"Welcome to the North Carolina Museum of Art. My name is Ms. J!"

[ I am ridiculously behind on recording the happenings of the Dulins. And there have been many exciting happenings. My goal is to get caught up this week so be prepared for one too many posts from me. ]

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At the end of May, I officially "graduated" from docent training and now am a full-fledged docent. What started out to be a "Hey, I've got museum experience and an art history degree..." has turned into "What the heck did get myself into I can't remember a thing about anything I've learned!"

This is just a portion of our class.

The great thing about the training was its intentional focus AWAY from art historical facts and info toward teaching methodologies that give the docent tools and skills to engage and provide the visitor with an "experience." Did you get that? Right. Afterall, if you are a visitor (of any age) do you really want me to spit out to you a string of facts that you will most likely forget OR find yourself through google, or would you rather learn how to look at art?

Who wants to be told, "This is an important, beautiful piece because the experts say so, therefore like it."? Why is that any different than saying, "This is an expensive slab of beef, you must like the taste." History has its place in art, but one's response to art will always be subjective.

The most interesting thing for me has been the connection between this docent training and the Bible study I took this past year -- "Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Studying the Bible."  I feel strongly God has me in a place of teaching. Crazy. Me, teaching. Just a note, one's response to God's Word should never be subjective.

I already have 3 tours under my belt. All three were in the 8-9 yr old range (which is the most popular age of school groups that visit most museums). Next week I have my first adult tour. It is one I actually scheduled myself for my Bible study ladies and a few other ladies from church. I'm looking forward to finally touring for adults.

The crazy thing about touring with kids is the need I have to be in constant entertainment mode. By the time the hour is done, I am literally exhausted from the adrenaline and high energy output I've given. The best thing about touring with kids is they have energy and full of questions and very engaged.

Lucy, Beverly and Dotti

But the best part about the whole docent experience has been the friendships I have made with some of my colleagues. There is a group of six of us who are particularly close and in that group there are 3 I am very close to. These are women from the same generation (they are almost old enough to be my mother in age).

Gerie and Emily

Last fall I began realizing this group was part of my mission field. And the relationships developed from this group in my life has been a work of God. I have had opportunities to share my faith and to continue to share what Christ does in my life. These ladies expect to see me living the Christian life. There has been great opportunity to give a Bible to one friend and literally teach her how to use it. There have been conversations about deep hurts and how God heals. One docent and her husband came to Danny's baptism.

The harvest IS plenty, and the workers are few.... I remember several months ago when I said to Danny, "Maybe this whole docent thing isn't even about the art or the museum. Maybe its about these relationships God orchestrated."

And my loving Danny looked at me with his beautiful green eyes that practically said, "No duh."

Increasing or Decreasing?

This is from the daily devotional "Fresh Start" by Andy Richardson.
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The Christian life is the continual expression of a desire for God.  It is the ears of the heart listening for the voice of God.  It is the recognition that nothing in this life really satisfies except the presence of God and His happiness, not ours.  This desire competes with the less noble, but very powerful, desire for self-fulfillment.  John the Baptist understood this well and put it this way, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

• Ask that your desire for God would double today.

It is your job to nurture this desire for God in your life.  No one else will do it for you, but God will help you if you ask.  There are many distractions to keep you from seeking Him this way.  Your job, your friends, and your family all consume much of your time and energy, and because of this you must learn to seek Him even in the midst of those responsibilities.  This is what Mary and Martha argued about, those two sisters whom Jesus loved so much.  Seek Him first, always, and everything else will work out fine in the end.
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The Things I Allow to Compete with God in My Life:
1. My Danny
2. Lauren
3. Daily conversations with Zoe
4. primping
5. Justification that my morning hours are the most "efficient" so I must get stuff done then
6. Checking email
7. Responding to email
8. Other Christian reading
9. Attempts to excercise
10. Comfort of my American life

There's a long list. How will I chose to be a good steward of the hours in THIS day for Him?

When a Man Loves a Woman...

There is something wonderful about when a man loves a woman. Yes, a million love songs have been written over time and countless poems as well. But there is something even better. When a husband leads his wife.

As the Dulins look forward to preparing their 3rd anniversary this June 7, I reflect on our three short (yet significant) years of marriage. Accuse me of bragging, but we have an excellent marriage. But let me brag in the Lord. This marriage is excellent by God's grace, sense of humor, and faithfulness.

When I think about what characterizes our marriage, I think about what happened last night. There was a bit of conflict. Toes stepped on. Frustrations expressed. Frustrations misinterpreted. Strong wills gearing up. Words carefully chosen. Words carelessly spoken. That's right, I said we had an excellent marriage, not a perfect marriage.

It was what the enemy delights in --- an opportunity to divide and conquer God's children, especially those in marriage. It never feels like there is a roaring lion in our home. Ahhhh..... but that's where a godly leader knows that whether it feels like it or not, the signs of the predator are preparing to pounce.

My husband, whether rightfully or not, had his feelings hurt my me. My husband, whether rightfully or not, was feeling defensive. My husband, whether rightfully or not, could have chosen to spend time standing up for himself. But he did the hardest thing it takes to do when you are not feeling warm and fuzzy toward your spouse. He took my hand and said, "I will not let the enemy try and get a foothold and destroy our fellowship."

And maybe my hand was not as eager to hold on at first, and maybe my lips were pursed, and maybe my heart was a little prideful, but those are foolish stands against the prayer of a humble and righteous husband. It is difficult to stay stubborn, when you are forced to hear your husband confess the condition of his heart before God. It is hard to stay stubborn when you hear your husband call out to God for help and for protection and for a change of heart.

It IS wonderful when a man loves a woman. But it is the blessing of God when a husband leads his wife. I've been following Danny Dulin for three years now. I can't wait to see where he leads me this year by God's grace, sense of humor and faithfulness.

Happy 3rd Anniversary.