Uphill idealist

Image of my painting, "Ripples" . When taking classes at my local college a few years ago, I noticed a sign on my mentor's wall with the sketch of a rolling river on it. The quote on it was in Polish, so I had to ask him what it said. He would smile and say, "You can't push the river." This phrase has stuck with me since then. There are currents in life that can help progress move along or halt it; depending on if you work with the flow or fight against it. It's not that this quote is calling for us to flow aimlessly with whatever current you happen to be swimming in; but to think creatively about how to work with what you've got to get where you want to be. Earlier today, a friend shared another quote with me. She said, "You can always turn over the stones." If you put these two quotes together, I think you find a statement to live by. "You can't push the river, but you can always turn over the stones." Move with creativity a...

Family friendly devotional activities for Holy Week Make these cookies with your kids and use the cookies to help talk to them about Jesus Resurrection! My mom was terrific at making any holiday season special. We would color Easter eggs, prepare a fantastic meal, make up thoughtful and fun Easter baskets and help to make wonderful memories in my childhood. One of our Easter traditions was to make "Overnight cookies". These cookies are simple and tasty recipes that help to tell the story of Easter. Once they were prepared, cooked and left in the oven overnight, my Mom would tell the story of Jesus' Resurrection with the help of these hollow treats. (See recipe below.) In preparation for holy week I collected some scriptures, activates and devotional resources to share with the families at my church, and was happy to share them online too. I hope these devotions help you to pause and take notice of God throughout this busy holiday and make some great family memories of you...

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