Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom

by Wendy Speake, Kelli Stuart

A celebration of motherhood, creativity, and the faith that binds them

In our Pinterest age of handcrafted children's parties, artistic Instagram photos, tutorials for renovating old furniture into new treasures, and blogs filled with poetry, prose, and other creative expression, it is clear that a brand-new generation of creative women is rising up. It is a renaissance born not in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs but in kitchens and nurseries and living rooms around the world. But when Christian women become mothers, they often feel expected to lay down their creative pursuits in order to properly parent.

Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart know that struggle. While they acknowledge that some seasons of mothering require setting artistic pursuits aside, they also argue that these seasons don't have to last until empty nest time. Instead, mothers with creative gifts are called to actively use them in order to bless their families, their communities, and everyone they encounter.

Inspiring and encouraging, Life Creative celebrates the ways mothers can live their art in the midst of their mothering. They tell the stories of women such as author and speaker Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard who do just that. By following God's leading to embrace His gifts, renaissance moms can model the joy of obedience for their families.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Writing, Faith

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2016

About the author

Wendy Speake is an actress who appeared on shows such as JAG, Star Trek Voyager, and Roswell, where she discovered a longing to tell stories that edify women. Today she ministers to women through storytelling and biblical life applications. Her first book, Triggers, was released in 2015.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the encouragement in this inspiring book! I've been feeling like I've neglected many of my creative talents, and regretting it. The authors helped put things in perspective- the never ending balance of motherhood, work, and homemaking. They helped me see that my creative gifts are God-given and can be incorporated into my life as it is now, even if it's in small ways or through ministering to my children. They focus on the importance of using our creativity to inspire our faith, but I never felt a guilt-trip, rather immense understanding for the difficulties mothers face, especially those with young children. The topic is approached from various angles, and I especially appreciated the thought that women help lift each other since I feel a great connection to the friends in my life who are in similar circumstances. I am excited to embrace my new identity of Renaissance mom and sanctify some of my time to tap into the part of my soul that yearns to create. I highly recommend this book for all moms, especially those who are feeling the urge to become more creative!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that shows how our creativity is always alive, even when we are consumed with family and life. There are so many ways that our creativity can be expressed. God has made us all unique and given each of us different gifts to share with others. This book gives great examples and reminders of how to find ways to create, explore and share our ideas. From young Moms to experienced Moms, this book is a great read and gives tons of encouragement.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a how-to book for running a business, or for developing creativity, or for developing time for creative pursuits in the midst of a busy season of life, but it is a book full of encouragement for creative women (with scriptural backing), and yes, some tips for running a business, developing creativity (in oneself and one's kids), and finding the time.

This is especially geared toward mothers, and that aspect I had a hard time connecting with, being as I am not a mother. However, there was a lot of good, applicable encouragement for creative women that one doesn't need children to appreciate.

A couple highlights that impacted me:

Recognizing the worth in our creative abilities: While I can accept that I'm quite creative, sometimes it's a struggle to find the worth in it. It's not earning a fortune, and I'm not providing a vital service, like doctors, farmers, and car mechanics; nor is much of my creative work overtly spiritually uplifting. However, the authors emphasize that using these creative abilities--in whatever capacity we are talented--is an act of worship, full of worth. God gave us these desires and talents and abilities for a purpose, and it is to His glory when we use them; saying that they aren't worth much belittles His good work.

Another aspect of worth the authors discuss is the placing of monetary values on our creative goods and services. It can be hard to charge for something that isn't a necessity, especially when we struggle with not feeling like a professional at our craft. And while the authors acknowledge that one should listen to God first on whether to charge or not to charge, they also emphasize that one should not be afraid to make a profit--the worker is worthy of his wages. And a lot of times things we create are truly A LOT of work and worth monetary compensation.

The importance of partnering with our family: This was one of my learning areas, as I tend to do a thing on my own (sometimes secretively, especially for something in which I don't have a lot of confidence in the outcome) and then maybe discuss it later if it was successful. However, the authors point out that it's a blessing to have the blessing of one's family--husband, kids, whoever. Chances are, they will be supportive and encouraging, helping in the areas one is not strong, if one only gives them the chance. "Creative woman, your husband is for you, not against you . . . even if he doesn't always understand you. You are two different personalities there in one flesh, and it can rub something awful. Still, if you feel called by God to do something more, then you've been called to do more together." (134).

There's a lot more in here, with recognition of boundaries, what to do if one doesn't have the blessing of one's family, how to incorporate family into one's creative pursuits, how to encourage creativity in one's children, and things the bible has to say about mothers and creativity (yes, it's there! Check out the Proverbs 31 woman). I definitely recommend it to both those who are creative and those who wish they were--chances are you actually are, and this book can help you see it. And also for any woman who is a mom and still wishes for a little more out of life.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all moms who feel tension between their creative pursuits and being fully present for their families. This book is so encouraging and comforting, and proves that your creative gifts do not always need to be put on the back burner during busy seasons of motherhood (although, sometimes it is necessary... read the book!).

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Goodreads win review. This is a great book about being a renaissance mom in the modern time we are in.

[Hannah Christmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence: "It is the high calling of motherhood to raise our children in the grounded unspoken knowledge that they belong and are safe within our hearts and homes."

Sometimes it's like we raise our children more graciously and offer them more encouragements to be creative and themselves better than we allow ourselves to do. Some people would respond, "Well, of course I do!" But how can we expect ourselves to mother our children in that way if we don't allow ourselves the same freedoms?

In this book, authors Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart speak on an issue that is hardly ever spoken of, yet was such a yearning in my heart to explore more about--creativity in motherhood. Especially in this day in age with Instagram and Etsy where so many creative moms are thriving with businesses created in their homes during naptimes, mothers are feeling the pull to use their hands and minds to create beautiful and useful and life-giving things and ideas for the world. It's a beautiful thing, but for me (and I suspect a lot of other women), we are looking for tangible advice and encouragement on how this is done.

Speake and Stuart explore this issue all across the board (and the world). I imagine the list of contacts they have on their phone is immense with the number of creative women they interviewed and told the stories of throughout the pages of this book. Many of the women they referenced I already knew of and admired their work. Many were new to me. These stories were so inspiring and gave me a picture of what motherhood looks like in the eyes of a creative--and gave me an idea of how many different types of creatives there are! It's a beautiful testament to the creativity of God in how He has inspired so many people to do so many different things--and all for His glory!

Speake and Stuart use these stories to show the different stages of creativity in motherhood, whether it's the "Dark Ages" of new motherhood and we are focusing on our own personal Jerusalem and finding little moments of creativity, or if it's a new Renaissance era where we can create a business out of our ideas and include the family in the support of it. They encouraged me through scripture, showing me that my creativity is not a burden, nor is it a luxury that I can only do if I have the time or money. My gifts and talents are not to be underutilized, but to be shared for the Kingdom, even if it's just for the joy of my family. They brought to light how I must be intentional about the areas of my life and sanctify them as holy--my time with the Lord, my time with my family, and my time to create. They are each valuable and must be prioritized by given the respect it deserves. This book was healing to my aching heart to create and my guilty conscience to give it all up for my family. I can do both, in the time and manner that God leads me.

A lot of what this book is, I already knew. That's the funny thing. I think we all inherently know it because it's all in our DNA as creators. But I still think it's something every mother needs to read, especially if she is feeling tired and drained of the will to be the artist she once was. I would recommend this to them all--even if she doesn't consider herself creative. I full-heartedly believe we are all creative. I will be reading this again.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really encouraging book for where I am right now. As a mom who loves to write and create, I've always felt guilty when I take time to pursue what I love.
This was a great book to remind me being a mom is just as much who I am as being creative. They don't have to work in isolation and my 'roles' in life aren't unchanging. Seasons change and so do opportunities.
I would recommend this to any mom who feels pulled in too many directions.

[Briana Almengor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a timely encouragement for me personally but is a great read for any mother who considers herself a creative stifled by the demands of motherhood.
Rich with encouragement, practical ideas, and stories of how other moms have continued to use the creative talents & passions God's given to them for His glory.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouragement and inspiration

I loved this read. Came at a great time as I have been trying to embrace the creative side of myself more! All you makers out there check this out!

[Adrienne Organa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book for creative mothers, or inspiring mothers. Highly recommend.

[Vanessa James-brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was a creative mom until I read this amazing book. Being creative doesn't just mean you can knit,crochet,or paint. There are so many ways to be creative I honestly did not know there were so many ways to be creative lol. Wendy and Kelli did a wonderful job explaining ways we are being creative and not realizing how creative we can be everyday. They are also great encouragers, sharing scriptures and tid bids about their journeys. With the world at our fingertips we can expand our creativity in ways we never imagined with our children instead of just on our own. My children and I have always been creative together, and have had so much fun together all these years so far, and look forward to many more years of creativeness together. I really LOVED this book and I do highly recommend that ALL mom's even Grandma's read this book .I love that this book is full of encouragement for any mom out there that fears she may lose a piece of herself while putting her family first, God knows I lost A LOT of me along this journey, but found a NEW me along the way. Just remember mom's you are ALL creative in your own unique ways. Please lady's check out this book, you will not be disappointed at all.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.]

It should be stated at the outset that I am not the ideal audience for this book, which is written for overly busy moms in encouraging them to serve God and their families via their creative artistic passions. I am no stranger to reading books written by women, for women, about women, that really do not attempt to reach out to a male audience at all [1]. I would like to think, though, that I am a reasonably sympathetic man when it comes to the struggles of sensitive and creative people who feel as if life is a bit overwhelming and who have an intense need to have personal creative time. Although there are likely few men who will take this book up and read it, that is a shame as this book has a lot to offer its readers, and not only its intended audience. This is a book written by women who want to encourage their children and want to serve God and other people with their God-given gifts, but who are afraid of losing their identity and individuality through the expectations placed on them in being wives and mothers. This is a valid concern. To their credit, the authors present the men and children in their lives as being encouraging of their artistic endeavors, making this a book that rises above the usual gender warfare.

The contents of this book are quite interesting to read, even as an outsider upon its concerns. In about 200 pages, full of scripture and personal stories and the definitions of words for the audience to learn, the authors seek to legitimize the artistic and creative selves of their audience of overly busy moms. The authors encourage their mothers in creativity not only for the sake of those mothers but because artistic parents encourage art in their children, something that fills these pages, and something that I can relate to in my own life as the child of a deeply artistic and creative house, with all the torment and sensitivity that tends to involve. The authors discuss the fact that creative mothers do not necessarily need to do anything too unusual--painting a picnic table and conversing with neighbors, canning preserves, taking photographs, writing blogs--to be creative and artistic people showing the imago dei within them [2]. In other chapters the authors examine the tensions women feel about making a business out of their art, and having their art turn a profit. Throughout, a consistent tone of encouragement is given, encouraging women to seek out a network of encouraging people among their family and friends, as well as outlets to pursue and develop their gifts and abilities. Any fair-minded reader can only cheer them on.

Although there is a lot to praise about this book, there are at least a few areas where the authors are deserving of some mild criticism and critique. For one, the authors appear to be fond of overusing certain words and expressions--renaissance comes to mind, given that the authors promote the idea that the Renaissance brought Europe out of darkness, when the reality was far more complicated. That said, as someone who prides himself on being a Renaissance man, I can hardly criticize women who want to consider themselves the gender-appropriate equivalent. The authors also overuse the term avodah, which is Hebrew for work, perhaps as a way of demonstrating some knowledge of the Hebrew language, a sign of harmless but slightly irritating intellectual vanity, again, not something I can justly criticize someone else for but something that I found odd and a bit jarring nonetheless. Overall, this is a book that reminds one of a friendly conversation, full of stories and anecdotes, and gentle affectionate encouragement to the reader. It is likely to be a book enjoyed by the women, and few brave men, who pick up the volume and seek encouragement for their own artistic endeavors and their creative service to God and others.

[1] See, for example:

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[2] See, for example:

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https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

All moms are creative in their own ways, even if they don’t think that they are creative. However, for reasons best known by these moms, they may not feel at liberty to create because of the balance that they need to have with the care for their children. As a mom who likes to draw, paint, hand letter, write, sew and scrapbook, I think I’m at a point where I can safely say I’m creative. In fact, I feel a need to make life more beautiful. So, when I received the opportunity to review Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom, I was hopeful for some inspiration in my creative endeavors.

This book is a book that was a slight puzzle to me when I began to read it. The authors start with the supposition that when a woman becomes a mom that she feels has to set aside the creative part of herself in service to her family. They even go so far as to refer to the early years of childcare as the “dark ages” and the children we adore as if they’ve imprisoned us and confined us to something less than God’s plan for our lives. Once, the authors have laid this foundation, they then begin to encourage women to be free within their confines to create, to grow as artists and to add their artistry to their lives as well as to their actual practice of their art.

Throughout the book, the authors pepper their ideas with examples of current women who are business women, bloggers and artists in a digital age when art can be shared and sold with a few clicks of a button. They give advice for Moms who a trying to make the leap from creating personally to creating for profit. (That’s not a leap that interests me at this point, but it gave me some ideas to consider for later.) They teach you about parenting your children from the overflow of your creativity.

At many turns this book is inspiring and the advice is often sound. However, I found myself disagreeing with the premise that they started with, even though it seems to resonate with many other mothers when we talk about creativity. No one ever told me that being a mother meant I’d have to give up my creativity or my dreams. No one ever told me that my children were my jailers and I never once have felt that way. In fact, I’m just as likely to allow them to pull alongside me and to use my “fancy” paints, paper crafting materials, brush markers and other supplies as artists in their own right. Instead of finding myself sacrificing my creativity as a mother, I have found that my creativity inspires my children’s creativity and gives me another avenue for teaching and discipling my children.

So, in the end, I guess my recommendation is twofold. If you feel that you’ve been stifled in your creativity by your motherhood, perhaps you need to read this book to help you let go of your feelings of guilt for creativity. However, if you feel secure in your creative pursuits, this may not be the book for you. It has some good ideas, but I never really got over the uncomfortable feeling that the book gave me when it suggested that my children might be keeping me from living the creative life.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Valorie Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess: as I began reading Life Creative, although I was excited about the message for young moms, I was a bit dubious that it was for me particularly.
How wrong I was! I have never struggled with Motherhood as a high and worthy calling, nor did I question my considerable time spent serving at our church, and helping to run our family business. All these were honorable investments.
However, my deep desire for a fuller creative expression remains largely unexpressed, in great part because of that lingering question of value.
This book has brought that and so much more to light, including the issue of permission.
Can it be that we don't need to seek permission, because the very fact that God placed within us this deep and compelling response to beauty -both to acknowledge it and to respond in kind- is all the license we need?
Still, the authors offer an important caution, that there is a place for being open to the input of our family and other wise people in our support system.
"Don't think of your budding dreams as something you've been called to do alone. Share your scribbled down dreams with them. Go to them for counsel, let them help you set healthy boundaries and learn together how to answer the call God has on your life. For when God calls a mother, he calls a whole family."
Truly, as I have read and re-read the chapters of this book, the stirring within is taking the distinct shape of my own personal Creative Renaissance! Scary as it is after so many years of resistance, I am ready!

[Christina Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiration for any mom who needs creativity to survive. This isn't a how-to book, but an affirming call to press on in your craft, however big, however small. The world needs your work. Highly recommended.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book begins with a solid case supporting how God is the first Creator, and He created each of us to create in unique ways, too. The authors continually reiterate that every mother is a creative in her own God-given way, be it writing, crafting, baking, leading, etc. Each chapter contains personal anecdotes as well as stories of other mom creatives, and the chapters progress from acknowledging our creative nature to balancing momhood and creative work and even to what happens if that gift eventually supports your family financially. The authors are very conversational in tone and ready to affirm and encourage every reader.

I enjoyed most of what I read, though I actually found myself not fully agreeing with some of the statements and sentiments the authors share. For example, many of the ideas and suggestions seem to suggest that the mother reading will have a disposable income (to be able to drop kids off at daycare, for example) or time when kids are in public school. This, of course, isn't the case for all families, so this may feel alienating for some readers. (But the authors do share many examples and often say it'll look different for different moms.)

Another example, on page 32, they say: "And I'm not saying I don't want them. I simply want me, too." And (I think) I see what they're saying here. We are all our individual selves before we become moms. But, I think I view it a touch differently. The change also becomes part of me. I will never not be a mom now, no matter what the future holds. And "mom" (along with "wife") are my most favorite titles. I can't separate being a mom from any of the rest of me now. I am Mom. But I am also a creative. I am also a writer. I am also a wonderer. These things are all as much a part of me as before. So "me" is still here while I am "Mom" because they aren't exclusive of each other. But, just as I can't ignore the Mom part, I also can't ignore the creative part. It's all part of who I am. I don't want to separate any of those parts (though that doesn't mean I don't need a break from one or another part at times!); I want to grow into these parts together more fully. This does mean life looks different than pre-kids and will continue to look different as we all grow. (And I totally agree with the messy part!)

This said, every time I found a statement I possibly disagreed with, I had these kinds of reflective questions and conversations in my head. And, to me, that's a sign of time well spent. This book allowed me to reflect on me and what that means as I try to live my life as God created me.

This book weaves creative life with living for God, a creative Himself. The stories shared about other creative moms (many whom are well-known in the Christian blogging world) are certainly inspiring. The tone of this book is graceful and welcoming. I imagine it will encourage and inspire most of its readers, as the subtitle suggests.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book via Litfuse. This is an honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherhood is a high and holy calling. Shaping little hearts and minds into followers of Christ is no small task. There is daily monotony contrasted with soaring joy as our children grow and learn. But somewhere in the midst of the teaching, snuggling, wiping and loving, we as moms can lose a bit of who God created us to be. We are all uniquely created in the image of our Creator, who is the most creative of all! Is it any wonder that he has put some of His creative curiosity and talents within all of us?

But how do we live out this passion to create when we can barely come up with a meal plan every week? How do we find space to clear our minds enough to put pen to paper or paint to canvas, when we can’t even find space to sit on our couch for all the laundry that has piled up? Wendy Speake and Kelly Stuart address these dilemmas and many more in their book Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom. They call this movement that they are inspiring a renaissance because historically, a renaissance man (or MOM in this case) is knowledgeable, educated, interested and/or proficient in a wide range of subjects. And while that may sound like a lofty call to “be all and do all” (which we all know is impossible), the idea is more that there is a time for everything and that we don’t have to choose between the high calling of motherhood and the God-given talents deep within our souls.

Through their book, Wendy and Kelli highlight the stories of many moms who have found the balance of motherhood and living out their creative dreams. Many people whom I have long admired are featured in the pages of Life Creative: Myquillin Smith (The Nester), Angie Smith (author), Lisa Leonard (jewelry designer) and quite a few others. All of their stories are inspiring and have one thing in common— they stopped making excuses and started seeking God for a way to use their creativity for his Kingdom. Additionally, in this book you will learn:

—Why the world needs your art
—How this Life Creative begins at home
—When art can turn a profit
—Your part in this modern day Renaissance
So what creativity is lurking in your heart? Behind the cracker crumbs and crusty juice cups, what gets your blood pumping? What do you stay up pinning on pinterest late at night? And how can you use these passions to glorify God? Sometimes, glorifying God means freeing ourselves creatively so that we can be a better wife and mother to our family. It doesn’t have to be a big multimedia plan, with worldwide distribution. In fact, most of the women mentioned in this book have made the greatest differences to those who matter the most, closest to home. So if you’ve ever struggled with the desire to be creative in the midst of a busy motherhood season, this book could be just the kickstart you need to begin living in the fullness Christ has given you. I highly recommend this book!

I'd like to thank Litfuse for this complimentary copy! All the thoughts and opinions of this book are my own-- it really is great!

[Keri My Table of Three · Rating 3 out of 5]

I consider myself a creative person and mom. Spending time creating new recipes and baking special cakes for my client’s weddings or birthdays sets my creative side soaring. The high points of every year is hand crafting decorations and that special cake for my son’s birthday party. So naturally when I saw this book’s title I jumped for the chance to read and share it on the blog. Immediately fell in love with the artwork that adorns the cover and goes throughout the pages. It is bright, colorful and beautifully reflects the creative sentiment the authors speak of throughout the book.

I will say that as I started off the early chapters I did feel a little disappointed to read the authors speak about motherhood as being a time of “dark ages” for creatives. Suggesting that we feel imprisoned and confined in our life by motherhood. One can understand where they are coming from of course, that we will have less free time to work on projects, but the words like “imprisoned” and “little jailers” came off a little over the top harsh to me. Maybe this part of the book struck me a little raw because of the struggle I had in having my son and getting to experience motherhood at all. I have cherished every hard moment and late night. Of course I know this harsh tone wasn’t the intention of the authors by any means so I spurred myself to keep reading. I am so glad I kept reading.

Although the first couple of chapters in the book made me wonder how much I would enjoy the rest of the book, I was pleasantly surprised as the book to a turn in direction and began to show moms how they could still fuel their creative sides and passions in the midst of treasuring motherhood.

Finding ways to still be a great mom and still enjoy your personal passions are important and I feel the authors give us some great insight on how we can do this throughout the remaining chapters in the book. Including reminding us that we are not only “artists” in our own ways but we are the “art” of our Creator! How great is it that we can use our creative lives to share “gospel love” with others around us.

I really enjoyed reading the little glances into the lives of the creative women shared throughout the book. It was inspiring to see how these moms not only embraced their family life but also continued to fuel their creative passions. What a blessing to see many of them went on to find ways to turn their passions in to businesses.

So despite the slow start I had warming up to this book, I can honestly say that I am glad I read Life Creative. The book would be a great read for any mom out there that is struggling to balance her creative passions with the demands of motherhood. The authors of this book show creative moms, like myself, that we do not have to give up our creative lives. In fact we can use them to bless our families and others around us.
Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of this book by LitFuse. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I Choose this Book:

Life Creative. I see nearly everything in the world through the eyes of creativity, and the title of this book promised to do the same. Besides, the back cover blurb sounded amazing, despite the fact that I'm not a mother.

What I Thought About this Book:

Where do I even start? How do I even go about reviewing a book like Life Creative? It was beautiful - every single aspect of the book was simply and incredibly beautiful. From the formatting to the page designs to the different fonts, to the dividers... The words flowed like art, flinging images into my mind, and creating wings that carried me away in my own imagination and inspired me and made me want to do more.

The scope of the topics that Life Creative covered was also amazing. The book was written in such a balanced and thought-provking way that multiple times I just wanted to shake my head and say "Wow, their insight is incredible." I was extremely impressed by how well-rounded and Biblically based their points were. It was clear that the authors not only *really* studied God's Word and listened for Him, but that they also took council from other Christ-followers.

I was delighted by how their view of art was extremely uplifting. I've been blessed for years at the thought that God is creative, and He's created me to be creative, too, and Life Creative really highlights that. God has given us each gifts and talents and it's our privilege to in turn use those gifts and talents to bless Him and point people to Him. Life Creative offers so much practical advice on how to do that, why it's important, and how busy moms can play the juggling act while staying accountable. I felt like clapping when they even included a section about how important it is to communicate with your family about art, because communication rocks.

Conclusion:

There were a few minor things I didn't agree with, but mostly I was blown away and impressed by the book. It will most assuredly be a re-read. The fact that I enjoyed and gleaned so much from the book when I'm not even it's target audience is a huge testament to how fantastic the book is. I can only imagine how much more I would have gotten from the book if I was a mom. Way to go, Miss Wendy and Miss Kelli! I hope you write more books together in the future. =)

Rating:

I'm giving Life Creative 5 stars out of 5, and 10 stars out of 10. I highly, highly recommend it to any mom, or even non-mom, who has a creative bend. (In fact, I took a break mid-review to email a friend about the book and ask her if I could buy her a copy. It's *that* good.)

*I received this book free from Litfuse*

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

A celebration of motherhood, creativity, and the faith that binds them In our Pinterest age of handcrafted children's parties, artistic Instagram photos, tutorials for renovating old furniture into new treasures, and blogs filled with poetry, prose, and other creative expression, it is clear that a brand-new generation of creative women is rising up. It is a renaissance born not in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs but in kitchens and nurseries and living rooms around the world. But when Christian women become mothers, they often feel expected to lay down their creative pursuits in order to properly parent.

Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart know that struggle. While they acknowledge that some seasons of mothering require setting artistic pursuits aside, they also argue that these seasons don't have to last until empty nest time. Instead, mothers with creative gifts are called to actively use them in order to bless their families, their communities, and everyone they encounter.

Inspiring and encouraging, Life Creative celebrates the ways mothers can live their art in the midst of their mothering. They tell the stories of women such as author and speaker Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard who do just that. By following God's leading to embrace His gifts, renaissance moms can model the joy of obedience for their families.


My Review:

The days of motherhood are rapidly changing. There was the microwave generation, the latch key kid generation, and too many more to even remember. This is suppose to be the "me" generation. In this generation of mothers we supposedly focus on "me" more than in times past. In Life Creative you figure out how to do the things that drive your creativity and how to be a mom simultaneously.


The creative mom is coming to the forefront in today's time and she is taking the world by storm in more ways than one. One thing I learned as I read on about this fascinating subject about these two authors that seem like they have it all figured out is that we all are creative moms. It's just what gifts we truly possess and how we choose to use them that decides where we go from here in this passionate pursuit of balancing.



The authors use what the learned to help me to be a better me. I really enjoyed this book and learning about this process of balancing.



**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's title is very apt and meaningful as it captures perfectly what this book is all about. Being an active and creative mom, I was curious about this book, especially after I read Kelli Stuart's powerful and compelling novel Like a River From Its Course, which made it on my Best Reads of 2016 list.

Although nonfiction, Life Creative is beautifully written, full of imagery, quoting Scripture and poetry. It is a delight to read. It's an inspiring book written specifically for Christian moms, encouraging them to pursue their creative gifts to honor God, assist their families and the community and to make a living if so desired. I totally agreed with the authors' statement that our ministry starts with our children. Sometimes through the sleepless nights, feedings and diaper changes, we forget.

I was truly able to relate to some of the honest stories in this book, stories about mothering, feelings of being lost and confined in the dark days of sacrificing so much for family, of having to take care of babies and toddlers and feeling frustrated because our creative self is stifled. Gently, and using scripture and life experience, the authors encourage and motivate mothers not to give up but to start little by little to feed that creative side.

That's what I did when my children were toddlers. During naptime, I would write every day and soon enough a novel was born. I went through postpartum depression, and writing my novel was therapeutic for me. So this book really spoke to me. I was nodding my head as I read along. I loved reading the many anecdotes of creative moms and how their art, whether writing, photography, jewellery making, cooking, painting or music fed their souls, children, families and their ministry.

I applaud the authors for writing this inspiring book to encourage moms to pursue their creative goals and that it is part of our role as mothers. The book itself too has a pretty layout, with a quote at the beginning of each chapter and interspersed throughout the text, appropriate for a book on creativity. It is a beautiful book, very positive in tone and topic and life as an active Christian. Highly recommended for all the moms that need a boost to discover or rediscover their flare for being creative in any way they love.

[Jennifer Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really affirmed my creativity and encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing. I just moved and am due to have my third child in 2 months, so I loved the parts about still being a creative even when I'm changing diapers and cleaning my house. There is a time and season for everything, so for now I jot down my ideas and will visit them when I have time. I love the encouragement of the authors.

[Katherine Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a new mom, my deepest challenge was the precarious balance of living in between practicing my art and mothering my children. It presented a constant tension. The former came first and was very much a part of me; giving it up altogether seemed neither right nor feasible because it fed my soul in ways that nothing else could. (We learned that the hard way. When I let too much time transpire without appropriate creative expression, my good humor would suffer…and so would my family.) The latter was a season of life I very much desired, one I had coveted long before it was granted me, and my unbounded love for my precious children was unlike any I’d every known. I wanted both these things very much, and yet finding a way to bring them into coexistence often seemed, in those early days, a feat beyond my reach.

I wish, how I wish, I’d had this lovely book of encouragement back then.

If I had…I think I would have accepted more quickly that it was okay to be a creative and a mom, both. That just because I became the latter didn’t mean I was no longer the former. That I could lay down my art for a season and not be so afraid I would never pick it up again. I would give myself more grace, having a better understanding that God had made me this way — both ways — and it was all for good.

The words discovered in these pages gave me pure encouragement. They are beautiful in their wisdom and perspective. In the same way that my spirit breathed more freely when I read the uplifting, inspiring words of Madeleine L’Engle in Walking on Water (a book that did help to sustain me through many of the aforementioned tension-fraught years), Life Creative now offers today’s mom a gift of immeasurable value — inspiration, understanding, and an invitation to grab hold of courage. To live out her God-given creativity so that she might make a world of difference in her children’s lives — and beyond.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity and Kregel Publications for providing me a copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review for Life Creative

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to read Life Creative. What an encouraging and well-written book for moms or anyone who is trying to balance their creativity with family life.
As a creative woman and also a mother, I thought that I had to put my creative pursuits aside while raising my children. I believed that in order to focus on my children, I did not have time to be creative and make art, too. But as I read Life Creative, I learned that creativity and motherhood go hand in hand. God made me to be creative, and motherhood is an extension of His creativity. I also learned that my creativity is meant to be shared, a gift to bless others, and a gift to bless my family as I may earn an income from selling my art.
I am so thankful for Life Creative, it's a book everyone needs to read, especially women, regardless of the stage of motherhood. Life Creative is a wonderful book and I am honored to recommend it highly.
I would like to share a quote from a segment of a question and answer interview with author Kelli Stuart:

Q: "WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT CAN YOU OFFER TO THE MOM IN WHAT YOU DESCRIBE AS “THE DARK AGES OF MOTHERHOOD,” OR FOR WHOM THE ART AND CREATIVITY SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN LOST?"

KELLI: "Hold on, sweet mom. It really is true that the days are long but the years are short. The children need so much of you in the early years, but there are days coming when you’ll find yourself with more time in your days, and the inspiration will be there waiting for you. In the meantime, look for ways you can use your artistic gifts right there where you are, inside the walls of your home, with your children, your most beautiful creations."

Life Creative is definitely a book I will read again and again.

[LeAnne Klopfenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Creative is written to build up and encourage moms who may feel they've given up their desires and dreams because they are pouring into & rearing their young children. The authors present honest, raw emotion, both from their own lives as well as the lives of other moms. The book recognizes the various seasons of motherhood, and how our creativity ebbs, flows, pauses & grows throughout our motherhood journeys.

My favorite line from the book is found on page 38: "Your life at home is where it all begins, not just in the great big, inspired moments, but also in the small, simple, ordinary ones. So keep it up!"

If you are a mom who has laid down her creativity to care for your little ones, this book is for you. If you are a mom whose brain is spinning, full of new ideas & desires (or dusting off the cobwebs of past dreams), this book is for you. And if you are a mom who is establishing yourself within your creative field, or spending private moments creating a joyful world all your own, this book is for you as well.

As someone who has spent most of motherhood longing for my college days when I would sit and journal, or experience the rush that came from putting pen to the paper in my non-fiction writing classes, this book was a great encouragement! Sometimes, God lets us grow in and continue to develop our creative makeup--and other times He adds different situations and circumstances that pushes us onto a different path, weaving together a new path and plan. My perspective on "what my life will look like when I grow up" continues to develop, and I'm excited to see what my future holds as I more intentionally follow my dreams.

**I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to give a positive review.**

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Life Creative, I discovered that the authors, Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart, believe the same as me - that everyone is creative, even if they don't see it or believe it! I am so glad that there is a book out there for people who haven't found out how creative they truly are. The authors take moms on a journey of reading about being in the "dark ages" of new motherhood that turns into being a "Renaissance Mom", happily creating all that she was made to do.

I am creative by nature so this book didn't speak a lot to me, as I was/am already there. I didn't put aside or lose all creativity after my children were born. My creativity is what kept me sane at times!

The cover of this book is what drew me to it. But once I started reading, I knew it was not really intended for me. I also had some trouble getting into the book's style of writing. For example "Creative mom, lean in just a bit closer, because I've got a pearl for you to string and wear..." Many examples of real life women who choose to work from home so they could still be creative and be a part of their kids daily life are shown in this book. Also stressed is how social media has made it so easy for moms to be creative. I like how creativity is defined in this book, showing it's not just writing and painting. I feel many readers will find out just creative they truly are by what they are doing in their everyday life. This book seems best suited to those who have yet to discover their own version of creativity. I was provided a complimentary review copy of Life Creative. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I noticed about this book is how pretty it is. The cover is gorgeous and the pages are decorated so beautifully. I love extra touches like this, especially in a book about creativity.

As a creative mom, I would have loved to have had this book when my children were toddlers. It gives you "permission" to be creative and actually encourages it. How many of us creative moms feel we need this? We are so focused on being good moms and encouraging creativity in our children we sometimes put our own creative needs on the back burner.

The thing I love about this book the most is how they show through God's Word that God encourages us to be creative! God himself is the ultimate creator so it only makes sense that He would make us creative, too. I also like how they realize that there are different types of creative. Some women enjoy sewing while others enjoy cooking - but it's all a creative process.

They also point out how things have changed so much for moms in this day in age. I know when I was young, my mother was a stay at home mom, like most of my friends moms were. My mom did needlepoint, ceramics and other creative pursuits with no guilt. There was no pressure to be something "more". In fact, being creative was highly thought of. Moms today are pulled in all directions to be everything to everyone.

Being creative brings us peace and as moms we need that. It calms us allows us to be ourselves. In turn, this makes us better moms (and wives). I just love this book! I found it so encouraging and it sparked creativity in me, too! I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book filled with helpful inspiration for women. Although the target audience is busy moms
I think that all women could enjoy it and get a great deal of encouragement.
I think we as women no matter what season we're in can use a little encouragement.
However I feel that the target audience could be bogged down a little.
The book is filled with stories, poetry, quotes and scripture.
I liked the illustrations between parts there were drawings of different things like:
as stand mixer, a whisk, a music note, a paint pallet, a feather, a camera and more.
The lovely paisley cover design is repeated on every page of the book.
I point these features out because I thought the book was long. It was a lot to read.
The addition of the artwork just makes it longer.
Each chapter is over 10 pages long. An actually is a lot to read.
It isn't the type of book I feel you can enjoy when you only have small snippets of time in your schedule. I know when I was young mom and even now with the busy schedule that I have that I prefer a book that is written with shorter sections to read.
There is great content.

[Rachel Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book they share stories of women that are allowing their creativity to flourish in all different stages of life, in all different manners of creating.  The very definition of creative pursuits is expanded from the basic painting and poetry, to include digital art, blogging, baking, etc. 

Despite the gorgeous cover and quality content of the book, it didn't really resonate with me.  I felt like it was a little over-the-top affirming, to the point of feeling a little saccharine, while at the same time, sometimes it was to pessimistic about the stages of motherhood that can be more time demanding. 

I didn't love this book, nor did I hate it.  If you are someone that feels as though your creativity has been stifled by having children, this book could be very relevant for you, and help you understand ways that you can use your creativity in productive ways that fit your current season.  As someone that is not very creative, and has an every changing stage of motherhood, the book did not speak to me.

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher through LitFuse, in exchange for an honest review

[Twinsane&Thriving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Life Creative because I am a part of the Launch Team for this book. No one asked me to give it a positive review, I am just sharing my honest opinion.

I didn't think I was a Renaissance Mom when I started reading. To me a creative mom is ons who paints, sings, cooks, crafts, ...
But Wendy and Kelli encouraged me as a blogger too!
They showed me how God can use my writings to bless others and how I can use my blog to glorify Him.

I enjoyed every chapter of this book even when I didn't always agree with the authors. To me faith has to been shown through my art. I don't think I could blog without talking about what the Lord is doing in my life. So I couldn't relate to some things I read in chapter 4.
But that is personal.

I recommend this book to everyone! It is an inspiration and it offers a lot of encouragement to us as moms, struggling to find time for ourselves or to balance their creative life with the mundane tasks waiting for us to be done.