• Why Your Art Matters More Than You Think

    Why Your Art Matters More Than You Think

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    ISSUE #014

    Have you ever wondered if your art really matters? If it’s just a hobby, something fun to do on the side—or if it actually has eternal significance?

    This week, I want to remind you that your art isn’t just a personal pastime; it’s a divine invitation. God planted creativity deep inside you as a reflection of His own heart, and when you create, you’re partnering with Him to release beauty, hope, and transformation into the world.

    In my new YouTube video, “Why Your Art Matters More Than You Think,” I explore this truth in depth. I believe it’s going to awaken something inside you and help you see your art through God’s eyes—full of purpose, power, and potential. 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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    Scripture: Genesis 1:27 (NLT) — “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

    Devotional Thought:
    You were created in the image of a Creator. That’s not a coincidence; it’s a calling. Your creativity is a mirror reflecting His beauty and goodness to a world desperate for authentic hope. Whether you paint, sculpt, weave, or write—each brushstroke or word is an invitation for someone to encounter the heart of God.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for making me in Your image and entrusting me with creative gifts. Help me to see my art as a holy calling and to use it to bring Your love and light into the world. Give me courage to share it boldly and faithfully. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Take 10 minutes today to journal about how your art reflects God’s image and ask Him to reveal fresh ways to use it to bless others.

    CLARIFY

    This week, let’s get super clear: Your art is not an afterthought—it’s an assignment. If God has given you this gift, it deserves your time, focus, and energy. Think of your creative practice as a ministry to both your own soul and to others who will experience it.

    Reflect on what it would look like to honor your art as a divine calling. What small changes could you make this week to treat it with the importance it deserves? Maybe it’s scheduling studio time, investing in new materials, or simply sharing a piece online.

    Action Step:
    Write down one concrete way you’ll prioritize your art this week—and put it on your calendar today.

    CREATE

    When we step into the studio, we’re not just making “things.” We’re participating in God’s ongoing act of creation. Every moment you spend creating is an opportunity to cultivate intimacy with Him and let His Spirit flow through you.

    Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When you create, do it wholeheartedly, knowing you’re offering it as worship.

    Action Step:
    Set aside a focused block of time this week (even just an hour!) to create purely for the joy of it, inviting God into every brushstroke, stitch, or note.

    CULTIVATE

    Your audience isn’t just potential customers—they’re people who long to encounter hope and beauty. When you share your art, you’re opening a door for God to move in unexpected ways.

    Think about how you can invite people into your creative story this week. Maybe it’s a behind-the-scenes video, a personal post about what inspired your latest piece, or an in-person conversation at your church or local art fair.

    Action Step:
    Choose one piece of art and write a short story about its meaning or process. Share it on social media and invite your audience to respond.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    🎯 Pinterest: Your Visual Testimony Board
    Pinterest isn’t just a platform for recipes and home décor—it’s a powerful tool for artists! Create boards that share your creative journey, finished pieces, and process shots. Each pin becomes an opportunity for someone to discover your work and connect with the message behind it.

    Check out Pinterest for artists: https://business.pinterest.com

    INSPIRE

    At Waunakee High School in Wisconsin, many students thought 18-year-old Molly Schafer was a loner. But instead of withdrawing completely, Molly chose a surprising way to reconnect: she painted 44 stunning portraits of her classmates — spending over 600 hours in her garage loft to bring them to life.

    Her courageous gesture left her peers deeply moved and reflecting on the power of connection. Molly’s story reminds us that art can be a bridge to healing and unexpected friendship — if we’re willing to take the first step.

    Read the Full Story or watch below

    LISTEN

    Podcast Episode: Authentically Connecting on Social Media

    Gone are the days of just posting pretty pictures and waiting for sales. In 2025, it’s all about building authentic, heart-level connection. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing exactly what turns casual followers into passionate collectors — and spoiler alert: it’s not about algorithm hacks or perfect photos.

    We’ll unpack how to tell your story in a way that invites people into your world, use each social platform strategically (yes, even TikTok!), and make real invitations instead of surface-level announcements. Whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, or anywhere else, this episode gives you practical steps to build a true community that loves your art and wants to support your journey.

    Key takeaway: When you lead with authenticity and connection, you don’t just gain followers — you build a family of collectors who believe in you.

    Listen Now

    WATCH

    “Canvas and Clay” by Pat Barrett
    This beautiful worship song captures the heart of being God’s artwork—shaped, molded, and refined by the Master Artist. Let it remind you that you are a masterpiece in progress and that your art can reflect His goodness no matter where you are on the journey.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Shana Grugan

    Layers of Beauty, Shadows of His Presence
    Website | Instagram

    For Shana Grugan, art isn’t just about what we see on the surface—it’s about uncovering the deep, unseen processes that reflect God’s presence and promises.

    Shana is an acrylic painter working on canvas, panel, and paper, inspired by the natural world, especially botanicals. But it’s not just the flowers and plants themselves that capture her imagination—it’s the story behind them. The seed buried underground, the rooting before sprouting, the play of light and shadows—all of it mirrors God’s ways in our lives.

    “My hope is that the final image of beauty beckons the viewer to lean closer to ponder the process beneath it,” she says.

    Her current body of work focuses on shadow shapes, each unique and fleeting—like a whispered promise from God that is here today and never the same again. This revelation began during a season of exhaustion when she noticed the dancing tree shadows on the pavement while taking her new puppy outside. Psalm 91:1 came alive: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” It was a moment of profound rest and covering that forever marked her creative path.

    Through the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, Shana went from wrestling with doubt and the question, “Am I good enough?” to becoming fully persuaded by God’s promises over her life.

    “I now have a God-given vision as my roadmap for my life, creative work, and business,” she shares. “I’ve learned to apply ‘faithful with little, ruler of much,’ and as I take steps of faith, God shows up!”

    One beautiful example of this was a recent divine connection with an author of a Christian mini-book series. Years after praying with her at church, Shana was invited to create art for the book’s cover—a commission she would have previously shied away from. She stepped out in faith and was blessed to see God use her art to encourage and inspire others through the book’s message.

    At the heart of Shana’s life and practice is journaling the voice of God. This is not compartmentalized—it’s foundational to every part of her creative and spiritual life. She writes, listens, and co-creates with the Lord, uncovering layers of His goodness along the way.

    Her encouragement to fellow artists?
    “Remember God’s vision for your life. Make it real by imagining it, regularly. Then take the one step He shows you and say yes to the invitation. Be faithful and joyful in the journey.”

    Currently in a season of “simplifying” and “fertilizing,” Shana is focusing deeply on her most fruitful gallery relationships, intentional learning, and meeting consistently with an artist friend for encouragement and accountability.

    Through every layer, texture, and shadow, Shana Grugan invites us to look deeper—beyond the surface—to see the hidden beauty of God at work in every season.

    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.

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

    When Heaven Meets Earth: The Hidden Power of Your Art

    ,

    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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    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.

  • When Heaven Touches Earth: How God Uses Ordinary Things for Supernatural Impact

    When Heaven Touches Earth: How God Uses Ordinary Things for Supernatural Impact

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    As children of God, we’ve been invited into His supernatural process of creativity to reveal and reflect His glory in the world. Our lives are meant to be an overflow of His presence—an intersection point where heaven meets earth through us.

    One of the most beautiful ways we walk that out is by following Jesus’ example: taking what’s natural, speaking life to it through the power of the Holy Spirit, and watching God transform it into a supernatural expression of His glory (John 14:12, Romans 8:11).

    God modeled this from the beginning. He could’ve spoken humanity into existence with a word—just like He did the sun, moon, and stars. But He didn’t. He chose to stoop down, take the dirt of the earth, form it with His hands, and breathe His very life into it (Genesis 2:7). That wasn’t just about creating man—it was about modeling a divine process. He wanted us to see that transformation often comes when heaven touches earth through willing hands.

    Of course, we know in the Kingdom we have authority to speak things into being. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “life and death are in the power of the tongue,” and Romans 4:17 declares that we can call those things which do not exist as though they did. When we pray in faith and align our words with God’s will, heaven responds.

    But there’s another dimension of supernatural living I want to highlight—one that’s hands-on and participatory. When Jesus performed His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, it wasn’t flashy or self-promoting. He wasn’t trying to make a name for Himself. He was moved by compassion and love for His mother. Quietly and intentionally, He turned water into wine—not just any wine, but the best wine—because that’s what love does (John 2:1–11).

    That act was simple yet profound: a moment of honor, love, and faith. He took something ordinary and transformed it for Kingdom purpose. And He did it without fanfare.

    Later, when Jesus encountered the blind man, He didn’t just heal him with a word. He got His hands dirty—literally. He spit into the dust and formed mud. He took something of Himself and something from the earth, combining them in a supernatural process that restored sight (John 9:6–7). That wasn’t just a healing—it was a prophetic picture.

    Jesus, the Living Word, blended heaven and earth in His own hands and released the power of the Kingdom. What was once dirt became destiny. Those weren’t just mudballs—they were miracles in the making.

    That same pattern shows up all throughout Scripture. God places something in the hands of His people—a rod, a jar of oil, five loaves and two fish—and invites them to trust Him. Through obedience and faith, the natural becomes the setting for supernatural release (Exodus 14:16, 2 Kings 4:1–7, John 6:1–13).

    Despite what religious ivory towers may teach, the supernatural life isn’t a thing of the past. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11). Jesus said we would do the works He did—and even greater (John 14:12). That’s not a metaphor. That’s a mandate.

    Jesus came not only to redeem and restore us but to model how to operate supernaturally in the natural world. Not just by speaking things into existence, but by exercising dominion over the earth through faith, obedience, and creative partnership with the Father.

    So let me ask you:
    What mudballs has the Lord placed in your hands?
    What ordinary thing could become extraordinary under the influence of your faith and His grace?

    You weren’t placed in this world just to pray for change—you were born to release the Kingdom. God has already placed ideas, resources, relationships, and opportunities around you. Ask Him to show you how to use what you’ve got to bring Him glory and transform lives.

    When heaven touches earth through you, miracles happen.

    Find out more about how to walk in God’s IDEAL for Kingdom Living.

  • Transforming Your Creative Process through Mindful Daydreaming

    Transforming Your Creative Process through Mindful Daydreaming

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    ISSUE #010

    Hey there, friend. Let me ask you a question: When was the last time you let your mind drift in peace, without guilt or pressure to “get something done”? As artists, we often find ourselves battling the tension between productivity and presence. But what if I told you that daydreaming—yes, that quiet, unstructured wandering of the mind—isn’t a waste of time, but a doorway to divine inspiration?

    This week, I want to encourage you to step back, breathe deeply, and allow your thoughts to wander in the light of God’s truth. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. That kind of thinking isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. It’s creative fertilizer that nourishes our inner world so something beautiful can grow on the canvas, the page, or in the studio.

    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!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

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    Scripture: Philippians 4:8

    In a noisy, fast-paced world, our thoughts can easily become scattered or focused on things that don’t align with God’s best for us. But Scripture gives us a beautiful filter in Philippians 4:8—a checklist of things worthy of our attention. As creative people, our thoughts often spark our next masterpiece. So why not fuel them with truth, beauty, and goodness?

    God created our minds to be fertile soil for His inspiration. When we anchor our thoughts in what is noble, lovely, and admirable, we give the Holy Spirit a place to stir our creativity in ways that reflect His heart. Rather than chasing fleeting trends or comparing ourselves with others, we learn to stay grounded in what’s eternal.

    Prayer:
    Father, train my thoughts to rest in what You say is lovely, pure, and worthy of praise. Let my imagination be shaped by Your truth, and may everything I create reflect the beauty of Your nature. Help me tune out the noise and tune into Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Set a timer for 10–15 minutes each morning this week. Read Philippians 4:8 slowly, and then quietly sit with the Lord. Ask Him to show you how He sees you, your art, and the world. Write down any images, phrases, or impressions you receive.

    CLARIFY

    Creative overwhelm often stems from trying to do too much at once—or not being clear about what really matters. When we pause and clarify our goals in light of God’s direction, we stop chasing and start creating from a place of peace. This kind of clarity doesn’t come from hustling harder; it comes from aligning our priorities with Kingdom values.

    You don’t have to accomplish everything this week. But you can move forward with purpose when your heart and goals are aligned with the truth. So take time to reflect—where is God leading you? What would bring the most life, joy, and alignment to your creative process this week?

    Reflection Prompt:
    What goals have I been striving toward that no longer feel in alignment with where God is leading me creatively? What one or two things could I focus on this week that feel life-giving, meaningful, and aligned?

    Practical Action Step:
    Choose three clear goals for your week that reflect your current season and God’s direction. Write them down and post them somewhere visible in your workspace. Let these goals become your creative compass.

    CREATE

    Let’s be honest—it can feel counterproductive to stop and do “nothing” when there’s so much to make, market, or manage in your art business. But your most meaningful work often comes not from effort alone but from giving your mind the space to breathe, play, and explore.

    Mindful daydreaming isn’t escapism—it’s a sacred part of the creative process. It’s in those unstructured moments that God can whisper fresh ideas, patterns, metaphors, and colors that are uniquely yours. Think of it like letting a field lie fallow for a season so it can yield a better harvest.

    Studio Inspiration:
    This week, pick one new medium, material, or subject you wouldn’t normally use. Don’t plan. Just play. Use the time as a creative “wander session” and don’t worry about the final product.

    Creative Action Step:
    Each day, carve out 15–20 minutes where you step into your studio, not to produce, but to explore. Use that time to fiddle, doodle, layer, experiment, or even just journal. Record anything interesting that emerges without judgment.

    CULTIVATE

    People don’t just want to buy your art—they want to know you. They want to understand the story behind your work, what inspired it, and how your faith shows up in what you create. When you share your journey with vulnerability and intention, you invite your audience into something much bigger than just a transaction.

    Connection creates trust. Trust leads to impact. And impact opens the door for deeper relationship and future opportunities.

    Marketing Tip:
    Rather than just posting a finished piece online, consider writing a short narrative post or recording a voice memo to share the backstory behind your creative process. Tell your audience what you were thinking about, what God was speaking, or what challenge you overcame in the making of it.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Share one story this week on social media or your email list about the process behind your favorite piece of the week. Include a photo or video and ask a thoughtful question to encourage engagement. Example: “Where do you see God showing up in your creative process lately?”

    INSPIRE

    Seeds of Wonder – Nature as a Creative Spark

    In a beautiful commentary published by STLPR, artist and writer Sarah Hermes Griesbach explores how seeds—yes, literal seeds—have become a vibrant metaphor for her creative life. She writes about the wonder of nature’s hidden potential, and how something so small and overlooked can carry within it a vast world of creative possibility. Her words remind us that inspiration often comes from the quiet, the humble, and the overlooked.

    Whether you’re working in paint, clay, fabric, or metal, her reflections on the beauty of seeds will rekindle your sense of awe and invite you to see nature as both teacher and muse.

    Read the full article:
    Seeds Are a Good Source of Inspiration for Visual Artists – STLPR

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Voice Memos (iPhone or Android)

    Have you ever had a brilliant idea while driving or walking that was gone five minutes later? Your phone’s Voice Memos app can be one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in your creative arsenal. It allows you to instantly capture inspired thoughts, project ideas, spontaneous prayers, or studio revelations—without needing to stop and write.

    This is especially helpful for artists who think better out loud or who get “downloads” when their hands are busy but their hearts are open.

    Pro Tip:
    Create a folder in your Voice Memos app titled “Creative Ideas” or “Holy Spirit Sparks.” When inspiration hits, hit record—even if you’re mid-paint or mid-walk. Later, you can transcribe or organize these thoughts into project plans, journal entries, or blog content.

    Link to Learn More:
    Voice Memos App Support

    LISTEN

    Podcast Title: Mindful Daydreaming: Unlocking Creative Potential
    Listen Now

    In this powerful episode, we unpack how purposeful reflection and spiritual daydreaming can become the fuel for creative flow. I share stories from my own artistic practice where moments of silence, margin, and imagination led to breakthroughs I never could have strategized. You’ll also hear simple, actionable ways to incorporate sacred rest into your week so your ideas can grow from within.

    Key Takeaway:
    Creativity flourishes in wide, open spaces. When we slow down, God often speeds up the flow of inspiration and insight. Making room to dream is a powerful act of trust in your creative process—and in the God who leads it.

    WATCH

    Song: “Getting Ready” – Maverick City Music x UPPERROOM
    This worship anthem invites us into a place of joyful expectation and sacred preparation. It’s a beautiful soundtrack for creative reflection, especially when you’re pondering what’s next, what God is birthing, or simply sitting in His presence. Let it accompany your studio time this week as a reminder that Heaven is always near—and creativity is part of your preparation.

    Watch Now on YouTube

    FEATURED ARTIST: Sandra Lett

    From Brokenness to Beauty—Painting Healing Through Every Stroke
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Sandra Lett, art is more than her profession—it’s her calling, her healing, and her ministry.

    Sandra has been a professional visual artist for 27 years, working with bold acrylic florals, birds, nature-inspired pieces, expressive portraits, alcohol inks, and vibrant resin home décor. But it was in a season of deep personal struggle—when her son was battling addiction and she was facing anxiety, depression, and spiritual warfare—that God met her in a powerful way through the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.

    “Matt’s testimony came across my Facebook feed at a time when I was desperate for hope. His story touched me, and I jumped right in. CTT propelled me into a new season—one of healing, restoration, and powerful new vision.”

    Sandra’s journey in the program opened her eyes to a new understanding: that art can be ministry. “I had been a Christian all my life,” she says, “but I had never heard that my art could be a ministry to others. That changed everything.”

    One of her most powerful projects came through a Holy Spirit nudge to explore healing through brokenness. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi—the art of mending broken pottery with gold—Sandra created a series of six life-sized portraits called the Kintsugi Women, featuring raised gold-leaf cracks and stories of restoration. Not only did every piece sell, but her posts reached over 10,000 reactions on Facebook, with messages flooding in from people deeply touched by her vulnerability. “They told me, ‘You’re painting my story.’ But really—I was painting mine,” she says. “And God used it to minister to both of us.”

    Each piece Sandra creates begins with prayer and intentional surrender. She invites God into every brushstroke, trusting Him for guidance and impact. “He never disappoints.”

    Through her time in Created to Thrive, she’s learned to release control, receive Christian counseling, and surrender expectations for others while allowing God to do a deep inner work in her. That release, she says, brought breakthrough.

    Her encouragement to other artists is as bold and clear as her color palette:
    🎨 “Don’t resist change. Let go of what’s holding you back and ask God to give you new thoughts and creative anointing. He will.”

    And when it comes to growing your art business? Sandra doesn’t mince words:
    📢 “Put yourself out there. Post, post, post. Promote yourself, and allow God to do the rest. If your heart is aligned with Him, He’ll bring people to you.”

    Sandra’s work continues to touch lives through beauty, transparency, and truth. And in every piece, she’s living proof that God can use art to bring light, healing, and hope—one canvas at a time.

    Here’s a transformation video we did about Sandra several years ago. Enjoy!

    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 Voice Carries Healing – Spiritually and Physically

    Your Voice Carries Healing – Spiritually and Physically

    ISSUE #009

    Hey my friend! Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after worshiping, praying out loud, or just letting your creativity flow without judgment? There’s a reason for that—and it’s not just spiritual.

    It turns out, God wired your body with a built-in system of healing called the vagus nerve, and activating it is one of the simplest ways to calm your mind and body. Singing, praying aloud, creating—these aren’t just nice things to do. They’re transformational tools, both spiritually and physically.

    This week, I want to help you connect the dots between your creative calling and your God-designed nervous system. Psalm 59:16 reminds us to “sing of Your power… and shout for joy in the morning”—because joy, peace, and healing are released when we open our mouths and engage with God’s presence. Whether you’re in a high moment or fighting through heaviness, your voice is a weapon and a healing balm. Don’t let the enemy keep you silent—lift your voice and watch peace flood your studio.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

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    CONNECT

    Activate Peace by Using Your Voice

    “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.” — Psalm 59:16 NLT

    God didn’t design you to suffer in silence. He designed your body to respond to worship. Speaking God’s Word aloud, singing in the Spirit, and declaring truth over your creative process actually stimulates the vagus nerve—bringing peace to your nervous system. It’s how faith and science beautifully collide.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for the gift of my voice. Help me use it to declare Your truth, sing Your praises, and partner with You in my creative process. Fill my space with Your presence and bring healing to my spirit, soul, and body as I lift up Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Start and end each studio session this week by declaring Psalm 59:16 aloud. Let your voice set the spiritual tone in your space.

    CLARIFY

    Focus Your Heart and Hands for the Week

    With everything pulling at your attention, clarity is a gift you have to cultivate intentionally. Instead of letting your day run you, take a moment to pause and ask the Lord, “What’s my focus this week in the studio?” Is it starting something new, finishing a long-standing piece, reaching out to a collector, or simply creating in peace?

    Clarity doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from alignment. When you start your week with God, He’ll help you focus on the right thing, not just the next thing.

    Focus Prompt:
    What’s one specific action God is leading me to focus on creatively this week?

    Action Step:
    Write your focus at the top of your planner or post it in your studio. Example: “This week, I will complete the background layers for my newest painting while staying in a posture of worship and trust.”

    Let that clarity guide your decisions, your schedule, and your energy.

    CREATE

    Making Art is Medicine

    Did you know just 45 minutes of creative activity lowers cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone? And that’s true even if you don’t consider yourself “an artist.” Creating taps into your God-given design and brings healing from the inside out.

    Creative Insight:
    Your time in the studio isn’t a luxury—it’s part of God’s prescription for your well-being.

    Studio Action Step:
    Set a timer for 45 minutes this week and let yourself create freely without overthinking. Let your art be a response to God’s presence—not a performance.

    CULTIVATE

    Use Your Voice to Connect Authentically

    When you share your art publicly, your voice is just as important as the visual. What you say about your work, your process, and your journey can invite others into deeper connection—not just with you, but with the Lord.

    Marketing Tip:
    Record a short voice memo or video explaining the heart behind a piece you’re sharing this week. Post it alongside the art to increase engagement and connection.

    Weekly Outreach Idea:
    Message 2–3 followers or collectors with a personal voice note thanking them for their encouragement. Watch how your authenticity opens doors.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Tool: Voice Memos App (iPhone) or similar audio recorder

    Tip: Use your smartphone’s voice recording app to capture spontaneous prayers, declarations, or worship songs during your creative time. These moments of Spirit-led expression can later bring encouragement, clarity, and healing.

    Action Step:
    This week, take 5–10 minutes at the start or end of your creative time to record yourself speaking God’s Word over your journey. Play it back later to reinforce truth and remember what God is doing.

    👉 Learn how to use Voice Memos on iPhone

    LISTEN

    This Week’s Episode: How Worship & Creativity Heal Your Nervous System

    Have you ever wondered why you feel physically better after worshiping or creating? In this episode, I explore the vagus nerve—the biological pathway that connects worship and creativity to peace in your body. From Acts 16 to scientific studies, we’re seeing that God’s design for your voice and creativity is more than spiritual—it’s therapeutic.

    Key Takeaway: Worship, declaration, and creativity all activate your body’s healing mechanisms. Your voice is more powerful than you think.

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

    WATCH

    This week’s worship recommendation is a powerful declaration song that aligns perfectly with our focus. “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle is a bold anthem that reminds us of the authority and healing power in the name of Jesus. As you sing or listen, remember—your voice carries Heaven’s authority. Speak His name over your studio, your family, your creativity, and your mind.

    🎶 “Your name is power, Your name is healing, Your name is life.”

    FEATURED ARTIST: Mark Ford

    A New Beginning on the Canvas and in Christ
    📍 Website

    For Mark Ford, the journey back to art wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a spiritual awakening. His rediscovery of painting coincided with a powerful move of God in his life, and since then, every brushstroke has become an act of worship.

    Mark grew up along the coast, surrounded by the rhythms of tides, the beauty of seabirds, and the peaceful presence of marine life. Today, he brings those scenes to life through acrylic coastal paintings on canvas, capturing the essence of the shoreline he loves so much.

    Art has always been close to Mark’s heart. “My mother was an artist with an impressive career,” he shares. “She introduced me to painting early on, and unlike my brothers, I was hooked.” His life has always been woven with creativity—from touring the country with his musically inclined family to working hands-on in the construction world. But when a construction-related health limitation forced him to stop working, Mark turned his attention back to art—and back to God.

    That turning point was sparked by a gift from his daughter: Unlocking the Heart of the Artist by Matt Tommey. “The book was fantastic,” he recalls. “It gave me the inspiration and clarity I needed to start a real relationship with God.” And that relationship quickly became personal. “One night, God spoke to me in a dream. I saw a full-color sunrise over my favorite coastal spot, and He told me to paint it and name it A New Beginning.” Mark obeyed, and it marked the beginning of a Spirit-led creative journey.

    Since then, Mark has experienced God’s grace and inspiration in his studio again and again. One special moment came when he felt led to paint a prophetic piece for his niece, who was struggling through law school. “God told me she needed something beautiful to remind her of her strength and support. I painted a group of ibis in the surf at Miami Beach and gave it to her.” She wept when she received it—and today, she’s a successful attorney. “Thank you, God!” Mark says with gratitude.

    His spiritual rhythm is grounded in daily prayer and showing up in the studio consistently. His encouragement to others?
    🙏 “Pray and worship God. Ask for His help, clean out the trash in your head, and LISTEN.”

    Whether he’s painting waves, birds, or sunrise scenes, Mark Ford continues to create from a place of trust and obedience—sharing beauty, peace, and the presence of God with every piece.

    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.