The Healing Power of Good Art

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My father just had a kidney removed over a week ago. My sister and her husband drove all night to be with Dad for the surgery. My sister-in-law and our niece were there also.

While Dad was in recovery, the six of us sat in the waiting area. The surgeon walked up to my mother. The look on his face told us that something was amusing him.

"Mrs. Huff, your husband is singing in recovery." I asked if it was The Girl from Ipanema, and the good doctor replied, "I don't know, but everyone is enjoying the singing." Later that evening after Dad got settled in his room, his nurse let my mother and me know we could go in.

He told us his name was Gabriel and added, "He's taught me some Portuguese and I am teaching him some Spanish." Later Mom told me his name was appropriate as he had that extra gift of grace in all of his dealings with Dad. He told Mom that he liked to treat his patients the way he'd treat his own parents.

So I asked Gabriel if had heard Dad sing, specifically The Girl from Ipanema. At that moment, Dad, still in his half-wakened state began softly singing The Girl... Knowing the song, Gabriel chimed in matching Dad's volume as not to disturb the other patients.

As I have mentioned in other blog posts, my early years were filled with all kinds of music. Though my father is a minister and we love singing in church and singing hymns outside church, we love all good music. I believe it elevates our God-given spirits.

This song may sound like elevator music to some, but let me offer a different perspective. It comes from a family of music meant to relax the soul.

Life can be tough and harsh sometimes, and what better way to soothe the soul but to bathe in well-thought through melodies and beautiful word pictures. Relaxing songs nurture and bring out the goodness in one's heart. I am not a trained philosopher nor a theologian, I am simply making an observation that humans need rest, redirection and redemption, and good music offers all three.

I also believe that God gave us the gift of music to enjoy, as a means of therapy and connection with other people. When cultures produce good art that nurture the soul, I see a characteristic born from the Creator to want to heal the human spirit. Afterall, we are made in His image. 

Spring in Live Oak Park - Photo by DHM

He loves us individually more than anyone else and seeks our good. And He will use anyone He wants to produce good art. Ours is to listen and watch for it if we are artists that we may make good art. If we are not artists, it is good to appreciate good art by encouraging good artists and investing in art and artistic events that elevate the soul.

I was an art student my first two years in college, but continue that gift in a different way. My canvas is family and friends. My media are hugs, gifts, and love -- lots of love. Am I perfect in my results? On some days, hardly. But as I learned long ago, if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. My aim is to bring beauty and joy to my "patrons." I only hope their critical observations will be as graceful as the art I attempt to produce, because good art heals.

My father is home convalescing, and while he will nurture his soul spiritually with God's written Word, he also enjoys the therapeutic results of gardening, watching good movies, reading good books, turning on good background music and connecting with family and friends. He's a artist in his ministry, allowing God's love to flow through him to others, and it is coming back to bless him. Good art also heals the artist.

This post is dedicated to my wonderful father and mother. Dad, wishing you great success in your healing! Mom, you are an artist incognito, your artwork is a clean and orderly home, lots of love for anyone walking through it's doors and good food to feed the body and soul!

The Love That's Enough

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John and I started out the new year relaxing to the movie "Joyful Noise." It was full of songs, old and new. There is one song that stood out and reminded me so much of the love my parents have for each other.

Here's Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton singing "From Here to the Moon and Back."

I appreciate genuine romantic love. It's easy to think it should be something greater than it is. But it seems it's greatness is in its simplicity. I believe true romantic love is not about impressing others with romantic love, rather it's about listening to my loved one and satisfying their immediate need. What others get is an essence of what is shared with one's spouse. When it's done right, others may misinterpret a perfect moment to be so because the couple is perfect, meaning a couple who meets the ideal of the observer.

But no one is perfect, yet there is nothing wrong with appreciating perfect moments. Ideal moments crystallize as good memories and are healthy so long as they don't take on a life of their own and become the ideal all the time. Good memories are essential to good mental health, and it's important to store up the good ones that swallow the bad ones we have no control over. I guess that's the nature of forgiveness, a beautiful gift we are given to help us live life unhindered, happy and whole.

True romantic love may be sentimental, humorous, dead pan or spiritual, but it's probably a combination of so many qualities. Whatever it is, each couple has their own tailor-made romantic characteristics, and it's inspirational to watch servant-romance unfold.

My folks exemplify a couple who have loved each other this way for 58 years now this past December 14th. One of Dad's first tokens of affection to Mom was the gift of a shotgun on their first wedding anniversary. But Mom was never a hunter, so the most they got out of that gift was a good story and a good laugh! Over the years the gifts became more personal the more they got to know each other. It's a testament to their improved listening skills!

As a young girl I enjoyed watching them be appropriately affectionate with each other. They still enjoy hand-holding and walking arm in arm in public, and not just because Mom's knees are aging! I've appreciated this more over the years, and how kind physical touch says so much to each other and to those around. It's the love that's enough, that sustains when life gets rough and when others are tough on us; our loved one gives us enough!

Thanks, Mom and Dad for showing us that being together is enough and loving each other to the moon and back!

What does Home look like at Christmastime?

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I still have a grown up Christmas list, and it's pretty close to Amy Grant's. But my personal bag of memories and wishes -- in no particular order -- looks like this...

Home. Warmth. Comfort. Good humor. Grace. Helpfulness. Hugs. Football. Movies. Shopping. Walks.

"Food, family and fun," which is John's and my motto for family get togethers!

John and I sneaking out last minute to buy stocking stuffers for each other, and watching our long-gone dog Princess pine jealously over the stuffed socks on Christmas morning!

Hearing stories from the older generation and dreams from the younger ones.

Tearing into presents with the nieces and nephews over the years, sometimes orderly, sometimes not.

My father, mother, brother and sister and I sitting around a Christmas tree in the smallest home we lived in. We were in Brazil where Christmastime takes place during the summer! Santa wears shorts! 

Richard and I getting matching red Caloi bicycles one year, knowing it was a luxury to have such gifts.

My paternal grandfather giving me a camera when I was six, which gave me my love of photography.

Every year my maternal grandparents gave us boxes of lifesavers with a five dollar bill tucked inside, something they saved up all year to give to their many grandchildren!

Teasing with my uncle Von, who is two years older than myself, and my playful cousins Kent and Kyle who can't resist finding the funny in everything!

Singing carols around the piano with my mother-in-law, and continuing into the new year as she likes to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas ending at epiphany.

Watching my sister Andreia read my parent's Christmas cards and catching up on where our friends are now.

Dad and Mom playing Christmas music softly in the background, and sometimes someone will join in singing along.

My sister-in-law Kim's green bean casserole.

Long walks and talks with John's sister ML that are more refreshing and upbuilding after being together.

Christmas in Boston when my family was a long way away, but I was welcomed by my northern family, Harry, Bev, Sarah and Andy. My memories of Brantwood Road grow more beautiful with each passing year! Thanks for including me on Harry's Hanukkah traditions where I could see them firsthand! What fun that was.

Everything is magnified at the holidays, including love, kindness and good humor. This is how I know I have a great family. There is more goodness among us when we come together. We do our best not to hide love from each other during the year; we express it as we can in little bits. It's magnified because we are saving it to give to each other in person.

So Home looks like Love. It is Love and Love leaves its stamp when everyone is gone.  

May your Christmas season be filled with love, comfort and joy!

This post is dedicated to my family whom I love! You have given me great love always. We are looking forward to making more memories this year!  

Two Short Reads

I read two wonderful pieces this morning and hope they bless you!

Link to A Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13 

Link to Why Give Christmas Back

This post is dedicated to the real meaning of Christmas - Christ! 

May the traffic part in front of you as you smile at everyone,

May store lines be short and your patience be grand,

May you be filled with good humor when offended,

And may this be your best Christmas yet!

Thanksong - My Favorite Family Vacation Memory

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It was late spring of 1983-ish. My brother Richard introduced our family to jazz singer Dave Grusin's album Mountain Dance. We were in New Mexico driving along a mountain road.



The cassette player was jumping to the beat of the album's songs. Rag Bag, Rondo and Mountain Dance among its many happy tunes. We rounded a corner and began driving along the most beautiful sight.

 

To our left stood a huge rock face darkened with trees reaching up so high we couldn't see the sky. But to the right, through the aspens we saw a peaceful mountain river flowing over rocks. If I recall, there were still patches of spring snow on the ground. The five of us were captivated by what happened next.

 

Thanksong played.



We were quiet, mesmerized watching the water dance over the rocks. Sunlight dappling among the breeze-touched golden leaves. Light sparkled.

 

There was a reverent silence. 



When life takes strange turns, memories like these stand out.

 

My loving family.

 

Quiet and at peace,

 

 navigating the beauty of created nature.

This post is dedicated to good memories, and may they come flooding in to you when you need them most. May they dispel any disjointed interpretations of life and keep you on the path of thanksgiving. Be blessed today!



The limitless that is borne from the limited

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 So many good gifts. So little time.

I am going to attend worship service at my local congregation shortly. We sing unaccompanied by instruments. But during the week I enjoy a plethora of accompanied music, Christian, lite jazz, lite classical, blue grass, folk, country classics, pop classics and too many other genres to mention. There is a world of music too grand to know, and there are tunes yet to be written.

What is amazing is each song is written from the basic building blocks of 8 notes.



 I have loved music since a child. At one point I panicked thinking that all the notes would run out and no more songs could be written. I also had the same feeling about the 26 letters of the alphabet; that at one point everything of value would be written and one day all written works would dry up, and the landscape of humanity would find itself sitting in a vast wasteland wondering what to do next.

 

Well, the wonderful thing about appreciating God's good gifts as a Christian are all the good gifts God has for us to create for His glory to uplift those created in His image. There is an eternity of songs, literature and innumerable other gifts waiting to be created from the finite and limited sources around us.

The builder with a good eye looks at wood and sees the home that will house others. The seamstress/clothing designer with clear vision looks at wool and cotton and sees the beautiful clothing made to honor the human body. The engineer looks with a sound mind at materials waiting to be forged into machines to better humanity. The teacher with a good heart sees the opportunity to create a more sound human being, who better fit into their families and society.

 

I think you get the picture.

So after a week's worth of work in my own arena using the materials God has given me to build up those around me, I go worship the God who gave me the gifts I have, leaving all at the door to focus on Him with the congregation, joining their hearts, minds and voices to mine. By myself with Christ in my heart, mind and voice I know my sacrifice of praise is worthy. But bound together with the congregation, the love poured to God is limitless and undefinable.

Does this sound strange and hypocritical? It is no more strange than the fact a couple shares their hearts, minds and bodies in proper intimacy that they may better serve humanity by bringing more humans into the world and being better equipped in heart, mind and body to do the work needed in the world.

 

I have come to learn that worshiping and beseeching Eternal God to help build up and steward His creation with limited resources is one of the recipes for happiness in good times and fuels steadfast joy in times of trial. This plays into health and ultimately holiness. I also believe these three work together and only Holy God can judge rightly how this all works out. Mine is to do what He asks of me and praise Him all the more for His good gifts, the first being His beautiful and perfect son, Jesus.

Thank you God that in seeking to obey You and reflect Your Son by the power of Your Most Holy Spirit I am relieved of playing God. May my finite plans be put in Your Eternal and most capable hands. When any kind of joy-stealing wall is put up, give me the grace to tear it down with Divine Love. May our limited resources always be used for Your unlimited pleasure and attract others to your Door, that we may help all enter who are looking. May we encourage all who need it, always blessing those who even reject You. For only You know the depths of cursing others in our minds and hearts and the damage it can do to our souls when we give in.

Amen.

May your limits be healed and you find unlimited joy in eternal God! The sun is rising and I am going to enjoy a walk among God's handiwork.

This post is dedicated to those whose limits have been reached, who don't know where to turn when energy and hope have run out. This is your day to find help and healing in God, one of whose many names is Jehovah Rapha, meaning The Lord that heals, and El Olam, meaning The Everlasting God. "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him" [Psalm 34:8] 



The Source of All Goodness

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I woke up with goodness flourishing in my soul, wanting to share this gift that has made me so wealthy.

Today is a beautiful day. The sun is up as usual despite being hidden behind the clouds. It has not missed a beat. It is good to be on planet earth. The Creator opens each morning with goodness, a chance to renew what yesterday couldn't complete. In each baby step we step closer to the day we meet our Creator, and reaffirm goodness with every thought and action we have.

There is goodness all around. I know the Biblical story and its weightiness and have seen too many sadnesses and injustices to count, but His plan is still working. His story continues to be played out. How can I not rejoice in that? This same Book lifts my load. Without it my spirit dries up. It refreshes like a clear spring, cleanses and redirects my path, pointing me towards Goodness.

When life does not go my way, even in the least little thing, there is still goodness out there. I can still offer genuine love and humor in all I do. I can make life easier for someone else in some little way. That alone makes my day. I am rich beyond belief when I get to share a piece of my day with others and hear about their day. Though I cannot solve another's problem entirely, I can lift their load, if even for a moment. Now that's wealth worth spreading.

I have a choice. I can let the unjust bring me down, or I can go to the source of all goodness and return goodness for disappointment. It's so freeing to give God's goodness to another in the name of Jesus, even if He is not recognized. He recognizes my efforts, which is why I seek to see that in others.

I also can list my blessings, recent goodnesses and see how others are giving their best to me in the smallest of details. I have a wonderful husband whom I can speak to about anything. I don't know the fear of saying the wrong thing to my husband. I have said the wrong thing to John and he has always honored me with an ear and correct judgment. It encourages me to grow more in goodness and the love that swallows up fear. Is he perfect? No. But he is perfect for me. He has a huge reserve of goodness for me!

I have friends of all ages whom I love hearing from, whether they are being pressed or being blessed. In turn, they are so kind to hear me out with the positives and the challenges of my life. They give me a cup of goodness in every communication. How can one not be counted as wealthy?

How rich is one who is not under the pressure to perform for their esteem and value. We are loved just because we draw breath. How I love giving this kind of love to others. I wish there were more of me, which is why I write. It's a way to give more of me without being there in person.

Caveat-I know there are more like me, and I always get happy when I meet others seeking to make anothers life better in their own little way. And truth be known, everyone has the seed of goodness in them. Someone either didn't help them cultivate it, or they are denying their own path to goodness for their own reasons. This is why I pray, that they be released from whatever ails their soul from offering goodness, as I know others have prayed for me when I too have felt tempted to not be or do good.

I pray you know how loved you are. There is One God who is Love, perfect, perfectly capable of judging the world and others where I cannot. I am free to simply love and offer the best work I can. And when I fail, or see where I could have done better, I have a place to go. How can one not be moved at such great Love from Above. He is the source of all goodness and fills me when my cup is low.

Humor is God smiling on my soul, and to give a cup of good humor, is to give a cup of goodness.

Who can I bless today with the goodness I have been given? I pray you have been blessed with this little journey down goodness lane. Have a terrific day and when life doesn't go your way, step outside, look at God's handiwork. His fingerprint is everywhere in nature, and among any person who is doing the right thing, whether they recognize their Creator or not. I am the beneficiary of goodness, even in the most severe of my trials. How good it is to have a computer, be able to write good things and press "Send" so others can be good and blessed!

This post is dedicated to all of my employers, past and present. They have given me good work, even if for a season. I have learned so much in each work situation. I am a better person today because of the lessons I have learned under your tutelage. Today I am blessed with two good work situations that not only pay me back monetarily, but also in so many other little ways.