The Illuminate Conference {...keynote speaker is Andrew Peterson...}
I’m excited to be a small part of The Illuminate Conference - the first annual, in Chattanooga TN.
Find out more here.
Here is an excerpt of the conference description:
Author and theologian Frederick Buechner famously wrote, “Pay attention to the things that bring a tear to your eye or a lump in your throat because they are signs that the holy is drawing near.”
Paintings, poetry, music, and other creative mediums hold strong potential to do just that—to indirectly communicate powerful truths, many of which have eternal consequences. Are we open to what they're telling us? Will we utilize these tools to share important stories (including The Story) with others?
REGISTER NOW AND JOIN US APRIL 4-5 FOR EDUCATION + INSPIRATION!
We can't wait to explore the intersections of art and faith together with you through presentations, performances, workshops, and conversations over meals.
We've got a fantastic initial lineup of confirmed session leaders and performers for the conference (see sample list below). Check out Illuminate's schedule for the exciting collection of inspiring topics on tap.
““All of us are meaning-seekers. We approach every painting, novel, film, symphony, or ballet unconsciously hoping it will move us one step further on the journey toward answering the question ‘Why am I here?’
People living in the postmodern world, however, are faced with an excruciating dilemma. Their hearts long to find ultimate meaning, while at the same time, their critical minds do not believe it exists. We are homesick but have no home.
So we turn to the arts and aesthetics to satisfy our thirst for the Absolute. But if we want to find our true meaning in life, our search cannot end there. Art or beauty is not the destination; it is a signpost pointing toward our desired destination.”
”
"The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich..."
…and He adds no sorrow to it.”
I have a crush on summer mornings. I married a man and had four of his children and taught them at home and now practice art from a home studio, mostly for mornings like this one, and zinnias in demitasse cups.
This, to me, is wealth. It is the evidence of the blessing of the Living God. I stand outside on my backyard deck on a Saturday, beneath a dark grey canvas umbrella, and trim The Preacher’s neckline hair to the sound of birds and the gurgling of his handmade garden fountain, and I know I am living the life I dreamt of as a girl.
I enjoy the things money cannot buy.
Money cannot buy the anointing. Neither can influence buy it. So there’s that. It’s all as simple and as profound as that. I aimed my whole life in pursuit of summer mornings with my very own zinnias in demitasse, and of taking care of one man well, of raising children to be beauty chasers, and letting the anointing of the Holy Ghost be my compass.