the art of me

Anybody out there?

2005-08-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

Do people from strange lands really read these posts? I have favorite blogspots I have found shuffling through the abyss. I frequent these because the topics are so good. If anyone known or unknown happens upon this blog, leave a comment. Your blog just might be an inspiration.

I am wondering.....

Where have I been?

2005-07-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

I think I have been absent from myself...
I love the richness of blogspot. The posts are extremely profound and creative. To write with full expression is my desire. To visually describe the writings in my head. Sometimes the words come out as if a two year old scribbled them. And then there are the writings of wisdom I've yet to hear.
I love intelligent blogspots.

Pain!!

2005-07-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Wasn't expecting this one. PAIN

I didn't realize how distracting pain was. When things are going great and you are on track with everything. I mean the bills are paid on time, the dishes are done, the laundry caught up, you have actually read some of the book you like, you have prayed and done devotions, you have even emailed someone you haven't talked to in a long time. Everything is great, then

SSSSSSSSSLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMM!!

Out of the blue pain hits you dead smack in the face. The dishes don't seem important, the bills, what bills. Reading consists of the back of the medicine bottle. The only devotion or prayer is God please help me through this. I actually have felt like I am going to die from the pain. This pain is very distracting. It is taking me away from the comfort of the norm. My brain can not wrap itself around patience, forgiveness, kindness or understanding. Anger seems to be the only emotion brought to the surface.

Why is that? I think pain in any form whether emotional or physical is like a weed that has overtaken your garden. I am ready to weed out my garden. The flowers will bloom because Monday is surgery day.

oasis...

2005-07-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

When I think of the word oasis, a word that has been said alot lately, I usually think of a small pond of water surrounded by trees in the middle of the desert. Since this word has been in sight awhile now, I decided to check it out. What exactly does it mean? How does it fit into my life? Other than the fact that I feel like I am floundering in the desert in need of an oasis. Why do I keep seeing this word.
I have found lately I really like the letter O. I just like circles period. (also a circle) But that can't be the reason this word is creeping up into my visual space. I looked it up. The definition is exactly as I had always known. So I decided to see what the bible has to say about it. Maybe this is one of those significant words I need to understand on my journey. What I found is, I think, an oasis in itself.

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 32 is quite a chapter. I really love this one.

People can be an oasis. I haven't thought of this concept. We, as followers of Christ, are an oasis to those who don't know Him. It says each man will stand as a shelter from high winds... each man will be cool running water in a parched land. A huge granite outcrop giving shade in the desert.

While I have been seeking an oasis from the stress of life. I know now it has been here all along. God is my oasis, my refuge. In turn I must be an oasis to those who don't know Him yet. A place people can rest. In that rest they will find my source of peace.

Band it!

2005-07-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am walking outside my comfort zone. Way outside. I am beginning to really love the journey outside the box. The complicated life of trusting is so rewarding. Being in a frozen flesh place, allowing God to move in and around me is where I secretly have longed to be for years. I am excited to walk, speak and live it. I praise God for the opportunity to serve Him. Passionately I seek Him.

Part of this journey involved the wrapping of my house in a white band in support of the ONE campaign and Make Poverty History. We have voiced our concern and President Bush responded.

The G-8 summit begins on July 6th. Please pray for the leaders not to make right choices, not to make wrong choices, but to make WISE choices. What we think is right may not be wise for others.

May wisdom fall on this summit. May the words spoken supernaturally echo the call of our Heavenly Father. Speak through them Lord. Your children are listening.

A Great Day!!

2005-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have mornings that don't seem important enough to wake up to. But today is not one of them. WOOOO, HOOOO! I am looking forward to today. I am having more and more of those 'can't wait to get out of bed days.

God is so incredible, I can't wait to see what He is going to do today. Every day has been filled with new and wonderful things, even some unexpected surprises. Should we be shocked God takes the time for us. No I don't think so. I am now expecting His move. Anticipating it. I am sure there will be sometimes I feel absolutely nothing. But not right now. Confidence abounds. It is a great day!!

A Name

2005-06-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

The name of this blog the art of me is not something I have or ever will create. It is not tangible pieces of art that I am working on. It is about me, Cheryl, being a blank canvas so God may paint His destiny on my life. I don't ever want anything I do to be a reflection of me... my words... my teaching... my painting... my listening... my friendship.

Every deep, secret, hidden place and every outward, open, public part of me cries out.

This is not about me.

Good Books?

2005-06-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am curious. Is anyone reading any great books? Not just the ordinary, run of the mill, common, everyday books. Books that captivate you, inspire you to the point of... well, you just aren't the same after you read them. You read a book and finish it, you put it down or back on the shelf for a couple of weeks and then pick it up again and read it a second time. Those kind of books. I am looking for books whose content will inspire the reader to not just sit there and enjoy, but move. Help me with your suggestions.

Spilling

2005-06-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

This blog thing is a great way to spill on the net. Spilling is usually done in private. A private creative journal of visual expression. When you pour out your carried emotions, there is room for God to move. Sometimes our emotions get in the way of many of things.>>>>>> disappointment. pride. rejection. unforgiveness. ( fat, ugly, unloved) <<<<< style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> love, forgiveness. We were created for a purpose much bigger than negative emotions. We have a passionate life to live. @-->------ Joy, love, freedom, compassion are a waiting gift from a loving Father.

2005-06-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Am I here yet?