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
An encouragement for this week from the book “Thriving as an Artist in the Church” by Rory Noland:
Philippians 2:4.. says, We are “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Grabbing attention is a misguided attempt to cure our loneliness and avoid feelings of alienation. You can tell how badly you hunger for attention by the way you react when you don’t get any. That’s why the Lord might continue to put us in situations in which we feel ignored and insignificant until we’re forced to deal with this unhealthy tendency. Most often when we think we need attention from others, that’s not what we need at all. We need to give attention to others.
This was such a good reminder for me to look outside myself to those around me. I can fall victim myself to feeling ignored or insignificant and then get depressed when I feel no one notices me or is giving attention to me. I think that’s part of the creative spirit...we can be so very sensitive which is a GOOD thing which helps us communicate in creative and real ways...but can also have a “shadow” side that can take us into a dark place in our minds feeling all alone when we really aren’t. Even when things seem that way the truth is that our Creator (God) is ALWAYS with us and He is ALWAYS interested in us, what we think, what we’re doing, what we’re feeling/experiencing, etc. And I love the reminder in this verse to look outside myself and see who I might encourage by being interested in them and what they are doing instead of getting so hung up with myself. I might be missing some great opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus to someone close by! : )
Praying that you will know how interesting and special you are...especially to your Creator...and that you will find ways to encourage and give attention to those people God has placed around you and that by doing that you will be blessed in ways you never saw coming and that will bring life to your soul!
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Psalm 18:19.. says, “...He (God) delights in me”
Did you know that God delights in you? He created you and He enjoys being with you. He enjoys seeing you grow. He enjoys watching you be what He created you to be. He enjoys watching you use your talent—every time you perform or create. He delights in you.
Many artists are feelers. We relate to the world around us based on our feelings, but that’s dangerous because our feelings change. What influences our feelings most is what we believe in our minds. If we fill our minds with the truth about God’s love, we will feel more of His love, but making the connection between the brain and the heart is not always easy. Whether I feel His love or not, I can’t argue with the truth of God’s Word.
Praying that you will take in the truth from God’s Word today that you are LOVED and DELIGHTED in by God Himself. If you are feeling challenged in that area based on current circumstances, tough relationships, not-so-nice words spoken to or over you by others or even your inner “judge”, that you will be able to lean into and soak in the real truth about you....that God delights in YOU...and let that fill your mind and heart today and bring healing and joy to your soul!
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Romans 12:5.. says, “In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.”
Many of us are more introverted by nature; we’re lone rangers. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be very relational, you need to learn how to relate to, and get along with, other artists. Even if you’re extremely introverted, you’re deceived if you think you can live a meaningful existence isolated from others or live the Christian life apart from other believers. We need fellowship. We can’t be lone rangers. We need each other. To know and be know is a basic human need.
So when I first read this I had a major knee-jerk reaction of, “Oh yeah!?!? I can do it (life) on my own!” Being an introverted person myself I share who I am with very few people. It’s always been “safe” to do that and it’s out of my comfort zone to “go make friends”. If they befriend me then that’s great..but I have a hard time initiating that or going below the surface with people and being in meaningful relationship with them. God has obviously been growing me in this area and showing me through verses like the one above that He did not create us to be “lone rangers” but He created us to be connected to one another...a “family”...His family. And even if my earthly family wasn’t close and full of meaningful relationship, He’s showing me there is a different picture/definition of what family is...His definition of family...and it’s a good one. He’s also been showing me how being in meaningful relationship with others can really benefit my soul and heart...especially when tough times come so you don’t feel all alone and there are people to encourage you and be there for you...and when great times come you have people who can celebrate with you and share in your joy. Both just fill up your heart and soul!! Better than being a “lone ranger” does. : )
Praying that if you struggle with being in meaningful relationship with others as I do that God would meet you in that place, bring healing to your heart/soul if you need that, and bring you the courage to live dangerously...okay maybe courageously is a better word : )...in this area of venturing out to places outside your comfort/safe zone to build meaningful relationships.
As Rory goes on to say in his book, “Relationships don’t happen overnight; they need to be cultivated.” Or as the saying goes, “It takes a long time to build an old friend.” So why not start now with a “baby step” now and see what happens? : )
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “Thriving as an Artist in the Church” by Rory Noland:
2 Timothy 1:9.. says, “(God has) saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.”
Often we artists desperately hunger for someone important to validate us. We yearn for someone whose opinion we trust to tell us what we’re good at so we can go about doing it. We all want to impact others and feel like we’re playing a significant role. However, if we withhold our time, talent, and energy until someone empowers us to play that role, we may miss it altogether. God is the One who calls us to a life of purpose and meaning. Our validation, our empowerment, comes from Him. So keep seeking first His kingdom and He will provide your sense of purpose and accomplishment. Meanwhile, don’t hold back. Don’t stand still. Move forward on whatever path the Lord puts you.
I had a great conversation last night with one of the members of our arts team. They were asking about whether or not to pursue your dreams...for fear of not being able to do what it is you long to do. I can relate so strongly to that as I pursued my own dreams/passion of being a professional actor beginning from the time I was in school. You come across so many “road blocks” as you pursue your dreams including what Rory talks about above...wanting someone to tell you “yes, you can do this”, “yes, you are good enough....talented enough, etc.”.
A book I read years ago that might encourage you and help you (as it did me) if you are looking to pursue your God-given dreams and passions is called “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson. This talks about how God is THE dream giver...and we were not given our dreams, passions, talents for no reason. There IS a reason and we ARE to pursue them. I love what Rory says about letting God be the One who validates you instead of looking to the world, family, friends, colleagues, or other artists in your field to do so. Look to the One who created you and “don’t hold back”...”don’t stand still”...and “move forward on whatever path the Lord puts you.” I did that with much fear, but hope and trust in God about 10 years ago. Although I’m not where I thought I would be in my pursuit of my professional acting dream, God put me on some different paths along the way BECAUSE I pursued the dreams and passions He gave me. And those paths led to an amazing place doing something I really love using my passions, talents, & having even better dreams. AND I’ve had many amazing adventures/experiences along the way that would never have happened if I had just stayed still.
Praying these words encourage you today to take your box of dreams/passions/talents down off the shelf, blow the dust off, and seek God with them and then....stop being still and start moving down the path and see what happens!!
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement from the book “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Ephesians 4:32... says, “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ”
That’s a great verse. Have you ever thought of applying it to yourself and the artist in you? The perfectionist is not kind to the artist inside. The perfectionist constantly criticizes the artist inside, sets unrealistically high expectations, and sees only the negative. But God made us to be artists. When we mistreat the artist in us, we diminish someone God made and loves.
What a great week to look at forgiving ourselves as Christ forgave us...the week we look at Jesus’ death and resurrection. He loved you so much He died for you...and forgave you for everything you’ve done and will do.
Praying that you will be kind to yourself and the creative person that is inside you and that you will be able to forgive yourself when things don’t go as perfectly as you had hoped or planned...but you will choose to be compassionate to yourself instead loving the person God created you to be just as He loves you...and gave up His life for you. You were (and are) worth dying for.
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer” by David G. Benner:
1 Thessalonians 5:17... says, “pray continually ”
If prayer is the natural language of the soul, each of us has a dialect that is most natural for us. Pause and reflect on what your natural dialect might be. Maybe being honestly your unique self before God is more creative; possibly what bursts from within you when you are your true self before God is a short story, a dance, a wonderful culinary creation or a fresh way of looking at some important issue.
Right now I’m spending a few months studying what prayer is and all its different forms as part of the CR Transforming Retreats. I love the idea that prayer can be not only the stereotypical things that come to mind...but that it can be a creative expression of your soul as your way of communicating with God. Now that’s outside the box thinking and I love that! How else would you describe some of the things that come out of your deep soul that you create but a groaning/urging in your spirit towards the One who created you...and that is a form of prayer.
If you read the verse that follows the one above in verse 18 it says to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In a prayer I recently read from Ted Loder in his book “Guerillas of Grace” he prays, “Thankful for the surge of determination to accept difficulty not as an excuse for passivity, but as a goad for creativity.” I love the thought of giving thanks for difficult circumstances as a catalyst for us to be creative...and what might come about could heal our hearts and maybe even others’ hearts as well.
Praying that if you haven’t done so before that you will find your way of expressing yourself creatively to be a unique, personal, healing, and life giving way you can connect with God. Praying you will find that the very thing God put in you to be creative with can be one of the closest ways you can communicate with Him as your true unique self.
If you haven’t subscribed already, I highly recommend the daily free online Lenten devotional at the web link below. It is short, set to beautiful peaceful music, and each day is a very beautiful prayer to pray and connect as your truest self to Him...what a gift for you and God to be able to do that each day leading up to Easter! <http://www.d365.org/journeytothecross/>
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the article “An Art-full Church” by Luann Purcell Jennings:
Genesis 1:27... says, “God created human beings in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. ”
God is an artist. When He created the world, He could have made it purely functional, but He never missed an opportunity to make it beautiful and surprising. Much of His revelation of Himself in Scripture is provided in narrative, song, poetry, parable, performance, and visual imagery. God is a creator, and we are created in His image (Genesis 1–2); we are His poiêma or creative workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore it is against our very nature to live unimaginative lives or to ignore creation’s beauty. The Scriptures instruct us to build, decorate, sing, play instruments and dance, and to do these things with excellence (see Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Being an artist is a high calling and a privilege.
Praying that you will realize today what a work of art you are...created in God’s image...and your creativity in whatever area it lies is a part of God’s image and a beautiful reflection of Him in you. May you see that reflection today of His artistry in you...the poiêma you are...and the gifts He’s given you to bless the world around you and minister to your soul as a result of living into the person He created you to be.
Praying you will go forth today with renewed energy & passion to build, decorate, sing, play instruments, dance, cook, design, song write, photograph, sew, create videos, organize, sculpt, teach, woodwork, write, garden, craft, imagine, etc., etc., etc. with joy for the creative calling you have there from your Creator...an artist Himself!
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “The Creative Call” by Janice Elsheimer:
1 Chronicles 25:1... says, “David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. ”
God used music to inspire and bring His people closer to Him. If the Lord honored (and set apart) craftsmen, artists, and musicians throughout the history of His chosen people, than surely He treasures the artists and craftspeople of today. Why should we harbor resentment or anger against someone who discouraged us when we have a Father who has given us the gift of creativity, who knows us by name, and is always there to encourage us? We need to focus on our heavenly Father’s encouragement when we feel hurt, angered, or discouraged by others.
As you know, there are many names for God used in the Bible. My favorite one right now is “Truthful One”. The reason it’s my favorite is because He is the source I can go to in order to hear the REAL truth...including the truth about me, who I am, and the gifts He has given me. You may relate to someone or something discouraging you from using your gifts and creativity...I sure can...so when I go back to the Truthful One I can know the truth about who He created me to be & what He created me to do. That helps me overcome the barriers of discouragement and hurt feelings that try and stop me from living into that Truth.
Praying that if you are struggling with the same that you will be able to turn to the source of all Truth, your heavenly Father, your Creator, who lovingly shaped and formed every part of you...your personality...your gifts...your interests...your hobbies...all to live the life He created for you. May your ears and heart be opened to hear His Truth and live into that today. And praying you will be able to forgive and let go of any anger or hurt you may feel towards anyone who didn’t speak the truth to you....so you will be free again! Free to create and be YOU!! : )
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from "The Creative Call” by Janice Elsheimer:
Job 32:18-20... says, “For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me; inside I am like bottled-up wine, like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply”
If we have neglected to develop and use the talents God has given us, we feel incomplete, unfulfilled, unfinished, even depressed. We are “like new wineskins ready to burst.” We devour books, we travel, we acquire possessions, or we busy ourselves in relationships and careers. We engage in diversions of all kinds in an attempt to find that elusive thing called fulfillment. We spend our time and money in a fruitless search to “find ourselves” instead of finding out how God wants us to use the talents He has given us.
Praying that if you can relate to this today that you will be able to take the next step...asking God what that might be...to rediscover, use, and/or develop the talents He has given just to you. Praying you will find the fulfillment of knowing you are being whom you were created to be & using your time and talents the way you were created to as a result of taking that next step.
I was so encouraged to hear from some of those who attended the Creative Writing Retreat last weekend when they shared that they were getting back to their passion/talent for writing for the first time in a long time and that God met them in that place...just by taking that next step of just going to the retreat & seeing what would happen. (For some of them that meant climbing the hurdle of the “negative voices in their head” telling them not to go...what was the point, what were they thinking, they weren’t good enough to write, etc. But they knocked over that hurdle & prevailed!!!) Things awoken in their heart and soul again and blessed them in a powerful way as a result of going to that retreat and picking up a pen again and meeting with God.
There is a place for you too, whatever your passions and talents are, to take that next step as these writers did when offered the opportunity. Praying God will reveal that place, or step, to you this week as you spend time listening and asking Him to do that.
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from "The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Romans 12:6... says, “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.”
What is it that God has given you to do well? Be thankful for whatever talent the Lord has given you. While we’re busy envying someone else’s talents, we forget about what God have given us. It seems as though we always want to be something we’re not, and are seldom happy being who we are.
Praying that God will remind you today of what gifts He has given you specifically. And if you aren’t really sure, that He will show you. I’m reading a new book right now called “The Artist’s Rule: nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom.” In a passage I just read this week it said, “The inner artist engages the world through the senses and is passionate about beauty, seeking to express it through a variety of media (including visual art, poetry, movement, song, gardening, cooking, relationships, etc.). Artists bring a sense of wonder to their work and open up new ways of seeing the world.” I LOVE that is lists so many ways to be an artist...like cooking & gardening & being in relationships. Maybe not what you think of with a stereotypical “artist”. And that’s just a partial list!! So I pray that with God’s help you will see & know what area you are gifted to do well & know that you are an artist...a creative person...and you bring a sense of wonder & show new ways of seeing the world in that specific area you do well, whatever it is...woodworking...engineering...teaching...etc...etc...etc. : )
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from "The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Proverbs 18:19... says, “He took me to a safe place. Because he delights in me, he saved me.”
Did you know that God delights in you? He created you & He enjoys being with you. He enjoys seeing you grow. He enjoys watching you be what He created you to be. He enjoys watching you use your talent—every time you perform or create. He delights in you.
Praying that if you struggle to believe that God delights in you, or struggle to know how MUCH He truly loves you that the truth of this scripture, His holy word, will minister to your heart, mind & soul today. May it bring renewed passion and interest for that which you love to do...that which God created you to do. Praying you will find/make time to use your talents this week & feel God delighting in you as you do so.
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from "The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Proverbs 17:22... says, “a cheerful heart is good medicine”
The artists who has lost their sense of humor can be the most miserable person around. Sometimes we can be too serious for our own good. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and laughter is indeed good for the soul. Have you ever wondered if God has a sense of humor? One visit to the zoo will tell you that God had a sense of humor & must have had a lot of fun creating the world. Jesus used plenty of humor in His teachings. What have you done for fun lately? Doing things that are enjoyable help to curb a negative attitude.
I can totally relate with being too serious a lot of the time. I always say it’s “business Stacey” coming out...and that can cause me & those around me some unneeded stress at times. So, I’m praying that if you are in need of a good dose of laughter and a light heart you will be blessed with that this week. Praying also that you will also plan something fun that you enjoy to do that will bring you joy this coming week as well! (Seriously...pull out your planner & schedule a time right now before you forget or your week gets filled up! : ) God loves to give good gifts to His children. (see Matthew 7:11)
Praying for you,
Stacey
