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9Dec/110

Stop the Madness

This last week has been one of the busiest for me in a while. I've had something happening each night of the week. I try really hard to make sure this doesn't happen, but this last week I did it to myself and overcommitted myself in a couple of areas and wound up with a full schedule. This was no one's fault but was the result of my own making. In the midst of this, I learned an important lesson that helped me; perhaps, it will be valuable for you as well.

After a busy day, I came home and realized that I was on stimulus overload. I spent a lot of my time that day constantly listening to music, video clips, Christmas music for our services, etc. Fortunately, I came home and realized that this was happening and made a conscious choice. I decided to leave the TV and music off at the house for a couple of days. I often turn on the TV in the morning to catch the news and weather (I am a self-proclaimed meteorologist). At the end of the day, I'll usually do the same thing. However, for several days I left the remote on the endtable while the rooms remained quiet. I was amazed at the result. I found a greater sense of peace and calm in the midst of a crazy week's schedule.

So … if you have an over-stimulated week or find the holidays a bit chaotic, I would encourage you to give it a try. You may find some solitude in the midst of a sometimes hurried life.

20Aug/100

Christians in the Arts

Artists that are Christians have a tough road ahead of them. They are misunderstood by the world because of their faith, and they are misunderstood by the church because of their art.

Unfortunately, much of the Church, because of religion, has required artists to make a choice between God and art. The Church has held the belief that Christians can't be secular artists. If they are called to create any type of art (music, painting, poetry, dance, etc.), they must do it within the confines of religion. Otherwise, the art is "worldly." However, there are many Christians who have felt the call to be artists in the "world." In doing so, the Church has made the assumption that Christian artists are selling their soul to world. In what other area of society have we made this assumption? I haven't seen it in politics, business, or any other area of culture

Therefore, what is a Christian artist to do?? This is exactly what I'll be sharing when I speak this Sunday at Living Stones Crown Point. Join us at either our 8 AM or 11 AM service. I also have a very exciting announcement that I'm SUPER excited to make as it relates to the music of Living Stones.

Join us this Sunday, August 22.