Soul Dreamer Ponderings are questions that relate to career and calling for all types of dreamers. Some of the questions might be posed in future Soul Dreamer Interviews as well. Feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts to these ponderings:

How can we make sure our dreams continually line up with God’s visions for us?

How do we know if a dream is God-given or something we came up with? Do we have the discernment and faith to follow God even into “unpractical” and undesirable venues?

How do we know if we are operating out of our calling?

Is God calling me to carry out my talents in a more secular frontier or in a traditionally Christian arena?

How do we rewaken dormant dreams?

Does God give usually us hard tasks to do that we don’t necessarily like to prepare us for higher positions (as with Joseph who became a servant and slave before the dreams God gave him came to pass)?

How do we know, and what should we do when a dream or career has become an idol?

How do we balance our dreams with the everyday functions and tasks of life?

Are we to continually make the distinction between our gifting and callings, our talents and mission?

Am I continually using my gifts to serve God and others and not only for my own motives? Am I focused on making God known and not just making myself known?

How should we function in the influence God has given us, whether large or small? How do we prevent influence from becoming a distraction?

What about a “failed dream” or a situation we’ve already stepped out on but it didn’t work out the way we expected? How do we recover and keep moving? What is the purpose of a dream unfulfilled; will I be able to see the good God has allowed through it?

What questions do you ask regarding your dreams? Feel free to share your thoughts or contribute questions or responses of your own.

Most everyone has asked these questions:

• Who am I?
• Why am I here?
• What should I be doing?

Artists in particular, from painters to musicians, may ask these questions regarding their gifts:

• Who am I as an artist?
• Why do I have this talent?
• What does God want me to do with it?

Navigating these questions might be frustrating when we don’t “hear” what God wants us to do with the gifts He’s given us. How do we know what route to take with our abilities?

Art Lessons from God is a great online spiritual resource that delves into these questions of gifting and calling. The web publication and discussion group were created with the purpose of helping artists and designers discover God’s purpose and plan for their artistic talent. The site was created by Tony Snipes of Kreative Kingdom, Inc. a non-profit faith-based art initiative.

Though the site is targeted toward visual artists it has much insight that could inspire artists of any type from writers and performers to musicians and filmmakers. Many of the topics explored can apply to a variety of arts, like “Anointed versus Talented: What’s the Difference?” to “Discovering a “God” idea vs a “Good” idea.” Often in our society we acknowledge the “how” regarding talents of individuals but may not always consider the deeper questions involved with “why.”

Click here to visit the Art Lessons From God website, www.artlessonsfromGod.com.

Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with Tony Snipes, founder of Art Lessons From God.

Here are some great past posts and discussions on the site, many of which could apply to a variety of arts:

- Anointed versus Talented: What’s the Difference?
Talent is defined as: “Natural endowment or ability of a superior quality”…

- God Never Commits to Talent
A pastor I knew mentioned this several years ago and, to me, it still is something I have to work on always…

- God’s 7 Principles of Artistic Purpose
These are the 7 principles that guide the you, the visual artist, into a relationship with the Spirit of God in order to give God access to the creative gift He placed within you…

- Artists Taking The Mystery Out of Hearing from God
How do you hear from God, especially concerning the purpose and use of your creative talent…

- Your Artistic Talent as a Weapon
Your creative ability has power… The enemy has no creative ability…

- The Artist’s Super Power: Seeing the Unseen
The ability to see the unseen, communicate the intangible and bring clarity to the unclear is an ability that most artists possess…

- Formula for Creating Art with Life Changing Results
Creating art that makes people “look” is one thing, but art that helps people “see” is on a totally different level. For the artist or designer that is a Christ-follower, this is not limited to “religious themed” works, but any art or design where the artist is guided by the Spirit of God…

- 3 Ways Artists & Designers Hear from God
How do you hear from God concerning your creative talent?

- Artists Becoming Able to Do What They Can’t Really Do
Think about a time when you were given the chance to do a creative project, commission or gig that was a pretty big opportunity. Now picture it as one of those projects that you knew would be almost too much of a challenge, be it skill, time, initial investment or whatever…

- Creative Level Most Artists & Designers Never Pursue
There is a level of creativity that many artists and designers have access to, but few attempt to pursue nor even believe exists…

- Artists: Discovering a “God” idea vs a “Good” idea.
There are two challenges that you face as an artist. One is the familiar challenge of not having a fresh idea or plan for the next creative project.
The other is even worse than that, yet not as evident. It’s having too many ideas and not moving significantly ahead on the right one

- Can You Lose Your Talent? 4 Ways To Revive It
I’ve spoken with many individuals who, once they discover that I’m an artist,
share the fact that they “used to be” an artist or “used to draw” as well…

Dream in Soul:…One of the chapters that spoke to me was Chapter 4 “What is Purpose.” One of the important points you made in the book is that what people do does not define who they are. Was there a point in your life where you realized that?

Kirk Franklin: Yeah, yeah definitely there was a point in my life when that revelation really became true to me. It kind of resonates within me that you know music is what I do, the music is not who I am, so if I sell a lot of records that doesn’t make me who I am. If I don’t sell any records that doesn’t take away from who I am, and if I define myself by what I do then I’m going to always have to be doing, and so I’ll be a human doing instead of a human being. So, that was a very important thing for me to learn…

DS: Going along with that once I saw a tweet you tweeted a while back that said, “never let your gift become your god.” Can you talk about that and how you’ve learned that in your ministry; how does someone know when their gift or career has become an idol?

Below: A Tweet from @KirkFranklin

KF: Well, it’s just very important to see your gift through God’s lens. Once you realize that the gift really wasn’t for your benefit but the gift was really for His and He allows you to partake in it, it changes your perspective. It’s like, ok this is given to me to bring Him glory, not necessarily to bring myself glory. And so when you see that it’s something that’s on loan that you’re not an owner of it, you’re just a manager of it, then you respond differently.

Click here to read the full Dream in Soul interview with Kirk Franklin…

Those in older generations may believe dancing is too suggestive or unholy to do in church. Some argue that dance isn’t Biblical or is “worldly.” The documentary discusses how Scriptures do speak about dance and how it can be used as a way of worship. From liturgical to urban, many churches and ministries have embraced dance, especially as a way for reaching youth. What are your thoughts? Do you have a dance ministry in your church?

DS: You’ve said before ‘I am not a singer that happens to preach, but a preacher that has to sing,’ because singing is a gift and preaching is a calling. Can you talk a little about the difference between a gift and a calling? What message do you have for young adults in finding their calling vs. relying on the gifts?

MS: Well you know with me, this is my own personal definition, some people may disagree, but you know the Bible says gifts come without repentance. I try to make sure that they are separate. If you ask me what I mean by that – I’m gifted to sing but I’ve learned that I can be gifted and anointed and still live like the devil.

In order for you to be effective in the call you have to be tapped into the source. The only way you can remain connected to the source is you have to live a life that’s holy and acceptable by God. So that’s why I never put my gift before my call, I always make sure I put my call before my gift because that means that my focus remains in God first in everything that I do.

DS: You’ve said your music and pastoring go hand and hand as a ministry?

MS: Without question. As a matter of fact the fact that I’m able to sing enhances our worship service on a Sunday morning, it really helps to set the atmosphere so that when I stand up and preach the word of God it doesn’t fall upon the stony grounds of peoples hearts but it falls upon the fresh ground where it can be cultivated and grow. It gives me the opportunity to break up that fallow ground so that when I sow the seed it makes all the difference in the world in the hearts and minds of people.

DS: How do you balance the artistry, ministry and industry and stay focused on God when in a position like that of influence?

MS: Honestly, again this is my personal opinion, I think they go hand in hand. The Bible tells us a whole lot of things as pertains for looking out for the man or the woman of God and I think that one of the major challenges that we have is people being able to differentiate if you will what’s ministry and what’s business. The truth of the matter is we serve a God who is superlative in His nature and He requires excellence from us.

When we do function we are to function in a level of quality in business that gives Him glory. I think that when we do that, function in the level that he requires and desires us to function in He does ultimately get glory. So when people talking about separating them, I don’t know if you can, I think they all go hand in hand and I think that sometimes we can take it overboard. We can take ministry overboard, we can take business overboard, there has to be a balance and they have to work hand in hand. Sometimes you can be so business that the ministry is lost, and sometimes you can be so ministry that the business is lost, but we serve a God of balance. If we keep things balanced it makes things simpler.

DS: Is there a scripture that you would say embodies the message of this album or your work so far?

“Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

MS: Galatians 6:1 I believe says something to the effect of if you find someone overtaken with a fault you who are spiritual should restore someone gently. One of the major problems with the 21st century church is that we kill our wounded. What God is looking for is people who are spiritual enough not to kill our wounded but to love on them and to encourage them, especially if we’re spiritual we can restore them. The purpose of restoring them is that we can ourselves; what we sow out is what we reap back. I believe strongly that’s what “Here I Am” is really all about. It speaks about that whole concept of understanding that we all have issues that we’ve had to overcome. All of us ourselves have been places and done things we are not proud of, but even in that God doesn’t disqualify us if we get back up and make the decision not to go back there.

I love where it says “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of gentleness; look into thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” We’re supposed to “bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1 and 2.

Click here to read the full interview about Marvin Sapp’s latest album “Here I Am.”

DreamFood: Some Inspiring Points

- “Comparing yourself to somebody else always results in a negative response…”

- The Proverbs 31 woman was fulfilling her calling, it was possible for her to be multi-dimensional

- We are not called to be the Proverbs 31 woman in doing exactly what she did – we’re called to be who we’re called to be…

- “…it’s about how you can be multidimensional by maximizing your personal purpose…”

Below she also speaks on how Christian women can dream bigger dreams, and her experience as a Christian on the The Apprentice.

More About Marshawn Evans

(from her website)

As one of the nation’s leading experts on the art of maximizing human potential, former Miss America Finalist and Entertainment Attorney, MARSHAWN EVANS is Founder of ME Unlimited (Marshawn Evans Unlimited), a corporate life-enrichment consulting firm focusing on peak performance, diversity, women’s empowerment and leadership.

ME Unlimited consults with Fortune 500 companies and HR departments on leading peak performance strategies, while offering insight from the world of professional sports, employment law principles, and competitive industries.

She is author of SKIRTS in the Boardroom: A Woman’s Survival Guide to Success in Business & Life (Wiley 2008).

As a pioneering woman in the world of professional sports, she is also President of EDGE 3M Sports & Entertainment – a full-service brand management agency responsible for elevating the profile of elite entertainers and athletes in the NBA, NFL, WNBA, and Major League Baseball (www.edge3m.com).

Her successes in the classroom and the courtroom took her to the infamous boardroom as one of Donald Trump’s handpicked cast members on NBC’s hit show ‘THE APPRENTICE.’ Marshawn was the only person to lead Trump’s all-women’s team to a victory as the Project Manager for an upscale, yet in your face, Lamborghini advertising campaign. She has worked on marketing initiatives for Tiffany & Co, Rolls-Royce, Vitamin Water, Gatorade, Kraft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Star Wars: Episode III, Bally Total Fitness, Dairy Queen, Best Buy and Outback Steakhouse.

As Miss District of Columbia, she finished 3rd runner-up at the Miss America Competition winning talent and interview. A former U.S. ambassador to the International Summit of Achievement in Dublin, Ireland, and a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Marshawn practiced as a commercial litigator and employment lawyer with one of Atlanta’s most prestigious law firms.

Recently named one of Atlanta’s Power 30 Under 30, Marshawn has been featured by Glamour Magazine, Upscale, Monarch, Diversity Business Magazine, USA Today, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, ABC, Fox News, MTV and NBC.

A Christian woman, Marshawn spends time speaking to women of faith across the country helping Christian business women navigate between the rigors of corporate America and the purpose they serve in the marketplace as executives and entrepreneurs.

The Gospel Heritage 2010 Praise & Worship Conference is the annual event presented by Dr. Teresa Hairston, founder of Gospel Today. This year it will take place February 18-19 in Jacksonville, FL, and there are several seminars and workshops during the event targeted toward helping young adults learn more about careers in the Gospel music industry, including the Transforming a Generation workshops that will feature presenters like PJ Morton, Monica Coates, Kirk Franklin, and more:

Gospel Heritage Praise and Worship Conference

February 18-19 in Jacksonville, FL, Bethel Baptist Church
Registration information: Gospel Heritage 2010 Website – gospelheritage.org
Below are a few workshops available, visit the website for more listings.

Thursday February 18th
11:30 AM-1:30 PM

“Where Are We Now?: Understanding The Changing Music Industry Economy”
This class features a candid discussion of the recent economic changes in the Gospel music marketplace, focusing on what has changed and why. Students will hear perspectives from some of the top Gospel industry professionals and discover what this transition means.

1:45 PM-3:00 PM
“21st Century Careerscapes: Maximizing Your Opportunities In The New Music Industry”
This course features a peer-to-peer conversation with key individuals on the cutting edge of the current music industry career marketplace. Students will discover new career opportunities that exist in the Gospel music industry. They will hear from several professionals who have taken innovative approaches to their careers and ministries.

3:00 PM-4:45 PM
“PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE VITAL ELEMENT”
This is a master session focusing on the internal spiritual and social development required for success in the current Gospel music marketplace. Students will learn the difference between their talent and their calling. They will also discover the importance of developing and maintaining core relationships in the pursuit of their careers and ministries.

In the call Dr. Naima will present a powerful teaching on how to take practical and spiritually led steps toward your God-given dreams. If you missed the past calls, you can listen to the previous one below:

More About How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams

Christian Recording Artist, author and educator, Dr. Naima Johnston has a passion to see others achieve their God Given Dreams. After many years of being told she would never make it as singer, Dr. Johnston left her position as the Associate Director of Student Life at Wright State University to launch a recording career and a brand new ministry. After years of trials, loss and failures, Dr. Johnston discovered the keys to successfully building her life and ministry. Now traveling the country encouraging and equipping others, Dr. Johnston empowers people to live the life that they were ordained to live.

“Everyone has a dream, many people think they can’t achieve them for various reasons. But as long as you have breath and God on your side, you have still have time. You just need information and confidence. I want to share the tools that I’ve learned to assist others in obtaining Godly success.”

Dr. Johnston will be hosting a free Conference Call on Monday, February 15, at 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time to teach participants how to,Wake Up And Get Moving On Your Dream.” On the verge of quitting ministry due to a lack of growth Dr. Johnston discovered that if she followed the example of Gideon she would be successful. In the Bible, Judges Chapter 6, the Lord instructs Gideon to fight a battle he could not possibly win. When Gideon informs the Lord he can’t win the battle, the Lord tells him not to worry since He would in fact be going with him. Dr. Johnston now does over 100 ministry engagement a year, has self published two books and is completing the recording of her second CD.

Seminar participants will learn: The 4 Things That Keep You From Achieving Your God Given Dream, The 9 Things That Must Be Done To Achieve Your God Given Dream and 5 Uncommon Things To Motivate Yourself!

This free Conference Call will be a powerful preparation tool for those who want to launch a new business, a ministry or get motivated to achieve a life long dream! Participants must register and spaces are limited. To register send an email to: naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more information and registration for the “Wake Up And Get Moving On Your Dream Call” on Feb. 15, 2010.

Dr. Naima Johnston is the founder and CEO of Broken Box Ministries, an innovative arts and education company. She is the author of the forthcoming training manual, “Go With What You Got!” As well as, Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes TO Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry and Dr. Nay’s Random Recovery Life Lessons. Her newest CD, “This Place” will be releasing in March 2010. For more information or interview inquires please visit www.naimajohnston.com.

*Note: The 13 Letters Curriculum is 30% off until Dec 31. Click here to take advantage of this offer.

The 13 Letters Curriculum from ReachLife Ministries is a great resource for youth and young adult leaders, especially those in urban ministries:

ReachLife Ministries presents “13 LETTERS – THE CURRICULUM”, a 13 week media experience of the Pauline Epistles with a little dose of hip hop. Journey through God’s Word, unpacking Paul’s letters and see how it applies to life in today’s urban culture.

The 13 Letters Compilation Album has been one of Reach Records best selling CD’s. The use of this media has proved to be an effective teaching tool for thousands across the country. This study will serve to further unpack these books in a way you’ve never experienced before!

Over 13 weeks, artists such as Lecrae, Tedashii, Sho Baraka, Trip Lee, Flame, and Shai Linne will present a brief survey of each of the Pauline Epistles, while highlighting each of the major themes from each book. Voices from the street will also give their input on these truths. Students will leave this study with a better understanding of each Pauline Epistle as well as how it applies to them in their daily life.

Visit the ReachLife website to learn more, and to download the Leader’s Sample Guide and the Student’s Sample Guide.

Canvas is a community voting website that allows you to express yourself and glorify God through your art. The community will vote on t-shirt designs submitted by C28 Canvas members. The winning designs will be printed under the C28 Canvas Label in a limited run to be sold exclusively through C28.com. To join the community and submit your designs visit www.canvasthreads.com.

See two of the recent winning designs below, created by talented young artists, and view and purchase more winning designs at the Canvas store.