Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 170

iPainting Sasha And Faberge

iPainting Uniquely Nashville

While some buildings may be taller, there is still only one skyscraper that is uniquely #Nashville, the Batman building.

Sketch King Sejong Of Korea

King Sejong Of Korea created the Korean alphabet in 1443.

iPainting Perlman

When this man plays anything it’s beautiful, but when he plays the music from Schlindler’s List, it steps into history.

iPainting Fox In The Forest

Much like all of us, the same creature can appear differently in different settings. This iPainting of the Fox in the forest reflects that, even when the environment is stranger, we can remain true to God, our Family and Friends, and Ourselves.

Your Work Of Art

Art is where desire, dedication, story, experience, perhaps talent, and learned skill combine. I say perhaps talent because I’ve seen people with little to no talent become great artists. This has more to do with desire and dedication than talent.

That is not to say some are not naturally talented, merely that a lack of talent isn’t a dead end. The same is true in other walks of life. People with a love of music have become great patrons, or even worked in the music industry. They did not allow their voice or inability to play an instrument stop them from being part of music.

Practicality has to be play a role. I don’t get to sing solos to a room with people in it, but I have written about great singers. Whether a painting of mine ever is in a gallery I don’t know, but my Abraham Lincoln is on display at the Church’s school.

I’ve watched paintings and sculptures made in the hills of Arkansas, appraise for thousands. The point is not the price, but the value. When you pursue the right things, because we do need to make sure what we pursue is the right course, you will find value.

I believe in passion for what you do, but I do believe passion must align with purpose to help our lives be in tune. However, don’t apply value with the wrong currency. Art is not my career, but it is an important part of my life, though not all of it.

To me, beyond being something I love which I do, it’s something that I desire to be used to benefit others. I want it to be a bucket I can pour out of, into the lives of others. The same with writing, or other interests. Even something that may seem comical, or from childhood, I want to use it to bless others.

To me, if it can inspire others, that is art. Whether it’s a picture, piece of clay, or stump carved with a chainsaw, it doesn’t matter. If it betters someone else towards a noble purpose, or brings comfort to a saddened heart, it’s a work of art. I encourage you today to pursue with purpose, as my Pastor Denny Livingston would say, your work of art.

The Writer Encourager: Keep Something In Your Garage

I heard a comedian say, at this point, I’ve got nothing left in my garage to sell. She meant merchandise of her specials, etc, but I guarantee you she has something in her mental garage. If you’re a writer, or content creator, keep an idea handy for the future.

There are different categories of items in a real garage. Current items, projects in various stages, and things that haven’t been touched in years. The same should be true somewhat, of an idea garage.

Current items are those things you’re excited about right now. Projects that you can’t wait to work on. These are the things that aren’t yet done, but you’re passionate about developing.

Other things should be projects in various stages, even some ideas that have not yet been completed. At any given time, I have at least three or four writing projects I’m working on. I like to keep the idea garage filled with variety. It helps maintain creativity for me.

Then there are the boxes of things that seem to just not be able to come together. We all have ideas that just seem to not be work. I’ve had ideas that went through various different attempts before they took form.

There are two important points about these ideas. First, don’t force an idea. If it doesn’t work for one project, after a couple tries, put that idea back on the garage shelf. Second, don’t throw it out. It may never work, or it may be the perfect idea for another project. If you throw it away, you’ll never know.

I would encourage you to write every idea down, even if it’s two words on a piece of paper. While details are wonderful, you can develop your own garage box labels. Words that bring to mind the core of your original idea when you revisit.

A full physical garage can be a problem, but a full idea garage can reap incredible benefits. Both should have some working organization to them, for your own benefit. It’s not about a perfect system, but one that is easily accessible.

Keeping your idea garage full will enable you to continue to produce original content throughout your life. It will bless you with options in those times when you feel like you don’t have any fresh ideas. At times, the freshest idea you can have, is one that’s been sitting in your garage for a while.

Don’t Stop Encouraging

In part three of our Encouragement series, we encourage you to singing your song.

Had I used the word believing, a song would have went through your head. Encouraging really is believing in others, and while there can be challenges, it’s worth repeating. Don’t stop encouraging.

There will be pitfalls along the way. When those you encourage become frustrated, they may sometimes lash out at you. They’re not really upset at you, they’re upset at what they’re facing, themselves, or simply need to vent. I would encourage you, if at all possible, to remain a voice of encouragement in their lives.

I’m not saying to remain in a toxic relationship, but don’t allow one disagreement to destroy a relationship. The relationship is always more important than the argument. Also, don’t allow a bad experience to spur you on lifting others.

Lifting can strain muscles, but they also build up. Each of us will have bad experiences in life, but it’s our choice whether we allow them to change us. I would encourage you to continue to encourage, because in many ways, it is as vital as oxygen.

People will be suspicious of encouraging people. They’ll look to see what your angle is, which is understandable in our world. Eventually, all but cynics will see you are simply a voice for others. Once they do, they’ll seek out your voice more and more.

As I said previously, you don’t encourage for yourself, but you will be blessed by it. Every worthwhile activity faces opposition and experiences reward. Once encouraging others becomes your theme song, it’ll be a tune those around you can’t get out of their head.

iPainting Ocean Bubbles

I saw a video of Ocean Bubbles, and I just had to paint it. This iPainting of Ocean Bubbles reflects God’s fascinating power, even in the most minute details. Billions of ocean bubbles have been in the waters that no one has ever seen, and yet God made them beautiful How much more does He love and care for us than them!

Encourage – Pour Into Others

We hope you enjoy part two of our series on Encouragement.

I believe you should seek to encourage as many as you can, but I would like to share three groups you should pour into. These won’t cover all of them, but it will help you to get started.

First, and the most obvious, your loved ones. Your family, and friends need to know something beyond that you love them. They need to know you believe in them. Remember, encouragement isn’t usually advice, or to simply supporting them. You may advise some, but you can encourage all.

The next group are those who have no direct way of benefiting you. I once knew a wealthy man, a charitable man, he gave to many. Yet, so many people attempted to take advantage of his generosity that he seemed to have few true friends. A true friend is your friend, regardless of what you may or may not have, or even lose.

The third group is actually made up of two groups, but they’re connected. They are those younger than you, and those older than you. The younger definitely need someone further along to encourage them. Again, your goal isn’t advice, it’s “I believe in you.”

The older need you as much as the younger, they are two ends of the same spectrum. Like the young, they get plenty of advice, but fewer voices who say I believe you can still accomplish things. There may be things they no longer do, but that doesn’t mean they can no longer do great things.

Be the voice that says “You are valuable.” Cultivating a life of encouraging will encourage others to follow suit. A life well lived is a life of believing in others. Encouraging others is one of the greatest adventures of my life.