The Calling

"The Calling" was a musical presention by Saddleback that highlighted the needs in Africa. I was inspired when I returned home to paint these two watercolors. I plan on doing some more Africa paintings from some pictures that Kim Shott is going to share with me from her past visits to Tanzania. Please pray for Kim, she will be going back on a Medical Mission Trip this September. It has been pure joy watching how Tanzania has touched her life as she has shared her compassion and medical training to help the people in Kondoa and Mairowa.

Saddleback Final thoughts

There were two words that kept popping out at me by either the main speakers or in the workshops; Intentional and Relational.

Intentional-As part of our Spiritual Growth, we grow through commitment and use tools towards Christian maturity. It will not happen automatically but we have to intentionally build our relationship with Christ. This takes a daily choice of getting to know God.

Relational- In these times of technology you would think people are not alone, but we are. We need to get back to the basics of building relationships, being there for people, talking (not just texting), showing love and compassion. We were designed for community to share each others lives- not easy to do in the me-myself-and-I philosophy of the world. Reach out.

One thing that Rick Warren said in his session had to do with Seasons. We all experience seasons in our life but that there are seasons in spiritual growth as well. Spring/Summer when all is growing and moving fast-the growth is very evident in our lives. Fall/Winter is a time for consolidation, time to put down roots-it may not seem that there is outward growth but the growth is from deep inside. We need to be intentional in whatever season we are in. God will bless us for it.

The last evening was spent at the beach. While it was not what we were expecting (no music?!), we did get to see a beautiful sunset over the ocean, what better way to end the week than to see God's glory through His creation, with friends.

Saddleback Part 2

Here is the schedule. Don't let the simplicity of it fool you. During each workshop time, there are 10 different tracks that offer at least 2 choices. And lunch time there were multiple concerts going on all over the campus, sometime it was hard to choose.

My Favorite? The worship times. It didnt matter if they were a recognized artist or someone from Saddleback; what mattered was their heart. The nice thing about being in a room with other Worship Leaders is they know immediately that it is not about the songs, how loud the music is or what to wear on stage-it's about communicating with God. "Let the Glory of the Lord, Rise among you!" We all just sang along, full voice, full heart, full soul. There is great joy in being a part of that.

Other favorites?

• Rooming with Tammy and Niki. What a privilege to be in a room with two Godly women who also have a passion for worship, family and friends. Yes, we lost some sleep but it was well worth it, and fortunately none of us snored!


• Building relationships with other members of the AM group. It was fun having such a wide age group from the high school students to the older ones (like me).


• I had great fun running into the PM group at San Juan Capistrano (and sharing a taco lunch together), driving them to the beach Thursday night and the wonderful brunch at Laguna beach Friday morning. Thanks for letting me tag along.


• The concerts. They provide new songs that make you turn to the next person and say "We should try that one", but also the worship just filled my cup to overflowing.


• The sparking of more new ideas. Blessing upon blessing.

Saddleback

I couldn't wait to get back to Saddleback this year since the amazing impact it had on my life last year. God used last years conference to re-ignite a passion for the arts and I still shake my head in wonder about all the things He allowed me to do in one years time.

Since last year;

• Painted live in Church - These Hands
• Painted Christmas backdrop of the Bethlehem country side and painted live, the Nativity during each Musical performance
• Drew the words to a song, while it was being performed on paper with chalk to highlight what was being sung - with Tammy
• Painted 8 Easter paintings used during the service that was highlighted with a dramatic reading.
• Started a Bible Study using "The Creative Call" for SBC artist, meeting once a month. Developed some wonderful relationships with fellow artists
• Discovered I like to use watercolors
• Most importantly, I have deepened my relationship with the Lord through the use of these gifts. I am so humbled and grateful for what He has allowed me to do this year, and my greatest desire is to please Him. I have found that art can open a dialogue with non-Christians in a way I have not experienced before. My prayer is that I will have more opportunities to use the art as a way of communicating about my relationship with the Lord.

Needless to say my expectation was fairly high before I got there. Was it as exciting this year? It was different. More of that in the next post.