• Creating with the Holy Spirit: A Simple, Powerful Process

    Creating with the Holy Spirit: A Simple, Powerful Process

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    ISSUE #037

    One of the greatest gifts we have as Kingdom artists is this breathtaking invitation to create with God, not just for Him. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually do that—without pressure, striving, or second-guessing yourself—you’re in the right place. I’ve spent decades learning the rhythms of creative partnership with the Holy Spirit, and let me tell you… it’s a lot simpler, lighter, and more joy-filled than most artists realize.

    This week, we’re diving deep into the very process I use every single day in the studio—one that has completely transformed my creative life. Instead of chasing inspiration or obsessing about “getting it right,” this is about stepping into the studio as a son or daughter who knows God is already there waiting. My prayer is that as you read, something awakens in your spirit—a fresh confidence, a deeper awareness of His presence, and a renewed joy in the creative process He designed you to enjoy.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – Don’t miss all the great artist mentoring resources we have available for you. Click here to find out more.

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    A Collision of Creativity

    What happens when a lifelong love of creativity collides with a fresh move of God in your golden years? For mixed-media realist Paige Stageman, it unleashed a flood of unexpected opportunities, healing encounters, and a brand-new artistic calling. From Spirit-led underpaintings to pet memorial portraits that move clients to tears, Paige is discovering what happens when you simply show up, say yes, and let God guide the process.

    Her story is tender, hope-filled, and a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late for God to launch you into the creative life you were made for. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” — Romans 8:14 (NLT)

    Creating with the Holy Spirit starts long before you ever pick up a brush, wheel, lens, or tool. It begins with a posture—a quiet, confident awareness that He is already present, already speaking, already stirring your imagination. So many artists get stuck because they’re afraid of “missing God,” but the truth is beautifully simple: children don’t strain to hear their Father. They assume connection. They lean into relationship. They trust that His leading is already happening.

    Every time you enter your studio this week, pause for a breath and remember—you’re not trying to summon God. You’re simply acknowledging the One who’s already living inside you, ready to create through you.

    Prayer:
    Holy Spirit, thank You for being with me in every moment of my creative life. I don’t have to strive or perform to find You—you’re already here. Awaken my awareness of Your presence. Lead my heart into peace, delight, and confident partnership as I create this week. Amen.

    Action Step:
    Before you begin creating today, take 60 seconds with no agenda. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and simply whisper: “Holy Spirit, thank You for being here with me.” Let that awareness settle into your spirit before you begin.

    CLARIFY

    If you want to create with the Holy Spirit, clarity matters—not clarity of outcomes, but clarity of posture. Are you entering the studio in faith or in fear? In freedom or in pressure? Many artists limit themselves by only creating when they “feel inspired,” but that’s not partnership—that’s emotional dependence. Real clarity comes from recognizing that showing up before the inspiration arrives is an act of faith that invites God’s flow.

    This week, set one simple intention for your creative time: I will show up, even if I don’t feel inspired, trusting the Holy Spirit to meet me there.

    Action Step:
    In your planner or journal, write one clear intention for the week about how you want to posture your heart in the studio. Keep it simple and focused—something you can return to daily.

    CREATE

    One of the biggest breakthroughs for artists is learning that creativity flows best when you stop forcing it. Worship becomes atmosphere. Peace becomes your compass. Curiosity becomes your roadmap. The Holy Spirit often leads not through booming instructions, but through gentle highlights—textures, colors, materials, ideas that shimmer with life when you notice them.

    Your job isn’t to decode a divine puzzle. Your job is to pay attention.

    As you work this week, approach your materials with open hands: “Lord, what are You highlighting right now? What draws my eye? What stirs my heart?” Trust those nudges. That’s partnership.

    Action Step:
    Choose one piece you’re working on and deliberately practice “following the peace.” When the flow is strong, lean in. When it lifts, pause. Notice what shifts in you and your work.

    CULTIVATE

    People can feel the atmosphere a piece of art is created in. When your creative process is rooted in presence rather than pressure, your collectors, followers, and partners sense it—even if they can’t articulate it. Your work carries peace. It carries story. It carries the breath of God.

    Cultivating your audience isn’t just about marketing—it’s about inviting them into the overflow of your spiritual and creative life. Share snippets of your process this week: a moment of worship, a shift in peace, a material God highlighted. Those small windows into your journey build connection, trust, and long-term engagement.

    Action Step:
    Post a simple behind-the-scenes update on social media showing how you’re creating with the Holy Spirit this week. Use wording like, “Here’s a moment in the studio where I sensed the Holy Spirit highlighting this color/texture/idea…”

    The Core4 Focus Planner™

    A 90-Day Undated Planner to Help You Stay Focused, Grow Spiritually, and Make Measurable Progress in Your Art

    “This planner is my “tool of intentionality” and sits next to my Bible and journal. It’s also the perfect size to hang on to as a way to go back and celebrate the work that I’ve done. Thanks so much!” – Debby

    Get Your Core4 Focus Planner Now

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: 5 Simple Steps to Create with the Holy Spirit

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    In this week’s episode, I’m walking you step-by-step through the exact framework I use to create with the Holy Spirit—without pressure, striving, or perfectionism. I share the five core steps that transformed my creative life, plus the moment most artists lose their creative flow without realizing it (and how to shift back instantly into partnership with God).

    This episode is a practical, freeing, deeply encouraging invitation to rediscover the joy of creating as a child of God. Don’t miss it!

    STUDIO TIP FOR THRIVING

    “Create a Peace-First Studio Setup”

    Since this week’s theme is all about creating with the Holy Spirit, here’s a practical studio tip that aligns beautifully:

    Set up your workspace to minimize decision fatigue and maximize peace.

    Before your next session, spend 10 minutes arranging your tools, paints, brushes, or materials in a way that feels inviting, uncluttered, and easy to access. When your studio is ordered, your spirit can settle more quickly—which makes it far easier to sense what the Holy Spirit is highlighting in the moment.

    Try This:
    Create a small “peace corner” in your studio—maybe a chair, a candle, a small speaker for worship music, or a Scripture card. Use it as your 60-second reset space before you begin creating.

    WORSHIP

    A beautiful invitation into awareness, surrender, and presence—the perfect atmosphere for a Holy-Spirit-led studio session.

    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.

  • Formed in the Studio: Why Jesus’ “Hidden Years” Matter to Your Creative Calling

    Formed in the Studio: Why Jesus’ “Hidden Years” Matter to Your Creative Calling

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    ISSUE #035

    My friend, this week I’ve been undone—in the best way—by a simple truth hiding in plain sight: before Jesus ever preached, healed, or performed a single miracle, He spent the vast majority of His life as a working artisan. Sawdust and rock dust on His clothes. Tools in His hands. Clients coming in and out of the workshop. No platform. No spotlight. Just formation. Obedience. Craft. Presence.

    And the more I sat with the Holy Spirit on this, the more I realized:
    The creative process that shaped Jesus is the same creative process God is using to shape you.

    Your studio isn’t just “where you make stuff.” It’s where God forms you—just like He formed His Son.

    Jesus grew up in the home of a tecton—a craftsman. He learned process, patience, attention to beauty, the weight of structure, and the humility of hiddenness long before He ever stepped into public ministry. And friend, the same Father who formed Jesus in the studio is forming you in yours.

    This issue is an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and remember:
    Your creative life is not a side hobby. It’s sacred ground.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – Don’t miss all the great artist mentoring resources we have available for you. Click here to find out more.

    PPS – Apply now to be one of our featured artists. We love sharing unique art and great stories with the world!

    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. 

    From Ballet to Wearable Floral Artist

    This week, meet floral artist Debbie Davies—a former ballet dancer and special-effects makeup artist whose story shows what God can do when every creative thread finally converges. From wearable floral art to gold-medal installations, Debbie’s journey is a stunning reminder that the Lord wastes nothing… and His timing is perfect. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” — Luke 2:52 (NIV)

    Jesus spent 30 silent years being shaped—not on a platform but in a workshop. Those hidden years were not wasted years; they were holy years. And the same is true for you. Every time you step into your creative space, you’re stepping onto the same kind of ground where God formed His Son.

    God is not rushing you. He is forming you.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for forming me through my creative process. Teach me to honor my studio as holy ground. Slow my spirit, quiet my mind, and open my heart so I can see what You’re shaping in me. Let my hands become an extension of Your presence as I create with You today.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Before you begin your next session, pause at the doorway of your studio (or kitchen table, or porch, or wherever you create) and whisper:
    “Lord, I enter Your sanctuary.”
    Let that shift the entire atmosphere.

    CLARIFY

    Jesus didn’t grow by accident. He grew with intention—through repetition, process, and everyday obedience in His earthly father’s workshop.

    This week, ask the Lord:
    “What are You forming in me through this current season?”

    Is it patience?
    Confidence?
    Trust?
    A deeper ability to see beauty?
    Courage to step out?
    Grace to rest in hiddenness?

    When you can name the formation, you can cooperate with it.

    Action Step:
    Write down one character trait or spiritual truth God is shaping in you right now. Then plan one simple action this week that aligns with that forming work.

    CREATE

    Jesus grew up learning to see what others missed—the details, textures, rhythms, and beauty hidden in ordinary things. That same divine instinct lives inside you.

    Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do for your creativity is to slow down enough to actually see.

    Studio Action Step:
    Spend 10 minutes in quiet observation before you touch a tool.
    Look at texture. Shadow. Color variation. Negative space.
    Let your eyes soften and your spirit listen.
    This practice awakens creative flow faster than any technique.

    CULTIVATE

    The artisan’s studio wasn’t isolated—people constantly came and went. Jesus learned to see people with compassion, attention, and holy presence long before He began His public ministry.

    You carry that same ability.

    Whether it’s a collector, a follower online, a booth visitor, or one person who comments on your work—presence communicates honor. And honor opens hearts.

    Connection Action Step:
    Choose one person this week to be intentionally present with—online or in person.
    Slow down. Listen deeply. Make them feel like the only person in the room.

    This builds impact, trust, and long-term relationships—the heart of your creative mission.

    The Core4 Focus Planner™

    A 90-Day Undated Planner to Help You Stay Focused, Grow Spiritually, and Make Measurable Progress in Your Art

    “This planner is my “tool of intentionality” and sits next to my Bible and journal. It’s also the perfect size to hang on to as a way to go back and celebrate the work that I’ve done. Thanks so much!” – Debby

    Get Your Core4 Focus Planner Now

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: Jesus the Artisan: 5 Creative Principles for a Faithful Life

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week’s episode unpacks five powerful principles from Jesus’ forgotten years—from process and presence to hiddenness and holy craftsmanship. I share my own journey of realizing Jesus wasn’t only the Savior; He was a working artisan shaped by the same rhythms we live every day.

    Key Takeaway:
    Your creative process is not incidental. It’s intentional formation from a Father who trains His children the same way He trained His Son.

    STUDIO TIP FOR THRIVING

    One of the fastest ways to shift into flow (and silence distraction) is to establish a simple, repeatable setup ritual. This is how pros beat overwhelm and activate creativity consistently.

    Try this five-minute ritual before every session:

    1. Clear your main workspace.
    2. Choose your primary tool/material for the day.
    3. Turn on one light source that feels inspiring.
    4. Take three slow breaths.
    5. Say aloud:
      “Lord, I’m here. Shape me as I create.”

    This tells your brain—and your spirit—“It’s time.”

    Great for painters, sculptors, fiber artists, jewelers, potters, mixed-media artists, and anyone who needs a dependable on-ramp into creativity.

    WORSHIP

    There’s something deeply moving about hearing worship that echoes the very process God uses to shape us. Potter’s Hand is a beautiful reminder that we’re not just creating for God—we’re being formed by Him. Every lyric speaks to surrender, shaping, purpose, and the gentle way the Father molds us into the image of His Son. As you listen, let the Holy Spirit reaffirm this truth: your life and your art are clay in the hands of a Master Artisan who knows exactly what He’s shaping in you. Allow this song to wash over you as an invitation to yield, trust, and embrace the holy process you’re walking through.

    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.

  • Overcoming Creative Block as a Christian Artist

    Overcoming Creative Block as a Christian Artist

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    ISSUE #034

    If you’ve ever walked into your studio, looked at your materials, and felt absolutely nothing, you’re not alone. Creative block hits every artist sooner or later. But not all creative block is the same. Sometimes it feels like fog. Sometimes panic. Sometimes shame. But no matter how it shows up, it’s never a sign that you’ve lost your gift or that God has somehow stepped out of the room. More often than not, it’s simply a sign that you’ve been drawing from the wrong source.

    The good news? Creative block isn’t a dead end—it’s a divine invitation. What the enemy tries to use as discouragement, the Holy Spirit can use as a reset, a reconnection, and a fresh infilling of creative flow.

    This week, we’re going to break down the three root causes of creative block and show you exactly how to move back into alignment with God’s creative Spirit. You’re about to discover that the river of creativity is still flowing inside you… all you have to do is reconnect.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – Don’t miss all the great artist mentoring resources we have available for you. Click here to find out more.

    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. 

    Featured Teaser

    This week’s Featured Artist is quilt-maker and gallery owner Pamela Loewen. Her story is a masterclass in persistence, faith, and the breathtaking ways God uses our creativity when we refuse to quit. From 17 years of “no” to a museum acquisition, from a 100-year-old building to a Spirit-filled gallery—Pamela’s journey will stir your faith and inspire your creative walk in a big way. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Creative block almost always begins with spiritual disconnection. Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NKJV). That wasn’t a threat—it was an invitation. When we create without abiding, the well dries up. But when we slow down, breathe, and acknowledge His presence, something powerful happens: peace replaces pressure, clarity replaces chaos, and creativity begins to stir again.

    Prayer:
    Holy Spirit, thank You for being the well of life within me. I surrender every feeling of pressure, emptiness, and inadequacy. Reconnect my heart to Your presence. Refill me with Your peace, Your joy, and Your creative flow. Awaken my imagination again and align my spirit with Yours as I create. Amen.

    Action Step:
    Before you begin your next creative session, pause for 60 seconds. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Whisper, “Jesus, I reconnect with You right now.”
    Feel everything shift.

    CLARIFY

    Creativity thrives when your focus is clear and grounded in faith, not feelings. If you’re waiting to “feel inspired” before creating, you’ll stay stuck. Faith says, “I show up anyway because this is who I am.” Ask the Lord: What is the one step You’re inviting me to take this week in my creative practice?

    Action Step:
    Choose ONE clear, doable creative goal this week—something small enough to complete, but meaningful enough to move you forward. Write it down and commit to it before the Lord.

    CREATE

    Waiting on inspiration is the fastest path to stagnation. But showing up—even without clarity—primes the pump. Play is often the doorway back into flow. Sketch. Swatch colors. Make marks. Mix paint. Shape clay. Write a paragraph. Hum a melody. Stir the waters, and watch the Holy Spirit meet you in motion.

    Action Step:
    Begin each studio session this week with 10 minutes of pure play—no agenda, no pressure, no expectations. Just exploration. Creativity loves to wake up in a judgment-free zone.

    CULTIVATE

    Your collectors, followers, and community don’t need perfection—they need resonance. When you share your creative process, not just your polished results, people feel connected to you. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust builds relationships… the kind that lead to impact and income.

    Action Step:
    Share a behind-the-scenes moment this week—your sketchbook, your messy table, your warmup marks, or even your honest struggle with creative block and how God is meeting you in it.

    The Core4 Focus Planner™

    A 90-Day Undated Planner to Help You Stay Focused, Grow Spiritually, and Make Measurable Progress in Your Art

    “This planner is my “tool of intentionality” and sits next to my Bible and journal. It’s also the perfect size to hang on to as a way to go back and celebrate the work that I’ve done. Thanks so much!” – Debby

    Get Your Core4 Focus Planner Now

    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: 3 Powerful Ways to Overcome Creative Block

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week’s episode dives deep into the three roots of creative block—disconnection, empty imagination, and passive creativity—and shows you how to reconnect with Jesus, create by faith, and cultivate inspiration on purpose. Whether you’re feeling stuck or simply wanting to strengthen your daily creative rhythm, this conversation will help you step back into confidence, clarity, and creative flow with the Holy Spirit.

    ART TIP FOR THRIVING

    The 3-Minute Mindful Entrance Ritual

    This week’s “tech” is actually an art-studio mindfulness tool—perfect for busting creative block.

    Before starting your creative session:

    1. Step into the studio and pause at the doorway.
      Let your body arrive before your mind races ahead.
    2. Notice three things you see.
      Color. Light. A tool. A piece of unfinished work. Let gratitude rise.
    3. Notice three things you hear.
      Ambient sound, worship music, silence—whatever is present.
    4. Lay your hand on your table or materials and say:
      “Holy Spirit, I create with You today.”

    This slows your nervous system, centers your spirit, awakens your imagination, and shifts you into alignment with God’s presence. It’s simple, but I promise—you’ll feel the difference.

    Try it this week and watch the fog lift.

    WORSHIP

    This week, I want to invite you into a song that beautifully mirrors the heart of moving through creative block: “Make Room.” It’s a simple, powerful declaration of surrender—laying down our striving, pressure, and self-reliance so the Holy Spirit can breathe fresh life into our creativity.

    As artists, we can so easily slip into performance mode, trying to force inspiration or muscle our way through dryness. This song pulls you right back to the center—into abiding, yielding, and reconnecting with the Source of all creativity.

    Turn it on as you enter your creative space this week. Let the atmosphere shift. Let your heart settle. Let the river of the Spirit begin to flow again.

    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

    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

    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.

  • Breaking Through Creative Roadblocks

    Breaking Through Creative Roadblocks

    ,

    ISSUE #011

    We’ve all hit that invisible wall—the one where you show up to the studio with high hopes and leave discouraged, wondering where your spark went. This week, I want to speak directly into that moment. The truth is, creative blocks are not signs of failure—they’re invitations. They’re signposts that something deeper might be going on beneath the surface, something God wants to address, heal, or renew.

    Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things—including push through creative resistance—through Christ who strengthens us. So if you’re facing a block right now, take heart. There is grace available. There’s clarity waiting on the other side of confusion. And there’s a river of creativity that flows when we lean into God’s presence instead of our performance.

    May this week be filled with supernatural insight, released pressure, and a fresh awareness of God’s power flowing through your creativity.

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

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    CONNECT

    Scripture: Philippians 4:13

    Creative blocks don’t just appear out of nowhere—they often point to areas where we’ve believed lies, absorbed fear, or tried to operate in our own strength. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13 aren’t about hustle. They’re about surrender. When we abide in Christ and depend on His strength, we’re not just empowered to create—we’re liberated to be fully ourselves.

    Prayer:
    Jesus, I lay down every fear, every mental block, and every bit of pressure I’ve been carrying. I believe You’ve called me, and You will strengthen me. Speak into the dry places and reignite my heart with Your beauty. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Identify one lie or pressure you’ve been carrying about your art, and write a biblical truth to replace it. Declare it aloud every time resistance surfaces.

    CLARIFY

    Sometimes the biggest block isn’t artistic—it’s mental clutter. Clarity often comes when we pause long enough to discern what’s draining us. Are you overcommitted? Overstimulated? Have you been comparing your work to others or working for validation instead of overflow?

    God’s strength doesn’t rush—it flows. Take a moment to ask Him where your creative energy is getting stuck.

    Reflection Prompt:
    What’s been clouding my focus or draining my passion this week?

    Practical Action Step:
    Write out three clear, doable creative priorities for the week that align with peace and purpose—not pressure.

    CREATE

    Creative blocks are real, but they’re not permanent. Often, the best way to break through is not by waiting on inspiration—but by creating anyway. Give yourself permission to make without perfection. Just like priming a pump, consistent motion awakens momentum.

    And remember, Jesus is with you in the process. Even your ‘messy’ art time can be a sacred offering.

    Studio Action Step:
    Choose one medium and set a timer for 20 minutes. Create without judgment. No editing. No erasing. Just flow. Notice what God stirs as you move freely.

    CULTIVATE

    Creative blocks can isolate us, but connection re-energizes us. Sharing what you’re navigating—even if it feels vulnerable—creates bridges. When you show up in honesty, your audience leans in. They don’t want perfect—they want real.

    Marketing Insight:
    This week, tell your audience about a creative block you’ve faced and how you’re pressing through it with God. This not only builds trust—it invites others into transformation too.

    Outreach Action Step:
    Post a short reflection, a before/after, or a simple question: ‘What helps you break through creative blocks?’

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Artrooms

    Artrooms is a powerful app that lets you visualize your artwork in realistic interior settings—making your online presentation stronger and more engaging. Collectors want to imagine your art in their space. Artrooms helps them do just that.

    Creative Tip:
    Upload three of your pieces to Artrooms and explore how they look in various room mockups. Choose one and share it on Instagram to boost engagement and professional polish.

    Link: https://artroomsapp.com

    INSPIRE

    Murals That Mend: Art, Faith & Social Justice

    In Millvale, Pennsylvania, a striking story of faith-driven art conservation is unfolding around the 80-year-old murals painted inside St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church by Maksimilijan ‘Maxo’ Vanka. These vivid murals, blending traditional religious imagery with bold social commentary, depict the struggles of immigrant mothers, war, and economic injustice—earning them the nickname ‘The Sistine Chapel of Pittsburgh.’

    Thanks to the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals, sections of the artwork were restored in May 2025, now shining as they did 80 years ago. Supported by grants and community outreach, this project reminds us that art can be a spiritual declaration and a tool for justice.

    Takeaway:
    Think beyond the canvas. Could your next project preserve legacy, restore truth, or build community through beauty?

    Find out more about this inspiring story

    LISTEN

    Episode Title: Breaking Through Creative Roadblocks

    In this episode, I share the three major causes of creative blocks: spiritual warfare, internal clutter, and inspiration gaps. You’ll learn how to confront fear-based thoughts with biblical truth, partner with the Holy Spirit in the midst of resistance, and apply practical tools to get the creative flow going again. If you’re feeling stuck, this one’s for you.

    Listen Now

    WATCH

    Song: ‘Break Every Chain’ – Jesus Culture

    This week’s worship pick is all about spiritual breakthrough. As you listen, let the declarations of freedom soak into your spirit and push back against creative resistance. You are not stuck—you are being strengthened.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Mark Lee

    Redemption, Reinvention, and Art with a Second Chance
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Mark Lee, creating art isn’t just about crafting something beautiful—it’s about telling a story of redemption, second chances, and the God who makes all things new.

    Mark is the creative force behind One of a Kind NZ, where he repurposes vintage objects into functional, one-of-a-kind works of art. From clocks and lighting fixtures to Bluetooth stereos and sculptural pieces, his designs breathe new life into forgotten items. “I transform vintage objects that have outlived their original purpose,” he explains. “In many ways, my work mirrors my own journey—infused with themes of redemption and second chances.”

    That personal journey has been shaped and strengthened by his connection to the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.

    “When I was just getting started, CTT’s teaching, fellowship, and encouragement were invaluable. To realize there are so many others gifted and called to the creative arts—and to journey with them toward success and fulfillment—is amazing.”

    Mark describes that unmistakable moment of creative joy when you’re completely aligned with your calling: “You’re working on a piece and you just know—you were 100% created for this.”

    As he’s grown in his calling, Mark has found that the foundation for all he does is rooted in identity:
    🎯 “It all starts with understanding how God sees me. Once we understand His love for us, it’s much easier to understand His purpose for us.”

    That clarity has opened the door for many powerful God-moments—especially in the sale of his work. “What others may call coincidence or karma, I call God doing what He does,” he says. Mark regularly experiences divine timing and unexpected provision through his business. Whether it’s a high-end piece or a $7 card, he always stops to give thanks. “Every time I sell something, I thank God immediately. I recognize His hand in it all.”

    In addition to being a skilled artist and craftsman, Mark also brings years of experience as a graphic designer, which shines through in his polished branding. Everything from his signage to his social media is a reflection of the excellence and thoughtfulness he puts into his creative business. It’s no surprise that other artists often ask him for guidance and advice.

    Mark Lee’s work is a testament to what’s possible when artistry, identity, and purpose come together. Through every piece he creates, he’s not just restoring objects—he’s releasing hope, excellence, and the unmistakable touch of the Creator.

    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.

  • Transforming Your Creative Process through Mindful Daydreaming

    Transforming Your Creative Process through Mindful Daydreaming

    ,

    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

    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

    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.