An Intersection of Beauty, Creativity and Purpose

An intersection.

During this pandemic and as we cautiously re-open, I find myself looking for the intersection of beauty, creativity and purpose. Several weeks ago, I sat down to write about the grief I was experiencing during quarantine with all the rapid changes, and I found myself writing about beauty instead.

Now, all these weeks, later, I still find this intersection valuable.

Creativity in nature. Purpose in faith disciplines. Beauty in connection.

It's no surprise, then, when asked to review several books in May, I found myself gravitating toward this intersection as I explored several books that used art and illustrations as a visual way to express faith. Even the children's book I reviewed fell under these perimeters.

Here are the books, I reviewed:

Matthew and John, Guided Meditations

When your grown children ask for Alabaster products for gifts, you know the creators have developed a great idea. Known for the collaboration of art and scripture, the addition of guided meditation -- the Christian practice of lectio divina -- is a beautiful idea. Readers are encouraged to Read, Reflect, Respond and Rest.

The book of Matthew contains fourteen Guided Meditations, including the baptism of Jesus, the cost of following Jesus, and his interactions with people and his parables. John has ten Guided Meditations, including the main stories of Jesus’ miracles and healings, his declaration on being the Son of God, and his prayer in John 17.

I appreciated the thoughtful questions for contemplation that encouraged me to give a closer look at the photographs and scriptural text. I found myself an active participant with God in his living word. I highly recommend this book which could be used by individuals or in a group setting. 5 stars.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

All Things Bright and Beautiful checks all the boxes for a great children's book. Does is flow well when read aloud? Yes. Do the illustrations support the text?  Yes. Is the illustrator's technique masterful? Yes. Will the book interest the intended reader? Yes.

Can you imagine yourself reading this book 100 times? This is the litmus test of all litmus tests! Yes.

I have always loved the words to this poem/hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander, written in the 1800's. Thank you Jean Claude for illustrating this beautiful book. Five stars for me.

Seeing God in Art: The Christian Faith in 30 Images

I hoped this book would focus more on art as storytelling and mystery, but the writing was much more theological than I was able to digest. Maybe I had no brain cells left after quarantining for weeks. Whatever the reason, although well-written and appealing to the mind, this book did not stir my soul.

On a positive note, I did appreciate that each short reflection included a fabulous rendition of each of the paintings, mosaics, or sculptures that were discussed. 3 stars for me. Planning to pass it to a family member with a degree in art history who may be more appreciative!

Of course, you can find these books online, but would you consider your struggling local bookstore when making your purchases? And I encourage you to look for your own intersection of beauty, creativity and purpose where you live.

ABOUT LYNNE HARTKE

Lynne Hartke shares stories of courage, beauty, and belonging--belonging to family, to community, and to a loving God.  She is the author of Under a Desert  Sky: Redefining Hope, Beauty, and Faith in the Hardest Places.

For a free ebook of desert flowers and hope, click here: Breath of Hope, A Desert Photo Collection.

Keep updated on future blogs.A link to a FB group on Bible Journaling Through Psalms.