Journal #2 - Mary DeCroce

Mary DeCroce
Southington, CT

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Journal #2 - Lori Bonas

Lori Bonas
Wolcott, CT

Ephesians 3:17-19 – That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Journal #2 - Teresa Carter

Teresa Carter - Fort Mill, SC

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. - Proverbs 4:23

Journal #2 - Mike Carter

Mike Carter - Fort Mill, SC

"I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but with justice; not with Thine anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing." - Jeremiah 10:23,24

Journal #1 - Graeme Parsons

Psalm 84 by Graeme Parsons
The excerpt reads... "O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man that trusts in you."

Graeme and I went to college together at the University of Memphis. We had many classes together, graduated at the same time, and were in each other's weddings. Thanks for participating.

Journal #2 - Capt. Suzan R. Wallace

Capt. Suzan R. Wallace, MFA
Cape Carteret, NC
I knew that my prayer needed to be from my association with the wind & the seas. So I worked in layers over several days...laying down the foundation...then building upon that with my collection of hand-carved species stamps (a sailors/whalers log tradition)....once I had created the layers of living creatures in the sea....I saw myself sailing upon the huge ocean in my small wooden boat (a sprits'l skiff in ink & colored pencil)...as seen from above...as if the Lord watches over me while I sail...and then the prayer washed over me, reminding me of the connection I feel when it is just me, my boat, my sails and the Lord. To those of us who sail single-handed into open water....the wind is surely the spirit of grace and the Lord, a constant companion~
I chose to add the Genesis 1:1 because to create is divine....and to be abundantly grateful for all that is layed out before me... a grand blessing beyond compare.

thank you for the opportunity...I will share the project with my artist/illustrator colleagues!
www.seaquestudio.com

Journal #1 - Richard Fudge

"Tin Man" by Richard Fudge

Inspired by this Avett Brothers song: Tin Man from their new album I and Love and You.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Journal #1 - Hannah Shipley

"Grace" by Hannah Shipley, Memphis, TN

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Journal #3 - Joyce Stewart

"Hi Richard,

Attached is a scan of my entry to the traveling prayer journal. I appreciate the opportunity to participate. One of the wonderfuI concepts of this journal is its "low tech" tactile experience. As soon as I thumbed through it, I considered the excitement or anticipation within the early church upon receiving one of Paul's letters. As I prayed for the names within the journal and on the list, I thought of what message I might wish to share, and what message from Christ has been most foundational to my spiritual journey. The journey continues to take twists and turns. Currently, I live in the Texas Hill Country as an empty nester with my husband. In 2006, I graduated from the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and following graduation served ed a Taiwanese church as interim English Minister to youth, college and career. During the three years at seminary, I discovered the love for travel and photography. Currently, I am sowing the seeds of a purposeful Visual Arts Ministry within my church. God has blessed us with the gift of expression and I love encouraging others to find unique ways of expressing and sharing their faith through art." --Joyce Stewart, Dripping Springs, TX

Journal #2 - Jennifer Harvey

Thank you, Jennifer for participating

"I call it Life is Messy. It is a combination of fabric and paint. It says God uses the torn and broken pieces of our lives to create something whole and beautiful. Every small piece that I added was a prayer for a specific person. Adding the paint on top allowed me to connect my prayers together and add a sense of how God knows what our prayers are even if they are obscured.

By participating in the journal, it let me see how everyone has a different approach to art, just like everyone has their own approach to prayer. No two ways are the same, but they are all correct." - Jennifer Harvey, Memphis, TN

Artist Bio:
Jennifer is a fiber artist whose main focus is quilting. It is a very empowering sense to be able to take small pieces of fabric and be able to join them into one large beautiful statement. Although I quilt more than I paint, when I do paint; fabric, ribbon, or quilt patterns always make there way into the project.

Video of Eli Morris and Richard Fudge discussing journal project

Video of the journal project (all slides to date) with audio of a Q&A from The Stirring Oct 11th. Senior pastor Eli Morris talks with Richard Fudge about the To Send a Prayer journal project.

You will probably need to up the volume. Eli is wearing a mic and I'm just holding one. So I sound a lot softer.

Journal #3 - Ellie O'Connor

Joey O'Connor's fifteen year old daughter, Ellie, created this pencil drawing.

Journal #3 - Amelia Whaley

Amelia Whaley
Mt. Pleasant, SC

Oddly enough Amelia and April dont know each other and yet they live 2 miles apart. Both paint regularly during worship services. I'd say that Mt. Pleasant is a very artsy area.

Journal #3 - April Knight

April Knight
Mount Pleasant, SC

April is a live painter too. Here's a little about her taken from her web page:

April feels God has called her to use art as a visual element in worship and also to influence others to worship God through their creative gifts. April graduated from CSU in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and a minor in art. At the present time she is using her gifts as an artist at Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, SC where her husband is a worship leader for the student ministry.

Journal #2 - Joey O'Connor

Joey O'Connor
San Clemente, CA

Joey has a lot of very cool art stuff going on. He is the founder and executive director of The Grove for the past 5 years. His passions are learning, art, creativity in the Church, meeting others passionate about God and creating great good for our culture. He's doing so much over there in CA that I can't begin to tell you all about it.

Journal #2 route

View Journal #2 in a larger map

Journal #2 is getting mailed so much that I thought it needed its own map.

Journal #2 - Cara Ann Laughlin

Illustrated prayer by Cara Ann Laughlin, a senior Stirring guest artist, member of the Stirring leadership team. Next Journal #2 makes its way from Memphis, TN to Joey O'Conner in San Clemente, CA.
Distance = 1811 mi, Total miles = 4101

Journal #2 - Ann Boyer LePere

Illustrated prayer by Ann Boyer LePere. She lives in in Peletier, NC.
Then Journal #2 made its way from Ann Boyer LePere to Cara Ann Laughlin in Memphis, TN.
Distance = 899 mi, Total miles = 2290

Journal #2 - Alex Radin

Journal #2 addition by Alex Radin in Hanahan, SC.

Then Journal #2 made its way from Alex in Hanahan, SC to Ann Boyer LePere in Peletier, NC
Distance = 256 mi, Total miles = 1391

Journal #3 - Michael Winters

Michael and I have never met, but I think he's a cool guy. Just look at this arts program he leads at his church. http://www.sojournvisualarts.com/ I need to go visit him.

Journal #3 made its way from Arian Armstrong in Ft. Thomas, Ky
to Michael Winters in Louisville, KY.
Distance = 103 miles.
Total miles = 590
Trips: 2


From Michael's blog:
The picture above is my addition to the project. I came across a striking song lyric that inspired a prayer in me that inspired me to make this image. There is a Mount Eerie song 'Lost Wisdom' in which the writer has a mystical experience in nature. At one point the song sings, 'I open the front door and the back door and let the wind blow through.' For whatever reason this line really stuck with me. I didn't even consider that he might be talking about a physical door. In my mind, the door in this line refers to a door to a human spirit. The doors are opened and the Wind comes through, the Pure Spirit. I hope this image conveys both an emptiness of the human spirit and the capacity for God to dwell within us.

I'm sure some people will read it as a t-shirt that doesn't say anything, but that's what I get for not putting any words on this spread. -- Michael

Illustrated prayers by Daniel and Arian Armstrong

After Arian Armstrong finished her pages in Journal #3, she had it couriered 30 feet to her husband Daniel. Making the total distanced traveled so far 487 miles and 30 feet.

Journal No. 3 - Memphis, Tn to Ft. Thomas, KY

Map of Journal routes
Journal #3 makes its way from Memphis, Tn to Arian Armstrong in Ft. Thomas, Ky.
Distance = 487 miles.
Total miles = 487
Trips: 1

Painted Prayer by Emily Marriott

Entry by Emily Marriott, Memphis, TN
http://www.myspace.com/battlevictorious

breath of life. tree of life. never again will all life be cut. you must spare his life. that light of life may shine on him. the Lord is the stronghold of my life.

Painted Prayer by Richard Fudge

by Richard Fudge, Memphis, TN

"I don't want a paycheck. I want a passion!
I don't want a career. I want a calling!
I don't want a different job. I want to make a difference!

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Matthew 7:14
But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

"I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

Journal no. 1 - Memphis, Tn to Rockwall, Tx

View Prayer Journal mailings in a larger map

Journal #1 makes its way from Memphis, Tn to Jason Fuller in Rockwall, Tx.
Distance = 431 miles.
Total miles = 2056
Trips: 4

Painted Prayer by Alberto Cabrera

07/09 Alberto Cabrera, Memphis, TN

It is believed if you whisper a prayer upon a butterfly's wings, that prayer will be carried to the heavens. Let us all whisper our prayers to these blessed creatures of God, so that our lives are filled with joy and happiness.

Journal #2 made its way from Memphis, TN to Alex Radin in Hanahan, SC.
Distance = 696 miles.
Total miles = 1146 miles.

Painted Prayer by Kathy MacDonald

07/09 Kathy MacDonald, Memphis, TN

"As we glance up, we are astonished to find the eyes of Jesus open with wonder, deep with understanding, and gentle with compassion." — The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

Art and Jazz at the Abby

Please join the Stirring artists community for an evening of art and music at The Abbey.

Tuesday, July 14th @ 7:30pm
The Abbey @ LifeLink Church
1015 South Cooper
Corner of Cooper and Walker

Bring your sketchbook and drawing supplies. We'll be soaking up some inspiration from the jazz band while conversing and drawing. I'll have a special shared sketchbook that I'd like everyone to add a drawn prayer to. It's going to be part of the Sept art show. I've sent two journals out to artists and after we start this one, I'm going to start it mailing around as well.

I'm hoping to have one of the mailed journals back by this gathering so I can share it with you. While we're at LifeLink church, we'll sneak a peak at their art gallery space and hopefully meet some of their artists.

Painted Prayer by Jack Fox

Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
Psalms 42:7

Jack Fox, Terre Haute, IN

Painted Prayer by Jason Fuller

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Jason Fuller, Rockwall, TX

Painted Prayer from Deeann Carson

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6

Journal pages by Deeann Carson in Brentwood, TN.

Deeann graduated in December 2007 from Memphis College of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis on Painting. She is a full-time working artist and currently teaching in the Community Ed Department at Watkins College of Art and Design.

Journal #2 -- Brentwood, TN to Memphis, TN

Journal #2 makes its back to me in Memphis from Deeann. I cant wait to take some photos of all the new pages in both journals.

Distance: Brentwood, TN to Memphis, TN = 225 miles
Total miles traveled = 450
Trips: 2

Journal #1 -- Terre Haute, IN to Memphis, TN

Journal #1 makes its first round trip back to me. I look forward to seeing the additions made to it by Jack and Jason.

Distance: Terre Haute, IN to Memphis, TN = 391 miles
Total miles = 1625
Trips: 3

Journal #1 -- Rockwall, TX to Terre Haute, IN

Journal #1 makes its way to Jack Fox. Jack Fox resides in Terre Haute, Indiana where he is associate pastor of eXchange (exchangemcc.org) and Director of ArtReach (artreachmcc.org). He also serves as vice president of the board of directors for Arts Illiana.

Distance: Rockwall, TX to Terre Haute, IN = 803 miles
Total miles = 1234
Trips: 2

Journal Mailings Map

View Prayer Journal mailings in a larger map

I thought it might be fun to show visually the different routes that the two journals are taking. The map will be updated as the journals move around.

How Long? - Psalms 13:1-6

Waiting for a reply.

Psalms 13:1-6
O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

But I trust in your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord
because he is good to me.

Journal #2, Week 1. Artist: Richard Fudge, Memphis, TN.

Journal no. 2 - Memphis, Tn to Brentwood, TN

I am readying Prayer Journal no. 2 for it's trip from Memphis, TN to Brentwood, TN for a stop with artist Joy Deeann Carson. Distance = 225

I really liked the size of this journal. It's a square 5.5"x5.5" Hand Book Artist Journal. Probably my most favorite and trusted brand of sketchbook journal. I have full faith that this little book will strive its coming journeys.

Journal no. 1 - Memphis, Tn to Rockwall, Tx

Journal #1 makes its first trip from Memphis, Tn to Jason Fuller in Rockwall, Tx. Distance = 431 miles.

This is a 8"x5.5" Pen & Ink | watercolor journal. I'm a little concerned about this journal. It seems well constructed. In fact, the leather cover feels really nice. But my concern is durability and the perforated pages have me a touch worried.

A Still, Small Voice

God, help me to hear your still, small voice.

1 Kings 19:11-13 (New Living Translation)
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”


Journal #1, Week 1. Artist: Richard Fudge, Memphis, TN.

Prayer Journal - Start

Inspired by one of those "hey, we should do this" remarks by a friend, I went out and bought a journal. http://www.lookatbook.com/ I agreed that it looked like a lot of fun and would be inspiring to collaborate with other artists. Especially those artists that we might have met and spoken to online but never in person. It just sounded fun.

We settled on the following a few rules for structure.

1. 5 days to complete a spread. So if you receive it on Weds., you have to mail it the following Mon.
2. A visual expression of a prayer or scripture.
3. Medium: pen, ink, graphite, colored pencil.
4. Keep it moving. Finished or not you need to mail in 5 days.

I think it will be a great way to build community. Christian visual artists tend to have a harder time finding a supportive community for their work. Most galleries and other art venues typically don't want to exhibit Christian themed work. They don't show that sort of thing, they don't want to make people uncomfortable or offend anyone. etc. But then on the other side of the aisle, churches in general don't have any oppertunities for artists to share their creative gifts. Your average church nowdays has become a more multipurpose space than the beautiful churches from art history class. A church is more likely to have a scoreboard or concert lighting than stain glass windows or original art. Churches dont really get their artists and their artists typically dont see how they can use their gifts in church.

I hope that awkward relationship between artist and church will pass. Artists should be tapped for their talent much like musicians typically are. Artists have a lot to offer the church and worship experience, and the church could help the artists grow spiritually if it had an outlet for their creativity. Artists are passionate people who tell stories in provocative and unique ways. Art provokes conversation and community interaction – artist to viewer and viewer to viewer. Art encourages personal reflection and searching for meaning. Along with music and message, art is another way that God speaks to you. Art inspires creativity in others. The art work created during a service becomes a memento of the worship experience it was a part of.

Anyway, I'll be sending out a couple of journals to visual artists that I've met and posting the results here.