Speaking The Word To Women… and a few men!

I had the rare privilege of briefly sharing at a Christian women’s conference on Friday and Saturday. I guess I felt a little out of place taking part in a panel comprising a theologian, a psychologist / pastor, a pastor and a war refugee. Then there was myself! Apart from being one of the few 20-something women there, I was there as an individual who explored multiple spiritualities before becoming a follower of Christ.

I wonder if my contribution at these things really makes a difference. Hopefully, if just one person – out of the almost 3,000 who attended – was encouraged to seek God out of my few words, then I have accomplished what I set out to achieve.

The general gist of what I shared? I compared two times in my life. Once, a stage of my life when I was searching within myself for the answers. What I found was darkness, sin, sorrow and misery. I got caught in a cycle that headed swiftly towards destruction and pain. Then there is the now, when I look to God for the answers. Now, I can look up, lift my head from my mere circumstances, and worship the Creator who has a greater plan and purpose for my life than I could imagine. That is the privilege of following the Lord Jesus Christ – a life of faith, hope and love. It may not be perfect (yet), I may not have all the answers, but I have hope now. And that is the heart of what I tried to convey over the last few days. Hopefully it positively impacted someone!

282. Mud Puddle

DSLR Photograph, June 2008.

What I personally found fascinating was all the bird’s feet prints in the bottom of the puddle.

281. Sketch – Arabian-Inspired Horse

Pencil on paper, July / August 2008.

A quick sketch inspired by photos of Arabian stallions.

Stats

Just out of interest, I thought I’d share some of the current statistics for this blog…

You have 211 posts, 14 pages, 1 draft, 6 scheduled posts, contained within 14 categories and 571 tags. You have 222 total comments, 222 approved, 0 spam and 0 awaiting moderation.

Top Posts

196. Red Horse, 507 views

The Amalgamation Home, 431 views

218. Pretty And Girly Giraffe, 430 views

Top Searches

horse,  horse art,  Giraffe

Most Active

249. Stallion Sketch, 33 views

218. Pretty And Girly Giraffe, 29 views

Pentecostal Priorities?, 26 views

At last count, there have been 7,097 hits since the blog started in February 2008.

According to Flag Counter, in the last couple of months, 1,659 people from the USA have visited this blog, followed by 437 from Great Britain; 348 from my beloved homeland, Australia; 196 from Canada; and 85 from India. I have also received many visitors from Europe and a couple from Africa. Wow! Hello to all my international readers!

Thanks to everyone who’s been visiting this blog, and thanks to those who’ve left kind and / or thoughtful comments!

4th Day Concepts

Thursday 29 May 2008 – 9.53 pm

Thinking about art concepts. Sometimes I get so full of ideas that it’s better if I sketch them roughly – using note paper and ball point pen.

Reading Genesis 1 – one of the chapters I’ve read more than any other in the Bible. This sketch is from verses 14-19 – the 4th day. Inspired by, that is.

September Seasonal Foods

There is so much to be eaten! 🙂 There are plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and nuts available in Victorian markets.

I don’t think it would be reasonable for a Victorian vegetarian, like myself, to ever whinge that there aren’t enough foods to make vegetarian dining interesting!

Please go look at the website where I found this information, as it provides specific information on individual products, including seasonal availability, nutritional information, basic preparation, recipes and handy photos. Especially if, like me, you’re asking “What on Earth is an Abiu?”! (The answer is at http://www.marketfresh.com.au/produce_guide/product.asp?ID=4!)

Some seasonal produce generally available in September in Victoria (referenced from, and for further information, http://www.marketfresh.com.au/):

Abiu (Caimo, Cauje)
Apple
Avocado (Avocado Pear)
Banana (sugar banana)
Bell Fruit (Water Apple, Water Cherry, Watery Rose-apple)
Black Sapote (Black persimmon, Chocolate Pudding Fruit)
Blueberry
Buddha’s Hand (Fingered citron)
Carambola (Five corner, Star fruit)
Casimiroa (White Sapote)
Coconut
Custard Apple (Atemoya, Bullocks Heart, Cherimoya, Netted Custard Apple, Sweetsop)
Date
Dragon Fruit (Pitahaya, strawberry pear)
Granadilla
Grapefruit
Guava (Apple guava, Gyayaba, Jambu batu)
Indian Apple
Jaboticaba
Jakfruit (Nangka Jaca)
Jambu (Jambolan)
Kiwifruit (Chinese gooseberry, Yangtao)
Lemon
Lime (makrut)
Loquat
Mandarin
Mango (Indian Mango, Mangga)
Melon
Miracle Fruit (Miraculous berry)
Nashi (Apple-Pear, Asian Pear, Crystal Pear, Oriental Pear, Sand Pear)
Olive
Orange
Passionfruit
Paw Paw (Papaw, Papaya)
Pear
Pepino (Melon pear, Papino)
Pineapple
Pummelo (Pamplemouse, Shaddock)
Rhubarb
Rollinia (biriba, countess’ fruit, South American custard apple)
Sapodilla (Chico)
Soursop (Guanabana)
Star Apple (Caimito)
Strawberry
Tamarillo (Tree Tomato)
Tamarind (Arabic: tamr hindi (Indian date), Thai: makham, Vietnamese: me )
Tangelo
Youngberry
Amaranth (Bahasa: bayam, Chinese: een choi or edible amaranth, English: Chinese spinach, Greek: vlita (green variety), Thai: phak khom suan, Vietnamese: rau dên)
Artichoke
Asparagus
Bamboo Shoot (Chinese: chuk sun, Thai: nor mai, Vietnamese: măng)
Banana Blossom (Thai: hua pli)
Banana Leaf (Thai: bai tong)
Bean (flat bean, long bean, yard long bean)
Beetroot (Beet)
Bitter Melon (Bahasa: peria, Chinese: foo gwa, English: bitter gourd or balsam pear, Thai: mara)
Bitter Melon Leaf (Bahasa: daun peria, Chinese: foo gwa yip, English: bitter gourd leaves, Thai: bai mara)
Bok Choi (bok choy, pak choi, pak choy, shanghai chinese chard)
Broccoflower (A hybrid mix of cauliflower and broccoli.)
Broccoli (Chinese kale, White flowering broccoli , Gai Lan)
Brussel Sprout
Cabbage (Chinese Mustard Cabbage, leaf mustard, Napa Cabbage, Peking Cabbage, Swatow mustard cabbage, Wombok, Wong Bok)
Capsicum (Chilli, Paprika, Peppers)
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celeriac (Celery root)
Celery
Chilli Leaf (English: chilli leaves, Thai: bai prik )
Chinese Boxthorn (Chinese: gau gei choi, English: chinese wolfberry, Vietnamese: kâu ky)
Choi Sum (Chinese: choi sum, English: Chinese flowering cabbage, Thai: pak kwang tung )
Choko (Chayote)
Cucumber
Curry Leaf (Bahasa: daun kari, English: Indian curry leaves, Hindi: meetha neem, Sri Lanka: karapincha )
Drumstick (English: horseradish tree or ben oil tree, Thai: marum, Vietnamese: chum ngây)
Eggplant (Aubergine, Oriental eggplant)
Fennel
Garland Chrysanthemum (Chinese: tong ho, English: chrysanthemum greens, Japanese: shungiku)
Hairy Melon (Chinese: tseet gwa (mo gwa), English: hairy gourd or fuzzy gourd, Thai: mafeng, Vietnamese: bí đao)
Horseradish
Jute/Jew Mallow (Arabic: melokhia, English: potherb jute or bush okra, Thai: po krachao, Vietnamese: rau đay)
Kale (Borecole, Collard, German Cabbage, Scotch Cabbage)
La Lot (, Bahasa: daun kadok, English: wild betel, Thai: bai chaplu , fish plant)
Leek
Lettuce (asparagus lettuce, woh sun, stem lettuce)
Long Melon (Fuzzy Melon, White Gourd, Winter Melon)
Lotus Root (Bahasa: ubi teratai, Chinese: lin or leen ngau or lianou, English: lotus root, Thai: rak bua)
Luffa (angled luffa, Chinese okra, loohfas, ridged gourd, ridged melon, smooth luffa, sponge gourd, vegetable/bonnet gourd)
Mache (Corn Salad, Lamb’s Lettuce)
Mushroom
Okra (Bahasa: bendi, Chinese: huang qiu kui or yong kok dau, English: lady’s fingers, Thai: krachiap)
Onion
Pandanus (Bahasa: daun pandan, English: pandan or fragrant screwpine, Thai: toei horm)
Parsnip
Paw Paw Blossom (Papaw Blossom, Papaya Blossom)
Pea Shelling
Pea Snow (Chinese: Hoh laan dau, English: sweet pea or Chinese pea, Thai: tua lan tau)
Pea Sugarsnap (Chinese: Hoh laan dau, English: sweet pea or Chinese pea, Thai: tua lan tau )
Pennywort (English: Indian pennywort, Thai: bua bok, Vietnamese: rau má)
Peperomia (English: peperomia or crab claw plant, Thai: phak krasang, Vietnamese: càng cua)
Potato
Pumpkin
Pumpkin Leaf (English: pumpkin Leaves)
Radish (Cheng loh baak, Daikon, Green oriental radish, Lo Baak, Long white radish, Red radish)
Shallot (Eschallot, Shallot)
Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)
Spinach (Malabar Spinach, Slippery Vegetable, English Spinach, Swamp Cabbage, True Spinach, Water Spinach)
Spring Onion (Bahasa: daun bawang, English: Eschallots or green onion, Thai: ton horm, Vietnamese: hành lá)
Sprout (Alfalfa, Bean Sprouts, Mung Bean Sprouts, Snow pea shoots)
Squash (Button Squash, Scallopini)
Sugar Cane (English: sugar cane, Thai: oi )
Swede
Sweet Corn (Corn)
Sweet Potato (Bahasa: ubi keledek, Chinese: Faan sue, English: sweet potato or sweetpotato or kumara, Thai: man thet, Vietnamese: khoai lang)
Sweet Potato Leaf (English: Sweet potato leaves, Vietnamese: Iá khoai lang )
Taro (Bahasa: ubi keladi, Chinese: woo tau, English: Taro or dasheen, Thai: peuak)
Taro Shoot (Chinese: woo hap, English: taro stems, Thai: born)
Tatsoi (Chinese: taai goo choi, English: rosette bok choi or Chinese flat cabbage, Japanese: tatsoi)
Tomato
Turnip
Vietnamese Balm (English: Vietnamese balm, Thai: phak leuan)
Watercress (Chinese: sai yeung choi, English: watercress, Thai: phakkat-nam, Vietnamese: xà lách son)
Winged Bean (Bahasa: kacang botol, Chinese: yi dou, English: asparagus bean or Goa bean, Thai: tua pu)
Witlof (Belgian Endive, Chicory, Witloof)
Yam (Bahasa: ubi kemali, Chinese: da shu or tai shue or shuyu, English: yam or water yam, Thai: man)
Yam Bean (Bahasa: bangkuang, Chinese: sa got, English: jicama or yam bean, Thai: man gaeo)
Zucchini (Courgette)
Almond Nut
Basil (sweet basil, thai basil)
Bitter Herb (Chinese: foo yip, English: bitter herb, Thai: phak kuang, Vietnamese: rau đăng)
Brazil Nut
Cashew Nut
Chervil
Chickpea
Chilli
Chive (Onion Chives)
Coriander (Chinese: Uen sai, English: coriander or cilantro, Thai: pak chee )
Dill
Fenugreek (Hindi: methi)
Galangal (Bahasa: lengkuas, Chinese: hang dou kou, English: Siamese ginger or galingale, Thai: kha)
Garlic (Bahasa: bawang putih, Chinese: da suan or suan tau, English: garlic, Thai: gratiem)
Ginger (Bahasa: halia, Chinese: geung, English: ginger, Thai: khing)
Hazelnut
Kaffir Lime Leaf (Kaffir Lime Leaves)
Lemon Grass (Bahasa: serai, Chinese: heong mau, English: lemon grass, Thai: takrai)
Macadamia Nut
Marjoram (Oregano, Sweet Marjoram)
Mint (common mint)
Oregano
Parsley
Peanut
Pecan Nut
Pepper
Perilla (Chinese: gee so or jen, English: beefsteak plant or shiso, Japanese: shiso (green) & aka shiso (red))
Pine Nut
Pistachio Nut
Rice Paddy Herb (English: Rice paddy herb or finger grass, Thai: phak kayaeng)
Rosemary
Tarragon
Thyme (Citrus Thyme)
Turmeric (Bahasa: kunyit, English: turmeric, Thai: khamin)
Walnut
Water Chestnut (Chinese: ma taai, English: Chinese water chestnut, Thai: haeo jin)

Dreams

Last night I had a dream that the lawn mower was so clean we brought it into the loungeroom, and everyone remarked on how clean our lawn mower is.

True story (that I dreamt it, that is.)

It’s probably a reference to our horrendously messy front lawn that hasn’t been mown for weeks thanks to the much-needed rain!

==

Random Lawn Mower info on Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victa_lawn_mower

Pentecostal Priorities?

It’s with some hesitation I write this post. After all, I’m not trying to court controversy – I see this as, first and foremost, an art-themed blog. It just seemed timely regarding the current atmosphere in Pentecostal Australian circles this week. I have no interest in commenting on that particular issue though, so that is not what this is about. But the current news (which doesn’t warrant repeating) was a catalyst that got me remembering some stuff from a few years back, so I thought I’d share it here.

Don’t get me wrong, this could probably apply to all followers of Christ, regardless of tradition or denomination. I just happen to be a member of an autonomous Pentecostal-style local Church, hence my angle.

When I first became a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, roughly six years ago now – and the best decision I ever made in my life – I threw myself into it. I had just come from almost two years investigating the fors and againsts of the Christian faith. I had examined evidence from all sorts of angles – science, the supernatural, archaeology, real-life application… and more. I had ensured that I read materials from multiple denominational backgrounds, too.

Then, the reality hit. A few Christians wanted to make sure that I was then thoroughly discipled and educated, not in the ways of our Lord and Saviour, but in the knowledge of Christian celebrities, musicians and preachers. I was actually ridiculed by some older Christians because I couldn’t name or recognise various “worship” bands or singers. It shocked me then and, while I ignored it in the meantime, it has recently resurfaced as I listen to the concerns of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I remember wondering at the time, what does it even matter if I do or don’t know who the “VIP” Christians are? Why should it matter whether or not I drive a car covered in Christian slogan bumper stickers? (I don’t cover my car in stickers, just in case you’re wondering! No stickers at all!) Why should it matter if I am up on the latest in Christian news (gossip?)?

As a new Christian, I chose to follow Christ because of who He is. I didn’t know anything about the big players in the Church. While I have more of an idea these days, it’s because I read Christian websites. But these great men and women of God – who do deserve honour as commanded by God – are still humans. They are not gods, they are not infallible, and I don’t expect them to be. We are all tainted by this fallen world, by our inner natures, by our desires for greed and power. God alone is perfect.

I am realising that, for a long time, I have suffered majorly from jealousy. I have always had a rockstar complex, and it is too easy to idolise Christian musicians. Weird, because a lot of my friends are Christian musicians! The problem is that it actually eats away at me, erodes my faith. Why? Because I took the focus off Jesus and looked to my fellow Christians for direction.

So, I hope this will be a reminder for me to be a follower of Christ, rather than a follower of Christian fashions and trends.

James 2:1-10 (Good News Translation)
My friends, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance. Suppose a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes comes to your meeting, and a poor man in ragged clothes also comes. If you show more respect to the well-dressed man and say to him, “Have this best seat here,” but say to the poor man, “Stand over there, or sit here on the floor by my feet,” then you are guilty of creating distinctions among yourselves and of making judgments based on evil motives. Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich! They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” But if you treat people according to their outward appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a lawbreaker. Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all.

*Scripture from http://bible.crosswalk.com/.

Impossible Mountains

Wednesday 28 May 2008 – 10.10 pm

Images inspired by my over-active dreams. I keep meaning to draw them. Here’s one conceptual outline from a dream I had in recent months. Concept “girl riding draught horse past impossible mountains.”

280. Whale

Pencil and pen on paper, August 2008.

Living Water

Wednesday 28 May 2008 – 10.02 pm

Contemplating the significance of water as a symbol of life in the Bible. There’s some rich truths bound to be discovered there

John 4:14…

…whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life… (NIV)

Hippy Towns

Saturday 24 May 2008 – 2.20 pm

At a cafe in a different town from usual. It’s in the mountains near our house. I love coming here, it’s a fascinating hippy and New Age town. Admittedly it would be hard being a Christian here, but it is a beautiful place nonetheless!

Herbicides And Sociology

Thursday, 15 May 2008 – 11.45am

Stuck at the shops while the neighbours coat their garden in herbicide. I don’t want to risk an allergic reaction. Oh well. I guess I can just sit in the coffee shop writing uni assignments – like every other 20-something here

– Me, attempting to analyse the social movements using cyberactivism

– My bored daughter

Winter Youth Group Population

Friday 9 May 2008 – 5.30 pm

Sitting here at the local youth group registration desk. There’s hardly a person in sight. Strange how the numbers drop right down in winter. In summer we get around 700 kids, right now, there’s barely 10. I suppose they;re snug and warm at home.

More Batman!

Ok, I’m not usually one to rabbit on about movies and stuff, especially as I am not particularly into movies. However, I do have a few favourites and, finally seeing The Dark Knight last night I must say I was soooooo amazed!! It was awesome and I thought it was fantastic. Between that and Batman Begins, I have been convinced of the plausibility of the Batman story. I love the dark, moody Batman vibe. It does it for me way more than the 1990s plastic-feeling movies. (The early originals were pretty entertaining, though!!)

According to Wikipedia, the character Batman traces back to the late 1930s. Two-Face is from 1942, and the Joker 1940. Amazing how these modern movies have such a rich history in comic book lore!

Growing up in the 1990s, I regularly watched the Animated Series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_The_Animated_Series), featuring Mark Hamill as the Joker! As life is, ideally, an amalgam of Star Wars and Batman, it seems a perfect match!

Anyway, I’ve rambled on enough. I’m sick, and I’m meant to be writing a uni assignment on Australian agriculture. Here’s some links, and every other reference can be found on Wikipedia.

Official Site at Warner Brothers – http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/

Batman on Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman

279. On-Site Sketching

For once I had remembered to carry my sketchbook on an outing to a National Park. I was taken with these beautiful little purple flowers, and whipped out the felt tip markers to try and capture the simple curves and bright colours of these plants. Unfortunately, I’m not too crash-hot at identifying flowers, so I have no idea what it was.

Jewish Orthodox Interpretations of Genesis 1

Just a link to share with you, this is an article on the question of the Jewish interpretation of the book of Genesis. I found it good food for thought for Bible-believing Christians. It can be found at http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/558.

Here’s an excerpt from the start of the article:

Creation days and Orthodox Jewish tradition

by Paul James-Griffiths

After years of agonizing over the literal days of creation in Genesis, I decided to spend time researching this problem at the London School of Jewish Studies in Hendon, England. After all, I thought, why shouldn’t I go to the natural Jewish vine for some answers? [Read Full Article…]

Care Bears Movie II

I love the old 1980s Care Bears tv shows and movies. My favourite was always the Care Bears Movie 2, and this is one of the songs from the movie. I guess it’s one of those things I can’t rationalise or justify, but I love the old school Care Bears, and so does my preschooler daughter!

278. Horse

Copyright F. Lokot 2008

Horsey! Undoubtedly it is a poorly proportioned beast – I had deliberately styilised this one. It was a quick sketch.

Air Purifiers

We recently bought an air purifier for the bedroom, to try and combat allergy problems. We settled on the Airfree P80 and have been impressed with the product. Admittedly, we had problems as it is not readily available in Australia, and it is wired for a British household. I would suggest that a surge protector of some description may be a useful investment for any Aussie who wants to buy it as well as a plug adapter.

Anyway, it is unique in that it works as an incinerator, rather than as a fan – and – filter type machine. It is also left running 24 hours a day and works by progressively removing allergens from the air, and it is totally silent.

For more information, try these links:

Official Site: http://www.airfree.com/

In Australia: http://www.pureair.com.au/airfree_80.html