ISSUE #030
Have you ever wondered what it really means to honor God with your art—not just in words, but in your daily creative rhythm? So often, artists think honoring God means making “Christian art” or adding a spiritual label to what they create. But it’s much deeper than that. Honoring God begins in the heart—with gratitude, faithfulness, and a willingness to create in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
When your art becomes an offering instead of an obligation, everything changes. You start to see your creativity not as a performance, but as a conversation—a sacred space where Heaven meets Earth through your brush, your hands, your vision. In this week’s issue, I’ll share five powerful ways to honor God with your art and step fully into peace, purpose, and partnership with Him.
May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.
In His love and creativity,
Matt Tommey
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Beauty for Ashes: How God Turned Yvette’s Pain into Purpose
This week, meet Yvette McLaughlin, a pop artist whose vibrant, glittering portraits tell a story of healing and hope. What began as an outlet during a painful season became a powerful testimony of God’s grace. Through bold color, detailed patterns, and unwavering faith, Yvette has discovered how art can transform brokenness into beauty—and inspire others to trust the Creator who restores all things. READ MORE…
CONNECT
Scripture: James 1:17 (NLT) — “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
Everything good in your creative life starts with gratitude. The fact that you can see beauty, imagine, and create is not random—it’s a reflection of God’s own image within you. Gratitude turns your art from striving into worship. Each time you thank Him for your creative gift, you realign your heart with Heaven and release comparison, pressure, and perfectionism.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of creativity. Thank You for designing me as an artist on purpose, for Your pleasure and glory. Teach me to create from gratitude, not for approval. May my art become an offering of worship that delights Your heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Action Step: Start or end your studio session with five minutes of gratitude. Speak it out loud: “Lord, thank You for the joy of creating with You.”
CLARIFY
The first step in honoring God with your art is showing up—faithfully and consistently. God can’t multiply what you don’t offer Him. Every time you step into your studio, even on the uninspired days, you declare, “This gift matters to God.”
Ask yourself: What does faithfulness look like for me this week? Maybe it’s finishing a piece that’s been sitting unfinished, organizing your workspace, or dedicating specific hours for creating. Honoring God isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
Action Step: Block off one sacred studio session this week on your calendar. Label it “Time with God in the Studio.” Protect it as you would a divine appointment. Get your Core4 Focus Planner today.
CREATE
Inviting the Holy Spirit into your creative process is where transformation happens. As Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” You’re not creating for God as if He’s watching from afar—you’re creating with God, in partnership.
So before you start, pause. Breathe. Ask, “Holy Spirit, what do You want to express through me today?” Let Him flow through your colors, textures, movements, and ideas. The creative flow you feel isn’t random—it’s relationship.
Studio Action Step: Begin your next session with worship. Turn on music that invites God’s presence, pray briefly, and then create freely—trusting that what flows is inspired.
CULTIVATE
Honoring God with your art also means growing—both spiritually and skillfully. Bezalel, the first artist mentioned in Scripture, was “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Exodus 31:3)
Excellence is not striving; it’s stewardship. Every new skill you develop expands the language the Holy Spirit can use through your art. When you grow in both spiritual depth and artistic excellence, you give God more to work with—and more ways to speak through your creativity.
Outreach Action Step: This week, share a post or story showing your artistic process and how God is teaching you through it. Invite others into your journey of being both filled and skilled.
WATCH & LISTEN
In this week’s podcast, I share five foundational ways to honor God through your creativity—without striving, guilt, or burnout. You’ll learn how gratitude, faithfulness, collaboration with the Holy Spirit, skill development, and rest all work together to create a life that glorifies God.
Key Takeaway: When you create from gratitude, faithfulness, and rest, your art becomes worship—and God’s joy flows through every brushstroke.
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
Meet your new creative companion, UncleMatt.ai — a 24/7 mentor built from decades of my real-world experience helping artists thrive spiritually, creatively, and professionally.
Need biblical encouragement before heading into the studio? Stuck on pricing, confidence, or creative blocks? UncleMatt can help you think through it with wisdom rooted in Kingdom principles.
🎨 Ask it anything from “How do I renew my mind as an artist?” to “How should I price my art?” — and get real answers that bring peace and clarity.
WORSHIP
This week’s worship song is a gentle reminder that honoring God with your art begins in stillness, not striving. “Be Still” invites us to rest in God’s presence and remember that the One who called us is faithful to complete what He started.
FEATURED ARTIST: Yvette McLaughlin
From Pain to Pop Art: Beauty for Ashes
📱 Instagram: @beautie4ashes_
For Yvette McLaughlin, painting isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a lifeline of hope, healing, and divine restoration. A pop artist who works primarily in acrylics, glitter, and metallic paint, Yvette’s bold, detailed portraits are filled with color, pattern, and meaning. Each piece begins with a sketch inspired by a vivid mental image and develops as the Spirit leads.
“The images come to my mind, and I’ll sketch them first in my sketchbook. Sometimes I’ll choose the colors there, but when it comes time to put it to canvas, the colors always change.”
Her paintings are instantly recognizable by their intricate backgrounds—patterns drawn from everyday life.
“I see patterns everywhere—in carpet, clothes, curtains, lampshades. It’s amazing! I can’t finish a painting until it has a very detailed background. It feels unfinished.”
From Brokenness to Breakthrough
Yvette’s journey as an artist began in one of the darkest seasons of her life. In 2019, while navigating a painful and unequally yoked marriage, painting became her refuge. What started as a coping mechanism soon became a calling.
“I just realized in 2021 that the Lord was using me to create these vibrant pieces so I could mention His name to others. My faith has grown in realizing that the Lord sees me, cares for me, and blessed me with this talent.”
When Yvette shared a video testimony on Instagram about how God used art to help her overcome suicidal thoughts, she was met with an outpouring of love and encouragement.
“It made me look in awe that the Father of lights could use a person like me to practice what He gave me. Since the video, people have reached out to me about the same struggles. It’s been amazing to connect.”
Finding Freedom in the Studio
Painting for Yvette is a sacred encounter—an act of gratitude and revival in a season she once saw as loss. After an accident at work placed her on disability for two years, God transformed what felt like a setback into a time of renewal.
“I first thought of it as a burden, yet now it’s a season of rest and revival. I paint to various music or sermons, and I’m grateful for the time I get to create.”
She’s learning to release comparison and trust God’s timing for her artistic journey.
“I’m learning not to compare my art to other artists. I don’t covet what others have. I’m grateful for what God is doing in my season.”
A Word of Encouragement for Artists
Yvette’s advice to fellow artists is simple but powerful: bring every fear, doubt, and dream before the Lord.
“Go to the Lord about your fears and trust issues. Ask Him to break up that fallow ground and show you new ideas. Ask for opportunities that will AMAZE you. This will take the scales off your eyes and allow you to see this Great God we know and who knows you!”
Though still new to the professional art world, Yvette’s faith and perseverance are already paving the way for divine opportunities. She’s currently working on her first album cover project and praying for her first art show—trusting that God will open the right doors at the right time.
“The Creator of all things is on your side! He’s the bestower of good gifts—like your talent and passion for art.”
Apply to Be a Featured Artist
Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9
Resources for Christian Artists
If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.
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