Creativity for the Kingdom: Faithfully & Fashionably Fresh

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There are many breeds of Christian t-shirts and apparel, and some that stand out among others because they are truly meaningful and unique. You can make a bold statement and represent your faith fashionably in the apparel of some of these Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs:

The show (formerly known as) 106 & Gospel had a segment a few months ago with the young founders of the AbsoluTruth clothing line. The clothing line is comprised of fashionable jeans with a scripture of wisdom stitched on the right back pocket. Each scripture (from the book of Proverbs) is aimed at enlightening and encouraging.

Some of the verses include Proverbs 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise, and Proverbs 10:16 – The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin.

The company states their purpose is "to help encourage Christians and help them boldly profess the gospel of Jesus Christ… Our vision is to be nationally known as a Christ based clothing line that helps progress the kingdom through influence and who gives Christians a clothing line that can match their life style. Our ultimate goal is to win souls for Christ."

To find out more about AbosoluTruth and to purchase the jeans, visit www.absolutruth.com.

 

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JesusBranded
Copyright 2009 JesusBranded

JesusBranded is a t-shirt company that unleashes artistic and profound apparel. The company has been around since 2005, and was founded by two young entrepreneurs and artists, Salil Jain and Sam Franada, while they were in college. Through the company’s thesis "Unpackaging Christianity," they hope to "become people branded not necessarily by a denomination, a modern church, or a new social movement, but instead branded by Jesus and our unique and personal relationships with him."

The designs at JesusBranded are far from being cookie-cutter – they are extremely unique and each is released with a deep story behind it. For example, the cool "Maverick" shirt with the bird above was inspired by a personal experience of one of the founders and the Bible passages Psalms 55 and Psalms 91.

The JesusBranded blog has creative features and ignites discussions about faith. The company has also designed shirts for other ministries and charities such as this shirt in gospel artist Steven Curtis Chapman’s estore.

Formerly an e-store full of several t-shirt designs, the unique company now releases new $10 shirts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but they’re only available for less than 48 hours after they debut. On their site the founders say they function this way now to become more manageable and to make each of the designs and messages on their t-shirts more meaningful.

To find out more about JesusBranded and how you can purchase their shirts, visit their website at www.jesusbranded.com, join their Facebook group, or follow them on Twitter.


Morning Worship: “God of This City” – Chris Tomlin

This song carries so much power, of the things God has done and what has yet to come. From Chris Tomlin’s album “Hello Love”. Video by Nick Lanciaux.


The Merge Summit: Combining Ministry and Entertainment

Here’s a conference that might interest those who want to utilize their creative abilities for the Kingdom.

The Merge Summit LA is a conference designed to inspire and empower men and women of faith desiring to do business in the areas of arts and media. The summit will take place from Thursday, August 20, 2009 to Saturday, August 22 in Los Angeles, CA. Conference attendees will learn from and network with leaders in the entertainment world. Some of the confirmed presenters from the website, www.themergesummit.com, include:

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Suzanne DePasse, Felicia Henderson, DeVon Franklin, James DuBose, Regina King, Reina King, Tasha Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Mary Mary, Brad Siegel, Larry Blackwell, Vicki Mack-Lattillade, Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, Tara Griggs-Magee, Monica Bacon

As well as top executives from Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, ABC Networks, Lionsgate, TV-One, BET Networks, EMI Gospel, Gospel Music Channel among many others.

The conference, hosted by Founder Dr. Holly Carter of Relevé Entertainment, and Co-Chairperson Robi Reed, is “designed to bring together talented Christians who desire to enter or those already actively involved in aspects of entertainment i.e. actors, directors, music producers, musicians, singers, television producers, filmmakers, writers, and executives in the entertainment industry. Conference attendees will interact in a thought provoking and career inspiring setting to glean from the well known entertainment executive roaster. Attendees will walk away with information that will empower them in their individual fields of pursuit.”

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Questions for Kirk Franklin

In his latest vlog, Kirk Franklin answers questions from viewers and supporters, and drops some inspiration as always. He tells us he’s currently writing a new book called The Blueprint that is scheduled to be released in May 2010, and encourages viewers to follow him on Twitter to get a daily word of encouragement, at http://twitter.com/kirkfranklin:

 


Soul Dreamer’s Journal: Lessons at Commencement

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 "Free at last…"

Those were my thoughts three weeks ago in May when the dean of my school handed me my diploma at graduation. I tried to stay composed but my mind was ready to leap for joy; I was finally finished at the university and onto whatever else God has in store for me.

Though I was ready to be free, I can’t forget how much my college years formed and shaped me into who I am today, and who I am becoming. Through blessings, trials (and tests), I learned several spiritual lessons in and outside of the classroom. Here are just a few of them that I came upon and I am still learning:


First Things Are First "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

It’s funny how things come into place when you let God navigate your life. I could try all I can to make things happen, and become tired at trying to struggle with His plan.

He gives us free will, but His Will is priceless and perfect. He always knows exactly what we need, even if it doesn’t line up with what we think we want. When we try to force our own self-satisfying way, we hurt, but when we wait on Him, He often gives us more blessings then we thought were possible.

Author C.S. Lewis said it like this: "When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased." When we seek to please God before ourselves, God takes care of your “second things.”


Focus"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10: 41-42

While I was in college I was juggling multiple projects, business ventures, and events, and in the whirlwind of it all I had to remember to be content, to be still. We can get so wrapped up with worrying, trying to do more and become more, but the best way to live and know what we’re really supposed to do is to sit to Jesus’ feet, quietly listening to His voice and seeking His face. God tells us, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

With All Your Heart Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23
This is one verse that got me through many a test and paper my senior year. When “senior-itis” hits and assignments seem purposeless, I reflected on the verse above (and stuck it up on the wall above my desk to keep reminding myself). The Bible reminds us to do everything we do to the glory of God, from the smallest actions, to living out our God-given passions in His name. Whether it is singing, writing, dancing, teaching, and doing well in school, we can do it all as a way of worshiping God. When we focus on doing the best we can even at the tiny tasks, He is glorified. J. Moss reminds us in the song "We Must Praise":

“If I were a writer I would use a pencil. I would use my voice if I were a singer… No matter who or what we are we must praise… If I were an eagle I would use my wings, since I’m a believer I use everything…With our gifts we exalt Thee, merciful, wonderful God. We must praise."


He Lights the WayThis is what the LORD says — your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17-18


In dark skies, we wonder where God is, but then the clouds part and we realize He was right there, always, guiding the way. We can try so hard to hurry His blessings, and to skip the trial period. Sometimes it is within the furnace that He’s shaping us for what’s to come.

Instead of fighting and trying to be in control, I’m slowly learning in to let go control of my wings, and let my life resume on autopilot, with God at the helm. When I look around, I realize how boundless His possibilities are, and how even when my circumstances look dim, He’s still in control and knows what’s best. Amidst the darkness He’s able to shine His glory.

Though commencement marks end of the college career, to commence really means to begin. These lessons are just the commencement of what God has and will be teaching me. I’m just beginning to enter the journey He has charted. I’m just waiting for His direction…


Note: Now that I’m liberated from school I can finally put this journalism degree to use here at Dream in Soul…


– Julene, Editor and founder of Dream in Soul and SOAR
Visit my personal blog online at www.dreamfleur.com