A wise sage I’m reading (Dallas Willard) introduced me to the powerful spiritual practice of not always needing to have the last word in a disagreement or argument. Especially when you are right. 

Silent Night is a beautiful song. But “all is calm” likely didn’t describe the first Christmas night. Nor does it likely reflect the state of our homes or hearts heading into Christmas.  

A to-do list may help to prioritize all that must be done today. But it’s not the best way to measure the success of the day. Getting more done isn’t the same as doing what matters most. Volume doesn’t reflect quality. 

You’re not late or behind on the project that isn’t coming together.

An essential quality of creativity is the ability to create in freedom. 

In times past, family crests were often displayed in people’s homes. A last name wasn’t random. It meant something. Not just for an individual, but collectively.

Notice how time seems to accelerate the week after Thanksgiving? 

Humans complicate things. God simplifies. 

We have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10) 

A life of “with” involves pursuing what we love actively with God…and with others. 

What do you most seek from your art?  

We love epic tales of good versus evil, whether we’re reading, watching or writing them. 

It’s essential to remember, however, that “good” alone isn’t enough to ultimately save the day, the  world, or us.  

As a culture, we’ve forgotten how to celebrate micro victories. 

Creativity is not just something you do. Your art reveals your deepest longings. It tells a story that transcends any one interaction, canvas, or creation. It tells a story about you.  

We long for our art to take others to new and uncharted places. But the blank canvas looks back at us and says, “No, you must go there first.”

Don't wait to create until you feel fully qualified. If you do, you’ll never begin.

How would things change if you saw each day as a road trip with God? A Father/Daughter or Father/Son journey into the unknown together? 

Before I get out of bed each morning, I try to spend a few minutes with God. I take a moment to invite his presence and ask, “Father, what do you have for us today?”  

Most stories offer a way to unplug or escape from reality. The better stories rip a seam in the atmosphere, make the unseen visible, and usher us into a deeper reality.

We want a world of endless options that satisfies our every desire. What we miss is that the roots of everything ultimately derive from just one of two trees—the Tree of Life or the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.