27 Hours a Day
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

27 Hours a Day

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.

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Don’t Undervalue Your Gifting
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Don’t Undervalue Your Gifting

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.

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What You Haven’t Imagined
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

What You Haven’t Imagined

God invites us into the “new” by putting us in the middle of what we never imagined doing only for us to discover we now can’t imagine doing anything else. 

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Great Minds Discuss Ideas
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Great Minds Discuss Ideas

The next time you’re scrolling through social media or watching a “breaking” news story, ask yourself if what’s being discussed is focused on people and events…or ideas.

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When to Opt Out
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

When to Opt Out

Knowing what fills and what depletes you is essential for creatives. Because we don’t live in paradise or even a neutral setting.

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The Right Guide This Fall
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

The Right Guide This Fall

As a boy, I loved to go fishing with my dad. Back then, fishing wasn’t fancy. All you needed was a pole and a worm.

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An Uncompromised Imagination
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

An Uncompromised Imagination

An essential quality of creativity is the ability to create in freedom. To see an issue without being told how to see it. To ask big questions.

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Count on Opposition
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Count on Opposition

If your creativity feels opposed, you’re in good company. The enemy has opposed God’s specific role as Creator as well as his creation since the beginning of time. 

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Espresso-Fueled Blur
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Espresso-Fueled Blur

I’ve always thought the word “metronome” had a fantastical otherworldly sound to it, a bit like the imaginary flux capacitor in the movie Back to the Future

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Wisdom or Knowledge? 
Amanda Dykes Amanda Dykes

Wisdom or Knowledge? 

The best professors and teachers don't tell students what to think. They help students learn how to think. That’s because true education is never indoctrination.

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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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