• Wake Up, Artists: Why Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever

    Wake Up, Artists: Why Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever

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    ISSUE #025

    This past week has been sobering. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us that the enemy is not passive—he’s intentional about silencing voices of truth. But here’s the good news: just like the early church discovered, persecution does not stop the move of God; it multiplies it. What the enemy meant for silence becomes seed, and the voice of Christ continues to resound louder than ever.

    As artists, this is our moment. God has given you a creative voice not just for personal expression but as a Kingdom weapon—releasing beauty, hope, and truth right into culture. Your brush, your clay, your song, your movement—they are not small. They are assignments from Heaven designed to push back the darkness and reveal God’s glory. My prayer is that this week you’ll rise up with fresh courage, create boldly, and remember: Heaven is backing you up.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    Advancing God’s Creative Kingdom,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – be sure to listen to or watch my podcast this week… It’s a must for every artist who loves Jesus.

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    LISTEN & WATCH

    Episode: Wake Up, Artists – Your Voice Matters More than Ever

    In this week’s episode, I unpack the bold message that God put on my heart in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. We talk about why this is not the time to shrink back, why your art is a weapon of light in God’s hands, and how to stand boldly in a culture that often tries to silence voices of truth.

    I’ll share five key takeaways that will equip you to overcome fear, embrace pushback as proof of your assignment, and release your creativity with fresh courage and conviction.

    Key Takeaway: Your art is not optional—it’s your assignment. Heaven is backing you up as you create.

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

    When darkness pushes against the people of God, the natural temptation is to shrink back in fear. But God calls us to the opposite: to stand firm, filled with His Spirit, creating from a place of power, love, and clarity. Your art carries His light, and it shines brightest in the darkest moments.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You that You’ve not left me powerless. Thank You for filling me with Your Spirit, for giving me courage when fear whispers, and for inviting me to shine Your light boldly in this generation. Teach me to release Your beauty, truth, and presence through my creativity, even when opposition comes. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step: Choose one Scripture that strengthens you against fear (like 2 Timothy 1:7) and post it in your studio. Let it fuel every creative act you make this week.

    CLARIFY

    When pushback comes, it’s not a sign that you’re off-track—it’s confirmation that your art is making an impact. Jesus Himself said the world would hate Him, and by extension, us. Resistance isn’t failure; it’s proof you’re advancing.

    This week, take a few minutes to clarify: where are you experiencing resistance right now in your creative life? Is it internal fear, external criticism, or just the enemy whispering that your voice doesn’t matter? Identify it, write it down, and then align yourself with God’s truth.

    Action Step: Journal one area of resistance you’re facing. Then write a bold declaration of truth in response. Example: “Fear says my art is insignificant, but God says my art is a weapon of light, revealing His beauty to the world.”

    CREATE

    The brush, the pen, the instrument, the movement—these are not hobbies; they are weapons. Every time you create with God, you’re making space for His Spirit to move. The early church used preaching, letters, and songs to spread the gospel. Today, God is using paint, clay, digital design, and music to do the same.

    Don’t underestimate the studio as a battlefield where the Kingdom advances. This week, create not just to make something pretty, but to release something powerful. Ask the Lord: “What do You want to say through me today?” Then, obey and create.

    Action Step: Dedicate one creative session this week specifically as a prophetic act of obedience. Invite the Holy Spirit into the process, and let your art carry His presence.

    CULTIVATE

    Artists are culture-makers. The enemy would love for you to stay hidden, fearful, and silent—but this is the hour to step out. Sharing your art is not about self-promotion; it’s about spreading light. When you release your work into the world, you’re giving God an opportunity to speak through it to someone who desperately needs hope.

    Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Share your art boldly and let it do its work. The pushback you may get is simply proof that the light is shining.

    Action Step: Post one piece of art this week with a short caption that points to the hope, truth, or beauty of God. Pray over it before you hit “publish,” and trust God to use it.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Teachable
    Teachable is a powerful online course platform that allows you to share your skills, build your audience, and even create new income streams. You don’t have to be a tech genius to get started.

    Pro Tip: Record a simple 10-minute video on your phone teaching one small art skill (like mixing colors, sketching texture, or sculpting a basic form). Upload it as a free mini-course. Use it to grow your email list and start blessing others while building your business.

    👉 Check out Teachable

    INSPIRE

    This week, I want to highlight the boldness of artist Sam Ryan, who recently created a large portrait of Charlie Kirk as a gift to his family after Charlie’s tragic assassination. It wasn’t just a painting; it was an act of honor, a tribute, and a declaration that light will not be silenced by darkness.

    Sam shared the piece publicly, and the response was immediate. Over 22,000 people unfollowed him after the post. And yet, he stood firm. That kind of courage reminds us all that creating with conviction will sometimes cost us—but the Kingdom fruit is always worth it.

    Friends, this is what it looks like to release art that speaks truth in love, even when culture pushes back. Sam’s example challenges us: will we stay quiet, or will we let our art be a voice for God in this hour?

    👉 Watch the Reel Here

    WATCH

    Be encouraged as you watch this powerful video featuring the song “Break Every Chain”, knowing God has created you for such a time as this, to create art that He wants to use to break every chain of the enemy and loose freedom throughout the world.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Debbie Gallerani

    Whimsy, grit, and God’s gentle guidance in the desert
    📍 Tucson, Arizona • 🌐 debbiegalleraniart.com📸 Instagram: @debbieartworld

    When you step into Debbie Gallerani’s world, you’re greeted by sun-washed desert color, playful jack-rabbit sculptures, and mixed-media paintings with a joyful wink. A lifelong cartoonist turned fine artist, Debbie embraces a style that’s delightfully whimsical and folk-art inspired—proof that your “secret sauce” is often the very thing you once tried to hide.

    Watch Debbie’s Story Below…

    “I finally stopped trying to be someone else and accepted that I’m a cartoonist at heart. Once I let that shine, the work came alive.”

    From press-type to Palm Springs Life—then a holy pivot

    Raised in Palm Springs, Debbie chased creativity wherever she could find it: illustration, hand-painted signage, silk-screening, and eventually production and design at Palm Springs Life magazine (“$5 an hour and I was thrilled!”). Years of commercial work honed her eye—but hours at the computer brought pain and a longing to make with her hands again.

    A visit to her father, an oil painter, rekindled Debbie’s fine-art fire. The transition wasn’t instant—perfectionism and “is this real art?” doubts knocked loudly. But with prayer, courage, and community, she gave herself permission to blend her cartoon line, folk-art color, and desert motifs into something uniquely her.

    Art, hospitality, and holy conversations

    In Tucson, Debbie runs a cozy B&B—“La Casa de Artista (The Artist House)”—where musicians, poets, and painters swap stories over coffee and canvas. That same hospitality has opened kingdom doors: gallery guests became gallery partners, invitations multiplied, and Debbie’s work found a home in the very places that fit her voice best—mid-century-modern boutiques and desert-forward venues.

    • Scottsdale gallery show via B&B guests who fell in love with her work
    • Borrego Springs (CA): a mid-century shop invited her to a Christmas event…then full-time representation…then two solo shows
    • Current: a three-artist exhibition inside a classic mid-century hotel

    “God keeps steering me to the right people. My job is to keep my eyes and ears open—and say yes.”

    Teaching that heals the artist, too

    A season teaching high-school art became sacred ground. Debbie learned to break the process into simple, doable steps, calling out gold in students who were ready to quit. That same compassion now marks her studio practice and the way she encourages fellow creatives she meets through her B&B and shows.

    Created to Thrive + a new way of walking

    After joining our Artist Cashflow Bootcamp and Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, Debbie found fresh clarity and courage in both mindset and method.

    “Leaning into the Lord—and getting practical mentoring—shifted everything. I stopped striving and started partnering.”

    Daily rhythms that keep her grounded

    • Morning Scripture + prayer: “God meets me in the Word with exactly what I need.”
    • Studio play: folk-art color + cartoon line + desert critters = Debbie’s signature joy
    • Hospitality as ministry: art, conversation, and prayer with guests

    A desert lesson for every season

    Plumbing failures, summer slowdowns, and changing markets could rattle anyone. Debbie’s response? Flexible trust.

    “Some seasons are harvest, some feel like winter. God is constant in both. When there’s margin, I ask, ‘Lord, what do You want to grow now?’”

    Debbie’s encouragement to fellow artists

    • Honor your wiring: your “quirky” might be your calling.
    • Invite God into the process—every brushstroke, every decision.
    • Be patient and faithful: God rarely shows the whole map—just the next step.
    • Find your fit: place your work where your voice belongs (not every gallery is your gallery).

    What’s next

    Debbie’s exploring hand-painted handbags, considering teaching private lessons, and continuing to place her work in boutiques and venues that celebrate joyful desert design.

    Know an artist whose story would bless our readers? Apply to be featured in a future issue!

    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.

  • Your Art Is Not Just a Hobby – It’s a Holy Calling

    Your Art Is Not Just a Hobby – It’s a Holy Calling

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    Have you ever found yourself wondering if your love for art — that creative spark that just won’t leave you alone — is really from God? Or is it just some side hobby that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things?

    Friend, I know that struggle well. For years, I wrestled with the same questions. I thought my creativity was just a fun side note to my “real” spiritual life. I kept my art over here, my business over there, and my spiritual life tucked safely in another box. But everything changed when I realized this powerful truth: our creativity is not just a luxury or a distraction. It’s a divine gift, woven into the very design of who we are, intended to release God’s glory into the earth.

    If you’ve ever felt that tension, I want you to lean in. Because what I’ve discovered — and what I now spend my life helping other artists discover — is that your creativity isn’t just nice. It’s necessary. It’s not optional. It’s not “extra.” It’s an assignment straight from the heart of God.

    Created in His Image to Create

    Genesis 1:27 says we are created in God’s image. Think about that! The first thing God revealed about Himself in Scripture is that He is a Creator. And because we bear His image, we carry that same creative nature. Your desire to make art isn’t something you came up with to escape life — it’s a divine deposit, an invitation to partner with Him.

    Some might say, “Oh, isn’t art selfish? Shouldn’t I be spending more time volunteering or doing ‘spiritual’ things?” But friend, your art is spiritual. It’s not a distraction; it’s a powerful act of agreement with God’s design for your life.

    When you start seeing your creativity as a divine assignment, everything shifts. You begin to experience the abundant life Jesus promised — not just for yourself but as a conduit for others to encounter Him.

    Your Art: A Vessel of Encounter

    Whether you’re painting, weaving, writing, dancing, or composing, your creative expression becomes a vessel. Just like a song can bring tears streaming down your face in the car, your artwork can become a table where the Holy Spirit meets people right where they are.

    I love to say: your art is an invitation for heaven to meet earth. Romans 8:19 reminds us that all creation is eagerly waiting for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. People are hungry for truth, beauty, and authentic connection. When you create, you’re not just making pretty things — you’re opening divine intersections where God can move powerfully.

    You’re an Ambassador

    2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us ambassadors of Christ. Think about an ambassador — they don’t act on their own authority. They carry the authority of the one who sent them. When you create as an artist in God’s Kingdom, you’re not just expressing your own ideas; you’re carrying His heart into the world. That’s not just a hobby — that’s a mission.

    It doesn’t matter if your art “looks” overtly Christian or not. It matters that you are a son or daughter of the King. When you create, His presence flows through you, transforming lives in ways you may never even see this side of heaven.

    Faithfulness Over Fame

    God isn’t looking for you to be the most successful, the most polished, or the most popular. He’s looking for your yes. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.” Whether you’re making art part-time, as a side gig, or full-time — do it faithfully. Because in the Kingdom, growth and multiplication come from faithfulness, not hustle.

    When you bring your small loaves and fishes — your little bit of art, your hesitant steps of faith — God multiplies it beyond anything you could imagine. You might feel like you’ve only got a little to give, but He turns it into an overflow that feeds multitudes.

    Say Yes to the Calling

    What if today was the day you stopped treating your art like “just a hobby” and started embracing it as a holy calling? What if today you gave God your yes and agreed with His design for your life?

    I want to encourage you to pause right now and pray:

    Jesus, thank You for creating me in Your image and for giving me the gift of creativity. Today, I say yes to Your design and calling on my life as an artist. I choose to step into this divine assignment, to create in partnership with You, and to release Your glory into the world through my art. Thank You for the freedom, favor, and opportunities that come when I say yes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Friend, if you just prayed that prayer, let me know — just say “YES” in the comments. Share your story. I want to celebrate with you and cheer you on.

    Remember, you were created to thrive — not just survive. You carry the Kingdom. You are an artist on divine assignment. And the world is waiting for what you carry.

    P.S. If this resonates with you and you want to go deeper, I’d love for you to check out my Foundations Course for artists. It’s a powerful discipleship journey designed to help you heal, grow, and step confidently into your God-given calling.

    Stay connected, keep creating, and remember — you were created to thrive.

  • When Heaven Meets Earth: The Hidden Power of Your Art

    When Heaven Meets Earth: The Hidden Power of Your Art

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    Issue #013

    What if I told you that your art—yes, the piece sitting half-finished on your studio table—was never meant to stay confined to your space?

    What if, when it leaves your hands, something eternal begins to unfold? That’s the kind of power we’re talking about this week. In Matthew 5:14–16, Jesus reminds us that we’re not just artists—we’re light-bearers. And when our creativity is rooted in connection with Him, it becomes a spiritual force that shifts atmospheres and opens hearts.

    You see, when heaven meets earth through your art, it’s not just about sales or social likes. It’s about obedience, presence, and impact. Your artwork, created in intimacy with the Holy Spirit, carries something eternal. You may never see all the lives your brushstrokes touch, but God does—and He uses every act of faith-filled creativity to plant seeds of truth, beauty, and restoration in the hearts of those who need it most.

    May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    I’m cheering you on, always!
    Matt Tommey

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    CONNECT

    You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
    — Matthew 5:14,16 (NLT)

    As artists, our instinct can sometimes be to retreat, to keep our creative expressions private or hidden. But Jesus calls us to something greater—to shine for His glory. Your art is not only a gift to you but a vessel through you for others to experience beauty, truth, and hope. When you share authentically from your heart, you’re revealing His nature.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for the creativity You’ve placed inside me. Help me not to hide my light but to share what You’ve given with boldness and joy. Let my art reflect Your love and goodness to the world around me. Teach me to trust You with every stroke and step.
    In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Step:
    Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one person this week who needs to see your art. Then share it with them as an intentional act of encouragement.

    CLARIFY

    This week, let’s get really clear: your art isn’t just for you—it’s a message, a ministry, and a mirror of God’s glory in your life. But if you’re not sharing it, it can’t do the work it was meant to do. Sometimes we get stuck thinking it has to be perfect or profound, but what really moves people is honesty and heart. Are you sharing from that space?

    Reflection Prompt:
    What’s one story behind your art that someone else needs to hear this week?

    Action Step:
    Choose one piece of your art and write a short description about its meaning. Post it online, email it to a friend, or print it out with a note. Let your work speak from your heart.

    CREATE

    Great art flows from deep connection. When your heart is full and your focus is clear, the creative process becomes not just productive—but prophetic. Sharing from the heart requires that we stay present in the studio, not distracted by trends or chasing perfection, but tuned in to what God is doing in and through us.

    Studio Action Step:
    Set aside one studio session this week to create without any agenda—no sales, no shows, no pressure. Just you, God, and the canvas. Let your spirit lead and see what pours out.

    CULTIVATE

    Marketing can feel impersonal when we forget the “why” behind it. But sharing your art from the heart is the most authentic marketing you can do. People connect with your story far more than just a product. When you let them in on the meaning behind the work, you invite them into a relationship—not just a transaction.

    Outreach Idea:
    Write a short behind-the-scenes story about one piece of your art and post it on your social media with a clear invitation: “If this speaks to you, I’d love to hear your story too.”

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Pinterest
    Visit Pinterest →

    Pinterest is a powerful tool for visually-inclined buyers and collectors—and it’s not just for recipes and mood boards! As a visual artist, you can use Pinterest as a living portfolio that attracts people who are searching for exactly what you create.

    Try This:
    Create a board titled “My Art” and begin pinning images of your work. Include your process, finished pieces, and even inspiration boards. Use keywords in your pin titles and descriptions to help collectors find you more easily.

    INSPIRE

    Colors of Community: Silver City’s 62-Foot Mural Unveiling
    A heartwarming mural in Silver City, Nevada, reminds us that art has the power to connect across generations and backgrounds. Led by Tridentata Arts, this 62-foot collaborative piece brought together over 35 community members to paint their town’s story—from historic landmarks to family picnics and riverside memories. Local churches donated supplies, students mixed paint, and elders shared tales that shaped the design.

    As Christian artists, let’s remember that our work doesn’t just live in frames—it lives in hearts. Maybe this week is the perfect time to co-create something in your studio with a friend, neighbor, or even a stranger who could use a little hope.

    Read the full story

    LISTEN

    Podcast Title: When Heaven Meets Earth: The Hidden Power of Your Art

    The moment your art leaves your studio, something more than marketing happens—it becomes a vessel of light in a world that desperately needs it. In this week’s episode, we explore Matthew 5:14–16 and the powerful truth that Jesus wasn’t speaking metaphorically when He called us “the light of the world.” Your creativity, when offered in obedience and connection with the Holy Spirit, becomes a supernatural force for transformation.

    This isn’t about algorithms or aesthetics—it’s about presence. I’m sharing powerful stories of how spirit-led artists have witnessed their work become bridges to healing, hope, and revelation. When you create from a place of intimacy with God, your art naturally carries His presence—and that presence shifts things in the spiritual realm, often in ways you’ll never fully see on this side of eternity.

    Key Takeaway:
    Your art isn’t just a gift—it’s a calling. When you create and share from the heart, God uses it to create sacred intersections where heaven touches earth.

    Listen Now

    WATCH

    This modern worship anthem invites us to open the doors of our hearts and “let the light in.” It’s a beautiful reminder that what God shines into us, we’re meant to shine out into the world. Let it inspire you to be bold, transparent, and joyful as you create this week.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Beth Affolter

    Letting Go, Leaning In, and CoCreating with God
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Beth Affolter, creating art isn’t just an activity—it’s a sacred collaboration. As a painter, teacher, and mentor, Beth has dedicated her life to helping others experience the joy of CoCreating with God—and she’s living proof that the creative journey can be one of both transformation and triumph.

    Beth works primarily in acrylic and oils, with a thriving business that includes live wedding paintings, art instruction, and spiritual mentoring. Her heart is to awaken creativity in others and help them recognize that artistic expression isn’t just a gift—it’s part of our divine DNA. “I believe creativity is in us all,” she says. “It’s inherited and deeply woven into who we are.”

    Her life changed dramatically after joining the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.

    “CTT completely lifted and changed my life. I let go of so many lies I’d been fostering and came into deeper intimacy with Christ. Now, I’m creating a beautiful business with God at the center—and it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

    Beth spent years striving on her own, trying to make it all work through sheer effort. “I felt completely empty,” she admits. “But when I entered CTT, everything clicked. I realized it’s not about performance—it’s about the process, and glorifying Him through it.”

    That surrender has led to powerful moments, including one unforgettable piece she painted during a Bible study. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, she began adding textures and colors to worship music, not knowing where it would lead. The result? A piece that won first place in a state art show, brought light into a spiritually dark environment, and eventually brought a young woman to tears—leading her boyfriend to purchase it for her. “God showed up big time,” Beth says. “That piece was saturated with His presence.”

    Beth’s spiritual and creative rhythm is rooted in worship music, which she uses to enter into God’s presence before she paints. “I get lost in the music, then the worship, and then I am really connected to the work.”

    Her encouragement to fellow artists is heartfelt and hard-won:
    🎨 “Don’t give up—lean in closer to God. Not every piece will be a masterpiece, and that’s OK. It’s about the journey.”

    Now part of the Created to Thrive Mastery Program, Beth is learning to balance discipline with grace with personal one-on-one and small group artist mentoring led by Matt & Tanya Tommey. She’s spending more time in the studio, renewing her mind daily, and—perhaps most importantly—letting go of the need to prove herself. “I’m also looking at my numbers more intentionally and adjusting where needed. God is in the details, too.”

    Beth’s journey is a radiant example of what happens when we stop striving and start partnering—with the Holy Spirit, with the creative process, and with the purpose God has placed in us all.

    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.

  • Your Studio is Holy Ground, Not Just a Workspace

    Your Studio is Holy Ground, Not Just a Workspace

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    ISSUE #008

    Have you ever stopped to consider that your studio—whether it’s a spare bedroom, a corner of the garage, or a table in the kitchen—is more than just a place where you “make stuff”?

    According to Exodus 35:35, God gave Bezalel and Oholiab not only the skills to create but the wisdom and inspiration to do so in a way that honored Him. The same Spirit that filled them is alive in you.

    What if we began to treat our creative spaces like holy ground? Not because of the space itself, but because of the presence of the Creator meeting us there.

    This week, I want to help you reframe your studio time as sacred time. Let’s move from obligation to overflow, from hustle to holy ground.

    I’m always cheering you on!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

    Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    CONNECT

    “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work… and the ability to teach others.” – Exodus 35:35 NIV

    God didn’t just give Bezalel and Oholiab artistic skill—He gave them divine purpose and presence in the work. Your studio is no different. It’s the place where you and the Holy Spirit co-labor to release beauty, healing, and hope into the world. The paint, the clay, the fibers—they’re not just materials. They’re instruments of worship.

    Prayer:
    Holy Spirit, meet me in my studio today. Remind me that I’m not just creating alone—I’m co-creating with You. Let every brushstroke, sketch, and stitch become an offering that glorifies You. May this space be filled with Your peace, presence, and power. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Before you begin your next session, pause. Invite God into your creative time. Speak this out loud: “This studio is holy ground because You’re here.”

    CLARIFY

    This week, shift your focus from output to overflow. It’s easy to get caught up in what needs to be done—deadlines, shows, inventory—but what if your primary goal was intimacy with the Creator in your creative process? Invite God to set your priorities as you intentionally cooperate with Him.

    Strategic Reflection:
    Where have I been striving instead of abiding in my creative work?

    Action Step:
    Write a one-sentence declaration that aligns your week with God’s leading. Example: “This week, I will create from a place of peace and presence, not pressure.”

    CREATE

    When your hands move in alignment with Heaven, your art becomes more than aesthetic—it becomes prophetic. Whether you’re finishing a painting, shaping clay, or weaving a piece, remember: your creativity is part of your Kingdom assignment.

    Studio Action Step:
    Create one piece this week as a “firstfruits” offering—no pressure to sell or perfect it. Simply create with the Lord and ask Him what He wants to express through you.

    CULTIVATE

    People don’t just want to buy art—they want to feel something when they see it. And when your studio becomes holy ground, the art you make carries that presence with it. That’s something your audience can sense.

    Marketing Tip:
    When posting your art, invite engagement that connects viewers to God’s Word. Ask: “Which verse or word does this piece remind you of?”
    Then respond to every comment to deepen the connection.

    Weekly Outreach Idea:
    Post one new photo on your Facebook page or profile this week using that question. Then DM one or two thoughtful responders to thank them personally for engaging.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Facebook
    Tool Tip: Don’t underestimate Facebook! It’s still one of the best places to build authentic relationships with your community.

    Try this:

    • Post a new photo of your art.
    • Add the question: “Which verse or word does this piece remind you of?”
    • Engage thoughtfully with every comment to build genuine connection.

    Go to Facebook and try it today!

    LISTEN

    Episode: The Studio is Your Sanctuary – Creating with God, Not Just for Him

    Ever felt that creative spark and wondered where it truly comes from? This week’s podcast explores the profound truth that your studio isn’t just a workspace—it’s sacred ground. Just like Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35, you’ve been filled with God’s Spirit to create in ways that carry His presence into the world around you.

    We’ll dive into the Hebrew roots of creativity—yetser (internal formation) and yatsar (external crafting)—and how your art becomes a powerful expression of what God is doing inside you. I’ll also share simple, practical ways to invite God’s presence into your creative space, whether it’s a full studio or a quiet corner in your home.

    Key Takeaway: When you dedicate your space to the Lord and assume His nearness, your creativity becomes more than output—it becomes overflow. Your art transforms from decoration into declaration, and you shift from working for God to working with Him.

    Tune in and share it with a fellow artist who needs to reclaim their creative space as holy ground.

    Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at http://www.matttommeymentoring.com/podcast

    WATCH

    To deepen this week’s theme—“Your Studio is Holy Ground”—immerse yourself in the live worship experience of Make Room by Kim Walker-Smith. This powerful anthem invites us to surrender our traditions and make space for God’s transformative presence. As you listen, let the lyrics inspire you to dedicate your creative space as sacred ground where divine collaboration unfolds.

    Let this song set the atmosphere in your studio, turning your creative process into a holy encounter.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Amy Peterman

    Painting the Trees, Telling the Stories
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Amy Peterman, painting the landscapes of Northern Michigan isn’t just about capturing scenic beauty—it’s about telling stories, connecting hearts, and releasing the comfort of God through every brushstroke.

    When Amy joined the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, her focus was clear: she wanted to grow her art business and connect with a community of like-minded Christian creatives. But what she found went far deeper.

    “CTT and the Mastery Program have been game-changers for me. Not only has my business grown, but I had no idea God would do such deep work in my heart. It’s the best investment I’ve made for my art and my heart.”

    Amy is a gifted landscape painter whose work resonates deeply with those who treasure the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Many of her collectors are seeking to capture that love through original artwork for their homes—and Amy considers it a joy to help them do just that.

    One powerful moment in her journey came during one of the 2-day destination Mastery Retreats, where fellow Created to Thrive member Beth Affolter led a Holy Spirit-led brain mapping session. “I very clearly heard God tell me I needed to paint trees,” Amy recalls. “Since then, they’ve been flowing off my brush—including my largest commission to date!”

    Her work doesn’t just connect visually—it connects emotionally and spiritually. At an art fair last summer, one man tearfully purchased a print that reminded him of a cherished path to the beach near a friend’s cottage. That friend had passed away, and another could no longer travel. Holding the print, he said: “I know it’s not THAT path, but to me it is.” Amy reflects, “What an honor to think that God had me paint that as part of His plan to comfort this man.”

    In the studio, Amy keeps a large Petoskey stone near her door—a visual reminder to release the mental weight she’s not meant to carry. “When I’m overwhelmed, I look at that stone and ask the Lord to take the heavy stuff so I can focus on what He’s called me to do.”

    On the business side, she’s learning valuable lessons as she grows. “Have a clear commission agreement. Seriously—it will save you so many headaches.” And when it comes to perfectionism, Amy encourages artists not to get stuck in fear.

    Her encouragement to fellow artists:
    🎨 “You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Just get out there and do your thing! You’ll learn as you go—and if you’re doing the CTT modules, you’ve already got a huge advantage.”

    Her outreach is working too—new clients are finding her through both social media and SEO, including a recent wholesale client who found her on Instagram and a commission client who simply searched “Michigan artist” online. WOW!

    For Amy Peterman, art is about more than paint—it’s about presence. The presence of God, the power of memory, and the joy of knowing that her art can bring healing and hope, one piece at a time.

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    Resources for Christian Artists

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