"Forget the former things;
       do not dwell on the past.
 See, I am doing a new thing!
       Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
       I am making a way in the desert
       and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (The foundational verse for SBE)
 
 
He is Doing a New Thing!
 
Dream. Plant. Water. Wait. Prune. Flower.
 
It is hard to believe that this ministry started just one year ago. So much has happened. God's gracious hand has done just those things in only twelve months! He led me to a new dream, planted the calling in my heart more firmly, watered each branch of the ministry so it could produce fruit, showed me the wisdom of waiting and then, gently, carefully asked me to trust Him as He pruned away a couple of things. Now we are getting ready for Infuse 2010: A Creativity Encounter, our first conference!
 
The blooms and leaves are those precious individuals He has touched. They will be the streams in the desert mentioned in Isaiah. While there aren't any real thorns or thistles, He helps us be on guard for pests and weeds that must be dealt with. He is growing the SBE garden His way which is the only way for me. Now I feel a stronger desire stirring in me to provide materials and resources that will help creatives grow more deeply in their love and knowledge of Him. Oh, Master Creator, how does your garden grow for an eternal harvest! Come shine your Son on this offering, that the workers and those who benefit may smell His sweet fragrance and taste and see that His fruit is good. All glory to the Expert Gardener. I eagerly anticipate all that You will do in the next twelve months.

Lately I've encountered very critical comments from Christians about the quality of "Christian" art, whether it is movies, paintings and more, that put down the artists, the art or both. While I am guilty of the same thing- I am trying to break this pattern. Here is why:
 
There are many levels of quality in any art form. Why not encourage and build up those who are trying their best to do something well, though they are in process, rather than criticize them? It takes courage and hard work to even get as far as they do. I've met several arfists of faith who are behind Christian projects and try to engage, encourage and bless as many as I can. They are doing what they can to shine a light in the darkness. Please join me in praying for them, that the Lord would bless their efforts, help them improve their craft as well as struggles, and that their projects will have a positive impact for the kingdom.

May we be careful to not judge the outward appearance of the results, since it is their offering to Him and He looks at their heart. May we all set a good example in our craft by striving for excellence, yes, but love and encourage our brothers and sisters in the industry who are trying to make a difference at incredible personal risk and cost. Better yet, let us jump in and lend a hand rather than point fingers. We will all have to give an account one day, not about how our projects turned out, but how we treated each other and served Him by doing so.

Time is short. Let us use it wisely.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:28-30

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25.

To retreat or not to retreat? The confirmation was somewhat comical, but obvious nonetheless. The header on the conference site announced the theme of Breathe 2010:
Selah- Pause and Listen
I guess it may be time to live up to my name, lol.
 

Praying Hands in Garden of the Gods, I think that's the right rock formation. Copyright 2010 Sensory BIble Experiences.
 
No joke. Apparenty there have been three other conferences, but I just found out about Breathe this year. The price was right and no air fare was involved, the fridge was stocked and the house in mostly-clean order. The timing could not have been better. Producing an event like Infuse 2010 is great fun, but is challenging. My brain was checking out long before I pulled out of my driveway for the "just right" drive south.
 

Panoramic view of a valley in Garden of the Gods.
Copyright 2010, Sensory Bible Experiences.
 
The breathtaking views of Garden of the Gods (see handy image above) beckoned to me from the road leadig up to Glen Eyrie. I needed this. What followed was one of the most enjoyable retreats my soul has enjoyed to date. In this economy, that is a very good thing. The worship was moving and intimate, the workshops informative and engaging, and I met several new brothers and sisters in the Lord with creative tendencies and better yet- most are local to the area!! It took me a whole day just to let the adrenaline drain from my brain and veins. In fact, I ended up staying an extra day. Oh yeah, it was what the Heavenly Doctor ordered. One of the highlights was singing several part harmony under a night sky with some of my new family. We shared our struggles, blessings, answers to prayer and how the retreat had inspired us.
 
 
Pike's Peak with gratuitous spot. Copyright 2010 Sensory Bible Experiences.
 
Now I want to go back for Via Affirmativa, another conference there in August. Yes, I'll make time. Some things can't wait that long again because a creative brain is a terrible thing to wear out.  Stay tuned for the review or better yet, join us there! Until then, don't forget to pause and listen to His still, quiet voice in your spirit. I promise to take my camera and actually show you what Glen Eyrie Castle and Grounds look like this time. A camera phone just won't do for this kind of beauty!

I adore adventure, especially if it is based on the Bible and I can live through the dangerous situations without a scratch. This novel was so well written that it has to go on the Convertible Page. I was happily swept away into a different world, just what a great book or trip should do.
 
Mr. Rosenberg's non-ficton book Epicenter caught my eye on the bookstore shelf. Intrigued and eager to become more educated on the subject, I dove in to his analysis of the global impact of events taking place in the Middle East today in light of Bible prophecy. So began my journey to understand how the 37th through the  39th chapters of the book of Ezekiel are unfolding in our reality. When I read that many of Rosenberg's novels seem to "come true", I was compelled to read at least one. Mind you, I haven't read fiction in months because most simply doesn't interest me. Now, if you combine a novel with Bible prophecy, you have my attention.
 
The Copper Scroll sent me on a wild ride to one discovery which led to another which unlocked the mystery of a third. Rosenberg knew just how to dangle the bait, transport me right into the action and didn't quite let me catch my breath. Just when he let me down off of my mountain high in the last few pages, he threw me a curve-ball with a cliffhanger de resistance. The novel is a factually based, masterfully written whirwind culminating in a breathtaking encounter of Biblical magnitude.
 
Using the power of story, Rosenberg giftwraps truth in delectable layers of suspense, romance, and adrenaline-induced quests. No wonder the New York Times Best Seller List loves him so. God has truly gifted Mr. Rosenberg to weave truth into storytelling to alert the reader about what is to come, just as Jesus told stories that engaged, enraptured and exhorted his audience. Bravo, Mr. Rosenberg, for following His lead with such attention to detail and well-honed craftsmanship.

Here in Colorado, Spring is a long time in coming. Sure, we have the variety of snow flurries and sun-drenched days within one week, but all still seems dormant save for the birds starting to chirp and stubby green spears starting to pierce the earthy blanket. And everyehere I look, it is very beige. I love color, more colors than just beige. No, I thrive on it. This is a very difficult season for me visually as a creative person.
 
God has been letting some desires of mine be somewhat dormant for a while now, but they are poking through the soil of hope into the atmosphere of reality.  I am cautiously optimistic yet my spirit can't help but get stirred up at the thought that things are starting to germinate.
 
When my friends think of me, I doubt "patient" comes to mind first. I love to jump in and get things started, then push to see them grow and bloom hot-house style. However, forcing results ahead of their time yields less than flavorful fruit.
 
Now I see the seedlings of the new ministry start to grow up and turn toward the Son in praise. There is a divine energy at work here, separate from anything I bring to the process. The prayers and willingness i laid out have been anointed by the Spirit, and are birthing opportunity.
 
As I walk in this garden that slumbers, I hear You call to me. "Child, slow down. Let me prune away the worthless and leave the eternal. Let Me grow this in My time and you just enjoy the growth process we are embarking on together. Remember, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.'" (^{John 15:16 (NIV)} Remember that I am the Vine, you are the branch. As I grow the offering of this ministry, I also grow you. You will both be rooted and built up in Me."
 
Yes, Lord. Help me savor the working of the soil, the careful bathing of these seeds with care and petition. Help me thoroughly relish every moment of the growth that only Your Spirit can coax. Then, by the mystery of Your perfect timing and nurturing, let this offering flourish under Your hand and may I be blessed enough to witness the wonder of it, breathless. After all, You are the Master Gardener. You make all things beautiful in Your time.
Two storm fronts are about to hit each other here. The trick will be to remember that He is at work under the snow. His hand is at work in the beige winters of our lives.
 
 

The plans are being made, the camper readied,the time set aside. And I'm exhausted. Do you ever pour so much of yourself out into something that, when you do want to create, there is little left? That was me this last few weeks. This is my chance. I may just pack all my painting supplies and just...paint. And maybe take one book besides my Bible. Sometimes you have to seize the trip for one purpose. For me it will be to rest in my love of painting; it is my chroma-therapy and my act of worship unlike any other. My heart just did a flip. That is a good sign. No, that is a great sign.

Cabin fever has officially set in. I am ready to get out of town. Where do you go when this happens to you? What do you do if budget, time and distance are slightly limiting? When I lived in California, my favorite thing to do was drive to Carmel and walk into all the great shops there. I would enjoy art, delicious food and then walk down to sit on the pristine white sand. The view of the water and sunshine on my face are a bit distant in memory now that I am in cold and snowy Colorado. It is about time for a family camping trip me thinks! Any suggestions?
 
 

Last year just about broke me. A dream I had for over ten years ended in heartbreaking disappointment. Also, a retinal disease I've had since childhood was stealing my peripheral and night perception. I was literally developing tunnel vision and not able to see the big picture around me. The loss was expected. The choice to stop driving added a sense of despair to the grief. With all the fabricated maturity I could muster, I prepared to attend a training program for the blind. The icing on this bitter cake? The only bus route nearby had to cut most of its trips. I had to walk or carpool anywhere I wanted to go and my son did as well. My Provider was generous, but my spirit felt numb.
 
Solitude, depression and confused prayer followed. Then the Light pierced my darkness and called me out of that disillusionment into victory. I needed a mountain moved, so my will yielded, and my prayers got much bigger. I implored that if He wanted me to serve Him legally blind, I would. If I was to travel, speak and be active in the community, He alone could move my Everest. Through a steady diet of Scripture, His comfort, and a healthier lifestyle, my vision and heart condition improved. To drive again is to spread my wings anew, to desire to encourage others is my new mission. You see, my perception was wrong due to my perspective. Oh, the power of perspective over perception! It is a vision of a different kind entirely.