Mass media has always been a two edged sword. There was a day when reproducing remarks was the duty of monks sitting at big tables rewriting what had been written or stated.

That day changed when the printing press came into use to more accurately and quickly reproduce these remarks.  


Everyone who could read suddenly had the same information from which they could form opinions, share discussions and make decisions. Of course the process of sharing information provided effective filters; the other side of the sword.

As capacity to reproduce information was increased, couriers began carrying dispatches across distances, then wires carrying the same printed dispatches, then electronic transmission via satellite, and now the world wide web. Information seems to gain credence when it can be read and understand by an informed population. Today, information can be spoken or written by a speaker and absorbed instantly by the listener! However the effectiveness of filtering seems to be impeded by the speed and volume of information transmitted. Enough said about that.

My fourth Spotlight Blog is being published today by the Moravian Church. This examines the time in the 1400s when the pre-reformation message began to be spread in Europe by the Bohemian Brethren. Bishop Luke creatively used this new technology. My artwork illustrates that process of getting the word out. Recorded history illustrates how the word was received. If you want more information, either look at Spotlight Blog BCM, or ask me and I'll be happy to direct you. 

​There are a number of artists in our church (First Presbyterian Church of Marietta) who mostly keep to ourselves. This year, however, we've been asked to make a contribution in the form of a piece of art to be used on the front of the Sunday worship bulletin during Lent. Each of us are creating a piece which reflects our impression of the scriptural text for that day. 

Tomorrow is the Fourth Sunday in Lent and my art represents the blind man gaining his sight at the hands of Jesus. This scene is especially poignant for me since I spent my professional life as a Rehabilitation Counselor, responsible for helping disabled individuals find fulfillment despite their functional impairment or despite the view of a society unable to see potential even in those tagged with the title "disabled" .

Unfortunately, many of our churches will be quiet tomorrow, stilled by fear and reality of pandemic effecting normal styles of life and worship. If you are spending some time tomorrow in quiet contemplation, and if you happen to turn you eyes to John 9, I'd encourage you to keep in mind Who is really in charge!  We are being distracted by what we see on the media, hear on twitter and newsfeeds, speak (or don't speak) in fear of creating awkward discourse.

Whatever your faith, your world view and/or sense of spirituality, I think it may be helpful to think and pray in the simplest of terms and not get bogged down in details.  All that we're going through individually, together and worldwide, I believe has a much larger purpose. We may not be able to see it yet, like the blind man, but it helps to know that this too will end someday and offer new opportunity.

Are you ready for some sunshine?  We saw this scene while traveling up north on a Sunday morning, work horses at rest, light summery breeze in the air, "sunshine on my shoulder" like John Denver would sing.

This picture is on display and for sale this month at Kennesaw's Big Shanty art house along with 2 others from me and loads of "masterpieces" from other Acworth artists. Reception is tonight. The rain is forecast to be gone but wine should be flowing.  

Then Saturday afternoon another opening reception for art is on display & sale at Acworth Art House. 

Get out of the house. Come join us!