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Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming! Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit…We shall see what will become of his dreams!” Genesis 37:19-20

The Sixth Commandment says, “Thou shall not kill.”

Do you have a lurking dream killer in the darkened closets of your heart and mind? The voices of well-meaning (and not-so-well-meaning) parents, friends, colleagues, and critics who squash your artistic dreams in favor of pragmatism.

Beware the lurking dream killers in your life.

You are not alone. Joseph had a whole family of dream killers.

Revisit your dreams today. Re-engage your imagination.

Dreaming and your imagination are gifts from God.

Dream today in massive, biblical proportions.

 

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Do You Have a Lurking Dream Killer?

Posted on April 23, 2013 In Creativity, Spiritual Formation , , ,
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Are You Leaving All Outcomes to God?

April 22, 2013 — 4 Comments

20130422 110203 Are You Leaving All Outcomes to God?

In my desire, struggle and journey to cultivate a beautiful life, one of the most helpful things I’ve learned to bring me peace is this simple truth: Leave all outcomes to God. In our work, life and relationships, if we want peace, we need to let go of our illusions of control and leave all outcomes to God.

Thomas Merton, one of my favorite spiritual writers, drives home this point when he writes about work and play. Read on…

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Are You Waiting for a Door to Open?

April 18, 2013 — 6 Comments

Are you waiting for a door to open? Are you waiting for God to come through for you with a particular hope or dream in your heart? I know I’m waiting for several doors to open in different areas of my life. When I walked in Capo Beach Church on Easter Sunday a few weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Easter Theme was “Doors.” I have found that waiting on God is where does his deepest work and cultivation in my life. Read on…

Areyouwaitingforadoortoopen Are You Waiting for a Door to Open?

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What Season of Life Are You In?

April 10, 2013 — 7 Comments

If you’ve been wondering why it has been radar silent here on Art, Life & Faith for the past few weeks, it’s because I’m in an unexpected new season of life. In agricultural terms, I’m in the midst of a ‘perfect storm.’ As many of you know, The Grove Center for the Arts & Media is a ministry to artists that I serve. And what makes The Grove unique is that we really do have a grove. Twelve acres of avocados and organic lemons which require constant cultivating, weeding, feeding, watering, and trimming for every new season. Thus, for the past month (as noted by my agri-absence), my hands have not been at the keyboard, but manhandling a weed whacker and chainsaw. I’m in a busy season of cultivating about 1600 trees…what season of life are you in? A busy season? A peaceful season? A fragmented season? Read on…

whatseasonoflifeareyouin What Season of Life Are You In?

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Question of the Week #10: What do You Find Truly Life-Giving?

March 18, 2013 — Leave a comment

Welcome to the Question of the Week #10: What do you find truly life-giving? Answering this question just may cause you to seriously rearrange your life, schedule and priorities. If I were to peek at your “life-giving list,” there’s a good chance a lack of sleep, lack of exercise, reams of conflict and a hurried, hectic schedule would not be on your list. At least I hope not. The things you find truly life-giving are essential for cultivating a deeper, richer life. Read on…

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Top 10 Art, Life & Faith Blog Posts for Feb. 2013

March 6, 2013 — Leave a comment

Here are the Top 10 Art, Life & Faith blog posts for February, 2013. As I meet with artists and art leaders from across the country, I see a growing intentionality among artists to cultivate their spiritual growth and the creative gifts God has given them. As artists pursue the beauty, truth and goodness of God, the natural outflow influences their creative and imaginative gifts. I’ve seen an enthusiastic response of artists spending more time on Art, Life, & Faith watching the artist interview videos, reading and posting comments. Last month, the average time spent on the site was 21 minutes per visitor…the highest ever. Most important though, is helping you cultivate a deeper relationship with God and how to pursue excellence in your given craft…all to the glory of God. Read on…

artlifefaithtop10blogpostsfebruary2013 Top 10 Art, Life & Faith Blog Posts for Feb. 2013

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Cultivate Your Creative Calling

February 28, 2013 — 1 Comment

If you’re an artist and you’ve been discouraged by setbacks, wondering if it’s all worth it, I want to remind you that it takes work to cultivate your creative calling. One of the pure tests of whether you’re an artist or not is questioning your creative calling in the first place. Being an artist is not a fixed and static reality like a math equation: 2 + 2 = 4. Okay, we get that. In pursuing your art form, you will face challenges, questions, hardship, financial struggle, heartache and doubt. Read on…

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Question of the Week #7: What Do You Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Understand Your Art?

January 29, 2013 — 7 Comments

Welcome to the Art, Life & Faith Question of the Week #7: What do you say to someone who doesn’t understand your art? Let’s face it: Artists are probably the most misunderstood tribe on the planet. I have talked with so many artists who struggled with frustration, hurt, and resentment from being misunderstood. Whether as a young child, a teenager, or adult, some (not all) artists have had their dreams squashed from friends and family who do not understand what makes them tick. Read on…

artlifefaithquestionoftheweek7 Question of the Week #7: What Do You Say to Someone Who Doesnt Understand Your Art?

 

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Dare to Fail Greatly

January 27, 2013 — 2 Comments

With your art, are you willing to fail greatly? In your life, do you have a deep inner conviction that you really are on the right track? Even though it all may blow up in your face? Are you willing to appear wrong because what you’re doing is right?  Even if you’re doing the unthinkable, will you forge ahead even though you may fail? Our willingness to risk great things and fail in the process says a lot about our faith and who we are. Read on…

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Are You in Awe of the Aching Beauty of God’s Creation?

December 4, 2012 — 11 Comments

When was the last time you soaked in the aching beauty of God’s creation? Or let me ask you, how does the aching beauty of God’s creation move you? I hope it does. God’s creation could be the very heart monitor you need to check the condition of your spiritual life. The music of God’s creation is all around us and this past weekend, I had a deep soak in the visual artistry of God. A long drive through vineyards, past California oaks, and the Pacific Ocean along Santa Barbara tunes you into the frequency of God’s love like no other. If there is one thing that renews my spirit, it is the beauty of God’s creation. I have a sneaking suspicion that God’s creation does the same for you. Let me share a story. It may inspire you to go for a slow walk or long drive this coming weekend. Read on…

 AreYouinAweoftheAchingBeautyofGodsCreation Are You in Awe of the Aching Beauty of Gods Creation?

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