Passion and Resurrection

This week we celebrate the central proclamation of Christianity: "For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received--that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Artists have, of course, presented that truth visually throughout the history of the church. More recently it has been portrayed memorably in film. For all of their power, however, recent films on the life and death of Christ risk limiting our imagination and hindering our contemplation. We see the vision of the director, perhaps, but we too easily idolize Jesus in the face of some actor. On the other hand, the collective insight of generations of artists may enhance our theological reflection, helping us to ponder the cross in all of its mystery and splendor. This Easter week, take some time to sit quietly before multiple images of the cross. You can enjoy those in one of our favorite books, or even online through this wonderful article by Joseph Phelan.

He is risen! Have a delightful Easter.

Laying Yourself in the Way of Allurement

The Trinity Arts Conference (www.trinityartsconference.com) takes place in Dallas on June 15-18, 2006. We are big fans of Kim Alexander and her partner who make this phenomenal event happen. It is on the beautiful grounds of University of Dallas.

This year's conference is "All Things." From the informational brochure: "Art binds us to this world as it is...Come and explore the unique potential of artists to love all things...as they are...The conference draws filmmakers, journalists, actors, writers, poets, composers, visual artists, dancers, and musicians." If you do not find yourself in one of those categories but love hanging out with those who do, then this conference is perfect for you.

There is a price break for registration before May 15. Check out the website. God will delight you with His presence through the winsome creative gifts.
Joni and Bob

Ears Wide Open

The husband and I were looking for a unique evening to celebrate 19 years of marriage. It is good to shake things up a bit, so we studiously avoided the default plan of dinner and a movie. Our weekend magazine in the newspaper had listings of happenings around town. We plunged in to try something different.

We went to the local university to hear the finals of the Texas Guitar Festival. Classical guitar students from all over the world competed to win the coveted first prize. God gave us an anniversary gift of delight. We had front and center seats for a mesmerizing performance by the three top finalists. The Austrailian played with comedy and spirit. The Venezuelan brought fire and passion. The Spaniard demonstrated flawless technique. The notes burst from their guitars and swirled around the concert hall. The music made our evening magical.

Your local schools and universities are excellent avenues for experiencing the creative arts of humanity. You can see and hear young artists who may someday be tomorrow's greats. You can celebrate the muse in us all. If you have no appreciation of visual art, performance art, music, or literature, look for courses at your community colleges or university. Get a CD series on classical music from your library. Attend the new opening of an art exhibit. Make an investment in these avenues of delight. For very little, if any cost, the return is the best!

God wrapped His gift of 19 years of marriage to a wonderful man in a gift of beautiful music. All made my heart soar.
Joni

You Should Have Been There

In addition to being a very nice guy, our new friend Stephen Nielson is a concert pianist, an elder in his local church, and an insightful conversation partner. We met with him last week to talk about the role of music in LifeSpace. We know that music, like visual art, needs to be more than an afterthought. Sometimes it needs to represent the leading voice, the integrating force of our thinking and presentation. But we are most comfortable around words. How might we honor the voice of music? How might we be changed by it? How might we use it for the glory of God?

Even though he sells CD's on his website, Stephen believes there is no substitute for live performance. How can music communicate? He sat at the Steinway grand for a demonstration.

Expansion . . . hope . . . joy's eternal increase -- Stephen took each idea, merged it with a melody, and filled the room with music.

You should have been there. Really. You should have been there, because I can't translate it back into words. We felt the texture of each note as the music washed over us. A CD would be lovely, but it could never be as fully sensual as that moment when the last note hung in the air and we all sat motionless, eyes closed, and breathed it in.

We promise to share. Something is incubating, but we do not yet know what it will be. In the meantime, find yourself some live music--unplugged--and let it speak.

Bob