Passivity Tanks Your Story
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Passivity Tanks Your Story

Passivity tanks a story. If the protagonist doesn't choose to risk, nothing happens. That’s true for the stories we watch, write…and especially the Story we live.

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No Longer the Same
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

No Longer the Same

The hero’s journey rings true for characters in a story because these same stages are true for our lives. 

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No Art Is Neutral
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

No Art Is Neutral

Art isn’t neutral. It just isn’t possible, though it’s tempting to think it is.  We want to just enjoy a painting, song or movie. As if it just fell out of the sky, formed without the influence of any outside worldview or agenda.

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The Pace of Peace
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

The Pace of Peace

It’s important to know your creative pace. 
But not in the typical ways we’ve measured it…like comparison to others or some perfect standard.

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You Can’t Bottle Success
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

You Can’t Bottle Success

It’s human nature to try and bottle success. 

"Hey, this worked before. Let's just do it again and hope lightning strikes again…" 

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Draw Boundary Lines
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Draw Boundary Lines

Social media won't slow down. 

The news cycle won’t take a day off.

The binge-worthy series won't go away…

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Align with Reality
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Align with Reality

In Eden, the enemy's tactic was to distort reality. He offered Adam and Eve a new, untrue way to see God and their Story. They bought the lie then. And it’s still being bought today.

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No Preachy, Cheesy Art
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

No Preachy, Cheesy Art

One of the biggest concerns I hear from Christian creatives is that they don’t want their art to be “preachy” or “cheesy.”
I get it. But honestly, it will never be an issue if you’re actively creating with God. 

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Choose the Better
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Choose the Better

Discovered truth is greater than delivered truth.

Knowing God is better than knowing about him.

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The True Cost of Your “Yes”
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

The True Cost of Your “Yes”

Don’t give your “yes” to a project before fully counting the cost. When it comes to big decisions, we tend to focus on the outcome rather than the process. We are the ultimate optimist on the front end.

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Fewer Followers? Try This.
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Fewer Followers? Try This.

The shallow end of the pool is popular but offers nothing for those eager to experience the ocean. Yes, the baby pool may be safer than the ocean but it’s overcrowded, impossible to surf, and the water is often warm…and yellow.

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Everything Isn’t Equal
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Everything Isn’t Equal

It’s good to remember everything isn’t equal in this world of endless options.
Artificial isn’t the same as Real.
Success isn’t the same as Meaning…

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The Flaw of Faking It
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

The Flaw of Faking It

Our culture has fully embraced the mantra: "Fake it till you make it." But there are two big problems with that approach. 

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Avoid Rushed Decisions
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Avoid Rushed Decisions

When a new opportunity comes up, how do you decide whether to take it or not? If you pass, will you miss your one chance? But if you say yes, what if it turns out to be a costly mistake or time drain?

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Beware the Expert
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Beware the Expert

Beware the self-proclaimed experts who tell you there’s only one way to accomplish your goals or why your ideas will never work. 

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