Arts Blog : Arts Conference 08 - ARISE, Life in Ministry

A FEW MORE MINUTES WITH ROBBIE SEAY

Pam Howell — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:09:00 GMT

God’s call on your life and accountability in managing your ministry schedule are just a few of the topics Robbie touched on after the third session. I hope you will take a few minutes to listen and give us your insights into these topics. He brings up...(read more)

A Few More Minutes with Mark Batterson

Pam Howell — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:38:00 GMT

Bowling. It seems a crazy way to end a long day ... a long week. But tonight was Bowl with Your Mom. This is a very important annual event to my middle schooler. Last year was our first time at this mega event and we had a blast. To be honest though, I was not looking forward to it tonight. Not just because I am an awful bowler but I am so tired. It hurt to blink this morning. But I only have two more years of Bowl with Your Mom and I couldn't miss being with Max. He is a sweet boy. He knew I was tired and let me know how grateful he was that I would go. I'm not a perfect parent but tonight I did good and God blessed Max & me. I love my family and I love the ministry I get to be a part of. I have learned that they don't always peacefully co-exist. I have to exercise great discernment on what opportunities to say yes to and which to take a pass. I have to regularly right size my to do list. And sometimes I have to push past the tiredness and go bowling. I love that Mark Batterson chose to talk to us about the challenge of ministry and family. Is this something that you struggle or have struggled with? What are some ways you make sure your family comes first?

A Psalm for Artists and Teachers in the Church

Nancy Beach — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:09:00 GMT

A friend and teammate sent me some verses this morning from Psalm 40. He was highlighting verses 2 and 3, but the more I read the entire Psalm, the more I realized how penetrating all its words are for artists and teachers. Of course, David was an incredible artist. We have so very much to learn from that highly emotional, passionate man who lived long ago and wrote songs documenting his highs and lows, his experience with God, his many sinful episodes, and his discovery of forgiveness. I have decided to focus on Psalm 40 in the first main session of our Arise Arts Conference at Willow in June. So here’s my challenge. First, read the Psalm…several times. Dig into it and discover along with me how rich it is for us as artists and teachers. Second, sign up for the conference if you haven’t already, and bring your pastor along if at all possible. Let’s rally together as those who proclaim God’s truth in the great assembly. Let’s open ourselves up to further learning, to being inspired together by moments and outstanding speakers who will lift us to another level as Christ followers and as agents of communication. We need to be together, to be reminded that we are not crazy for what we do, to be ennobled as we see once again how vital the arts and teaching are for Sunday morning catalytic experiences. I sincerely hope to see you here in June, because you inspire me whenever I am among you. Have a terrific weekend…and don’t forget to read Psalm 40.