Bringing back the inspiration . . .

So, it would seem that my new adventures in artistic inspiration continue- with a strong dose of the past firmly planted in the middle. The past few weeks brought together some wonderful memories of the past, and a brand new experience on stage!

Several years ago, there was a Christian coffeehouse where we enjoyed the music of many wonderful musicians and ministers. There were also some house groups that were formed over the years, one in particular was called The Doorkeepers. I was blessed to be a member of this group which sang and did skits at many area churches and events.

We recently held a get-together of those from the coffeehouse. The leader of the group surprised members of The Doorkeepers with a CD of some of the songs. What a delight it is to hear these songs again, and remember such a blessed and joyful time in our lives. As I like to tell people, I am the one who makes a “joyful noise” and feel so blessed to be a part.

Music is an important part of my “day job” as well. I am blessed to work with people who appreciate music as much as I do, including an individual who has travelled with a music ministry and recorded two albums in the past. Through activities at this “day job”, I have found that music is not only entertaining and uplifting but can also have physical benefits- the mechanics of singing helps to get more air into the lungs. (I learned this firsthand with a bout of allergy-induced asthma!) Another reason to love it.

Our crew at work decided to put together a show that would showcase music and humor- and Bring Back the Laughter. Humorous songs featured skits, and the music was top-notch. And most importantly, people laughed and forgot about the troubles of the day! We sure laughed rehearsing for the program!

I am blessed to have friends that allow me to bring my “joyful noise” to such programs. And in this case, I also was a production and marketing “executive”- well, according to the chief production officer. (Laughs!) Writing press releases, and contacting area newspapers and community television stations are more in my comfort zone, not that venturing to the not-so-comfortable zone of entertaining was not fun.

Now you might be wondering why I said the past was part of this present. Well, it is not every day that I get in a vehicle to go on a marketing visit and realize that the driver is listening to a certain Doorkeepers CD! I have to say that was a surreal moment.

DeSwan.com

Another new thing . . .

My latest escapade began with a simple offer of help to my cousin who was heading a community Vacation Bible School being held by four churches. The three night program would not just feed the souls of children attending but also their tummies.

So, I thought maybe I would help teach or something. We really didn’t know how many children would be participating so the first night it was a matter of showing up to see if I was needed. Well, then came the question- something to the effect of using electronics and computers.

How hard can that be?

“Sure, I will do it.”

Hmm, why do I keep doing that? Saying yes, and then wonder what I just got myself into. (Laughs) So, I get in the elevator to ride up the two floors to what doubles as the choir loft and audio/visual area in the balcony at the rear of the sanctuary.

Have got to tell you the elevator is kind of cool. It is not large, but it is cool. It can open on three different sides, depending on what level one chooses-there are actually four different levels of the church. There are little windows in those doors so the movement of the elevator can be watched. I know the smallest things amuse me!

So I get to the audio/visual area and find a 32 channel mixer (sound board), computer and other components. Gulp. OK, what did I sign up for here? OK, so we have a DVD we will play tracks from, and some microphones to turn on and off. Got it. Made it through that first night, and actually enjoyed it. Guess I did all right. I was asked to return the next two nights, and was happy to oblige.

The third night, another twist in the assignment- find three tracks on a CD instead of using the DVD. This would be a more serious closing session, so the changes had to be done carefully and thoughtfully to set the mood.  A little bit trickier but it was accomplished. It was one of those times when the reason for being in a VBS program was made real, bigger than us all.

Let’s just say tears and goose bumps.

DeSwan.com

In As Much . . .

Matt 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

I was encouraged to write this blog about volunteering with non-profits because a friend was impressed. I was a bit hesitant because I was always taught that it should be done discreetly. But then I thought maybe I can encourage others to reach out, and those who know me will know the spirit in which it is written. (And I will make a friend happy by writing this.~ Smiles)

There are just some things I have always done because I learned by observation. You grow up with certain things and it just becomes second nature. I observed my family stepping in to help many times such as feeding hungry people and taking in a family after a fire.

Even though my dad and both of my grandpas were hard workers, and my mom and grandma would take on small part time jobs as they could- we were still on the poor side, financially-speaking. So, what was done for other people had to be done in works rather than cash. I think that was a valuable lesson, and in the end I grew up very rich in what counts.

Christian-related activities have also been a part of my life from early on. Teaching Sunday school or volunteering in a local coffeehouse, it all seemed a normal part of life. For many years my other half was someone who shared the same desire I had, and that was to help others. His dream was to have a mobile ministry such as an old bus to take on the road to feed and clothe people. Mine was just to reach people who had a need where ever the need was, so those dreams merged well.

While we did have some opportunities on the road (without the bus I might add), the biggest opportunities found us stationary in the hospitality industry and those needing help were the travelers. Some things we did on our own, others were part of non-profit organized outreaches. 

Non-profits are by definition groups who use funds to achieve goals rather than distribute profits or dividends. Most recently, I have been working with some non-profit groups. One is the local food bank, and the other Relay for Life.

I am privileged to volunteer in one of the top-notch food banks of any local community. It is appropriately called Christ's Cupboard, began several years ago by a group of pastors and operated out of a church basement, then a donated room at the hospital, and now two store fronts. With my life experiences, I thought I knew what it was all about. Well, this experience has given me a much more well-rounded view of the ministry of hospitality and giving, especially on the administrative-side. But of course, the real pay-off is when one sees the worry leave a person's face knowing there is food to put on the table.

My other volunteer time is spent with Relay for Life, which is very personal to me because cancer has taken three immediate family members and affected a fourth. Add to that a number of other family members and friends, and my own close calls, and you will understand why it is a personal fight! 

My part is chairing the local committee honoring survivors and caregivers. I know firsthand the toll it takes both on the person diagnosed and the family, those caregivers. As a caregiver, I can tell you there is no greater honor than to show practical love, even when the heart-wrenching outcome is being there when the fight is over.

This year we had a survivor and caregiver dinner for the first time. A professional photographer gave of his time to take portraits, a local restaurant (owned by a cancer survivor who has also lost a son to the disease) provided a wonderful meal, and others donated everything from dessert to decorations. A pianist and violinist volunteered their time to provide live dinner music. A cancer survivor who is a local pastor spoke, and a group of teens served the dinner. Oh, yes, I too spoke briefly. What a wonderful committee of people helped pull this off. 

Being involved can also tug on the heart. One of our survivors found out the dreaded disease has returned with a vengeance. My heart goes out to his family, and my prayers join theirs. What a humbling experience to know that we were able to touch his life with a special memory during this difficult time. 

I admit my heart is tender due to not so distant losses. But one heals by reaching out to help others. Plus, these activities have also brought new friends and new opportunities. Just this past week, I did two radio interviews promoting our Relay- one recorded and one live. Who would have guessed that a year ago? 

As I have written before, our lives are all like tapestries- experiences and people can change the color and design. I think when we use our gifts and talents for others without expecting anything in return it makes that tapestry even more beautiful. It enriches us in many ways, including the creativity that we need as artists.

DeSwan.com

Some More Winter Potpourri . . .

It must be the Winter months. I thought I would do a potpourri blog today- some of this and that- and upon checking my blogs the last potpourri column was in January of last year. Interesting. Winter- how can a season be so beautiful and frustrating at the same time. Enough said on that subject. (Laughing to myself on that line.)

Card making, I am still loving it. I am kind of a renegade about it. There are kits, lessons, supplies, and classes that many utilize. And that is all great when possible. But I find I am just as content left to my own devices. I take what supplies I have, and as I work with them ideas come to mind. I surprise myself with the colors and designs sometimes. It is very satisfying. And those who have received them seem to enjoy the efforts. And that is what matters.

I have been learning recently how entertaining a cat can be. One adopted my son and me recently. The neighbors abandoned it when they moved, and being good Samaritans we tried to find someone to take it. The cat – now named Sammy- had other ideas.

Sammy began wooing me by sitting on the bench with me as I waited outside for friends to pick me up. He (I use that pronoun loosely because we are not sure yet if we need a blue or pink collar) would try to push his head under my hand and arm to pet him. Awww- no, you go away.

Then, Sammy began to come upstairs on the landing shared by our apartment and another. The other apartment was empty, so guess who he was coming to see! He would lay out there and meow. One day it was so pitiful, I told my son that we needed to feed that cat. He was not happy about that reminding me that we were kind of in the “starving artist” category. I searched the internet for what to feed a stray cat and found that tuna and a raw egg would give it protein. We had it, and for some reason we were not eating the tuna anyway. Yep, Sammy loved it.

Well, the rest is history. Now I have to tell my son to not buy every cat toy in any store we go in. He bought the first real cat food, by the way. (Laughs) Sammy brings joy and inspiration, and I think a healing that neither my son nor I expected. Funny how what we don't know we need lands in our laps- this time literally.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you- I have crossed over to the “dark side”- I now have an electronic reading device. I can't believe it either. I must qualify that statement by saying that my son got it for me primarily for the internet access because I was going to be traveling alone several hours away, my laptop was not working properly, we know there is not always cell service, and many fast food restaurants offer internet access now.

Those who read my blogs know I am die-hard fan of real books that can be held in the hand. But as my co-author and I were doing some work on our projects, I did get to see what our novel will look like on one of those readers. It was a thrill. I have even downloaded a devotional book. I can see the convenience of the device. (Did I just say that?)

When we were looking at the different models in the store, I told the sales clerk of my reluctance to make the leap. She said she understood completely, and even though she also has one of the electronic devices- and sells them- nothing can take the place of holding a real book and catching a whiff of the real book smell. But there are times when the electronic reading device is more convenient.

Need a sales person? I know just the one for you.

DeSwan.com