Thought for The Day - Open and Discretion

"The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace..." I Corinthians 14: 32, 33

A prophet, by definition is a messenger of God's, not usually subject or under obedience of man. He serves man by serving God, telling man what God would have them know. But he isn't a puppet dancing on a string, neither is he prone to moments of being "overwhelmed." He or she is to be a person who remains "open."

I have often wondered if "everyone" has this sense of "openness;" for me, it's a sense that the world is larger than my neighborhood, nation or planet. I have felt this sense I was small, that there is a world more intricate than the veins of my body and that there are details of life that only God will reveal...in time. I'm fortunate, I'm blessed; I see things in people - the height of God's creation - that others don't. I see emotions and thoughts, patterns of behavior that speak of the glory of God. I have observed people in moments that speak of his power to love, and typically observed when the person is at their worst. I have also been inclined to talk with people, take time with "this" person, but not "that" one. Some people would find it hard to believe I hear some of the things shared with me. But in the grand scheme, we are woven together to form a great tapestry...

Discretion...there are times when I'm listening to someone's story. when I want to interject, I want to stop them, but choose not to. And in similar times, but other circumstance, I interrupt and provide insight that I know has to come from beyond my ability to reason. Listening...above and to my peers...observing...responding and speaking...

Thought for The Day - Shhh! We're Talking Now!

A Rhythm of Her Own 18 x 24 pastels

We say it, dance it, arrange it in prose. Many say it in strange colors and images and you tilt your head and say "my five year old could do that!" He does and you don't hear it still. The message continues to flow and your ears are full of wax: a combination of your sweat and oil, the fruit of your labor limit your hearing. 

We write it in stories, sing it song, strum it on a guitar and yet your dull ears can't perceive a thing! When we put it on the large or small screen, if isn't scintillating, you turn away, far too accustomed to sensationalism, without truth. But we say it again, and again, and again.

It is our mission to repeat phrases, reuse words, splash the dullness of lives with the brightness of reds, yellows and ebonies! We have been tasked to bring messages to this world, to get your attention, to change your mind! And though you try to ignore us, we are clearly seen and heard by those with a yearning to know. Those whose hearts have been broken, whether the offense is minor or major, yet they ache for healing...those are the one's who perceive. 

Our work is never done because there will always be one or two or many who don't get it. And we continue, from generation to generation, declaring this good news.

Are you ready to listen?

Thought for The Day - Really? What is it?

It's a tremor, a quiver felt from shoulder to shoulder.

It's a picture, hiding just behind the stark white of the paper or the canvas

It's a color or pattern or texture, built by layer upon layer, pleading for expression in this realm

It's a theme, a subject, a title yet revealed...

The creative process; when intention takes me to the border of this world and the unseen,

My hand is the tool, carving out colors from that other place.

When I allow my mind to cross that line, to sit, to stand in front of those flat surfaces and scratch that paper, energy and light coming through, it is my pleasure to be the delivery man of this beautiful message.

Do you understand it? Is the message clear? Or do you need a name, a title or designation to handle the simple words your soul clearly understands?