The Story of Life…
Art and Spirituality have always been closely connected. From the beginning we see God creating. In Exodus when they are preparing the Tabernacle, the home for God, we see Bezalel is chosen and filled with the Spirit to be able to create a dwelling place of beauty for God. We see David being a wonderful musician with lyre, and have many beautiful poems from him. Even Jesus was a craftsman, with the Greek word that is traditionally translated as “carpenter” encompassing multiple professions including artist and builder. When art is made, we are imitating the Father’s creativity, and when done in the right Spirit, this art can provide beautiful insights into life.
Riley’s initial transfer of the design onto the wall
We are currently getting a new mural on our garage building painted. It is right next to the area that will become the indoor seed starting and harvest processing room. This mural is on display for all to see as they pull into the parking lot of Porkland. It is based on the meta-narrative of scripture, detailing creation, with harmony in the garden, the fall of man, with darkness creeping in and trying to take hold, and the ultimate end of the story with restoration back to the garden. A return to peace, harmony, and Love, a return to the way things were always created to be. While this is the story of scripture, and all of time, it is also a picture of the story of life.
The first blocks of color going up
When we are born, there is perfection. Peace, Love, joy, and identity all contained within our infant selves in such a magnitude that it affects all who are around us. But immediately things begin to try and pull us away from that identity, from the purpose that we have from the moment we exit the womb. Lies, addictions, heartache, hatred, and fear await us on our paths as we mature, trying to confuse us, to convince us to not carry out the mission that which we were created for. It attacks us relentlessly, some of us have family and friends that will help try and protect us from those lies, some of us are on our own. But at some point, sometimes multiple points, there will be battles within us, between life and death, obedience and selfishness, love and apathy. These trials will feel like chaos, darkness, murkiness, anxiety, anger, and hopelessness. We will be tempted with greed, power, lust, and the temptation to quit; to look the other way and tell ourselves that it can be someone else's job to be obedient to God. It can be hard to know up from down in these times, but the good news is that is not the end of the story, never has been, never will be.
The end of the story is a redeemed land. Choosing life and to live in obedience. It is an option from the start, a choice we all have. Where we can live out the unique purpose he has given to each of us. We can choose to live in his ever present Kingdom, the one founded on Love, Justice, Peace and Righteousness. The same Kingdom the Israelites were invited to be a part of thousands of years ago. The same Kingdom our descendants will be invited into for generations to come. The same Kingdom that Love City is a part of helping to establish an outpost in. So please stop by at some point and see this new mural, and reflect on how it is the story, not only of all of history, but also the story of Life, your life, my life, and the lives of generations past and future.
Ethan
School Snack List!!!
If you are looking for a way to support Mighty Oak Academy and our mission of quality community based education, please consider helping us provide our students with nutritious snacks from our Amazon Wish List, you can order here.
Merriment!!!
Merriment is closed today. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow. If you aren’t able to make it within our hours, you can always shop our high dollar items on our website here.
Lent Fish Fry Open!!!
Fish Fry is still open, come celebrate Lent with us!! Come get your fix of fish or churched up tots. Look forward to seeing you for a nice warm meal. We have new and returning menu items for you to try including waffle fries, chicken tenders, and burgers.
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.