Some Thoughts

This is the place that I intend to share my thoughts on various topics. The first topics that I have chosen to write about are ones that may seem rather "religious" yet they are very practical. Don't worry – these topics are not as "heavy" as some may think. If you can't find encouragement in what I write on these topics, then I really have not expressed myself properly, as these have been the areas in my own life where I have found a lot of personal strength and encouragement.

I start with my personal beliefs. This is important, as it is within this framework that my various thoughts have been written. In general, my beliefs are best interpreted in a Christian context, as this has been my heritage and personal experience. This does not mean that I would agree with everything or even most teachings that might be associated as being “Christian”, as will become apparent as you continue through my written thoughts on various subjects. Please note that wherever I may refer to “man”, I do so in the generic sense of either “mankind” or “man / woman”, depending on context.

Most of the topics I have written on are as yet unfinished. I feel that I have a lot more to say on each, but am taking my time to write my thoughts so that it will more clearly express what I have in my heart to express.

My Beliefs	There is a “spiritual” dimension to life that transcends the physical, psychological and emotional realities. I believe that God exists, and that man is essentially a spirit being in a physical body, having a soul.
	Relationships To me, there is nothing better in life than to live each day with my best buddy at my side, sharing everything without reservation. There are so many aspects to relationships and so much has been written elsewhere that I just want to touch on what I consider to be the essence of relationships.
Self-Promotion	Some may ask, "Isn't this shameless self-promotion?" My answer; "Absolutely!" I examine my motives and consider what role my use of a web site has played in my art, and whether it has met my original expectations.
Success	Success is not a matter of having money or possessions, nor is it a matter of having power or recognition. True success is found in being a totally integrated – "whole" – human being.
Identity and Integrity	These are fundamental issues. We must first understand who we really are, because only then can we learn to be true to ourselves. And if we cannot be true to ourselves, how can we be true to anyone else?
Holiness	Many religious traditions promote holiness as a way to God. A pretty good definition of "holiness" is "wholeness". I believe that both words share a common history in English language.
Judgement	Some people will say, "What goes around comes around." Some refer to "Karma". It is written in the Bible (Galatians chapter 6, verse 7), "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."
The Church	What is "the Church"? What does it do? Why?
	What is Art? As I have improved my own skills and developed more of a personal style, I have gradually come to have a personal definition of what art is - and what it is not. I am not trying to suggest that I have the "correct" view on the subject, but my opinion quite naturally affects the subjects I choose and the way in which I work.

All Scriptural references quoted in the above pages are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION^®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.