the making of crosses continues

As I mentioned previously, I’ve been really drawn to this activity.  I continue to collect material for the crosses wherever my steps take me.  I’ve been known for my powers of observation when I’m “out in the field”, but this particular intention of being observant is unique to me.  Looking for discards.  Looking for possibilities.  I feel this is a kind of practice for the more important task of being observant– that of sensing God’s presence, and hearing God’s message for me.

In Making Crosses, the author states: “take what the world doesn’t value and make it into a work of God.” That’s not to say everything I’ve gathered is without value, but for the most part these collected items would not have called me to pick them up.

The purpose in making crosses is not to create a beautiful cross, rather it is to focus on God.  Surprisingly that is what is happening when I sit down to put cross pieces together.  I say surprisingly, because I’m not really one to chat with God much more than at pre-determined times and places. This is a heart and soul opening experience, and I’m pretty much in constant conversation these days.  Who knew?

The author also says, “what I have found in this world is that when you are working on creating images of God, God is working on you.”

Here are the latest crosses.

Vine tendrils previously wrapped around stems, now affixed to arms.

Prunings from a Japanese Maple tree at Saint James Episcopal Church.

Ceramic coffee stirrers with Iceland bead.

“Debris” picked up along a path, centered by Japanese Maple cutting.

Julie’s frozen fruit bar sticks with bottom of garlic pod. I thought about turning the words to the rear, but decided this is a moment of whimsy. Besides, they are a favorite.

Spaghetti that fell on the floor as I tossed the package into a pot of boiling water.

Chips from the woodpile, adorned with apple tree bark chip. The apple tree is located in the commons where I live, and is thought to be around 100 years old.