[Jesus] said to [Mary], “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” John 19:26
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Mary at the Cross
I am not old. A bewildered mother
since conception who stored up
each moment. Now I will recall
the way you reached for me, a babe,
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Breath
Jesus, why are you
up here
with me, why
is our blood
mixing with dirt,
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Matt Durbin (c) 2014
mattdurbinart.com
The People Stood Watching
Come, see a man who told me everything
I ever did. A man who healed my eyes,
fed me bread he multiplied, poured my cup
of wine, washed my feet, called me out
Several years ago our church creative arts ministry offered an event called “7” — a self-directed art-walk focusing on the last seven words of Christ spoken from the cross. Similar to a prayer-walk, an art-work utilizes art to help you prayerfully meditate while walking through a series of stations. There were seven stations and at each was a banner with the words of Christ, a poem by author and poet Sarah M. Wells, and a painting by artist Matt Durbin.
We will be re-creating a “virtual” version of “7” through the Create-A-Day posts with poetry by Sarah and artwork by Matt paired with songs. Our hope is that these posts will prepare your hearts for Resurrection Sunday, help you consider the cost of Christ’s priceless gift, and worship Jesus more deeply during this blessed season. Continue reading
Easter Devotional and Creative Prompt (i.e., Challenge)
We are two weeks into Lent; Easter is only a month away. It’s important to journey through this season intentionally with your heart open to what the Holy Spirit has for you creatively. So take a deep breath, saying a prayer of openness, and move ahead letting Him move you as you read…
As you read the passage below, imagine the scene as part of a larger drama unfolding. Think of the setting (Ancient Israel; very early in the morning at sunrise; Springtime, chill still in the air), the plot (Mary finds tomb empty; brings Peter and John to investigate; they find it as she reported; the body of Jesus is missing), the characters (Mary Magdalene, angels, Jesus) and the dialogue (try to hear it as you read). Continue reading
We’ve spent the week exploring journaling. Hopefully as a creative you understand why this is important for you. If not, here’s two last articles on the benefits of journaling.
The first is an article by Rachel Grate from Art.Mic on the physical and emotional benefits of expressive writing: Continue reading
This week we are focusing on journaling. Today’s post is geared specifically towards writers and shows how journaling can help you with your writing process.
Mary Jaksch on Write to Done has two articles to help encourage the writer in you: Continue reading
Not only do I love how creatively this blog is designed, but the author Eren McKay gives lots of great ideas and practical resources for your journaling journey, as she discusses how to keep a prayer journal. She offers free printables and discusses why journaling is important for your life as a Christian and your study of God’s Word! Continue reading
Continuing our look into journaling this week, posting two articles today which reveal a different look at journaling. If yesterday’s ideas of journaling were a little too “loosey-goosey” for you, today’s are a bit more structured and organized. Ultimately, you have to find the style that works best for you, your ministry, and your creativity! Continue reading
We’ll spend the week looking at expressive writing, specifically through journaling. Perhaps you’ve thought about keeping a journal but never got around to it. Hopefully this week will inspire you to do so! Journals are good for artists of ALL genres!
Field Guide to Resisting Temptation
http://brevitymag.com/nonfiction/field-guide-to-resisting-temptation/
Today’s post is a perfect example of how an artist (in this case a writer of prose and poetry) can use his or her gift to help bring restoration, redemption and healing to others through their art form. In her piece entitled “Field Guide for Resisting Temptation,” Sarah Wells risks exposure of her own faults and failures to explore the fine line between flirtation and affair.
I am in the very beginning stages of writing my next book – about the healing journey of the artist and the artist as healer. This post and artwork touches on how God heals through the artistic process. It’s beautiful!
Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls; 2014; 29″ x 21″; watercolor.
There was a time in my life when I was stunned into silence. I unexpectedly received news of harm done to someone I love, two days later met the person who caused the harm face-to-face, and then several days after that received medical confirmation for my loved one of resulting lifelong disability.
It was too much, too fast. I shut down. People who cared deeply about me surrounded me, yet knew nothing of what was happening, or only bits and pieces. Grief penetrated like an arrow so deeply buried that even the shaft disappeared into the aching flesh of my heart. I stopped writing, and I stopped verbalizing anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary for some time after.
I understood why sometimes children cope with trauma by refusing to speak. For some things, there are no words. Painting, however, over the…
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Nurturing the Creative Spirit Within 