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Creator’s Healing Power Virtual Bible Study

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The Creator’s Healing Power—Restoring the Broken to Beautiful Virtual Bible Study

Join me, Jody Thomae, author of The Creator’s Healing Power, as I guide you on a healing journey through my newest book via a Virtual Bible Study. You’re invited to join me live on four 75-minute phone calls. The calls will include embodied prayer ministry time and also be recorded for later playback. You’ll also be a part of our private Facebook page where you can share your thoughts and get to know others joining us on this healing journey. The study is hosted by YogaFaith, a Christ-centered yoga training school, and is currently being offered for a sale price of $20 through their website. Continue reading

Kintsugi of the Soul, edition 19

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Today’s Kintsugi of the Soul* is the powerful story of NHL hockey player Theo Fleury, as he shares his story of trauma and healing through writing and sharing his story with others. (Warning: the very beginning is a little graphic so if you are sensitive, you might want to skip the first minute or so.)

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How the Story Ends…

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SnowdropsI suppose you should never give away the ending to your book, but here I am, doing it anyway. I’ve never been one to stay contained by the world’s boxes.

The excerpt below includes In the Cave, a story of Mama Bear and her Cub that both opens and closes my newly released book, The Creator’s Healing Power—Restoring the Broken to Beautiful. Based on the Legend of the Snowdrops, it is a story of redemption and new life based on the battle won on the cross of Jesus and the “battle to end all battles” found in Revelation 19-21:

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

King of Kings and Lord of Lords


Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” 

So here is how the story ends…
an excerpt from The Creator’s Healing Power—Restoring the Broken to Beautiful, the 2nd book in the Bible Studies to Nurture the Creative Spirit Within series: Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #238 — Gift Ideas for Art Journalers

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Today’s post is for Bible art journalers and other crafty folks, with a Christmas gift idea, a free resource and a blog with great ideas for art journaling! Wow! This one is loaded!

Screen Shot 2015-11-03 at 9.07.09 PMFirst, the gift idea! I have heard folks say the only thing they don’t like about art journaling in their Bibles is that the 2-3″ margins aren’t big enough, and they don’t like to cover the words of scripture! The soon-to-be-available Interleaved ESV Journaling Bible might be just the Bible for you then! There is a blank canvas to compliment every page! It will be available March 11, 2016 but you can pre-order now at a reduced rate. You can check out all the details on move-the-mountains.com. (I recommend exploring that blog too — great resources and ideas!!)

Screen Shot 2015-12-01 at 10.02.02 PMSecond, here’s a resource for art journalers and anyone else wanting to get creative with Advent: free downloadable Advent scripture cards from Displaying Grace blog. They support a wonderfully creative Advent study, also found on the blog. Tons of great family activity ideas and free printables to help make this a memorable and thoughtful CHRISTmas season. Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #214 — God’s Creative Gift

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National Book MonthAs we wrap up end our tribute to National Book Month, I would be remiss if I didn’t introduce my own book. “Last but not least” as the saying goes!

I wrote God’s Creative Gift—Unleashing the Artist in You in obedience to God’s calling in my life. Frankly, many of the topics I wrote about were thoughts and ideas that wouldn’t leave me alone until I had gently guided them onto paper. It is designed as a Bible study and devotional, great for individual or group study. It is not just for artists but creative folks of all forms, mediums and venues.

The Word of God is vital to our lives. It has much to say to all of us, and more than that, it has much to say to artists and creatives! Discover what God’s Word has to say to you as his masterpiece, his poem, his BEaUtiful creation! If you click here, it will lead you to my store where you can purchase a copy of my book signed with a personal blessing just for you! You can read more about my book here.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #213 — The Seventy

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National Book MonthAs we wind down our focus on books for artists, creatives and worshipers, I want to direct you to a new book that came out just this month!

The Seventy: A Movement of Creativity in the Earth by Pastor Bernard Boulton is based on a prophetic prayer he spoke over his congregation in 2009.

SeventyThis book announces a movement of creativity rising in the earth during the second decade of the twenty first century. The God of creativity who created the heavens and the earth and created mankind in His image is raising up and sending out a remnant of creative artists who have seen God with a pure heart and have a call on their lives to release the love of God through creative expression.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #212 — The Creative Epiphany

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National Book MonthThe month of October and National Book Month are coming to a close, dear friends. I hope you’ve found some books to add to your creative library!

The Creative EpiphanyI’ve shared The Creative Epiphany blog of artist Jo Ann Brown-Scott previously. You can see that here. I want to direct you to a specific post about her book, entitled The Creative Epiphany: Gifted Minds, Grand Realizations, which delves into the creative minds of 19 artists with stories of their personal encounter with “Epiphany.” In her post celebrating January 6th, the Day of Epiphany, she talks about her book and ends with this wonderful thought-provoking quote:

. . . an epiphany brings information  –  an enlightening message of some variety  –  that you did not have before. A missing piece in your plans. And you needed it to move forward. It is of great help to you and utmost importance that you pay attention to it. There are some keys to accommodating the arrival of the coveted epiphany – the best one is to remain open and present, living in the now, aware and alert to all possibilities. Keep a receptive mind, engaged and involved in life. Be hopeful. Have faith.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #211 — Arts Ministry & More!

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National Book MonthNational Book Month is winding down! And we have THREE books—all for artists and creatives in church ministry! I know many creatives feel like the church has let them down, but these books help artists AND pastors walk through the process of starting a worship arts ministry together. All three make a strong case for the use of arts in our churches. Here they are and what others are saying about them!

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #210 — Books of Theologian Jeremy Begbie

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National Book MonthJeremy Begbie, professor of theology at Duke Divinity School, has spent much of his life focusing on the intersections of the arts, faith and theology. Now I know, often artists write off theologians and academicians because we think they don’t “get” us artists, but I can assure you Dr. Begbie gets us!! He is indeed one of us!! A musician in his own right, he has been spear-heading arts initiatives at seminaries and universities across the world, making sure professors, pastors and religious thinkers know that the arts have a vital role to play in the Church!

His books (with short reviews/descriptions from Amazon reviewers) include:

Voicing Creation's PraiseVoicing Creation’s Praise: Towards a Theology of the Arts is “for those interested in serious theological reflection on art. Begbie’s unique background as a classically-trained musician and Cambridge theologian gives him wonderful insight and Spirit-led authority in dealing with this critical cultural topic. Moreover, Begbie breaks free of the Modernist stranglehold on aesthetic philosophy, and presents a refreshing and deeply Christocentric analysis of the relationship between the character and action of God and human creativity.” I’ll warn you, this book is expensive, so look into borrowing it from the library. Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #209 — A Million Little Ways

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National Book MonthNational Book Month is winding down! I hope you’ve found some new resources to add to your creative library!!

Today’s book for your library is A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman. I gleaned this BEaUtiful gem of a quote from her blog post about how a five word email turned into a book:

“I don’t write as an expert – I’m not sure there is such a thing in deep matters of the soul. I write as a fellow image bearer, an intuitive observer and participant in the art of God.Million Little Ways

I see artistic potential in not only those pursuits the world would label artistic like painting and singing and dance, but also in small gestures done with great faith, like listening, waiting, and showing up.

There is an art alive within you and you don’t have to go anywhere to find it. Because the art alive within you was woven into the fabric of your soul when you were made in the secret place. Doubt, discouragement and distraction may be covering it up, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. When believers embrace the unique shape of their soul and move into the world as the person we most fully are, art comes out.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #208 — Wired for Creativity

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National Book MonthFor National Book Month we’ve been exploring books for artists, creatives and worshipers! The month is winding down, but we still have several more books to cover!

Candace L. Long is writer of plays (both screen and theater), books and songs, and a 40-year veteran of the arts and entertainment industry! She is the author of two books I’d like to point out today:

Screen Shot 2015-10-22 at 4.41.17 PMWired for Creativity recounts her journey into a spiritual desert / wilderness experience and reveals over 60 biblical principles the Lord taught her on surviving the creative calling. According to one reviewer, “It’s a thorough discussion of the roots of the creative personality and real solutions to obstacles we encounter. It gave me some real peace and strength.” (Disclaimer: this book is VERY expensive on Amazon, but very affordable on Candace’s website.) Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #207 — Praying in Color

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National Book MonthFor National Book Month this month we are exploring books for creatives, artists and worshipers.

Yesterday we explored praying with the body; today let’s explore Praying In Color: Drawing a New Path to God by Sybil MacBeth.

Praying in ColorMaybe you love color. Maybe you are a visual or kinesthetic learner, a distractable or impatient soul, or a word-weary pray-er. Perhaps you struggle with a short attention span, a restless body, or a tendency to live in your head.

If that describes you, perhaps this is the book for you! There’s even Praying in Black & White, especially geared towards men! You can explore more at MacBeth’s website Praying in Color.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #206 — Praying With the Body

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National Book MonthTo celebrate National Book Month, we continue our focus on books for creatives, artists and worshipers.

Praying With the Body: Bringing the Psalms to Life by Ray DeLeon is a great resource for those who want to engage their whole selves in their prayer practice.

In Praying with the Body readers will find both prayer tools Praying with the Bodyand companionship. Black and white drawings showing the postures and expressions of the body, accompany the scripture texts and explanations by Roy DeLeon. Working together, these elements invite readers to taste, explore, and discover a new and different way of knowing God. This book is for anyone who wants a more integrated and reconciled approach to prayer.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #205 — Artists & Artisans Awake!

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National Book MonthNational Book Month continues with books for creatives, artists and worshipers!!

Artists & Artisans Awake: Creativity & the Global Harvest is written by Bhari Long, a leader in the prophetic art movement in the UK. She and her husband James Mark Long not only labor as prophetic artists themsleves, but also mentor younger artists to release them in their calling as creatives in God’s kingdom.

Gordon Wright, founder of Crossline Christian Ministries in the UK, has this to say in review of the book:

“Artists & Artisans Awake! is a successful blend of the Artists & Artisans Awakeauthor’s own journey into prophetic creativity together with insights which are both helpful and challenging. Through narrative, anecdote, testimonies and practical exercises, Bhari brings encouragement and inspiration across a wide range of artistic expression. If you seek to go deeper into this precious gift of God — this book is for you. Read, enjoy and be blessed.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #203 — Cultivating Kingdom Creativity

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National Book MonthMore creative books for National Book Month!

Theresa Dedmon has been on staff at Bethel Church in Redding, California since 2003 where she currently oversees the Creative Arts department at Bethel’s Supernatural School of Ministry and in church life. She is the author of two written works on creativity.

CultivatingKingdomCreativityCultivating Kingdom Creativity: a Practical Guide to Releasing Supernatural Encounters Through Prophetic Arts in Your Personal Life, Church, and Community. “Learn how to access new levels of creativity. Receive an impartation for breakthrough in creativity. Experience activation exercises that will propel you towards your creative destiny.” Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #202 — The Organic Artist

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NNational Book Monthational Book Month continues with more books for creatives, artists and worshipers.

Today’s book is The Organic Artist by Nick Neddo. Is your creative hobby getting too expensive? Do you love to create but find yourself inhibited by the cost of art supplies? The Organic Artist is loaded with ideas to make your own paint, paper, prints and pigments all with the help of nature!

Organic Artist“The Organic Artist seeks to inspire creativity by connecting you to your wild roots. In addition to offering a wide variety of suggestions for using nature as supplies for art, this book also introduces the concepts of awareness and perception that are foundational to the creative process.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #201 — Gently Awakened

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National Book MonthWe continue National Book Month with more books for artists, creatives and worshipers!

Gently Awakened: The Influence of Faith on Your Artistic Journey by Sara Joseph is a wonderful book of transparency from the heart of an artist who has surrendered her gifts to God! Sara shares her passion behind writing this book:

“Aware of how testimonies always encouraged me, whether Gently awakenedI heard them in church or read them in a book, I wondered if perhaps my story would encourage someone else. This book is part memoir interspersed with color images of art and poetry. It is an account of some of my experiences as an artist and a testament to God’s incredible faithfulness. His unchanging character is reason enough for you to confidently pursue art as an expression of your faith.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #200 — Journeyartfully

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National Book MonthNational Book month continues with books for creatives, artists and worshipers!

Pattie Ann Hale is the author of Journeyartfully: Secrets for Living an Artful Life. Here is the description from her website:

“This thought-provoking and life-shifting book by artist and Journeyartfullyteacher, Pattie Ann Hale, is an invitation to live artfully. The artful life is a deeply spiritual life which brings those who will embark upon it into a deeper understanding of creation, God’s heart, community, and themselves. This book will open one to new doors of creativity, love, soulfulness and spiritual encounter through the sacredness of everyday living, seeing divine nature in the entirety of life.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #199 — Let the Bones Dance

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National Book MonthOctober is National Book Month so we continue our focus on books for the creative soul.

Today’s recommendation is a book about embodiment called Let the Bones Dance by Rev. Marcia Mount Shoop, PhD. Don’t be mistaken in thinking this is simply a book for dancers, as it is for all who have left their feelings and bodies at the doors of their churches for a refined, safe religion.

“Why are feeling and body often demeaned in theology and church while cognition and mind esteemed? Beautifully Let the Boens Dancewritten, deeply felt, Let the Bones Dance defies the disembodied ethos of Reform Protestantism that turns churches into dry, brittle places where we hide rather than reveal our bodily vulnerabilities. In its place, it offers a vivid theology relocated in the flesh and blood of life’s utter physicality. Finally a book to recommend when people ask about resources on bodies and theology!” — Bonnie Miller-McLemore, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Vanderbilty Divinity School

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Create A Day: your daily dose of creativity #198 — An Army Arising

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National Book MonthEnjoying our book focus? Hope so! Because there’s lots more books on the way!

ArmyToday’s feature is An Army Arising: Why Artists are on the Frontlines of the Next Move of God by Christ John Otto. It is a very inspiring book. If you are an artist or creative in need of “the big picture,” this is a great read as it helps you see the bigger picture of God’s kingdom coming to earth through our artistic offerings!

Otto works with artists through Belonging House of Boston, Massachusetts where creative worship is being used to glorify God and advance His kingdom!

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