A new day for the Artist, Monk, & Mystic

Image found at Fuse Visual Arts News Blog . Bruce Nauman. The True Artist Helps the World by Revealing Mystic Truths. (Window or Wall Sign). 1967. Neon with glass tubing suspension frame.

The artist looks out to see
what the world will speak -
and listens carefully with a purpose.
Focusing, showing and sharing the
beauty of dew covered spiderwebs,
the hardship of an elderly neighbor,
and the babbling brook of possibility
at each days dawn.

The Monk is kneading bread
that rose with the sun and clangs
around the kitchen, drinking coffee,
waiting for the bread to rise.
Using his hands and heart he
follows his instincts and mind to
commune with God and invites others
to come and break bread too.

Early light breaks and the mystic
takes note - but stays focused on
dreams and wonder she's
pondered all night. Birds chirp,
seeming to ask what new thing has
been revealed in the twilight.
She smiles at their song, knowing
her time to sing is coming soon.

Copyright T.L.Eastman March 2012

First steps to wholeness

I've been running and jogging for about five years and my husband is currently in the process of learning to run with the help of the online resource, Couch to 5k. This is the same program I used four years ago. What's interesting about our running is that we are not what some might think as prime candidates for the sport. We are sturdy folks. However, running has proved to be a help for both of us to reach healthier fitness goals.

If it helped us in this way, why couldn't help others too?

Here's a photo of me finishing my first 5k August of 2008:



Summer 2009 I heard the founder of Back on my feet speak to over 30,000 youth at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Anne Mahlum took action on an idea to using running as a practical tool to fight homelessness and addiction and it's now become her life's work.

First Covenant Church, Zion Covenant, and First Lutheran of Jamestown (where I work) have a combined mission called, First House. It's a home for men working through various addiction problems. This program is fashioned to help people in recovery set up healthy priorities for life with the help of God.

A light bulb went off for me when I remembered "Back on my feet" and I went running downtown this week. Could a running program be a needed mission to help the men in the house? Could a running group help our congregations have a greater presence in the community? Could a group like this help all of us build a greater sense of community as well as becoming more physically active?

I'm not sure where this light bulb is headed, but I'll keep you posted. If you are in the Jamestown area, like running and would like to take part in a group working towards wholeness and healing - drop me a line @ eastman_tara@yahoo.com or simply leave a comment.

Philippians 3 12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Happy trails!
T

A video encased hug...

is all you need to keep on chugging along in life.
A dear friend called me earlier today and said, "This new song by Jason Mraz is for you". She had no idea how much I needed to hear it's message. I've posted it here, just in case you need a little encouragement today too...
"I Won't Give Up"
Studio Version -


Official Video -


"I Won't Give Up"

Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmm ...

When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not
And who I am

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Still looking up.

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

Acts for Lent: Making room for God and People

The challenge for week 1 of Lent with World Vision was to, "Sacrifice what surrounds you." I decided to tidy up a corner of my office and set up a prayer and reflection station for myself and others to use. I know that my office may not be located on Main Street, but I hope this space will be a place where folks will feel welcome to pause-pray-and draw closer to God.

If you are on Facebook and would like to follow along with the online group, join us here: ACT's Lenten Group.

Peace,
T

Local showing for Blue Like Jazz?

The long awaited, independently produced movie version of Donald Miller's book, "Blue Like Jazz" is going to be released on April 13th, 2012.


Before the movie is release, Donald Miller and Steve Taylor will be touring to promote the film. To view this tour cities, click here.

It's my hope that through some local connections to media and a local theater, that 'Blue like Jazz' the movie will be able to come to Jamestown NY.
If you are interested in helping to make this happen or commit to attend a local showing - please post a comment below.

Let's keep the Jazz rolling.
T

Monday meditation: Crossroads

Image from Martin Liberman. To view his other work or contact him click or here visit "(C) by www.martin-liebermann.de"

Jeremiah 6:16
"Thus says the Lord, stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for ancient paths:where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls."

I will be thinking and praying my way through this verse this week as part of reading "The Artists Rule". This verse seems to be waving hello to me every time I turn around. When I read it yesterday, it took my breath away - and that reaction makes me think there is a great deal to unpack in the above words.

What do you do when you find yourself at a crossroads?
How do you decide which direction to move? - Flipping a coin, listening to your gut?

Here is a quote from "The Artists Rule" about the work of transition, that really struck me...
"We must disrupt old ways, shattering the planes upon which we have unwittingly built lives that do not bring us happiness, the fulfillment, the transcendence for which we hunger. We need not turn our back and run to the monastery; rather we must turn toward the world, our lives, our work, our community, our loves ones, in a new way. - Paul Wilkes"

As I begin to process - or have this verse (and this quote) work on me, here is my initial reaction:
"Look far enough ahead to see where to step next, but not so far that you lose footing where you are." T.E.

Part of me wishes the response were bolder: Part of me wants to charge forward into the whatever with abandon...but there is something about having sure footing that I need right now.

In between
T.L. Eastman

One foot here - one foot there - still moving...
to the place where the paths might meet,
greet each other warmly
and take steps together.
Their journey being richer for each others perspective and experience.
Unity can be achieved, even if the ingredients of life are a mixed bag.

A new green hat

Cozy, warm and colorful.
Will you help to hold good ideas and thoughts close to my brain?
Will your bright colors keep an optimistic perspective close?
Will warm ears help me to listen more and speak less?

Soft, thick and comforting.
Can your woven strands help me keep it together?
Can the fleece lining remind me to be more gentle?
Can your depth remind me not to fall into shallow stuff?

New, thrifty and courageous.
Please help me be aware of the potential opportunities out there.
Please keep me aware that money isn't the answer to everything.
Please me to stand tall and proud on behalf of what really matters.

New, striped, green, hat -
it's amazing what you can find on a clearance rack if you look for it.

T.L. Eastman "March 2012"