When God is Quiet: The Message that Silenced the Noise in my Heart

On a day when pressing towards a mark that seemingly won't gain ground, a rhema word appears:

"When God is quiet, He has not quit. Trust Him. He does some of His best work when you don't think He's doing a thing". -Tony Evans

I originally was supposed to come sit down and write a prolific blog in sermon style that was addressing the role of a preacher versus the role of a pastor; and I will, but not today. No…this word (the quote above) that showed up on my husband's Facebook page, humbled me and quieted the pain I was feeling. It can be hard doing things for Christ. So hard…for if we were to quit and just consider ourselves- use our talents for clubs and party promotions, hip-hop music videos and more…we could be financially so much further, have provision to secure our kids futures, newer cars, homes… more. Please know we don't judge or criticize anyone who works in those professions and we immensely admire their talent and creativity. Yet, for us there's this call on our lives.

We've tried to run from it, dodge it, dismiss it, listen to naysayers and doubters…and years later here we are, trying desperately to bring this conference into reality. For Ryan, this vision has been in his heart for 17 years. That's a long time to deny who God is calling you to be. As a wife knowing why God placed you with your husband to complete a vision…to have need and purpose established in a Godly plan that utilizes your gifts and talents…well, that was a feeling of completion. That is, until God seemingly got quiet again. I found myself upset today and almost angry at the process. "Why be quiet now!?" I wanted to scream out loud; and in my heart, I probably did. With tears burning in my eyes that I refused to let fall, I came home from a frustrating day of work (not purpose, but a necessity of life at this moment) and was set to be bitter, to be harsh, to jump on a soapbox or sit and cry out in bitterness to God. And…I… couldn't. 

I knew better than to 'go there'. I know He knows what we're facing and I understand the spiritual reasons why we would be facing this wall…but knowing that doesn't change the pain. However, knowing He is there and that he hears you and wants you to know He's there…well that can change your aspect of how to handle the pain. I just taught that in the physical sense in AP Psychology yesterday- placebos in a trauma moment can have the ability to allow people to naturally release endorphins that can block pain. Spiritually and emotionally this is related, because the right word or God-wink moment can help you handle that emotional pain for one more hour, one more day or one more season. 

So while I may be weary, I am not defeated and I can find peace in knowing that He is working it out. And yes! He does see what is needed and how hard it is. And He does see that it hurts. And No! God doesn't want that for any of us. He is handling it, and even if I don't see it, or know how, I know He loves me and He is doing His best work. And as the tears of gratefulness for my beautiful Savior finally release as opposed to ones of pain…I can give thanks for a quiet unexpected message that spoke volumes to my spirit today.

 Be Blessed, keep trusting and Happy Rosh Hashanah!
-Tracey V. Council-Ph.D. ; Executive Director of Breathe 150 Entertainment

www.breathe150entertainment.com

Author Disclaimer: A Message of Communicative Direction from President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment; Ryan Council

When I was a child, I remember learning about the government structure of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). One of the lessons that was drilled into our heads was the fact that the USSR government controlled the media. The people's rights were denied to them, but they were not even able to talk about it, write about it or oppose the ideas or laws being forced upon them. We have so much to be grateful for by living in the United States of America. Granted, our country has its flaws and problems as well, but that doesn't take away from the fact that we have so many liberties that allow us to build stronger communities and operate more effectively amongst a diverse group of people. I am thankful for the instruction that I received as a child and I believe that it will be a guiding principle as I move into the very public arena of online blog posting.

I believe in and am very grateful for the United State's First Amendment rights, and it is important to me to honor the men and women that lead and fight for this country so that those rights will not ever be denied to anyone living herein. I count it as a privilege to step into waters that I personally have never chartered before, in an attempt to express my views that support a Judeo-Christian, "must be born-again", "repent and turn from sinful practices","salvation by grace alone, through faith", worldview. As my wife and I launch Breathe 150 Entertainment, our aim and desire is to establish this business/ministry as a well-spring of education, encouragement, and inspirational entertainment for the Body of Christ. Though we believe strongly in the Body of Christ being evangelistic, our specific call and approach to reaching the lost takes a different approach. Our specific call for this business/ministry is to encourage, educate, and entertain  pastors, church leaders, and families from within a Christian household. We believe in the power of communication and entertainment to tell better stories about our Christ-centered culture and we make it every effort to reach families that have children with autism and special needs. We believe that sharing the Gospel and Biblical stories can be fun and adventurous and that encouraging the Body of Christ across multiple denominations will allow us to shine brighter as lights for Jesus in a darkening world. That is our evangelistic worldview. It doesn't discredit the efforts of other respected evangelistic outreach efforts, but we believe that it grafts in the idea of storytelling as an effective method of reaching lost or discouraged individuals.

There are a number of groups and individuals that have taken to online blogging for the purpose to utilize their First Amendment privileges to express their views or grievances with someone else or another group. In some cases, a number of those sites express ideas and worldviews in a confrontational way, while even more sites populate material that lacks credibility and appropriate research qualities that made journalism a once respected institution. When it comes to religion (especially the Christian faith) more effort is spent on insulting, threatening, and demeaning the existence of the reader or another subject matter of discussion than actually submitting anything that builds up the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is still under immense persecution, but it is also now done online and through social-media with the Word of God being taken out of context.

We within the Body of Christ have committed a trespass against our own community in an effort to prove some other believer wrong...and make ourselves right. This blog will not be a platform for expressing hatred of any kind, antisemitism, or used to attack a person or a group based upon their race, worldview, community, culture, government, belief system or other unmentionable preferences. It will however be used to challenge our Christ-centered ideas, worldviews, and culture as we live amongst a world that is dying and hurting. It will simply be our voice expressing our love, our concern, and the direction for our lives and the lives of those that we are called to encourage, educate, and inspire. This site will be used to share ideas and open up conversations about social topics and issues, and it is our service to the online world to respond with a "serve you" attitude and not a "how dare you" attitude. It's tempting, but we'll do our best to stay tethered to the purpose behind this vision. It is not our calling to try to force people to change or to stop what they are doing in an effort to prove their salvation or moral conversion. Our call is to share biblical stories and ideas in a fun, adventurous, and worship-filled way that should and could re-shape our Christ-centered communities...and hopefully the world. I hope that you will share this particular blog and our entire blog-site with your friends and family. We hope that we can be a great encouragement to you as you walk in the light of Jesus Christ. Thank you and God bless.                       

And Then I Waited: A Mother and Business Partner's Perspective of Launching the Breathe Conference 2015.

As a mother you constantly find yourself in the position of waiting. Pregnancy- that's 9-10 months. Labor- minutes can seem like hours, and hours like days, and my first born was a lovely 71 hours.  Emergency doctor visits- 2 hours at least, to be seen. Since our youngest is special needs: going to specialists?- Hmph, those visits can be 1-2 hours long. And labs!? Don't get me started! An easy 3-4 hour hospital visit. Then they get older and fall or some other event and you experience the emergency room…HA! Four hours for 5 stitches recently for our oldest son…and we got there at 11:00 pm, after he got off of work. SIGH..Yes…motherhood does mean many times of waiting. But those are just the chronological moments. What about the moments of waiting for the first word, crawling… Kindergarten? Those milestones that you don't always measure how long it took to achieve them. When it happened, you simply marked it down in a book somewhere. There was no true wait because it happened around the time you expected it to.

For those of us with special needs children however, those moments can be so far delayed, that the wait seems forever. Recently, I was filling out some forms at my son's school and while we were in the lobby my son Zechariah told another child and his mom: "that's my mom; her name Tracey". Shocked, I stopped doing the paper work and stared. Now the mother of the other child just looked at me like I was crazy, but a receptionist saw the moment and smiled. With my mouth gaped open I kept staring; until finally the mother asked me, "did he say something wrong?" I smiled and said "No, I just didn't know he knew my name." I'd never heard him say it before, let alone in a sentence. For a "normal" kindergartner mom this is not a big deal; but imagine waiting 6 years to hear that statement…and then think how much more value it would be to you. With all the therapies and scary moments in his life, that was a wonderful moment, it was miraculous, and it was worth the wait!

And that's where I find myself with our first conference. As we press forward, waiting for donations, pulling together speakers and artists. We have the highest degrees in hand, vision written, location and contracts ready and yet… We have to wait. 

Waiting on God to move can be so hard and painful at times. From a spiritual standpoint it seems the enemy doesn't wait at all. No matter what denomination you are you can appreciate this question: Doesn't it seem like hell-fire will find you and jump in your path faster than God's plan or what we deem His rewards for us? It can be hard to see the delay as good, the humbling moments that are more than anyone could imagine. It can be hard to keep your head high and press towards a mark- to give birth to a long-term vision and dream. But then, I keep wondering…when it happens, will I appreciate it more because I had to wait? Will it be like that moment when Zechariah said my name? Will it be such a sweet, rewarding moment that words and grateful tears will never fully articulate my praise? 

Yes! I know it will! So I praise God for being a Mom… because it prepared me to know how to wait for this moment. I'll see you all in Orlando, August 2015 for the Breathe Conference…
God willing.

-Tracey V. Council- Ph.D. Executive Director of Breathe 150 Entertainment "Allowing everyone that has breath to praise the Lord!"

For God So Loved the World: An Encouragement for Parents that have children with Autism and Special Needs

There have been a number of verses that I have been drawn to over the past couple of weeks, but none of them have stood out more than John 3:16. The very familiar passage gives the reader insight as to why God sent his Son into the world. Even to a person that lacks detailed understanding about the Christian church community, they can at least take away from this scripture that God at least loved the world before He sent His Son into it. It doesn't say that He loved the world with certain conditions and it doesn't add any burdens to us as creatures in order for us to attain or receive that love. All we have to do according to this verse is simply believe that God loves us and then we will receive eternal life. Isn't that amazing!

As we continue to push towards our Breathe Family/Leadership Worship Conference in August of 2015, the thought came to me as to why I am pushing so hard to do this event. During an intimate morning worship moment with my family, my youngest son ran into my arms desiring a hug. Zechariah is a miracle child. The first years of his life were met with a number of health challenges. By the time he was two years old, Zechariah had battled through 17 different ear infections. Doctors had prescribed a number antibiotics, but over the course of time, he became immune to the antibiotics and needed stronger medications. After being in and out of the hospital and doctor offices, it was determined that Zechariah would need to have tubes surgically placed into his ears so that the fluid can drain out. After the surgery was over, the doctor walked out of the operating room and walked over to apologize to us. He told us that he was sorry that they did not get Zechariah into the surgery sooner. He explained that for the past year, Zechariah had been hearing us and the world around him as if he was listening to us under water. Not only that, it was also determined that the most recent severe ear infections he had led to both of his ear drums rupturing; causing some hearing loss. The hearing loss resulted in Zechariah's development being delayed, and the antibiotic immunities had led to his immune system being compromised; hence, the need for us to find specialists and programs to best suit his needs.

I can go on and on about the many other health challenges that Zechariah has faced throughout his life, but the purpose of this particular blog would be thwarted if I did. The purpose of this particular blog was to bring understanding about the love of a father. You see…my life as a born-again Christian believer will continue to yield an understanding to the heart of God as I stay tethered to Him, and as a father today, I realized that God couldn't just stand by and do nothing because of His love for a dying world. As Zechariah's father, I couldn't stand by and do nothing for him, even though some treated us or believed that there was nothing that we could do. Even though my wife and I are advocates for Christian education and learning institutions, we had to find a place that would be most beneficial to Zechariah's development (because unfortunately, there's not a lot of Christ-centered educational institutions that have programs to reach special needs or children with autism: Why? I don't know, but stay tuned as I challenge this thinking within our church culture).

God so loved the world, that He was willing to do whatever it took to save it, and like most parents that have children with autism or special needs, they are willing to do whatever it takes to give their children the best life possible. God sent His Son into a community of unbelievers, and Jesus took the punishment for all of our sins at the hand of His creation; but because of the love of God, it was worth the investment. Every time I look at my two children, I know that this conference is worth it. Every time I drop Zechariah off at his special needs charter school and see other parents lovingly pushing through every possible hurt and pain to get their child to school everyday, I know this conference is worth it. No parent should have to feel abandoned within the Christian church community, especially when we are supposed to be the family of God or the Body of Christ. It's time to let EVERYONE that has breathe praise the Lord. It's time to really let autism speak in our christian communities, and love on the entire fields of hurting families and people. We can do it…because God so loved the world.

Ryan Council
President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment
ryan@breathe150entertainment.com
https://www.facebook.com/breathe150entertainment
http://www.gofundme.com/e6jaqo    

Why I Shout: Comprehending The Diversity of Worship Within the Christian Culture

It has long been an argument within the Christian culture, amongst multiple denominations about what is considered appropriate worship during a service. The argument probably has survived between those that would consider themselves to be charismatic in their worship and those that would be considered more reserved in their public display of their affection for the Lord. Since this discussion continues to resolve as a stalemate between Christian scholars and theologians, it is not my intention to celebrate one approach to worship over another, but to simply submit why I shout.

I've discovered in my own personal walk with the Lord that salvation can be an enjoyable adventure. There are just something's that theology, religion, and even historical evidence will never be able to explain in an effort to uphold the deity and existence of God. Though our humanity needs these resources to teach and protect the legacy of our faith, they cannot replace a physical or emotional relationship that is produced by God himself.

 In the ninth chapter of the Gospel according to John, Jesus encounters a man that was born blind. As Jesus prepared to heal the man, his (religious) disciples asked whether or not it was his parents sins that made him blind (from birth) or was it his own. Jesus's disciples were so trapped by their religious ideas that in asking their question, they had already dismissed the possibility that it was the blind man's own sin's that made him blind, since the Bible states that he was born that way. Jesus went on and healed the man, and the conflict over his healing amongst the Pharisees began. After pulling the man into their quarters, the Pharisees began to question him as to how he was healed. The healed man was unable to give a satisfactory and credible answer to their questions at that particular moment, so they pulled in his parents, who only deferred the Pharisees back to asking their son about how he was healed. At the climax of the story, the man is insulted and thrown out of their quarters because he believed that something amazing happened to him that was not generated by himself, and all he wanted to do was worship the man that gave him his miracle. Well…he get's the chance to meet his healer…Jesus…after he was thrown out of the Pharisee's quarters. Verse 38 of the Gospel of John wraps it all up nicely for the reader: the healed man declared that he believed in the Son of Man, and…he…worshipped Him! Amen!

 The story reveals the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees (and the disciples) and I believe it also reveals the chief reason why the argument over the diversity between Christian worship cultures continues. Both charismatics and reserved worship cultures are trying to defend their preference of a worship community by claiming that one is more appropriate or accepted by God than the other. One side will claim that it is more descent and in order, while the other side will claim that exuberant praise is what moves God. One side might say that a reserved individual has more self-control, while the other side will say that a reserved quiet atmosphere is a lukewarm one, and is just about to be spit out of the mouth of God. It doesn't take much to see where both sides articulate their spiritual blindness. I've served in both worship communities (charismatic and reserved). I always find it amazing to see a guy in a reserved church community sitting quietly with his family on a Sunday morning, but then to see him out on the football field as a coach screaming his head off with passion and great enthusiasm. They hardly lift their hands to clap at the end of a song, but at a Friday night game, they can't help but stand up and shout.

I enjoy both cultures and I have learned a lot from the diversity of individuals that walk in God's righteousness…and not their own. I shout for really one reason: it's fun! I mean…God is amazing. When Sunday Night Football comes on, I am screaming and shouting at the television for my team of choice to win. We've all had this question posed to us before: Why shout more at a football game for our team to score a touchdown, than we do to celebrate what Jesus has done for us? Truth is, had I been on the streets as Jesus was walking with His cross to Golgotha, and if I would have had understanding of just exactly what His death was going to bring me, I would have been shouting and dancing just like I do every time I get into the house of God. The cross is the football and it's in Jesus's hands. The end zone is Golgotha, and when he crosses over the goal line, it's going to truly be the Red Zone because He's going to pour out all of His blood for my sins and shortcomings. I am free because He scored the touchdown in the final minutes of the game. Not only that, but he then gets the two point conversion on the third day by rising from the dead with ALL power in His hands. Amen!!! So whether you're reserved or charismatic, let's settle on one thing between the diversity of our worship cultures: Jesus loves you!

Ryan Council
President & Founder of Breathe 150 Entertainment              

Taking My First Breath: A Personal Thank You from President & Founder, Ryan Council

Before I can say anything about launching this company, I have the honor and extreme pleasure of thanking a number of people that have made a huge difference in my life along the way. First, I would like to thank my best friend…my Lord and Savior…Jesus Christ. It has been an extremely personal and wonderful friendship. Without Him, I would not have the opportunity (or be taking the opportunity) to enjoy this new life. Second, I want to honor and thank God for my parents. I failed to honor my parents sincerely growing up because I was immature and selfish. I hope that as I continue to reflect on my life that I will be able (and cautious) to continue to thank them for their love and their perseverance through some of the most difficult situations that a family could ever go through. My brother is the greatest big brother that anyone could ever ask for, and I got him without asking for him. God called him to protect and serve the community as a law enforcement officer and I am honored and grateful to have him in my life.

Along the way, I had the pleasure of developing friendships and relationships with folks that made a huge impact in my life, but a number of those relationships failed because of a mutual emotional poverty. I was wrong for the hurt that I caused, and I forgive those who hurt me. I know that our lives are better now because of God's intervention and divine grace.

A very special thank you to the faculty and staff (and vision) at Regent University. This school and institution played a very powerful role in God saving my life after I had faced certain destruction. I was a broken and depressed young man when I arrived, but God was there and he began the process of restoration.

 To all of my friends, co-workers, and executive leaders at Dominion Enterprises: I love you and miss you all very much. To this day, I have not found a better group of people to work with. A special thank you to George Brooks, Cindy Samford, and Carmen Ramage for taking a chance on me.

To Lisa and Milan: we miss you guys very much. Thank you Lisa for sacrificially believing in me on this leg of our journey!

To Mr. Carlos Wallace, Liz Faublas, and JaleneMack: thank you. I can't tell you how much it meant to me for you to take time out of your busy schedule to speak to me and encourage me throughout my program.

To my children, Tiras and Zechariah. God could not have given me any better than the two of you. It's hard for me to believe that I have one child in college and another one in kindergarten. You both are very strong and have also been a major inspiration behind Breathe 150. When I grow up, I want to be just like Tiras. You're going to make a great husband someday, son. Zechy…I Breathe 150 because of you. You will always be my little Sour Patch Kid…my Happy Gilmore…my Bat-a-saurus…my Alpaca…my joy.

Brenda Valentine: I miss our conversations, but I know God personally came and escorted you home Himself. I believe that with all of my heart. Angels are only allowed so much time on the earth before they have to go back home to glory. I know I really can't dance well, but save one for me.

Bill Valentine: There's probably not a man alive that I respect more than you. It's because of you that I have the life that I do. You gave me your daughter and she has brought an immense amount of fulfillment to my empty soul. If you would have denied me her hand in marriage, I would be a man without direction and without a purpose. I'm eternally grateful to you for what you gave me.

Finally…..to the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world: Tracey Council. I don't know where to begin. You take my breath away Mittens. You're my wife! Yes…you are my business partner…but you are my wife. I have the best of both worlds. There's not a woman alive that can hold a candle to you. You're the most beautiful and the smartest woman I know and I'm grateful to have you. I wish I can build a time machine so that I can go back and marry you every day for the rest of my life. I just never want our joy to end. Actually…it won't. I get to have you for all eternity. Thank you Jesus!

So…this is how it begins!

Everybody now….Breathe In!!  

I'm Heading to Rio!!

Growing up as a child, we had some pretty good feature length animated movies. Films like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and TheLion King appealed to family audiences around the world, and received recognition for their musical scores and their art design. Disney sure knew how to pack a punch in the animation arena. Thanks to our local library, my youngest son can see some of the cartoons and animated films that I grew up watching as a child. To my surprise, after watching some of my old cartoon favorites, he’d memorized the theme song and was able to hum and sing it without an auto-tune feature. It’s always amazing to see how something that was created years ago can still appeal to younger audiences today.

These days, I find myself humming and singing the songs from the animated movies that my son watches. Just when I thought that there was no other rhythmically outstanding movie than the original Rio animated feature, Rio 2 lands on the scene. Just when I had made peace with the songs from the original movie playing in my head, Rio 2 flies into the theater. Unbelievable music. It was fantastic! Uh!! I tried to keep my hips from moving, but…Uh… Oh yeah…that has also proved pointless. Even now I’m twitching in my seat. With Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg as the voice of Jewel and Blue, Rio 2 takes the lovable couple and their family and friends on an adventure to the Amazon rain forest. 

Leaving the comfort of their home in Rio, the group heads to unknown territory in the Amazon. Typically, sequels don’t deliver more than the original, but Rio 2 brought with it more color, more adventure, and more music. The animation is amazing, but more spectacular is how the animals in the movie all become the music. Even with the volume turned off, I can still feel the pulsing drums just from watching the choreography playing on the screen. Rio 2 took music and made it colorful; it took music and put it into motion. So obviously, there is a dilemma in the Council household: My youngest son is singing old school and I’m singing what is fresh. Once a man; twice a child? Who cares, as long as there is rhythm.