2 comments about Sacred Play.

1. This book was a very easy personal read. It spoke directly to the heart of the creative person. As an artist, there is often little encouragement to pursue art. Not so in Wenda's book. She helped me to understand why when I don't create I am not a complete person. As she shared from her heart her own experience it seemed as if she was writing my story. To make the reading more alive, rather than racing through the book, she included wonderful exercises to help deepen the experience. She replaced guilt with joy in the creative process. But least the gift she gives be selfish, she encourages you to share the gift of freedom to create with others. I highly recommend this book for anyone, not just the artist, or dancer or actor. Buy it for yourself or buy it for a friend. You won't be sorry!



2. Ecclesiastes 12:11 says the words of the wise are like goads and the masters of these are like well-driven tent stakes. Sacred Play qualifies as a word of wisdom for the church on both counts. A goad enters the hide of the ox and makes it advance. Well-driven tent stakes represent absolute anchors from which we can stretch our cords. Sacred Play pushes us beyond our conventional practice to rediscover a godly joy too often gone AWOL from church. Childlike play, dramatic art, and creative artists are introduced as critical and overlooked keys to this rediscovery. Sacred Play stretches the cord of conventional and familiar expressions of worship, yet it is also firmly attached to the well-driven stake of Scripture. Shereos, a professional actor and a pastor's wife, reveals the tensions created by the soul of an artist trapped in the body of a conservative church. Where does a gifted artist turn when number painting is the only course offered? Shereos gives us Spiritual direction. Through the encouragement of her pastor-husband, she became the founder and director of the Worship Programming Team of Hope Evangelical Free Church of Springfield, Illinois. She also headed up Prologue, Hope's drama team and is the executive director of Next Step Drama Ministries. Sacred Play is a call to rediscover the delight of God as creator and lover of our souls, the godly relevance of childhood play, and our unique beauty as human beings (vs. human doings),and the legitimate contribution of dramatic arts in the disciplines of church life. This call is also anchored in a deep yearning for God's people to rediscover our rich biblical heritage. Old Testament feasts, King David's expressions of worship, biblical exhortations to sing, shout and dance, and themes of God's extravagant delight in His people provide a biblical paradigm for authentic worship. Is it possible that our expressions of worship are more influenced by conservative culture than the Scriptures? As a timely goad Sacred Play pushes us in the direction of a godly joy waiting for us beyond our conventional borders. However, this joy is often missed because of unfounded fear and insensitivity to the gifts God has given to bless His church. As a well-driven tent stake this fresh picture of worship is firmly anchored in the witness of Scripture. A biblical, childlike faith is carefully distanced from a childish faith. Special care is taken to guard against the excesses of the creative personality with reference to biblical norms. Sacred Play does not advocate worshiping creativity. It calls us to worship God, our creator and redeemer. Creativity is offered as a means and a discipline of laying hold of the joy of the Lord. Real freedom is always tied to the post of obedience to God and His word. In Sacred Play artistic expression is given serious consideration as a legitimate and untapped gift of the Spirit waiting to be discovered within the context of public worship. In addition it suggests practical insights into recongnizing these vital gifts and establishing ministries for the creative within the church. I loved this book! This daring picture of the church at worship challenged me to reexamine my ideas about public worship. Yet, I was also securely tethered to the tent peg of God's word. Words of wisdom will do that every time.

   Rev. James Lincoln, Hope Fellowship Wilsonville Oregon

No comments about Risk It-Express: Expression in Creative Practice (Horizon Ser. No. 8).

1 comments about Lives in Process.

1. You don't have to be a 'quilter' to appreciate this magnificent CD! I can say that with the upmost assurance, since my fingers have never-ever put needle and thread to cloth--can't even sew on a button! But, thankfully, I have friends that can and do!
   After seeing this stunning CD at a friends house, I have recommended it non-stop to anyone and everyone who has any appreciation of 'coffee table books,' art, women in their element, women outside of their element, history, living history, quilts, crafts, sewing, and photography.
   This one little book of quilts and exerpts from their creators immediately grabs your attention then sweetly places you in the lives (albeit for a split second) of a handful of women. They are women from all walks of life who have unpretentiously created not just a quilt, but a personal and cultural work of art--a treasure for us all. They each share something they unique experienced while in the process of making their quilts. Each quilt is brilliantly displayed in this CD. This colorful CD, the women and their work can forever be part of our own lives. Thank you Dottie Moore and Michael Harrison!

1 comments about CREATIVE GENIUS: HOW TO SHARPEN AND INTENSIFY YOUR MIND POWER CASSETTE: How To Sharpen and Intensify Your Mind Power.

1. Leonardo is the best example of the great human potential. He stands out in mathematics, physics, engineering, aeronautics, architecture, drawing, painting and sculpture. Why could he master so many endeavors?

   Michael explains in details the lateral way of thinking of Leonardo, based on his curiosity in everything, that helped him develop an immense creativity for methodology. Don't think that these are quick fix techniques, they require a whole lot of discipline, but it is worth it.

2 comments about Know What You Want and Get It!.

1. Condensed, light & easy reading. The book is packed full of practical shortcuts & suggestions to stop self-induced failure. The author cites numerous ways to raise your consciousness, turn liabilities around, and accentuate the positive. This power packed book goes beyond inspirational to help anyone improve the mosaic tapestry of their mind. After realizing how I can control & improve my mind, I find that these simple ideas really work!



2. A wise old man once told me..those who know how will always work for those who know why! Know what YOU want so that the Why of your life is crystal clear. Monath sets it out as plain as day...now all we have to do is turn the pages and set it into motion. I can't think of a better way to start the new year!!

No comments about Morning Reflections: A Collection of Inspirational Poetry, Prayers and Bible Verses for Daily Reflection.

No comments about Entre El Cielo Y LA Tierra.

No comments about Bloom of Autumn Gold: A Collection of Poetry.

No comments about Syllabogram: Boost of Creativity and Imagination through Systemized Foreign Language Study.

No comments about Creating Success: A Career Guidebook for Professionals in the Arts, Media And Entertainment Industries.