• The Power of Boundaries for Artistic Breakthrough

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    ISSUE #022

    This week, I’m thrilled to delve into a topic that can transform your creative journey from scattered to sacred: the power of boundaries. Too often, we imagine that creativity thrives only in limitless freedom, but the truth—rooted in both spiritual wisdom and artistic practice—is that boundaries channel our creative anointing. As we explore how boundaries bring clarity, protection, and momentum to our work, I pray you’ll see them not as restrictions, but as holy guardrails for divine expression.

    I write to you with a heart full of encouragement: God has entrusted you with a creative calling that matters deeply. That calling deserves intentional space—time, energy, focus—to grow into its fullest expression. This week’s guiding Scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:23 (“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful.”), reminds us: our freedom in Christ empowers us to choose wisely, aligning our actions with what truly serves our purpose, our well-being, and the Kingdom.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – We’re looking for more Featured Artists for the weekly newsletter. You can apply via the link at the bottom of this issue. Do it! The world needs to see your art 🙂

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    CONNECT

    Your creative impulses are a sacred gift, and boundaries are spiritual tools that nurture their flourishing. Just as God set boundaries around creation—separating land from sea, light from darkness—He calls you to honor the rhythm of your gift with structure, not to contain it, but to cultivate it.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for the creative call You’ve placed on my life. Teach me to set boundaries that protect my creative time, my energy, and my focus. Help me see these guardrails not as limitations, but as ways to steward Your gift well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one area where your boundaries feel weak this week (time, yes‑es, content, environment). Pray for wisdom to strengthen that boundary with kindness toward yourself and obedience to your creative calling.

    CLARIFY

    1 Corinthians 10:23 reminds us that although we’re free, not everything benefits our creative purpose. Boundaries help us filter what is helpful from what is merely permissible. When you clarify priorities and honor what fosters flow, you align with God’s intention for you to bear fruit in your artistry.

    Reflection:
    Consider: what activities or distractions are currently draining your creative energy? What small boundary could you set this week to protect your core creative work—your “yes” that matters most?

    Practical Action Step:
    Commit to identifying one non‑essential task you can say “no” to this week. Use that margin to say “yes” to your art with renewed focus.

    CREATE

    Creativity thrives in sacred rhythm—space held by boundaries invites God’s inspiration to move. Like rhythms in music that make melody memorable, boundaries bring clarity to your creative voice.

    Imagine your creativity as a river needing banks to run deep and strong. Without them, it spreads thin. Boundaries strengthen your creative flow.

    Studio Action Step:
    Start using your “Creative Flow Tracker” Notion page. Track Time Started, Project Name, Distractions, and How You Felt Afterwards—you’ll begin to notice patterns and sacred rhythms emerging.

    CULTIVATE

    God invites us to steward our gifts — including how we connect with our audience and community. Boundaries help us cultivate deeper, more meaningful engagement—not burnout.

    Marketing/Connection Tip:
    Set a boundary around your outreach. Maybe choose one dedicated “connection hour” each week for social media, emails, or community engagement—and honor it as non‑negotiable.

    Outreach Action Suggestion:
    Schedule one post or email this week that shares not just art, but a behind‑the‑scenes moment about your boundary journey—inviting others to see and be inspired by holy guardrails in action.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Notion
    Purpose: A flexible digital workspace to capture ideas, organize tasks, and reflect on your journey.

    Tip: Create a Notion page titled “Creative Flow Tracker.” Add these columns:

    • Time Started – when you begin working
    • Project Name – what you’re working on
    • Distractions – what pulled your focus
    • How You Felt Afterwards – your emotional or spiritual state post-session

    This simple tracker becomes a powerful tool—revealing trends, honoring rhythms, and helping you refine the boundaries that deepen your creative practice. Notion link

    LISTEN & WATCH

    LISTEN NOW

    This episode flips the script on boundaries—showing how they don’t stifle creativity, but sharpen it. Drawing on decades of experience and Scripture, Matt Tommey shares that boundaries are sacred guardrails—time, energy, content—that channel creative flow. “If your creative calling was important enough for God to give it to you, it’s important enough for you to set boundaries around it.” This teaching shifts boundaries from burdens into blessings. Psalm 16:6 whispers its truth: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” Start honoring those guardrails, and watch your art flourish.

    INSPIRE

    Here’s an inspiring real‑world story about art, resilience, and the power of creative resurgence:

    • Daniela Oliver de Portillo, a San Antonio artist, emerged from a 12‑year artistic hiatus during the pandemic and launched “Hidden Blooms”, hiding handmade ceramic vases with cyanotype flowers in public spaces—inviting finders to take them home as gifts. Despite limited funding and deep personal hesitation, she reignited her creative voice and offers her art as a shared blessing. expressnews.com

    Her story illustrates how boundaries—time off, creative pauses—can serve as holy rest that allows your artistic voice to resurface stronger than before.

    WORSHIP

    This week’s worship highlight is a live performance of “I Know a Name” by Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans. This powerful song lifts high the name of Jesus as the boundary-breaker and life-giver, reminding us that every limit we face bows under the authority of His name.

    As you listen, let the words wash over you: His name brings peace in chaos, healing in brokenness, and clarity where there’s confusion. Just as our creativity thrives within God-given boundaries, this song anchors us in the ultimate boundary—belonging to Christ, whose name defines our freedom.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Ellen Field

    Erasing, Obeying, and Painting with God’s Vision
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Australian artist Ellen Field, painting is more than brush and paper—it’s a partnership with God that has reshaped her creative journey and opened doors for others to encounter His presence through her work.

    Ellen spent 18 months in the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program, a season she describes as life-changing. “In that time I learnt so much about the process of creating art with God,” she recalls. Though her circumstances later shifted, she continues to stay connected through podcasts, teaching, and friendships she built with other artists around the world.

    Working primarily in watercolour and gouache, Ellen paints the landscapes, flora, and birdlife of her beloved Australia. Her hope is that her art will encourage others to pause and recognize God’s magnificent craftsmanship all around them. “The thrill of seeing a blank piece of paper change into a beautiful picture that inspires others fills me with joy,” she says.

    One of the most powerful lessons Ellen has learned is obedience in the creative process. She shares: “Once, after spending many hours sketching a large image, I felt God prompt me to erase it. I was reluctant, but as I obeyed, God gave me a new vision for that piece. It was far better than what I had planned. That moment—and many others like it—showed me the power of letting go so He could lead.”

    Her art has also touched viewers in deeply personal ways. During an exhibition at a local hospital, a woman purchased one of Ellen’s paintings, explaining that she was awaiting important test results. The painting gave her peace and confidence that the news would be good. Stories like these affirm Ellen’s conviction: “I believe God is using my art to show Himself to others, and this fills my heart with incredible joy.”

    In her current season, Ellen is prayerfully pairing Scriptures with some of her paintings, seeking to share both a visual and spiritual message. Her encouragement for other artists is simple but profound:
    🎨 “Ask God into your studio space and don’t be afraid to erase what you intended to create, so He can replace it with what He wants you to create. Even mistakes can become something beautiful with God.”

    By being real with clients, listening deeply, and creating with the Holy Spirit, Ellen continues to use her art as a bridge between heaven and earth, inviting people to encounter beauty, hope, and God’s gentle voice.

    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.

  • Practical Steps to Hearing God’s Voice for Artists

    Practical Steps to Hearing God’s Voice for Artists

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    ISSUE #017

    Have you ever felt like you were straining to hear God’s voice in the middle of your day-to-day life? Maybe in the chaos of emails, family needs, art deadlines, and general busyness, you’re wondering, “Is God even speaking?” Let me encourage you—He is. And not only is He speaking, He wants you to recognize His voice with clarity and confidence. That’s not a far-off ideal for the spiritually elite—it’s a promise straight from Jesus’ own words in John 10:27: “My sheep hear My voice.” Hearing God is not a bonus feature for the Christian life—it’s foundational.

    This week, we’re diving into the spiritual practice of listening. Whether you’re seeking direction in your art, parenting, finances, or spiritual walk, tuning your heart to God’s voice is a game changer. And good news—you don’t have to go to a mountain or monastery to hear Him. It’s about being present, quieting the noise, and creating space for His whispers, even in your studio, your car, or the middle of making dinner. My hope is that this issue encourages you to lean in and cultivate that listening heart today.

    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

    PS – If you’re ready to go deeper in hearing God’s voice—not just in your art, but in every part of your life—I want to personally invite you to start the Foundations Course. This is where I teach the core principles that help Christian artists renew their minds, overcome fear, clarify God’s vision for their life and confidently walk in alignment with God’s voice and purpose.

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    CONNECT

    “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
    —John 10:27 (NKJV)

    Jesus didn’t say some of His sheep hear His voice. He said His sheep do. That includes you, right now, in whatever season you’re in. But hearing isn’t just about our ears—it’s about posture. Are we slowing down? Are we turning down the volume of distraction long enough to recognize His whispers? His voice comes with peace, clarity, and always aligns with His Word. When you create space to listen, you’ll find He’s been speaking all along.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You that You are always speaking and that You’ve given me the ability to hear You. Help me quiet the noise, soften my heart, and tune into the voice of the Good Shepherd. I want to walk in step with You in every area of my life and creativity. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Set aside 10–15 minutes each morning this week to sit quietly, journal, and ask God one question: “What do You want me to know today?” Then listen. Write what you sense.

    CLARIFY

    Hearing God’s voice starts with intention. That means making space in your schedule and your heart for clarity to flow. Instead of rushing into your day with a to-do list, try starting with a to-be list: “Today I will be available. I will be attentive. I will be open.” God doesn’t compete with chaos. He invites us into alignment so we can receive the guidance we need for the week ahead.

    Take a moment to reflect: What’s one area of your life where you’ve been seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to pause, listen, and allow His voice to guide you there?

    Practical Action Step:
    Write down your top 3 goals for this week. Then pray over them. Ask God to highlight which ones align with His heart—and which ones may need to wait or shift.

    CREATE

    You know those moments when you’re creating and time just slips away? That sense of flow and presence? That’s a prime place for God to speak. Creativity is a sacred portal for connection. As artists, our senses are already tuned to beauty, form, and movement—what if you leaned in a little more this week, not just to express yourself, but to listen?

    Keep your journal nearby while you create. If a Scripture, phrase, or impression comes, pause and write it down. Your art can become a conversation—a visual echo of heaven’s whispers.

    Studio Action Step:
    Next time you’re in the studio, begin your session with a short prayer: “Holy Spirit, speak through my hands today.” Then create with the expectation that He will meet you in the process.

    CULTIVATE

    Hearing God’s voice isn’t just about personal guidance—it’s about releasing life to others. Your art can become a vehicle of encouragement, healing, and clarity for those who encounter it. Whether you share a finished piece, a journal excerpt, or a short reflection, your obedience in listening and creating can spark something profound in someone else.

    Remember, people aren’t just buying art—they’re connecting with the story, spirit, and presence it carries. When your art comes from a listening heart, it carries Kingdom weight.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Choose one piece of art this week and share a short caption or story behind it on social media. End with a question like, “Has God ever spoken to you through creativity?”

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Linktree

    Linktree makes it super easy to direct your audience to all your most important links from your Instagram bio. Instead of picking just one, now you can include your website, email list signup, online store, and even your latest artwork.

    Tool Tip:
    Create a free Linktree account. Add links to:

    • Your website or shop
    • Your Instagram
    • Your email signup page
    • One featured artwork

    Then add that Linktree URL to your IG bio. Simple, clean, and super effective for building connection and increasing engagement.

    INSPIRE

    Reimagining Barn Raising as Creative Community-Building

    I came across a beautiful story about architect and artist Erin Besler, who’s revived the age-old American tradition of barn raising at Art Omi, a sculpture‑and‑architecture park in New York

    Read the story here

    Instead of a traditional barn, Besler designed a timber frame structure that deliberately never becomes a functional building. The goal? To invite people—professionals and newcomers alike—to build together, learn, and be part of the creative process. Over the next few weeks, the project features hands‑on workshops, evening talks, and community‑led construction events before the big barn‑raising day on July 26, 2025.

    What really stood out to me is how art becomes instruction, inclusion, and relationship—all in one project. Besler’s approach shatters the idea that art is only for the elite—it’s an open invitation to join in, contribute, and be seen. Plus, using untreated local wood speaks to sustainability rooted in place. As Christian, Kingdom creatives, we get this: art isn’t just about our individual voice—it’s about building together, stewarding creation, and teaching others the joy of making with their own hands.

    LISTEN

    Episode: How to Listen for God When Life Gets Noisy

    LISTEN NOW

    Ever felt like God’s voice was lost in the shuffle of your everyday life? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the spiritual and practical ways you can position yourself to hear from God—right where you are.

    We’ll uncover some myths around who can hear God and how He speaks, and I’ll walk you through how to create sacred space even in the middle of a noisy world. From journaling impressions to listening during your creative process, this episode will help you identify God’s voice with confidence.

    Key Takeaway:
    Hearing from God is not a rare experience—it’s your Kingdom inheritance. You just need to create space to listen.

    WATCH

    If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to truly hear God’s voice—not audibly, but in the stillness of your heart—this song will take you there. “Voice of God” by Dante Bowe, featuring Steffany Gretzinger and Chandler Moore, is a worshipful meditation on the nearness and beauty of God’s presence.

    From the first note, you’re invited into an atmosphere where Heaven feels close. It’s not just a song—it’s a sacred space. Whether you’re journaling, creating, or simply sitting in silence, this is the perfect anthem to accompany your time with the Lord this week.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Julia Kuklis

    From Despair to Destiny: Painting with Purpose and Power
    Website | Instagram

    For Julia Kuklis, painting is no longer just a creative outlet—it’s a sacred assignment, a lifeline, and a testimony of God’s redeeming power. Her journey into prophetic art began not in a studio, but in a moment of desperation.

    “I cried out to God at 3am, telling Him that if He wanted me to paint, He would have to bring me a mentor—someone who was an artist and loved the Lord.”

    Just two weeks later, Julia discovered the Artist Rise Up workshop and the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program—a divine answer to her prayer.

    “The mentorship broke decades of despair and lies off my life. I went from not knowing what prophetic art was to now serving as the Assistant Prophetic Art Director at my church. My entire life has changed.”

    Julia creates non-representational abstracts using vibrant color, texture, and movement. Her “scratch-through” technique and layered approach give her work a sense of emotional depth and revelation. Whether she’s responding to Scripture, worship, or simply the beauty in nature, every piece is an act of co-creating with the Holy Spirit.

    “Color excites me the most! But even more, I love that the Lord meets me in the process—reminding me of who He is and who I am.”

    She recalls a powerful moment when a young man approached her after she painted during a church service. Her semi-abstract piece deeply resonated with him, and as they talked, he began to cry—feeling seen, uplifted, and ministered to.

    “That’s the beauty of prophetic art,” she says. “Even abstract work can carry a word from God directly to someone’s heart.”

    Julia balances her artistic calling with the demands of homeschooling, often painting in short, focused blocks of time. Whether she has 20 minutes or a couple of hours, she makes space to be present with God, letting the process flow. Some days are less productive, but she’s learned to give herself grace and stay connected by organizing her studio, listening to worship music, or simply observing the beauty around her.

    Her encouragement to other artists?
    🎨 “Don’t let the enemy rob you of your creative birthright. You’re creating for an audience of One—and He delights in you!”

    From juried shows to commissions and church ministry, Julia is seeing God expand her influence, even in a season where she paints part-time. Her obedience, vulnerability, and trust have opened doors for healing, impact, and purpose in ways she never imagined.

    Julia’s life and work are a living testimony: when you surrender your art to God, He doesn’t just restore what’s broken—He releases beauty that touches the world.

    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.