Condensed Creativity

www.thisiscolossal.com

My boss showed me this blog this morning, its call Colossal. It is basically an eclectic slew of creative people all consolidated into one blog. I think this kind of thing is absolutely fascinating. Who thought this up? How were these artists inspired? I celebrate this kind of culture, the art culture that is. It is a portal to wonder, a portal of expression. Sometimes I feel like talented artists don't know how to use their words, but they know how to use everything else in this world that says more than their words. If you are an artist, leverage your talent to make Jesus King. There is a giant faction of people out there that are hungry for what the Gospel offers. If you can reach them with your art, then do it. Create your culture. Scroll through this blog and be encouraged and inspired. Then figure out a way to consolidate it so your target audience can be reached.

Stay Faithful,

Luke

People Watching Vs. Nature Walks

You ever just sat and watched people? I know there is a small faction of people that really see this as a hobby. I have a buddy that said that he went on a date with his GF and that all they did was people watch and had a great time. Bravo to a brother with low finances that can still woo his GF on a cheap date! And then there are the nature walks. This time is introspective and contemplative. You think about where your life is going and what you are doing with it. You think about how you are involved in this world and what you can offer it. And then you wonder why none of your dreams have come true so far. Well, could you be going on to many nature walks? Could you be spending to much time people watching? Inspiration is good. But inspiration is not the destination of your dreams, but seeing your dreams come into reality is! Leaders, students, and readers of this blog, what is the vision God has given you for your life and how you will impact your world/culture? And what are you doing to make it a reality? You have to start somewhere, and if inspiration is where you need to start, then people watch or go on a nature walk. If you are already inspired, then begin constructing your ideal sub-culture/dream/vision. Inspiration is good; actuality is better.

Talk to you soon,

Luke

Envisioning Cultures

As I walked through the University of Louisville's campus this morning saying "good morning" to every student I passed, I realized that none of them were saying anything back to me. I think I got one eyebrow raised at me by a guy who just looked scared. I don't know if it was my fleece vest I was wearing or the shock that I was walking with a buddy actually speaking to him rather than walking with one ipod ear bud in, and one out, or better yet both in. This is not the culture I envision. This is actually contrary to the culture I envision. I hope to see people talking with people early in the morning over coffee. I hope to see young couples holding hands and building each other up rather than beating each other up. I see a multitude of people with raised hands in the morning and at night praising the Creator God who saved us from certain death. I desire a community of people characterized by mission, values, and heart that is sold out to making Jesus King in their culture. But then it hit me; if you want to change culture, or create your own, you have to meet your target people where they are at. This is a very basic leadership principle: customize your culture vision to the people you are trying to rally. This can be done in so many different ways. It can be done through the space where you rally your people, like Starbucks, Panera, or concert venue. Maybe its in your basement, thats up to you. It can be done through the music that goes through the air while your people come together, it can even be done in branding whatever it is you hope for, that is, t-shirts, Facebook and twitter plugs. But here is the key to increasing your platform of influence on the people you wish to rally: Stay faithful to God. Stay faithful to God and HE will increase your platform of influence. I am very much looking forward to writing my thoughts, questions, and the pieces of life that amuse me into this blog for your motivation. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Stay faithful,
Luke