Uphill idealist

Image found at sfk.co.uk "If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." ~Vincent Van Gogh There are voices that try at times attempt to dissuade us from the hopes, dreams, and joyful things in our lives. Sometimes I call those voices "gremlins" to help remind me not to play into, feed or water them too much. Don't let those voices (internal or otherwise) keep you from what you are called to do. Stopping them is as simple as taking Van Gogh's advice. Go out and do what the voices say you can't - and you win. The world wins too. And - as it should be - the gremlins loose. (Or at least you get them out of the drivers seat.)

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

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 f...

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 ...

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

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

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 happ...