Instruments of Worship
The Instruments of Worship Podcast, hosted by Casey Rinkenberger, is dedicated to encouraging and equipping classical musicians to lift high the name of Jesus with their instruments and their lives. Tune in every Monday for a new episode!
Instruments of Worship
Content Creation for Christ with Elsah Luan | Ep. 28
In today’s episode, I had the joy of sitting down with my dear friend, Elsah Luan! Elsah is a violinist who is currently finishing up school, all while staying busy with a variety of creative projects. She runs thriving YouTube and Instagram pages that point people toward Jesus and encourage them to stay true to who God uniquely created them to be.
Elsah inspires her audience through her violin playing, her healthy lifestyle, and her honest reflections on navigating college life. After facing years of health challenges, she even wrote a gluten-free and grain-free cookbook!
As you can probably tell, Elsah is incredibly creative and full of wisdom—especially when it comes to engaging with social media in a healthy way and creating content that is both wholesome and Christ-centered. We dive into all of these topics and more in today’s episode.
There’s so much we can learn from Elsah’s story and how the Lord is using her many gifts and passions for His glory!
Check out Elsah's Youtube Page, Instagram, and her cookbook!
Discussion Questions -- Try discussing with a friend of in our Facebook Discussion Group
- What was your biggest takeaway from my conversation with Elsah today?
- How did Elsah’s testimony encourage or challenge you?
- Are there areas in your life that you need to be courageous and stand up for Jesus in the midst of a world who is antagonistic towards Him?
- Is it possible that the amount of time you spend on social media or the type of content you intake there is getting in the way or what the Lord may have for you?
- How might you use social media this week to point people towards Jesus?
- What does the next step of obedience to the Lord look like in your life right now?
- How might you address any fear in your heart that may be holding you back from taking that next step?
Thanks so much for listening! Make sure to check back every Monday for a new episode!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Check out more episodes on Buzzsprout and on Youtube!
Hi friends, my name is Casey Rinkenberger, and I am so excited to welcome you to the Instruments of Worship Podcast. This podcast is dedicated to encouraging and equipping classical musicians to lift high the name of Jesus with their instruments but also their lives. Today we have the awesome opportunity to talk to my friend Elsa Luan. Elsa is a friend of mine who I knew both from home in Illinois but also down in Texas at Baylor. Elsa grew up in a nearby city to me, and we were connected through the world of music here, but then she actually ended up coming to Baylor a few years after me to study violin performance and communications. Elsa is one of the most warm and sweetest people you will ever meet. She is also super well-rounded, having written a cookbook, minoring in Chinese, being a content creator, and also killing it on the violin. So I know that you will love getting to meet her today and getting to hear her heart. So without further ado, here is my conversation with Elsa Luan. Well, hi Elsa. Thanks so much for being willing to come on the show today. Yes, thank you so much for having me.
SPEAKER_00:I was so excited for it.
SPEAKER_01:So I would love to just start today if and ask if you would tell us a little bit about who you are and where you are in your life right now.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, so um my name is Elsa Luan. I am going to be a senior in college at Baylor University. I'm studying communication and violin performance. Um I love everything outdoors, walking, swimming, running, really anything like that. I love being in God's world. Um, I love violin and just music and just anything artistic and um creative. That's kind of my world I love being in. Um and yeah, so that's kind of where I am in life right now.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, I love it. So if you don't mind taking us back and just sharing a little bit of your testimony with us.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, of course. So I grew up, I did grow up in a Christian family, so I always knew about um God and just you know how Jesus loved me. And um I was really, really fortunate to, you know, go to Sunday school and just learn um about that growing up. Um, I would say um probably when I was in like a kind of turning point for me was probably more like in high school, where you know, my plans, I was a very much a person where I would plan something and I just want to execute it, and it's just like my way, you know. Um, and then in high school I got actually really sick. Um, and that kind of was that awakening of like, oh, like God sometimes takes us on a different path than we thought. Um, and so that was kind of the moment where I feel like I had to really trust Him, even though I was kind of seeing all my plans not go the way that I was wanting. Um and so yeah, but like early on in childhood, probably like eight or so, I gave my life to Christ and um really have never looked back since.
SPEAKER_01:So Yeah. I'm sure that sickness that you're describing was a huge part of your testimony. And so would you mind just sharing a little bit more about that of some of your health challenges in high school and just how that it would have totally affected you as a person, as a musician, just as a Christian, all of your life, I'm sure.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, of course, of course. Yeah, it was definitely um something where, you know, I was a very healthy kid, like all the way up to like eighth grade, and then kind of in high school is when, you know, I started just feeling extremely tired. Um, I didn't really know what was wrong. I'd gone to many doctors and I'd swamp my whole life, so I was a swimmer, just loved being athletic and things, and and then I found myself just not having strength to do like anything. And so eventually it got so bad that I I couldn't even like walk up the stairs, I couldn't pick up my violin. Um, and that was like very scary because I was like, oh, like I I love to do these things, and I don't know, like, will I ever go back to doing these things? And so, you know, we've gone to multiple doctors, nobody could really tell me what was wrong. Um, so basically what ended up being was just really, really bad malabsorption. So I, you know, would eat food, but my body couldn't absorb the nutrients, so that's why, you know, I couldn't really maintain any muscle. Like I just was I looked like a completely different person. And um, I think at that point it was very scary because I just thought, well, maybe this is gonna be the rest of my life. And, you know, I didn't even know about playing violin anymore or anything. Um, so that's kind of that's kind of what happened. Um I'm a lot better now. Um thankfully, you know, the Lord healed me and um allowed certain people to be able to help me and figure out, you know, the problem. And um, but I I do thank the Lord every day because I know that's not always everyone's story, but um, I would say one of the biggest challenges uh would probably be just like social things. Like even now, I there's certain foods that I can't eat because it like triggers like a chronic um inflammation in my body, and that's something I have to be really careful of. Um so I would just say to anybody out there who's listening, like if you have any like limitations for what you can eat, it can be challenging, you know, because you don't want to kind of uh be the person who's like, Oh, I'm so sorry, I can't go there, I can't eat this. Um, but so that's maybe like one of the challenges recently.
SPEAKER_01:Sure, for sure. Food actually is kind of the center of a lot of social things when you think about it. So that would be really hard. I know that was in high school, but what how long did that last? Did it take you into college? What was that like going into college, you know, struggling with this?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, for sure. That was honestly, it was um my senior year was still pretty bad. First part of senior year was really bad. Um, and then probably even into May of my senior year, my mom was still like, I don't know, are you gonna be able to like carry a backpack across campus? Like, I don't know. So, you know, uh all my friends were already knowing what they're gonna go to college for, where they're going, and I'm over here like, okay, I've committed, but I still don't know if this is maybe gonna work or not. That part was definitely um a little bit scary of the unknown, and so that did really go from about I would say like 15 or 16 all the way to uh probably 18 or 19, so it was a good three years for sure. And then in college, uh thankfully it's been you know a lot better since we were able to like heal my gut a little bit. Um but it's definitely been something where you know stress and um just different food and things can definitely trigger some not so great symptoms, and you just have to know your body and know how to kind of take care of that. Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, the transition to college is never easy, but then adding 14 hours away from home, having this stuff going on in your life, really, you were in the thick of a really hard season as you made that transition. And I think anybody who knows you though, Elsa, would say that you are always so full of joy, even no matter what may be going on behind the scenes. And so maybe just speak to that. How are you able to have such joy in the midst of hard circumstances? And maybe even in what hindsight, looking back at that season, what maybe did the Lord teach you through all of that?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, that's a great question. I would say, I mean, I wish I could say that I was a hundred percent always like, oh, God has a plan. And like I think now I am a little bit more that way, but in the midst of it, I mean, when it's like you can't get out of bed, you're you know, have constant headaches. I um, you know, it caused me to be really irritable with people, which I look back and I'm like, I'm so sorry. Um, but just like looking back and like I knew in the back of my head, like, okay, like, okay, there's always a plan for something, there's always a purpose in anyone's pain, like there is, but you know, it's just like you have to tell yourself that truth. And I think at that point, it's like I'm not feeling this way, but you have to just keep saying, like, okay, I know God's word, I know that he keeps his promises, that he's always with us, um, that he's never gonna leave my side, even when things are really bad. Um, and so during that season, I definitely had to kind of force myself to just tell myself that because it wasn't really feeling that way. Um, and I think too, during that time was a time where I definitely was very envious of other people, like, oh my gosh, like you don't even know how good you have it, you know, you can walk outside and run and do all these things. Yeah, you know, so there was definitely a little bit of um just comparison to that and feeling definitely behind. Um my senior year, you know, I had all these plans to take all these more like hard classes and things, and I think I only took like two classes and I could I could still graduate. Um, I had enough credits, but you know, just comparing to other people that was difficult. But I would say just keeping the joy was just rooting myself in God's truth and even when I didn't feel like it, and I think that's how I was able to be joyful even in that. But some days it was hard, you know. Some days it's like, oh you're you know, crying a lot or you're really upset. Um I think what I've learned is that like God cares so much for us that it's like he he sees whatever pain or whatever hardship you're going through, and um like he wants to listen to that and and wants you to just come to him. And so you don't have to feel like you have everything perfect and figured out. Um he just really wants you to just trust him and just let him be your father.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. I love hearing about that, Elsa. Two things stick out in my mind. I've heard before that thankfulness equals joy, and I think when some of those things are taken from you, you realize how grateful you should be for them, you know? Oh, absolutely. And that can bring so much joy when you realize just to be thankful even for the little things, and too, just even how when we don't feel necessarily like we totally understand we don't know what God is doing in the moment, but just how we can rely on his truth even when we're not feeling it, standing firm on that truth even when it's hard to see sometimes. So thank you for sharing. And I just would love an update how you said your health is good now, but I also know you've worked a lot with like knowing what foods to eat and all of that sort of thing, and maybe you still have some limitations in that regard. So can you tell us a little bit more about that?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, of course. So um I can eat definitely a lot more foods now, which is really good. So now we're at the point where we're trying to add more foods in, which is um very exciting, but also kind of scary because you're like, okay, this if it doesn't go well, I will probably feel bad for about a good couple days. Um it's just you know, introducing foods very slowly, like literally taking. I think last night I'm trying to eat beef again. So, you know, we literally I just had one spoonful of like ground beef that my parents had made with something. Um, and so we're just trying to slowly bring that back in. But um, I would say that now it's kind of just a matter of doing the small habits that I know will make me feel good. Um for me, like lots of outdoor time and taking walks and you know, maybe not pushing myself super hard in the gym every single day, you know, and just doing small things that kind of um are good for my unique circumstance.
SPEAKER_01:So totally. You've written a cookbook, which is so fun. Can you tell people about that and was it somewhat of your health journey that inspired that?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, for sure. So it's um it's a gluten-free and grain-free cookbook, which is kind of right now how I'm having to eat. I made it last year. Um, kind of around this time was when I was compiling everything. But I just I really wanted people to have, you know, options of food sea because when you have dietary limitations, whether you're allergic or you have sensitivities or you know, certain chronic health condition, food can kind of seem like, okay, now it's boring and now it's just oh, eating just for survival. It's like it can be so much more than that, can be really fun, and it can be um something that really brings people together and things you can make with your family. So um for sure that my my health issues really did inspire that. You know, I hope whoever buys it, like especially if they have limitations to gluten or grains or anything, I hope um that it can really inspire them and you know give them fun things to eat and make because um yeah, I just hope that people know that even if you have, you know, limitations that um food can still be super tasty.
SPEAKER_01:I know that even my parents who don't really have dietary limits limits, they still got the cookbook and are loving to try all those fun recipes that you're talking about. So even people who don't have dietary restrictions could still enjoy for sure all the things, tasty things in your cookbook. So if people wanted to buy a cookbook, where would they go and do that?
SPEAKER_00:Yes, so I have a link. It is through a printing service called Mixum. It's in my Instagram bio. Um, and I can always text it to people, but I um yeah, I I can probably do a little better marketing that, but um, it's very um at this point, it's not it's not on Amazon or anything, it is through like a smaller company, but that's kind of where they would go.
SPEAKER_01:We'll be sure to link it in the description. How's that sound? Oh, perfect. Thank you so much, Casey. Yeah, yeah, of course. Okay, so I would love to transition now. What I think is so cool about you, Elsa, is you're so well-rounded, by the way, but you've gotten into content creation, and that is a huge part of our society today. So I would just love to get some of your thoughts on that. But for somebody who isn't maybe familiar with some of your content, your YouTube channel or your Instagram, can you just describe what is your content like to someone who maybe hasn't seen it before?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, absolutely. So I would say my content is I don't even know. Like when people ask me that, I'm like, oh, that is a really good question. I think it is mostly what I hope it is, is very like encouraging, positive messages, uh, whether it's you know about faith and and God or about like food and just healthy eating and just like inspiration for that. When I first started making YouTube videos, so I did YouTube um just solely for many, many um years, and then I did more of the Instagram. So the Instagram's more of a new thing um compared to YouTube, but um, but yeah, I would just say it's just encouraging messages to really help people live their best lives for God's glory, and whether that's for you know the health stuff or food inspiration or just you know messages to give to you if you're having like a bad day or something, um, and just really pointing out the fact that like every day is so precious and uh you just can't take it for granted. So that's kind of how I'd sum it up.
SPEAKER_01:Yes, oh I love it. I I can even just visualize some of what your Instagram looks like now. It's got these beautiful videos of like different foods that you make and a lot of new violin stuff. I feel like you're doing more and more of, and and you do Chinese, you just kind of are showing your life and all the things that God has uniquely wired you for, and you know, all your different talents. And so it's just it's beautiful to scroll through. It's definitely encouraging, like you say for sure, but even visually, you've you've figured out a great way to make it appeal to people, and you've got so many things that people could take away, you know, from your your feed. So I'm just curious what made you way back when want to start your YouTube channel and what did that look like?
SPEAKER_00:So I started YouTube back in high school, and I think when I so I grew up, like I'd seen occasional YouTube videos and things of like, oh, like cute little routine videos, you know, back in like the 2000s. That was a huge, huge thing of like more in the teens and things. Um and so I remember watching seeing a couple growing up and being like, ah, really cool. I I think that's just so fun and whatever. So, you know, it's always been at the back of my mind. I would say what made me start, it had kind of been on my thinking like that would be really neat, you know. I don't know, maybe someday. Um I think what really changed was when I took a speech class, like a public speaking class, and I was a very shy girl. I was just like, I if you talk to me one-on-one, I'm good, but like being in front of people and just in group settings, like I just would be very shy. And so I think that's what initially kind of kept me back. Um, but once I did that class, I was like, you know, actually speaking is kind of an amazing tool, and it's kind of something that we can really use for so much good. And so, and then in high school, you know, I saw kind of the people around me sometimes were just changing, you know, um, middle school and just kind of like put on this like I'm cool now and I'm kind of mean now, you know, and I was like, Oh my gosh, that's so sad. So I knew I wanted to kind of create content to really just help people, encourage people to be authentic to really who they are and stay grounded and not be swayed by the world um and not be, you know, trying to fit in or something like to be really who God made you to be. And so I kind of wanted that to be some type of message that I, you know, put somehow into a video or something. Um so I did a lot of you know what I eat in the weeks early on and just random little things. Um, it's so funny to look back at those, it's kind of embarrassing, but um so that's kind of what I did then, and and even now that's kind of I really just hope people know that like being authentically you, like and following God's word, like you will never regret that. If you're obeying God, like you can really not go wrong. And even if the world is, you know, kind of pushing against that, it's like, well, then you're probably doing it right. You're probably uh following God because you're gonna come across some type of persecution, you know. Um, and so that's kind of that's kind of the message I hope people get.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, and for young people, it's so hard, it's so easy to see another person and just want to maybe morph into how they're living life if that's attractive to you. But really, God has created us all, every single one uniquely, and he wants us to live like that, he wants us to live as he's made us, you know, all our our unique traits and everything. And so that's just it's so great, also, that you've used that platform to help people really um just embrace and accept how God's made them and then to live into that to its fullest. But I'm sure that took a lot of bravery at the beginning. So can you describe what that was like? Because I think there are probably so many other people in the world who are like, me, maybe I have something I want to share, but it's scary for sure. So what was that like? Yeah, absolutely.
SPEAKER_00:So I think that was definitely I think it was pretty scary. I mean, I remember being like, Oh, I don't even know. Like, I remember I just didn't really tell like my friends or anything. Yeah, and I was kind of like, I don't even know. This is probably not even gonna be a thing. This will probably be like I make three videos and then decide I don't like them and put them back on private. Oh on YouTube. So I I really didn't really know, but I was like, you know, use what they go for it. I was like, what can I lose? I mean, really, and so really just have that attitude of like, you know, each person has something so unique to offer the world, and I think at some point you just have to really take the leap. And I know it sounds very, you know, cut and dry, but that's just what has to happen. I also began to realize, like, oh, like I feel like I'm tired of caring so much, you know. You know, you're so like, why do I fear other people? Like, I don't know, like you know, so you start to think, okay, it's really not it's not that big of a deal, you know, but it's built up in my mind. Yeah. So I think just realizing like, okay, well, I'll just try it. And I always thought to myself also that if I don't like it, I can always stop. You know, it's you can always decide you don't want to do it anymore, but at least you tried, you know. And so um, I think just that attitude of like, okay, at least just give it a try. If it's something you want to do. And I think that attitude is really helps with many different things in my life. It's build over to other things where I'd be like, Okay, that seems really cool, but like I'm a little scared. But yeah, so that's kind of how how I overcame that, I guess.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. Do you ever still get nervous when you post something of like, oh, what are people gonna think?
SPEAKER_00:I think sometimes, but it it depends. I think early on too, I would definitely probably care too much about like, you know, the numbers or something, and now I'm just like, oh, okay, well, we're posting that and it's it's bots now, so he gets to So I think um just not really checking as much to be like, okay, like it's doing well, is it, you know, and just being like, okay, well, it's out there, and I hope um at least it encourages one person today, and I think just keeping that that central core value of like I am doing this for someone who is at a low price right now or who needs encouragement for those for those one videos or some videos that are a little bit more um maybe deeper topics or something like that. Um, and just saying, like, okay, like you have no idea how it could, you know, possibly impact them. And so I guess getting over myself and just being like, okay, well, this is for that person, and I hope it um can help them.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, oh, that's really beautiful. I love that. So if you started off on YouTube, and then how did it grow? Did that take a lot of intentional work on your part? You've done it for years now, so what does it look like from beginning to now where it is here?
SPEAKER_00:Um, it definitely took a lot of work. I mean, some of the older videos, I mean, I remember spending hours and hours and hours editing. Um and that was definitely something that you know was a sacrifice to make because it's like busy, you have things to do, you know. So um definitely was something where it did take a lot of intentional time uh set aside for that. I would say like how I grew. If we're talking from like a like a more of a business kind of perspective, um, I think it's kind of similar to like creating like a personal brand. Um kind of just thinking of like, okay, what are the values that I want people to get? Because I don't like personally, there's nothing wrong with this, but I never wanted to be a creator that just you know got big for like one video they posted, and they don't really have any like character behind the content, you know. So I I wanted it to be very meaningful, um, which did take more time. And so I guess it it kind of just depends on your priorities as as a creator, because there are many people that you know you just make one tiny little five-second thing and then you know, uh blows up. But I knew that I wanted it to be like a whole place where like oh, there's just something that can be encouraging. So um I would say definitely took a lot of time for the editing and things early on. Um, and I didn't really know anything about anything. So like I edited my first video and it's super choppy and it's you know, very like the audio strange and everything, but it's like you know, everyone starts somewhere and um just not being afraid to fail and seeing every opportunity as just you know an opportunity to you know grow in that area.
SPEAKER_01:Totally, totally. It sounds like you've just been very steadily faithful to what the Lord has called you to, and it has just grown over time, and I love to hear that and see that because it is you're making such a positive impact, Elsa, in that world. Um and so I'm just curious what is it like because I would say sometimes social media it's definitely has its positives and it also has its negatives, and as Christians, it can be hard to know how do we rightly engage in something that has so much potential but is also used for harm sometimes. And so what is it like, I guess, just specifically for you being a Christian content creator in in the content world?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, um, I would just say like going off of what you said about how it can be negative sometimes, I think that is one of those things that I knew that okay, I want my content to be kind of better for you, I guess. Or just um not so much, you know, just all the little crap you see, honestly. That's just kind of um, you know, it's kind of just junky or just you know, not really edifying. Um, and so just to have other people see something that's hopefully going to help them in their life and not actually pull them down, because I think a lot of content can pull you down in your in your walk with the Lord. And so I would say um just being a Christian in the content world, you're gonna create content that's not like everyone else, in the sense that you know, you're going to create content that is probably going to not be well received sometimes by everybody. I mean, whether it's negative comments or things that are like, oh, that's like being judgmental, or you know, so you have to be, I would say you have to be okay with getting some backlash. Um and you know, I would argue like if you're not getting any backlash, like maybe you're not being um as upfront about your faith. And so yeah, I think I've had to kind of come to that realization, like, okay, not everybody is going to like the Bible stuff, you know, they're just not. Um, but you know, you never know who's phone that'll come across and maybe spark some curiosity about the gospel or something like that.
SPEAKER_01:Totally, totally. And I I think it's definitely going to challenge someone to really choose are you gonna just follow and say whatever the world wants you to say, or are you gonna stand up for Jesus and what he promotes? And so um, yeah, just again, props to you for being courageous and standing for him, even in a world that is pretty secular. And um, not only are you standing for him in the content world, but also the music world. And there's definitely almost a classical music, a group of people I feel like that create content that will appeal to people who are classical musicians. And so what I think is so cool about you though is that you are so firm in your faith, but also you're posting, I feel like, more music stuff along with all the other things because you're so well-rounded, which I think is great for people to see. But what is that like then too? Bridging kind of you know, those two worlds that tend to be typically pretty secular, and how are you approaching that?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, that's a great question. I know exactly what you're talking about. There's like a specific sect of like hardcore classical musicians that it's like that is their world, but you know, their whole for you page is just new music stuff, you know.
SPEAKER_01:Or the the practice challenge, the hundred days practice challenge, like stuff like that, you know.
SPEAKER_00:Yes, yes. I would say I never that never fully really appealed to me, and I think it was because it was so hardcore seeming, you know, and it kind of seemed like, okay, but what about a rest day, you know, or like yeah, you know, things like that. And so um I think what I've seen is like like you mentioned, being it being more secular, it's it's a lot of, you know, okay, great, it's hard practice or putting in the work to practice, which I think everyone should. But I think, yeah, the the feeling behind it is a lot of name me type of thing, and not really having the attitude of like, okay, I'm playing my music for God's glory and playing it to bless other people around me that he's put in my path. Um, something like that. And so I think that's where it could probably get a little bit, you know, toxic. It doesn't seem as welcoming, I guess, to someone who might not be quite there yet. Um, but I think for me, like whether whether I post like violin or food stuff or Bible verse stuff or um, you know, school stuff when I'm at bayl or vlogs or whatever, I post so many different things which can kind of be, I guess, confusing for some people 'cause like, okay, well what do you do? Like you're not a you're not just a violin place, you're not just a food place and kind of getting everything. Um So that can present its own challenges of like, you know, what if people don't like something or not another? And for me I've just had to be like, Well, it's it's what I enjoy and it's out there. So if you wanna see it, great. If you don't, that's okay too.
SPEAKER_01:Yes, yes. So yes, I completely agree with what you're describing. I mean the classical music world in general can just be very, very competitive and that can come across sometimes. And there there are people like Tusset or whatever who use it and you know are very relatable to all musicians, which can be fun and and exciting. But um definitely I feel like it would be very it would seem to be very lonely um trying to walk that line of how do you play music to the glory of God though? Because a lot of people aren't talking about that and creating a welcoming space where um you know people can be encouraged by the word of God, but also love playing music, just those sorts of things. So I would love if there would be more though, people like you who are willing to be brave and just fully embrace both the music and being a Christian, and then if it's not just one person, then it doesn't feel so lonely, right? Right. So um because I do think social media can have such a ministry. I mean, you're reaching so many people that if if you didn't have YouTube or social media, you never get to meet and you never get to have an impact on. And so I think it is just a hard line though. So I would just ask you, how would you maybe encourage or what would you tell a Christian musician or a Christian artist who is wanting to glorify God in the social media setting, but maybe doesn't know how to or is nervous to try?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, that's a great question. I would say whatever you feel the Lord is put on your heart, you know, I feel like that is the thing to do because in my life at least, you know, if there's kind of that, okay, the Holy Spirit's trying to tell me something, and I'm like, no, no, let's not do that. I don't want to do that. That's uncomfortable. You know, let's just not think about that. I didn't hear that. Um, but it keeps coming back, and you're like, oh no, okay, I guess I'll listen. And I think I think that's just one of those things where you will never regret obeying God and giving him glory for something. You really won't. And and I think, yeah, like you said, the the world needs more musicians um who are outspoken about their faith and things because it is such a dark world in that in that realm. And it's it is kind of sad because it's like, oh my goodness, God created music, He um blessed you and whoever else is listening who who's a musician, he blessed you with all these uh abilities uh to play your instrument. And so I think, yeah, I would say if you're scared or don't know where to start, I would just in general, just say like the first step, just one step, you know, and not see like okay, well, how am I gonna do this or something, and just really break it down to just okay, well, I do this one thing, and then the next thing, and that leads to this open door, and it keeps going. And I think um, in my life at least, that's kind of how God's led me a lot of the time. It's like, okay, maybe there's not this big thing open right now, but like it's because of many small steps of obedience over time. Um, and so I think I would just encourage someone to know that. Like it doesn't have to be this, you know, big thing all at once, but just having that bravery and sometimes even just your attitude, like we probably know, like if you just have a just that attitude in an orchestra rehearsal or something, and people even see that and they're like, Well, how c how can you like be this way and carry this light, you know? And even even how you act with others, like these tiny things really do make a difference. And I think even in that way, people question, like, oh, there's something different, like what is that? And then um that would spark, you know, more questions later.
SPEAKER_01:Right, exactly. If if all the Christians don't engage with the lost world, whether that's in person or over social media, then we're really not being the salt and light, you know, that we're called to be of even in social media, yes, it it's not perfect by any means, but if all the Christians just don't engage, then I don't know that that's necessarily what we're called to, you know, in terms of loving others and maybe meeting them where we're at and ministering to them there. And so yeah, I agree with you. It would be so cool if if people were were brave and would just um say yes to each and every little step that no matter where the Lord's leading you, whether it's through social media or or even just in person in orchestra rehearsals, whatever it is, just um to follow and be obedient to his calling for sure. So just practically though, I I can totally agree with some of people's hesitancy when it comes to social media and just even because it's wired to attract our attention and to distract us from a lot of things. Um, and so I'm just curious for you as a content creator, how do you strike a healthy balance between like I need to be on social media so I know maybe what trends are or or how to make a reel or something, but also you know, not being on it too much and not being too distracted or pulled away from the things that are important because of it. But but again, just obviously there's a ministry, there's a positive impact that you can have for people there. So just how do you strike that balance?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, that's a really great question. I would say for me, I think over the years I have also felt what it feels like to be on social media too long, and I I don't like the feeling, I just get you know, and it's it's really strange. So I think what I've had to do is be very practical about it and just be like, okay, this is literally wired for me to be addicted to. And I know that sounds very like cut and dry, but it's kind of the truth. And so I think just knowing that really makes you really think about okay, like what am I doing when I'm on here? So I would say, like, practically, like you said, you know, I try to see, okay, well, like what things are you know, trendy, and I I would say I do probably slightly less of that now than I used to, um, and more just make things that I like. So I don't know, there's always a balance between that two, but um, I would say just knowing how it, you know, it makes you tired, it makes you unmotivated. It's like you said, makes your attention distracted from other things to just your phone, um, even attention stands. I mean, if you look at it more from a scientific point, I mean it's it is ruining attention stands. So it's kind of like there are there are a lot of you know negative things. Um, but it's like I remember seeing it being like, well, but who else is gonna if there's just all this stuff that's just like brain rot, you know, what what what are good things that people can watch that like could impact life, you know? So who's gonna make that then, you know, it's like who's gonna step up to the plate and and fill that role? And I think like you said, it is important for the space to also have you know Christian things or things where um that are really encouraging and just reminders for people that it's like even if you're feeling lost or you feel like God's forgotten about you, like he has not, and just tell like seeing those truths there because so many people use it. So it really is just I think very important to to keep God's word on there because so many people come across it. Um, but yeah, so practically just limiting my time on there um looks like okay, I'm going to get on here and I'm going to search for audio that I like. And I do that and try not to get distracted. I know I'm not perfect at it. Um I think over the years I've definitely um been more conscious of that, just because also I don't like how it makes me feel. I mean, they talk about you know anxiety that's higher than ever, and um even depression that's higher than ever, and just because we're so on screens, and like we technically we were made to be outside in the sun, and you know, so it's like um just striking that healthy balance of like just making sure that you know I'm not on a screen too much in my day, and I, you know, try not to be on it before bed. I try to not pick it up within at least 30 minutes of waking up because I like like the regular sunlight. Um, and so that's kind of what it looks like for me. Um, but everyone's different and everyone has different um thoughts on that. But that's those are some of my thoughts.
SPEAKER_01:Yes, no, I love it for sure. It's it's so funny. It's the awkward tension of like this is kind of your thing, like you're you're a content creator, but then it's just oh the the double-edged sword of oh man, it's like you said, wired to make you addicted. Um, but I love how you just spoke spoke to we're so quick to forget. And so even if a Christian content creator can just post those reminders, then we can be reminded of truth. And it's right at our fingertips to be able to encourage someone or to just spread God's word, you know, on somebody's phone. And so it's just yeah, it's that awkward tension, and thankfully we have the Holy Spirit to help navigate maybe some of those gray areas. But thanks for your insight on that. Very practically, one, how do you pick your content? And is it hard to come up with ideas? And then maybe two, do you ever get burnt out and how do you handle that?
SPEAKER_00:Yes, okay. So how I pick my content, it's very for me, it's very random. And I know there are some creators that are like, okay, I've got this, this, and this day I post, and I'm posting. That just never works for me because I feel like I'm very abstract-minded. Like when inspiration hits, it hits, and I just go with it, you know? Yeah, um, and so it'll be something where for like the faith, more of the faith ones where I like share Bible verse or share something that God's been teaching me. It's really just whatever I feel God's put on my heart that day or something. It'll be so random. Like I might have had, you know, like a conversation with some random lady at the grocery store, and I've been like, oh, like I don't know, I just had like this spot that's so cool. Okay, I'm gonna like talk about that in some way or like write some type of message about that. And then, you know, maybe I have like a little video of flowers or something, and then I'll put that there. Um, so it's it's really when inspiration hits for me um in that realm. With YouTube, it is more um structured in that. Like if I'm vlogging or I'm making a longer format video, it is a bit more thought out. Like if I do a week in my life, like in college or something, I know that I'm probably gonna pick up the camera multiple times a day just to like you know talk, show what I'm doing, share something that's on my mind or my heart. Um, so that's a little bit more um, okay, well, I'm doing this from here to here, and I'm just gonna vlog whatever happens. Um, so those are the two, I would say that's kind of the difference with like Instagram and YouTube. Um, as far as burnt out, like being burnt out, I definitely have, um, and I learned like if you're just even feeling a little bit like, well, I just don't really feel like doing this right now. And I'm just like, okay, then don't like just take a step back because I never want it to be like, oh, like I have to do this. Like it's not like I have to at all. And it's and I think I've learned over time, like with um maybe the exception would be like if I have a brand deal or something where it's like, okay, there's a deadline for this. Maybe I would have to be like, okay, we just have to get this done. Yeah. But um, for the most part, if I, you know, feel just a little bit like uninspired, the best thing you can do as a musician or creator of any type, I think, is just just get a different perspective and just take a step back. Um, and so that's kind of my strategy. It's not really anything that unique. Um that's kind of how I come up with you know, ideas and stay inspired. Um, other ideas for content, I think just I do have like a brainstorming session. So I have like my journal or my planner, I have a whole page. I'm like, okay, content ideas, okay. And I just think of like, what would I what would be helpful for me? You know, and then sometimes I'll go off of that and be like, you know, I think it would be cool if someone showed this or talked about this or something, something, and then I write it down and then see if I can, you know, do that.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. Oh my goodness, those are all great ideas. I love it. Elsa, you I've said it multiple times, but you are so well-rounded. You've written a cookbook, you learn to write and speak Chinese, right? Yes, yes, yes, and you do content creation and you do music, which everybody who listens to this podcast knows is a huge deal, is very time consuming, and you do communications at school. So how do you manage all of this and still find joy and are content and not stressed out all the time?
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, that's um, I wish I had like a a formula like this, this, and this, and equal, not stressed. Um it really just it just depends on the week. I mean, in college, there are times, especially this past semester, where it's like, okay, definitely doing a major, secondary major, and a minor. That that is a lot. So you're gonna you are gonna be doing more than maybe some people around you, or you feel like, oh, like I feel like all I've done all week is just go to class and do homework and hopefully squeeze in some practice time. Um I would just say, like, how I do it, it's just one thing at a time. And I get I'm a person that gets very overwhelmed. So like if I see, oh my gosh, you have like this whole list, I just have to be like, okay, I only see one or two. That's all I see right now. And just do that because um, I mean, it it just it gets so overwhelming otherwise. Um, and I definitely do get stressed out. I think like I wish that I could be someone that was just very chill about everything, but I think I get stressed because I I care. So it's like if you get stressed, it's you're not like bad for that. So you just care, you just want to put your best effort forward and everything like that. You don't want to disappoint people, right? And and things like that. Um, and I think what I've had to learn over time is that sometimes you're gonna have to say like no to things that you would really like to say yes to because oh, you have this test to study for or this, and I would say I'm finding over time better ways to be more balanced and make sure, like, okay, you like can't just be school only or just violin or just your instrument. And so I think just being okay with not feeling like you're a hundred percent of everything. Um and that's very hard for type A people because you want to feel like you are just like okay, on top of everything, and you know, then I'll be happy and then I'll have time to do things later on once I get this done. Um something my mom always told me was that like you always think there's later, you'll you think there's always gonna be a better time for something, and oftentimes there's not. I mean, sometimes there there is, like if you have a really busy test or something, and then after that, okay. But in general, it's like we always think, okay, later, later when I'm less busy, later this, later that. I think just knowing that you can't be a hundred percent at every single thing, and and some things may have to take a little bit of a back seat for certain seasons, and just I guess being flexible, I think is the best thing I can say. And I'm I was a very inflexible person, but I think you know, part of my testimony, like being sick or just what God taught me through that and how He's um how He never left me, I think it really helped me to kind of a little bit break out of that rigidness. Like I was so rigid, like I feel bad for sometimes. I feel like I was just so rigid. Um, and you know, now I see like okay, God's gonna work it all out, like He really is, and just having that mindset of like, okay, I just do one thing and I just keep doing the best I can, and that's all that I can do. So that's how I would kind of answer that about being stressed out.
SPEAKER_01:Yes. I love how you said that of there's the list, but let's just focus on one or two, and I think that really helps all of us, and what I see in your life is being present, you know, in the moment that you're in. And I know I think you talk a lot about that on your feed too, of job just being present, enjoying the moment with that you're in, trusting God with the future, knowing He'll be there with you in it, but trusting and just resting and being content and present and what you've got going on in that moment in time. And so um, I love hearing hearing your testimony, even in those those things. So okay, my last question for you is do you have any projects going on now or do you have any more in mind for the future? Clearly, you're very creative, and um and I love that about you that you're just a go-getter and you have an idea and you're gonna make it happen. So, are there any right now or you're just gonna try to graduate this year?
SPEAKER_00:That is that is such a good question. Um I definitely have been thinking more about more like music things. You know, last summer it was like getting the cookbook thing, and um, I would say right now what I'm prioritizing is is trying to graduate and just doing that, um, and just you know, senior recital and um just all those things and really um taking advantage of the you know last year I have at Baylor. Uh but I would say probably one of the things that I'm like currently working on is I recently got a camera and I had only been using my iPhone for everything. So I was editing all my videos on my iPhone and everything, which is fine, but um over time it's uh it's just it's a little difficult. Like, you know, even the bigger phones, they're still kind of tiny. Um, and so you know, I figured, okay, well, I think it's time to, you know, maybe try out something that could be better long term. So um as like a project, it's not really a project, but I'm just learning, you know, new editing software, and there's a lot of tech stuff that goes behind the scenes for creating content or videos or anything, which I'm sure you know because your podcast um I'm learning, but yes, yes, there's just so many things you don't even think about, and I think it does make you really grateful for you know video you see. You're like, whoa, that actually took time. Like somebody most likely didn't just like get that done, like it's a time, you know. Um, so I would say I'm learning that right now um as like a side project. Um, and then probably just I hope to create maybe more music content just because I I feel like music is so beautiful, and my attitude towards music is you know not as maybe cutthroat as some others, and I I personally resonate more with that type um than like the super ultra competitive um kind. So um just knowing that like you can do your best, your very best, and sell really good work ethic and everything without you know being hyper competitive. So I hope to create maybe more more content in that realm and um and then just thinking like you know, I don't really know what's quite after college yet, but um, you know, just been praying about that and seeing where God opens doors.
SPEAKER_01:So totally well, I love it. Your new camera, that's gonna be so exciting. You've done such a great job with just your iPhone. You make it look so professional, and I know all of us musicians listening will be so excited to see more music content because we all know that we need it. We need great music content, but for the glory of God, and so yay, we're so excited for you, Elsa, and also we'll be praying for what God has in store for postgraduation. So thank you so much for coming on the show, Elsa. You are a wealth of wisdom, and um, we are just cheering you on. Keep doing what you're doing because we need lights in the social media world and in the music world, and you are doing both so well. So thanks for taking the time today. Well, thank you so much, Casey, for having me. Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me today. Don't you just love Elsa? So make sure to check out her social media and her YouTube page. We'll link those things in the description below. Please also check the description for some discussion questions that you can reflect on by yourself or with a group. We actually have a Facebook page that you can join where we talk about these discussion questions. We answer them and we can encourage and equip each other as we walk this road of being a Christian in the classical music world together. If you think of someone who might be encouraged by this podcast, please send it to them. And make sure to download, follow, and subscribe wherever you are listening. And I'll see you next Monday.