God has spoken into the heart of many creatives I know saying “2015 is the year of CREATIVITY!” Today features one of those people!
Creative Awakenings is the blog of preacher, teacher, pastor and author Bernard Boulton. On his blog, he offers encouragement and wisdom to artists and creatives of all mediums and forms. With the heart of a pastor, Bernard is committed to helping build the kingdom of God in and through His creative people.
Today I want to introduce you to Jocelyn Richard, an anointed dancer minister and teacher filled with joy and wisdom. She has served as the chief dancer and choreographer for the Elim International Fellowship in Brooklyn, New York. She performs and teaches across the US and even in the Caribbean. She is a regular speaker at many worship dance conferences! Continue reading
Referring you to the Interactive Prayer Station tab of Still Waters blog today. Still Waters is the blog of Pastor Theresa who is a self-described second generation Korean-American Pastor and Mother. On her blog she has posted instructions and photos for well over 50 different themed interactive prayer stations focusing on everything from Epiphany, Lent, and Advent, to various Gospel stories, social justice issues, as well as light, love and baptism.
Ever wish you had a better singing voice? We all know God’s Word says to lift a joyful noise unto the Lord, but we sometimes wish our joyful didn’t sound so off-pitch!
Enjoy this article complete with tips on How to Sing Gospel from Vocal Singing Tips. Then practice along with this live version of Tasha Cobbs singing Break Every Chain:
Photo by Madelyn Thomae (C) 2015
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world. ~ Psalm 19:1-4
Grab your coffee and sit back. This Planet Earth film from director Robert Revol is 13 minutes long but as you watch, first, take a moment to consider how marvelously creative God is and second, remember you are made in his creative image! Take in God’s glorious splendor and be amazed!
Today’s post is for writers of all types: authors, bloggers, script writers, playwrights, songwriters.
Christian Creative Writers offers two sets of writing prompts to help get your creative juices flowing:
I have always loved this dance by Praise in Motion dance company. I reference this dance in chapter seven of my book God’s Creative Gift, in my discussion on seasons in the life of the creative Christian. The dance is to the song Resurrection by Nicol Sponberg. I especially love the way in which they use fabric—like a shroud—and how they cast it away trying to free themselves from death’s emptiness. The piece is deeply moving.
thecreativeepiphany.wordpress.com
The Creative Epiphany is the blog of artist Jo Ann Brown-Scott. I want to point you to two specific posts:
“Golden Sea” by Makoto Fujimura, 2011.
This is an incredibly powerful video featuring artist, writer, speaker and culture shaper Makoto Fujimura talking about how he found God through his own creation of beauty.
“It was almost like this voice coming over me…this voice that washed over me… and I realized at that moment this historic figure of Jesus was no longer just this historic figure but he was the one who was calling me all along in my creativity.”
It’s another Facebook Friday! Today’s group is simply called Worship Dance. It’s a great group where folks who love to worship through dance, movement and flags can network and share resources. The group is administered by good ole’ me! 🙂 The group description is short & sweet:
Christian dancers and creative worshipers from around the world!!
There are over 1,000 members and it’s growing every day!
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
– Psalm 103:1
Let’s shake those shackles off our feet so we can dance!!
“In those moments when you feel discouraged or lost in the studio, or when you experience rejection, rest completely assured that what you don’t know about something is also a form of knowledge, though much harder to understand. In many ways, making art is like blindly trying to see the shape of what you don’t know yet.” ~ sculptor Teresita Fernandez
Today I would like to direct you to The Journey to Rebirth blog. Although the author herself is a dancer, this blog is NOT just for dancers. Addressing a variety of topics, it’s for anyone in leadership or ministry—and it is written for those of us with an artist’s heart. I have been blessed on more than one occasion by Rasheeda’s blog. It’s worth the follow!
Ever thought about taking a photography class but wasn’t sure where to find one in your area? CreativeLive offers online classes from some of the world’s experts in their respective genres and many are offered free of charge! Check out this one called: The Photography Starter Kit with John Greengo. The class offers 16 online video classes for $24.
I trust you had a blessed Resurrection Sonday!
I love this BEaUtiful rendition of “Crown Him With Many Crowns” below from the Crystal Cathedral—the arrangement, the horns, the voices, the flowers, the organ pipes and the sanctuary all speak of the majesty and glory of the resurrected Son of God. And even so, they still pale in comparison to the true glory and majesty of our Risen King. For today, watch, taking a glimpse, and imagine the Lamb of God seated on the throne!
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Enough
Here I am, my son.
Your struggle is over.
It was near impossible
to keep from turning
toward your cries.
I felt each lash,
wailed as they
drove the nails.
I blacked out the sun
so as not to see
your suffering.
Come to me now,
let me bandage
“It is finished!” John 19:30
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
The Antique Rocking Chair
The carpenter is not disappointed
by the ruined finish or the broken arm,
loose spindles, failed glue joints.
Cup of Blessing
by Matt Durbin (C) 2011
mattdurbinart.com
“Later, knowing that all was now completed,
and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled,
Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”
– John 19:28
Drink
The fount of living water
bellows drought. I want
to lift a ladle, cold and pure,
so you could be relieved.
But I’m deceived with ease.
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned (forsaken) me?” Mark 15:34
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Fear
I taste the juice of forbidden fruit
dripping from Adam’s mouth.
[Jesus] said to [Mary], “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” John 19:26
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Mary at the Cross
I am not old. A bewildered mother
since conception who stored up
each moment. Now I will recall
the way you reached for me, a babe,
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Note: the broken way in which this poem is formatted is purposeful. Imagine the broken, jagged breath of the criminal on the cross next to Jesus… gasping for every breath… just to simply form sentences.
Breath
Jesus, why are you
up here
with me, why
is our blood
mixing with dirt,
why do our lungs Continue reading
Nurturing the Creative Spirit Within 