After we had a snowball fight, my son had a blast sculpting a two and a half foot-long sculpture of Napoleon's chest, head and hat. He also made a fortress entirely out of snow. He said it was kind of hard not to laugh at Napoleon's chest which was big and bulky. He worked on both of these for two hours. He wantd me to post about the adventure. He wishes all of you a great snow day!
 

 

Chapter Four, Forgiving, went deeper into our creative soul. God used it to lovingly bring up some hurts from the past that trip us up and showed us how to overcome them in time.

Can you name the discouragers in your creative life whose actions still hold you back in some way today? On page fifty-four Elsheimer writes, "Forgiveness is not just something we grant another person. It is a gift we give ourselves." So true. We have all been trapped in resentment over an offense and weighed down by the cyclical pain it causes. How much better to be set free to pursue our own creative potential unhindered? It takes time, of course. It can't be rushed. Nor does it mean we allow ourselves to be creative victims again. With a bit of pain, then forgiveness and healing, wisdom and strength begin to take root and flourish. I shared that an experience I had taught me to use wisdom in friendships, forgive myself for mistakes, trust God's sovereignty and gave me fortitude in the Lord I never thought possible. In fact, it has been instrumental in running this ministry.

 
We had some fun with the exercise on page fifty-seven by coming up with confident retorts to discouraging statements. Jump in and give us a comeback to one or all! I know some of you have a sharp wit!
 
Try this when you feel insignificant artistically. Read Exodus 35:30-35 but use your name instead of the names listed for the craftsmen and let God blow you away with his feelings and validation for creatives (page 59).
 
Elsheimer points out that, if the Lord validated creatives back then, He must today as well. Why should we let selected people trip us up with discouragement when our Heavenly Dad who gave us the gift, calls us by name and is our constant Encourger (page 60)? Next, she had us list our heroes; those who encouraged us along the way (page 61). Would you like to share about yours?
 
She writes that for each discourager there is a hero, or a group of them, to help us along our path. Ultimately, she writes, God Himself is our greatest Encourager. (page 60) "Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:5-7 NIV. Once we understand who our greatest Encourager is, "they" can't stop us! How does this change or confirm things for you?
  
Sometimes we are getting in our own way. Sometimes a Mountain of Me gets on my road to productivity and won't budge! An encourger can help us get out of our own way. She stresses the importance of forgiving ourselves when we do (pages 62, 63).
 
Here are some of the gems of that we uncovered in these two chapers, then tucked away in our hearts.  Which one means the most to you?
1. Our creativity takes many forms. Caregiving, blogging, cooking, coordinating projects and more are all creative problem solving. Just because we aren't practicing a particular artistic hobby doesn't mean we aren't using our time creatively.
2. We don't need to let past events determine our present or future productivity or influence. Through repentance, forgiveness and healing, barriers to our artistic progress are destroyed and our shackles drop off.
3. We have the power of God at our disposal. Got a mountain? Not a problem! Whether it moves all at once or starts to move with one shovel's worth, mountains can and do move out of our way by His might.
4. We can trust the One who called us to our craft. He is our primary Encourager who sticks closer than a brother or earthly friend.
 
Madeleinge L'Engle's words about our journey are a perfect way to wrap this up: "Inspiration far more often comes during the work than before it because the largest part of the job of the artist is to listen to the work and go where it tells him to go." (page 49) If that work is inspired, infused and influenced by the Holy Spirit, then we can relax and discover it as we go. Nothing will be able to stand in our way! I wonder what adventures await us as the Master Creator, the Craftsman at His side and the Holy Spirit of inspiration, lead us toward further revelation about ourselves and our creative lives.
 
 
 

Our group drew in closely. We knew that chapters one would reach down and touch a deep place in our souls.
 
We were right.
 
The deeper we dug, the more treasures we found.  I hope you enjoy pondering and commenting on them as well as my questions to you.
 
"The fear of not being 'good enough' can keep us from using our talents and gifts, especially if those gifts have lain dormant for a while. The problem with this kind of thinking, apart from the fact that it's self-defeating, is that it is based on assumptions that we have no right to make. To begin with, it is not our place to decide for ourseves whether we are 'good enough' to glorify God with our talent." (Page 39)
 
How does this phrase resonate with you? 
 
Elsheirmer's next words resulted in nods of agreement. "Comparing ourselves to others is pointless because we don't know how God intends to use us once we let him have his way with us. Do we really think God would give us a talent and then provide no venue for it?" (Page 40)
 
Insecurity is no stranger to the creative person. It seemed to be with us just then, creeping around the coffeeshop where we had gathred as if to distract and taunt us. As we read on, however, we uncovered truth to counteract the scars from our past and apprehension about the future. We began to wake up to the deceit that shackled us. Then our definition of successful was changed in a moment:
"Being successful is syonymous with doing God's will." I loved that. Simple and liberating.
What does it mean to you?
 
She quotes Oswald Chambers, who saw it this way: "When God sends His inspiration, it comes to us with such miraculous power that we are able to 'arise from the dead' and do the impossible." (Page 47) Or in the words of another Master of words, "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." (John 8:23 NIV)
 

Larabars (with dots over the first a) are my new sweet treat. They come in great flavors like Apple Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Cashew Bar and more. They are made with dates and almonds or other nuts so they are healthier but don't taste like gravel mixed with peanut butter, thank you! Pop one in the purse or work bag and you are good to go for a snack. The nut-date combination and fiber control the blood sugar spike you normally get with a candy bar or one with only sugar or carbohydrate. Try one and let me know what you think! Try one or try them all and let me know your favorite flavor. You can find them at a health food store near you. Sweet (but healthy) snacking in moderation! Dates, included in these bars, were a favorite sweet snack back in Jesus' day. Larabars would probably be his bar of choice were he walking among us today!
See comments for updates on more flavors!

Welcome back, creatives!
 
The first chapter, Beginning, really got us off to a great start. I loved that, according to Elsheimer, we are all created with our own artistic language (page 9) and that, many of us who want to discover or use our gifts more completely feel that if we don't we may be leaving something important undone (page 11). One statement which really stood out for me on page 15 is the one that speaks to how, when we don't acknowledge that our gifts are a part of His purpose for us, we put our inventive, playful and imaginative selves on hold to focus only on the must-do's of life. That is especially true if you have young children or a job aside from your creative interest.
 
 
I loved the quote right after that.
"In order to (create), you must face your inner critics, steal their power. Begin by trying to identify them."- Georgia Heard
Who are your inner critics? I am determined to not let mine steal one more ounce of self-esteem or time from my creative life. For example, the inner Super Woman in me says, "You don't have time to write today, the house needs cleaning." Now I figure the dust bunnies will have one more day to themselves. If no one replies to a post I write, it is tempting to listen to my inner critic say, "Well, it must not be very relevant or interesting." The truth is that I write as the Lord leads, paint as He directs and generally create under His guiding hand. The inner critic is often my soul's enemy whispering negative things in my ear to cause me to stumble in my creative worship unto the Lord. Slowly, I am becoming aware of things I and he say to myself which can cause me to veer off into the ditch of self-doubt.
 
 
Chapter Two, Listening, made me long for a more disciplined time of reflection and day booking. It seems that no matter how early I get to bed, I never quite make it to my day book early in the morning. That is a goal I have: to combine my Bible reading devotions with my day book time. To be led of the Holy Spirit early in the morning like she writes on page 18 would just be amazing just as the sun is coming up. She also writes that we can let God speak to us through our writing. A type of Theo-Therapy through craft. Love it.
 
One phrase she wrote on back on page 27 will stay with me forever:
 
"Write as though your creative life depends on it. It does." I would add that our spiritual lives depend on it to a degree as well since they are so intertwined.
 
In essence, anytime we take the time to invest in our craft, it is crucial to our creative life. We may improve one tiny thing, but we did that. We may create something that touches someone's heart forever. And time worshipping the Lord with our creativity is always an eternal use of our resources.
 
This also struck me from page 31: "The things we put off are often the things that are the most imporant part of who we are as individuals."
On page 33, Elsheimer quotes Madeleine L'Egle:
"The important thing is that creation is God's, and that we are part of it, and being part of creation is for us to be co-creators with (him) in the continuing joy of new creation."
 
I hope you are enjoying the book and look forward to reading your thoughts on anything that made an impact on you or helped you get started creatively.
Until next time.
Selah
 
 

Sometimes this artistic life can feel like a race. How's your stride? Is the creative person in you exhausted, weighed down or frustrated?
 
This is the first discussion on The Creative Call, by Janice Elsheimer, a captivating and motivating book on how to validate and rekindle your creative gifts. Feel free to stay and comment even if you aren't able to go through the book.
 
Perhaps you are a "closet creative" who thinks that what you produce has no value to others. Are you just discovering an artistic passion? Could it be you are burning out on one medium or method?
 
On page two, she quotes Luke 12:48 and writes that when we as creatives know that when we aren't bringing our gifts to life, we know something is missing and sense that we are not tackling our part in the process. On page three she compares the bottled-up feeling we experience when we don't exercise our gifts to the repressed energy of an athlete who stops training suddenly. This brings to mind Paul's admonition to "run the race" of the faith, though this time I looked at his analogy through an artistic lens.
 
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (New International Version)
 
^"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
 

Also take a look at Hebrews 11: 1-3 (New International Version), which also speaks to the practice and perfection of our craft:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

 
I'd like to hear how this applies to your artistic life. What hinders you? What causes you to loose heart? Who or what helps along the way? I know if put off for too long, my artistic impulse overwhelms me and can't be contained, just as Job described in chapter 32, verses 18-20 (page three). Or I can become depressed if that part of my life is neglected or stifled.
 

 
Mrs. Elsheimer suggests starting a day book in which to do all the exercises and in which to let your creativity flow freely. For a former journaler and compulsive doodler, it will be interesting to begin with those and see how they progress. The day book, for many of us, will be the first step to reclaim personal creativity and the joy that it brings.
 
The great thing about this race is that you go at your own pace, you are not alone and your Heavenly Coach is cheering you on. The finish line is determined by your own progress and satisfaction. Ready? Let's begin and see where the path leads for each of us, together.
 
And we're off...
 
 
 

It touched my heart to read that our role is to honor and develop the artist within us. It validated that gift and was like a call to action. God's role is to provide the time and resources in our lives as well as use our creativity to bring Him praise (page four).
 
 
On page two, she quotes Luke 12:48 and writes that as creatives, we know that when we aren't bringing our gifts to life, we are missing out. We can also sense that we are not tackling our part in that. On page three she compares the bottled-up feeling we experience when we don't exercise our gifts to the repressed energy of an athlete who stops training suddenly. This brings to mind Paul's admonition to "run the race" of the faith, though this time through an artistic lens:
 
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (New International Version)
^"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
 
and Hebrews 11: 1-3 (New International Version), which I read with new eyes as it also speaks to the practice and perfection of our craft.
 
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
 
 
Indeed, if you don't write, paint, sing or otherwise create, do you start to feel like a wineskin ready to burst, such just like she refers to in Job:32, verses 18-20.
 
She suggests starting a day book in which to do all the exercises and in which to let your creativity flow freely. While I usually journal and doodle, it will be interesting to begin with those and see how they progress and grow. The day book for me is the first step in reclaiming some of my personal creativity. I do love a blank page...
 
Chapters one and two coming up. Feel free to jump in.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Has this ever happened to you? A word keeps popping up everywhere and it brings back such a negative feeling that you rather not hear it or read it ever again?
 
For me that word is the word inspiration.
 
It started off as a word which was postive; a happy and exciting word. By definition, it is something I still love to have happen to me and which I love to give to others. Then, due to an devastating experience which involved its repetitious use, the word not only lost its luster, inspiration did exactly the opposite to me that it should have and it took on a very draining, negative and painful association. Once the experience ended, the word began to feel like a taunting spirit that would not allow me to move on completely. It could have very well been a spirit of betrayal, hurt or grief prowling around me incogito.
 
After prayer, much of the damage from that situation was healed and I conveniently left "the word" out of my vocabulary for the next several months to avoid feeling the sting in now carried with it.
 
That is, until the last three weeks, when it began to appear everywhere. It was on websites I went to, in books I read or even glanced at on bookstore shelves, in articles in magazines at the dentist's office and more. Are there not enough words to go around that this had to happen? I felt like the character in The Phantom Tollbooth as he makes his way through the world of words or Alice trying to return to reason.
 
At this point I realized it was a heavenly memo from God and asked,
"What are you up to here, Lord?"
I could almost see a smile on His face in heaven. Moving on wasn't going to be enough.
Today I read it again. This time in a secular book on blogging.
"Ok, Lord, this is time number what,...twenty this month alone?  What is going on?"
"Glad I got your attention, child."  I could sense a playful tone as He spoke to my spirit.
"Look it up. Maybe it means something new now." 
 
And so it does:
 
My new favorite meaning of the verb form of the word inspiration is: "to guide or affect by divine influence" 
(Source: Websters II New Riverside Dictionary)
 
Just like that, He gave me a fresh perspective on a favorite word. He reminded me that it is what He has called me to do for His kingdom, no matter what interfered with it in the past.
 
Do you have a word or words which need to be redefined by the Master Author? Heed the heavenly memo about it and be set free to love that word again. No word is too small for His healing touch, my friend. He can replace any negative memory associated with it. Great words should not be allowed to be stolen out of our writing or artistic toolkit by the enemy of our creativity.
 
After all, He is the original Word:
 
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:1-3 (New International Verson)
 
 

This summer, besides launching this site and writing all the content you are hopefully enjoying, I caught up on some reading and am glad to say most of the books were worthwhile and beneficial. I do not sell or formally endorse these, they are just suggested reading and as always, they should be read in light to and compared to the Holy Bible for accuracy.
 
Here are my one to three line reviews:
 
Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card. (2002) Refreshing book on faith and the arts along with letters from professional, seasoned creatives in the faith. The font is a little hard to read and there is a companion workbook.
 
*What in the World is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore by Dr. David Jeremiah. (2008) Fabulous, well-organized book with a easy format about the end-time event timeline. 
 
*Epicenter 2.0: How the Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Life by Joel Rosenberg. (2006, 2008) An updated version of his original book and good companion book to the above. Also very informative and more in-depth. Companion DVD is also excellent and highly recommended.  (His newest DVD and book are called Inside the Revolution which I haven't read/seen yet.)
http://joelrosenberg.com/epicenter2.asp
*These two books and the DVD are vitally imporant resources to help us understand how what is happening presently will impact us and usher in the Lord's return for the Church.They are must-reads in my humble opinion. I couldn't put them down.
 
Your People Will Be My People: How Israel, the Jews and the Christian Church Will Come Together in the Last Days by Don Finto. (1984) A summary of the history of Israel with prophetic portions which have already been realized.
 
 
Still in progress with reviews to come:
Believing God by Beth Moore
A Fragile Stone: The Emotional Life of Simon Peter by Michael Card and Brennan Manning.  An enjoyable look at the many facets of the apostle's life and character. 
The Creative Call: An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit by Janice Elsheimer.  We are goin through this in our group named A Second Renaissance.  If you are interested in joining in, we are on chapters three and four and have an online page where we discuss it, share projects in progress and prayer requests. Look for it on the left hand side of the page.
 
If you have any suggestions on books along these themes, please comment. Thanks and may your reading be blissful!

 Okay, gentle lurking readers. This one is relatively painless: favorite movie?