Allen and Joyce came into our families life seven years ago. In all my years on this planet I have never known such genuine, grounded, down to earth people. What made this friendship so different is that Allen and Joyce out date us by 40-plus years. They have served in the capacity of ministers for over 50 years. You can sum up their ministry philosophy from a simple statement from Joyce: “If heaven is anything like church I don’t want to go there.” Though they love the body of Christ, Joyce and Allen seemed to have glimpsed beyond the curtain of this world and peeked into the next.  It is not church politics or even gatherings that motivate them.  It is the face of Christ. And what they have seen beyond that curtain makes this world look like a dried up mud puddle strewn with rubbish. Allen taught me the beauty of liturgy and tradition without the weight of pretense or hypocrisy.  Joyce has sealed this truth in my mind: the fewer the words the better. But when you do speak let it be pure, powerfully sincere truth. Joyce did not hold anything back when it came to her philosophy of words. They have been our mentors, parents, compadres and one of the closest examples of Christ in our lives for the last several years. It should be no wonder that my first published book was dedicated to Allen.

Allen and Joyce

Over a year ago, they were called to spend a season at a church they started 30 years ago. Traveling to Oregon from Texas, in their twilight years, was a risky adventure. They would revisit their old parish as mentors to the church staff and bring some pastoral love to the congregation. We were sad to see them go but excited that they were being honored in such a way post-retirement.

After a year, their mission complete, they returned to Dallas. It was the middle of the scorching month of July that, after a fifteen month interval , we would revisit our friends.  That first hug, when you get to squeeze that person long absent, smell their hair, put your hands to their backs and just hold– that is a beautiful moment. We spent the next two hours hearing of their adventures in the northwest and eating Mexican food.  Joyce loves guacamole- I mean in an addictive way. Cheryl and I laughed watching her eat it by the spoonful.  Our two hours were spent as if we had never been away from each other. (The funny thing about Allen and Joyce is that when anyone  spends time with them they make them feel like you they are the most important people in the world to them. That is a gift I desire in my life and one that I woefully fall short of).  Even though Joyce was full of life she was also tired especially as she talked about yet another heart surgery that awaited her.  Several surgeries over the last few years had taken their toll and she seemed much weaker in body than I had ever witnessed her.  But her spirit was as spunky,  joyful and playful as ever.

So when I received the call, three days later, of her death I was saddened and incredibly thankful.  She simply fell asleep and did not wake up. I am always disturbed by the suddenness of death- not death itself but just how rapidly it descends.  I was incredibly thankful  that Cheryl and I had a couple hours with Joyce before she decided to look beyond the veil.  A few months ago I wrote and article called the Onion of Immortality (http://tinyurl.com/2cqq7xt).  Here is a bit of that article that spoke to me after I heard the news:

As I grow older, the onion of immortality incessantly peels away. People that I love –die. Yet,  my confidence in God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice causes my discomfort with death to diminish. The departure of my beloved family and friends feels more like an eventual grand reunion rather than a state of permanent loss.

A while ago, I sat down with Allen Groff, my mentor. Allen has been a pilgrim for the last 85 years. After serving in WWII, he married Joyce creating a gaggle of children and grand children. Serving as a full time minister for six plus decades, he pioneered several churches, preached an uncountable number of sermons, wrote several pieces of published music, and accomplished almost everything a pastor can possibly achieve.

Conversing over a cup of hot chocolate, I asked Allen a question I had been anxious to ask him for over a year: Out of all his years serving God and mankind: what were his highlights now that he strolled in the twilight years of his life.  He said, “Shawn, out of all I have accomplished the times I treasure are moments like this. Sitting with a friend, sharing stories and laughter and love, those are the only possessions I will take with me when I am gone a few years from now. If any of my ‘accomplishments’ did not bring some or a smile to someone then they are nothing but hay and stubble. Those are the moments I will carry with me when I die.’

Joyce left this life the way she lived it: full of joy, peace and mischief. I thank God for allowing me to be surprised by Joyce. (And I bet the heaven she now runs through looks nothing like a church service.)

The Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan is a journey I never take for granted. As you come closer to lower Manhattan the skyline expands into grand heights while the island shrinks in width. Every step changes your perspective. Today’s walk is different for me. I am dwelling on a time in New York’s history prior to the construction of the Bridge. My mind wanders, thinking about the time I just spent at a church in Brooklyn Heights. I cannot help but wonder about the smuggling pastor.

Imagine agreeing to be the lead minister of one of the most well funded church plants in America but with one major stipulation given to the hiring committee of the church: to accept the position as pastor, the church must agree to become one of the largest illegal smuggling organizations in the U.S.  This is where Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims found themselves in 1847. As the storm clouds of the Civil War angrily gathered from every corner of our young Republic, Plymouth Church was founded to meet the needs of the influential Brooklyn Heights community. The congregation wanted Plymouth Church to be more than a religious club for the wealthy.  So they called on one of the most fiery and controversial preachers of the day: Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. (Rev. Beecher’s sister would turn the literary and political world of the U.S. upside down a few years later with her book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin).

The Beecher family was inspired by an extremely loving and well-spoken mother (who was a century ahead of the views of the day and planted the seeds of revolution in her children) and the new theology that swept America in the mid-19^th century. This “new” theology, in a nutshell, focused on the story of the Gospels and the love of Christ rather than the Old Testament Law and judgment that had been dominant in much of America’s churches since its founding as a nation.  God’s story was about setting captives free, not enslaving them to a set of rules and regulations.  Beecher, inspired by the life and words of Christ in the Gospels, believed the church was essential and compelled with the responsibility to be a channel of social conviction, justice and reform. So Beecher came to his new church with an agenda. Read his words written years after the abolition of slavery, about his agreement to take this new pastorate: “I opened Plymouth Church, though you did not know it, TO HIDE FUGITIVES [my emphasis]. I took them into my own home and fed them. I piloted them, and sent them toward the North Star, which to them was the Star of Bethlehem.”

Beecher, known not only a powerful orator but for his humanness and interminable humor, was the fuel for one of the most influential ministries of the 19^th century.  He connected with his hearers and captivated hearts that inspired action rather than just nods of approval. Plymouth rapidly became a church that changed history not just through words but through their willingness to do something with what they believed. Beecher was compelled in both the pulpit and print to speak out for woman’s suffrage, religious diversity, the rights of Native Americans and most powerfully, the abolition of slavery. Because of his outspoken views his life was constantly threatened, even to the point of having a loaded gun put in his face.  (Beecher told the perpetrator that he might as well pull the trigger because nothing would compel him to stop fighting for the abolishment of slavery. It was the call of Christ and Beecher could only obey).

Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims took up their pastor’s convictions because they saw them as Christ’s call. To them, scripture clearly laid out that Christ died to set ALL men free. The church, under the nose of the local authorities, became the Grand Central Depot of the Underground Railroad, a secretive network of people that spanned from the southern coast to the Canadian border. Those in the Underground Railroad were committed to helping slaves escape to the north and Canada. Plymouth became the largest port of safety for this illegal and righteous endeavor.

Beecher held “mock auctions” on Sunday mornings to purchase freedom for actual slaves. Sojourner Truth, Booker T. Washington, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain spoke at the church. Lincoln attended twice and Beecher would become his close friend and an advisor.

As I cross into the Financial District in downtown Manhattan I think about where we as the church put our values today. Our world continues to be plagued with injustices. We love to talk about changing the world; we even scream about it from the pulpit, yet how many Rev. Beecher’s do we have in America today? How many men and woman in the pulpit have a cause so great they would look an angry shooter in the face and say, ‘You might as well pull the trigger because I cannot stop until those people are set free. It is the call of Christ on my life.’ How many smuggling pastors are in America today?

Henry Ward Beecher

“There is often a sea of doubt that rages deep beneath the surface of the life of even the most faithful. Years of unanswered prayers, the inward scarring of unjustified pains, and hidden struggles with sins that seem to so easily overcome us are hidden away and masked by our religious rituals, good deeds, and outward proclamations. While a sea of emotion rolls the keels of our hearts over a tsunami that sits just below the surface, we fight to pretend that nothing is wrong. But a moment eventually arises where the façade is washed away and our true feelings, the ones we have avoided for years, come exploding to the surface of our lives. Usually, this happens in a moment of profound loss. For Zachariah, it was surfacing in his moment of wonder. A confrontation with the Spirit of Truth was too much for Zachariah and the deep doubts of his heart were suddenly revealed by the One who already knew how Zachariah felt. His hidden pains far outweighed his ability to trust in the God of his youth. But all of that was about to change.”

The Via Advent follows three journeys that changed the course of history. A peasant girl, a fiery otherworldly messenger, an elderly holy woman, an hell-bent ruler, a band of magi-pilgrims. Each of these will be profoundly changed as they encounter the Incarnate One as he enters into humanity.

Combining sacred scripture, storytelling and personal reflection, The Via Advent draws readers into a heartfelt and inspiring contemplation of the coming of the seed of Abraham and His humble and unexpected entry into humanity. Evocative illustrations and raw, vivid stories voiced by those present at Christ’s inception and birth capture the astonishment, elation and humility of the Son of God’s entrance into the world of mankind.

Deeply moving and personal, the forty devotions prove a worthy journey in the Via Series. Inspired by the centuries-old practice of Advent and Epiphany, The Via Advent invites contemporary believers to find fresh meaning in contemplation and prayer on what it means to celebrate the coming of Christ and the mercy of God.

I hope you have enjoyed our sneak peak of the Via Advent. Order your copy soon!

“A sudden rush of otherworldly atmosphere caused Zachariah to stand paralyzed with fear.  He did not want to open his eyes but when he did he saw a very large figure standing opposite of him on the other side of the altar. All that came out of Zachariah’s mouth were the words, ‘Father, please spare my life.’ ”

From Chapter 7 of the Via Advent: Chosen Lot

The Via Advent follows three journeys that changed the course of history. A peasant girl, a fiery otherworldly messenger, an elderly holy woman, an hell-bent ruler, a band of magi-pilgrims. Each of these will be profoundly changed as they encounter the Incarnate One as he enters into humanity.

Combining sacred scripture, storytelling and personal reflection, The Via Advent draws readers into a heartfelt and inspiring contemplation of the coming of the seed of Abraham and His humble and unexpected entry into humanity. Evocative illustrations and raw, vivid stories voiced by those present at Christ’s inception and birth capture the astonishment, elation and humility of the Son of God’s entrance into the world of mankind.

Deeply moving and personal, the forty devotions prove a worthy journey in the Via Series. Inspired by the centuries-old practice of Advent and Epiphany, The Via Advent invites contemporary believers to find fresh meaning in contemplation and prayer on what it means to celebrate the coming of Christ and the mercy of God.

I am overjoyed to have the talented Ms. Jen Slaver back as our artist for this project.  Jen took quite a different approach and in a future interview I will dive deep into he psyche to discover how she does what she does.  This is the first time we have shared this art work and passages from the upcoming book.  I will share one a day for the next 2 days so enjoy and tell me what you think.

“The physician opened his eyes and picked up his quill. The story must begin at the Advent, the birth of Jesus. His composition would now be a letter of encouragement rather than one of persuasion. Putting pen to page, he began:

So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.”

From Chapter 5 of the Via Advent: Theophilus

The Via Advent follows three journeys that changed the course of history. A peasant girl, a fiery otherworldly messenger, an elderly holy woman, an hell-bent ruler, a band of magi-pilgrims. Each of these will be profoundly changed as they encounter the Incarnate One as he enters into humanity.

Combining sacred scripture, storytelling and personal reflection, The Via Advent draws readers into a heartfelt and inspiring contemplation of the coming of the seed of Abraham and His humble and unexpected entry into humanity. Evocative illustrations and raw, vivid stories voiced by those present at Christ’s inception and birth capture the astonishment, elation and humility of the Son of God’s entrance into the world of mankind.

Deeply moving and personal, the forty devotions prove a worthy journey in the Via Series. Inspired by the centuries-old practice of Advent and Epiphany, The Via Advent invites contemporary believers to find fresh meaning in contemplation and prayer on what it means to celebrate the coming of Christ and the mercy of God.

I am overjoyed to have the talented Ms. Jen Slaver back as our artist for this project.  Jen took quite a different approach and in a future interview I will dive deep into he psyche to discover how she does what she does.  This is the first time we have shared this art work and passages from the upcoming book.  I will share one a day for the next 3 days so enjoy and tell me what you think.

“Another blur, then Lucis found they were standing at the end of the aqueduct on the Upper Pool of Jerusalem, a city now surrounded by an invading enemy. He could hear hundreds of the enemies’ banners outside of the city, snapping in the wind like the cracking scourges that would soon be upon their backs. The overpowering smell of the unburied dead filled his nostrils.”

From Chapter 3 of the Via Advent: Seeds

The Via Advent follows three journeys that changed the course of history. A peasant girl, a fiery otherworldly messenger, an elderly holy woman, an hell-bent ruler, a band of magi-pilgrims. Each of these will be profoundly changed as they encounter the Incarnate One as he enters into humanity.

Combining sacred scripture, storytelling and personal reflection, The Via Advent draws readers into a heartfelt and inspiring contemplation of the coming of the seed of Abraham and His humble and unexpected entry into humanity. Evocative illustrations and raw, vivid stories voiced by those present at Christ’s inception and birth capture the astonishment, elation and humility of the Son of God’s entrance into the world of mankind.

Deeply moving and personal, the forty devotions prove a worthy journey in the Via Series. Inspired by the centuries-old practice of Advent and Epiphany, The Via Advent invites contemporary believers to find fresh meaning in contemplation and prayer on what it means to celebrate the coming of Christ and the mercy of God.

I am overjoyed to have the talented Ms. Jen Slaver back as our artist for this project.  Jen took quite a different approach and in a future interview I will dive deep into he psyche to discover how she does what she does.  This is the first time we have shared this art work and passages from the upcoming book.  I will share one a day for the next 4 days so enjoy and tell me what you think.

The Via Advent follows three journeys that changed the course of history. A peasant girl, a fiery otherworldly messenger, an elderly holy woman, an hell-bent ruler, a band of magi-pilgrims. Each of these will be profoundly changed as they encounter the Incarnate One as he enters into humanity.

Combining sacred scripture, storytelling and personal reflection, The Via Advent draws readers into a heartfelt and inspiring contemplation of the coming of the seed of Abraham and His humble and unexpected entry into humanity. Evocative illustrations and raw, vivid stories voiced by those present at Christ’s inception and birth capture the astonishment, elation and humility of the Son of God’s entrance into the world of mankind.

Deeply moving and personal, the forty devotions prove a worthy journey in the Via Series. Inspired by the centuries-old practice of Advent and Epiphany, The Via Advent invites contemporary believers to find fresh meaning in contemplation and prayer on what it means to celebrate the coming of Christ and the mercy of God.

I am overjoyed to have the talented Ms. Jen Slaver back as our artist for this project.  Jen took quite a different approach and in a future interview I will dive deep into he psyche to discover how she does what she does.  This is the first time we have shared this art work and passages from the upcoming book.  I will share one a day for the next 5 days so enjoy and tell me what you think.

The Great Silence

“One angel had been watching this tiny speck of Judean desert for eons with the anticipation of the ages. His name was Lucis, Heavenly Chronicler. Recording and telling the story of Yahweh was his entire reason for existence. The last few years had been quiet, but nothing ever remained still in the heavenly realms. The recent rumors of a pending holy invasion caused Lucis to feel as if he would burst like a super-nova if it did not come soon.

As flying is to a bird, so eagerness was part of Lucis’ nature. Sensing the vibrant approach of seraphim wings, Lucis grabbed his gear and stood with eager expectation. ‘Finally, the Advent is beginning.’ “

From Chapter 1 – The Great Silence

Those unique voyages were the offspring of our core values.  Some of these ideals were a part of the organization from its inception. But many of them developed as we matured in our calling. In year four, after a particularly good summer, our volunteer leadership team sat down and asked the question:  what are the values that define us as Wonder Voyage?

Here are the ten values that make us a unique, one-of-a-kind organization. If we stay true to our core values we can only grow in depth and maturity. If we abandon them, Wonder Voyage is no longer alive.  Take a look into the soul of Wonder Voyage.

The Core Values of Wonder Voyage

The Wonder Voyage staff holds to ten core values as our pilgrimage tradition. You must be able to embrace these values to be a fundamental member of the Wonder Voyage staff and to understand the vision of Wonder Voyage.

Pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5) – our lifelong spiritual journey is at the heart of our calling

We are dedicated to providing the modern day sojourner with the unique opportunity of pursuing the heart of God in extraordinary locations, through unparalleled opportunities. Every event becomes a journey and every participant a pilgrim. To understand Wonder Voyage you must embrace a lifestyle of pilgrimage.

Wonder (Genesis 32:30)- every pilgrimage consists of defining moments of wonder

We believe God is constantly speaking through moments of wonder. We strive to make room for these ‘encounters’ with the heart of God throughout our journeys. These encounters become moments of spiritual, emotional and directional clarity. Whether in a graveyard, cathedral, on a mountainside or in a cityscape, we open our eyes to wonder.

Exploration (Daniel 11:32)- moments of adventure and exploration are waiting to be seized

At WV we believe in embracing life passionately. The ability to take risks, to understand the cultures we visit, to try new things and see with new eyes, should be a daily part of our voyages. We believe a heart of exploration and adventure are awaiting all who would embrace life as a gift.

The Unexpected (Proverbs 3:5,6)- mystery is to be embraced not shunned

Because we customize every event to the personality and individual needs of each group that joins us, flexibility and adaptation are necessities. We must be extremely sensitive to all opportunities and circumstances that present themselves to us.  As a staff we must be dedicated to listening, learning, praying and playing.

Transparency (Psalm 51:10)- absolute honesty and fearless self-evaluation allows us to grow

A safe environment to be transparent must be cultivated. Grace, mercy and love prevail as we explore our humanity.

Vibrant Reasonable Faith (1 Peter 3:15)- we define our theology through the Creed

Our faith demands thought yet, is also comprised of the mystical and functional. We take great pleasure in the communion of the saints; the vast practices and traditions of those around the world who are followers of Jesus Christ.

Constant Humor (Proverbs 17:22)- we love to laugh at all times

If you have no tolerance for the absurd or the funny side of life, you will not enjoy involvement in Wonder Voyage. Laughter is often the medicine that heals the soul.

Customized to Community (Eph. 4:13)- each event is tailored for each unique community

We strive to customize each event to the personality and needs of each group. Our focus must be drawing teams closer to each other and the Lord, strengthening them through Christ, as a collective fellowship. We are an ecumenical organization committed to the Word of God, the unity of the saints, and a living, passionate, Savior.

Sacrifice (Matthew 16:24)- A posture of servanthood is a necessity as a staff membe

You must be willing to serve our pilgrim participants, persuading them forward on their journeys. Our experienced staff does the work so other pilgrims can enjoy the benefits. One must lay their life down to gain life.

Ownership (Eph 4:11 -13)- We desire to empower our staff in their call

We believe in unique-gifted leadership as opposed to needs-based. Needs based leadership says, ‘I need you in this spot. Do the job.’ Unique-gifted leadership says, ‘You are unique, thus your call is unique.’ To take ownership you will need mercy-filled aggressiveness, a strong sense of responsibility, a steadfast determination, a distinctive individuality and a longing for community.

Wonder Voyage was heading towards ancient forms of worship, but a specific verse encouraged us to dive into the world of the sacramental wholeheartedly:

This is what the LORD says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls.” – Jeremiah 6:16

These were the words Wonder Voyage took into 2004. The year opened with the organization putting on a retreat called Sanctuary in January, with more Sanctuary weekends following throughout the year. The short retreats featured the use of old monastic practices to assist participants in drawing closer to God.

Wonder Voyage Logo (2002 - 2009)

It quickly became obvious to Shawn that we could take elements from Sanctuary and use them on our trips. Pilgrimage was already an “ancient path.” It was and is a spiritual discipline largely forgotten or ignored by our Western culture. The incorporation of ancient disciplines (also often neglected) fit well into the summer voyages. Soon, we were making room for times of silence and reflection in our schedules. We began looking for places where we could journey with Christ through the Stations of the Cross. We read scripture aloud to our groups in Lectio Divina. We reached out to God through these ancient paths in hopes of encountering him and we were not disappointed. Soon, hundreds of students would be following long departed Christians on well-worn roads in hopes of meeting God.

Though they often don’t know it, our pilgrims are becoming part of a tradition that we often take for granted in or modern world. It is the history of men and women who followed Christ and met him on the road and they were forever changed. It is our constant prayer as we journey: to walk where the good way is.

Mike Flickinger has been leading Wonder Voyage trips for four years and works full-time as Shawn’s administrative assistant.  He has been commissioned to write this series of articles documenting the history of our organization. This articles covers 2004, the fifth year of Wonder Voyage.

Liberty

The next few Sidetracked articles are focusing on a recent trip to France.  They are written in the form of a travel journal. One of the greatest things about being the executive director of Wonder Voyage is the chance to travel around the world. France is the 40th country I have visited.  I must admit that I had a few preconceived ideas about France and her people.  Boy, was I in for a shock.

June 25, 2010- Pierre, the top Paris guide for the Louvre, takes us into the largest and finest art museum in the world. I actually came to meet a woman I have been having an emotional affair with for years.

Through Pierre’s eyes I start to appreciate art in a different light. We pass the subtle nuances of marble sculpture in Michelangelo’s Twin Slaves.  We take in France’s finest paintings, some which span more than 30-feet in length. Liberty, The Raft of Meduse by Gericault and the Emmaus Pilgrims by Tintoret; they are all works of intricate exquisiteness.  Walking beneath Winged Victory, a sculpture from 190 B.C., causes everyone to hush. Her majesty, beauty and power may cause one to grow dizzy.  To walk slowly around the Venus de Milo is to begin to comprehend unpolluted sensuality.

Emmaus Pilgrims

But as lovely as all of these works of art, it is only her stare I desire at this moment.

Her story is fascinating. She was commissioned by a wealthy couple from Prague. For reasons unknown to even him, Leonardo Di Vinci became obsessive with this particular piece of art. He would spend three to four years reworking her on the wood she was painted upon. Di Vinci records 10,000+ hours went into the painting. When his Mona Lisa was complete, he was in love. The day he unveiled her to the commissioning couple was a day of mixed emotions for the artist. The couple was not satisfied. She was not what they wanted so they refused to pay for her. Leonardo was both saddened and thrilled. He was in love so he would keep her for his own. When invited to France by the monarch Francis I, Di Vinci brought his masterpiece to show the king.

Winged Victory

Francis was instantly smitten immediately recognizing a masterpiece;  The Mona Lisa captured the heart of a king. Francis, discerning greatness, turned to Leonardo, and offered the Master a castle, a life time pension, and 4000 pieces of gold to obtain her.  Francis had to have the Mona Lisa. Leonardo found a buyer.  Today, she is owned by 62 million French. She is priceless never to be sold again.

I now stand in front of her.  A crowd of two-hundred tourists shove to move to the front of the insignificant red ropes that somehow magically hold the tidal wave of humanity.  Most just want a quick click of the camera that says “I saw her”. She is a celebrity but not many seem to want to really look at her. She is surrounded by phenomenal art yet all eyes gather toward her. I once thought of her as immobile  but as I move to the front of the crowd to stare at her image a strange phenomenon occurs. The painting begins to vibrate and come alive.

Venus de Milo

The winding path on the left calls to come and join the journey. The stream on the right begins to flow rapidly like the passage of time. The petrified mountains in the background begin to crumble as the weight of time patiently wears them away.  Yet she is caught in the moment- frozen in time. She is three dimensional, epochs unbroken on her brow. I am filled with the strange sensation that I am no longer observing a painting. Somehow, Mona Lisa has been watching me. The observer becomes the observed. Time has been interrupted and the great beauty now watches the buzzing crowd surrounding her. She is full of motion, and I fill with emotion, as the world around us comes to a halt.

I am in love.

The Mona Lisa brings me to Ephesians 2:10 (possibly my favorite verse in the Epistles): “For we are God’s Masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for great adventures, which God prepared for us before the creation of the universe.”  If you were to take the elements that were used for the creation of the Mona Lisa (the wood, the brushes, oils, paints) and break them down into today’s prices you would have about $30 worth of raw materials.  So what makes her priceless? Her fame? The style of art? Her age? The time it took her to be created? All those are the fruit of the finished product. The one element that separates the Mona Lisa from all other art is the touch of the Masters hand. As we look into the mirror we often see a jumble of body parts not worth our weight in salt. We may look on our lives and think we are of little value. Yet, Ephesians declares we are His Masterpiece.  Touched by the hand of God, we are priceless no matter what our minds or others may tell us. And Christ has created untold adventures for us to follow, if we desire to do so. We were in His heart and a part of His canvass before we were ever conceived.

He is in love.

Au revoir from France.