For as long as I remember I have always loved art. Some of my earliest memories are of me drawing super heroes and coming up with my own characters. My love for art later led me to switch high schools to go to Albert Einstein so that I could attend the Visual Art Center where I did four hours of art daily. At the start of high school I also began training in martial arts. While there I also began a deep love for film which is also an art form unto itself. All that to say- I love Art! But what does that have to do with quitting my job? Nothing actually. So why would I step down from a job that I love to pursue a career that has no benefits, no security and could potentially leave my family in ruin? Well the answer is simple: God told me to.

I know, I know. That sounds over-spiritual but honestly that is the easiest way to explain it. It has been my faith that has guided me for these past seven years. Now at this point it would be fair to ask two questions. One, how do you know that God told you and even if he did- why art? Well to determine the will of God for my life I have adopted this method. Now I know that the word "method" seems very stale and impersonal but it really is the opposite. When trying to discern God's will I follow four steps.

1. Does what I’m about to do align with God’s word? We live in a society that says that truth is relative. If that is true then even that statement is relative and means absolutely nothing. On the contrary I base my life on the absolute truth of God’s word. In His great love for us, God (The Creator of life itself) has given us His Word to help us determine how to live our lives to our full potential. Here is what the Bible says about itself. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". 2 Timothy 3:16 If what I am about to do doesn't line up with God's word (i.e. something contrary to what God commands) I stop there. However, if it doesn't, I go to step two.

2. Prayer. I spend some serious time praying about it. In the case of pursuing art as a career I have been praying over this for over seven years and really asking God to make it clear, which I feel He has. He has given me a peace and confirmation in my heart that the timing is right and that this is what I should be doing. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Then I seek... 3. “Godly” counsel. I have been so blessed to have several older men who have mentored and discipled me over the years. If you don't have these type of realtionships in your life I strongly suggest you go out immediately and find one or two people who are older and have life experience that exceeds your own. Before making this move I met with seven mentors to pray with me and to help me decide if this is the wisest thing to do. It's important to find people who can be honest with you and not say only things you want to hear. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Lastly, 4. I look at my circumstances. Unfortunately most people start and finish here. But if steps 1-3 have passed then I see what's actually going on in my life. What opportunities have presented themselves? As of late an opportunity to provide for my family and do my art has presented itself. Also, things have been moving forward in my production company. All of these things have led me to this point where I am stepping out in faith and pursuing my dreams. I believe that this is something that God has called me to do and I hope to use my art to entertain, engage and share hope and truth. My hope for this blog is that it would be a place to share my life, thoughts, ideas and commemorate my journey as an artist.