Living "in Christ" is full of surprises!
I have just begun to “unpack” my current art talent. Yet my creative juices began flowing early in life as a young gal growing up on a farm in the 40-60's. For me using ones imagination was the way of choice for adventurous fun and exciting play.
Curtains, old clothes, discarded dishes and just about anything else kept my sister Cathy and I busy for days on end. We were seldom board! Between the two of us we could imagine and improvise something to do out of practically nothing. Sparkie, my pony and I could be whatever struck my fancy on any give day. I had acres to claim as my domain for imaginary play and discovery. My great grand father, Ira was well acquainted with my building skills since his tools were easily accessible in the tool shed. I helped myself more frequently than Poppy approved of. However, he tolerated my borrowing. There were numerous trees on our property where my tree house designs were displayed.
In my teens the family moved to Kettering. My babysitting money was spent on art supplies from Fernandes art store at Town and Country Shopping center. I had a burning desire to express my self via art of some sort and for years I spent hours trying to teach myself and let out this energy of expression.
Before long my life was consumed with marriage, children, working and adult life in general. No time for art.
Gardening had always been an outlet for creation and expression for me. In my early empty nest years I became a master gardener and began working with a design/installing/maintenance group in the area. The creative energy began to flow. I was working with other creative thinking people. The seed of creativity was growing once again.
Last summer I began getting together with a few artist friends at the Vineyard. It was exciting to be with people who “did” art. One friend was even willing to tutor me. My first assignment was to draw a circle and paint it to look like an apple or ball. Before long she suggested I take a drawing class. So I did. My first art class ever!!! I was shocked! I could draw. Then I took an acrylic class and oh my, I could paint too. Praise God!!!! What a relief for me.
At the conference Graham Cooke spoke about giving our baggage to Christ in exchange for the opportunity to unpack the luggage God has prepared for us. I can clearly see that my new title as artist is one that God created me for. I spent much of my life dragging by baggage with no energy or time for unpacking the blessings God has for me.
In Christ I am discovering who I am and how He sees me. A part of His plan for me is to let out His creative energy of expression via art. My heart sings with joy to be able to share our, His and my, paintings with you. God bless you to discover what God has packed in your luggage, just for YOU!
Curt McAdams has been a part of the Dayton Vineyard since 1996 and currently helps lead vineyardMEN, the men’s ministry. He and his beautiful wife, Phyllis, live on five acres of woods north of Waynesville, Ohio.
