Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card (March, 2007)

[Corrine]

Our book for March is Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card. This should be a good read. Michael Card is a wonderful writer. I only know from his songs. When you hear his songs, they sound like someone who is intimate with Jesus. You can just hear his relationship coming through in the tenderness of the lyrics. I'm sure the book will be wonderful.

[Jason]

Oh cool. I own eleven of his CDs so I'm sure I'll enjoy reading this book.

[Jason]

I just got the book today. Anyone else going to read it with me?

[cknell]

I'm still trying to finish Story :p

I'll get to this one soon, I hope.

[Jason]

I've read a quarter of this book. It's really good. Will someone please read it with me?

[woman4life]

I just now saw this. You snooze you lose? LOL I will try to get the book to read it this weekend. I'm in the midst of "Body Piercing Saved My Life" but I'm anxious to read Michael Card's book.

--Melanie

[Jason]

I just now saw this. You snooze you lose? LOL I will try to get the book to read it this weekend. I'm in the midst of "Body Piercing Saved My Life" but I'm anxious to read Michael Card's book.

--Melanie

Finally! I was feeling lonely.

[BJ]

Can't say enough wonderful things about this book and how it really validates my need to be a creative person! I'm so glad you've picked this book, Corrine!

[Jason]

Now if only someone would read it with me. :rolleyes:

[BJ]

Now if only someone would read it with me. :rolleyes:
I know about 8 people that just read it... we did a group study at our art studio. Just pretend they're still reading it, too! ;)

[Jason]

I know about 8 people that just read it... we did a group study at our art studio. Just pretend they're still reading it, too! ;)

Yeah but I can't discuss it with them.

[woman4life]

It's sometimes hard for me to get books outside of mail order. The only Christian bookstore close just closed up shop. There is a Barnes & Noble about 5 miles away and lots of LDS bookstores. LOL I'll probably see if Barnes & Noble has it and go from there. Someone gave me the name of a guy in SLC that has a bookstore who might send it to me sans shipping if he has it, so I have to find where I put that so I can get the book. I"m looking forward to it.

As for Michael Card, the first time I saw him was many years ago in Sacramento at Arcade Baptist Church. It was a free concert and I ended up in an "overflow" room I remember that he not only performed the songs, but he "taught" along the way and he is very gifted in that regard. He made the Old Testament much more real to me. Anyway, I am looking forward to reading the book.

[BJ]

Yeah but I can't discuss it with them.
I can discuss it with you! :) What chapter are you on?

[BJ]

It's sometimes hard for me to get books outside of mail order. The only Christian bookstore close just closed up shop. There is a Barnes & Noble about 5 miles away and lots of LDS bookstores. LOL I'll probably see if Barnes & Noble has it and go from there. Someone gave me the name of a guy in SLC that has a bookstore who might send it to me sans shipping if he has it, so I have to find where I put that so I can get the book. I"m looking forward to it.

...
I got my copy from Half.com (new one) for around $4! I buy most all my books from there. I always check the feedback of the sellers first and have never had a problem. Usually they ship fast, too, so that they get good feedback.

[wannabaRSgirl]

I just saw this because I just came looking for it. I can't believe I missed it.
Is this book for March and April or just March.

I am going to try to help you out Jason!

[Jason]

I just saw this because I just came looking for it. I can't believe I missed it.
Is this book for March and April or just March.

I am going to try to help you out Jason!

Woohoo! You rock!

[Jason]

I can discuss it with you! :) What chapter are you on?

Cool. I've read the first four chapters.

In the first chapter, Card talks about art in which God can be seen or heard. Do you believe this to be true?

[MarkLee]

Jason,
I'm on board with you. I'm finishing "The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian McLaren, and then I'm jumping into this one. I'm also in the middle of "Story" - that's a good one as well...

Glad to hear you're liking this one. I've been looking forward to reading it for some time.

-Mark

[cknell]

Now that I'm finally done with Story, I can start looking for this one.

I hope the local library has it.

I'll catch-up to y'all soon.

[Jason]

Jason,
I'm on board with you. I'm finishing "The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian McLaren, and then I'm jumping into this one. I'm also in the middle of "Story" - that's a good one as well...

Glad to hear you're liking this one. I've been looking forward to reading it for some time.

-Mark

Thanks, Mark!

[BJ]

...

In the first chapter, Card talks about art in which God can be seen or heard. Do you believe this to be true?
Yes! In this chapter we find the God that loves us so much that He's willling to wait while we stop, take a step away from the madness of the world we're in, and focus our minds, hearts, and spirits on Him. When we're ready, He's there to show us and tell us of His love and beauty.

When I paint or draw, I'm often surprised to find the morning sun replaced by the glow of streetlamps so seemingly fast! It's during this "lost time" that I am more spirit than physical being. I find myself easily able to tune out voices, sounds and distractions and experience a calm communion with God, allowing Him to speak to my soul so that His words and beauty are reflected onto my canvas or paper. I am able to experience the strength and confidence God empowers me with when I let go of myself and let Him direct my hand. I work in a studio open to the public which offers me the opportunity to speak with many people. I know it shouldn't amaze me, but it seems I'm always awestruck when, through my art, I experience "God moments" with total strangers. It makes the statement Card makes in this chapter so true: "Painting might become a window through which a confused world looks and sees the sane order of God's creation. Music could become an orchestrated echo of the Voice the tired ears of humankind have longed for ages to hear."

I saw Michael W. Smith perform at a small county fair a few years ago. At one time during the concert he began playing the piano (no vocals). He played and played! Sitting outside in the Shenandoah Valley with dark mountaintops blending into the night sky fillled with stars and listening to him play was nothing but heaven on earth. At some point, I saw him look up from the piano at the audience and he seemed to be thinking, "Oh, you are all still here?" You could just tell that he was so close to God in that moment in time that none of the hundreds of people sitting there and all our applause when he finished mattered in the least. It was God's concert we watched and heard that night.

That is my desire also... for others to tune ME out and know what I create could never come about without God's instructions. I thank Him over and over for His "Mawgnifinimazinous Love"! Praises be to the ONE whose creativity included US!

[imperfect]

That Barb, you have an interesting mind?
I feel left out so I have to get this too.
I'll catch up!

[Jason]

I feel left out so I have to get this too.
I'll catch up!

Woohoo!

[imperfect]

Woohoo!
Whatever Jason and Barb do I do also.

[Jason]

Whatever Jason and Barb do I do also.

:D

[MarkLee]

I'm about halfway through "Scribbling in the Sand" and I'm really enjoying it. I have a few thoughts I'd like to interject, but first I have to share my "aha" moment. Whenever I read a new author or listen to a new band, I come in kind of skeptical. I try not to, but in the back of my mind I have an "impress me" attitude going on. The best works of art find a way of reeling me in. It will usually happen a little ways into it when something strikes a chord with me.

Since I had never read Card before (I've actually only heard a couple of his songs), I definitely had the skeptical thing going on, even though I was excited to be reading this book. I was warming up to the book when I read so many astronimical references. But what really grabbed me was the passage called "North Star People". The idea here is that instead of trying to be bright "stars" ourselves we point out the Way, just like the North Star serves as a guide:

"But as North Star people we can serve a deeper purpose. When people need us, we can be there pointing the Way. While the world is spinning at a dizzying pace, we can remain grounded to the same spot, less dazzling but unmovable."

I couldn't think of a timelier message.

More thoughts to come...

[Jason]

Mark, I wrote something similar in my book Just Passing Through:


Christians should be like signposts pointing the way to Jesus. When we see a sign along the highway, do we stop our vehicles and admire the beauty of the sign? Do we comment on how the white letters artistically contrast with the green background? Do we gaze in awe at the typestyle chosen for the letters?

Of course not! We briefly glance at the sign long enough to read, “Rest stop ahead. Turn right at next light.” The sign's whole purpose is to point us to our destination.

Do you desire to point people to Jesus? Or do you want people to say how great you are?

When people look at your life, do they see Jesus? Or do they see you with your pride-puffed chest?

We need to get out of the way so people can find a Savior. Our lives need to proclaim, “Heaven ahead. Turn right to Jesus.”

[imperfect]

Whenever I read a new author or listen to a new band, I come in kind of skeptical. I try not to, but in the back of my mind I have an "impress me" attitude going on. The best works of art find a way of reeling me in. It will usually happen a little ways into it when something strikes a chord with me.
More thoughts to come...
Ditto. Gosh, I have to admit that even though I have my fave bands and authors, each piece of work has to prove itself to me too.

Now since I am tad older than all-a-yall, I grew up with Michael Card, John Micheal Talbot and Fernando Ortega types (Oh yeah and King David). These guys write such worshipful lyrics and their compositions are always so dead on appropriate. I think it makes sense that lyricists expand their thoughts into accompanying books.

I am so enjoying this book that I also went out and bought John Michael Talbot's The Music of Creation. I figured since I was listening to these guys as a young Christian I might as well read their books back to back.

Since I so love applying the Word in P&W, I think I'll expand my reading list to include the Crowder book and dig up my Keith Green stuff, too.

Peace!

[MarkLee]

How do you like that Talbot book? Interesting title - it's funny that you mention him b/c I was just talking about him with some friends yesterday.

I'm still working my way through this one, but one thing still stands out for me. I think that when Card was working through creativity in the Old Testament, it would have been benificial had he included Genesis chapter 3. Creativity is a rewarding pursuit, but it is a very difficult one, and I believe this has a lot to do with the fact that we live in a fallen world. The idea of "creating" goes hand in hand with the idea of "work", which God said in this passage would be hard. Card talks a lot about creativity being wrapped up in our faith, but it is also wrapped up in our humanity. I could see a dangerous scenario where someone is suffering from creative block and blames it on their relationship with God. This would be similar to the idea of faith healing. If I don't get healed, do I not have enough faith?

Just thinking out loud here. I'm still loving this book - it's one of my favorites we've done so far...

[googledoll]

This would be similar to the idea of faith healing. If I don't get healed, do I not have enough faith?



That question has always needled me. "...do I not have enough faith?" The question I want to respond with is, "Do you have faith in the work or the ability?" Faith in the ability says that God can, if He so choses. Faith in the work says, God will heal. Seems to me faith in the work takes a major assumption on our part as to the will of God.

[Jason]

I always want to ask a faith healer where their faith is.

[SueQ]

Hmmmmm........

[imperfect]

How do you like that Talbot book? Interesting title - it's funny that you mention him b/c I was just talking about him with some friends yesterday.

I'm still working my way through this one, but one thing still stands out for me. I think that when Card was working through creativity in the Old Testament, it would have been benificial had he included Genesis chapter 3. Creativity is a rewarding pursuit, but it is a very difficult one, and I believe this has a lot to do with the fact that we live in a fallen world. The idea of "creating" goes hand in hand with the idea of "work", which God said in this passage would be hard. Card talks a lot about creativity being wrapped up in our faith, but it is also wrapped up in our humanity. I could see a dangerous scenario where someone is suffering from creative block and blames it on their relationship with God. This would be similar to the idea of faith healing. If I don't get healed, do I not have enough faith?

Just thinking out loud here. I'm still loving this book - it's one of my favorites we've done so far...

I have found his concept of creative faith to be quite intriguing. I tend to surround myself with creative types such as artists, musicians, writers, playwrights, and the like. Not all of my creative co-horts are Christians. In fact, only a few are. I never considered the connection between creativity and faith as I see creativity as personality trait or talent.

I see myself as creative but not artistic. I write; but my writings are strictly a God and Angie exchange of prayers, modern day psalms, and essays. For me personally, I was creative even when my I was backslidden! I can write trashy novels or negative things if I so choose. There is also creativity among those who lie, cheat, and scam others so maybe I'll see more of Card's creative faith relationship as I read further.

Regarding the Talbot book. Dude is heady! He is so well versed in other faiths, philosophy, and cultures that this is not going to be the easiest read for me. It's not like a Donald Miller that one can just blow through. But I enjoy being theologically and academically challenged as well.

So far I have found him to be a little hippy-ish with the whole Fransiscan monastic lifestyle but that also intrigues me. Imagine doing NOTHING but studying and meditating on the word of God? Wow, what dedication.

I bet visiting his place would be such a refreshing place to contemplate and write. Sigh.

[cknell]

I just got through the letters. I could have read more of these. In fact the whole book could have had letters like these to sum up the chapters. Their viewpoints on creativity is interesting, but spoken in a typical professor-like tone of the theoretical.

This book inspires me to want to sit and create something, a painting, a craft, a book or anything. However, my artistic talents are only pattern based. The only paintings I can really paint are the paint by number kind.:o I really love crafts as long as I can follow a pattern.

[imperfect]

This book inspires me to want to sit and create something, a painting, a craft, a book or anything. However, my artistic talents are only pattern based. The only paintings I can really paint are the paint by number kind.:o I really love crafts as long as I can follow a pattern.

I can only color or paint by numbers. I have to buy all of my art!

[woman4life]

I just started reading Michael Card's book over the weekend. I love a lot of what he has to say. Interesting points about creativity/talent from those who are not Christians. I am wondering what Mr. Card's viewpoint would be on that, although I'm not far enough into the book to know if he does address this at some point. I do think our highest purpose is to worship God, so creativity in that realm is closest to fulfilling it's purpose perhaps?

On the other hand, a good love song is a joy while we are here and it can be an opportunity to share with the world on a level that can be related to.

Interesting point on faith/creativity, Mark. I have not gotten totally to that point yet. While I believe strongly in faith, it is God's sovereignty to heal or not regardless of our faith. Sometimes God uses our faith as an element, but He can heal regardless of the amount of faith we have for His purposes if He so chooses. I imagine that is also the case with creativity. But, since I haven't seen that in the book yet, I am just commenting on a comment here. LOL

I still love Michael Card as a teacher, and the book so far does have a sense of "peace" about it, if that makes sense. I'm enjoying what I've read so far.

--Melanie

[woman4life]

I rather fell out of the reading habit for a few weeks, so I'm back reading again. I was 2/3 or so of the way through "Scribbling in the Sand" when I got behind. Anyway, I was on about page 100 earlier and I read this:

"Your life is a prayer -- a song -- a poem..." God is the author. This just really hit me. Right now my life is a rather untidy poem -- must be free verse or something. Things aren't rhyming as they should be, the metre is off, yet somehow the author can make it into something worth hearing. If so, (and that is my great hope), then it is truly a testament to all God is. It's definitely not going to happen just on my efforts alone.

So, I hope to finish this tomorrow sometime and I have already started on Prince Caspian. I may catch up someday. LOL

[Jason]

Unfinished

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

Sometimes it's easy to want to give up. We take a look at ourselves and realize we are from being perfect Christians. Our impatience still taps its foot. Our anger still raises its voice. Our jealousy still blinks its green eyes.

We think, "I'm not living like I should. What kind of Christian am I?"

What kind of Christians are we? We're works in progress.

When we gave our lives to Christ, God began a good work in us. The Bible says that we are God's workmanship. The Greek word we translate as "workmanship" is "poiema." This is where we get our word "poem."

God is a poet wanting to create beautiful poetry in our lives. He may need to change a word here or switch two lines there, but He won't quit revising until he has a poem that shows forth His beauty.

God isn't the type of poet that throws his unfinished poems in the trash. He loves us too much to do that.

His Son's blood is the ink He uses to write each line. Such ink is too precious to waste.

When we look at our flaws and consider giving up, we need to remind ourselves that God isn't finished with us yet!

-Me

[w8ing4daybreak]

Unfinished

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

Sometimes it's easy to want to give up. We take a look at ourselves and realize we are from being perfect Christians. Our impatience still taps its foot. Our anger still raises its voice. Our jealousy still blinks its green eyes.

We think, "I'm not living like I should. What kind of Christian am I?"

What kind of Christians are we? We're works in progress.

When we gave our lives to Christ, God began a good work in us. The Bible says that we are God's workmanship. The Greek word we translate as "workmanship" is "poiema." This is where we get our word "poem."

God is a poet wanting to create beautiful poetry in our lives. He may need to change a word here or switch two lines there, but He won't quit revising until he has a poem that shows forth His beauty.

God isn't the type of poet that throws his unfinished poems in the trash. He loves us too much to do that.

His Son's blood is the ink He uses to write each line. Such ink is too precious to waste.

When we look at our flaws and consider giving up, we need to remind ourselves that God isn't finished with us yet!

-MeWow, Jason that is awesome. It's something I need to be reminded of on a daily basis.