This is a bed and breakfast in Wilmington. Why bother talking about houses and looking at houses? I just think this is one of the creative gifts God gives mankind. We reflect him in our creativity, don't we. We love to create. Homes are just one aspect of this.
Sometimes it seems like a waste of time to look and think about houses and how they make us feel. I wonder if there is such a thing as a philosophy of house architecture.
I think it is nice to make a house a home. But why---because we want to show forth a loving embrace to those around us. What are other reasons?
I think Tim Keller touches on this a bit:
The Church needs artists because without art we cannot reach the world. The simple fact is that the imagination 'gets you,' even when your reason is completely against the idea of God. "Imagination communicates," as Arthur Danto says, "indefinable but inescapable truth." Those who read a book or listen to music expose themselves to that inescapable truth. There is a sort of schizophrenia that occurs if you are listening to Bach and you hear the glory of God and yet your mind says there is no God and there is no meaning. You are committed to believing nothing means anything and yet the music comes in and takes you over with your imagination. When you listen to great music, you can't believe life is meaningless. Your heart knows what your mind is denying. We need Christian artists because we are never going to reach the world without great Christian art to go with great Christian talk.
--Tim Keller
perhaps this can be applied to homes as well? What do you think?
I like to look at different houses and just try to imagine what kind of life goes on behind those doors. I don't really need to see inside. I like using my imagination to create stories and plots. It's a way of taking myself into another's world.
ReplyDeleteI meant to mention again how much I love that photo when I open up your blog. Those two little faces make me smile.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I used to struggle with this -- both with dress and with decorating my home -- whether everything should just be plain and I should concentrate on spiritual things. But I realized that God created the world not just to be functional but beautiful as well, even in its fallen estate. I think that creative bent and desire for beauty is one of the ways we're created in God's image.
ReplyDeleteIt all has to be kept in balance, of course, with other areas of life.
Have you ever read Edith Schaeffer's The Art of Homemaking? She discusses some of this as well.
I think that 'yes' it can. My husband can't understand my interest in houses. He said he could live anywhere but for me my house is very special. It's not a grand house but it's mine and I love it. I love anything to do with houses, doll houses etc.
ReplyDeleteLindsay
x
words to ponder for sure
ReplyDeleteI like to see the pics you post (o:
Love these beautiful houses. I also love your take on creativity! It is a fabulous thought that we reflect God in our creativity. I always think of God most in nature/outdoors and it's beauty. But, yes I believe he does become reflected in our art. That is just neat. Thanks Nannykim.
ReplyDeleteSherry
I love looking at homes, model homes, driving by homes. I am always looking for new landscape ideas, flowers, then if I go to a model home I love to see the colors and decor they use.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love all the houses on here..beautiful! I think that homes are art we live in....
ReplyDeleteAnd, I wanted to tell you that I'm sure the Lord loves "casual," as it means He is a true friend--not an acquaintance!
Hugs,
Cindy
That looks like it was an amazing trip...and I can't believe the house designed and built by a teenager...so amazing! My father was a builder for over 60 years and built his first home at 17. When I visit my hometown, each home or office that he built is such a legacy to me...it is what he took such pride in...I always marvel at them...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cindy