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A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live
The majority of us would not necessarily define ourselves as artists. We're parents, students, businesspeople, friends. We're working hard, trying to make ends meet, and often longing for a little more--more time, more love, more security, more of a sense that there is more out there. The truth? We need not look around so much. God is within us and he wants to shine through us in a million little ways.
A Million Little Ways uncovers the creative, personal imprint of God on every individual. It invites the discouraged parent, the bored Christian, the exhausted executive to look at their lives differently by approaching their critics, their jobs, and the kids around their table the same way an artist approaches the canvas--with wonder, bravery, and hope. In her gentle, compelling style, Emily Freeman encourages readers to turn down the volume on their inner critic and move into the world with the courage to be who they most deeply are. She invites regular people to see the artistic potential in words, gestures, attitudes, and relationships. Readers will discover the art in a quiet word, a hot dinner, a made bed, a grace-filled glance, and a million other ways of showing God to the world through the simple human acts of listening, waiting, creating, and showing up.
A Million Little Ways uncovers the creative, personal imprint of God on every individual. It invites the discouraged parent, the bored Christian, the exhausted executive to look at their lives differently by approaching their critics, their jobs, and the kids around their table the same way an artist approaches the canvas--with wonder, bravery, and hope. In her gentle, compelling style, Emily Freeman encourages readers to turn down the volume on their inner critic and move into the world with the courage to be who they most deeply are. She invites regular people to see the artistic potential in words, gestures, attitudes, and relationships. Readers will discover the art in a quiet word, a hot dinner, a made bed, a grace-filled glance, and a million other ways of showing God to the world through the simple human acts of listening, waiting, creating, and showing up.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
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October 14, 2013Two and a half years ago, I discovered www.chattingatthesky.com after a dear friend shared it was the first blog she’d ever followed. I immediately found myself at home. There author Emily P. Freeman was working through some ideas on what it meant to create art. I printed out her post, Fourteen Ways to Make Mediocre Art, and pasted it to the mini file on my desk, where I see it every day.
Emily has continued to explore this idea of being an artist on her blog. She’s written A MILLION LITTLE WAYS in an attempt to dig into this concept more deeply. What she’s created is inviting, encouraging, and profound. And it starts with this:
All of us have permission to make art.
I can’t help thinking how incredible this message might have been to my twenty-four-year-old self, the one who’d dreamed of writing for years.
“Art is what happens when you dare to be who you really are.”
I’d sent my students home for the last time. The summer stretched free before me. It was my moment to find the courage to try.
“The essence of being human is that we were made by design with the hands of the Divine Artist.”
I knew no one who wrote. I spent that summer and the years following trying to make my way. Two things kept me moving: I trusted that if I kept trying, my work would improve. I believed I had something unique to say.
“We get good at the things we practice.”
Thank you, Emily, for showing me art is much more than a thing we produce. It is who we are. It is what we’re made to do. It’s what most connects us to living. To ourselves. To God. This book is a gift to the new writer I was fifteen years ago, a treasure to the person I am now.
"Uncover the art you were born to make. Release the art you were made to live."
Emily has continued to explore this idea of being an artist on her blog. She’s written A MILLION LITTLE WAYS in an attempt to dig into this concept more deeply. What she’s created is inviting, encouraging, and profound. And it starts with this:
All of us have permission to make art.
I can’t help thinking how incredible this message might have been to my twenty-four-year-old self, the one who’d dreamed of writing for years.
“Art is what happens when you dare to be who you really are.”
I’d sent my students home for the last time. The summer stretched free before me. It was my moment to find the courage to try.
“The essence of being human is that we were made by design with the hands of the Divine Artist.”
I knew no one who wrote. I spent that summer and the years following trying to make my way. Two things kept me moving: I trusted that if I kept trying, my work would improve. I believed I had something unique to say.
“We get good at the things we practice.”
Thank you, Emily, for showing me art is much more than a thing we produce. It is who we are. It is what we’re made to do. It’s what most connects us to living. To ourselves. To God. This book is a gift to the new writer I was fifteen years ago, a treasure to the person I am now.
"Uncover the art you were born to make. Release the art you were made to live."
August 13, 2016
I would like to buy this book and highlight in it.
I read a library copy but I think it's a book to "chew on" and digest.
Looking forward to discussing this book with my cousin.
I read a library copy but I think it's a book to "chew on" and digest.
Looking forward to discussing this book with my cousin.
February 18, 2020
I am sorry to give this book only two stars since the author is so honest and vulnerable and also talks about her fear of critics. I have never read anything by Freeman before, so it might be that I could like other books by her, but I didn't like this one. I often felt confused by what she was trying to say. Though I understand her concept of art - "the thing that makes us feel most alive", it was so unhelpful, confusing and wishy-washy that I had a hard time putting it into context.
There were so many theories and statements that were never explained. "Don't try so hard to read your bible - let the bible read you" sure sounds nice, but WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN? The book is full of cryptic ideas like this one and often never bothers to clarify them. Don't get me wrong, I like books that leave place for the imagination and your own interpretation. But when every other statement is so abstract that I cannot fill it with any meaning, then my enjoyment of it is extremely diminished, because there is no base structure to hold on to. Reading this book sometimes felt to me like having no ground under my feet.
Other reviewers have said it before - the content is very repetitive and should have been better edited.
I still give it two stars, because as an actual artist I found one or two thoughts rather interesting. I especially liked the premise - that as God's imagebearers we are called to create since he himself is a creator and that the art itself must never become more important than representing God by making art.
There were so many theories and statements that were never explained. "Don't try so hard to read your bible - let the bible read you" sure sounds nice, but WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN? The book is full of cryptic ideas like this one and often never bothers to clarify them. Don't get me wrong, I like books that leave place for the imagination and your own interpretation. But when every other statement is so abstract that I cannot fill it with any meaning, then my enjoyment of it is extremely diminished, because there is no base structure to hold on to. Reading this book sometimes felt to me like having no ground under my feet.
Other reviewers have said it before - the content is very repetitive and should have been better edited.
I still give it two stars, because as an actual artist I found one or two thoughts rather interesting. I especially liked the premise - that as God's imagebearers we are called to create since he himself is a creator and that the art itself must never become more important than representing God by making art.
November 11, 2013
This weekend I soaked in Emily P. Freeman’s A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live.
I had eagerly signed up to review this book. However, once it arrived, I approached the content warily, thinking I’d find it filled with popular advice about how to find your voice and make it heard and rise above the crowd . . . you know, the things people who get paid for their art tell the rest of us.
But Emily’s insightful take on art encompasses all expressions of God’s beauty and includes all of us who bear His image.
Here’s one of my favorite parts . . .
“The song lyric.
The exchange between actors on the screen.
The image of Paris in the snow.
The tuning of the strings before the show.
Art coming from honest hands shows us beauty, stirs up longing, and touches us deeply.
But what about this:
Or . . .
Cashiers and cellists are capable of making art because they both have the power to influence, to be fully awake to their Maker, and fully aware of His making them.
What about your own influence? What about the conviction of your true self, pointed out, accepted, and poured out as an offering??i>
It is my intention to introduce practices to help you uncover the art already alive within you.”
MY TAKE: Emily’s words resonated with me. An image that lingers is her description of showing up at the church nursery to find a violinist—a talented professional musician—playing for the toddlers. As the man passionately poured out his music, the kids continued playing, seemingly oblivious to his song.
Yet his efforts were not a waste—no matter the reception of the audience.
THE BOTTOM LINE: This nonfiction work strengthened and inspired me. I give it my highest recommendation and encourage you to grab a copy for yourself. ***Thanks to Revell for providing a copy for me to review.
I had eagerly signed up to review this book. However, once it arrived, I approached the content warily, thinking I’d find it filled with popular advice about how to find your voice and make it heard and rise above the crowd . . . you know, the things people who get paid for their art tell the rest of us.
But Emily’s insightful take on art encompasses all expressions of God’s beauty and includes all of us who bear His image.
Here’s one of my favorite parts . . .
“The song lyric.
The exchange between actors on the screen.
The image of Paris in the snow.
The tuning of the strings before the show.
Art coming from honest hands shows us beauty, stirs up longing, and touches us deeply.
But what about this:
The extra care the cashier takes with your order,
The way she looks you in the eye,
Asks how you are,
If you need help or a price check,
As if her work is important
And she knows it.
Or . . .
The teacher who makes history come alive,
Telling stories filled with facts and truth and background,
While students learn without even realizing.
Cashiers and cellists are capable of making art because they both have the power to influence, to be fully awake to their Maker, and fully aware of His making them.
What about your own influence? What about the conviction of your true self, pointed out, accepted, and poured out as an offering??i>
It is my intention to introduce practices to help you uncover the art already alive within you.”
MY TAKE: Emily’s words resonated with me. An image that lingers is her description of showing up at the church nursery to find a violinist—a talented professional musician—playing for the toddlers. As the man passionately poured out his music, the kids continued playing, seemingly oblivious to his song.
Yet his efforts were not a waste—no matter the reception of the audience.
THE BOTTOM LINE: This nonfiction work strengthened and inspired me. I give it my highest recommendation and encourage you to grab a copy for yourself. ***Thanks to Revell for providing a copy for me to review.
May 20, 2019
I am stingy with my 5 star reviews (also a bit inconsistent, but that’s another story), but I can’t help giving A Million Little Ways five stars. This book is inspiring and encouraging and real. It takes the reader by the hand and leads her not only to the edge of the cliff where we, as creators, can jump off into the great excitement and fear that creativity brings, but also, she brings us closer to God. I appreciate the reminder of why I create and for Whom I create, along with the shot of courage Emily Freeman offers in this book.
July 16, 2014
I really hate giving Christian authors I respect less than five stars, but really I found this book about uncovering the art inside to be only average. If you're only going to read one book about doing the work you're meant to do, please read Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. It's one you'll return to again and again. Emily Freeman's book was aptly titled. I literally felt like I was reading the exact same sentence a million different ways. Basically, she says, "You are art and you make art, but you are not your art. You are God's art." That's the book. I will admit, though, that she does find her rhythm about halfway through the book. She confesses that she's not giving the reader any new information, only sharing what she knows the only way she knows how. And of course that's true: artists speak to all of us in different ways, and Emily P. Freeman may be exactly who you need to hear from today. She crafts each sentence with great care, and I enjoyed the book. Her words are beautiful, and I found them to be comforting--like spending time with a good friend--both sharing our hopes and dreams over a bowl of hot soup on a cold day. But if you really want to feel EQUIPPED to change the world, then read the authors she liberally quotes: Steven Pressfield, Seth Godin, and Madeleine L'Engle, among others.
March 18, 2018
This book was more than I expected.... I thought it was a book about art and creativity. And it is, but it is also about being brave, trusting Jesus, and living a life only you can live (whether you consider yourself an artist or not.)
I listened to this on Hoopla, I love Emily Freeman’s voice, and it is free, so I highly recommend that. But I also ordered a copy to underline, absorb and keep because I need it to sink more deeply than I can manage while listening/driving/doing laundry etc. Highly recommend.
I listened to this on Hoopla, I love Emily Freeman’s voice, and it is free, so I highly recommend that. But I also ordered a copy to underline, absorb and keep because I need it to sink more deeply than I can manage while listening/driving/doing laundry etc. Highly recommend.
March 26, 2017
I've been waiting to read this for quite some time. But it really missed the mark. There's a disjointed undercurrent which was difficult to overcome. While the author references "the art" its unfolding was scattered and failed to pin down what she wished to convey. We're given a plethora of examples labeled "art" but the reader would have been better served by having the subject presented from a clearer perspective.
August 17, 2021
I really wasn't expecting to love this book. I thought it would be another spiritual, fluffy "self-help" type of book. But WOW, did it SPEAK to my SOUL.
I'm in a weird season, a weird funk and my heart is a bit hard and bitter. It's tougher and tougher these days for a book to emotionally impact me because I'm in a weird place but dang, this book is currently FILLED with post it notes.
If you're in a waiting season, or you have big dreams and you don't know how to act on them, or you aren't sure what your big dream is...this is a wonderful book that will hopefully inspire you and comfort you.
I'm in a weird season, a weird funk and my heart is a bit hard and bitter. It's tougher and tougher these days for a book to emotionally impact me because I'm in a weird place but dang, this book is currently FILLED with post it notes.
If you're in a waiting season, or you have big dreams and you don't know how to act on them, or you aren't sure what your big dream is...this is a wonderful book that will hopefully inspire you and comfort you.
January 13, 2020
The old adage, "Chew the meat and spit out the bones" applies here. But the meat of this book is so delicious that I'm glad I pushed on when I disagreed. Two concepts in particular (the different ways art can be an idol, how criticism helps us) impacted me. I'll be chewing on this one a long time. So convicting, and yet so encouraging and gentle.
February 4, 2019
I recently joined Emily Freeman's Hope*Writers community of writers and her book was added inspirational motivation to press forward in becoming the artist/writer God created me to be. I tried sharing my kindle highlights for the first time (if anyone wants to have a look and let me know what you think). "When we embrace the beauty of our design, when we recognize that he has made us to be unique expressions of himself, when we receive the gifts he has equipped us with and have the courage to pour them out, we worship."
December 20, 2024
Unfortunately this book is too disjointed and vague for me to gain any real direction or wisdom. Two stars because the ideas are good things to think about. If you’re an artist you likely already have thought over these ideas and probably with more vision than what is offered here.
April 7, 2019
Adding to the list for purchase... full of hope, grace, and encouragement.
December 8, 2013
Books which encourage people to continue our art, especially from a Christian perspective, are always welcome on my shelf. This one by Emily Freeman has several aha moments. She talks to all kinds of artists; the type who know what they want to do but are too scared to step out, and the type who launch out, confident in their mastery of their craft, but are disappointed by results.
It begins by explaining how anything at all can be made into an art form - hence the title. Our divine image bearer is reflected through the distinct lives and work of millions of people.
Freeman gives us tips on figuring out which of all the millions of possibilities will suit us. Joy and enthusiasm is the key. She suggests that our heart's deepest desires are imprinted into us. Hints of our passions shine out of us while we are still too young to think about meaning and vocations. They are woven into the fibers of our being.
She talks about the way we get seduced by the human habit of measuring our productivity. We assess our perceived usefulness and the impact we're making by using attention and appreciation as our gauges, which makes us miserable. I loved her statement that 'small is fast becoming my new home.' Working hard to become big is not a wise way to operate. If Jesus came down as a baby and became way less, why is it strange to think humans might be called to do a fraction of the same thing? I think this attitude may be the key in freeing us up in our work, helping us keep the important things forefront.
There's more. She discusses dealing with criticism, getting into comparison mode and considering other people's art a threat to ours. I liked was her admission that sometimes she hates her calling. As a writer, mine is similar enough that I could relate to her. Difficult to summarise, too complicated for an elevator pitch, I get it all. Yes, I admit I've looked at the fine arts and wished I could do some of them. Yet Emily Freeman says that, deep down, we know what makes us tick and brings us joy. She's right, I probably wouldn't really change for the world. It's touching that somebody else gets that we aren't always in love with our craft, though.
I'm sure there's something to get everyone thinking in this book, and I'd recommend it.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Revell in return for an honest review.
It begins by explaining how anything at all can be made into an art form - hence the title. Our divine image bearer is reflected through the distinct lives and work of millions of people.
Freeman gives us tips on figuring out which of all the millions of possibilities will suit us. Joy and enthusiasm is the key. She suggests that our heart's deepest desires are imprinted into us. Hints of our passions shine out of us while we are still too young to think about meaning and vocations. They are woven into the fibers of our being.
She talks about the way we get seduced by the human habit of measuring our productivity. We assess our perceived usefulness and the impact we're making by using attention and appreciation as our gauges, which makes us miserable. I loved her statement that 'small is fast becoming my new home.' Working hard to become big is not a wise way to operate. If Jesus came down as a baby and became way less, why is it strange to think humans might be called to do a fraction of the same thing? I think this attitude may be the key in freeing us up in our work, helping us keep the important things forefront.
There's more. She discusses dealing with criticism, getting into comparison mode and considering other people's art a threat to ours. I liked was her admission that sometimes she hates her calling. As a writer, mine is similar enough that I could relate to her. Difficult to summarise, too complicated for an elevator pitch, I get it all. Yes, I admit I've looked at the fine arts and wished I could do some of them. Yet Emily Freeman says that, deep down, we know what makes us tick and brings us joy. She's right, I probably wouldn't really change for the world. It's touching that somebody else gets that we aren't always in love with our craft, though.
I'm sure there's something to get everyone thinking in this book, and I'd recommend it.
I received a copy from NetGalley and Revell in return for an honest review.
March 19, 2016
It's not often that I devour a non-fiction book in a day, but AMLW awakens that longing inside to be fully alive, fully YOU. And so I read like a mad woman only putting it down halfway through because I couldn't take in any more information at that sitting.
I already knew what my art is -- I am a story-teller at heart. But in my current season of life with CFS, I've struggled with my inabilty to write, edit, critique, etc. Am I just supposed to wait until it IS the season to write? Will there ever be a season to write again?
AMLW challenged me to ask two new questions instead: "How can I be an artist here? Now? What does that look like?" and "How do I LIVE as His art and an artist?" Compelling questions I can't wait to explore further.
I already knew what my art is -- I am a story-teller at heart. But in my current season of life with CFS, I've struggled with my inabilty to write, edit, critique, etc. Am I just supposed to wait until it IS the season to write? Will there ever be a season to write again?
AMLW challenged me to ask two new questions instead: "How can I be an artist here? Now? What does that look like?" and "How do I LIVE as His art and an artist?" Compelling questions I can't wait to explore further.
December 1, 2019
If you love Ann Voskamp's writing style, you'll enjoy this book.
For me though, the writing style is too wordy to truly sweep me along.
But that's a personal preference.
As far as the message of the book, I felt it was good, necessary and would be great for anyone with CREATE as their one word. I did feel that the first part could have been shorter and the last half of the book could have gone deeper.
And another personal preference, the use of the word "art" got a bit much for me so in my mind I simply substituted it for "purpose" or "passion" :)
Ps I love Emily's speaking voice so if she's done an audio version, definitely get that. I wouldn't mind listening to her narrate this book.
For me though, the writing style is too wordy to truly sweep me along.
But that's a personal preference.
As far as the message of the book, I felt it was good, necessary and would be great for anyone with CREATE as their one word. I did feel that the first part could have been shorter and the last half of the book could have gone deeper.
And another personal preference, the use of the word "art" got a bit much for me so in my mind I simply substituted it for "purpose" or "passion" :)
Ps I love Emily's speaking voice so if she's done an audio version, definitely get that. I wouldn't mind listening to her narrate this book.
June 2, 2018
This book is the Christian sister of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic. They're different, of course, but have very similar themes. While I enjoyed Emily's book Simply Tuesdays more, this was still a good read for faith-filled creatives.
October 29, 2015
So moving. So inspirational. A moving piece of art that will deeply affect every reader. This one is going in every graduation gift I give this year.
August 22, 2019
This quite possibly might be my new favorite book. 💕💕💕
November 12, 2013
The best yet from Emily Freeman.
November 15, 2022
This book came out of nowhere. I genuinely do not remember how it landed up in my lap. If you lent this to me, let me know cause I definitely forgot who gave it to me.
It’s great! I feel so encouraged to use art to glorify God and not man. Emily P Freeman encourages us to create art with courage and freedom. Her thoughts crazily coincide with my own internal thoughts. It’s a relief to see them on paper.
It’s great! I feel so encouraged to use art to glorify God and not man. Emily P Freeman encourages us to create art with courage and freedom. Her thoughts crazily coincide with my own internal thoughts. It’s a relief to see them on paper.
March 6, 2021
This gets classified with a small group of books called "books that took me absolutely forever to read." 😊 It wasn't because I didn't like it, but because I kept overloading and needed time to digest. This is a book of great little gems that made me think. Emily has a lovely way with words and metaphors which makes it a delight to pick this book up over and over.
January 12, 2023
I used the audio version. I might want to go back and revisit in hard copy.
Good reminders that our Father created us to be unique individuals, who will show up and live differently. There are a million little ways that we each can glorify God as we use our talents and abilities. This is all about finding what makes us come alive to live the abundant life that we were meant to live.
Good reminders that our Father created us to be unique individuals, who will show up and live differently. There are a million little ways that we each can glorify God as we use our talents and abilities. This is all about finding what makes us come alive to live the abundant life that we were meant to live.
November 2, 2017
I remember hearing about A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman, when it was first published several years ago, but I never read it; several weeks ago, though, my mom mentioned she had read it and was describing it to me, and, intrigued, I decided to read through it myself. Click here to read my full review.
December 18, 2020
Five stars is probably too high, but there was no 4.5 option. This has been added to my “required reading” list. A book I will revisit in the years to come. Maybe the most encouraging book I’ve read this year.
January 29, 2023
This book really encouraged me to change my perspective on my daily tasks and chores and see the art that I was made to live. Sometimes the author harped too much on a point and her guidance was vague but the point of the book was that we aren't machines but masterpieces, so the give-me-a-label-and-tell-me-what-to-do mindset is what she was writing against. I appreciated how spiritually grounded her thoughts were and guarded against living in fear as well as living without caution for any obvious limits God has given you (eg: don't say your deepest hidden desire requires you to leave your spouse to really find yourself). Her writing was very poetic.
May 23, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by Freeman, and although it had a good message, I felt it was repetitive and too long.
December 30, 2021
i started this book intending to skim it for the highlights. but by the third or so chapter, it had pulled me in, and i ended up soaking in it, thinking about it, and writing about it. so it did good things for me. it reminded me to live as a brave artist because i am made by the Artist God.
in summary: 'henry and the chalk dragon.' in prose. for grownups.
in summary: 'henry and the chalk dragon.' in prose. for grownups.
October 14, 2017
This is one of THE MOST INCREDIBLE BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ; Emily Freeman writes magic. :) If you are a human, you need to read this book.
December 10, 2025
You don't have be an artist to create art. Freeman explores finding art within us, from mundane tasks to beautiful works of art. This book leaves a lot of room for interpretation and can be vague at times. Freeman navigates between biblical truths and practical advice to find your creativity and put it into action.
"We make art with our lives."
"God reveals himself through every artist, and the artist is you."
"We make art with our lives."
"God reveals himself through every artist, and the artist is you."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews