Jonathan and Melissa interview Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer about creative rhythms and discovering God in the ordinary. They discuss embracing tension, the transformative power of creativity, finding God in the ordinary, confronting fear of failure through art, and the importance of community and believing in God's presence in moments of weakness.
Embracing tension and finding God in ordinary moments is essential for thriving in life.
Facing vulnerability and making mistakes in the creative process and in life leads to transformation and fulfillment of God's dreams.
Deep dives
Embracing Tension and Creative Rhythms
The podcast episode explores the importance of staying in tension with God and engaging in creative rhythms. The hosts emphasize that hitting walls and experiencing tension is not a sign of being off track, but rather an opportunity for growth and connection with the Lord and others. They discuss the misconception that their discipleship program is solely for artists, emphasizing that it is about becoming a child again and embracing learning. They highlight the significance of vulnerability, making mistakes, and receiving help in the creative process, which translates to various aspects of life. The hosts assert that finding God in ordinary moments, embracing tension, and believing that He stays with us in our messiness is essential for thriving in life.
The Power of Agitation and Confronting Fear of Failure
The podcast underscores the importance of embracing agitation and confronting the fear of failure in the creative process and in life. The hosts share personal stories, including moments of resistance, meltdowns, and breakthroughs, to emphasize the transformational power of facing vulnerability and making mistakes. They highlight the significance of community and the presence of others in supporting and encouraging individuals in their journey of embracing tension and growth. The hosts express the belief that experiencing God in tension and ordinary moments leads to rest, peace, and the fulfillment of God's dreams for our lives. They encourage a posture of continuous learning, unlearning perfectionism, and receiving help.
Thrive in Life by Believing in God's Presence in Tension
The podcast episode explores the idea that thriving in life comes from believing in God's presence in moments of tension. The hosts talk about the need to shift our perspective and see tension as an opportunity to connect with God and deepen our relationship with Him. They emphasize the importance of staying connected in times of breakdown, failure, and messiness, highlighting that God remains present and people stay connected in those moments. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the process of learning, particularly through creative rhythms, as a means to yield to God's work in their lives. They challenge the notion of needing to be perfect or accomplished, stressing the value of vulnerability, curiosity, and the willingness to become a learner again.
This is the second episode in a brand new three-part series.
Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation centers around staying with God in the tension of life. They unpack why we teach creative rhythms in our discipleship schools and how discovering God in the ordinary is possible. He desires to offer us true rest in the valleys and mountains of life.
**This month, applications are open for our 18 Inch Journey Phase One discipleship school and Becoming Wholehearted Men’s Retreat! Note: Our Women’s Retreat application has closed.**
Our discipleship programs are centered around learning and receiving the rest and companionship that Jesus offers in everyday life. If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to http://18inchjourney.com!
If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them!
You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel HERE.
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