talent

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The search for excitement

Some days, for me, have themes. Today’s theme was excitement. 

One of my favorite things to do is get other people to talk about what is exciting to them. 

If you’ve ever wondered about how to carry on a good conversation, this is key. 

There were several times today that the excitement was palpable. And it was awesome. 

Nothing gets me more excited than watching someone else getting excited. 

The reason why is because excitement leads to action. 

Excited people are passionate and zealous to do whatever it is that causes their blood to get pumping and their adrenaline to rush. 

I have a myriad of passions and interests, which all have one common purpose: helping others come to know Christ and the full reality of what it means to be in relationship with Him. 

As a Christian, everything else I love to do is fluff when compared to the Great Commission. 

However, God does want us to use our varying interests as opportunities to share His love with the world through friendship with others. 

This is not earth shattering revelation, but it’s important for us to understand. 

Excitement and enthusiasm are indicators. Look for clues as you talk to people. 

What gets them excited? 

Is it aimed in the right direction? 

The answers to these 2 questions will show you a lot. 

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The Greater Good

I’ve been watching The Voice and it’s fun! The judges fight for good singers. 

They’re building a team of vocalists to compete against each other and the other teams (from what I’ve gathered so far).

Singing  competitions are interesting to me because they showcase the immense amount of talent in our country and around the world. 

Can you imagine if everyone used their gifts and talents for the greater good?

This is where my mind goes when I watch shows like The Voice and American Idol. 

All of that talent…

Most of the stories you hear are about why the singer wants to be famous, to be discovered. 

And there’s nothing wrong with being famous! This is not a post from a bitter wannabe. 

I just wonder if the singers understand the opportunity being placed before them to make a difference. 

Not everyone gets to stand on a platform. Their words and actions aren’t under scrutiny by millions. 

The pressure of fame can be crushing, but it doesn’t have to be. Many celebrities use the spotlight to be a voice for those who don’t have a voice. 

Of course, you don’t have to be a celebrity to make a difference. (I’m assuming everyone knows this truth.)

Watching all of these talent shows, though, has me thinking about the motivations of the heart. 

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The trouble with being famous

I watched American Idol tonight for the first time in about 5-6 years. 

Most of the people auditioning were teenagers around 15-18.

They were good, though, I am shocked that their parents are allowing them to be thrust into the public eye at such an early age. 

No pile of money is retribution enough for the microscope of celebrity status. 

Of course, American Idol is a wonderful way to get discovered as well.

Maybe I should call this post “The Pros and Cons of American Idol”….

Let me ask some questions that I hope do a better job at explaining why I’m not sure how I feel about the whole thing:

  • What motivates someone to seek out the spotlight?
  • Can nationwide approval truly offer validation?
  • Is he or she prepared to pay the high cost of fame?

There’s a possibility that I am overthinking, but these are the questions that came to my mind as I watched the show. 

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Untold stories

I want to write fiction this year. 

Writing this blog comes so naturally. I enjoy writing about life and everyday things. 

The conversational tone is my favorite. That’s why travelogues are my favorite book genre. 
In my college creative writing classes, my attempts at poetry were pitiful and my short stories were not impressive. 
It frustrated me because I have been a reader my whole life. Visualizing a story as I read is second nature. 

So why can’t I write about the stories I see so clearly in my head?

Two of my goals this year are to improve my writing skills and to write a few short stories. 

The only way I can achieve these goals is to change the way I see myself as a writer. 

I’m not some untalented wannabe who is barely scraping by. 

I can write. 

I have a voice. 

I will not give up. 

There are stories inside of me, as well as the everyday adventures I enjoy sharing.