Poetree

Been a while

2012-01-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

(a few mugs I made in December)

Hello world!

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything here. There has been a lot happening in my life and here is a wee update.

Last year I started selling some pottery on facebook. I did pretty well and had quite a few orders for Christmas gifts (thanks everyone!). I also got a job at the local UPS store, which has turned into a full time gig (thanks!). My wife is 34 weeks pregnant with our second child!!! Woohoo!

So, all that equates to being very busy with minimal time for pottery. I bought a Brent wheel and sold my Thomas Stuart wheel all in the same week. For now pottery is more or less on hold. I am still hoping to throw and fire but also realize this season may not be a pottery season for me. I am so excited to be a papa again and be reminded of how wonderful it is to shape the clay of a newborn's soul!

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Lately I have been reading The Prophets by Abraham Joshua Heschel. In one chapter he discusses man's obsession and worship of might. This stimulated some thoughts which I wrote in my journal. I hope they stimulate some thoughts in you.

"We are drawn to and blinded by power. We long to be powerful and recognized by others who are less powerful. All this to try to feel valued, needed and accepted. All this to numb the pain of being a weak, lonely orphan.
God's plan is so foreign to us. He, the most powerful, became nothing in order to save us, raise us up and give us true authority as his sons. He showed us the Way of absorbing violence rather than welding it on others. He taught us the Truth of humility as the greatest power. He lived the Life of true love that lays down one's life so that others can truly live."

Peace!

Wood Kiln firing

2011-10-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been throwing with a CA-2 clay body made by Laguna Clay Co. This is one of the two clay bodies that they make specifically for wood kiln firings. I met a local potter named Frank Gray and he invited me to be part of the next firing. We are hoping to do this firing the first or second weekend of November. The pictures are of some of the pieces for the firing. I took about an hour on Monday to sand them all and get them ready. Above is the best butterbell or french butter dish I have thrown yet. Below are my first attempt at this style of mug.

I have never been involved with a wood kiln firing before but have been desiring to do so for a while. The kiln was built as part of a Concrete Couch project. Concrete Couch is a non-profit art organization that does all sorts of community art projects. The kiln is located on the south west side of Woodland Park. They allow people to pay a small fee for a full or half share and then ask everyone to help split wood and keep the fire going.

I pushed myself a little bit and threw some of the biggest pieces I have thrown so far. I am happy with them and also happy with some of the mugs and tumblers I threw. As of today all the pieces are sanded and ready to be bisqued fired. Frank is able to bisque fire my pieces right here in town and also has community glazes available for the wood firing.

In other news, I threw around 50 pieces with a Redstone cone 6 clay body, also made by Laguna, and those should be being glaze fired this week. They would have been ready last week but my friend's kiln needed to be repaired. Between these two firings I should have around 50-60 pieces that will be available for sale or barter.

I have been really encouraged with the results of my throwing lately. These last few months have been awesome and these pieces are the best I have thrown yet (for the most part). I do not know if I have reached the 1000 pieces thrown mark yet but I do feel like a real (amateur) potter.

Stay tuned for pictures of the pieces from the electric firing as well as updates on the wood kiln firing. If the wood kiln firing actually happens I plan on taking lots of pictures and posting them so you all can see the process. I am not sure how much pottery I will be doing this winter for two reasons: 1) I do not have a heated studio space and 2) I have a job!

poetree

Pottery Ponderings

2011-09-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been posting about hikes and other things rather than pottery. In the past month I have been reunited with pottery and love it! I purchased a used electric wheel and set up a make shift studio in a storage room at the house we are renting. The space is small but wonderful. I leave the door open so I get fresh air, sunshine and can look out at the pine, cedar and aspen trees in our yard. My soul is happy and feeling very restored.

The first few weeks I threw many random things and tried throwing with larger amounts of clay. My wrists have been feeling so much better and this has been a great encouragement. Some folks at a fellowship we visit prayed for my wrists a few times and they are truly being healed! In the past few days I have been working on some really fun mugs. I have nailed down a few mug shapes I really like and am having a blast creating beards and mustaches to put on the mugs. I will post pictures of the first step (pre-Bisque firing) so you can see these beauties.

That was the update. The following paragraphs are my most recent pottery ponderings from the wheel.

Yesterday as I was centering some clay Jesus spoke to me very clearly. This clay was a little difficult to center and I knew there was an air pocket somewhere. When this happens, for those of you who don't know, you have to push the clay down with a lot of pressure. If the clay is in a cone or cylinder shape you have to flatten it out. This forces the air pocket to 'surface' so you can poke it with the needle tool and 'pop' it. As I was pressing the clay down and looking for the air pocket Jesus spoke to me about how he uses circumstances, trials, seasons in life to press me so that he can address the 'pockets' that are keeping my life from being truly centered. Let me expound on that a little.....

We often wrestle with the reality of God's goodness in the midst of the reality of the hardships of life. Most of us go one of two ways in our thinking and living. Some of us fall for a theology that says God is an angry judge sitting 'upstairs' waiting for us to screw up so he can punish us. This is terrible theology. Those who do not think and live with that theology usually have to compromise the absolute goodness of God. This results in a fatalistic theology and leads to skeptism and cynism. Neither of these are good or true theologies.

The reality is that God is truly absolutely good. In all he does and in all he allows. My life experience has shown that, much like when I am centering clay, God works through pressure to bring to surface aspects of my life that are keeping me from being centered in him. An air pocket can cause a noticable wobble in the clay which will show up as I pull up the wall, trim the piece and in the end will look terrible in the finished product. In the same way there are places of our heart, mind and soul that cause a wobble in our journey of life and in the end, if not addressed by God's love and mercy, will result in an imperfect piece of art. So, when you are faced with trials, stresses or just gloomy days, first thank God for his absolute goodness, then come before him with your prayers-earnest and honest prayers.

Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi. "Always be joyful, then in the Lord; I repeat, be joyful. Let your good sense be obvious to everyone. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything; but tell God all your desires of every kind in prayer and petition shot through with gratitude, and the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7.

May this be an encouragement to each of us. God is truly good and is in control of everything all the time. Our response needs to be one of thankfulness and our prayers need to be "shot through with gratitude." After thanking him we can then tell him honestly what our desires are. A quick example: my wrists have been affected by carpal tunnel syndrome over the last year. I am just now realizing how God has used this as a 'pressure' on my heart to address deep issues keeping me from being centered such as trusting his goodness. The times I respond in anger, asking God 'why' result only in my heart growing bitter. Over the last month, by his grace, I have been able to respond with gratitude first and then saying, 'Father, I want my wrists to be healed. I trust your goodness.' My heart remains humble and thankful and I still ask for healing.

Hike in solitude

2011-08-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a hike by myself at Mueller State Park. Despite the quietness and rest this season has for me at home I was still in need of some geniune solitude. A trail named, 'Elk Meadow' caught my attention and I decided to explore that one. It is listed as just over 2.2 miles and I thought that would be a good distance since I have only been in Colorado for 3 weeks.

I parked near the trailhead and gathered a few things in a backpack. There were no other cars in the lot so I was pretty excited for a quiet hike. I took a quick peak at the more detailed map and started down the trail. I brought a book entitled, Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies, with me in case I wanted to identify some plants. There were a few along the way that I attempted to identify but am not certain if I am correct. I think I saw: Canadian Buffaloberry, Pineapple Weed, Rabitbush and Angelicas.

I did not pay close enough attention to the map and ended up hiking 4.8 miles. On the way out I went nice and slow and tried to use all my senses to experience my surroundings. The scents of cedar, pine and juniper were very strong as well as the scent of horse manure (the trail was open for horse riding as well.) I stopped a top a hill that looked directly at Pike's Peak. There was a bench in the shade of a tree that looked very welcoming. I munched on some granola bar and banana chips while reading Psalm 36 which says, "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness stretches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep." It was a nice moment of contemplation as I viewed the mighty mountains and beautiful skies.

The return journey was exhausting and I was definitely less aware of my surroundings as my tired body just wanted to get back to the car. At one point, however, I noticed a lovely little violet flower that I had not seen on the way out. I stopped and studied it for a while and enjoyed another moment of slowing down. I also noticed a deer track in some mud on the way back.

Elk meadow
is a lovely place
to study a flower petal
and for a fellow
to rest in solitude.

Colorado Wildness

2011-08-12T11:27:00.001-07:00

I have been in Colorado for just over two weeks now. I am adjusting to the difference in culture, schedule, home, relationships...well, pretty much everything. My soul is already feeling refreshed and restored as much of the buzz and adrenaline of the city is gone. I have spent so many years sleeping with noise-air conditioner, people yelling on the street, sirens, etc.-that I find my mind and body a bit restless most nights here.

Last Saturday we (yes, I am aware that I just switched from 1st person singular to plural. sorry grammar folks.) drove to Mueller State Park in Divide, CO, and enjoyed a beautiful hike through a forest of pine, cedar and aspens down into a gorgeous valley with a wee pond. We then made the trek back up the hill into the forest to circle around to the trailhead. It was very peaceful and quiet. Besides birds, trees and plants we did not see anyone else on the hike. We are still adjusting to the altitude and dryness so the 1.3 mile hike was enough for us.

Today we drove into Pike National Forest in search of a hike. We stopped at a little gravel parking lot along the Platte River. We got out and looked around, put Shiloh in the Ergo carrier and did some tight rope walking across the river on a fallen tree. We hiked up a little ways but stopped as it was steep with lots of loose rocks. No need to tumble down the hill with our little guy helplessly attached to mama's back. After our descent we let Shiloh out and he played with rocks. I was telling Dana about a book I am reading called, Last Child in the Woods, which talks about the desparate need to get children to experience nature, when I realized I was just standing on the river bed. So, I decided to experience nature with Shiloh by wading in the river. At this point Shiloh was standing in the river, walking around and throwing rocks. When he saw what I was doing he started taking Dana's shoes off.

For the next thirty minutes we all waded in the water, threw rocks and looked at what appeared to be gold flakes in the bottom of the shallow river. Shiloh sat down in the water a few times when he lost his balance but did not seem to mind too much. He had a plastic braclet which we threw upstream and he caught as it floated by him. I saw some tracks on the other side of the river and went to investigate. I am not sure what they were from but as I looked around I suddenly noticed wild rasperry bushes along the riverbed. I told Dana, 'Look! There are tons of wild raspberries.' However, we had seen a sign in the parking lot that the area was treated with lots of herbicides and decided not to eat the raspberries. In our little outing I was able to identify the following plants: thistle, wild sage, wild raspberry, red clover and yarrow. There were so many others but I am happy to start small.

This new relationship with the land called Colorado is pretty exciting. We are looking forward to getting to know more of the land and the people here. Ah, it feels good to write again......

Oh yes, and yesterday I went to Cottonwood Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs and glazed all of my pottery pieces. They should be ready to be picked up on Tuesday. I am very excited to see how they turn out especially because I experimented with some color combinations that Jennifer (the potter whose studio and kiln I am using) had not done before. I hope to post pictures and such next week.

Beat box

2011-06-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Mplspoetree beat box

A recent homily

2011-05-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Scriptures: Acts 2:14, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23 and Luke 24:13-35

As we continue the celebration of the risen Christ into the celebration of Pentecost, we can reflect how these two gifts-the risen Christ and the Holy Spirit-are the mainstays of our faith. This faith was made possible not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the imperishable loving sacrifice of Christ.

We read of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, how their hearts burned within them at his words and their recognition of the risen Christ while breaking bread. Then we read of Pentecost and the receiving of the promised Holy Spirit. They are intertwined. The Holy Spirit illumins our eyes to perceive the risen Christ, who is our source of life, joy, peace and love.

Brennan Manning, in his book, 'Abba's Child,' uses the term 'present risenness.' The risen Christ is present in us and with us just as he was with the two on their way to Emmaus. Manning says our awareness of this present risenness changes everything and allows us to cope with anything. Today, in sharing the Word, songs and communion, let us be aware of Jesus' present risenness among us.

Second Glaze firing

2011-03-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

The second glaze firing went really well. Enjoy the pictures. I am taking a hiatus from pottery indefinitely as my wrists are not doing well. Bummer! Please pray for wisdom, healing and grace. Peace.

glaze refiring.....

2011-02-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

Well, the results are in......

The re-firing went pretty well. I was not even sure if you could refire pieces so I am thrilled that we even have finished pieces of pottery. I love pottery because it is always a learning experience. Most potters, I think, would argue that there are few to no 'master' potters. It is a discipline, art, craft that reinforces humility, even for those who have worked with clay longer than I have been alive.

Once again I am in awe and fascinated at the change that fire and heat bring out during the glaze firing. In the previous post I shared a picture of the pieces with the dry glazes on them. I wish I would have done pictures of individuals pieces so you could see the transformation. I learned a lot from this first firing and re-firing. I have some fun ideas for more things to attempt in the next round of wares.

The one bummer from the re-firing was that the Teal Blue glaze got overfired. Every piece with Teal Blue turned tar black. I was really excited for a mug I made for my friend Chris but Teal Blue was the main color. I am still proud of it and going to give it to him, but hopefully can do something similar to it with a better turn out of the Teal Blue.

My two favorite pieces are a butterbell with Amber as the underglaze and Cream Rust as the overglaze and a honey jar with the Amber glaze. These two pieces alone are worth all the time, money and energy I've put into all of this.

As of right now I am planning on taking a hiatus from pottery until my wrists get better. I am not thrilled with this but know that I need to be serious about getting better. If you think of it, please pray for grace, wisdom and healing. Thanks. Stay tuned for more fun pottery putterings with Poetree. Love!

glazing pics and video

2011-02-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

One beautiful thing about pottery is it requires you to slow down and do things well. Or at least if you want the best results. This is definitely true of glaze mixing and application. For our first round of glazing we have chosen four glazes from Bill Van Gilder's 'Wheel Thrown Pottery' book. The glazes are all cone 6. I used these glazes at my dad's back in May when I did my first glaze firing.

We decided to go the make your own glaze route because it is definitely the less expensive route. I do not really understand the chemistry of glazes but the mixing of it is a lot like baking. Each glaze recipe lists the main ingredients, which add up to 100%, with colorants in addition. We decided to make some big batches because we intend to use these glazes often.

I made a video that demonstrates the basic glaze application process but it is too big to upload. So you get the short verson. If nothing else it is entertaining.

First Bisque firing

2011-02-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

Well, we did it! We did our first bisque firing last night. It took about 9 hours and everything 'made it.' We hope to do the glaze firing next week sometime. We actually have enough for 2 glaze firings! The kiln fired beautifully. I stayed up most of the night but the kiln sitter shut things down around 4:30am this morning. There are few things we will tweek, but overall I am impressed with how well things went.

If you are on facebook you can see photos here.

'You have no equal' and 'Beatitudes'

2011-02-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

My apologies for falling behind with the homilies. In an attempt to get 'caught up' I am going to post the last two in one entry. They are short anyway.

'You have no equal' January 16th.

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

'You have no equal,' says the Psalmist to God. He seems so caught up in God's mercy that his short verses of song almost interrupt one another. 'How much you have done, Yahweh, my God-your wonders, yours plans for us-you have no equal."
What a statement and how true it is! There is no one like God. No one is as worthy. No one is as merciful, loving and patient. David, Isaiah, John and Paul all declare God alone is worthy. He gives every gift we need, he spoke of Jesus and revealed him as the Lamb of God-your wonders, your plans for us-you have no equal!.
This we must cling to. In trial, fear, boredom, temptation-Yahweh is unlike any other. David goes on to say: "You, Yahweh, have not withheld your tenderness from me; your faithful and steadfast love will always guard me."
Praise God, he has not withheld his tenderness from us. His faithful and steadfast love is always with us.

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"Beatitudes" January 30th.

Readings: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12.

Jesus went about proclaiming the good news of the kingdom. What is the good news of the kingdom? Look at Matthew 5:1-12. The good news is:

-The poor in spirit are blessed with the kingdom, not the wealthy and powerful.
-The gentle/meek inherit the earth, not the strong and proud.
-Those who mourn are comforted not forgotten.
-Those who hunger and thirst for uprightness will be filled, not the glutons.
-Those who are merciful will be shown mercy and no longer taken advantage of by the merciless.
-Those who are pure in heart will see God, not the ritually pure and self-righteous.
-Those who are peacemakers won't be silenced or outcast, they will be recognized as true children of God.
-Those who are persecuted receive the kingdom not the persecuting oppressors.
-Those who are slandered, persecuted, mistreated will rejoice in their great reward.

The way things seem to be are not real or lasting. The powers that be keep a good illusion and show but they will be exposed and humbled. God's kingdom alone is eternal. He is for the poor in spirit, weak, mournful, broken and desparate ones who long for truth, peace and justice-for his kingdom. Even in persecution and trials there is hope. The rule, domain, dominion-Kingdom of God is ours. This is good news indeed! The kingdom is here already but not fully. The kingdom is within, around and at hand. One day all will be as our Father wants. But even now we ask for the kingdom to come more fully in our weak bodies and lives.

Pottery Putterings

2011-01-24T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hello world!

I have not posted much on here in the last several months in regards to pottery. I believe the last thing I posted was that we had just installed a new wheel in our studio. The past several months have been a dance of two partners: joy and frustration.

I have been overjoyed at the proximity of creating with clay. It is amazing to be able to go out to our front porch and spend time creating with clay. I have a whole list of different shapes I want to develop and have been able to make several of them 'successfully.' For me, success is usually not measured only by having a finished product. For me, success is when I have fun, work peacefully, know when to take breaks and learn from the experience. Some of the pieces I have been working on have been: 'French' butter dishes aka butterbells, a pinch pot (to left), a bowl with a handle, a garlic jar (below right) and a honey jar. See pictures for some of the unfired pieces. We are hoping to do a firing in early February.

The frustration has come from a 'handful' of things. I am still having difficulties with my wrists and hands. This definitely affects my ability to throw pottery. So far I have been taking it very easy and throwing only small pieces every once and a while. I go see a specialist tomorrow and hope to get some answers and direction. It has also been frustrating balancing family, work and pottery. Also, the fact that it is winter has been challenging as well.

Overall, it is really wonderful to have the ability to create. The studio is very much a shared space and I am excited for the possibilities that this space holds. I will be posting soon to let you know how the first firing goes. We are going to be mixing on our glazes from the raw ingredients and I will let you know how that goes as well.

Some of the books I have been looking at for inspiration and learning are: Val Cushing's Handbook, The Potter's Manual by Kenneth Clark, and Wheel-Thrown Pottery by Bill Van Gilder.

Stay tuned!

A New Year's Homily

2011-01-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Every 2 weeks I lead a service at Sholom Home where I work. For the last one I posted the homily that I did for the Christmas service. I have since decided I might as well post each homily that I deliver to encourage, provoke thought and just to have some consistent to share on here.
Who knows, I may even try to do something like a podcast some day. But for now, here is the New Year's homily. Enjoy. Be blessed.

The texts, which I encourage you to read are: Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14 and John 1:10-18.

"These Scriptures reveal God's heart for us, his children. They reveal his abundant goodness. Jeremiah speaks of a time when God will gather all his children and they will gorge on his lavish gifts. Paul says it was Father's pleasure to bless us with all spiritual blessings and to adopt us. John proclaims a God who is so good and loving that he becomes one of us and through him we have all received one gift replacing another.

Wow!

God is abundantly good. He is the perfect Father giving every good and perfect gift. I believe gifts are intended to be received. I believe this year God wants us to receive his lavish gifts. We need to focus on being his children and receiving his love rather than doing better or making resolutions to try harder. Paul says 'he chose us in Christ before the world was made' and that adopting us was 'his good pleasure.' We do not earn his love. We receive it freely.

Father, you are abudantly good. Help us receive your good gifts this new year. Amen.

Christmas homily

2010-12-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

The following is a homily I shared at a beautiful Christmas service I co-led at my work, Sholom Home. The other leaders were some brothers and sisters who follow Christ through Catholicism. The resident spiritual 'pastor' Rabbi Bell was also present and shared thoughts, songs and blessings. It was a unique experience.

The readings were from Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96 and Luke 2:1-20.

"Christmas celebrates, rightfully so, with much joy, gathering of family and giving of gifts. As we take a few moments to reflect on this gift of Christ let us never forget the surprising way the gift was given.

An eternal Father bestows his son as a helpless child born to scared parents in a tiny stable. He then sends his mighty messengers to a group of despised shepherds announcing the arrival of the King and his Kingdom. They are told the sign...a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger...WHAT?!!

Have they dreamt, is it an illusion? There is only one way to know. They go stable by stable until they find Joseph, Mary and Jesus. God as a helpless baby. They return changed, praising God. Mary ponders these things in her heart.

Our response must be that of the shepherds-go and see, then glorify and praise God. Our response must also be that of Mary-ponder these things in our hearts. God has come. We are his children through the way of his Son. Today, with joy, let us receive Jesus, the greatest gift.

Child
by poetree

God became not just a man,
but a fetus.
A child they say will lead us.
This creates quite a fuss,
for those of us who are wise.
Thus we must learn to despise
The pride that is our demise
And we must realize
Humility is the only prize."

Merry Christmas (even though Jesus was not born December 25th or anytime near December. What shepherds would be keeping watch outside in winter?! Nonetheless, God has become one of us to make us one of his. WOW!!!)

Introducing......November Project!!

2010-11-30T20:39:00.000-08:00

Well folks, it is finished! I just published the November Project poetree book. I am really excited to share this and for the possibilities of future creations. Click on the picture to check it out at your leisure and give me some feedback. Hopefully I will be able to do more of this soon.
Be sure to look through both Book I and Book II. I decided to break it up into two books, each with 15 poems. Also, make sure you do not miss the Bonus Track. It is a sneak preview of a poetree book that is yet to be released. The link is www.wix.com/mplspoetree/book. Thanks!

Pottery Studio and Poetree Book

2010-11-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

Pottery Studio

Well, after months of waiting and construction our front porch pottery studio is 'finished.' Truthfully, we have trimming, painting and other things to finish but it is done enough. This week we went to Continental Clay and purchased a Skutt Prodigy wheel and lots of accessories. Wednesday night we had a little house party where everyone got to throw something in the new studio on the new wheel!

We have a small kiln that we hope to get installed and firing in the new year. Needless to say we are very excited for the possibilities. I am excited to see what kind of rhythm happens with family, work and pottery. The next month I am working a lot because of the holidays but hopefully in January-March I will have lots of time to throw.

Poetree Book

As previously mentioned, I am writing a poem every day for the month of November. This, November Project, has been a great creative challenge for me. The other night, with assistance from Tanner, I began work on the online book that November Project is becoming. In early December I will post a link on here to the website where you can flip through the book. Not too be arrogant, but it is really awesome! I hope you like it; I think you will. Stay tuned!!!

Here is another sneak preview of the book.

XVI.

Dust, sweep, clean

As I prepare

A place for creativity

May you prepare

A place for re-creation

Within me.

Introducing......

2010-11-07T17:42:00.001-08:00

The November Project by poetree!!!!!

Hey everyone out there in cyberspace. I know you all check my blog several times a week and wonder, 'why is it called poetree if he doesn't write poetry and rambles randomly about pottery?'

Okay, none of you check this and few of you wonder the above question. Nonetheless, I have recently felt inspired to write poetry again. Since I have a busy life with family and work, I felt I needed something more structured. So, I decided to write at least one poem each day of the month of November! The poems will be based on observations of everyday life. Some will have words that rhyme and some will not. I might even write a haiku!

I have a few ideas of what I will do with these poems. I may simply post them on here. I may create an online poetry book that you can flip through, I may make a papercopy poetry book to share or I may do none of the above. Ha!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know. Give me your feedback on what you would like. Here is a free sampling of 'The November Project.'

The last few leaves

fall from the trees

in this cool autumn breeze.

pottery update

2010-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

hello everyone!

Some of you, like myself, may be wondering what is happening with me and my pottery adventure. Though it has been a slower season I am still very much excited about pottery. For the last few months we have slowly been building a pottery studio on our front porch. We hope to finish it sometime in October.

As of right now we have a small Skutt electric kiln, which needs to be installed, and a mostly finished studio space (see pictures on this post). Once the studio is complete we plan on purchasing a Skutt Prodigy wheel. Then the fun continues! I am working pretty much full time right now but anticipating that my hours will go down to more part-time in the winter. This will allow me to spend time with the family as well as practicing pottery. In the 'off' season I have been sketching, thinking and watching potters on youtube.

Stay tuned for more on the adventure. One bummer is that I have developed carpal tunnel in both wrists. Please pray that it will decrease so I can work and do pottery. Thanks. Also look for some writings to be posted soon. Shalom!

Heschel quote

2010-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

"Civilization is on trial. Its future will depend upon how much of the Sabbath will penetrate its spirit." from God in Search of Man.

Tree Song: new poem

2010-05-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Tree Song
by: poetree

Tall broad and strong
We have stood for long
decades.

Watching, listening, groaning
They have been cutting
down.

Short thin and weak
They have just learned to seek
Creator.

Fighting, killing, dying
We watch while crying
‘Come.’

Long wide and deep
His love does slowly seep
in.

Ebbing simmering waiting
He is always planting
seeds.

Quick shallow and narrow
His light shoots like an arrow
out.

Albuquerque pottery: farewell

2010-05-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Bisque Firing

This last Friday my dad and I fired up the kiln for my bisque firing. I loaded the kiln Thursday night and it filled up almost 100% with what I had made. My dad uses an Olympia gas kiln so we were hoping for no wind. The bisque firing took 10 hours and all of my pieces 'survived.' There were a few pieces with cracks that I was not sure about. The weather experts were estimating that most of the coming days would have strong winds so we decided Sunday would be the best day for the glaze firing. This meant we had one day to glaze all 56 pieces and load the kiln.

Glazing Frenzy

Saturday we hung out with our dear friend Holly who drove down from Colorado to spend a day with us. After she left we unloaded the kiln, set up our makeshift glazing studio and began the arduous work of glazing 56 pieces in half a day.

It was amazing to have my mom around because she hung out with Shiloh all afternoon and evening when he was awake so we could glaze everything. We had a ton of fun creating together and Dana experimented with some really fun designs.

We ended up using nine different glazes in several different combinations. I loaded the kiln as the sun was setting. Surprising I filled up all but one shelf of the kiln with my pottery! Needless to say, we were exhausted at the end of the day. I went to sleep excited about the coming day and a bit anxious as I would be doing the firing by myself since my dad had to work.

Glaze Firing

I woke up early and energized Sunday. I caught my dad as he was leaving for work at 6:30am. I made sure I had at least some idea of what to do with the kiln. I light the pilot ring and got the burners going at 6:40am. I had no idea what I was doing really. I had talked through it with my dad and had his notes from the last firing he did last fall. Other than that I was relying on common sense and grace!

The day was long and exhausting as I hung around the kiln, cleaned up the mess left over from the glazing frenzy and tried to distract myself from the firing. The top level started heating up really well but I could not see any changes in the middle of bottom. I did not really understand what 'reduction' was but knew it was an important part of the firing. I followed my dad's notes very closely and felt like things were going well.

My dad got home around 4pm and I was very glad. By that time the 5 and 6 cones were bending on the top but were not moving in the middle or bottom. Around this time a gust of wind blew out the pilot ring. The safety feature turns off the gas automatically so there was no worry there. I relight the pilot and we set up a makeshift barrier for the wind. By 12 hours the top 5 and 6 cones were down, the 9 cone starting to go but still nothing in the middle or bottom. I was starting to get nervous. We kept the flame nice and steady, closed off the top port halfway and were patient. Not much longer afterward the middle 5 and 6 cones were beginning to bend but the bottom ones were not. By 8pm the middle had heated up and we decided to let it go till 8:40pm and then shut it off. What a long 14 hours!

Farewell

I was so excited to see how everything turned out but had to be patient. I had plugged the observation holes and covered the top port and opened them Monday morning. Several hours later we peeked in to see the top shelf. Then we took a family nap! I woke up early, got some tables ready, opened the kiln and started unloading everything. It felt like Christmas morning!

For my first gas reduction firing and the fact that I have only been doing pottery for 5 months, I am thrilled with the results. The pieces on the bottom did not get hot enough and a very rough and not too pretty to behold. A little creative thinking, however, and we have found a functional use for each. Ha!

Dana's designs and our glaze combinations turned out really well for the most part. It has been such a great learning experience and I am sad to see it ending already. I have a few more things to do to leave my dad's space as I found it, hopefully a little better even. We are going to pack up all the pottery today and tomorrow. We hope we have enough room in our car for everything else. Ha!

Albuquerque pottery 2

2010-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

As of right now I have 41 pieces of pottery ranging from very small infusers/filters to medium sized mixing bowls and bake ware. I am hoping to be able to do the bisque firing next week, put glazes on them and do the glaze firing around the 10th or 11th of May. We shall see how things work out. The good news is that my dad will be around more after Wednesday.

Here are some more pictures of what I have been creating. I have been having a blast and trying all sorts of new shapes: a tea pot, party platter, pie dishes, etc. Hopefully they will all turn out and be done when we leave in 11 days.

Albuquerque Pottery #1

2010-04-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

We arrived at my parents' two weeks ago. My dad has been working 7 days a week so his time is very limited. I spent the first day moving, cleaning and rearranging my dad's pottery studio in the garage. The first week I spent practicing, practicing, and practicing. My dad's equipment is a decade older than I am and so it has taken me some time to adjust. That and the climate in significantly different. I can throw something, take the bat off the wheel and be able to trim it in a few hours!

I had two very frustrating days in a row where everything I touched fell apart. I was having a hard time with the basics like centering and getting very upset. I asked my dad for some help when he got home and after dinner we went to the garage. The first thing he asked me was, "Is the wheel how it has been all day?" Yeah, why? He then showed me how it was rocking back and forth and not level! Ha! After a few pointers about centering I tried it again. Needless to say, I am much more encouraged and had two full days of pottery Friday and Saturday. To the left is a tea mug and infuser/filter I have been developing.

One really exciting thing in my time here is that I have been able to sit down, sketch out ideas, wedge clay and throw pretty much what I had in mind from the beginning of the process. This has been very encouraging. I have been spending many hours at the wheel and just started keeping things this last week. I have been sketching some pitchers, mixing bowls with spouts and handles as well as mugs. Below is a picture of some mugs, pitchers and mixing bowls I threw Friday then trimmed and applied handles on Saturday.

Reflection on Good Friday

2010-04-01T21:28:00.001-07:00

For years we have followed this man. We have been with him for every moment. We have left everything behind to know him. We have seen him touch people, heal people, love people in a way so completely different than anyone else. We have heard him speak, sing, teach and pray. His voice has become as familiar to us as our own voices.

All that changed last night.

We are in shock. We cannot believe what our eyes have seen. They came and took him by force. He did not fight and would not let us fight. We feel sick with disappointment. We were certain he was the one. All our lives we hoped prayed and waited for the moment we would hear news of his arrival. It came but in an unexpected way. Even up until the last few weeks we questioned if he was really the one. Then he spoke to us plainly and we believed.

Then last night came, the longest night of our lives.

We had spoken so boldly but when the time came to act we found ourselves frozen like a sword in its sheath. Why? Why didn’t he fight? Why didn’t he let us fight? If he really is the one we have waited for what kept him from being arrested, tried and condemned? The rulers most have been right after all. He cannot be the one because this is not how it is going to happen. He was so convincing in every aspect of life. We will never be able to shake the memory of him-alive with so much joy and now so utterly lifeless-dead.

We have never seen such a dim morning.

All our hopes are lost. This is the worst Sabbath of our entire lives. The songs have lost their meaning. The food tastes bland. The wine brings no joy to these broken hearts. We are overcome with sorrow. We are undone. The thought of him is too much. We can still hear the echo of his voice as we walk talk and pray. Never in our lives have we been so disappointed confused and angry. There seems to be a heavy cloud surrounding our every thought and movement. Darkness, like the day he died, covers our hearts. Darkness seals our hearts like the stone that sealed his grave.

pottery: glazes

2010-03-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have updated about my pottery internship. I took a week off while Patti's son and daughter in law were in town. During that week I started writing a little bit again hence the entries with poetry.

The next week was very low key. I was content to play on the wheel as well as demonstrating for our moms what I have learned so far. I was glad that I was still able to create during my week off and excited that pottery has unlocked creativity in me.

Last week I went in on Tuesday before heading to Kansas City for our friends' wedding. I got to glaze all of the pieces I have made and kept so far. All but three of them were fired Tuesday night and I picked them up on Wednesday evening. What a joy to hold, see and share the fruit of my internship these last few months! God has been doing a lot of restoration in me through this whole journey. He has restored confidence in me as I have been able to create with my hands. Hallelu Yah!
I have one more day with Patti, tomorrow, before we head out on our road trip. I am so grateful for this opportunity and excited to see what the future holds in regards to pottery. The plan, for now, is to continue practicing and learning pottery at my folks in Albuquerque mid-April through mid-May. I will continue to blog and post pictures. I have a few projects in mind but mostly hope to practice throwing as much as I can in order to improve my technique. After that I am waiting and praying to see what opportunities open up for me to continue growing in and through pottery.

My dad made a plate for each of us kids when we were born. They have our name and date of birth on them. I decided to continue this tradition and made my version of a plate for Shiloh. I am really happy with how the plate turned out and hope to make more for my niece, nephews and other kiddos he blesses our family with. Here is Shiloh's plate. The middle inscription says: "Our mouths were filled with laughter," from Psalm 126. This Psalm was a key part of our pregnancy.

pottery: week 8 and 9

2010-03-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that I have been learning pottery with Patti for 2 months already. I have been so grateful for this opportunity and am excited to see where all of this ends up.

Last week I learned how to pull handles as well as how to do sgraffito! Patti showed me two methods of pulling handles. The first was using a roller and doing more of a handbuilding method. The second is called 'pulling the handle of the pot' and is a lot like milking a cow! I was distracted and tired when I first tried this method and did not like it at all. After a few minutes, singing some songs, something changed and I pulled my first dozen handles. I had fun putting as many handles on a wedge of clay and it ended up looking like a very abstract trumpet.

One of my vases turned out to be more like a mug. I picked out my three favorite handles and then my favorite from those. I applied it using the scratch and slip method. Then I got to play with white and blue slips on my mug and plate. Patti had told me about sgraffito previously and had shown me some pieces in which she used sgraffito. Sgraffito is when you use carving tools to carve the clay and slip or glaze. The possibilities are endless. I practiced on my plate and was inspired by my dad. He had a practice of making a plate for each of his children which had their name and birthdate. I decided to make one for Shiloh. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera so you will have to wait for pictures!

Patti's son and daughter in love were in town this week so I am taking the week off. In the meantime I have been writing every day and am excited to post some more poetry, reflections, essays, etc. on here in the near future. Shalom!

fresh new poetry by poetree

2010-03-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

i have been wanting to write poetry again lately. after a hiatus of several months here is a new poem. It is entitled, 'Fruits of the Spirit.'

Patience is not something bought

But received over

Hard long arduous

Battles that you

Never seem to win.

II.

Joy smiles at the

Oddest of times

Like a long lost

Friend reappearing

At the moment of need.

III.

Love is as near as

Your own breath

Yet as far as your ideal

Is from reality.

IV.

Peace rushes

In like rain

During monsoon season

Leaving a much needed

Flood.

Kindness seems

A stranger to

Those who need

Her most.

VI.

Gentleness is not

Passive weak or

Afraid.

Gentleness is

Like a cool breeze

On a summer’s midday.

VII.

Self-control is,

Like true trust,

Always bestowed

And never exploited.

pottery: week 7 plates and tall vases

2010-02-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

This week was my seventh week of my internship. I practiced trimming on Tuesday and destroyed all but one of my pieces. The one that made it was the small tea mug I made and I was not too excited about how it turned out. Nevertheless, I got to practice trimming and experience a very important part of pottery: failure. I was pretty discouraged by how trimming went overall but took the opportunity to reflect on ways I would like to grow. After a disappointing time of trimming I decided to have some fun. I tried to throw a plate without any lesson. Then I decided to throw a bowl without stopping the wheel from start to finish!

Friday morning my family met Patti at the Minneapolis Institute of Art for a tour of their ceramics collection. We did the speed version since Shiloh was with us and has a short attention span. He really enjoyed the ceramics and we did too! I was fascinated to see ceramics from thousands of years ago made with essentially the same elements that I am learning to create with. I am thrilled to be learning a craft that has been around for such a long time. We viewed the collection in chronological order. What a visual lesson of the 'evolution' of pottery as craft and art. By the time we made it to the contemporary/modern section I was overwhelmed with ideas.

When we got back to the Olsons' Patti gave me a demonstration of plates and tall vases. She told me that vases are really fun to make but she does not make very many because, 'How many vases does a person really need?" Nonetheless, she made a vase and then played with it changing its shape with simple movements of her fingers or hand. The final shape imitated vases we saw from thousands of years ago in China.

With that, I wedged four balls of three pounds of clay each. I threw a plate and then a tall vase. The top of the vase got wobbly and I cut several inches off. I decided to keep playing and ended up making a nice vase (see picture at top). I was so excited to recover the clay and make my first vase that I took a small break. I threw another vase (the bellied out one) and then showed Dana and Shiloh how to throw a plate. To conclude my time this week I got to clean the wheel, splatter guard, tools and put my pieces away. These are all things that I knew needed to be done at the end of each session but Patti usually throws when I leave. She did not want to send me to my dad with such bad studio habits! hahaha!

I really enjoy plates and vases. The tallest I got my vases Friday was about 6 inches. I am going to throw more on Tuesday with the same amount of clay. My goal is to throw a vase that is between 7 and 8 inches. I have one more month with Patti before we head on our road trip. I will spend around a month with my dad and then come back to Minneapolis. I am not sure what my internship with Patti will look like after March. I hope to be able to continue learning, practicing and growing in pottery one way or another. Peace

Pottery: week 6

2010-02-20T18:42:00.000-08:00

This week of pottery was great! I have been a lot more tired lately so I have not thrown as many pieces. But the encouraging thing is that the pieces I am throwing are much better. On Tuesday I practiced trimming and learned an important lesson. It is okay to destroy some of your work! Up until now I have been very meticulous with my throwing and trimming. On Tuesday I destroyed three of my five pieces while trimming. I learned another important lesson: Stop when you are tired! All in all it was a great day. My trimming has improved a lot and I feel very pleased with the results.

On Friday Patti had me read from Bernard Leach's A Potter's Portfolio. Leach writes about the pottery movement he saw in his lifetime. The section I read talked about the philosophy behind creating pottery. Leach compares and contrasts the styles of East and West. It was fascinating to read this influential potter's ponderings at the beginning of a movement in pottery that is still very alive today. One of the concepts he talks about is how the craft/art of pottery is about shaping the potter. I have found this to be very true in my experience with pottery.

I threw my best piece so far on Friday. It is a small tea mug that attempts to imitate some classic pieces by Warren Mackenzie. I was so pleased with it that I took a break and only threw two more pieces. I had my intro lesson on glazing and got to apply some white slip to two pieces from last week. I am really excited to experiment with design and glaze next week. Patti is going to take us on a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art next Friday so we can look at their ceramic section. It will be fun to see other potters' work, be inspired and have some more experience with potters. I can hardly believe I have been learning pottery for six weeks already. I am getting really excited about what I can create with my hands.

Pottery: week 5

2010-02-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday I was able to practice trimming the bowls I threw last week. I trimmed three of the five bowls and am excited for how they turned out. The third piece was a little wet when I got there so I set it under the heating duct to dry out. By the time I got to it that afternoon it was very dry. It was interested to feel the difference in trimming with dryer clay. It shaved off almost like chocolate. My trimming improved this week. Part of this was because I took the time to measure the bottom and walls, made drawings and wrote these down. This allowed me to be more aware of how much clay I had to trim. The last piece I trimmed is the best trimming I have done so far. It turned out very smooth and light. I am excited to see how it turns out through the firing.
On Friday I helped Patti mop the studio which is something she does at least once a week. This is to clear out the dust and clay residue. Potter's get an illness in the lungs from breathing in too many particles. I enjoyed learning more about the care of a studio space as part of pottery. After cleaning the studio we sat down for my next lesson. Patti had an array of similar pots thrown by Warren Mackenzie, his student or Patti. They were all a similar design with different variations. We talked about the history of pottery a wee bit. We talked about how folk art pottery was brought to the forefront and how Mackenzie's legacy has been getting pottery into the homes of the masses. My assignment was to throw fast and messy with 1 1/2 pounds of clay and to try to imitate some of the designs.
It was a fun long day. I am happy with the pieces I threw and hope to trim them on Tuesday. It was fun to open up a bit of my creative side. I am encouraged with my throwing and the potential of what I can create. It is humbling to be reminded of how much I have to learn still. At least I know that pottery is a lifetime lesson.
I also got to take home some of my first pots that have been fired. It is amazing to experience the whole process of creating a single pot. I drew in my journal some of the steps beginning with wedging clay which is not even the beginning! I am proud of my work yet can also see areas I can grow in. Learning pottery has been really healing for me. It has also given me confidence in my ability to create. For a long time I have convinced myself that I am not an artist or craftsmen or that I just could not do certain things. Here are some more pictures of what I threw Friday as well as my first two bowls! Enjoy.

Pottery: more bowls

2010-02-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

This Friday I had the option of learning how to throw plates or to take a challenge with throwing bowls. I opted for the challenge which was a practice in precision throwing. The challenge was to wedge 2 pounds of clay and throw 5 bowls. Starting at 4inches each bowl was to be 1/2 in wider.
The object of the challenge was to practice precision throwing. This is a necessary skill to have in pottery. Up to this point I have been throwing shapes but with no guidelines or limitations. Patti had one instructor that had her make 75 identical pieces and then destroyed all but the best 5. This practice helped her learn precision throwing. Though she will not be giving me the same lesson, I will be doing more small scale precision 'challenges.'

I got to see my first two fired pieces. It is encouraging to see them and what I have thrown since. I am encouraged with the improvements even in the last few weeks. I am planning on taking Tuesday to trim the 5 bowls I threw Friday and hopefully keeping the best ones.

This Friday was fun because my wife Dana and son Shiloh stopped by to watch me throw a bowl. I then did my best to try and teach Dana a few things. She threw one bowl which I juggled Shiloh and tried to give her instructions. We hope pottery can be a family craft/trade in the coming years. Dana is a natural artist and I know she would pick up pottery quickly. I am excited to learn some more aspects of pottery like design, glazing and firing. One step at a time....

Pottery: bowls and trimming

2010-02-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

The latest thing I am learning and practicing is throwing bowls. Out of the few things I have done I enjoy bowls the best. The important factor with bowls is to have in mind a shape for the interior from the very beginning. After you throw it and prepare to trim you have to remember the interior shape. The interior determines the exterior.

The process is very similar to cylindrical shape up until you pull the clay out. I have a lot to learn about this process. I was very tired Friday so I threw four bowls. Of these I kept three to practice trimming. I went in this Tuesday and spent most of my time trimming these three bowls. I really enjoy trimming and have a lot to learn. Right now I am getting more used to the trimming process and tools. I am still not very good at 'feeling' out how much clay I have taken off or how much is left. I was very pleased with two of the bowls and hope to fire them.

As I threw and trimmed the bowls I reflected on how life has been lately. It seemed to me that God was saying the last two years have been a focus on our interior life-our character. The last two years have been challenging in many ways. One of the main things we wrestled with was the temptation to compromise our integrity and character. All who have journeyed with us have commented on how we conducted ourselves throughout everything. God has been shaping our interior. We are now in a much different season that I liken to trimming. It seems like we have been 'losing' a lot of things but that it is intentional. God is trimming our exterior like a master potter to match the interior.

pottery #2

2010-01-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

Today I went back to Patti's studio to practice cylindrical shapes. Today was the first time I was truly independent. I started out by combining clay and wedging them into cone shapes. I have been practicing a form of wedging called 'ram's horn.' I felt the most comfortable wedging today out of the three times.
I started out throwing smaller amounts of clay (1 1/2-2 lbs) but last time I threw some that were between 2 1/2-3 lbs. Today I decided to do more that size. For a beginner like me some of these wedges seem immense but master potters threw much larger pieces of clay.
Today I got to threw 5 pieces practicing the cylindrical shape. I felt very comfortable with the clay and could easily critique what I was doing wrong and how to adjust it. My 4th piece (see picture) was the best one I have done yet. I was able to pull the walls up about 2 inches! I also was introduced to the saying, 'It takes a thousand pots to make a potter.' I have made 22 so far! Ha ha!

I reflected on God creating humanity today as my hands were covered in slurry (excess clay). I thought about God's hands dripping with slurry as he paused to admire Adam. I thought about how God breathed into Adam's nostrils the breath of life. Woah! Imagine if you were throwing a piece of clay, shaping it in your image and then could breath life into it?! For me it is wonderful to think about God breathing new life into us each day by his Spirit. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Each day we need Jesus to breathe his life into us that we can be image bearers in this world.

pottery

2010-01-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

I started a pottery internship and decided to make this a poetry and pottery blog. So, he is my first pottery entry and pictures.
I have the privilege of learning the art of pottery with my friend Patti Olson. It is a wonderful opportunity and i am very excited. I feel alive and awake again for the first time in a long time. Working with my hands to build something out of a lump of clay is amazing.
As a Christian, Patti believes pottery is an act of prayer. Thus learning from her is an act of prayer. I meditate on different Scriptures and pray while wedging clay and throwing. One thing that she recommended was coming to the wheel with peace not anxiety, frustration or anger. These will show in the pieces you throw. This connected with me on a deep level as a new parent. If i come to parenting with anger or frustration it will show in my son. Viewing Shiloh as a piece of clay to be shaped or molded in love, calmness and peace is very helpful.
Thus far i have had two lessons with Patti. The first was basic knowledge of clay and throwing. The second lesson was recapping throwing basics and talking about the three basic shapes: cylinder/cup, bowl and plate. I learned the cylinder/cup and threw 8 pieces and kept the best. I learned a little bit of how to trim as well.
Check back here for updates and photos. I am absolutely thrilled at learning this skill and cannot wait to learn more with my dad who is a potter. Enjoy the pictures!

Materialistic Desert

2009-12-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

a recent journal entry.

Materialistic Desert
America is a materialistic wasteland. We center our lives around the illusion of happiness through massing amounts of possessions. Each day we import, produce, buy, sell and trash tons of materials with little to no regard of the effect consumerism has on the individual, family, society or planet.
Consumerism and capitalism are based on basic self-centered indulgent desires. These desires go unchecked in rich and safe nations such as America. They are based on the illusion that in order to be happy one must act in accordance with one’s desires. There may be a small regard for the effect of this lifestyle on others but that is not necessary. The most important person is your self and you should not feel bad for indulging completely and utterly. We have all seen where this leads a person, society or nation.
The difficulty in America is that most of us fit into two categories. The first category did not grow up with the ability to have everything desired. In a sense they were ‘poor.’ Some may never experience the ability to have everything desired but others pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Either way the prevalent spirit of the age pressures for more than is already possessed. The second category grows up having everything desired obtained. The ingrained right or entitlement of receiving everything desired is almost as deep as breathing. For these ‘rich’ it is truly hard to enter the kingdom of God.
For people from either category the right and entitlement of amassing possessions runs deep. America has experienced difficulities, such as the Depression, but never anything powerful enough to really question its way of life. There result is a mirage, an illusion of happiness, success and power. I fear that the words of Jesus to the church in Laodecia in Revelation 3 apply all to well to America today. “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve for your eyes, so you can see.”
Each of the things Jesus counsels the people of Laodecia to buy are things they were known for producing. They were famous for their refined gold, white clothes and salve. What an insult?! I wonder what Jesus would advice America to come and receive from him? I have a feeling it would be insulting and hard to hear. I have a feeling that our illusion of being rich and in need of nothing is going to be exposed soon. I have a feeling that many are going to be shocked and offended when it happens. I have a feeling people will be looking for a deep well when their broken cistern is uncovered.
Where does the Church stand on all of this? Sadly, she is divided deeply. Some do not think twice about the way of life but rather advocate it as God’s will. Others, as a response, live in a poverty mindset that will not allow them to receive from God or others. I find myself leaning more towards the latter part of the spectrum. God could have come in any way he chose but he chose to come as a humble poor servant. He chose to reveal himself in his Son who had nothing good to say about greed. He was in continuity with the teachings of the Torah and the Prophets who always sided with the poor and oppressed. Christianity at its core can never be the powerful, wealthy empire that is has become in the West. Christianity at its core is the religion of the down and out. Jesus made it clear that his kingdom was not of this world.
As I journey through this materialistic wasteland I am often tempted to buy into the illusion. I am tempted to settle down and acquire many things. I am tempted with the lie that if I am unhappy I just need to go buy something to feel better. I am so thankful that the Breath of God blows on my tattered broken sails so that I continue to move on in this desert. I am so thankful for the oasises that God brings me to that I may be refreshed and strengthened in the eternal perspective. I am thankful for the ‘sailors’ who have gone before us whose words still echo in my ears today. I understand more fully now why the Desert Father and Mothers said society was a shipwreck they swam away from in order to save their lives. Maybe it is time for another expression of Desert Monasticism in the midst of twenty-first century America.
Eventually true followers of Jesus will hear the voice of their Shepherd leading them home. Eventually Abba’s children will hear the call of their father. Eventually this desert will cause thirst, dehydration and death. I pray we have grace to be set apart even as he is set apart. Let’s follow in the steps of our Lord and others who have counted the riches of ‘Egypt’ as nothing compared to the true riches of the kingdom (see Hebrews 11:26). I pray this ‘exodus’ happens soon. After all, it was in the wilderness that Yahweh taught his children how to live a life of holy trust. We are already in a desert, but what are we learning? Wind, Breath, Spirit of God come and blow our weary vessels across this barren materialistic desert.

my tribute to facebook

2009-12-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

Fakebook
How many friends do you have? I have 511. Isn’t it great to be so connected? Isn’t it great to never be alone? I wonder what I have missed in the last 30 minutes, I better check the news feed. Something major just happened in my life I better puke it up via mobile so all my friends can know.
We live out this illusion every day. We are afraid to be alone with God because he might actually speak to us. We sit in front of a screen living a virtual life of friendship while our actual ability to love another human being slowly diminshes. We have taken the sacredness out of life by downsizing everything to a generic post online.

Fakebook, what have you done to my soul? Fakebook what have you done to our society? Fakebook, will you always be there for me?

If we spent half the time we spend on facebook in prayer, service or worship we would find ourselves more deeply connected. If we visited face to face we would quickly realize how cheapened relationships have become by overuse of facebook.

Collision

2009-09-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Collision
by poetree

sky collides with earth
water with rock
debris and trash
collide with creation.
And here I sit
with rock, tree,
plants, ants and
trash everywhere.
Human existence
has steadily moved
from harmony to
collision.
On what other planet
can you find such
a thing as
majestic scenery
tugged with spray paint
water bottles and beer cans?
This collision of creation
seems too heavy to bear.
Creator please restore
all things.

poetree book

2009-09-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

hey everyone!

i have not posted on here in a while but i have been writing some new poetry. i hope to post a few new poems in the next week.

in the meantime, i wanted to let everyone know that dana and i are working on a poetree book. it will hopefully be done this fall. it will consist of poems, reflections, drawings, pictures, etc. if you want to receive a copy of it please let me know. you can email me at kramertribe@gmail.com.

Love!

Rest

2009-07-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Rest
by poetree

I.
Rest is something you carry with you
all day yet you don't really
grasp it.
Rest is something meant not
just for when you've worked
yourself into restless exhaustion.
rest is an invitation into God's
labor
as well as
an invitation into God's
holiness.
II.
rest is an empty chair
waiting, not anxiously
but expectantly
to bear the weight
of one who is
not able to hold
themself up anymore.
rest is the open arms of
a father who painfully
watches his children
running ragged and empty
from diligent devoted distractions.
III.
rest is something we all fear
because it is a confession
of
weakness
vulernability
and lack
we're afraid to rest and
be still
because we know we will
be exposed
spoken to
loved
by One so other than
that our flesh will feel
fire.

another poem

2009-05-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today i read a quote by Rabbi Heschel that said, "As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines."

So, here is another poem.

i have a title but don't remember it
by poetree

every night i'm serenaded
to sleep by the hum and lull
of traffic.
a twisted imitation of
nature's nuculous noises.
Like one who lives near
the ocean i have
grown used to the
racket and barely
notice its ebb and flow.
It's volume is deadened
by the snow.
The stream of cars and
buses matches
my restless mind.
I've got to get out
again
To breathe fresher air
To hear the loon's call
To see the stars
To relieve the pressure on my soul
To be still and know you are God.

new poetry by poetree

2009-05-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

hey yall

i have been writing some new poetry with a bit of a new style. a lot of it has come with the coming of spring and my growing tension with being in a city.

here is the first.

a moment to be still
while the world around
still rushes past each
other.
I pause to rest on a bench
to hear the robin's song
still audible over the
constant hum of I-35.
I look up to notice budding
new leaves on the trees
and contemplate if this
is the state of my heart.
As the sun warms my face
it strikes me how
short this life truly is.
We spend the majority of
it longing for another age
then regretting all we missed.
Why not rather enjoy each
breath?
Why not live a day at a time?
Inhale. Exhale. Life. Live. Today.

Holy Week

2009-04-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

i have some non poetry reflections to share. i wrote this on Palm Sunday.

"Our King came gentle and riding on a donkey. There was no royal carpet but rather the worn cloaks of common folk. There were no banners claiming the power of his kingdom but rather branches of palm trees. There were no impressive legions of soldiers with armor but rather a band of simple disciples. There was no siege laid on the city but rather a driving out of corrupt religious leaders. A few days later our King's coronation came with a crown of thorns rather than a crown of wreath or gold. His inauguration was a lonely, brutal, torturous death on a cross. This was our King's way.

How is it that we have strayed so far from his way? He came gentle riding on a donkey but so often we come with force riding a war horse. In the prophesy of Zechariah there is no doubt that peace is the way of our King. 'I will take away the chariots of Ephraim and the war-horses from Jerusalem and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule [kingdom] will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.'
We must recover the way of our King and of his Kingdom. Our allegiance cannot be split between him and anything else. Our lives are to be mirror images of his life. In an era of increasing violence, war, greed and corruption we have to choose to follow in the path of our King. The time has come for the turning over of our violent, forceful, proud, and greedy ways. The time has come to joyfully declare who are King is and all the miracles he has done. Hosanna! Save us, Lord! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord!"

a poem i will be performing tomorrow night at our Good Friday service, disgrace.

Lamb and Lion
by poetree

Behold a lamb who was slain
the souls of humanity to gain
Standing triumphantly as a lion with golden mane
It seems so insanse
But the truth is quite plain
Through him mercy falls like rain
washing Abel's blood spilled by Cain.
Freed from Egypt in the desert to train
to keep the love of God as main thain (thing)
Throughout history we strain
with our collective brain
trying so hard to explain
but only he can wash every stain
For unless it dies a grain
cannot be raised again to reign.

Solace and John 15

2009-04-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Solace
by: poetree

This morning I climbed a hill
Not for the thrill
But to sit alone in the snow
The only sound I heard
Was the flow
Of a river far below.
I know my soul will grow
Not from noisy distraction
But in stillness before
The only true number one attraction.

John 15

I’m a branch in the True Vine.
Oh, it is so divine
You are mighty yet kind.
Even if I could search the universe
Such love and mercy I would not find
My heart to yours Lord please bind
Like a branch in a vine.
You rescued me and cleaned
Off all this world’s slime.
Now you teach my heart
To beat in time
With yours.

some more poems

2009-03-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

sorry it has been 2 months since i posted last. time has flown by. here are a few more poems for you all to read. i hope that someday i will do a zine or book of poetree.

expectation
by poetree

The home of a child is a womb
Not a tomb
I refuse to be consumed
By gloom or doom
Joy growing like that of a
Groom
Hands weaving life like
Wool on a loom.

Recovery
by: poetree

We want things packaged, convenient and quick
A hands-off approach to gratification.
But I’m convinced this is no way of satisfaction.
We were dirt shaped by the hands of God
In his image.
From the ground we have come
To the same we will return.
Don’t you think we should be
A little more connected
To what we came from?

Now, I’m not talking about New Age
Gaia, mother earth worship.
I’m talking about being
Stewards
Care-takers
Of the earth.
I’m talking connection
With the food we eat
The clothes we wear
The people we meet.
Shaped earth by God’s hand
Adam (man) made to steward the land
Now so separated
Everything comes
Wrapped in plastic
Making our bodies and souls
Sick.

Recovery of the One who made us
Leads to recovery of who we are.
Work the earth with your hands
Like God who did the same
And made humanity
Throw away worthless vanity.

a few more poems.

2009-01-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Liberty
by poetree

Blinded by her own dazzling proud arrogance
Liberty oppresses and exploits others to maintain
Her illusion of power, freedom and happiness.
In her quest to stomp out terrorism she has become
a terror using force motivated by her own fear.
Simple instinctual survival tactics dressed in fancy
political suits discerned by the keen eye seem
good to some but are empty to others.
The anxiety of threats is sedated by unchecked
materialistic greed and also greed of choices.
But there is only one King, one Lord and one Superpower.
He opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Psalm 23
by poetree

The Lord is our shepherd
we are his sheep.
He is our comfort
when in brokenness we weep.
He protects us
from the wolf and bear who creep.
He guides us
walks besides us
when perils are deep.
And when the wicked curse
It is us he will keep.

Introducing Poetree

2009-01-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

The time has come for me to share a lot more of my poems, writings and thoughts. Rather than hijacking our old blog i decided to make a new one. i hope to post several times a month with new poems, thoughts, meditations and such.

please let me know your thoughts, reactions, questions and such.

Child
by poetree

God became not just a man
but a fetus
a child they say will
lead us
this creates quite a fuss
for those of us
who think we are wise
thus we must learn to despise
the pride that will be our demise
and we must realize
humility is the greatest prize

Portrait
by poetree

I once saw a picture of a man
whose face was contorted by the
pain in his hand
He was like a son of man
Led like a lamb
And i still try to understand
that this was all part of the plan.
God blessed Abraham
and his descendants would be like the sand
and when humanity ran
God came to this land
to show that only he can
blow away hate like a fan
you and i must make a stand
all suffering, injustice and war to ban.