Discipleship

How often do you appreciate beauty? For some, beauty is a sublime but occasional interruption—limited to times when grandeur punctures the fabric of a hurried routine. Others, perhaps more attuned to beauty, may detect it frequently and at smaller scales… When you encounter beauty and become conscious of its presence, what does it do to you? In you? Through you? How do you respond to beauty?

“O Good Shepherd, would you teach me how to rest?/ I’m rushing on, will you make me to lie down?” These words from The Porter’s Gate song “Slow Me Down” hit home. Why is it that we need to be taught how to rest? Life doesn’t have to be a frantic hurry from one thing to another. It doesn’t have to be that way. The year - and this life - isn’t a sprint. Our Maker designed us. He knows that we have limitations and He knows that we need reminding of that fact. Repeatedly.

I recently spent a weekend away on a retreat exploring what happens when we ask God for guidance. As a Christian, it’s important to me to hear from God and understand where He is leading. I like to think I’m on the right track, but every so often I have to reevaluate. Am I living the way I believe God designed me to live? Is my body giving me signals I’m overcommitted? Am I prioritizing the people who matter most to me? The weekend away helped me think through these questions, and also consider how I experience God’s leading.

Encouraging creativity in my children has not always come easily for me, the type-A, Mom of three that I am. Just the thought of a gigantic mess as a result of crafting with my kids is something that, at one point in my life, was anxiety inducing, if I’m being honest.

A few weeks ago, I heard Pastor Andrew Brubaker present a message that stood out to me. It's not about art, per se, but at its heart it is about something that each artist is seeking: forgiveness, hope & freedom. We pray that your heart is encouraged as you are reminded of who you are and where your true freedom is rooted.

Many of life’s most pivotal moments are unexpectedly thrust upon us. Choices must be made and, as much as we would rather not be responsible, we are appointed to answer. These unavoidable decisions often come with personal risk. Risk, that if allowed, can paralyze us with fear. As creatives, we realize the need to enter into these decisions with unique perspectives.

Recently the Western Christian Church sounded forth a proclamation of victory. A call which will be echoed shortly by their Eastern brethren on May 2nd. Though fewer handshakes and hugs this year, still it was heard: “Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!”

Mom and Dad raised four kids, maintained jobs, and served in the church my dad still pastors. Like many families, managing and caring for my childhood home required everyone in the family to contribute.