An encouragement for this week from the book “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
2 Timothy 1:7.. Says that God has not given us a, “spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline”
While it’s inappropriate for us to be cocky about our talents, it’s okay for a Christian to be confident during a performance. If you acknowledge that your talent comes from God and give Him the glory, it’s OK to walk onstage and be confident that you can do what He’s calling you to do. It’s OK to be confident if your confidence is in Him.
Praying that if you are struggling with not feeling good enough, talented enough, or experienced enough to use your gifts that you will find encouragement from this verse today. Know that God gave YOU the talents He did and He is giving you the spirit of power to do something AMAZING with those gifts and talents. It might be something as amazing as awakening to who you were created to be and how much God endears and loves you. Or, it might be as amazing as letting your work speak God’s message of love and truth into someone’s life through something you created/sung/played/carved, etc. Or yet still, it might be as amazing as touching someone’s life when they see your gifts in action and noticing that there is something “different” about you...something “not of this world/culture” that will get them pondering what is that “hope that lies within you” (i.e. your relationship with God, 1 Peter 3:15) and want to know more about what drives you.
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement from the August 2012 Worship Leader Magazine column by Rory Noland:
Timothy 1:6.. says, “fan into flame the gift of God which is in you.”
Jesus taught faithful stewardship of the talents we’re given (Matt 25:14-30). 1st Chronicles 25:7 tells us that the artists in the Old Testament were all trained. So we too need to fan into flame the talent God gave us, steward it well, and continue to grow and develop as artists. To keep my artistic side alive, I ask myself the following question, “What is the next step for me artistically?” After pondering that question you might get out and attend a quality concert/play/movie...buy the latest recording from your favorite artist...take a class or lessons...or read a book or magazine or attend a conference to improve your craft.
In the article this was taken from Rory talks about being challenged to develop his artistic gifts while doing his daily job. He didn’t think there would be time for both. What he realized was that he had to be intentional of MAKING time for his artistic gifts. He had to fight for that time.
I can totally relate as the daily grind seems to take all my free time and by the end of the day if it’s not midnight and I’m falling into bed...I still have so little energy left to put into doing something to train my artistic gifts after my daily “to do” list has been achieved. I’ve found I have to MAKE time somewhere in my week. Maybe something else can wait while I take time for this important aspect of nurturing my creative soul & being a good steward with the gifts God has given me. When I do make time it just feeds my soul and lights me up...does it do that for you too? To get to do those things you are gifted in and have a passion for that often get neglected in light of so-called “more important stuff” like mowing the lawn, doing laundry, running errands, paying bills, etc. Those things are important obviously and somehow all of that stuff makes its way onto our schedules and time for our gifts gets knocked off our calendars. Isn’t our body, soul & spirit just as important (if not more so) and worth fighting for? : )
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “Thriving as an Artist in the Church” by Rory Noland:
Isaiah 41:10... says,“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Don’t be afraid to fail. It can make you better. As weightlifters know...you can’t build up muscles without first tearing them down, and you don’t do that without reaching the point of failure. I think that’s true for artists as well. Failure can bring growth and renewal into our lives if we can learn from our mistakes. Attempting to learn something from my failures has liberated me from my natural tendency to berate myself for past failures and has allowed me to reach forward enthusiastically to what lies ahead.
Praying that if you are currently struggling with some failures in your life...or your being held back from ones in your past...that you would find healing and liberation by looking at that event(s) through a new lens...one of positive learning that will make you better and stronger for your next creative attempts or endeavors! I think of how many famous artists (writers, painters, musicians) that “failed” over and over but they just kept at it and have amazing stories to tell!! Just like how many creative attempts & failures were made in the light bulb, electricity, and the phone inventions! Praying you will keep on creating & attempting new things in whatever your passion areas are!!
Praying for you,
Stacey
