J.E. Solinski
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Flowers in the Desert . . .

3/27/2021

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Ah Spring! I love it!

We do not have long or harsh winters here in the NorthState, but our trees still go barren and all manner of flora folds up and hibernates. And then around mid-March, right when the calendar says it should, the air begins to warm just a bit, the green pushes through, and the buds begin to emerge, and soon . . . the world is a wealth of color. Amazing.

But what is more amazing is the transformation that takes place in the desert in spring. For most of the year, to the untrained eye, the desert looks like a wasteland––Dry. Parched. Only the hardy and determined holding firm. Yet the seeds of spring are still there––just beneath the topsoil–– waiting for the right mix of rain, sun, wind, and temperature so they can burst into bloom and create a beautiful carpet of color.

Spring blossoms, and in particular desert blooms, should be a comforting reminder for all of us when we encounter those spiritually harsh winters or demoralizing dry spells. Those times when we feel used up, barren, devoid of life.

But we need not despair. Instead we should remain steadfast and wait in faithful expectancy. Through a perfect mixture of resting on God’s promises, remembering His faithfulness, reading His words, and sharing our hearts with Him, God will bring those dormant seeds of our spirit back to full bloom.  



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Art . . .

3/6/2021

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I cannot draw a straight line––or a purposefully curvy one––but I love art. Just about every bit of wall space I have in my home holds some sort of “artistic” expression. Some are a bit pricey, but others are just calendars, framed post cards, or inexpensive canvas prints from one of the local department stores. Though I enjoy more realistic art, I have been drawn to some modern art as well.

I remember seeing a student’s piece on display at the local community college. It was a a large piece, 3’ x 4’, and red. That was it. All red. But the red had various hues and saturations, and the piece had multiple textures. I was mesmerized by it . . . and wanted it, but unfortunately (or fortunately) it wasn’t for sale. 

Okay, so in some cases I might be using the word “art” loosely, as some of what is on my walls would not be considered art by the critics, but the bottom line is the same. I love both the beauty and the emotional responses that these artists or photographers have made available to me or evoke in me. 

I know that today art has multiple purposes, anywhere from propaganda to entertainment to political or social change, but I think most of us select artwork that speaks to us from its beauty and creativity. And yet art is merely a representation, in some fashion, of the real world around us. 

We live in a world of color, of hues, saturation, and textures. Of shapes and designs. Of space and values. A world God created perfectly and a world which has been slowly diminishing and deteriorating over the years as a result of the fall. And yet it is still amazingly beautiful. As Jesus told his listeners in Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

When I think of that, I look forward to both the new heaven and the new earth––God’s reset of our world back to its Edenic form. (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 66:22; Isaiah 65:17-19) I don’t think I can even imagine such beauty.
So in such perfect beauty will there be art? 

I certainly hope so and truly believe so. We were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and God is the master creator, an attribute that we all carry and carry out in some fashion or other. And I would imagine all of us will be wanting to express such perfect beauty in some way. 

Plus, I just can’t imagine my heavenly home’s walls devoid of artwork.​

Is there something you collect or appreciate? Please share what and why you enjoy it so much. I, and others, would love to hear about it.



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    Author

    Jody Eileen Solinski spent her career teaching in the California public school system where she enjoyed helping young adults take their place in society. A native Californian, she enjoys the outdoors and so loves living in Northern California where she can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation up close.

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