Friday, December 17, 2010

"Mea Culpa!" or, Art Project, Part II

Okay, so I've sort of abandoned the Jesse tree. Sad day!

As it turns out, painting an ornament a day and writing a devotion for each of those days of Advent leading up to Christmas has proven just a bit too much for me this year, on top of two degree programs packed with final projects in the middle of the Advent season. However, fret not! Many of the ornaments are finished, and--with only one degree program next year--I should have enough to post every day in Advent. As a matter of fact, I may just write them in July and set them to post in December, just to get a jump on the game.

And speaking of final projects, my art piece came out of the gas kiln today. I wrapped it up with some gold acrylic paint in the eyes, and then epoxied a small piece back on that had fallen off. Then we photographed it.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you my first ceramics art piece (go easy on me), Put Your Hands Into the Earth. If you're curious about the title, it comes from a Wendell Berry poem.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.






Peace,

Joshua

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Jesse Tree, Days 4, 5, and 6: Catching Up

Okay, so I haven't been so good at keeping you up-to-date on devotions. I'm currently in Kansas City for the weekend, and I've been pretty busy with seminary.

Let me catch you up on the Jesse Tree. I won't post full devotions; just a quick word and a scripture link.

Day 4: Noah's Ark


Theme: The Flood/The sin of violence
Scripture: Genesis 6:11-22, 7:17-8:12, and 20:9-17.

Day 5: The Covenant with Abraham


Theme: "Look toward the heavens and count the stars...So shall your descendants be."
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-7 and 15:1-6.

Day 6: The Offering of Isaac



Theme: Sacrifice/Provision
Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19.
***
Prayer of the Day
from Common Prayer, by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro

Lord, keep us from trying to distinguish between the deserving and the undeserving poor. Help us work to alleviate suffering and injustice wherever we find it, trusting that the rest is up to you. Amen.

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you wherever he may send you; May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm; May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you; May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors. Amen