A definition of “artist” occurred to me tonight: someone who sees something which is “so obviously there” but which others will spend their whole lives trying to discover. Or perhaps once they discover…appreciate. In this light, the artist can be found in many contexts, trades, careers, and roles. When considered in spiritual terms, this seems quite parallel to discernment and faith. Perhaps that is why some of the most powerful crossroads in the human experience are where spirituality is expressed through art and the two merge in an explosion of worship through the senses. I would love to know if you have ever been surprised at finding yourself fitting the description of “artist,” and also how you have experienced the divine through artistic expression. I can give an example from tonight that led me to my definition. I was listening to Jon Foreman on earbuds while folding laundry as my wife fell asleep. His lyrics led me to see something otherwise unapparent to me. And I worshipped God.
Jonathan B. Hart 
Wait until your kids' art work is up on the refrigerator and when homemade Valentine's are made just for you. The best! And if we can't quite see the artistic representation she was going for, Kennedy will explain her reasoning. Smiles and affirmation!-Tanya and Chris
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It is very beautiful! I agree with Bama Tregres. I came home this past weekend to find a wonderful Valentine from Anya (our 6-year-old), it was so very touching!I have also found a very deep connection when it comes to science and God. It amazes me that there is so much order to God's creations; it is another way that testifies to me how real God is. It is amazing to discover more of how God works during the week, and then learn more of why God works during church, reading the Bible, and other activities. The probability that monkeys could bang random keys on a typewriter and produce Hamlet is so incredibly small that I cannot even begin to describe it…several orders of magnitude smaller than the distance between a proton and electron. To believe the entire universe, in its infinitely more complex workings than monkeys composing Hamlet is so incredibly tiny as to show with absolute clarity to me that God is real, and that God created the universe. Yet, there is a lot more to it than that. God gave us free will, and showed us the way to live, inviting all of us to follow. He also works incredible wonders in our lives, through many ways, including art, science, religion, and so forth.
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You can preach for me this Sunday, Sam.
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It does strike me from both of your comments the irony that we consider it our ability and responsibility to teach our children art when they often retain something we have lost. The ability of a child to express what they see or interpret amazes me and is often quite profound. Perhaps this artistic innocence is also parallel with faith. (Matthew 19:14)
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Very intriguing thought! I think you're on to something. That whole section, Matt 18-19, are very interesting to read.
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Child like and child ish are very different, right? When we read Bible passages as a family, I am humbled to stammer and pause to get my thoughts together to "explain" to her what we read. Then, I usually smile and end the exchange with, "yeah, i guess you got it. I never thought of it like that." The last time I had this complete thought was in grad school with a professor. Not unlike the 7 year old. I wonder who teaches and who learns. God is good-all the time. All the time.We are so grateful for her. When I told her about this blog and what we were saying, she wanted to 'show you" her collection of shells from when we watch the sunset, which is very,very often here! Maybe Chris can help me get her 3D "art" to you sometime!! Miss you guys! Have a great week-Tanya
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Child-like and childish are very different indeed! Thank you so much for sharing about you and Kennedy. I can't wait to see what incredible things come out of Noah's mouth (and Eden's) when their "pastor" dad reads Scripture to them. I am honored that you would share these blog thoughts with Kennedy. And I would LOVE to see the sea shells. Glad to be back home where the sun and the sea are tangible again. Miss your family too. Grace and peace.
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