Welcome to Expressive Voices!

Welcome! We are a group of ‘unsung artists’ who love art , word play and creative expression have developed a venue for our works and creative expression to take form.
You are welcome to also join us on Facebook!

Goals:
1. To have a venue and medium through which we regularly share and receive encouragement to pursue self-expression.

2. To share resources & information through the regular use of blogs, journals and other mediums~ in order to be creative in our chosen form of self expression.

3. To help women & men throughout the U.S. seek expressive form within and PLAN and or/pray in agreement with them as they pursue their plan in this endeavor.

4. To bring to light ~ specifically ”hidden talents” of various forms.

5. To help bring distinction and spark to your voice - adding (flavor) to what you do!
Format of Group/Forum

To meet every three weeks in person in small groups of six to eight persons.

To have a free conference call line where we encourage this form.
( So if you are out of town… it’s not a barrier!)

There are several platforms in which persons who praticpate can enter into groups:

• EV for Christians
• EV for Youth
• EV for Writers
• EV for Mental Health challenged individuals who desire to display their talents.

Expressive Voices does speaking engagments and holds small group sessions. Our plan is to have a venue for display of our gifts three times a year.

You are welcome to go to our Website at any time for more information!
http://owensgrouptraining.com/ExpressiveVoices.aspx

What Do your Gifts & Calling Have to Do with Your Spiritual Gifts

So…What do your Spiritual Gifts and Calling have to do with your Creative Expression?

Your spiritual & natural gifts deal with your areas of weakness, your areas of strength, and your ability to think, imagine, and be creative. Oftentimes God uses your gifts without even your knowledge that you are using them. There is a scripture that says: the gifts are without repentance. That means wherever and however God decides to use them, whether you are walking in a place of less than perfect – or you are walking in love, your gifts are often used for his glory.
Your gifts are how God uses your voice to express Himself throughout the earth. Whether you have a voice, or not… you should still be able to express yourself. There are many deaf and mute person in this world, you have a whole lot to say, and they can make themselves known in a HUGE way! (I was impressed by this blog and she doesn’t even have a voice she uses outwardly!)
Here are an example of how gifts may be used to bless God’s kingdom, or your life!Your gift of faith may require that you take risk on several levels and if you can often believe like no one else can – you may take unbelievable chances to reach your dreams! Sometimes your gift will take you places no one else has ever been, and other times some will mock you for what you believe!
If you are a person that loves to write and express themselves through knowledge and you CRAVE research, writing and reading, then more than likely you have a gift of a word of knowledge.
Take these spiritual gift tests and see if what you LOVE may actually have a lot to do with what you are creatively gifted to do!
If you are one who loves people and relationships, relating and specifically showing and revealing love to the unfortunate and have a heart for those who are suffering and have a tendency to be very forgiving, and compassionate enough to show you CARE in a big way – you are a one who has the gift of a mercy.
If you love giving in any form, but mostly monetarily and giving for worthy causes and can fundraise at the drop of a hat; or love to give towards meaningful causes whenever there is a need – and enjoy the pleasure it brings to the hearts and lives of God’s people, you have the gift of giving.
If you are called to “be” on this earth, then you are called also to express God on the earth! We all have a divine purpose, and if we don’t fulfill this call, we cannot express God’s image on the earth!

long version
http://www2.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/assessments/spiritgifts.html

short version
http://mintools.com/spiritual-gifts-test.htm

Diligently Pursue Your Passion & Purpose

Do you ever feel as if you only work, work and do more work? Do you have those creative projects you are working on and feel as if they have been on the shelf collecting dust, forever?
Why is knowing your passion and purpose so important? Pursuing your passion outside of the work environment has several benefits. It can help you feel more energetic towards your work, help you to become more aware of what should be priority for you on a daily basis; and it can help you to pursue life-work balance.
The word “purpose” means: to have intention and meaning in life, to have an aim and it can eventually lead to having great resolve. It also means to make a decision; or to give serious thought or discussion. It means to be mindful in doing something about what you enjoy pursuing. Imagine that! If we only took the time to pursue our purpose on a regular and consistent basis how much more fulfilled we would be. To be purposed also means to “create your destiny”. With great intention, pursuing your purpose and passion has an uncanny ability to help predetermine the rest of your life.
Sometimes it requires lots of structure and stepping outside of your normal routine. Sometimes it means having an accountability partner. It also means changing ‘the order’ and pace of your day in places where you may have become quite complacent. When you are purposed in your work, it becomes your “lifework” or your calling. It takes a lot of courage to pursue your life’s work. Courage is usually something we consider when we are thinking about taking a risk. Purposing to pursue your passion involves prioritizing our needs helps us to think outside of the box. Everyone could use someone to help them in this way and think a little differently.
When you take such risks you will find you have more JOY. The greatest feeling is when someone gives their all to their work, and it doesn’t feel like work. You may end up living a very fulfilled and even more productive life.

See website www.expressivevoices.com for more info.