Tag Archives: two books

Two Book Retreats – the Bridges Class

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willybridgeReaders of this blog will have seen posts about the two books of revelation, nature (general revelation) and scripture (special revelation.)  I have started a small side business to promote the idea that we can explore nature artistically and spiritually.  The website is here: Two Book Retreats

Together with an artist, Nancy Macgregor, we will offer the class “Bridges along the Yahara River” which combines learning how to do watercolor sketches with an appreciation of this natural setting in central Madison and an opportunity for spiritual reflection.

Further information is available here – Bridges Class

The Side Rock Cafe – my Smoky Mountain retreat

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a quiet place in the Smoky Mountains

a quiet place in the Smoky Mountains

 

I have a restful week in the Smoky Mountains as part of a Sabbath Rest gathering.  One of my activities was to stop and look at the world so check out my watercolor sketches here .

This sketch is from along a hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains – I did not get to the big falls, but had a pleasant lunch at my own personal “Side Rock Cafe.”

I plan to do some exploring of this theme here at Fresh Read – while we are not under the legal regulations of the Sabbath, we continue to have the invitation, which we can take at any time where the Lord says, “just stop and spend some time with me, with my words and works.”

If you are in Madison and want to try a local version, Two Book Retreats will be offering a class this June and July along the Yahara River – see the link here.

 

Two Books

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Yahara River

 

Fresh Read is about reading the Biblical Text freshly, looking and listening to take in what the text is saying.  I have recently started Two Book Retreats which has as its goal to explore the book of nature and the book of scripture through various art forms.  So if you are interested in that check out the web site and the Facebook Page

We are currently in the middle of a watercolor class that explores the Yahara river that runs along just across the street from my office.  The Text we will explore this week is Psalm 19.  This psalm transitions from the book of nature to the book of scripture and then to the response to the Lord by the psalmist.

Psalm 19

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

“She loved Psalm 23 – everyone does!”

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ps23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will be leading a memorial service for a woman who used to dress up to watch her church’s worship service on TV.  When i asked about favorite scriptures the answer was, “She loved Psalm 23. Everyone does!”

  • What is it about Psalm 23?
  • It is simple – only 117 words in the NKJV.
  • It is personal – notice all the 1st person pronouns.
  • It covers hard situations – the shadow of death.
  • It is present and eternal –  v. 6.
  • It means that the Lord will never let us slip out of his hands.

  The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.