“A happy life is … built up of … little clumps of violets noticed by the roadside, hidden away almost so that only those can see them who have God’s peace and love in their hearts.” ~ Edward Wilson

“In difficulties, I can drink freely of God’s power and experience his touch of refreshment and blessing — much like an invigorating early spring rain.” ~ Anabel Gillham

“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air, and you.” ~ Langston Hughes

“The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything he has given us — and he has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of his love, every moment of excistence a gift of grace.” ~ Thomas Merton

“I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ~ Philippians 4:12-13

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20

Is there something you want to write or do, but instead, you slide into doubt? Maybe you don’t feel creative. Maybe ideas sprout in your mind, but you’re not sure you can pull it off. You let them wilt. Be encouraged:

The Spirit moves in us, giving us the mind of Christ that feeds our creative life. This abundance is scary; it is deeper than we can imagine. What would we do if we were experiencing God continually, available in every minute to use our abilities fully for him? It is too much for our little selves to handle. So don’t handle it. Do the thing God has put in front of you. Start there and be fully available to the new thing he will accomplish as you do it.” ~ Alice Bass

Too often I’m focused on my lack instead of His provision. The thought of failing stops me from trying. Today I remember that God accomplishes through me when I’m willing to do the next thing, and simply trust.

“To learn to work with the Holy Spirit in your creativity, first pursue a relationship with Him.” ~ J. Scott McElroy, author, Finding Divine Inspiration

“Creativity involves a leap of faith and confidence – faith in the creative process: ultimately art is a journey not directed by product but by the passage of thought, vision, intensive observation, time, and commitment.” ~ Albert Pinkham Ryder, American Painter (1847–1917)

To encourage you today, here’s an interview with J. Scott McElroy, author of the book, Finding Divine Inspiration. I want this book! Have you read it yet?

About the book, Finding Divine Inspiration :
“For any Christian in the arts or even remotely interested in the arts, this is a must-read book. The author balances excellent biblical principles with practical applications from his own experience and the experience of others. The church desperately needs to recapture the creativity of true art as a reflection of God’s creativity, and this book will help it do that.” ~ Dr. Timothy Warner

Having trouble getting started or continuing a project? Maybe these quotes will speak to your heart:

“Remember that as a creative person, the important thing is to create. Who sees what you make, where it goes and what it does is a secondary consideration; the first is to exercise the talent God has given you.” ~ Franky Schaeffer

“Each work of art, whether it is a work of great genius or something very small, comes to the artist and says, ‘Here I am. Enflesh me. Give birth to me.’ And the artist either says, ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord,’ and willingly becomes the bearer of the work, or refuses.” ~ Madeleine L’Engle

“Every time we hesitate to begin for fear of failing or seeming frivolous, we must fill that moment of hesitation with prayer. Then we must follow that prayer with action, with doing something, anything that will get us moving forward in the practice of our art.” ~ Janice Elsheimer

“We are constantly invited to be who we are.” ~ Thoreau

I don’t know much about Thoreau, but his quote caught my eye today. What does his quote mean to you? Do things tug at your heart that you’ve always wanted to do? What’s holding you back? What gifts and deposits has God placed within you to use?

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~ Pablo Picasso

“Don’t let fear stop you from doing something that you love or that is important to you.” ~ Karen Valentine

“I am a woman after God’s own heart. Everything I do comes out of that. My children, my home, my creativity, and who I am comes from that phrase.” Rebecca Ersheld

“Thoreau’s book Winter is my reminder that no matter what the circumstances, how old I am, where I am living, or what I am doing with my life, I am constantly in a state of discovering who I am and what I am capable of… Of course, I give credit for all my creative talent to God…” ~ Elizabeth Maxson

“Start the day with prayer, gratitude in your heart, and a good cup of coffee.” ~ Rebecca Ersheld

“Art is not something separate from life, but something at the heart of life which celebrates the fact that we are creator children of a creator God.” ~ Steve Turner

“Because we are made in the image of God, our creativity and our faith are intertwined. To enjoy a creative life we need to be free to experience more of Christ’s inspiration and less of our own inhibitions, fears and sin patterns. We live a creative life in response to the Lord Jesus as he is revealed in the Scriptures and by the Holy Spirit.” ~ Alice Bass, The Creative Life

According to Alice Bass, when we use our imagination, we’re putting into play our experiences, personality, abilities, and intuition. Relationship with Jesus gives us insight into His purposes; He redeems our imaginations…and we can enjoy the creativity that flows from Him.

Are you struggling with expressing your creative urges? God delights when we use His gifts.