us up to heights, quicken our heart beats, occupy our thoughts all day, and come out of us like a native language. Writing, painting, composing music, contemplating, prayer, meditation...

Click here to read how Abby, at Credo ut Intelligam, stretches herself against her creative decay.

How have you seen your own passions suffer decay?

Gallery Wednesday

2009-01-21T01:00:00.005-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"No matter how many times you check the pockets, a tissue always ends up in the wash. This was my first card. I joked about using dryer lint on it. Without any other ideas, I did just that." - Rhonda

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

New SPS Mini-Group: Decay Vs. Divine

2009-01-16T17:30:00.005-05:00

Introducing the next mini-SoulPerSuit group, running exclusively here on SoulPerBlog for the months of January and February:

Decay Vs. Divine

For the remainder of January, our SoulPerSuit team reflects on the first half of this conundrum:

Decay

Shuffle the Deck for Decay: Take a picture of something in your life that is decaying. Take a picture of the same object everyday for a week. Compare the pictures.

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If you'd like to join us in reflecting on the contrast between decay and divine, post your thoughts and artwork on your own blog and then leave a comment here so we can link to you.
If you'd like to reflect (or lament) on decay in quiet anonymity, please be sure to come back and enjoy the other offerings of fellow SoulPerSuiters.

Gallery Wednesday

2009-01-14T01:00:00.006-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"Today my son, Will, lost his pacifier at nap time (not lost, I took it away). He is so sad, he loves it so much. So I'm really feeling the affects of "why can something we love be bad for us?". "Why do I have to take it away?" Screaming in rage for half an hour he said, "I'm not big, I'm not big."" - Jodie

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

FYI

2009-01-12T12:58:00.004-05:00

All you artsy spiritual people: You need to check out this artist. And this, too:

Gallery Wednesday

2009-01-07T01:00:00.007-05:00

theme: Decay vs. The Divine

"My first card simply represents contemplation about this project - what Divine/Decay means, how I will represent it and different materials I will use." - Melissa

See all of the Decay/Divine Gallery.

Today is the first day of our new feature, Gallery Wednesday where we will post one of your SoulPerSuit cards.

Our theme for January and February is Decay vs. Divine. Using sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound, contemplate this theme for the next two months. Post your thoughts in the comments anytime during January and February. If you write a blog post, include the link in your comment. Also, if you make a SPS card, please photograph or scan it and send it to us. If you do, I'll post it on Gallery Wednesday.

SPS on The Master's Artist

2009-01-06T12:03:00.004-05:00

Author Mary E. DeMuth ("Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture") is a regular contributor to The Master's Artist. We were thrilled that Mary wanted to feature SPS in her post today. Hop on over and learn how SPS got started, how it's done, and how it can benefit you as an unique and amazing creation of the Creator.

Contemplative Christmas Wrap-up

2009-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Contemplative Christmas group here at SoulPerBlog. This has been a deep and reflective experience for me, personally, and it provided my family some direction during the often-aimless-and-distracted holiday season. I hope each of you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did! *
(If you'd like to know, our New Year's Eve Asian pot stickers lived up to their name, they stuck to the bottom of the pot completely. 2009 means wok lessons for me!)

As we close down this mini-SoulPerSuit group, here's one more question:
Which of the five Christmas themes was your favorite and why?

If you'd like to read (or add to) our collective thoughts on each week's theme, click the links below:

Week 1: Barn Smells
Week 2: Bright Light
Week 3: Singing
Week 4: Cradled in Arms
Week 5: Lavish Incense

The Adoration of the Magi
Federico Fiori Barocci, 1561-63
Black chalk, pen and brush on blue paper
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

*Rhonda will be here on Wednesday to fill you in on our next SoulPerSuit excursion.

Play Your Hand V

2009-01-02T08:57:00.005-05:00

LAVISH INCENSE

See other reflections:
Erin
Schweer's Mom on Family Food Traditions
Schweer's Mom
Erin's Blog Post on Lavish Incense

Scent for the King

2008-12-31T17:12:00.002-05:00

Song of Songs 3:6 - Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant?

Say three words—gold, (frank)incense, and myrrh—and what do most people think? Yes, magi bringing gifts to the Baby Jesus.

Did you know we also find gold, incense, and myrrh in Song of Songs. “Gold” appears five times, “incense” three times, and “myrrh” seven times.

Of this trilogy, we find “myrrh” most often, so let’s take a closer look at it. The beloved says her lover is a sachet of myrrh. Later she says he smells like myrrh. And then he’s dripping with myrrh. There’s no doubt about it—she definitely associates him with myrrh.

We know myrrh was and is a perfume, but a quick glance through the entire Bible tells us that it appears more often in association with scenting men than women.

“Myrrh” means “bitter.” And myrrh was used for more than providing fragrance on special occasions. It also deadened pain. And people used it to prepare the dead for burial. Jesus turned down wine mixed with myrrh when He hung from the cross. And Nicodemus brought about seventy-five pounds of spices, including myrrh, so he could prepare Jesus’ body before it was placed in the tomb.

Because so many of us read the New Testament a lot more than we read the Old, we may associate myrrh more with death than with life. I’ve heard it said, for example, that the myrrh that the magi brought to the Christ Child foreshadowed Jesus’ death. The person who said it thought the wise men consciously brought a substance associated with death to give to the Baby Jesus, knowing He was born to die.

Now, what would you think if someone gave you a casket or a headstone as a baby gift? Imagine the conversation! “Here, I hope you like it. I brought you some toys, and some booties, and some expensive embalming fluid. We’re all terminal cases….”

The wise men had no idea that Jesus was going to die to save us from our sins. Even His own disciples didn’t get it. Only Mary of Bethany, Lazarus’s sister, who anointed Jesus’ feet before the crucifixion, appears to have understood “before the fact” that our Savior had to die before He would reign as King.

Reigning as king—that’s why the magi brought myrrh. It was a gift fit for a king. Consider Esther, who, before her “night with the king,” spent six months treating herself with oil of myrrh (Esth. 2:12). Centuries later when the magi found Herod, they asked the location of the one born King of the Jews, saying they had come to worship Him (Matt. 2:2). And when they came to the house and found Him, they fell down in worship, offering that King their gifts.

In Psalm 45:6-8 we read, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.”

The focus on loss in association with the myrrh brought by the magi to Jesus misses the strong association of myrrh with riches, royalty, and celebration. When Matthew wrote his gospel, he was presenting Jesus Christ as Israel's long-awaited royal Messiah. And the gifts of the magi were gifts worthy of His Majesty--the one coming to reign in glory.

Celebrate His coming and His return!

(Adapted from Solomon Latte, used with permission.)

Contemplative Christmas V

2008-12-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is our final week of the SoulPerSuit Contemplative Christmas.

I hope you'll stick around and join us for this last theme, because even though the presents are opened, the Christmas musical extravaganzas are concluded, the family photos taken, and the figgy pudding eaten, there is still plenty more going on with the Christmas story. Lots of opportunities to respond.

You can find our previous collective thoughts (and add your own) here:

Week I- Barn Smells
Week II- Bright Light
Week III- Singing
Week VI- Cradled in Arms

Throughout the month of December, SoulPerSuit has been inviting folks to reflect on a theme phrase pertaining to the Nativity. We also offer one or two Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. All the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations of this Christmas season are at your disposal- you just need your Bible and your imagination.

________________________________________________

This week's theme is:
Lavish incense

Optional Shuffle The Deck activities to get things rolling:

1) There are certain foods that are a tradition this time of year and every family is different. Do you know where those traditions started? Why are these so important? What do these traditions do for the season or family gathering? When is the food served?
Create a recipe card or write a short story about the food and the tradition. Decorate the card or story with clippings, photos, or drawings.

2) Cook a new recipe to ring in the New Year. Try something from an ethnic tradition or region different than your normal fare.

A couple of websites to begin with:
All Recipes
Recipe Source
Epicurious
Recipe Zaar
_________________________________________________

So, what next? We are hopeful that the Holy Spirit will lead you in worship over the next week.
If you'd like to worship and reflect quietly then you don't need to do anything.
If you create a piece of artwork or have thoughts you'd like to share publicly (or you're new here and wondering what we're up to), click here to see what we're up to.

Play Your Hand IV

2008-12-26T15:13:00.006-05:00

CRADLED IN ARMS

Safe
Loved
Enveloped
Transported
Eternal
Special

See other reflections:
Amy
Erin
Schweers' Mom
Erin's Kids

Shuffle the Deck

2008-12-24T09:14:00.002-05:00

Point of view...

Think on this: What must it have been like for the Child? For the mother? For the angel? For the Father?

Contemplative Christmas IV

2008-12-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today marks the beginning of Week 4 of our SoulPerSuit Contemplative Christmas.

Throughout the month of December, we've been inviting folks to reflect on the Holiday season and share their observations. You can find our previous collective thoughts (and add your own) here:

Week I- Barn Smells
Week II- Bright Light
Week III- Singing

Right here on SoulPerBlog for another 2 weeks we'll be posting a theme phrase to reflect on and one or two Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. All the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations of this Christmas season are at your disposal- you just need your Bible and your imagination.

________________________________________________

This week's theme is:
Cradled in Arms

Optional Shuffle The Deck activities to get things rolling:

1) Cuddle up with something or someone that you love. Notice its weight in your arms, the surface texture, its smell, its breathing pattern. Enjoy a few moments of stillness together.

If you don’t readily find a thing, pet or person to cuddle with, think back to your favorite stuffed toy or blankie. What do you remember about it?

2) It's the beginning of some very hard times. What are some creative ways that we can serve this season or throughout the year?

_________________________________________________

So, what next? We are hopeful that the Holy Spirit will lead you in worship over the next week.
If you'd like to worship and reflect quietly then you don't need to do anything.
If you create a piece of artwork or have thoughts you'd like to share publicly (or you're new here and wondering what we're up to), click here to see what we're up to.

Play Your Hand III

2008-12-19T16:05:00.003-05:00

SINGING

Check out:

greta lynn hernandez
Erin
schweers' mom
mutating missionary

Shuffle the Deck

2008-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Do you ever re-read a book or watch a movie for the tenth time (say, The Sound of Music) and find yourself surprised to notice something you never saw previously, despite the work's familarity? Christmas music can be like that. Perhaps you traveled this year and you're arrested by a reference to Christ as the Desire of nations... Or you served your country in Iraq, and "peace on earth, goodwill to men" rings in your ears with new force. Maybe you're involuntarily childless and you appreciate "For unto us a Son is given..."

Put on some Christmas music and pay attention to the words. Appreciate the organization of Scripture in Handel's "Messiah." Discern the message in "The Holly and the Ivy." Or figure out for the first time the point in the one about the good king who stepped out on the Feast of Stephen. Perhaps you've sung the first verse of something and never actually understood it, so it's both familiar and unfamiliar. Start by considering the lyrics to "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming":

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him,
As angel heralds said.

This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;
True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load.

O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,
O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven,
And to the endless day!

Listen anew, ponder anew. And when something strikes you with new force, sing it out. Own it. Make it your own. Then offer it up.

In case you're wondering what is behind this exercise, here's the scoop.

Contemplative Christmas III

2008-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is Week 3 of the SoulPerSuit Contemplative Christmas. I pray you're enjoying it as much as I am!

Both of the previous themes, Barn Smells and Bright Lights, are still open for your artwork and commentary. Please drop us a note if you'd like to add something to the on-going discussion.

Joining us for the first time? Welcome!

Each week here on SoulPerBlog we'll be posting a theme phrase to reflect on during this Christmas season and one or two Shuffle the Deck activities to kick start your creative thinking. Otherwise, SoulPerSuit is going to let Emmanuel speak for himself. All the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations of this Christmas season are at the disposal of the Holy Spirit. You just need your Bible and your imagination.

Here is Week 3's theme.

________________________________________________

This week's theme is:
Singing

Optional Shuffle The Deck activities to get things rolling:

1) Below is a list of 25 words. Select any five of them and use them in some way to create a worship service. If possible, try to include all five senses in your service. You can write your service out, record it, videotape it, create a collage from magazine clippings – however you want to record your service.

Burned
Straw
Ripe
Barn
Trough

Bright
Gold
Regal
Star
Field

Loud
Soft
Melodic
Distant
Tender

Fur
Gravel
Dry Leaves
Bark
Numb

Milk
Wine
Water
Bread
Spicy

2) Record yourself singing or playing your favorite Christmas carol. Or make yourself a mix of several artist’s versions of the same song.

_________________________________________________

So, what next? We are hopeful that the Holy Spirit will lead you in worship over the next week.
If you'd like to worship and reflect quietly then you don't need to do anything.
If you create a piece of artwork or have thoughts you'd like to share publicly (or you're new here and wondering what on earth these people are doing), click here to see what on earth we're doing.

Play Your Hand II

2008-12-12T09:51:00.003-05:00

BRIGHT LIGHT

"I wanted to make someone a sympathy card in case they know someone who has died. Jesus can shine a bright light on their sadness." - Ellie

"This is the moment the angel appeared to the shepherds. The light is so bright that everything turns white. You can't see the shepherds because they are off the page." - Rebekah

What others were thinking this week:
mutating missionary
Erin

What were your thoughts this week?

Shuffle the Deck

2008-12-10T09:01:00.001-05:00

Imagine you’re a Bedouin. You live in a tent and hang out with sheep and camels. You never plant fields. You’re most at home in the desert moving from scene to scene. Free. And you've made yourself wealthy trading incense that replaces the stench of animal dung with its fragrant aroma.

After thousands of nights spent gazing at the sky, you’ve memorized the stars' patterns. Every night at least once you glance wistfully to the west, recalling to mind something the sages recited to you in your childhood and which you now teach your many descendants. It’s a promise given to your Jewish cousins:

“Arise! Shine! For your light arrives! The splendor of the Lord shines on you! For, look, darkness covers the earth and deep darkness covers the nations, but the Lord shines on you; his splendor appears over you. Nations come to your light, kings to your bright light. Look all around you! They all gather and come to you –your sons come from far away and your daughters are escorted by guardians. Then you will look and smile, you will be excited and your heart will swell with pride. For the riches of distant lands will belong to you and the wealth of nations will come to you. Camel caravans will cover your roads, young camels from Midian and Ephah. All the merchants of Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing praises to the Lord” (Isa. 60:1-6).

Then one night it's there—blazing on the Western horizon! A star you’ve never seen! Can it be? It’s brighter than a planet, and it moves.

What does it mean to you? What do you do?

In case you're wondering what this exercise is all about, here's the scoop.