The Mountains still Surround Jersusalem

In the Italian renaissance period The bottega system ruled the art production of Florence and the other surrounding societies. The interesting thing about this system of production was conformity and the passing on of traditions.

You see, the way a new artist was trained, was by the boy becoming an apprentice to a master who would provide for him and train him in return for his work in the bottega. The training would involve copying the master's drawings, then after that copying and drawing, on would draw from paintings and works of art in the churches or public art collections of the city of Florence or whatever town they happen to be in. Not until you became an advance student or a master would one even dream nude studies. The works of art in the renaissance many times were all very similar for this reason. Because all the artist were trained one after the other with the same basic techniques, the same patterns and works of art, and were generally required to complete the same subjects over and over due to the all encompassing Catholic church at this time.

So it is no wonder why art history can be so challenge for those without a keen eye for many of these images have very slight differences, but when you start placing them in a line you can see a gradual progression from this to that which happened slowly over many decades and through the contribution of hundreds of artists. And yet today we live in a modern society that thrives on creating that which was never created before, that which looks nothing like anything else, or is made for the mere fact of how cool or awesome it was to make it. Back then artist didn't have the luxury of being able to just create and sell. Instead they had to sell themselves with each commission they received in order to receive another. Artist were poor, they hardly received a paycheck for their work after paying for supplies, living quarters, food, and assistants. But art was continued to be produced, and still is, and will be for long to come.

This little dive into history can show us many things. It can show us that over time and contribution many together can grow and create something that becomes beautiful, but sometimes the road is not easy, or fair, or even right. also it should be known that the bottega system began to fall apart after a few centuries. It fell apart for many reasons, but one of the main reasons was individuality. Individuality also has many great qualities of not always following a trend, getting more perspectives, and not always having to rely on others. But individuality tends to help things to just get more muddled and people begin to drift apart.

But it should be remembered that in Israel's history their were many ups and downs. they went this way and that and traveled from one land to another, But always they were god's people. And always the mountains continued to surround Jerusalem. And always God surrounded them with a special relationship that the other nations had little understanding of.

Many times as an artist I feel disconnected from reality, many times I just don't understand why you can't do that or don't understand this or that. But that's the case with each of us. In each of us there are things that we understand or see from a certain perspective that few if any others do like a modern artist. But at the same time we live with others and communicate with them and we still have that communication and struggle and building up and tearing down of each other toward a common goal whether we realize it or not (just like the Workshops in the Renaissance). And their is a battle between the individual and the body that we continually fight with for control. But we must remember that the mountains still surround Jerusalem, whether were alone or in a great multitude. For God Loves Each of us, and in each of us their is room for the individual and the collective group, as long as God takes center stage and and we go to him in the mountains in stead of waiting in the valley and as long as we live and grow together and keep our hands free to help our neighbor up when he or she falls then together we can stand and rely and lift each other up.

Green Eggs and Ham

Did you ever have green eggs and ham?
as child I can remember our elementary teachers doing a Dr. Seuss Unit which included a day of us all trying Green eggs and ham. I of course would not stand to try it, not because of the green coloring, but because I despised eggs and didn't care for ham as well.

But why don't I like eggs or why do some people get queasy when their food turns green?

Well Why did God choose the Israelites and not the Moabites, or the Egyptians to develop a special relationship with?

Why do we do anything?

Well I am reminded of these things when reading Gen. chapter 10. In which recounts the genealogies of Ham Shem and Japeth after the Flood. and One would suspect that God would say something or denote this son or any other number of things to make his future line clear. Or perhaps he Choose the eldest son? well looking back a few chapters in 5:32 in states that when Noah was 500 years old he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japeth. Well why all lumped together? it's three sons so they could not all be born separately and Noah still continue to be 500 years old. But also you would think that it would say something like it did with Cain and Able if they were triplets... But besides that if you continue a little farther in Chapter 9 Noah plants and grows a Vineyard and becomes drunk (which by the way is the first indication of either of these activities though perhaps wine or something was created before the Flood since it had not rained... but hten again it hadn't rained...) Well what does it say in 9:22

"And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the naked ness of his father, and told his two brothers outside."

It even flat out says the father of Canaan which is then reiterated in chapter 10. then read down a few more verses...

9:25-27

"So he (NOAH) said, Cursed be Canaan; a Servant of Servants He shall be to his brothers..."

Then you read these genealogies... Yes it's longer, yes it's more detailed, but no their is no indication of it being a portion of God's Chosen people. And it's quite the opposite. The beginning chapters make Ham's descendants appear inferior, childish, and cursed. They are destined to become servants and thus they later became.

So what does this mean to us? It means look around you, look at the past, look at yourself. Yes perhaps your not the strongest, the greatest, or anyhting spectacular, but you are still a human. You are still created in God's Image, And even a cursed people like Israel that faced many things in there existence. God has a knack and a gift and a desire to hang on to, to love, and cherish those less fortunate, the cursed, and the deprived. So count it a blessing that life is no simple easy train ride; for pain is how we grow, time is how we measure what is important in our lives, and Our actions and thoughts is how we show others ourselves despite our Green eggs and ham that is buried behind us.

Tension

It's 11 weeks until I travel across the world to a country I've never seen, and only read and heard about. Part of me can't believe it's so soon, while the other still wonders partially if it really does exist.

but it reminds me of how similar we all are; just as people in Maine are similar to people from Alaska and California and Florida. But in the same way we are no different than those in Europe, or Italy, or even Haiti. Like the paper I am writing now, the people 500 years ago are no different than those living today or the cavemen that the Gieko commercials are imitating.

Why do we seem so different? Why do we feel so strange or disconnected with them?

I think we are just unsure what to make of their customs, their beliefs, and their language. We think they are different or wrong in some way when in fact how do we not know we are the ones that are wrong?

This reminds me of something we talked about in bible class today. The gentiles were not being accepted by the Jews in the early Christian church because the Jews wanted them to be Jews first then Christian just as they had (acts 15). Well Christ died not just for the Jews but for the gentiles as well. Just as in Psalms 72 and Amos 9:11-15 it talks about the Davidic kingdom ruling the world or bringing back god's greatness on the earth. It is a vision of the best possible scenario.

It makes me see through the history of Isreal how taking advice from the outside world and trying to use it to better our own selves or societies just ends in making things worse. Instead we should listen for God and and read his word and not take things at face value. Just as Israel wanted a King so too do we long for our king. But we must remember the differences in perspective. The Israelite King was one to help shine it's light through the nations and failed. we wait for our king who is the light, but we must all help share the light for there is no glory in being alone!

What Changed

VBS song I learned today:


hello, *clap clap*
again! *clap clap*
were here with all our friends *clap clap*
its good, *clap clap*
so good *clap clap*
to praise the lord and sing together
hallelujah *clap*
hallelujah to our king

its so good to be together,
and say hello again

(repeat and speed up each time)



In bible class this morning we talked about the stoning of Stephen. In chapter 6, it tells how he became one of the 7 selected to help the widows that were being overlooked cared for. later on it tells how (verse 8 and following) that members of the Sanhedrin rose up and argued with him, but were unable to cope with his wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking, but later in verse 13 it tells how they brought forth false witnesses against him after he was brought before the council. then in chapter 7 he gives his famous and very well put story, beginning with Abraham and then working to Jesus and then putting on them. but the main thing this morning was in verse 57, 58, and 8:1 it says in verse 57 and 58 that "they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and rushes upon him with one impulse. And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul." then in 8:1 "And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death."

and I started to think about how things are in chronological order. now Idk exactly how long its been. but it hasnt been more than a year or two for sure I would say since christ's death. and what I found interesting or made me think was about how different stephen's death and Jesus's deaths were and yet were very similar. they both were brought before the sanhedrin with very much the same with basically the same charges, and false witnesses. But Jesus said very little in his defense, and Stephen spoke a lot (not that it's really that important or even still the main point that made me think)

The thing that made me think was how they died and when. Jesus was brought to the Roman authorities because in John 18:31 it says that the Jews said they were not permitted to put anyone to death.

So what changed? these are the same men mostly I'm assuming, same charges for the most part, same circumstances and same basic things at stake. So why did they go ahead and kill this man, in a somewhat impulse move?

I don't really know the answer... or even really had a clue... it just made me wonder what had changed and how much pressure the Christians had put on them by just doing things differently...

and if anyone has any information or idea or anything I'd love to hear them.. but I just found it interesting and hope you did as well.



this is first song that played randomly when I turned on my computer and I haven't hear it in years, and it really just made me happy after a mood of seeing kids smile and learn about God. Hope the words can do the same for you.

Everyone's Happy by GH

(chorus)
everyone's happy. (cause) Everyone's free
to do what you like
and to do as you please
you sit in your homes
and you watch your tvs
but you're always to busy
to think about me

I stood along beneath a lonely sky
with nothing to eat
as the tables passed me by
they say I'm crazy
and they tell me that I lie
but no one can listen
if no one can hear
You'd rather smile
than to show any fear

(Chorus)

Some of my friends
were prostitutes and thieves
Yeah sin is sin, you see different degrees
but ti my father
your just killing me
at least they would listen
to what they'd hear
but you'd rather smile
than to show any fear

(chorus)

oh I was beaten
and blood ran down besides
whipped and chained
to take my pride
and when it was over
I allowed myself to die
so maybe you'd listen
and maybe you'd hear
but you'd rather smile
then to show any fear

(chorus 2xs)

Late Night Wish

I was cleaning up my computer and ran across an old poem/art project that I did last fall. So sit back and I hope you enjoy my "Late Night Wish"



Night One

The long day is over
You have one wish
To be under covers
That you’re going to miss

Your roommate is sleeping
But you’re at the desk

You type and you type
Going without rest

You moan and you study
Going nowhere
You push and you pull
Your mind every which way

The moonlight is shrinking
And the sun warms the sky

And you remember your homework
Sitting nearby

You grab it once more
And read it out loud
Hoping you might
Do your best once more

A test is next week
But that’s far away

But don't think about it now
You’ve got to get this
All in your head

Be productive
And write your memoir

You've got to finish studying

To make the final score
And save that late night wish
To help you soar
Behind your eyes
To see no more

On that fateful night you’ve
Been waiting for



Afternoon

It’s just a bit later
On that fateful day
The long night is over
But the day just began

With a few heavy sighs
And the wink of an eye
My mind starts to wander
Of the days gone by

I remember the castles
And stories once told

Of dragons
And wizards
In a fairytale world

It once captivated
My young little brain
But now it’s just a dream
Where I wander there and back again

With my teacher talking
And my friend sitting nearby
Or that fellow up font with the purple necktie
You would think I could keep
My mind from unwinding

But the past
And the stories
That once were told
Seem much better than
The actual real world

So despite, my lifeless state
I’m still captivated
And ready to create

For my mind keeps reeling
In this dreaming state
But I still wish I had gotten
A few more hours
Away in my bed

Night Two

The sun begins to set
On this continuing day
My eyes begin to fall
And my thoughts begin to sway

The lights begin to dim
And the stars blink away
But it’s but twice another day

My hands won’t get to stop
Because the teachers keep assigning
And the day is hard to keep fighting

It’s going to be another long night
Without a flight of imagination
And sleep out of sight

A test is next week
But that’s far away

But don't think about it now
I’ve got far more
Floating in my head

Here is a paper
And a reading to do
O look it’s supposed to pour
If only I wanted it too

It’s the college life
Where I paid to be

I’ve got a full plate
And a long night it would seem

So perhaps I’m crazy
But this ain’t easy
And the distant future’s hard to see

But if you just keep focus
And don’t find this a sham

You can see through
My late night command

And make it to
Your own fairytale land

It's Only a Step, but Stretches a Great Span

40 years ago today we touched the moon. 40 years ago the impossible became possible as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. From that moment on Neil's name went down in history along with his famous phrase: "One small step for man, One giant leap for mankind" but what made this moment possible? Was it not the numerous calculations, work, and everything going correctly. Just the same, we live we work and we strive to achieve a leap for mankind. It is not because we can, but because we want to, we have too. We always seek to know, to learn, to understand, to explore. We all eat, breathe, drink, and are human. We are all human and part of humankind, but more importantly part of this world, and yet we are separate. What makes the human different from the animal? Could it be our connection to God? Are we the only species that believes in the afterlife. What makes us different? or are we truly as different as we think?

We as a country reached the moon, we as a country unite under one flag, we as Christians unite under a loving and just God. We as Christians took a step, and made our commitment to God. We as Christians took one giant leap of faith and gave our lives. We died to this world we call home for the eternal one. We entered into an embrace with the father, just as the world embraced these heroes we remember on this day. Just as these men's loving families wepted with joy and embraced their loved ones when they reached the earth, So Christ and the Father will do when we reach Heaven.

So remember this day. Remember it as a day when man achieved the once impossible. But it is a day in the past, one of great importance that shows how far we have come. But look forward to the future, to the heavenly mansion, to a day of far more importance and celebration.

Refresh

It's been a long time since High school. It feels just like yesterday I was traveling the halls among my friends and life was much different. The world was smaller, everything seemed so far away, and everything we seemed not to matter in the long run. But these days life is different. The world is larger, with so many possibilities and choices to be made, and every choice has a bearing on where you decide to end up. Choices is the truth of life. You can choose anything, but its with what you can live with, what you want, or what can happen. Life is now quickly changing from the comfortable surreal world of the comfortable home we've grown in, to that of a large expanse with roads leading everywhere and a plethora of questions.

"I'm no longer in Kansas"
In two years schools over, the real world begins, and it will more than likely completely disconnect me from most if not all of my high school connections. In two years The surreal world ends and another one begins to be created. We are creatures of habit, we love routine, and more than likely many of you I'll never see again. I challenge all of you to not always stay in routine your entire life, for what is a life with no adventure or without following your dreams. To all of you if I see you again please take the opportunity to say hi, don't forget to introduce yourself. I will miss many of you in the years to come, and I hope many of you I can stay in contact with. But this is a post about where I am in life. I'm on the verge of transformation. I'm on the verge of the real world. I'm on the verge of leaving the surreal. Life moves fast I realize that now, but I've been lucky enough to enjoy it. I've been lucky enough to be able to slow down and enjoy it with friends and I am thankful for the friends I have made. But I'm looking to the future and I know things will change and I know new memories and friends will be made and I can't wait to embrace the future, but I want to take it slowly one step at a time to enjoy all I can.