• 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

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    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.

  • Your Studio is Holy Ground, Not Just a Workspace

    Your Studio is Holy Ground, Not Just a Workspace

    ,

    ISSUE #008

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

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

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

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

    I’m always cheering you on!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

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

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

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

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

    CLARIFY

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

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

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

    CREATE

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

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

    CULTIVATE

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

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

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

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

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

    Try this:

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

    Go to Facebook and try it today!

    LISTEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

    WATCH

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

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

    FEATURED ARTIST: Amy Peterman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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.

  • 4 Habits to Help Christians Find Their Creative Rhythm

    4 Habits to Help Christians Find Their Creative Rhythm

    ISSUE #007

    Have you ever felt like your creative rhythm is just off? Like you want to be in the flow with God, with your art, and with your business… but something’s just not syncing up? I’ve been there too. In my early years as an artist, I was all over the place—starting things I didn’t finish, getting inspired but never building momentum, and wondering why I always felt stuck.

    What I discovered is that breakthrough isn’t about doing more—it’s about developing rhythms and habits that actually work for you, not against you.

    This week, I want to share 4 simple habits that can totally transform your life as an artist. These aren’t magic bullets, but they are proven pathways. When you cultivate a rhythm—spiritually, creatively, and practically—you create space for God to meet you in the everyday and accelerate what He’s already put in you. Let’s get you back in sync, steady on the path, and thriving right where you are.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

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    (If you’ve not already, click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 

    CONNECT

    Proverbs 21:5 (NLT): “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”

    In a world that glorifies hustle and overnight success, God invites us into something much deeper and truer: the slow, steady rhythm of diligence rooted in trust. As artists, our spiritual health is our foundation. Before the art, the marketing, the money… comes presence. Daily connection with the Lord aligns us, anchors us, and tunes our hearts to the divine rhythm He’s designed for our lives.

    Prayer:
    Father, thank You for being a God of order, peace, and purpose. Help me to resist the temptation of quick fixes and instead embrace the daily rhythm of walking with You. Remind me that You’re not in a rush and neither should I be. Let my creativity flow from Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Spiritual Action Step:
    Set aside the first 10 minutes of your studio time each day this week to invite the Holy Spirit in. No agenda—just presence.

    CLARIFY

    Intentionality fuels momentum. And momentum comes from consistent choices, not scattered inspiration. If you’ve been spinning your wheels, maybe it’s time to pause and realign. What does a thriving week look like for you in this season? What do you sense the Lord is highlighting? Write it down. Pray it through. Then make a plan—with margin.

    Reflection Prompt:
    What are 3 things I can commit to doing this week that align with my God-given assignment as an artist?

    Clarity Action Step:
    Block out a 30-minute planning session and use that time to set 3 meaningful goals for the week in your creative life, personal life, and business.

    CREATE

    If you want to grow as an artist, you can’t just create when you “feel it.” You’ve got to cultivate the habit of showing up. A creative rhythm doesn’t restrict you—it liberates you to build skill, confidence, and breakthrough over time. Daily sketching, 15-minute warmups, prayer walks, or material experiments—whatever gets you moving—do that!

    Studio Action Step:
    Commit to 30 minutes of uninterrupted creative time each day this week. Put it on the calendar. Guard it like gold.

    CULTIVATE

    Your art doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s meant to impact others. But that only happens when you nurture connection. Cultivating relationships with collectors, followers, and potential partners doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just has to be consistent. A weekly post, a personal message, a “thank you” note—those little seeds grow into a harvest of favor, sales, and influence.

    Marketing Action Step:
    Pick 3 people—past collectors, supporters, or fans—and reach out this week with a personal note of appreciation and an update on what you’re working on.

    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Platform: Notion
    Topic: Build Your Artist “Studio Dashboard”

    Notion is a flexible, all-in-one digital workspace that helps you organize your creative world in one place. From daily routines to business goals, this tool keeps everything visible, editable, and connected.

    Try This:
    Create a “Studio Dashboard” in Notion with three tabs:

    1. Art Projects – Track progress, deadlines, and inspiration.
    2. Scripture Inspiration – Record weekly verses and God moments.
    3. Business To-Dos – Stay on top of marketing, emails, and sales tasks.

    Explore Notion

    LISTEN

    Podcast Episode: From Dabbling to Thriving: 4 Habits That Transform Christian Artists

    Are you an ENT artist—Creating Every Now and Then—only when inspiration strikes? You’re not alone. But if you’ve been longing for more consistency, momentum, and breakthrough in your creative life, this episode is for you.

    After mentoring thousands of artists, I’ve learned that it’s not talent that separates thriving artists from those stuck in frustration—it’s intentional habits. In this episode, I break down the Core4 Focus Framework™—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate—and how these four daily rhythms can radically transform your walk with God, your studio time, and your impact in the world.

    Key takeaway: When you partner with the Holy Spirit through intentional habits, your creativity becomes a highway for Kingdom impact—and your potential finally gets the room it needs to flourish.

    Click here to listen and discover how to move from dabbling to thriving.

    WATCH

    If you’ve been craving a fresh move of the Holy Spirit in your life and creative journey, this powerful worship moment will stir your heart. “Rest on Us” is a passionate invitation for the Spirit of God to dwell, move, and ignite something new within us. As artists, we need more than inspiration—we need presence. Let this song become your prayer this week as you create from a place of intimacy and surrender.

    FEATURED ARTIST: Trevor McCauley

    Journaling the Journey, Co-Creating with Christ
    📍 Website | 📱 Instagram

    For Trevor McCauley, creativity is more than just making art—it’s an act of worship, a form of prayer, and a lifelong dialogue with God.

    Currently journeying through The Foundations Course, Trevor has found new strength in knowing he’s not alone. “Knowing that other people of faith are on similar journeys and have a hunger for God is something that has been essential to my growth as an artist in Christ,” he shares.

    Trevor’s artistic practice is expansive and multi-disciplinary. He’s currently working on:

    • A two-panel abstract acrylic painting inspired by Isaiah 61:3
    • A collection of faith-based poetry centered on identity and transformation
    • A long-term musical project—The Storm, a symphony rooted in contemporary classical music that’s been in progress since 2005

    Whether painting, composing, or writing, Trevor sees art as a way to experience the tangible presence of God.

    “It’s how I see prayers manifested. It’s tangible. It’s spiritual. It’s relational. It’s how I know God is with me and co-creates with me.”

    One of Trevor’s most profound spiritual habits is middle-of-the-night journaling. While his daytime writing is often reflective, his late-night sessions take on a completely different nature—words that flow as if God is speaking directly to the reader. “The writing becomes more like God directly to the reader… I’m just a conduit.”

    A deeply personal project that reflects his love for detail and meaning was a two-year Christmas gift for his wife: a scratchboard rendering of 17 flowering plants still growing on her grandmother’s property—an heirloom of beauty, history, and legacy. “It was part science, but mostly about art and a connection that only my wife could truly appreciate. Our kids helped, and it was a complete surprise. An amazing gift.”

    Trevor’s creative path began with journaling as an act of faith, long before he claimed the title “artist.” It taught him to quiet his heart, observe his world, and discover his inner voice. Today, that habit continues to shape his direction and keep him grounded.

    His encouragement to fellow artists?

    🌿 “Sometimes it’s how we are changed through the journey of producing art that matters—not the product itself.”

    Trevor’s website has become a cornerstone for sharing his work and amplifying his message. And while the road includes missed expectations, flopped book signings, and delayed dreams, he’s learning that relational trust with God—built in the unseen moments—is what makes the creative life so deeply fulfilling.

    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.