A certain kind of fruit comes from a certain kind of tree. But the purpose of the fruit isn’t to just stay on that tree. It’s picked. It’s eaten. It’s enjoyed.
My brothers and I were talking during our Brother Bible Study about the fruits of the Spirit. They (the fruit) are the evidence of Jesus in our lives. Not just some words we spout off to show that we have them memorized. I always leave one out or struggle to remember all of them. Maybe that’s telling. But that’s a whole different post…
The FotS aren’t some affirmations for us to repeat to ourselves in the mirror when we are getting ready. They are the character traits and visible evidence of Jesus living in our lives. They are how people see Jesus.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. I’d love to say they are unquestionably evident every day in my life, but I’d be lying if I did. But one thing I do know, I’ve experienced every single one of them personally and from others in my life. Who’ve shown me so much grace for not living them out. But never giving up on me. Just like Jesus. The ultimate Gardener. Continually tending to His trees so they bear much fruit.
#jesus #shawnneedsgracedesigns #crtv #churchcircle #churchcirclecreatives #crtvchurch #churchcreativesclub #shawnsstickynotes #fruitsofthespirit
Being a Christian isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Struggling is part of the journey sometimes. Who are we kidding, a lot of the times it seems. But there is Hope.
Our thought lives are one of the biggest battles we face.
Self harm. Depression. Family Curses. Body Image. Self Worth. Anxiety. Thoughts and feelings that float in and out of the space between our ears and behind our eyes. Our brains are one of the most complex things that God has made. Chemicals can get out of balance. Medication can help. You might need to talk through some stuff. Therapy can help.
There is Hope in this battle. One that we might not see the victory in on this side of Heaven. But we can hold onto Hope either way. That Hope being Jesus.
“You are not non Christian for having non Christian feelings and thoughts.”
I heard this quote from @pauldaugherty on the @wintodaychris . This guy is a pastor of a mega church. And here he is talking about the struggle of fighting the battle in his head. Talking about standing on a bridge. It made me feel not alone. So hopefully reading this post has done that for you. You are not alone. Don’t forget that. I’m always here. I’ve got hope you can borrow if you need it. If you ever need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. You don’t have to love Jesus for me to listen.
#2 of who knows how many.
#jesus #shawnneedsgracedesigns #crtv #churchcircle #churchcirclecreatives #crtvchurch #churchcreativesclub #shawnsstickynotes
a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.
This post is really just for me to revisit later. 2024 was a rough one. One of the hardest years I’ve ever had at work. One of the hardest I’ve had with myself. Internally I battled a lot of things. It took a toll on my spiritual, mental, and physical health. Please hear me, I’m okay. Just not where I want to be in those areas. So 2025 is going to be about, you guessed it, balance.
I’m aware the graphic doesn’t show balance. But it serves as a reminder to close that gap. To work on things being in balance. So that’s the plan. Making the time for things that matter more than others.
Having a work life balance. I’d rather make less money than over extend myself. Work is work. But I don’t want to miss out on things that matter. I love getting to build and cultivate relationships with the folks I come in contact at work, but work can’t rule me. I have to prioritize the things that matter the most.
I want my spiritual health to be healthy. That starts with time. Again, not allowing things that can wait or that aren’t the most important, monopolize my time. My relationship with Jesus took a hit. And when that takes a hit, so does everything else. So we are gonna get that back in balance.
And my physical health. I’m not in any danger of any major health things. But 41 (42 in June) feels different. So I want to feel better. Going to the gym or working out is as much for my mental health as it is physical. And I’ve neglected that. So that has to change. I’m a better me when I get that time to just turn off the noise and listen to some screaming hardcore.
When I say I’m going to put me first, I don’t mean it in a selfish way. I want to be the best me for all of the people around me. And in order for that to happen, those things above have to happen.
Less work. More people that matter. Less time in my head. More time with and talking about Jesus. Less couch surfing. More days lifting small amounts of weight while listening to a new metal band I found. It’s all about balance. Here’s to 2025. Even if it’s a third of the way through the first month.
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥.
That last lyric of Hot Mulligan’s track, “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?” hits a nerve everytime I hear it.
My feed and stories stay packed with quotes and stuff all about mental health. It’s no secret I’m a huge proponent for it. And even though I talk about it a lot, it wasn’t until the end of last year that I finally stepped into my first therapy session.
Without question, the best decision I’ve ever made. (Though it woulda been sooner had I listened to my little brothers) Finally taking the time for myself and my own mental health has allowed me to see things in a different light. To focus on how I see myself. How God sees me and what He has to say about me. The way that I talk about myself. To truly see the power that words have when it comes to shaping my view of myself.
I can’t be ALL of the person that God has made me to be, without truly realizing and recognizing who I am in Christ. Having a Christian therapist who has helped me focus on the ways that I talk to myself, has been a life changing experience. To have everything framed in such a way that I can’t help but see myself as Jesus sees me. Most days.
But it ain’t all rainbows and sunshine. I have bad days. Days I want nothing to do with Jesus. Days I just wanna sit and do anything but think. Days I couldn’t see myself like He does if Jesus himself slapped me in the face.
But we are making progress. Slowly chipping away at years of self doubt and other junk.
And sometimes we just need to take some time to figure out what’s wrong in our head.
If you’re thinking about therapy, take this as encouragement to take the leap. To know you’re not alone. You can love Jesus, go to therapy, and take meds. I do. And I think I’m getting a little bit better every day.
And even if you don’t have the same beliefs as I do, you should still go to therapy. Life is hard. Don’t do it alone.
If ya ever need to talk, my inbox is always open.
WORSHIP ON THE HILL BRANDING AND TEE DESIGN
When first talking about the 3rd Worship on the Hill, it was mentioned that it would be more focused on prayer and healing. My original idea was to try and do something similar to the Hallelujah Here Below style art from Elevation Worship. But once I got into it, I realized that wasn’t the move.
Instead I kept it simple. Using type and stretching it vertically, then finding some symbols to accompany it. I had the phrase “call upon the name of the Lord” come to mind almost immediately after I was asked if I wanted to design this shirt. The 5 symbols represent the Holy Spirit, the Trinity/the 3rd WOTH night, Jesus, and an oil/blood/water drop. Using just the “WOTH” oval on the front was our way of having a conversation starter, while still keeping the over all feel cohesive. I made some accompanying social posts that were used for promotion as well.
Volunteers got a red/cream color way, while the black/ice blue were sold to the people who attended. This was the first one of the Worship on the Hill events I had been to. There is no doubt that anyone there witnessed a move of the Lord. Seeing baptisms, people receive prayer, and others anointed with oil for healing, was truly something to behold. I feel honored to get to play a tiny role in what God did that night and is continuing to do at WKU, Bowling Green, and South Central Kentucky area.
Shoutout to @thecollinpruitt for letting me cook on this one!
#fca #churchmerch #thekall #graphicdesign #jesus #worshiponthehill #untilthehilllookslikeheaven #crtv #crtvchurch #christian
I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my creative journey without TJ Woodard and Bluff First. A lot of times TJ will send me an idea on a napkin or piece of paper. We go back and forth until it’s dialed in. This one was no different. But this design holds an even more special place, because it is kicking off the capital campaign for the new building on campus. A new building means more room for people to encounter the hope filled message of Jesus.
We mixed a type heavy design with the Bluff First icon done like it came out of a spray can. Printed them on some great garments. Can’t wait to get my hands on one.
It will always be my privilege and honor to do anything for Bluff First and TJ. I don’t think my creativity was ever fully unlocked until I lived there. The first and the second time. If you or anyone you know is looking for merch designs or any other graphic design work, hit me up. Let’s make something cool together! #churchmerch #blufffirst #shawnneedsgracedesigns #crtvchurch #jesus #knowgod #sharelife #stepup
The cross declares that there is no brokenness too great for Him.
The CDC tells us that more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. That means it’s either you or someone you care a lot about.
But it also means that you are not alone. There are people who can walk along side you. To be a community when you need it. Or for you to be the community when someone else needs it. We were created to do life together. You are not alone.
Being a Christian isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Struggling is part of the journey sometimes. Who are we kidding, a lot of the times it seems. But there is Hope.
Our thought lives are one of the biggest battles we face. Self harm. Depression. Family Curses. Body Image. Self Worth. Anxiety. Thoughts and feelings that float in and out of the space between our ears and behind our eyes. Our brains are one of the most complex things that God has made. Chemicals can get out of balance. Medication can help. You might need to talk through some stuff. Therapy can help.
There is Hope in this battle. One that we might not see the victory in on this side of Heaven. But we can hold onto Hope either way. That Hope being Jesus.
If you need someone to talk to, reach out. We have resources available. We can connect you to someone who can help. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, dial 988. You don’t have to do this alone.
@counselingatcrossland
