Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.Alexander Hamilton

Try not to become a man of success, rather try to become a man of value.Albert Einstein

I’ve been in the professional performing arts business for 15+ years. If there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that values are typically the first thing artists “sell out” in terms of money, success and the prospect of opportunity. I see it all the time. Been there, done it. Artists by nature put themselves in a position of needing to take what they can get at any cost. I do my best to encourage my students and colleagues to sustain their values and integrity in the industry. It’s hard to convince folks that success in the Lord often means “leaping” your faith and forfeiting earthly, misguided goals and misleading opportunities. It’s a hard pill to swallow when the wrong folks are telling you exactly what you want to hear. It’s even harder teaching the art of identifying these things. Such wisdom is only born in the wake of making our own mistakes.

Seek to increase God’s success and He will give you your own without selling out your values, without sacrificing your family and all for His glory.Nicholas J. Davidson

Luke 12:22-34

22Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

27″Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32″Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34″For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.