Friendship!

Hello all! I was a little bored today so I started making some fun

ALIVE advertisements/posters for classes or ministries in the making :)

Enjoy!

-ALIVE

the anointing

hey friends!

so we just finished another ALIVE gathering :)

always an adventure.

i am blessed by this team.

austin and i worked on a new human video for awhile...

and then worked with the team to get it going.

its not finished...

:)

but it will be soon!

it feels really good to be making stuff again.

to just trust God to show up and create through us.

i was just reading a blog post by Pastor Steven Furtick.

and i love it...

read it here

he talks about the anointing.

if you don't know what that means...

here's what he says in the post - 

When I say anointing, I’m talking about the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit.

and the difference between doing something you're anointed to do and doing something you're just really good at.

one impresses people.

one impacts people's eternity.

when we were up at Trout Lake Camp recently the speaker Brian Sumner (really legit guy with a really legit story - you can google him...and watch his I Am Second video...good stuff)

also talked about the Holy Spirit and His anointing.

and i just couldn't even handle it...it was so powerful and i just pray pray pray that people were paying attention.

he talked about how we need to be doing what we're anointed to do.

he said he skates because that's what he's anointed to do.

he doesn't paint or sing because that's not what he's anointed to do.

God didn't call him to those things, He didn't move the Spirit to do those things through him.

and so he skates.

that is his ministry.  that's what God's calling him to do.

and that's where God moves through him.

what is your calling?

what are you anointed to do?

what does God want to use you for?

how do you know?

there is only one way.

get to know God.

ask Him.

listen to Him.

do what He asks you to do, change what He asks you to change, get rid of what He asks you to.

and then follow.

Brian also said this - 

if i'm anointed to skate and called to skate...

but i never get on a skateboard.

am i really a professional skateboarder?

or am i a poser?

if i'm called to be creative, if i'm anointed to create and share God's word

but i never actually do it...

am i living out God's calling?

am i actually a follower of Jesus?

or am i just pretending to be...

God doesn't call us to look good.

He doesn't anoint us so we can do cool things for ourselves.

He calls us because He's got a kingdom to further, relationships to build and lives to save.

so what are we doing?

-ALIVE

chase that...

loving these lyrics today..........

all I wanted was the money and the fame 

and the new somebody on my arm when I walk inside the room 

all I wanted was doomed, 

the same kind Alexander the great felt 

when the earth ran out of room 

he conquered all he could 

but yet he still was consumed by this never-ending quest for glory 

he couldn't fuel

  chasing glory I shouldn't own,

 stead of living to make His name known 

I'm running after His throne. 

 I'll never be who I used to desperately want to be, 

I'm too worried bout the Lord getting credit instead of me

you could have the money, 

and you could have the fame. 

but me I want the glory, 

I'm living for the name 

 I'm living for the kingdom

I was chasing my goals and every time I caught em they multiplied into more

 I never even thought about whether the Lord approved 

call it selfish ambition 

I call it "I'm making moves" 

but history repeats itself,

 evil's what it is 

cause lucifer was cast away for doing what I did

 created by the God that spoke the earth into existence 

instead of chasing the Father's glory he was chasing his 

he lies to us all, 

told Adam he could ball "why you following God when you can go get it all?" 

now there's a statement to think about.

gives living for ourselves, even in small ways, a little different perspective.

satan was cast out of heaven because he wanted glory.

he thought he deserved it

he wanted to be where God is.

but that wasn't his place.

so he was cast out.

do we ever feel a little frustrated when we don't get the glory?

when people don't give us the credit?

or do we ever do something for God... but if we don't get people's approval, we get distracted? 

I tell you what's better, or better yet worse. 

chasing your own glory while doing the Lord's work, 

so holla if it hurts, 

but we were made for greater 

our greatest satisfaction is making His name famous 

so if we're never named among the greatest, 

they don't critically acclaim us, 

ain't nothing to be ashamed of 

we gave it up for the savior! 

- Lecrae, "Chase That"

-ALIVE

When you're down to nothing, God's up to something...

So this semester I am in a drawing level two class at my school, our latest assignment was a wall drawing (4ft x 6ft) on the topic of Identity. Thought I'd share what I came up with for this assignment! Here is my artist statement on the piece:

One’s past, present, and future actions, beliefs, and experiences are all part of their identity. Some believe that what makes up one’s identity would mainly be their life experiences, and how different events shape them as a person, others would argue it has to do with family, and the list goes on. However, all of these things contribute to the idea of identity, when I think of the word identity I first think of one’s physical identity. If I were to identify someone, I would say his or her body type, race, eye color, hair color, etc. The thought that no two people on this planet – even twins – look exactly alike is astonishing to me. We all have two arms, two eyes, two legs, a nose, and a mouth; but yours are unique to only you. Some would say that the fact that no two people go through the same life experiences is amazing, which is true. But the combination and number of different experiences someone can go through is endless. No one is born with five arms, an extra eye, or without a belly button, we all have the same physical traits; but there are over six billion people on the planet, all who look different, and that is fascinating. My work is focused on the human body, and face, concentrating on physical identity and how it can define someone, and also give us insight to their personal, and emotional identity. While still focusing on physical identity, I incorporated parts of my own identity within my work. My experiences with my faith, friends, and family, have greatly affected me, and my own personal identity. The smoky imagery seem throughout the piece was done very purposefully; my oldest brother once had an extreme drug addiction that drastically affected my life, and how I view drug abuse. What happened with him is a huge part of who I am, this part of me is also seen with the smoke coming out of the mouth of the small portrait in the middle of the piece. This is just one example of many on how my work also focuses on my personal identity, including my portrait located in the center of the piece.

This was my first day of working, took about an hour and a half...

Finished Product!

And here are some details of the piece...

And after this massive project, our teacher gave us a break for a week! So it was nice to not have to worry about doing any homework after taking on such a Huge project!

Today in class we got to work with COLOR!!! So much friendship, haven't been able to do

a drawing assignment in color yet since I've been in college!

So... our teacher let us just kind of play with our pastels.

I like oils... Deys nice :)

And then its time for some complementary color still life studies!!! YAY!

not really..

But what's this the teacher is saying? "Try to come up with interesting line work, and different ways of mark-making!"

Processing...

Interesting mark making = scribbles.

TEAM

Had a good time in class today, listening to worship music and just drawing loving God and loving life. Then went on Facebook quick and saw a status update that I loved...

"When you're down to nothing, God's up to something..."

Such a true and comforting statement. He's got a plan, and its bigger and better than anything we could dream of!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."

1 Corinthians 2:9

Thanks for reading, everyone! I'm out!

-Austin

-ALIVE

a new idea...

one of our members sent me this video.

she thinks this should be our next project as a team.

(watch here)

sounds like a valid suggestion to me.

maybe we'll start next week...

i'll need a little time to learn it first.

:)

-ALIVE

trading in a heart of stone...

Today we had a cool opportunity.

I, along with Erika Sanborn, Sarah Slegh, and Jordan Cross got up onstage during a wedding of a Liberian couple in our church,

and painted.

we painted this during a church service last year to end a sermon series called Morph...

the transformation from a broken heart to a new, healed heart that only God can make happen.

well this couple was really touched by these paintings and asked if it could be done during their wedding ceremony.

and after talking to the bride - she explained that it told their story.

they had gone through some hard situations not too long ago and their hearts were broken...

but God was healing them and putting them back together.

so it was an honor to do it again for their wedding.

and it was such a cool opportunity to be a part of their day!

bright colors and 13 sets of bridesmaids/groomsmen (yeah...crazy, but so fun to have so many loved ones up there for you), FUN music that you just had to dance to, so much laughter, so fun and SUCH a supportive, attentive audience.

it was so cool.  

such a blessing.

so like i talked about in the last post - visuals that resonate and stick with you.

Holy Spirit led art - inspired by Him.

it speaks in ways we might not expect it to.

so cool to be a part of it.

here is the finished product!

thanks ladies for painting!!!!!!!

and thanks to Chelsea Kimball for playing our music for us!!!

:)))

it was perfect.

and just so we didnt waste paint...

:)

spontaneous team artwork.

good stuff.

-ALIVE

what are we seeing?

i learn through visuals.

i always have.

if i see something - it sticks with me, when the test comes i can picture it, remember it and i've got the answer.

if i see something that resonates with me on some level - it sticks with me...and i continue learning from it.  it stays in my mind and instead of just remembering some information - this picture comes to mind every now and then and just keeps building.  it inspires thoughts and ideas.

and i used to use this ability for tests at school - its great, i hardly ever had to study.  just show up.

however - since i met the Holy Spirit...

HE uses this ability, that He gave me- to teach me and use me.

He keeps it in my mind for the right moment, He leads my thoughts from that visual into the ideas He wants me to realize.  He helps me see what He can teach me through the things I'm seeing.

from a second of footage from a movie of someone getting their feet ready to go into battle...

or seeing the face of a fighter in a place where he needs to surrender, but he just can't seem to...

or an abstract painting with colors that somehow seem to move and remind you to do the same...

or watching a rapper speak the words you've listened to SO many times...but now that you're seeing the emotion behind them - that's what sticks.

and i'm SURE that i'm not the only one out there who responds to visuals.

if i was - there would be no tv or commercials or magazines.

whether it be sometimes or all the time...

from movies to paintings to ads to tv to dramas to performances...whatever it might be.

we're taking it ALL in -usually at face value.

and if you don't know the Holy Spirit - there is SO much He wants to show you.

we live in a VERY visual culture.  everything trying to grab your attention in the quickest way possible.

so we can see what the world wants us to...and it'll stick because its designed to stick.

OR we can ask the Holy Spirit to start (or to continue to) showing us what He wants us to see...

to see the things around us through His eyes...to grow us, teach us, lead us in His will.  so that we can see more of His plan...and not forget it.

i LOVE seeing christian artists...any kind.

its SUCH a beautiful thing seeing people let God use the gifts He's given them.

and its soooooo cool to see God's words, God's heart - out there for the world to see.

in a way that will stick.

in a way that will not only speak - but will teach and inspire and move...

its powerful stuff.

so i am going to be posting some art over the next few days that has been done by people who have surrendered their gifts to the Lord and are seeing God use them.

its. a. beautiful. thing.

for the first one...

here's a video of Matoko.

they'll explain it for you...

letting God move.

not only in churches but because this artist has surrendered his gifts - God is able to use it in the mainstream art world.

AMAZING.

let God use your gifts.

there is no telling what He has planned for them.

-ALIVE

we be arting...come!

can't believe its thursday again tomorrow!!!
exciting things are happening, friends!
we got the ok to build our room for dance/art ness! :)
praise the LORD!!!
we'll be starting classes (for younger kids) soon...but praying that we'll work our way up to a variety of ages!
yay :)

tomorrow (9/22) we'll be meeting up in the dungeon to art, pray, chill...etc.
so if you are even a LITTLE bit interested in seeing what ALIVE is all about and live in the area -
please please please come join.  and don't worry if you only like to act but not dance, or if you only like to write or only like to draw - that is perfect :)
we are all about just using the gifts God has given us!  and we all just happen to have creative ones... ;)
let me know if you have questions or talk to someone you know comes...because we'd love to have you!

730pm.  Edinbrook Church.  see ya!

-ALIVE

quick update

currently at Caribou...

new idea in process...

if you're reading this - pray that it comes together FAST :)

i'm just reminded over and over again why i don't plan things...

haha

i planned this time around...i did...

and then 2 days before God gives me a different idea.

so despite the planning - here i am.  at caribou.  working on a new thing.  

team.

:)

but - i guess, how else will we know its Him?

i just want to share a video...

its on facebook so i can't actually upload it to here - 

but follow this link and hopefully it will work.

its of MOST of the Kickoff dance the team performed...

it makes me smile.

so fun.

and whats new with ALIVE, you ask?

well - 

we learned that sardines is really fun...but not in a huge dark basement with only 10 people.

psychiatrist is fun...but not always easy.

calendar of upcoming thursdays is IN PROGRESS...

i promise.

so if you are interested in learning some painting, drawing, dancing, etc...

stay tuned.

thats all i got for now :)

have a blessed night!

-ALIVE

Kickoff 2011!

Kickoff 2011...success!

a great night of music, food, fire, dance, volleyball, chillin...lots of fun.

and............a mashup dance.

6 members of this amazing ministry spent HOURS over the past 3 weeks learning a dance.

a long dance...to a variety of different songs.

and even though it seemed crazy and overwhelming (and i can't even pretend to completely sympathize because i learned about 30 seconds of the dance...and i was on vacation for a couple of the practices)

they practiced and they worked at it and gave it all to God and they totally ROCKED it.

it was choreographed, taught to the group, part of it taught to some extremely talented adult leaders ;), learned and performed in just a few weeks...

(i just attended a leadership conference and one of the speakers talked on being willing to work for God's miracles...i just blogged on it - you can read more here!

oh, the beauty of working for God ;)

its always an adventure and He can do things we can't.

i just want to say thanks to the team for spending so much time on it!

i love seeing your hearts for ministry :)

and special thanks to all the Adult Leaders who came out and braved the Footloose dance.

you were amazing! :) (and i'm not just saying that cuz i was one of them...;) )

i will hopefully have a video of the performance (even the ending that i wasn't allowed to see until we were in front of everyone - test of my trust and my control issues...haha - pass!)  

but until then...you can watch what happens when i'm on vacation and not at practice...

video...

i'm just glad they have fun :)

if there is anyone reading this who is creative or wants to use some of their creative gifts - art, painting, drawing, acting, dancing, whatever - join us!

we'll be posting some upcoming events...like art classes, dance classes, upcoming performances- and we would LOVE to have you join us by performing or writing dramas or whatever you feel called to do.

but please - contact us!

be blessed!

-ALIVE

mashup

this morning we spent a few hours working on "the dance" aka "kickoff mashup".

:)

so fun.

early.....but fun.

some youth, some adult leaders spent some time learning a dance to about 45 seconds from the song 

Footloose.

goooooood stuff.  haha

so funny.

but we're learning it! :)

i love having people who are good at dancing and choreography in this group.

its so beyond what i can do...haha  so its fun to be able to learn it.

and this dance is so different than anything we've done.

tomorrow morning...

we're having a practice time at church...

the adults are learning Footloose.

the youth are learning a different part...

:)

it'll be cool.

we spent some time discussing performance and i'm getting excited...

it'll be fun.

so be sure to come see it because there will also be some bands and music and food and games and it'll just be a really really really fun night.

so come learn the dance tomorrow morning :)  930am.

and then come on SEPTEMBER 11 for KICKOFF 2011!!!

:)

love it.

-ALIVE

your participation is requested...

good morning!!!

:)

so there are a few things in process right now for the ALIVE team...

1) video.

i am motivated to cut/edit/put together a video...

but for some reason filming it just seems too overwhelming to me.  haha  and time is running short.  haha  so if anyone reading this really is just feeling the need to take a list of questions and just film people answering them - consider this your calling for right now. ;) 
if not...then it means i just need to get motivated and do it.  haha

2) dance.

now - before you stop reading this because you think "oh...i can't dance."  just wait - we are working on a dance for a certain upcoming event...and if you have EVER thought to yourself "i wish i could be a part of that (easy, short, learnable in one practice) dance with that group doing a kind of "flash mob" style dance"

then THIS is your moment...

:)

be bold.

it'll be fun.

so let me know ASAP if this is something you'd like to be a part of (ANY and ALL ages welcome).

either comment or use that handy "contact us" tab at the top ;)

God is doing some fun things and i'm excited to see it all come together!!! :)))

love it!

-ALIVE

coming soon...

so Testimony weekend is over...

summer is ending...

so what does that mean for us?

:)

there are some big things coming up...

God placed the dream to grow this ministry in us a few years ago...and its been forming and changing and it still is in process...it probably always will be - 

but while most of the dream has seemed so huge and unattainable - for whatever reason, right now, it seems doable.

and that - has to be God.

so i'll keep you in suspense for the moment - 

but just a preview...

a pretty epic dance...to a variety of songs.

leadership meeting...gonna nail down some logistics...VERY exciting.

shopping for hardwood floor very soon.

a schedule of every wednesday in my email and lots of room for "creative elements".

'bout to order canvas for an upcoming wedding.

lots of stuff.  and so much more.

soooooo excited.

this - finna be a GOOD, challenging, stretching, exciting, different year...

:)

as long as God gets all the glory - i'm up for anything ;)

we're also looking for people interested in joining us!!!

we're going to be doing lots of arting and dramas and writing and videos and just anything that comes up...anything we can do.  

SO - anyone out there who is interested in art of any form - let us know!

(did you notice the "contact us" tab at the top?  use it!!! :) )

we would LOVE to talk to you!

so keep us in your prayers!

that we can allow God to bring our gifts to life to reach our world!!! :)

-ALIVE

Testimony!

WHAT A WEEKEND!!!

so cool!

God showed up.

it. was. amazing.

i'll blog more tomorrow - i'm officially sick of my computer today :)

but all the video and pics have been uploaded...

so its been productive.

for now - i leave you with a million pictures...:)

just a glimpse of a really great weekend...

started each day with some really awesome prayer time...love it.

lots of hair-curling...

love it.

they all looked GORGEOUS

art gallery :)

group pow-wow

stage set up!

so cool to see it all real for the first time...

God is TOOOO good

the show went FLAWLESSLY...only God could have done that...

amazing

backstage...always an adventure

everyone all together...actors and essentials :)

our AMAZING cast!!!

love these people...

some awesome ladies :)

...and one way to get pics of people onstage during the show?  give the extras a camera for the party scenes ;)

so fun to have these!

God truly showed up.

and we got to see Him so clearly...

such a blessing.

and some of us leaders were talking and truly just in awe of the

11 youth who spent SO much time on this...

the people willing to come and do stage set up at the last minute...

the people willing to come and run sound for 11 main characters using a 100 page script...

the people willing to give us the freedom to follow God's will and put this all together...

of how God honored our willingness to let Him work - 

He gave us scripts, a cast, everything and everyone we needed...

incredible.

and ALL the hours spent answering emails and scripting and rewriting and practicing...

all worth it.

its amazing how "work" in God's ministry doesnt really seem like work...

its been an awesome adventure working on this show and its sad to see it end.

but i really believe God is just getting started...

-ALIVE