A few months ago, I wrote about how I reluctantly submitted to God, crying on the floor, when I entered a church film fest. Shortly after I wrote that article, I submitted to God so willingly and so instantaneously, I barely recognized my own voice when it happened. So, Part 2 of this evolving story is about 2 things: losing your sense of self as you thought you knew it, and realizing your sense of self as God always knew... Read more
I’ll lead with an answer to a question because I don’t want to sound prideful at all: I had not. So now, here’s the question: Have you ever felt – I mean, really FELT – actual love – I mean, that emotional sensation – come out of your heart… towards Jesus? Love from my head As of this writing, I’m about 3/4 of the way through reading the entire Bible for the 2nd time over the course of almost 2... Read more
I’ve always thought dancing brought me joy. Didn’t it? I’ve always thought dance – including as a professional dancer – was a joyful place to operate in, and to, quite literally, move around in. Wasn’t it supposed to, forevermore? I’ve often thought dancing with someone swept me into some joyful relationships. Wait, was I not feeling that anymore? And people who have watched me dance have often told me of the joy they’ve felt from the performance. But can we... Read more
Have you ever chased a big, crazy dream, only to have it quietly fizzle away among your folders on some thumb drive? And then did God rekindle it in a bizarre – yet perfectly perfect – way? And it came to pass but… His way? That recently happened to me when I entered a film fest at a friend’s church. And I’m still pretty stunned by what happened. The Film Dream Backstory Not a lot of people know that I... Read more
Almost 10 days ago, when I posted on social that I’d finished reading the whole Bible for the first time ever – which FYI had NEVER been on my pre-Jesus bucket list – I actually didn’t even ask myself the question, “Now what?” I didn’t have to. I already had my answer queued up. In my Bible app. (no affiliate link there or anything; it’s simply the app that I love to use for reading) But let’s back up first.... Read more
A film isn’t finished ’til it’s “in the can” – and even then, there’s the Director’s Cut. Writing is actually *re-writing*. And the choreographer always, always “improves” (read: completely changes) the dance steps between the first and second performance. And so goes the life of a creative. Of which I am. In all 3 of the above genres, in fact. So I know these situations to be absolute fact. I also know these situations are not bad parts of the... Read more
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:6-8 NIV bold mine) What was admirable last week Admirable.... Read more
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV) (bold mine) This year... Read more
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV) (bold mine) What do you think about when you try to think about pure things? As the daughter of a woman who loved – and was able to buy – very fine things, I tend to think about pure gold earrings (preferably in... Read more
When you happen to come across different word choices in different Bible translations, do you wonder, like I do, what’s the difference? And does that make you wonder, like it does for me, which word choice is “right”? Is there a choice that’s more “just”? Hmmm, is there a choice that’s “just right”? Let’s take the next step on our journey through Paul’s list of favorite things to think about to release anxiety – and think about these 2 very... Read more
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