Send us a text

What if you’re not behind at all—but right on time for what you were made to carry? We take a hard look at slow seasons and flip the script: delay isn’t punishment, it’s purposeful formation. Through real stories, scripture, and practical reflection, we explore four hidden purposes behind God’s timing that build resilient, joy-filled creative lives.

First, we talk about capacity. Strength comes before spotlight, and endurance widens the heart to hold influence, relationships, and resources without cracking under pressure. James 1 becomes a lens for growth that happens on the inside long before it shows on the outside. Then we sit with protection. Not every open door is meant for you. Some “no’s” are shields in disguise, sparing you from opportunities that look right but would fracture your focus or outpace your maturity.

Next, we dive into alignment. When work becomes worship, striving gives way to flow. We share the moment everything shifted—repenting of copycat strategies and returning to the specific path God outlined. Colossians 3:23 reframes creative practice as an offering, and momentum follows clarity. Finally, we step back to see the larger weave. Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 2:10 ground the conviction that your story is threaded into something bigger and better than personal success. You’re invited to cooperate, not perform; to notice what the Father is doing and join Him step by step.

If you’ve been watching the clock, ready to quit, this conversation offers a gentler measure of progress: peace, presence, and faithful practice. You’ll leave with reflection prompts to spot development in past “delays,” language to discern real God-doors, and a renewed desire to create with God, not just for applause. If this spoke to you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs the reframing, and leave a review with the one insight you’re taking into your studio this week.

📚 FREE RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN ARTISTS:
🎨 Your Art Matters to God More than You Think: a 5 Minute Video and PDF Guide from Matt Tommey on why your art is important to God.
👉 https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/yourartmatterstogod

📖 Grab Matt's Best-Selling Books for Christian Artists:
👉 https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources

🚀 READY TO GO DEEPER?
The Foundations Course - Gain clarity on your creative calling, develop a sustainable art practice, and learn to create with confidence and freedom in Christ.
👉 https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented creative Karen Bulbuk, whose artistic journey has spanned fine art, graphic design, music, photography, and more. 

From her small-town Massachusetts roots to her current home in Michigan, Karen shares how her creativity has been a constant companion—even during seasons of caregiving, transition, and uncertainty.

We discuss the unique challenges of pursuing art alongside other life responsibilities, the powerful ways God has spoken to her about the purpose of her art, and how she’s learned to see creativity as a language for communicating His truth. Karen’s story will encourage any artist who’s felt “on the sidelines” to step back into their calling with renewed passion and vision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How a diverse creative background can enrich your artistic voice
• Lessons from blending art with life’s changing seasons
• Why creativity is a language for communicating God’s truth
• Overcoming discouragement and finding encouragement in community
• The importance of aligning your art with God’s purpose

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“Art is like a language… once you learn it, you can communicate God’s truth to people through visual images.” — Karen Bulbuk

 “So many artists tell me, ‘I was an artist… but then life happened,’ and yet God is still calling them back into that creative place.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Karen Bulbuk: http://heartcreations.net

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if your studio felt like worship instead of a grind? We explore five grounded, practical ways to honor God with your creativity—starting with gratitude, moving into faithful studio rhythms, inviting the Holy Spirit into your process, growing in artistic excellence, and learning to create from rest. Rather than chasing likes, sales, or approval, we shift the focus to peace, purpose, and partnership with God.

We begin by anchoring identity in the truth that creativity is God’s idea and a good gift. From there, we talk about showing up consistently and dedicating a simple, sacred space—whether it’s a full studio or a corner table—as an act of faithfulness. We unpack what it looks like to co-create with the Holy Spirit, recognizing those moments of flow as signs of relationship, not randomness. You’ll hear why “filled and skilled” is a powerful pairing for artists, how excellence expands your creative vocabulary, and why skill actually births freedom. Scripture threads through the conversation—Genesis 1:27, James 1:17, Luke 16:10, Exodus 31, Proverbs 24:3–4, Philippians 2:13, Psalm 46:10, and Colossians 3:23—offering a biblical framework for creative practice.

Finally, we challenge the hustle mindset with the unforced rhythms of grace. Creating from rest means trusting God with outcomes, releasing comparison, and working wholeheartedly as an offering rather than a performance. Expect practical steps, honest encouragement, and a clear path to align your art life with Kingdom peace and purpose.

If this message resonates, tap subscribe and share it with an artist friend who needs permission to rest.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this engaging episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with multi-talented Canadian creative Rob Dinwoodie—a visual artist, musician, and entrepreneur whose life blends artistry, faith, and purpose. 

From his roots in British Columbia to his work as a performer and creator, Rob shares how he’s embraced creativity as a lifelong pursuit without letting the pressure of monetization steal the joy.

We discuss the value of formative years spent honing your craft, the freedom that comes from knowing your identity in Christ, and the importance of maintaining a playful, authentic spirit in your work. Whether through his art, music, or community presence, Rob’s story is a reminder that creativity flows best when it’s rooted in purpose and joy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why embracing the process matters more than rushing to monetize your art
• How to keep joy and authenticity at the center of your creative life
• The value of freedom and play in artistic expression
• Lessons from combining multiple creative disciplines
• Staying grounded in your identity in Christ as an artist

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“One of the things that I think robs artists of the joy of creativity is trying to monetize things too soon.” — Matt Tommey

 “We’re not defined as artists by our last gig, or by how much we’re selling our work for… we’re defined by who God says we are.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Rob Dinwoodie: http://robdinwoodie.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if your creative practice is meant to be a doorway where heaven meets earth? We dig into the supernatural calling of artists and why creativity isn’t a side note—it’s central to how the Kingdom moves. Drawing from Genesis, John, Ephesians, and the pattern of Bezalel in Exodus, I make the case that you were designed to carry God’s life and light into your studio, your market, and the moments where viewers unexpectedly encounter grace through your work.

I share a formative gallery story where a simple basket became a message of comfort, reminding us that the Holy Spirit can speak beyond our skill or intention. From there, we unpack five anchors: creativity is God’s idea; all creativity comes from Him; God can use any artist yet invites us to partner; art carries a prophetic role that can comfort and confront; and we’re called to co-create with God, not perform for Him. This isn’t about trends or chasing “spiritual” labels—it’s about becoming both filled with the Spirit and skilled in craft, trusting that your workmanship (poema) becomes a conduit for beauty, truth, and transformation.

You’ll learn how to approach your studio with expectation, invite the Holy Spirit into process and release, and drop the heavy yoke of performance for the lighter rhythm of collaboration. We talk about letting your work reveal redemption even when it names hard things, stewarding technique as an act of worship, and assuming connection—Christ in you, the hope of glory—as you make. If you’ve ever wondered whether your “hobby” matters, consider this your permission to step boldly into calling.

If this resonated, leave a comment with your biggest insight or story of God meeting someone through your art. Subscribe, rate, and share to help more artists find freedom and clarity.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this joyful and inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I talk with long-time friend and mentoring program member Denise Clark Weston. A multi-talented creative with deep family roots in the arts, Denise shares her story of growing up surrounded by creativity, navigating seasons of self-doubt, and discovering her confidence and artistic voice through persistence and faith.

From her Pacific Northwest studio, Denise paints stunning oil landscapes that reflect both the beauty of nature and the resilience of a heart rooted in God’s goodness. In our conversation, she opens up about her heritage, her journey of overcoming insecurity, and the joy she finds in continually exploring new creative paths.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How growing up in a creative family shaped Denise’s artistry
• Overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence in God’s design
• Why trying different art forms can strengthen your skills
• The joy of painting landscapes that connect with the viewer’s heart
• Embracing your creative journey as a lifelong adventure

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I actually was raised in a home with creatives… my great grandmother was a costume mistress for the Paris Opera.” — Denise Clark Weston

 “You’re one of those people that God poured extra talent in and I love that!” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Denise Clark Weston: https://www.deniseclarkweston.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Feeling called to create but unsure of the path ahead? We explore the tension every faith-filled artist knows: trusting God’s plan when the studio feels quiet and the roadmap isn’t obvious. From the first spark of calling to the slow, stretching seasons where nothing seems to move, we unpack why hiddenness isn’t failure—it’s formation—and how to keep showing up with peace, clarity, and courage.

Matt shares three anchors that reframe the journey. First, your creativity is not random; it’s assignment—Ephesians 2:10 names you God’s poema, designed to reveal His heart through your work. Second, hidden seasons still count; Scripture shows a pattern of preparation before platform, where God loosens our grip on applause and strengthens our ear for His voice. Third, faithfulness comes before fruitfulness; the Kingdom order shifts our metrics from speed and sales to obedience and steady craft, trusting God with timing and reach.

To put this into practice, we walk through the Core Four Focus Framework—a daily rhythm to anchor your creative life. Connect with God and recall His promises over your identity and work. Clarify the one essential priority for the day. Create by showing up in the studio—ten minutes or ten hours—letting inspiration follow action. Cultivate relationships with peers, collectors, and your audience so you live like a river, not a pond. We close with a prayer for grace, resilience, and trust in the pace God sets, and invite you to take next steps with resources that help renew your mind, heal your heart, and build sustainable rhythms for your art and your faith.

If this resonates, subscribe for weekly encouragement, share this with an artist who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what’s your “one thing” you’ll do today?

Get Your Core4 Focus Planner at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4

Enroll in the Foundations Course at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this powerful and Spirit-led conversation, I talk with Barbados-based artist Sherridean Carmichael about pursuing your creative calling with bold faith, overcoming resistance, and stepping fully into the identity God has already given you. 

From her years as a top educator to her transformative work as a creative leader, Sherridean carries a message of breakthrough and Kingdom alignment that will inspire any artist feeling stuck or forgotten.

We explore how God uses challenges to shape us, how to recognize and reject the lies of lack and fear, and how walking in your true inheritance as a child of God releases creative freedom and impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to overcome the enemy’s resistance to your calling
• Why your creative inheritance is already yours in Christ
• Moving from striving to flowing in God’s provision
• Recognizing and walking in your Kingdom authority
• Encouraging other artists through your personal testimony

🌐 Connect with Sherridean Carmichael: http://creativeartwell.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the most powerful studio you own is the one behind your eyes? As artists, our imaginations are vivid and fast—capable of painting hope or projecting fear in seconds. Today we unpack a simple, repeatable way to turn worry into worship by pointing that creative engine toward God’s promises instead of worst-case stories.

We dig into why fear and faith run on the same internal mechanism and how agreement shapes outcomes: see it, agree with it, speak it, and step into it. With Philippians 4 as our anchor, we talk about holy contentment that frees you from being ruled by circumstances without dimming ambition or vision. You’ll learn a practical “thoughts captive” checkpoint—does this sound like Jesus?—and a step-by-step reset to declare Scripture, visualize best-case scenarios rooted in God’s nature, and let peace take the steering wheel. We also name the subtle ways comparison and old wounds hijack imagination, then reclaim your God-given uniqueness through 1 Corinthians 12:18 so your “different” becomes your most fruitful gift.

If you’ve been in a season of waiting, this conversation reframes the in-between as fertile ground where imagination either fuels fear or forms faith. We offer a guided reflection to invite the Holy Spirit into your inner pictures—provision, breakthrough, next steps—so you create from clarity, not panic. Expect practical tools, biblical insight, and a gentle challenge to cultivate the inner life that shapes the art you release into the world.

If this spoke to you, subscribe, share it with a creative friend, and leave a review so more artists can find it. Want structured help to renew your mind and align your creative life with Scripture? Enroll in the Created to Thrive Foundations course at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations!

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this captivating episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with internationally recognized wildlife artist Denis Mayer Jr. to hear the story behind his incredible mastery of realism and the journey that led him from a teenage sign painter in Montreal to one of Canada’s most respected fine artists.

Denis shares how early influences from his father, architectural rendering skills, and years in commercial art all shaped his signature style. We talk about the discipline required to reach mastery, how to adapt when the industry changes, and the enduring power of creating from passion and love for your subject. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence in art.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Denis transitioned from commercial art to fine art wildlife painting
• The importance of technical skill and discipline in achieving realism
• Lessons learned from decades of navigating the changing art industry
• Finding your unique voice as an artist through life experience
• The role of passion and patience in creating art that connects deeply with viewers

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“My passion as a young kid was already seen as an artist.” — Denis Mayer Jr.

 “When one door closes in your art career, it’s often God opening another — the key is to keep creating.” — Matt Tommey

 “Mastery doesn’t happen overnight. It’s thousands of hours, one brushstroke at a time.” — Denis Mayer Jr.

🌐 Connect with Denis Mayer Jr.: http://www.denismayerjr.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Romans 12:6 (NLT) says, “In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” As artists, those gifts show up in our creativity, imagination, and the unique ways God has wired us to bring beauty into the world.

In this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, Matt Tommey unpacks how to:

✅ Recognize the whisper of your creative soul
✅ Decode your unique artistic DNA
✅ Cultivate your God-given gifts over time
✅ Share your art to create a ripple effect of impact

Whether you’re just starting out or have been creating for years, this message will help you uncover your artistic superpower—not in a single moment, but through a faithful, ongoing journey with God.

🌿 Key Scriptures

Romans 12:6 (NLT)

Psalm 139:13–14 (NKJV)

Luke 16:10 (NKJV)

Matthew 5:14–16 (MSG)

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

👉 Ready to grow spiritually, creatively, and financially as an artist? Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program today: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor

📖 Grab Matt’s book God’s Plan for Living: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources.html

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with long-time friends Stephen and Tricia Preston, a creative couple whose lives are a beautiful example of artistry, ministry, and Kingdom impact working hand-in-hand. From running multiple creative ventures to hosting a thriving conference for artists in their church community, the Prestons have spent decades inspiring and equipping others to step boldly into their God-given creativity.

We talk about the joys and challenges of being a married creative team, how God has provided and guided their steps through seasons of transition, and why building authentic community is essential for artists who want to thrive spiritually, creatively, and relationally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Stephen & Tricia blend artistry, ministry, and entrepreneurship
• The role of community in overcoming self-doubt and isolation
• Trusting God for provision in your creative calling
• Practical ways to gather and empower creatives in your church or city
• Lessons from launching and leading a creativity-focused conference

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“Being an artist is a walk of faith — you’re trusting God for inspiration, provision, and the courage to keep going.” — Tricia Preston

 “In community, we breathe life into each other and silence the lies of inadequacy.” — Matt Tommey

 “Our gifts aren’t just for ourselves — they’re meant to be shared, multiplied, and used to build the Kingdom.” — Stephen Preston

🌐 Connect with Stephen & Tricia Preston:

• https://socialart.ca
• https://funtasticalstudios.com
• https://jubileestratford.com/creativity/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken many to their core, leaving artists wondering about their role in a world where truth-tellers face violent opposition. This watershed moment demands a response from those called to create in God's kingdom.

When darkness descends and voices are silenced, our natural instinct might be to retreat into safety and silence. Yet throughout history, persecution has never diminished the gospel—it has amplified it. As Acts 8:4 reminds us, "those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." The early church didn't hunker down in fear but scattered boldly, carrying truth into new territories.

Your creative expression isn't merely a hobby or pastime—it's a strategic weapon in God's hands against the powers of darkness. When the enemy targets truth-tellers, seeking to silence their voice, our response must be to multiply that voice through our own creative gifts. Your art matters profoundly in this moment, whether it speaks truth explicitly or embeds it within beauty and mystery.

This isn't a call to belligerence or confrontation for its own sake, but to stand firm in five essential ways: First, recognize your art as a weapon in God's hands, not a trivial pastime. Second, reject fear as a lie—create boldly as an act of defiance against the spirit of fear. Third, understand that pushback proves your assignment—if you're facing resistance, your light is making a difference. Fourth, remember that truth wrapped in love is never hate, regardless of how culture labels it. Finally, take heart knowing Christ is with you in the battle—rejection isn't failure but confirmation you're advancing the kingdom.

The world needs Christian artists who respond to radical violence not with more violence, but with radical love expressed through radical creativity. As darkness deepens, light becomes more visible and powerful. This is our moment to link arms with each other and with the Holy Spirit, lifting the creative candle of our lives to illuminate a path toward God's kingdom.

What will you create today that brings heaven to earth? The world is waiting for your voice.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Tucson-based artist Debbie Gallerani, whose work spans whimsical sculpture, mixed media, and a rich background as a professional cartoonist. From her charming bed and breakfast, La Casa Del Artista, to art shows across the country, Debbie’s life is a colorful blend of creativity, hospitality, and ministry.

Debbie opens up about her early dreams of becoming a syndicated cartoonist, the setbacks and detours she faced along the way, and how God’s faithfulness has carried her through seasons of challenge and change. We talk about the power of perseverance, the joy of creating art that brings delight, and the importance of sharing your faith through your creative life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Debbie’s early passion for cartooning shaped her unique style
• Finding joy in whimsical, hope-filled artwork
• Building creative community through hospitality and art
• Trusting God’s timing through life’s setbacks
• Ways to naturally share your faith with those who encounter your art

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I’ve always been an artist, but it’s taken a lifetime of twists and turns to get to where I am now—and I wouldn’t trade the journey.” — Debbie Gallerani
“When you open your home and your heart to people, creativity flows in both directions.” — Matt Tommey
“God made us to create. Every time we use our gifts, we reflect His heart to the world.” — Debbie Gallerani

🌐 Connect with Debbie Gallerani: https://www.debbiegalleraniart.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

That burning desire for artistic community you've been feeling? It might be more than just a personal longing—it could be a divine calling on your life.

In this heart-stirring episode, Matt Tommey challenges listeners to consider a revolutionary idea: the very community you've been searching for might be the one God is calling you to create. Rather than waiting for an invitation or disqualifying yourself with excuses about lack of expertise or resources, what if your burden for connection is actually evidence of a calling?

Drawing from powerful biblical examples like David, Nehemiah, and Esther, Matt illustrates how God consistently works through people who recognize a burden and respond with a simple "yes." He vulnerably shares his own journey, beginning with a 3:09 AM divine wake-up call in 2009 that seemed impossible at the time. Starting with just a few couples gathering in his basement, that humble beginning has now grown into a global movement impacting thousands of artists.

The beauty of starting a creative community lies in its simplicity. You don't need specialized training or perfect circumstances—just a willingness to open your home, studio, or meet at a local café. These gatherings create sacred spaces where healing happens, calling is discovered, and transformation occurs. What if your living room could be where someone reconnects with their divine purpose or even encounters God for the first time?

Ready to join this global movement of creative communities? Visit https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/smallgroup to register your group and access resources to help you get started. Take that courageous first step—the artists in your area have been waiting for someone just like you to say yes.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

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In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with Texas-based artist Wendy Michelle Davis, whose creativity flows from her deep faith and her love for building authentic community among artists. From her booth at the Cottonwood Festival to the vibrant art scene in Waco, Wendy shares her journey of discovering her artistic voice, overcoming challenges, and stepping into her God-given calling.

We explore how she integrates her walk with the Lord into every piece she creates, why she’s passionate about helping other artists thrive, and the ways community can become a powerful catalyst for creativity and Kingdom impact. If you’ve ever felt alone in your art journey or wondered how to blend faith, artistry, and community, Wendy’s story will deeply encourage you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Wendy found her unique artistic style and voice
• The role of community in an artist’s growth and success
• Integrating faith naturally into your creative practice
• Practical encouragement for artists navigating seasons of change

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

• “We’re creators because we’re made in His image. God wants us to be creative—it’s part of who He is, and it’s a beautiful gift we get to explore with Him.” — Wendy Michelle Davis
•  “Community is such a catalyst for creativity. When artists come together, something powerful happens.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Wendy Michelle Davis: https://www.wendymichelledavis.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Do you feel like you've missed your window to pursue the creative calling God placed in your heart? That nagging voice suggesting you're too old, too inexperienced, or that you've simply missed your chance might be louder than ever. But what if everything you believe about creative timing is fundamentally wrong?

This episode tackles the pervasive lie that artistic callings come with an expiration date. Drawing from Romans 11:29, we explore how "the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable" – meaning the creative purpose God designed for you remains intact regardless of your age or life circumstances. Through powerful examples like Moses who led Israel at 80, Sarah who gave birth at 90, and Grandma Moses who began painting in her late 70s, we see how God's timeline often defies conventional wisdom.

Your past experiences haven't disqualified you – they've prepared you. Every career path, relationship, hardship, and triumph has contributed to the unique perspective you bring to your art. What feels like delayed timing might actually be divine preparation for a creative expression only possible through the lens of your lived experience.

Using the practical framework of the five R's (Recognize, Repent, Replace, Reinforce, and Rejoice), you'll learn how to dismantle the lies that have framed your thinking and replace them with God's truth about your creative identity. Each morning becomes an opportunity to declare your creative calling is alive and your best days are ahead.

Whether you're 35 or 85, this message will rekindle hope that your artistic journey isn't over – it might just be beginning. The world needs the creative expression only you can offer, and God's gifts don't come with an expiration date. Are you ready to say yes to the creative calling that's always been yours?

The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly Newsletter → https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/blog/category/tcaweekly

Core4 Focus Planner → https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Ready to transform your creative process? Discover the counterintuitive truth that boundaries—far from stifling your artistry—actually amplify and accelerate your creative anointing. As artists, we often resist structure, clinging to the romantic notion that true creativity requires absolute freedom. Yet this episode reveals how sacred guardrails around your creative practice can channel your artistic energy into its most powerful expression.

Matt Tommey draws from 30+ years of artistic experience and scriptural wisdom to explain how boundaries concentrate rather than constrain your creative potential. "If your creative calling was important enough for God to give it to you," he explains, "it's important enough for you to set boundaries around it." This perspective shifts boundaries from burdens to blessings—protecting spaces where your creative anointing can thrive.

You'll learn practical strategies for establishing three essential types of boundaries: time boundaries that protect dedicated creative hours, energy boundaries that recognize when your creative potential peaks, and content boundaries that prevent "creative dabbling" and develop artistic mastery. These aren't arbitrary restrictions but intentional decisions that honor the creative calling God has placed on your life.

The most fulfilled and effective seasons in your creative journey will come when you understand that, like a river needs banks to channel its power, your creativity needs boundaries to focus its impact. As Psalm 16:6 reminds us, "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." Stop being an "every now and then" artist and start establishing the sacred guardrails that will amplify your creative anointing.

Ready to transform your creative practice? Purchase you Core4 Focus Planner at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4 and join our global community of thriving Christian artists who are discovering the freedom that comes through focused, intentional creativity.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you found yourself caught in an endless cycle of creative hustle and disappointment? That relentless pressure to produce more art, gain more followers, and achieve greater success can leave even the most passionate artist feeling depleted and inadequate. But what if your greatest artistic achievements don't come from working harder but from learning to walk at God's pace?

This episode challenges the cultural narrative that equates success with constant productivity and instead offers a revolutionary alternative: grace-paced creativity. Drawing from Matthew 11:28-30, you'll discover why Jesus invites us to "learn the unforced rhythms of grace" and how this profoundly impacts your creative practice. Rather than allowing external pressures to drive your internal creative process, you'll learn how to operate from the inside out, guided by God's truth and the Holy Spirit's leading.

Just as nature operates in seasons—sowing, growing, harvesting, and resting—your creative life follows similar patterns. There's immense freedom in recognizing the season you're in and honoring it, rather than feeling inadequate because you're not constantly producing. This isn't about becoming unproductive; it's about the transformative shift from striving in your own strength to co-laboring with God.

Through practical frameworks like the Core Four Focus (Connect with God, Clarify your priorities, Create, and Cultivate relationships), you'll discover how to maintain this grace-paced creativity daily. The fruit is profound: peace in your studio, joy in the process, fulfillment in your journey, and experiencing God's favor. Instead of quick success followed by burnout, you'll develop depth, groundedness, and longevity in your creative calling.

Ready to stop feeling rushed, anxious, and inadequate in your art practice? Join us as we explore how slowing down might be your greatest creative advantage. Your art matters—and so does your soul's rest.

GET THE CORE4 Focus Planner today at https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/core4.html 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the creative breakthrough you've been searching for isn't found in more techniques or strategies, but in learning to be still? In this soul-stirring episode, we explore how sacred stillness unlocks divine creativity in ways that constant striving never can.

The tension between worldly pressure and spiritual flow creates a fascinating paradox for Christian artists. While culture pushes us to create faster, stay visible, and constantly perform, God whispers an invitation into stillness. "Cease striving and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) becomes our creative manifesto, challenging us to trust that God has already given us everything we need for inspired artistry.

Drawing from personal experiences and biblical wisdom, this episode offers practical guidance for transforming your creative process. Learn how beginning each studio session with intentional quiet time, eliminating digital distractions, and releasing the pressure to make everything "content" can dramatically shift your artistic flow. Discover when to push through creative blocks and when to trust that stepping away might actually be the most productive choice.

At its heart, this conversation reveals that the most profound art comes not from straining or performing, but from positioning our hearts to receive. When we approach creativity as co-creation with the divine—receiving gifts of inspiration rather than manufacturing them through willpower—we access a flow that's both deeply fulfilling and spiritually transformative.

Ready to experience the difference that sacred stillness can make in your creativity? Subscribe now, share with fellow artists, and join our community of creatives who are discovering how to thrive spiritually and artistically by embracing God's creative rhythms rather than the world's demanding pace.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the creative ruts you keep experiencing aren't just "part of the process" but actually fear-based barriers preventing you from fulfilling your God-given purpose as an artist?

Fear whispers that you're not talented enough, that it's too late, that your work doesn't matter—but these whispers aren't coming from your Creator. God has empowered you with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, not a spirit of fear. When you understand this truth, everything about your creative process can transform.

Your brain naturally protects you from perceived danger, and unless you've intentionally trained it according to God's Word, it will raise red flags when you try something new creatively. That's why 95% of what we do daily is controlled by our subconscious mind—creating an internal framework that either empowers or limits your artistic expression.

The creative instincts inside you—your attraction to certain media, techniques, colors, or subjects—aren't random. They're divine clues about your unique creative voice and purpose. As a believer, you're in union with Christ, not separated from His creative power. This means you can trust those instincts as the Holy Spirit's guidance in your artistic journey.

Every brushstroke, poem, dance movement, or musical note you create is an act of faith that can become a catalyst for transformation in someone's life. The difference between artists who thrive and those who remain stuck isn't talent or training—it's their willingness to show up consistently despite fear, trusting that "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world."

The only qualification you need to step into your artistic calling is your "yes" to God. The only disqualification is giving in to fear. When you choose to create even when you feel inadequate or uninspired, you're declaring victory over fear and opening the door to supernatural creativity that flows through your art in ways you never imagined possible.

Ready to break free from creative fear once and for all? Join hundreds of artists worldwide who have renewed their minds and unlocked their God-given creative potential through our Foundations course. Your artistic breakthrough awaits! Listeners of this episode use coupon code PODCAST75 to get 75% off.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you ever sensed something greater than yourself flowing through your creative process? That feeling isn't just your imagination—it's an invitation to recognize and collaborate with the Holy Spirit as you create.

For Christian artists, creativity isn't merely self-expression but a sacred conversation with our Creator. This divine partnership transforms not only what we make but who we are becoming. When we understand that our artistic impulses are often spiritual nudges, we enter a deeper relationship with God through our creative practice.

Many artists struggle with the false belief that their work must contain overtly religious symbols or themes to be spiritually significant. The truth is profoundly liberating: God cares much more THAT you create than WHAT you create. Those nagging feelings of inadequacy or not being "Christian enough" in your art are never from the Lord. If God didn't want you to express your unique artistic voice and perspective, He wouldn't have designed you with those specific creative inclinations.

Creating an atmosphere for divine collaboration requires practical steps: establishing consistent studio time, journaling your impressions without self-judgment, and developing community with others who can recognize God's movement in your work when you might miss it. Like a well-maintained sailboat with its sail raised, you prepare and show up faithfully to your creative practice—but the divine wind that powers your journey comes from God alone.

The most beautiful aspect of this collaboration? Sometimes God uses your work in ways you never anticipated. You might create with one intention, but once released into the world, your art may minister to others in completely different ways. Rather than feeling frustrated when things don't go according to plan, embrace the adventure of creating with God and trust Him with the results.

Ready to recognize God's voice in your creative process? Join our thriving community of artists learning to create with purpose and kingdom impact. Subscribe to receive weekly inspiration and practical guidance for your artistic journey.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

The still, small voice of God exists even in our chaotic, noisy world—but are you positioned to hear it? In this transformative episode, we tackle one of the most fundamental aspects of walking with God: learning to recognize and respond to His voice in everyday life.

Many believers struggle with the concept that God wants to speak directly to them. Perhaps you've been taught that God only speaks through Scripture, or maybe past disappointments have left you skeptical. The truth is far more liberating—hearing God's voice isn't reserved for super-spiritual people or biblical characters, but is the birthright of every believer.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27) isn't just a nice verse—it's a promise about the relationship God desires with you. This episode provides practical strategies to cultivate a listening heart, including dedicated quiet time, journaling spiritual impressions, and learning to distinguish God's voice from other influences.

For artists especially, there's a profound connection between creativity and divine communication. Those moments of "flow" in your studio can become sacred opportunities for hearing God's guidance about not just your art, but every area of your life. By approaching your creative practice with intentionality and spiritual awareness, your studio becomes a sanctuary where heaven and earth overlap.

We explore how guarding your heart (Proverbs 4:23) creates fertile ground for God's voice to flourish while crowding out distractions and lies that prevent clear spiritual hearing. You'll discover how journaling what you sense becomes evidence of God's faithfulness, building confidence in your ability to recognize His voice over time.

Ready to experience the peace, confidence and supernatural guidance that comes from walking in step with God's voice? Whether you're struggling with creative blocks, life decisions, or simply longing for deeper connection with your Creator, this episode offers the practical guidance you need to tune your heart to heaven's frequency today.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Creative breakthrough isn't just about what happens in your studio—it's about who surrounds you on the journey. For artists conditioned to figure everything out alone, this revelation can transform both your creative practice and your business.

The most profound artistic growth emerges when we recognize that God designed us for connection. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor." This ancient wisdom applies powerfully to our modern creative pursuits.

When we talk about collaboration, many immediately think of joint projects or shared canvases. But the deepest transformations come through relationship-based collaborations—critique groups, mastermind circles, and authentic friendships with fellow creatives who speak truth into your journey. These trusted companions see opportunities in your work that remain invisible to you, challenge you to go deeper, and remind you of your calling when doubt creeps in.

Building these relationships requires intentional effort—starting critique groups, hosting creative gatherings, joining mentoring communities, or pursuing strategic partnerships. The most successful collaborations typically begin not with calculated networking but with genuine connection, recognizing divine appointments and having the courage to extend an invitation.

Don't let introversion become an excuse for isolation. Take the initiative rather than waiting for someone else to make the first move. As you open yourself to deeper creative community, you'll discover that the breakthrough you've been seeking might not be found in solitude but in the rich tapestry of relationships God is weaving around you. Subscribe now to join a community of artists who understand that in the kingdom, we were created to thrive together, not alone.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered what truly sets apart artists who thrive in both their creative practice and business? It's not extraordinary talent, prolific output, or insider connections. The real differentiator is their ability to create intentional invitations – opportunities for meaningful connection through their art, process, story, and values.

When artists begin creating with connection deliberately in mind, a beautiful transformation occurs. This isn't just clever marketing; it's tapping into the spiritual principle found in Proverbs 11:25: "A generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed." As you generously share your creative journey, you're watering others' souls while God simultaneously waters yours.

Many creatives resist sharing their work, feeling uncomfortable with self-promotion or fearing imperfection. But what if we reframed this entirely? Your willingness to authentically share your process, inspiration, and even struggles creates a magnetic attraction that draws people into your artistic world. This vulnerability and generosity become the backbone of both spiritual fulfillment and commercial success – because nobody buys art from necessity; they buy from connection.

The most powerful truth is that your unwillingness to release your work ultimately says, "I don't trust God in me." The freedom you're seeking comes when you can offer your best while trusting that God can multiply your efforts beyond imagination. Your art and life become signs and wonders, creating environments where others encounter beauty, meaning, and perhaps even the divine.

Ready to transform how you approach your creative practice? Remember: God cares more that we create than precisely what we create. Start creating simple, authentic invitations into your artistic journey today, and watch how both your audience and your own spirit flourish in response.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.