001 Welcome to the first episode

Hey welcome to the first episode.

I don’t know what to call these yet. But since it is on my heart to start a podcast sometime in the near or far future, who knows? So I’ll start here, with a gentle note to myself, as a remembrance of why I am doing this. To come and read it when I don’t want to write, or I don’t have the motivation to say anything. Or simply when I am in doubt or feel discouraged. But on the other hand my friend, this is not just for me. This is for the artist, the creative image-bearer who is you, who has been created by the Creator of the Universe. So whether you are a writer like myself, a poet, a storyteller (I think all of us are), an artist – filmmaker, photographer, actor, dancer, painter and well artist encompasses all forms of art and creativity, so all of us. This episode, in the form of a letter is for you too.

So here goes...

Hey sweetie, this was never about the numbers or to gain a following or even be known. This was a simple step of obedience to use the gift the Lord has given you. The gift of writing. I am leaving this here in writing so that you can remember and know that this is how you creatively express yourself. You enjoy telling stories. You think taking pictures of the mundane things is art. Let this space be a blank canvas where every word is used to tell stories of others, God and all that He has done.

These writings don’t have to be long, just simply from the heart. Lessons you’ve learnt, personal reflections to look back on and extracts from your journal. They can be stories told from pictures, conversations with friends or strangers and archives of thoughts. Remember that you are a multi-faceted being, who was created by a creative Dad. So there are no limits to what you can do. Remember that. Remember that creating is not being selfish or self-absorbed. It is not a waste of time. It is something that makes you come alive. Creating is rest. Being in your creative element allows you to see God in a way you wouldn’t have had you not created. Through writing and telling stories, you are being a faithful steward of the gift the Lord has given you. Creating is worship. This is worship. In all things may God be glorified.

So to you sweet friend who is reading this right now. I welcome you to ask the difficult questions, fail and learn from our mistakes and simply wonder with me.

Pray this with me.

Lord, my desire is to glorify You and make You known. You are such a personal God. Thank You for choosing me to display Your beauty to the world and those around me through this gift. Lord, I give it back to You. I lay it at Your feet for You to use it in me in the way You want me to. Thank You also for the freedom of allowing me to express myself through this gift. May that also point back to You. You are so kind. In every stage of the creative process I ask that You walk guide me and inspire me in this craft. Jesus thank You for entrusting me with this gift. May it be a sweet smelling fragrance to You. Amen.