For me, creating art is an act of prayer. It is as if I am chatting with my Creator and Creator responds with art. Art is then a reflection of my relationship with Creator. My first experience with this was when I was writing my book. I used art as a means of exploring my understanding of “soul.”
CATHY RAYMOND
About Cathy
Cathy has been called to help others explore and deepen their relationship with God. Her pallet includes spiritual retreats, prayer vigils, Bible studies and small groups, preaching, presenting, and camping ministry. Art in its many glorious forms is a big component in exploring spiritual nature and engaging in the spiritual practices. Her hallmark retreat, The Art of Creation®, uses art, the five senses and God’s creation to explore spirituality. Cathy attends the Tumwater United Methodist Church in Tumwater, WA (near Olympia), where she serves as the Spiritual Formation Facilitator. Additionally, she is significantly involved in United Methodist camp and retreat ministry serving in a variety of volunteer roles and on occasion as an interim camp director. Cathy is a Certified Lay Minister through the United Methodist Church and a spiritual director trained at St Placid Benedictine Priory in Olympia, Washington. Cathy spent thirty-six years in human resources management where she was recognized for her highly creative and cutting-edge approach to human resources. Her book, Reclaiming the Soul of Human Resources, was published in 2011. Cathy holds a BA degree in art from Dakota Wesleyan University.
Two Stories of Simple Faith
“When I was ten years old I went to camp for the first time – Camp Fire Girls Camp Wilaha in Idaho Springs, Colorado. I was shy and awkward and didn’t know anyone – I had come on my own, not with friends. When I arrived at the cabin I would be staying in for the week, my counselor introduced herself: “I’m Miss Kathy.” I thought she said “I missed Cathy.” WOW! I felt immediately accepted – someone actually missed me! The fact that I even remember this tiny incident demonstrates its power. Who but God could have known that this mistaken introduction would lead to my deep involvement in camp and retreat ministry? It reminds me constantly that God has always had a plan for me. I just need to surrender to this truth and trust in its power.”
“This is just a silly story, but one that describes how hard God had to work to get me to pay attention. I was enrolled at Drew University School of Theology to take courses toward Professional Certification in Camp and Retreat Ministry. (There was a time when I thought this was what God wanted me to do.) Upon acceptance I kept receiving letters and emails confirming my enrollment in the program for Certification in Spiritual Formation. Even after bringing this to their attention, this exchange went on four more times before it was finally changed to Camp and Retreat Ministry. The Camp and Retreat Ministry certification program has since been cancelled and my calling has landed squarely in spiritual formation. In hindsight it is clear to me that this incident was a God thing and I wasn’t quite paying attention. I am now!”
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Reclaiming the Soul of Human Resources
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