As a fine artist, writer, Certified life/creativity coach and photographer I understand the challenges with creative block, desiring outcome but less motivated, time management and niche marketing that without knowledge in these areas, gets in the way of God’s plan for success. For many of us the above is also filtered through God’s love in relationships.  Creativity within a Christian worldview brings organization and focus to creativity overload, blends art skill with intention and niche specialty while considering God’s intervention at any given moment, shows empathy and compassion to others and allows for more effective outreach. Creativity enables the ability to tap into all of our senses given to us by our loving God.

The creative process is healing. As a mental health nurse and artist, I combined these two disciplines when working with depressed people in a process group, once providing the opportunity to create, patient affect began to change. They thought of other people they wanted to create something for and less attention on their depression. They began speaking with one another, communicating positive thoughts. It is common today for various therapy modalities to include music, journaling, writing and various forms of visual art.
A very dear nurse friend of mine, during her end stage cancer, asked for a favor.  In fact regardless of her health she became one of the most inspirational individuals of many people I knew, encouraging me to seriously pursue art. For a number of weeks we visited, shared the love of God, talked about her family and children while I attended to a mural on her dining room wall.  The mural was a floral design with grape leaves and vines.  As we shared stories about her family and the Lord, the squiggly vines incorporated camouflaged family names and scripture as the brush lead me. In honor of this creative act, a future place holder for Kerry’s Vines will be added on the art website, although not sure of the format. Kerry passed leaving for me a part of herself and extension of God’s love to me, although my intent was the other way around.  She and her family left a small stipend designated to encourage expressing God’s love through the arts. When experiencing dry moments away from art, Kerry’s act of love motivates me again.

 

The creative process finds its way in job satisfaction. When people are more fulfilled in the work place, in addition to expressive creativity, is thoughts, ideas, innovation, use of core values and visioning. When people state they are not creative, they are very surprised to learn that they often are engaged in the creative process in their profession and often frustrated for lack of opportunity to express those thoughts. Frustration is not always a bad thing.  It may indicate a gentle reminder that something needs attention. 

Creativity and the Bible abundantly provide examples of how creativity is used throughout. First, we know that the spirit of God gave the Word to man to write as well as his own impression on stone tablets. When given instruction for adorning the temple, God knew exactly what he wanted in color, design and numbers of gems and jewels, metals, fabric and carving. Jesus, a carpenter, made items out of wood.   Knowing we are made in the image of God we too then are given this marvelous tool of creativity. Creativity continued beyond Creation into Old Testament prophetic discovery of the “crimson thread of redemption” leading us to Jesus. The spirit of God was present in the beginning and continues today through Holy Spirit. Dependence on Holy Spirit teaching, guidance and counsel is vital to the Christian creative.

When I am painting, there is a sense of God’s spirit providing ideas, composition, perspective and the vast array of colors available. Painting his creation brings a sense of curiosity and joy. Thoughts of how this piece may be an effective outreach in some way accompanies the work process as well as prayer for the person receiving the piece. I sense the presence of God and engage in thankfulness and worship where he has created a space for he and I to be in relationship while helping others on their journey.

If you would enjoy reading more about this journey, click here.

 
Creativity abounds within the hearts and minds of women who have worn many hats during their life. They wear those hats in marvelous ways  in support and care of people both within and outside their circle of influence. Men support their families balancing work, family, maintaining aspects of the home front, being a family spiritual leader and more.  In the midst of these activities is often a personal desire to fulfill one’s dream (desire of the heart) that also aligns with God’s plan and purpose (Ps 139)  Combined with spiritual gifting, there is great joy and fulfillment even when faced with the challenges of life.

Below are thoughts people often have in common.

•  Desire to follow one’s heart, yet time, energy and financial

 resources are diminished.

•  Time is consumed with running on adrenaline urgency
•  What is “Sabbath Time” and how do I make room for that?
•  In comparison, I am not that talented.
•  What is blocking me in order to receive God’s best?
•  Do I feel uncaring or guilty setting healthy boundaries?
•  How do I not disappoint others, listening to God rather than

 meeting expectations from others that may not be beneficial?

•  Change and challenges fuel fear and uncertainty.
•  Time pressures stifle creativity?  Illness?
•  Does rigid or misguided hierarchy stifle creativity?
•  The church is not open to the way God is leading me to serve, so

 where do I go?

•  How do I deal with idea overload and choose what is right?
•  With so many choices, how do we know which are the right ones?
•  How do express or think creatively in a compelling way?
•  It is too late in life to start?
•  Not understanding what it means to be authentic represented by

 how God has wired us through values, spiritual gifts, personality and
the essence of Holy Spirit guiding our thoughts and actions.

•  Wanting to follow God’s will yet so many other people need me.
•  Creative ideas are not taken seriously by others.
•  Is success and making a profit approved by God?
•  How do I market out of who I am and not necessarily what I do?
•  How do I run the race well (without a vision people perish) through

 the mind of Christ?

•  What did I accomplish in a day that was really important?
•  How do I deal with the unexpected in life, that may also be a way

 God is teaching and healing an area in my life? How do we know the
difference?

I love coaching others and continue to marvel at the ways God instills the creative process, authentically and unique to them as God has known before time. There are increasing forms of worship, outreach and evangelism that include the use of art, liturgy, theatre, lighting, music, graphic design, dance and story telling. God is showing up in places outside the church where aspects of creativity through the senses can reach others where they will not be attracted initially to a church.  When we combine our spiritual gifts with creativity, the possibilities for serving are endless. That is what it is about, serving and reaching others for eternal purposes. Are you ready to use all that God has provided to you for his glory and great commission? In places Christ would go yet the safety of our own group dictates that we do not dare?