“I can’t imagine anything more dangerous to the enemy of our hearts than people who know who they are…It’s time to rescue our beautiful design from the dark grip of doubt and discouragement.” Emily P Freeman, A Million Little Ways
I stood lean and tall as a poplar tree in high school, and I can still feel myself hunching my shoulders to blend in with my friends. I hear more than one person ask me “Do you play basketball?” (heck no). I see myself dancing with boys that reached my shoulders (unromantic). I remember conversations with worried friends’ moms who thought I was anorexic. (That is, until they witnessed my hearty appetite.)
The grown-up me loves my height and build, and I wear heels and above-knee skirts to prove it. My husband tells me I’m super model tall with legs that stretch for decades. My friends smile and call me slender rather than smirk and call me skinny. Today I see my dotted freckles, stretched limbs, Irish green eyes, and even my birth defect as reflections of a God-made work of art.
It’s much harder for me to see art in what I do today – from throw together dinners to price compare laundry detergent to scribble out words. If I’m not in an orchestra or writing a bestseller, how do my talents, desires, and even my to-do’s figure into art? And why does thinking about it as art really matter in the first place?
Because we all secretly or not-so-secretly hope what we do matters.
If God is spectacularly creative and He is in us, then He must comes out of us in countless, artful ways.
Because I wasn’t just born to be art, I was born to make it too.
“There are many ways, a million little ways, that Christ is formed in us and spills out of us into the world.” ~Emily Freeman
One of my favorite writers is not only convincing me this is true, she is showing me how to live like it’s true. Emily Freeman’s new book, A Million Little Ways, is an invitation to re-think your life and what makes you come alive. It’s hope and purpose and direction for every person, especially those of us who aren’t painters or pianists.
Like the one who teaches physics to cadets at the Air Force Academy.
Or the one who bakes sugar cookies for four wide-eyed granddaughters.
Or the one who potty trains her toddler in the tiny bathroom.
A Million Little Ways can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and elsewhere.
If you struggle with believing what you do is important, this book is for you. It’s a breath of fresh air, a call to the artist inside *everyone* to step out with the tools God has specifically chosen for you. It’s encouragement to live the unique-to-you art that glorifies Him. And guess what? I’m giving away one copy of this book! In order to be placed in the drawing, just leave a comment below answering this question: Do you consider yourself an artist? Why or why not?
**Giveaway now closed.
I don’t consider myself an artist because sometimes it seems like my work is on repeat as a mom and I struggle finding that balance. I would absolutely love a copy of this book for encouragement and inspiration as a wife, mom and small blogger! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to read this book and now you make me want to read it even more.
Oh, and, um, I consider myself a storyteller. Not just a writer. But one who believes God is the author of the stories we live. Perhaps artist is another name for that. 🙂
I think this book is for me! I don’t think of myself as an artist or creative. There are days when I think, oh maybe I could do this or be that but I haven’t found a niche per say. I think this book would help me see what HE sees in me 🙂
Oh yes it will, sweet pea. Yes it will. xo
I second that 🙂
LOVE the title of this book! I have never thought of myself as an artist – I certainly can’t draw or paint. 🙂 I am an artist though in my own way. I love to be creative on the computer, I make sure our kids are clothed, fed, and loved on every day, I try to be a good wife, and I love to encourage others. Thank you for the reminder that I am an artist!!
It’s hard to consider myself an artist when I’m trying to get my son to focus on actually working through his math problems rather than making strange noises and whining….LOL. I guess I’d consider myself somewhat of an artist when I’m decorating cakes or crafting something in my sewing room, but I don’t generally think of my math-loving self as such. I’d love to check out this book and be encouraged in my own god-given artistic abilities. 🙂
I hope you do, Jamie. Art, to me, is so much bigger than the work we do with our hands. It comes out in a million different little ways – even math-y.
I do consider myself an artist, always admiring and noticing the beauty of God’s world around me. I enjoy taking pictures of those things, creating things out of other things, and especially love color.
I didn’t really think of myself as an artist, though I love to draw pictures. I need to get back to arts and crafts, I had so much fun when I would make necklaces and key chains as gifts. Maybe I can do this for Christmas this year
Nope, I don’t consider myself an artist. I’m too analytical and detail oriented. I even did a self-study once called “The Artist’s Way” to unlock my creativity. It barely worked. I can do things – even crafty things – only if I have a specific pattern and pictures along the way.
This book sound amazing to find the artistry is the every day things and people that most of us are!!!
I do! Although I find myself frustrated sometimes when I’m not making my version of art. It’s hard for me to remember that snuggling my sons and wiping down the sink is as purposefully artful as writing a beautiful phrase or playing lovely music.
I both appreciate art as well as create art (I like to paint, knit, sew & write poetry). But those are things. I’m trying to learn how to teach my soul to breath and explore how my art can be expressed spiritually. I am currently reading this book but I would love to be in the drawing as it would provide encouragement and inspiration for my own Mom. Thank you!
I think most of the time I spend convincing myself of all the ways I am not but what an encouraging reminder! You’re right about how what we do matters. This book sounds really great. 🙂
I have never really considered myself and artist until I became a mother and then I see that God created me to release the ‘ART’ in my daughters! To be the who HE created me to be is ART that God is showing off for HIS GLORY!!
Um…no…I don’t think of myself as an artist…not yet anyway. 🙂 At almost 62 I am still trying to do something ‘artsy’…but I still draw stick people, and my 3 yr old granddaughter paints better than I do. 🙂 But wait, there was this one time a few months ago…I was making instant coffee and I added more coffee crystals into the already swirling coffee with cream – and there it was this beautiful swirl of brown and white! A beautiful creation! I smiled! And I thought I could feel God smile too… 🙂 And that’s the point of it all isn’t it, being with God…you always thinking about Him, His Presence right in the middle of your ‘life’. Yep, He and I…He and you…that’s what really matters…. Enjoy your life!
I DID consider myself an artist – when I was in grade school I took huge pleasure in creating – despite my lack of talent in the visual arts ;). But I’ve definitely lost that vision of myself over the years. I’ve always loved creating things from scratch, but it’s hard to find time in the midst of mothering two little ones, I’d love to reconnect with that joy and creativity that I once let flow uninhibited, undoubtedly the way God intended it.
Jane, I love your comment here. And I think this book will also show you how art is found right in the middle of the mothering, too.
My primary art form is writing, but I know I’m an artist in many ways, because it’s part of who I am as a wife, mom, and friend.
I love Emily as well! This is such a great topic, to realize the art we’re living, day by day. I do believe I’m an artist. God has given me unique gifts to use in this world. Lately, I’ve felt Him whispering for me to jump, try, risk it. Make use of the gifts He’s given me, and trust Him to fill in the places in between, where I feel like I don’t measure up.
I never thought of myself as an artist however after reading your little story, I think I am, and in my own way. I have to stop and think about this and a free copy of this book would help me do just that. Please enter me into your drawing. Thanks, and have a blessed day…Nancy L. (Delaware)
After you read Emily’s book, you’ll know you are.
Thank you for entering, Nancy!
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I’ve been wanting to read this book and those quotes are making me even more eager! I do consider myself to be an artist. I find that art can be therapeutic for me, allowing me to heal in moments where I’ve grown too stressed. Getting something creative in my hands does wonders. I love Emily’s philosophy about art and I’m so glad she has written about it.
I struggle with this too, which is why Emily’s book is on my “wish list.” I would like to think that my words matter, and I would also like to think that my creativity in the classroom means something to my Creator as well. Is it art that will hang in a museum? No. But I hope it makes Jesus smile.
My copy of this book arrived via UPS yesterday. I can’t wait to read it! The encouragement will be invaluable as I struggle to honor God with even the small things of my daily work.
Oh I love Emily and would love her book! It’s so hard to say out loud that I’m an artist. I even told someone today that I was the least creative person they would ever meet. But I know that is not truth. I am His masterpiece! “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ~ Eph 2:10
{Hugs} to you!!
Beth
Sure. I find my artistry any creative endeavours I participate in: from writing my short stories, poems, to my taking photographs. I’d go as far as to say, even the process in which I redecorate my house or baking a great cupcake counts!
I do consider myself to be an artist, but I am not sure I would admit that outloud to too many people! I already bought this book and am so eager to sit and read it straight through. Emily does a beautiful job of calling out the art in each of us as she shares her art with us.
I am a wife, mother, grammie, friend and a child of God’s but I have many days of self-doubt. Your book sounds like a way to find my way. Would love a copy.
Yeah, but I guess I would have struggled to consider myself an artist if I didn’t write or sing. It’s quite something to look at all of life as our art, isn’t it? But we’re all Masterpieces, so why not? I heard a great podcast by Emily and Cat from ‘Inspired to Action’ about this book.
I do consider myself an artist. I’m a writer, and I’ve always been encouraged to think of what I do as art. Lately, I’ve been exploring the idea of life as art, and all of the things I do as brush strokes. It’s challenging, but good.
Unfortunately, I don’t have enough confidence in my “creativity” to consider myself an artist. I think the book would be most helpful.
I think it would, too Nancy. I believe you were made an artist by design – what comes out may not look like art to the world. But if your practicing it makes you become more fully yourself? Well then this is art indeed.
Hmm…I never really thought about that before. I think my definition of artist is so boxed in! Like it’s only painter, sculptors, musicians, poets, etc.
“If God is spectacularly creative and He is in us, then He must comes out of us in countless, artful ways.” This really stood out to me. Without really thinking about it, I’ll go through my day and certain things I think about…I realize are wonderfully analogous to Christ–either His character or His love. It reassures me that God is really in everything. The universe and everything that happens all stems from His awesome, brilliant, artistic mind to relate and fold into each other.
Just a thought 😉
I never considered myself artistic. That was reserved for other members of my family who clearly had talent. However, I have been feeling this urge to be creative and just not knowing exactly how to express it. Kind of afraid to try because I never saw myself that way. But now I really want to explore some creative avenues in my life. This book sounds beautiful.
I am not an artist, but am willing to let God use me to further his
masterpiece.
I definitely consider myself an artist and one that loves to create in so many different mediums. I love to write, to tell stories, to paint, to craft, basically anything and everything. I love the shoutout to the AFA. I did not go, but I was in ROTC at the University of Wisconsin and now I’m a 2nd Lt in the Air Force. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
That was a little shout out to my husband who teaches there. He’s a ROTC grad, too! So here’s to a double shout out to you! Thank you for serving, Kimberly.
I am not crafty . Or artsy . But I do consider myself a different kind if artist . I speak and nothing makes me come alive more then crafting words to speak about Gods word to an audience 🙂
um, not really, but i thonk i could be…
At first thought I would say I am not an artist but after thinking about it for a bit I realize I am. I can homeschool 3 kids, move every year with my military spouse, get myself fit and healthy, adopt another child internationally, take time to feed my spiritual soul, keep up with the housework (ok, not so well), and get dinner on the table once in a while – who can do that if not some sort of artist. Right?! I think we are all artists…. Each in our own way.
Right and yes and amen!
I believe I have an artist’s heart, but I admit sometimes that doesn’t mean I consider myself to be an artist. There doesn’t seem to be anything artistic about stirring a pot of macaroni and cheese, know what I mean? But I’ve been looking forward to this book and hope it will convince me otherwise.
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I do consider myself an artist, but a few years ago I probably wouldn’t have — even though I loved writing just as much then as I do now. If writing weren’t my “thing,” though, I doubt I would consider myself an artist. This book seems like a breathe of fresh air. I long to see more of life as art, not just the times when I’m writing my blog.
I tend to think of myself as a non-practicing artist since I might pull out paints or a sketchbook once a year and write even less frequently. I’m trying yo change that though and remember that it is still a part of me, even if I don’t use it much.
I consider myself a dormant artist. I used to love making art in high school but haven’t had much time since becoming a busy mom. I still dream up stuff all the time, but my artistic endeavors are all geared toward my kids now.
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I’ve never thought of myself as an artist…but I ‘ve never thought that I wasn’t an artist either. I bake, I craft, I color with my three and four year old, I used to write poetry…I suppose an “artsy” side of me comes out more on some days than others.
I like the thinking process would love to know more! I would definitely read it it!
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Me an artist, not a chance. But I am a great baker, friend, wife, and mother. I think we all need a little (usually a lot) of encouragement to keep going as we do the hardest job in the world while trying to look calm, cool, collected, dress in the latest trends, train our kids up in how they should go, and the million other things we accomplish all in one day. Sounds like an amazing book, can’t wait to read it!
I don’t think of myself as an artist . . . but yet when I am creative, I realize that God put within my heart and soul a desire to make things beautiful, to improve the impossible, to dream big dreams, and to look to salvage even the unlovely.
As a minister’s wife, I have found value in the least of those who look to us for guidance, to draw their attention to the Great Artist, who can make a beautiful creation out of the darkest colors!
S
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I am an artist because my Heavenly Father is an artist. I see a sunrise or sunset, look at all the different types of flowers and trees, see all the different kinds of creatures that God molded and painted. Since we are made in His image, He made each of us an artist like Himself. One paints, one sculpts, one cooks, one shops – all are artists
I have never considered myself an artist, because I have never seen myself as very creative or talented, like an artist is. I always feel like I am ok at many things, but not really great at any one particular thing. Boy, this kind of sounds a little depressing.. lol maybe this book can help!! : )
I’m an artist. I love to draw, paint, color, take pictures and I love crafts. I also love nature, which inspires me. I’d love to read this book because lately I feel lost and sometimes alone. I know I’m not but still feel it. Love your blogs.
Until this year I would have said no, very emphatically. However, after reading Emily’s posts and others of a similar bent and finding a book (Living Artfully) at my favorite thrift store, of all places, I think I have potential. I am still afraid to call myself a writer, but really, I feel it, so I am, right? No indecision or self-esteem issues here. 😉
Thank you for being an artist and encouraging those of us who want to be.
Blessings!
Oh, but you have more than potential! You have our Creator working in you and through you in all kinds of artful ways.
And even without visiting your lovely blog (which I totally enjoyed doing) I’d say yes, ma’am! You’re a writer.
I’m starting to see myself as an artist…cause I’m beginning to realize that art is so much more than i once thought. We are all artists in one way or another! This book sounds amazing…i love her heart and writing.
There are days where I do feel like an artist. A painter, choosing the right facial expressions to cover over my hurt as well as theirs. To cover the mistakes and paint it over with love. A writer, playing with the wording in my head. To express my heart and dreams while remembering that they have their own. A sculptor, building and helping to mold these boys of adventure into men of God. To chisel away the lies of the world and bring out the truth into their souls. Yes, I am an artist. I create in ways I never imagined in our small home as I mother 3 small boys.
I consider myself to be an artist – I like to photograph people and have a degree in graphic design. This doesn’t mean I am better or more talented than one who didn’t pursue art. I think we all have been given a talent that defines each one of us as creative. An artist. You can call yourself an artist if you like to write, imagine things and ideas, can put together a perfect little dream house Pinterest, or simply are gifted with making homemmade cookies.
Discover what that talent is for you 🙂
I’ve never thought of myself as an artist, but I read Emily’s blog, and the way she writes about it makes me feel differently. We are all creating some art in the world – it’s just hard to remember that when you’re staring into the 7th dirty diaper of the day.
An artist? No. A creative? No. But do I feel like I still have something to offer, something beautiful and unique and inspiring? Yes.
I’ve never even considered whether or not I am an artist 🙂 I certainly enjoy art of all kinds, esp. God’s AMAZING creation! I love words and foods and colors and music…I guess you could say I’m all about consumption and not about contribution 🙂 I AM an Army wife, though, so I think that perhaps my artistry is seen in all of the houses with white walls that I’ve made into HOMES. Thanks for something to ‘chew’ on today.
Shout out to you, fellow military wife!
And I think you’re absolutely right: It *does* take an artist to turn those cookie cutter base houses into a home. Love this so much!
I now consider myself an Artist. January 1st 2013, I had a marriage of only two years falling apart and a disinterest in life. I decided to attempt reconnecting with God by having ‘monthly’ adventures. Through blogging/journaling through each month I quickly realized that God was calling me to write a play. Not only did God work through the process of accepting the artist in me, but he brought me to a place that I never thought possible. I wrote, directed and acted in “Chronicles of the Dramatics Society” in my citys Fringe Festival, auditioned for a conservatory program for a year of training, got accepted, renewed my vows with my husband whom had every reason to leave me and hold monthly ‘Creative and Innovative Women’ meetings. The transformation over these past nine months is not a testimony of what “I” did. But what “God” can do when you open yourself up. For me, it was accepting and learning that I am an artist. That I am a storyteller. When you open yourself up to Gods story, you realize that anything and everything is redeemable.
Blown away, Amy. Just blown away.
Thank you for sharing parts of your story here and for your passion as an artist revolutionist!
I know deep down there is an artist in me. It’s been years since I have since her. Somehow I let her slip away in the chaos that life brings. I am working on sifting through all of my rubble to try to rediscover her. Would love to read this book! Maybe it would help me recognize her again!
I do consider myself an artist. I tend to do artsy things, like music and write. Reading Emily’s blog, I’ve thought more and more about how a person can be an artist in non-artsy fields.
I do consider myself an artist. I love to write, and draw, when I have time.
But the hardest thing is putting the art out there. For everyone to see. It scares me, because what I write or what I draw is part of me. I shouldn’t care what others think, but I think about it too much sometimes.
FOR MANY YEARS I HAVE FELT THAT I HAVE BEEN REPRESSING MY ART, AND I DON’T KNOW WHY
I think I am an artist…I was labeled that from a very young age by anyone who saw my drawings or watched me create. I studied art in college and graduated with a degree in fine arts. And then…I went back to school to become a teacher in order not to starve…And then…I married, had children, stayed home…never the great artist, never the paintings, never. And now, only my husband and mother remember and hope. I hardly do, but your video and this cofession have me in tears and I can’t see anymore. I feel so sorry. It’s very sad. Linda