Keys, Aspiration, and a Blog Resurrection.

Spring Break means…

People.

Studio time.

Being outside.

Movies.

Creativity.

Spontaneity.

And, blogging. 

Every day.

I've decided it's time to revamp my blog and post everyday this week.

Maybe people will start reading it again. Blog resurrection, people.

My plan is to take (at least one) photo each day, and also share some bit of that day with you, readers. 

And now is your chance to give input on what direction I take the design of the blog.

Let me know what you think, if you care- in the comment section below. If you don't, I may resort to something terribly cliche like… like… clouds or something. And we don't want that.

Day 1…

If you know me much at all, you probably know that I have a horrible weakness for old things. 

So naturally, Antique stores, Flea markets, and Estate sales are places I frequent. 

Lana and I started the week off right by going to a couple of stores today.

Of course, I had to get these gorgeous keys. I didn't even know I needed them until I saw them. Then I remembered how much I needed them. Story of my life. 

But seriously, old keys get me every time. 

What does this week hold in store for you? 

-J

Crazy? Maybe.

Dear world,

I wasn't made for you. 

I wasn't created for your silly ways, and evil schemes. 

You are full of pain, pride, and all sorts of perplexities. 

Good try, but no thanks.

I have really been thinking lately about who I am, who 'we' are as people, as humans- but for the sake of ease and no hard feelings, I'll just talk about me and my mess here…

I do plenty of things. I act plenty of ways. I'm seen in many different ways.

But, I am not what I do. I am not how I act. I am not some character I try to portray. 

I am a child of the most high King, King of the Universe that is… yeah, the Universe- you heard me. 

Now that I think about it, why in the world would I want to be seen as anything else before that? Oh, the world… right, that's why. I'm in the world. 

How often I think I have to be known as something, or someone. Why? Because in the world I'm in, it's crazy to answer any question about myself as… "Oh, I love Jesus Christ and strive to serve and honor him in all I do… I also love to make stuff." 

Well, heck. Maybe I should just be crazy. 

Yes, I love to dance. I love movement with music. It's incredible. 

Yes, I love to act. I love to interpret words and become and feel like someone I'd never be in real life. 

Yes, I love to create new things for the eye and mind. I love to take something old and used and give it new life and beauty and purpose.

Yes, I love to learn, to read, to write, to capture images. 

Yes, I love to travel, to find adventure, to tell my stories.

All of those things speak about the way I was made and the passions God gave me...

But those things do not define me- should not define me. 

Being the object of the creator of the Universe's affection… Wow, now that is something worth being known by.

With one life here on this messy, beautiful Earth, who or what will you be known for? 

"If I discover within myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

-C.S. Lewis

-J

p.s. The Universe is HUGE, in case you didn't know…

Words and Time.

What is it called when your mind is overflowing with thoughts, emotions, and ideas, but words seem out of reach?

Why can I feel so strongly, but translate so poorly? 

Words. 

They are the problem. With inspiration, understanding, and direction, they create a bottomless pit of possibility…

...but with barriers, confusion, and chaos, they only frustrate and compromise reality. 

And Time, what of that? 

Something so valuable and positively crucial to the human existence, yet so taken for granted. 

Wasted.

Stolen. 

Desired.

Both are gifts, to be used wisely, or to be thrown to the wayside. Both are powerful. 

Depending on the owner, the user, the consumer….

they can be a curse. 

a blessing.

hated.

loved.

We have access to both. 

                                      We have choices. 

We have responsibility. 

                                      We have power.

We have influence.

                                      We have a gift. 

A limited amount of time on this Earth. 

A limited amount of words in our time.

What are you going to do with them?

What am I going to do with them?

the real adventurers.

Greetings.

        Well, it happened- Christmas came and then went. I just really love Christmastime. One of my favorite things about Christmastime is being with family. Cliche, I know. But my family is my favorite, so I like to think they're better than anyone else's. Anyway, this post actually isn't about my Christmas, rather about some people who are a reflection of Christ, so it sort of works out to be Christmas-y.

Now, I've always known my Grandparents to be incredible, loving, generous people who fear the Lord and do their best to serve him in everything they do.

{important note: That up there ^ was from about 2 weeks ago or so- still relevant though, and i'm picking up from where I left off…}

        *Ahem* Grandparents. Christmas… oh, yes. I'm incredible blessed to have Grandparents who I grew up visiting often, who came to endure multiple shows I've been in, who came to stay with us when my parents went on adventures without us, who have driven all over the country to visit family… yes, you get the point- they're amazing. And most amazing of all, their faithfulness to the Lord has led our family to Jesus, too.

        During the time they were visiting for Christmas, my eyes were opened to a whole new level of their amazingness… Most people in their seventies are worried about future living situations, what channel the news is on, and where is their dinner? Not to say that my grandparents are perfect, or that they don't acknowledge that they are not getting younger. But that does not stop them from seeking the Lord's will for their lives at this place where he's brought them. These incredible people are doing kingdom work here! As my Grandmother shared with me letters from a young man she had years ago in Sunday school, who is now is prison, she expressed sadness at not having done more for him when she was in a place of authority. Now, she is corresponding with him and encouraging him, as he's seeking the Lord and trying to do the right thing after all these years that have been lost. My Grandfather meets with other men weekly to pray and is active in sharing Christ's love with those he comes across whether it's his work, or at the grocery store. They visit and serve the lonely, elderly people in the nursing home in Boone, and share the hope and truth of Jesus Christ with them. They listen to these people. My Grandma prays for everyone in our family everyday. And I'm pretty sure that's a huge reason why my immediate family is alive. Seriously.

Basically, I've been really challenged and encouraged by witnessing my grandparents- just living their lives where God takes them. Not on a big stage, not to be seen as anything… but because of Christ in them.



I hope to be as vibrantly passionate about the Lord when I'm seventy-five as they are now.

         Do you have Grandparents? They've been around longer than you, and though you may think you know everything already… you're wrong. Ask them questions, about anything. Respect them. Chances are, you have no idea what their lives have really been like. Chill out and learn something from people who have really lived.

What does God have for me right now, where I am? What does he have for you?

Let's ask him… anything is possible.

-J

p.s. I hope to post more frequently in the coming weeks… but of course you've heard that before. ha. 

Atmosphere, Tea, and a High King.

Hello, dear Readers,

First of all, I ask you to forgive me for the haphazardness of this post. So many ideas and subjects for writing have been swirling around in my head the last couple of days… so please, bear with me.

Here is a blog post from 367 days ago:
http://onestrokeofhisbrush.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html

I've been thinking about surroundings lately, and how they affect us. In a long term way and on a daily basis. The households we grow up in and the people who raise us play a huge part in shaping us into who we become. Everyday, the atmosphere we are in and the people we are subjected to… school, work, home… they all impact us continually. The scary thing is, we often don't realize it.

Last year at this time, I was in Birmingham, England with my sister, mom and aunt. We were at our cousin's tiny house and very well taken care of. We had food to eat, warmth, pleasant, sweet company, tea, and coffee ON THE HOUR… yeah, it was nice. But, I literally felt sick. I think that was the first time I've truly understood and physically felt real homesickness. Our flight out of London had been canceled, and then two others out of Birmingham after that were canceled. The Lord definitely used the time to open my eyes to the fact that I was completely consumed with my own little world, the traditions of my family, and my own selfish desires. I'd never not been with my whole immediate family on Christmas, and our extended family rituals are something I hold in high esteem. Anyway, the point is… that was last year. It was sad. But good. I can look back with fondness on the queen sized bed that the three of us attempted to sleep in, the 12 different vegetables and turkey we enjoyed for Christmas dinner, and the constancy of the soaps streaming through the big screen. Now, I can smile with thankfulness that I'm sitting in my living room on Christmas eve, listening to my family joking and laughing around the table in the other room, that I could drive anywhere if I wanted to, and that I can sleep in my bed and wear any of my clothes. They are simple things, but I am thankful.

I've been reading in Hebrews lately. Wow. Just wow. It's so good. I challenge you to look into that book if you haven't recently. Talk about reasons to be thankful.

Yes, Christmas is about Jesus being born, but how can we celebrate the birth of Christ without thinking about the death and resurrection; the prophecy which he came to fulfill?
A baby Jesus doesn't seem to offend people much at Christmas time, but what about a high King who created the world and defeated death for all mankind because of Love? Who hates sin and loves his creation? A God who is jealous for our hearts, and vicious toward his enemies? Who died on calvary for my sake, that I may spend eternity with him in paradise?

That is the baby Jesus I celebrate this year... And that is a dang good reason to be thankful.

What Jesus do you celebrate this year?

-Jami

Good news of great joy...

Ever wonder what happens at a home church at Christmastime? 
For the children of course...

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Annnd…. there goes a month...

Dear readers… anyone there? I cannot blame you for not coming around anymore… I'm sorry for abandoning my little corner of cyberspace for so long. Life is flying by and I miss having the time to spend on personal creative endeavors. And lately, I've so longed to write. Alas, I cannot seem to find much spare time to set apart for it, among the many other creative pursuits.

So, instead of writing a long post tonight, I will share with you a blog post that I read earlier this evening by Michael Gungor of the band, 'Gungor.' It's subject matter is so good and true and something I've often thought about. It's a bit lengthy, but definitely worth the read.

Michael's blog post: Zombies, Wine, and Christian Music

Let me know what you think.

Peace and Blessings,

J