Pilgrim's Progress

TM'S Travels

Hi folks ... sorry it's taken us so long to update you on our travels, but we can't get on the computer. HE's always on it. Anyway, some snaps from our recent trip to Ottawa.

Here we are on board the VIA Rail train, on the 5 hour trip. Boy did the trail rock from side to side - uneven rails, someone said. I felt a bit sick by the end of it.

Here we are sitting by the side of the canal in Ottawa. We counted 8 locks! Then we went to the Canadian Museum of Civilisation and I think HE walked in without paying (by accident of course). Here we are on stage in the theatrical museum. Tickets pleeeeease!

And we slept in a jail for 3 nights too - kind of spooky but a lot of fun too. And finally, we went to see the Parliament buildings - it took us 10 minutes to go through security to go the toilet and I was BURSTING!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But the view from the top was really great! The next day we went to a big event to pray for Canada and petition the government to make better laws, for unborn children and other important issues.

And then we came back home. So it's bye from me and monkey - until next time!  

I Need God

>> Canada Files: Day 090-something

I've just passed my 3 month anniversary, and the exact midpoint of my 6 month visitor's visa. And everyone's beginning to return after the summer break, ready for the new term. An ideal time to step back and reflect.

... I've loved being part of a community of prayerful, genuine pilgrims who are hungry for God, but also aware of the roughness of living in the "already and not yet."

... It's been great to let the creative gifts loose in "holy experimentation" - trying to harness new technologies in worship, prayer and intercession.

... I've loved being in Canada, around Canadian people and Canadian life and culture. It's been great to live with Canadian friends and be in a house with other people.

... I've met so many great people, and am forming all kinds of new relationships

... It's been great to travel round on public transport and walk a lot more.

... etc.

And yet, I'm still searching. I'm still not at all sure where this is headed, or what the next step might be. And the process of being stripping down and rebuilt has continued on this side of the Atlantic. The creative energies have ebbed and flowed.

Yet somehow, in all this, I realise I have forgotten the most important thing.

I love God. And more than that, He loves me and you. This is what my art is about. Once upon a time I wanted to say something grand, to paint a great work, to be recognized in some degree. Yet not only was I unable to figure out "what to say", but I also was being crushed under the weight of personal depression and feelings of alienation. Eternity in my heart was crying out for God, and I was dying without Him. I didn't need art and I didn't need great ideas; I needed love from the very real God who is love.

(Ramone: A Christian Artist living in Japan)

I don't know how I forgot this. Aside from all the great experiences, these last three months have revealed with crystal clarity how much I desperately need God to infuse every part of me again. Not just to help me discover my life's path, but to reveal himself in EVERY area of my life. The best artistic moments cannot fill the hole.

From the best bliss that earth imparts,
We turn unfilled, to Thee again.

(Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th Century)

So as I enter the second half, I go off in search of many things, but maybe I couldn't do much better than to laying down the art, the future, and go in search of the Father's heart once again.