Here are a few of the photos I've snapped for my projects in the MAD (Music Art and Dance) School at YWAM…. (in no particular order)
This one was supposed to capture the story I want to tell with my work. I'm certain that with all my art I want to portray the beauty of God's creation, and to show people how beautiful they truly are.
This was a shot to represent my favorite song… which is HoppÃpolla by Sigur Rós. You should listen to it.
In this one, I was using two different techniques in Photoshop… one I taught the class, and one that was taught by another student…
These two were working with color filters… and the color meanings. Red represents passion, valor and love….maybe? Yellow, joy and truth…
This one was working with a team from the fine art track, and we had to compose a photograph to post on social media, with a message/caption that was well thought-out. As a group, we captioned this: "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads." -Henry David Thoreau
In this one, we talked about storytelling and perspective… I chose Alice in Wonderland. (did you guess?)
On Thursday afternoon, a few of us drove up into the mountains to try and catch the sunset… and we did. Eventually. We also got caught up in the storm clouds and rain, which was a lot of fun. It was great to see another part of this beautiful country we're in.
Currently, late is about 10pm. Most people and activities on base here at YWAM Brisbane start to wind down around 9pm. A lot of people are up pretty early in the mornings, and almost everyone has very full days. So, currently, its thunder storming (again! yay!) and I'm sitting in my bunk bed (bottom bunk for this old one) typing away while the other ladies in my room are settling in for the night.
Today has been a long day. We had a stomach bug going around over the weekend, and about half of the base was sick Sunday- thankfully, I didn't have any issues. But, due to that, we've all had some rough nights. Its hard to share a room with 12 girls, 6 of whom are sick most of the night. So this morning I woke up exhausted. Wanting to just sleep a little longer, and to not have to think.
But that's not life. Thankfully, after lunch, I was able to come back to my room and have a little over an hour to lay down. I crashed out so deeply, that I woke, not sure where I was, or what I was doing. But it was one of those naps that made me unsure if it was better or worse I took it.
On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, we have our art focus classes. I felt like a bump on a log at mine. Completely void of inspiration or a voice that could say anything coherent.
Just mentally, physically and spiritually drained today.
And that's okay. Those sorts of days come. And they go. We spent some time singing and worshipping tonight, and I forget the song, I apologize- but the chorus was emphasizing the need to wait on Christ. And I just had this thought…
One of the scariest things about all of this… of me leaving, and coming here, doing what I'm doing…is that I will get to the end, and still be the same. That nothing will have changed. That I have no further plan for the future… I don't want to get to next year, and be in the exact same spot.
Now, do I really believe that will be the case? I don't think I do… but its easy to freak myself out if I think to deeply, or try to rush the next 5 months passed.
And I just had this reassuring picture of a train stop. (we travel a lot by trains and buses here.) You get to the train station, and, sometimes, you just have to wait for the next train, be it in 20 minutes, or an hour. Sure, you could hop on a different one, from a different platform… but will that really get you to your destination? I could try to find a bus. Or walk- but, honestly, I'm probably not wearing the correct shoes for that… and the buses are confusing. I have to just sit. And wait. For the right train.
How like my life is that. I trust that the correct train is coming at the correct time it is scheduled for… and right now? In life, I have to place my trust on the Lord that He has my story in order, and will send the next train when its ready.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Yeah... not talking earwax... what I'm listening to and stuff... unless you want to have a conversation about earwax...
Ben Howard- Every Kingdom
I recommend the first track Old Pine- but its a good album all around.
Head and the Heart- Lets Be Still
I just purchased this one the other day... but I love The Head and the Heart- and they remind me of my sister Val.
This guy, Luke Parker. During one of our creative times during our photography focus class his song, Selah played- and I absolutely loved it… I recommend.
There is so much in my heart and head currently… and, at the same time, I'm fairly peaceful. Classes and lectures here are going smooth. I am a bit further along in life than most of the other students (not that I don't have plenty to hear and learn!) so most of the lessons are really good reminders of things I am very aware of.
Its a good time to look deep into my heart and to really focus on what I know and believe about God. To see what my relationship with Him is truly based on. I'm definitely seeing that there are really big areas where I need a lot of work. I am stubborn, and independent- I hate to ask for help. From friends, from God. Its hard for me to relinquish control… So, we're working on that.
Being here is good. I am surrounded daily with people who are on similar journeys. God has brought some wonderful ladies into my life- people I am able to connect and talk with. I have a full schedule, but also plenty of down time. Time to be creative. To study. To think and pray.
This past weekend I made it to the coast with some friends… and gosh, I love the ocean. I could take the same photo, 100x and love each and every one of them as though they were different. (does that make sense!?)
