I love hymns. They are brilliantly written and theologically delicious. In fact, they’re a result of some serious forward-thinking. But just because I love hymns, it doesn’t mean I think we should do them in our churches. It’s easy to forget that most of the hymns in our hymn arsenal were a result of young…
As you get better at and learn more about art, you come to a fork in the road. There are now three paths to traverse. They are: Criticism Stagnation Exploration Criticism Most “artists” choose this path. Instead of creating, they turn into the critics. They know enough art to consider themselves experts. So instead of…
I’m a people pleaser. I fight it like crazy. But I love it when people like me. It’s pitiful. I know. So I’m about to launch an online magazine. I have about 800 subscribers so far. But the other day, I saw two people unsubscribed. They unsubscribed! I hadn’t even posted anything yet and people…
This is part 3 in a 5 part series called “Conquering Inaction”. Failure rarely ends in death or public disgrace. But that knowledge doesn’t make failure less frightening. “What if I follow my dreams and fail?” It’s a frightening question. But you know what takes the fear out of that question? Answering it.
This is part 2 in a 5-part series called “Conquering Inaction”. Insecurity is the voice in your head whispering, “You aren’t good enough.” It slowly chisels away at your dream until it’s down to nothing. Now you’re not acting. Do you feel inadequate to make your big dream come true? Do you feel inexperienced? You…
I’m attempting a pretty big project. I’m starting an online magazine about the creative process of a church service. I’m meeting with many advisors. I want to launch this thing the right way. In those meetings, I’m dealing with a bunch of criticism. Be aware, I have a creative temperament. I feel threatened very easily.…
Anytime you attempt something great, you’ll run into critics. Great things challenge the norms and change situations. It’s natural you’ll receive some criticism. But not all criticism is bad. There are actually three types of critics you’ll run into. The key to responding appropriately to criticism is realizing what kind of critic you’re dealing with.…
Jesus told his disciples, “A prophet is not honored in his own hometown.” He’s saying a guy can have his act together and be someone worthy of respect, but he just won’t get it from his own people. A guy can have all the right answers, but his neighbors won’t give him the attention he…
There are two types of failure. Failure you learn from, and failure that’s resistance. Sometimes failure means moving on. But sometimes you need to fight for your creativity.