Category: Personal Growth

Self-Confidence/

God Calls and He Provides

I often struggle with feeling creative enough to accomplish the tasks I believe God gives me. I worry about coming up with new and good ideas full of exciting content that others will want to read. I am sure that my fellow creatives often face similar battles. Recently, I was reminded of some wonderful passages of scripture that help when I start doubting. Mainly because they remind me it all points back to God and His good gifts to us. None of it depends on what we can do in and of ourselves.

If God has called us to write, compose music, draw, paint, or develop any type of artistic content, then He has already provided everything we need to walk in obedience to that calling.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ Ephesians 1:3-9 (ESV)

Reading the above passage always encourages me to know that God already placed in me every spiritual blessing. According to His word, we are equipped with every spiritual gift we need for the calling. We can overcome every temptation to give up or compromise our creative gifting. As we see in this next passage, we have the mind of Christ and the wisdom of God. So, we don’t have to lean on our finite minds to generate inspiring content.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 (ESV)

Learning to lean on Him for all our inspiration removes the pressure we place on ourselves. Then we are free to simply walk out our calling in the peaceful knowledge that He directs our thoughts and ideas. At the end of the day, let us remember that our Creator designed us to create. He has given us all that we need. We can achieve everything He has planned for us and create amazing content to share because of Him.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:4-6

Goal Setting/

The Fight to Stay Relevant

As a creative, do you feel the pressure to constantly create relevant content? Do you feel the pressure to come up with new ideas to grow your platform? Are you overwhelmed trying to maintain your social media following? What are the best ways we can fill our pages with new and trendy topics?

If you are like me, you probably have been confronted with at least one of these questions. When we give in to that line of thinking, those questions can play in a nonstop loop in our minds. Even as we generate new material, we often second guess ourselves. We question our ability to produce material people will like. If they do not relate to or do not like it, then we risk losing our audience. While creating and maintaining a platform is vital for creatives, we cannot allow fear to dominate our thoughts. When we allow that fear to govern us, we succumb to the pressure of pleasing people. We risk losing the authenticity of our art. Instead of co-creating with God, we try to manufacture content based solely on what we think our audience wants.

Art created solely with the purpose of growing a list of followers may attract new people in the beginning, but when we trust our own ideas, we lose the authenticity of the work. That platform we labor to build will not last. Only what we create through the wisdom and insight God gives us will impact others for the Kingdom.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov. 3:5-6 (ESV)

Instead of working in our own strength to reach people, we must trust God to reach those He wants to reach through.

Allow God to guide the inspiration for our art. Do not let the desire to cater to our audience be the driving force for what we create. Contrary to what our current culture dictates, creatives do not need to be constantly posting, sharing, or developing material for general consumption. Sometimes we need to step back from all the busy to find out what message God wants to release through our work. That can mean slowing down to focus on other areas like our families, or friends, or taking a slower pace during the holidays. Whatever the reason, give yourself permission to take that time without feeling guilty or worrying that you might lose your platform. When we submit and allow God to build it, He will be faithful to show us how to sustain what He creates through our work.

 

 

Personal Growth/

Why Christian Creatives Need Community

The more I have pursued writing, the more I realize what a solitary endeavor it can be. As an introvert, I thought I would be totally fine. Over recent months, I discovered that, despite my introverted preferences, I still need community in a big way. God shows me daily how much I rely on those around me in my journey as a writer. Even when I don’t want to interact in person, I need the support of my people. None of this creative work we do would have any substantive meaning without community. As we read in the following verses, we see God intends for us to be in community and fellowship with each other.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

If this is His design for us as believers, then certainly we need to extend the same principle in our work. God does not expect us to live or create in a vacuum. Although we may sit alone at our computers when we pen the words He gives us, or draw and paint the images He shows us, or play the melodies He sings to us, we do not accomplish the work alone.

I’ve been thinking about this for weeks and it seems like everyone around me shares the same message. What a reminder to me how important that message is to all of us. We cannot do this work without community. As I pondered my thoughts for this article, one of the authors I follow on social media posted these words.

“Writers (creatives) need encouragers, prayer warriors, mentors, colleagues, friends, family, inspirers, readers (consumers), and everyone in between. Life wasn’t meant to do alone, and neither is writing (being a creative).” From author Natalie Walters

I have found this to be so true for me. Every step of the way God provided people to walk alongside me. Each time I reached in my work when I did not know how to move forward, God brought someone into my life who helped me figure it out. I have been absolutely overwhelmed with His goodness. He knows just who and what we need at exactly the right time.

Whether you work as an artist, a writer, a composer, a singer, or an entrepreneur, remember that you are not meant to do it alone. If you lack community, pray, and ask God to bring you into contact with your people—the ones He ordained to walk this journey with you. He has certainly done that for me, and I know He will for you as well.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12

 

Productivity/

How to Overcome Feeling Stuck

What happens when you feel like you are stuck in a rut creatively? Whenever I feel like I am stuck, I find myself doubting my ability to create anything at all ever again. Where did the new ideas and inspiration go? Where is the motivation?

As a creative artist, I believe we need to keep ourselves open to the Creator who inspires us. Sometimes, it may feel like we’ve lost that inspiration or even the joy of creating and it has simply become another task to check off our to-do list. I honestly do not believe that is the best way to function when we are partnering with God in the gifts, He has placed within each of us. I also know in this world we live in, we have so many other responsibilities that pull on our time and energy, that distract us from the creative work we want to do.

We all have different reasons why we might feel stagnant in our creativity. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to take a break. I have compiled a list of ideas that have helped me when I have hit a wall in my writing.

*Listen to music that inspires

*Read a book or article or blog you enjoy

*Look at other creatives that inspire us in a different medium

*Talking through ideas may help bring clarity

*Do something completely unrelated for fun – go for a walk, exercise, connect with a friend…etc.

*Pray for wisdom, seek God’s direction for your project.

Sometimes, we must simply be still, listen, pray, and wait for God’s guidance. Learn to be patient and give yourself grace. Do not rush the work. You can learn a lot in the midst of waiting that can be incorporated into your work. Our creative work is not about checking off boxes for the sake of saying we are productive. We should focus on the inspiration God gives us and when we do that, we will be able to produce the best work because it’s not about what we can contribute, but about what God wants us to do.

Self-Confidence/

How to Apply Value to Your Creativity

Value is something we typically seek in business, but do we seek this within ourselves and our work? As creatives, we must see this value in order to fully prosper and thrive to our highest potential. When we take on a project, the world may ask us: “What will you do with that?”, “How will you be successful?”, “How will you make money?” and more. These questions should be addressed with grace, but not taken to heart as they show no reflection upon us or our work.

Creative, you are valuable. The opinion of others does not matter because that is essentially all that it is. It is merely an opinion, not a fact. In addition, the root of these opinions vary as not everyone has meaningful intentions for us. Therefore, we have to remember that when we feel that there is no one else to support us, that God is our biggest supporter along with ourselves.

Your worth isn’t measured by opinions or questions but by the heart and faith you pour into your craft. For in God’s eyes, and in the heart of your purpose, you are invaluable.

As stated in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart for The Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. It is Jesus you are serving.” One’s work is something that one should believe in wholeheartedly before, during, and after the creative process. Because in the end, that is all that matters in this world and above.

When we value ourselves and our work, this pleases God as He was pleased with his own creation- us. If He was pleased with His work, then there is no reason that we shouldn’t be of ours. Value is pleasing and important and so are we. Value is a measure of worth and benefit that both come from oneself. When one truly understands and believes in this concept, the benefits within one’s soul outweigh the burden of others.

Personal Growth/

How Comparison Hinders Creativity

I am always excited when I have a vision for a project that utilizes my creative abilities. However, I have also noticed one major obstacle that hinders my progress every single time—comparison. I believe many creatives have the tendency to compare not only our art, but ourselves to other art and creatives around us.

We naturally consume the art others create and that can take many forms from books, to movies, to music, and more. We fall into the trap when we start to compare because comparison kills creativity. Why is that? Because once we start comparing what we create, we end up trying to fit in, or measure up to, or even copy what others are doing. God didn’t bestow gifts and talents upon each one of us so we can duplicate what others create. That will impede our creative process and stifle our ability to listen and produce what God intends for us to share.

Often, instead of simply enjoying the art of others, we decide what they are doing is better than anything we can create. As a result, we either try to alter our work or even to stop creating all together. We believe the lies saying our work won’t be good enough. We convince ourselves that someone else’s voice carries more weight than ours – that they can say it, draw it, write it, or sing it better than we ever could. So, why should we even keep trying? Here is why: God created diversity in each one of us. So, even though we might share similar talents, our expression of that talent will be completely different than someone else’s. It’s supposed to be that way. Different does not mean better or worse.

Consuming other creative work is great! But the trap? Thinking someone else’s brilliance dims yours.

If God desired sameness, He would have created everyone the same. Our expression of the vision and message He gives each one of us reflects our unique individuality. In addition, we each have access to various audiences based on our spheres of influence. While I may write a book with a similar message as someone else, we will not reach the same people. It takes all of us. God has given each one of us creative visions and gifts that are perfectly suited for the message and the audience we have.

So, let’s stop being so hard on ourselves in comparing our work, thinking what we have created does not measure up. We are partnering with the Master Creator. If we keep our hearts attuned to His voice, we will express His message in the unique way He designed for each one of us.

Personal Growth/

How to Break Through the Creative Wall with Grace

How often do you find yourself questioning the path of your creative journey? Ever wondered how your unique approach to creation aligns with your faith and life as a Christian woman entrepreneur?

As creatives we must learn to trust the process of creating. Whatever form our creativity takes, there is a process. I think that is one of the hardest aspects I have been learning. For me, I have noticed three distinct patterns:

1. At times, the inspiration hits fast and hard. The vision of the project appears along with the specific ideas to complete it – a story, a song, an article, a book, whatever our medium. It unfolds effortlessly and very quickly. While this may sound like what we prefer, it’s not often the most common avenue (at least not in my experience).

2. Other times ideas start to flow like a steady stream – not all at once, but still a nice pace where we can develop our thread of ideas. While not all immediate, the work comes at a pace allowing us to fall into a comfortable rhythm.

3. The third pattern I have noticed with myself is probably my least favorite. This involves getting the big idea and nothing else. We may even visualize the completed project but have no idea how to maneuver from point A to the end. While we may have a clear idea of what it’s supposed to look like, we struggle to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

When we feel we’re not moving, we’re growing. Let’s trust in His plan, His process, and our God-given talents.

I think the third pattern I mentioned can be the most difficult to endure, but it often brings the most personal growth. Doubts about the vision and calling speak louder than the inspiration of ideas. Often in this valley, the project dies because we succumb to the temptation to give up. This is when we dig our heels in and persevere. We must learn the discipline of consistency and be steadfast in our determination to see the work through to completion.

Remember as creatives, we actually serve the work – as collaborators, trusting the Master Creator and using our God-given gifts as He designed us to use them. So, whether the ideas hit like lightening, or we find ourselves plodding along, it all comes from God. When we seek Him in all that we do, the work will be done in His time and serve the purposes He ordained. Both the process and the completed work often look vastly different from what we originally conceived.

One of the verses I always think about when I am not sure how to move forward with the work comes from Phil 1:5-6 ESV:

“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Through every business challenge, every creative block, He is with us.

Not every piece we write, or every song we compose, or video we produce, will be our best masterpiece. But we must be disciplined enough to show up consistently for the work. The alternative is not something we want. Once we are an artist of any kind, we are always an artist. And if we are a creative who ceases to create, we lose a crucial part of who God created us to be.

We are left with a void because we stop acknowledging a vital part of who we are along with that aspect of our connection with the God. So, even amid the difficulties, find a way to stay open to that part of who you are. Stay faithful to the work of collaborating with God – in whatever form that takes for you. Trust Him to lead you through the process.

Productivity/

Faith-Fueled Habits for Christian Entrepreneurs

Daily habits are an absolute non-negotiable when it comes to shaping your life and business.

As I inch closer to celebrating four years in my copywriting and brand storytelling business, I can’t help but think about the role habits have played in my journey. And so, I thought about digging into some daily habits that will not only deepen your spiritual walk but also elevate your entrepreneurial dreams in the most glorious way. So, let’s jump in!

Faith-fueled actions can lead to extraordinary results. Today, let’s focus on one actionable step we can take towards our creative goals and commit it to prayer.

One of my favorite ways to start the day is by counting my blessings and expressing gratitude to God for His infinite goodness. Over the years, I’ve developed a morning routine that centers around appreciation. As soon as I wake up, even before I’ve had my first sip of coffee, I take a few quiet moments to reflect on the abundance that surrounds me. It’s an uplifting way to recognize the grace and favor that permeates my life.

I also find that journaling amplifies my sense of thankfulness. Writing down what I’m grateful for not only helps me remember God’s blessings but also makes me more aware of them in my day-to-day life. It’s like holding a magnifying glass up to the goodness of God. The more I express gratitude, the more I notice the small and big blessings that I might otherwise take for granted.

Along with this, I find solace in meditating on His promises. Whether it’s a verse from the Bible or a message I felt Him impress upon my heart, these reminders of His unwavering love and faithfulness serve as anchors for my soul, especially during challenging times.

This habit, inspired by Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” sets a positive tone for my day. By starting my mornings steeped in gratitude, I feel more grounded, optimistic, and ready to face whatever the day brings. After all, a heart full of thanksgiving is a wonderful platform for a day full of promise. I’ve also found that one of the most effective ways to ensure a productive day ahead is by planning it in advance.

About 30 minutes before I wrap up my workday, I take some time to plan for the next one. But this isn’t just about jotting down to-dos or penciling in meetings. It’s a thoughtful process that involves inviting God into my decisions and creative tasks.

Here’s what it typically looks like for me: I start by reflecting on my goals for the upcoming day. What tasks are most important? What deadlines are approaching? Where do I need to allocate most of my energy? Then, I take these considerations to God in prayer. I ask for His guidance and wisdom, trusting Him to lead me in making the most of my time and talents.

During these moments of prayerful planning, I often find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m reminded that even in the busiest of days, God is with me, guiding each step I take. Proverbs 16:3, which says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans,” has been a great source of comfort and encouragement in this respect.

Including prayer in my planning process does more than just organize my day; it infuses it with a spiritual perspective. As I align my tasks with my purpose and seek God’s guidance in my plans, I find that my workday becomes not just about getting things done, but about serving God and others through the work I do. This way, my planning becomes more than a routine—it becomes a spiritual discipline that strengthens my relationship with God and centers my work on Him.

Prayerful planning is an opportunity to lay your desires at God’s feet and invite Him to shape your path.

Now, in the midst of a busy entrepreneurial life, I’ve learned the importance of intentionally carving out time for spiritual nourishment. It’s not always easy, given the demands of running a business, but I firmly believe that tending to my soul is just as crucial—if not more so—as tending to my business.

For me, this daily nourishment takes a variety of forms. It involves diving deep into the Bible, savoring the wisdom and guidance found in its pages. I may study a specific book, focus on a particular verse, or simply read a passage and meditate on its meaning. I’ve found that immersing myself in God’s Word not only fuels my faith, but it also often offers insight and inspiration that I can apply in my business.

I also like to read different devotions that align with my current season in life or business. Then there are days when I choose to listen to uplifting podcasts or sermons. The wisdom, teachings, and testimonies shared in these can be incredibly inspiring and uplifting, reminding me of God’s presence and provision in my entrepreneurial journey.

As an entrepreneur, I appreciate the immense value of social media. It’s an incredible tool for connecting with potential clients, sharing my journey, and promoting. But like many powerful tools, it’s a double-edged sword. Without proper boundaries, it can easily consume too much time and energy, or even lead to unfavorable comparisons or negativity.

Over the years, I’ve learned to set healthy boundaries with my social media usage. For me, this starts with being intentional about when and how I use these platforms. Instead of allowing it to permeate every free moment, I decide on specific times to engage with social media and stick to them. This could mean setting aside an hour in the evening for updates and interactions, and then closing the apps for the rest of the night.

But it’s not just about limiting screen time; it’s also about cultivating a healthy mindset towards social media. This means focusing on purposeful interactions, seeking to inspire others with my posts.I also recommend that you guard your heart when navigating these digital spaces. It’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when every post seems to highlight someone else’s success. Remind yourself that social media is often a highlight reel, and that everyone’s journey – including their challenges and success is unique.

So, I’ve got to admit that I’ve always been a big believer in the power of personal development. The journey towards growth and improvement, both personally and professionally, is a continuous one. One of the ways I invest in my personal development is by reading.

Whether it’s a book about entrepreneurship, a Christian-themed book, I constantly seek out resources that can broaden my perspective, improve my skills, or deepen my faith. I’ve found that reading not only fuels my knowledge but also sparks creativity, provides insight, and fosters empathy – all of which are invaluable in my work and life.

I also set aside quiet moments for reflection. This can be as simple as reviewing my day before bed, meditating on scripture, or journaling about my experiences and thoughts. These reflective moments offer me a chance to gain self-awareness, assess my growth, and align my actions with my values and goals.

The words of 2 Peter 3:18 inspire me in this journey: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I take this to heart, striving each day to grow not just in my professional expertise, but also in my understanding and experience of God’s grace.

One thing I try to do is maintain a certain degree of flexibility in my schedule. This means recognizing that not everything will go according to plan and being willing to adapt when necessary. It also means allowing space for spontaneity, for those unexpected opportunities or moments of inspiration that don’t neatly fit into a predetermined schedule.

And most importantly, I’ve learned to prioritize rest. Contrary to what our always-on, hustle-centric culture might suggest, rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s an opportunity to recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s a time to step back, reflect, and gain fresh perspective. And it’s a way to honor our bodies and minds, acknowledging our human limitations and the need for balance.

Personally, I spent too much of my time in go-go mode and not resting as I should when I worked in TV news. My mind felt like it was always on. That was one of those things that I didn’t want to take into my life as an entrepreneur. I find great comfort and encouragement in Jesus’s words in Mark 6:31: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus understood the importance of rest, both for Himself and His disciples. I tell people, if you think you can’t find moments of rest, then just think of Jesus taking a nap in the middle of the storm.

For me, it’s not enough to simply run a business; I strive to make it a vessel for spreading God’s love. I seek to weave His love and values into my services, and messaging. Whether it’s through infusing ethical practices into my operations or creating a work environment that fosters kindness and respect to my team members and clients, I want every aspect of my business to reflect God’s light. I see my business as a way for sharing His love with others, and it’s a privilege to use my entrepreneurial endeavors as a means of glorifying Him. Colossians 3:23 serves as my guiding principle, reminding me to work with all my heart as if I am working for the Lord Himself.

It’s so important for me to keep in mind that the resources entrusted to me are not solely for my benefit, but also for the advancement of God’s kingdom. I prioritize managing these resources wisely, making informed decisions that align with God’s principles. Effective budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding the importance of saving and investing are integral parts of my business practices. Luke 16:10 serves as a constant reminder that faithfully managing the little entrusted to me opens doors for even greater opportunities.

Joy is a compass that guides my entrepreneurial journey. I make a conscious effort to maintain a positive mindset, celebrating both small and big achievements along the way. I find joy in the process itself, appreciating each step of the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination. When faced with challenges or doubts, I remind myself of the joy that comes from pursuing my God-given dreams. Nehemiah 8:10 inspires me to find strength and joy in the Lord, regardless of external circumstances. With joy as my compass, I can navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, spreading positivity and inspiring others to embrace joy in their own lives.

Faith-fueled habits aren’t just about productivity – they’re about nurturing our souls.

Hopefully, this is helpful for you. At the end of the day, daily habits truly have the power to shape your life and business.

Now, I want to hear from you. What daily habits have had the most significant impact on your life and business? How do you integrate spirituality into your entrepreneurial journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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