When someone prefaces their remarks with the words “in my humble opinion” or (if online) IMHO, brace yourself. Because what follows is rarely kind or humble. 

Sometimes all we can do is just make it through the day. For good reason. 

Let’s stop giving Halloween a pass simply because of childhood memories, cute kids’ costumes, or the fun of trick-or-treating. Just because there are seemingly harmless aspects of the day doesn’t alter the fact that Halloween is saturated in evil. 

“Well,” the car mechanic squints while staring at your car’s engine, “it’s complicated.”

The first thing I do each morning, before getting out of bed, is spend a few minutes with God. My goal is to begin with him. So I take a moment to sense his presence and ask him, “Father, what do you have for us today?”

There are a lot of strong first chapters that start well. That’s good. 

But the second chapter is harder. It always requires more. And that’s where most quit.

Don't wait until you feel qualified to create. 

The enemy tries to diminish your dreams by making you feel unqualified.

A rejection of your art could mean it wasn’t meant for that person. Or it may be a sign your vision requires more hard work before it’s ready for prime time.

Creativity is not just something you do. Your art reveals your deepest longings. It tells a story that transcends the canvas or the manuscript. It tells a story about you.

In The Knowledge of the Holy, A. W. Tozer made this profound observation…

“Our explicit knowledge is the way we know God intellectually. Our implicit knowledge…”

Don't place your hopes for better times on changing seasons, political promises, or the ways of this world.

As long as a situation looks impossible, it’s a sign we’re not yet seeing it as God does.

Your creativity has the potential to become an idol if you look to it for validation or cling to it as your primary identity. 

The world continues to grow more digital by the day. Our photos are stored on our phones. Our music and movie collection is vast…and in a cloud somewhere.

As your son or daughter considers what to pursue in younger years or focus on after high school—take the pressure off.

It fills me with great joy when I walk into a bookstore or library and see shelves overflowing with old and new manuscripts.

Some days we need more than general encouragement. We need specific insights to address specific issues. 

Keep creating what brings you joy. 

Even if no one is asking for it. Even if there's no upfront guarantee. Or applause along the way. 

The way we interact with time impacts every aspect of our lives. If only I had more time. I regularly hear that phrase from others. More than I care to admit, I often wish it for myself.

We have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).  Whatever he is trying to take from you, know this. A skilled thief never sets out to steal something of no value.