Thursday, December 19, 2024
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Stefan Green

When art meets purpose

I’m sure many of us have been to concert or stadium events before. Maybe you found some of them inspiring – or maybe you left in disgust because the sound was just not that great, or the band could not actually perform well live – even though their albums were great.

I’ve been to some amazing shows with bands like Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Passion, Israel Houghton and New Breed, Hillsong United, Justin Bieber, Usher Raymond, and Alicia Keys.

One thing with a lot of these shows is that they end up being “just a show”. However, in some cases, the artists didn’t choose the art – you could say the art chose them, and they’re using that art to point to the greatest of all artists: Jesus.

This is what comes to mind when you think about a tour like Outcry, currently playing throughout the US. This tour brings names like Bethel, Jesus Culture, Hillsong Worship, Elevation Worship, Kari Jobe, Martin Smith, and Passion together in one arena – and you also get to hear an amazing message by Brian Houston.

Here is a recap of the 2015 tour to give you a sense of the event:

Keen to check it out? Here’s nine reasons why:

  1. You will leave inspired.
  2. You will meet some great people.
  3. You will dance the night away.
  4. You will find what you’ve been looking for.
  5. You will sing till your voice won’t let you.
  6. You will have a chance to invite Jesus into your life.
  7. You will leave dreaming bigger then you have before.
  8. You will be equipped for the journey – and not just a sprint.
  9. You will hear God whispers amongst the noise.

If the chance ever presents itself, this would be an investment will eternal ramifications!

40 years of Joy(ce)

I’m sure many of us have heard the ever-inspiring Joyce Meyer speak a message of hope and life at some stage in our lives. Joyce has pioneered a movement and  breathed life into churches over years and years of ministry.

Obviously we can learn quite a few lessons from someone who started the journey 30 or 40 years ahead of us, pioneering again and again, and keeping it fresh. Despite challenges and obstacles, Joyce made a decision to stand strong, allowing her struggles and victories to speak to us along the way.

Here are some lessons we’ve learnt from Joyce Meyer over 40 years of ministry:

1. Do not despise small beginnings

Ministry didn’t come easy to Joyce, but she decided to begin somewhere. She began a radio station inside her house in one of her bedrooms.

2. You need to overcome obstacles and hurdles

It’s obvious in her books, on her website, and on her DVDs: Joyce has remained anchored and steadfast despite challenges, and has managed to keep the main thing, the main thing.

3. She has done the journey with her husband

Most of the time, Joyce is not alone. Her husband is almost always with her. Life was not meant to be done alone, but with others.

4. There are no excuses

Joyce and her husband started traveling in a van, and they often didn’t have money to book a place to sleep so they just slept in their vehicle. Their meetings were often held in hotel banquet halls simply because they didn’t have the money to use larger venues.

5. Start where you are

Joyce was called to ministry, but she didn’t start in stadiums. She began in her dining room, having Bible studies. She also had three kids, and they travelled with her in the early days.

Let’s take these lessons and implement them in our own lives!

You can write that hit!

I’ve recently been looking at the actual writers of some of the top hits we all know and love. The world of music and publishers would love us to think that the actual artists have written these, but if you actually take some time to look at who the writers are, you’ll find it’s often unknown – but special and amazing – individuals or teams.

A lot of the names mentioned below didn’t start off writing – they actually just had a normal, average vocation like you and I. They then realised that they were not happy, and took some time to spread their wings and take a shot at something new – a new lane; a new day.

When you look at the world’s top songwriters at the moment, they aren’t really that famous (some are now). Many of them actually do not want to be known – they just want to go shopping and not have anyone stop them for a photograph or signature.

As you read this, I hope it sparks a flame in you – perhaps you have some creativity in you that you’ve allowed to go untapped? I hope these examples inspire you to get out there and to start giving expression to your talent!

Sia

Sia Kate Isobelle Furler was born on 18 December 1975 in Adelaide, South Australia. She was not always a writer, but was always intrigued by music. She has become  more of a household name lately – she truly has impacted the music world. There’s Chandelier, of course. And let’s not forget Elastic Heart. She also wrote Beyoncé’s Pretty Hurts, and has written songs for Maroon 5, Britney Spears, and others.

You can do it, too!

Max Martin

Max was born in Stenhamra, a suburb of Stockholm, in 1971.

In trying to explain Max’s genius, another successful Swedish songwriter, Klas Ahlund, painted the following picture of his home country: “Swedes are very musical, and they love to write songs. But it’s a big country, and it has very few people in it. So you had these farmers out there who were good at writing songs but had no one to sing them. Songwriting was just a thing you did on your own when you were watching the cows, a kind of meditation. You didn’t focus as much on your ability as a performer as you did on the structure and craft of the songs.”

So perhaps it’s no surprise that Max has written nearly two dozen number one songs, for performers including Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift. Below are just a small selection of his top tracks from a single year:

No. 3 The One That Got Away, Katy Perry (1/7/2012)
No. 6 Domino,, Jessie J (2/18/2012)
No. 1 (one week) Part of Me, Katy Perry (3/3/2012)
No. 9 Scream, Usher (8/4/2012)
No. 2 Wide Awake, Katy Perry (8/11/2012)
No. 1 (three weeks) We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Taylor Swift (9/1/2012)
No. 1 (nine weeks) One More Night, Maroon 5 (9/29/2012)

I reckon you can do it. Pick up a pen, and write!

Why shortcuts to success never work

The dictionary definition of the word “shortcut” is the following: “An alternative route that is shorter than the one usually taken”.

We all love and look up to role models and people who carry a high level of influence. However, recently it came to my attention that there have been quite a few amazing sportsmen and people in other spheres of life who have been disqualified, or who lost a lot of what they have worked for.

It truly stuns me that a person who is willing to work so hard and give their all, day in and day out, would also, on the other hand, be willing to put it all on the line to reach or gain another world record, or gold medal, or fame.

It got me thinking: Will I ever take a shortcut, or will I be up to the journey for the long haul? I contemplated the following examples:

Lance Armstrong:

Born in 1971 in Texas, Lance Armstrong became a triathlete before turning to professional cycling. His career was halted by testicular cancer, but Armstrong returned to win a record seven consecutive Tour de France races, beginning in 1999. Stripped of those titles in 2012 due to evidence of performance-enhancing drug use, Armstrong in 2013 finally admitted to doping throughout his cycling career.

Maria Sharapova:

Sharapova has competed on the WTA tour since 2001. She has been ranked world number one in singles by the WTA on five separate occasions. Sharapova recently revealed she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open, and admitted to testing positive for meldonium, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. She was provisionally suspended from playing tennis.

What I’ve learned from these amazing sportsmen is that shortcuts do not work – they are never going to work! 

So how do you stay in it for the long haul?

1. Commit to the journey 

Make a decision from the outset that no matter what, you are in it until the end. Decide that you are not going to allow a little pill to take you off track, and refuse to let anything or anyone disqualify what’s been put in you.

2. Don’t let a medal or fame distract from who you should be 

Just a like a racing horse with blinders on, we should stick to our lane and not run someone else’s race as we chase after our dreams. 

3. Your character and integrity needs to be stronger than your gift/talent 

Your character and integrity will sustain you where your gift can’t. Don’t just strengthen the external – make sure you sharpen and grow what’s on the inside, too.

Must-have apps for 2016

In the ever-changing world of technology that we have all immersed ourselves in, it pays to stay up to date with the latest and greatest. And that’s even more important when it comes to the amazing gift to life known as the app.

So, in the interest of keeping you clued up and on top of things, here’s a list of must-have apps that you can’t do without in 2016.

1. MSQRD (iOS, Android)
A brilliant new app that allows you to face swop or transform your face with multiple digital masks.

2. Heads Up (iOS)
A great entertaining game for you and your friends that will have you all laughing in a minute.

3. Über (iOS, Android)
Get a reliable taxi in minutes – no reservations or waiting in lines.

4. WhatsApp (iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BB, Symbian)
Talk to friends and family around the world for (virtually) free.

5. Afterlight (iOS, Android, Windows Phone)
Afterlight is the perfect image editing app for quick and straight forward editing. The simple design, paired with powerful and snappy tools, will give you the look you want in seconds.

6. VSCO (iOS, Android)
VSCO is pretty much the standard of mobile photography. It is the premier way to shoot, edit, and share your photographs.

7. Instagram (iOS, Android)
Instagram is a very simple way to capture and share your world’s moments. Transform your everyday photos and videos into works of art and share them with your family and friends.

8. Pinterest (iOS, Android)
Pinterest is a visual bookmarking tool that helps you discover and save creative ideas. Use Pinterest to make meals, plan travel, carry out DIY projects, and much more.

9. Twitter (iOS, Android)
Tweet, retweet, reply and favourite in a flash. Quickly see recent Tweets and top trends. Share your location, a song, or links.

10. Health Mate (iOS, Android)
Health Mate tracks your everyday activity and heart rate using sensors in your iPhone.

Get your app on and enjoy the world in a new way!

Selena shares stage with Hillsong Y&F

Fans attending the recent launch of Hillsong Young and Free’s new album, Youth Revival, at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles got a pleasant surprise when none other than songstress Selena Gomez jumped on stage to perform her new song Nobody.

The song is actually a compelling worship song. When a fan on Twitter recently asked Gomez what inspired her to write the song, she simply replied: “God. Nobody is about Him.”

At the concert, she said: “Tonight is more than a concert; it’s more than Hillsong; it’s more than me coming on stage, singing a song for you,” she said. “It’s about a relationship that is greater than anything, guaranteed.”

The first verse of the song includes the lyrics: “No heart, no hands, no skin, no touch / Can get me there, nowhere enough / To love me like you do, to love me like you do / No kiss, no lips, no feel, no rush / Can keep me high, I swear no one.”

Watch below to see how it went down at the Hillsong Young and Free launch performance.

 

3 lessons in life from Adele

There’s no doubt about it: Adele is a legend of music – one of the greats when it comes to voice, and lyrically penning skilful and heartfelt melodies.

This became even clearer at this year’s Grammy Awards, when a technical issue nearly derailed her performance. As she stepped up to sing, a mic dropped onto the piano strings, changing the sound of the song completely.

Adele, ever the professional, just powered on and owned the ballad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvYt-G-iSuw

In an interview later on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she admitted that she cried the whole day afterward.

 

The question is: What do you do when life throws a curveball and its out of your hands?  What do you do when you’ve rehearsed and done your part and you step up, and it doesn’t go as planned?

We can learn three valuable lessons from Adele’s Grammy performance:

1. Keep doing your part: Only one person can do your part – you!

2. Build your team, not just you: Adele didn’t cast an evil glare at her sound engineer when things went pear-shaped. By finishing her performance well, she made not just herself, but her whole team look good.

3. Keep going, even if it’s out of your hands: When things go wrong it’s easy to give up right away. But pushing through will be rewarding!

Do it again

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I was so inspired by this unbelievable video recently that it stirred my heart for what’s ahead of me, my family, and the sphere of life I find myself in.

I’m sure it will also be a big encouragement to you wherever you are at in life – whether on a mountain top, in a valley, in the light, or in the shadows.

When we want to make changes in our lives, the hard part often isn’t getting started, but keeping going. This piece from Elevation Creative team helps us see the transformative results of commitment and its impact on our lives.

Receiving the promise requires perseverance. Don’t tap out – the end of yourself is the beginning of greatness.

When it doesn’t make sense, do it again:

Hope again.

Trust again.

Expect again.

Fight again.

Rise again.

Breathe again.

Live again.

Give again.

Change again.

Rejoice again.

Do it again.

Watch-list: 4 elegant timepieces

Time pieces have been loved and worn by people from all spheres of life for many, many years. Whether you’re a hipster, a doctor, or an Emo kid – we all love a little face on our wrist.

Not surprisingly, watches have been trending more and more, both in the Google search bar and on my personal Pinterest boards. But how do you make a wise purchase when it comes to a timeless timepiece? I’ve rounded up some of the best options out there:

  1. Daniel Wellington

This watch is all about dedication to simplicity and a stunning, elegant design. It will suit you whether you’re a hipster or a lawyer, and can be worn by men and woman. It features a stunning, Scandanavian design. The different face sizes include 26 mm, 34 mm, 36 mm, and 40 mm options. You will be a stand-out walking into a room with this piece.

  1. Winston

Here is an elegant watch with a little unexpected sparkle. The company offers amazing strap shades and arm colours, with both contemporary and minimalist product design. It can be worn anywhere – I’m sure you’ll encounter admiring stares wherever you go! It is suitable for both men and women.

  1. MVMT Watches

This is a stunning watch that will set you apart from others. Simple but bold, these watches are also very affordable, with the perfect balance between stunning aesthetic and minimalist design.

  1. Thehorse

I was recently in Australia, and most fashionable trendsetters were wearing a piece called Thehorse. It’s bold and stands out from a mile away. I wish I could have one of these on my wrist. Its sophisticated simplicity offers a modernist take on the classic dress watch.

I hope this post has been helpful – hopefully you’ll be able to make a decision secure in the knowledge you’ve spent money on the greatest timepiece you’ve ever owned!

Valentine’s gadgets you must have

As we all do at this time of the year – the love month – we take stock of what we would like to put on our wish list for Valentine’s Day, Hello! We have all been waiting for you!

I’m sure all the ladies have wish lists with items like GHDs, top-of-the-range Lazer treatments, some of those heels the Kardashians are wearing, a special book, or some amazing cookwear – or maybe even an Opel Adam (and don’t forget a wedding ring for those who are single!).

The guys, on the other hand, will probably have something like a Weber braai, an Audi RS5, maybe a tattoo gift card, or a gym contract; a Nord keyboard, or a night away from the kids.

When it comes to women and men, there are some wish list items we can agree on – like food (we all love food!), time away (a holiday!), and gadgets (the crescendo of gifts for both sexes!). I’ve compiled a list of some of these items to make it easy for your spouse or family to make your wishes come true (and maybe even those of a few other members of the family).

MUST-HAVE GADGETS:

  1. Apple Ipad Pro

Why would you want the old Apple when you can have a new Apple iPad that does what the old one couldn’t do, and is way faster – and the screen is like real life! Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. iPhone 6s Plus

The only thing that changed from the other iPhone models to this one is… everything. The moment you use iPhone 6s, you know you’ve never felt anything like it. With a single press, 3D Touch lets you do more than ever before. Live Photos bring your memories to life in a powerfully vivid way. And that’s just the beginning. Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Hoverboard

Why would you want to walk/run/sit/stand/jog when you can hover? Justin Bieber has one; Skrillix has one; why wouldn’t you want one? Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Fitness Watch

Get one – or get one for your whole family. Fitness isn’t just about running, biking, or hitting the gym. It’s also about being active throughout the day. So Apple Watch measures all the ways you move, such as walking the dog, taking the stairs, or playing with your kids. It even keeps track of when you stand up and encourages you to keep moving. Because it all counts. And it all adds up. Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Nikon or Canon DSLR

Don’t take old, stale pictures of your bae. Get her on her good side. And don’t put filters on photos when you can capture true light! Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Nutribullet

Why juice and leave all the pulp and fibre behind? Turning traditional juicing and blending on its head, the nifty Nutribullet is the perfect countertop companion for avid smoothie drinkers and homemade flour and nut butter enthusiasts alike. The clever design means that it’s as easy as putting your ingredients into the cup attachment, flipping it upside down, pressing it into the power base and voilà, speedy smoothies and milled grains in seconds. Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. 1964 in-ears or Ultimate Ears

Why would you want to curse your ears with bad sound by buying earphones from any old company? Get the best! Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Playstation 4

Why would you settle for anything less when you can have a Playstation? You don’t want your kids wishing they had what the neighbour had – get them this! Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Parrot Bebop 2 Drone

Why would you want a remote control car, when you can fly in the air? Why would you want to walk around the block when you can fly around the block? Why would you want to pick up the remote when you can fly and grab it? Your dad will say thank you, and he will mean it! Here is where you can purchase it now.

  1. Looq DG Selfie Stick

Forget an average stick, and get a magic wand. Here is where you can purchase it now.

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