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Created to Thrive: An Artist’s Guide To Living In Divine Abundance
Imagine just for a moment, life the way you have always dreamed it could be. Feeling connected to God and hearing His voice, creating with the Holy Spirit, following His lead as you share your art and see it transform people’s lives. Imagine a world where artists are free to thrive spiritually, artistically, and financially in everything they do. Imagine a life where your mind is clear, renewed, and focused on God’s purposes for your life and art; no longer struggling with negative patterns of thinking that have held you back for years. My friend, this is not some pie in the sky dream that will never come true. This is the way God designed life to be lived in His Kingdom. This can be your story, fully alive and thriving in everything you do. In Created to Thrive, you’ll learn how to start living life from a new blueprint based on God’s Word and His divine design for your life as an artist in His Kingdom. You’ll begin to see your life without limits as you learn to align with Him and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to create new patterns of living. Your mind will be renewed, your heart will be unlocked, and your imagination will be set free to resonate with the Kingdom that’s already living inside of you. You were made to be more than just a frustrated artist, struggling to make sense of your life and art. Get ready to become the artist you were created to be, get ready to thrive!
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2018
150 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 2, 2019
I really enjoyed the first portion of this book. I was a little disappointed with the last portion where it was the "practical application" part. I felt it was very on the surface and he kept referring back to his paid membership program. He has excellent points and I've heard that his program is excellent, I just felt that he could have gone a little deeper and give m0re to the purchasers of the book instead of trying to reserve it all for the membership program.
That said, the first portion of the book was thought-provoking enough to make up for the last portion!
That said, the first portion of the book was thought-provoking enough to make up for the last portion!
May 11, 2021
A few weeks ago I took part in a three-session masterclass hosted by artist and mentor to artists Matt Tommey. The class was called “Artist Mindset Makeover.” In it, Tommey stated that one’s mindset is the greatest factor in an artist’s success or failure.
In the lectures he defined what a mindset is and identified potential internal roadblocks to experiencing success as an artist. He named roadblocks like memories of put-down words from teachers, parents and friends in childhood and past failures, of fears that we’re too old, too young, or not educated enough to be successful at this activity we love. Even the fear of success could be a roadblock. He also suggested how these roadblocks can be overcome by aligning our thoughts and mindset with what the Bible says about our identity and purpose.
Because the course was based on Tommey’s book Created to Thrive, I re-read it in the past weeks and was encouraged and inspired anew.
In the book Tommey goes into the idea of mindset in greater depth in chapters with names like “As a Man Thinks…” and “Be Transformed.” He casts a vision for Christian artists that inspires them to respect and honor the aspects of imagination and creativity put within us all as part of our creation in the image of God.
Using stories and parables from the Bible as his basis, he challenges Christian artists to use and develop their talents to be salt and light in their time, place, and sphere of influence. Rather than say more, I’ll let the book speak for itself. Here are some bits that I highlighted.
From the chapter “As a Man Thinks”:
From the chapter “Be Fruitful and Multiply”:
From the chapter “Faithful with Little, Ruler over Much”:
From the chapter “For Such a Time As This”:
Finally, from the chapter “Moving from Hobby to Pro”:
And a last one that I believe is so true:
If you’re Christian artist (whatever your art form), struggling with your calling or with how to make progress towards goals and dreams that seem unattainable, Tommey’s book Created to Thrive will definitely put you on a positive path toward flourishing and thriving as a Christian creative.
In the lectures he defined what a mindset is and identified potential internal roadblocks to experiencing success as an artist. He named roadblocks like memories of put-down words from teachers, parents and friends in childhood and past failures, of fears that we’re too old, too young, or not educated enough to be successful at this activity we love. Even the fear of success could be a roadblock. He also suggested how these roadblocks can be overcome by aligning our thoughts and mindset with what the Bible says about our identity and purpose.
Because the course was based on Tommey’s book Created to Thrive, I re-read it in the past weeks and was encouraged and inspired anew.
In the book Tommey goes into the idea of mindset in greater depth in chapters with names like “As a Man Thinks…” and “Be Transformed.” He casts a vision for Christian artists that inspires them to respect and honor the aspects of imagination and creativity put within us all as part of our creation in the image of God.
Using stories and parables from the Bible as his basis, he challenges Christian artists to use and develop their talents to be salt and light in their time, place, and sphere of influence. Rather than say more, I’ll let the book speak for itself. Here are some bits that I highlighted.
From the chapter “As a Man Thinks”:
“The power of agreement is a core principle in the Kingdom of God. Whatever you agree with, you welcome into your life” (Kindle Location 665).
From the chapter “Be Fruitful and Multiply”:
“I know all too well what we start in our own strength, we have to maintain in our own strength” – (KL 1144).
From the chapter “Faithful with Little, Ruler over Much”:
“Just realize when God invests something in you, or when the Holy Spirit brings an idea to you and puts something in your hand, it’s serious because it’s not just about you. It’s about His Kingdom going forth. You’re His ambassador in the earth within your circle of influence” – (KL 1351).
From the chapter “For Such a Time As This”:
“I believe when God said, ‘Let there be light’ in Genesis, He was saying something deeper like, ‘Let there be a release of My nature,’ or ‘Let the light of My nature invade this environment that is dark, chaotic, and void.’ When God declared the light of His very nature to be released, all of a sudden everything was transformed! My friend, when God shows up, life as we know it is transformed” (KL 1599)
“As a child of God, you are already commissioned as His ambassador on the earth to release His power and His nature for such as time as this. You have a divine purpose and the divine provision you need to pursue your divine assignment with divine authority. Realize, ambassadors have the authority to make a change in the name of the one who sent them” (KL 1660).
“It’s the habits of your life that create space for God to move, and it’s the habits you create which will enlarge your capacity to be used by Him” (KL 1673).
Finally, from the chapter “Moving from Hobby to Pro”:
“Creating with the Holy Spirit is about process, not product. It’s about continually cultivating ears to hear, eyes to see, and senses to feel what God is saying and doing within your world and then responding through your chosen creative process. For some people, that’s a very intentional process where their art speaks specific messages for specific situations, and for others, like me, it’s a much more fluid approach.
For example, as a natural materials sculptor, I create pieces that reflect the beauty of the natural world as I interpret it through my relationship with God. I simply create what I love as I’m inspired, because I believe God put those desires in me, and I sense His pleasure when I’m involved in the creative process” (KL 1883).
And a last one that I believe is so true:
“Realize people don’t buy art because they need it, they buy because of connection. That connection might be with the artist, the process, the medium, the experience, the subject matter, or any combination of these factors, but there has to be a connection” (KL 1902).
If you’re Christian artist (whatever your art form), struggling with your calling or with how to make progress towards goals and dreams that seem unattainable, Tommey’s book Created to Thrive will definitely put you on a positive path toward flourishing and thriving as a Christian creative.
December 5, 2020
Are you at a point in life where you are questioning the purpose for the creativity in your life? Are you tired of having creative energy but never seeing anything come out of it that is of substance or sustaining? Do you desire to thrive in your creativity without having to go the 9 -5 routine?
Like me, you probably have watched conferences, paid for trainings, & looked far & beyond to see how the gifts, talents & desires you have can actually avail much. Just a better way without all the hoops & hurdles. Ya know what I mean!!!??!!
Well, fortunately, this is where Matt Tomey comes in. An artist who has thrived in his skill and is now on a mission to help other artists do the same. This book is a great resource to not only shift the lenses of how we look at creativity but with actual steps on getting onto the right track. The track of understanding the purpose of creativity & making it a sustainable craft.
As for me, I read it & it solidified what I actually was already doing…to which I had to give it a toast & a great review!!!! From one thriving creative to another….Cheers!!!
Like me, you probably have watched conferences, paid for trainings, & looked far & beyond to see how the gifts, talents & desires you have can actually avail much. Just a better way without all the hoops & hurdles. Ya know what I mean!!!??!!
Well, fortunately, this is where Matt Tomey comes in. An artist who has thrived in his skill and is now on a mission to help other artists do the same. This book is a great resource to not only shift the lenses of how we look at creativity but with actual steps on getting onto the right track. The track of understanding the purpose of creativity & making it a sustainable craft.
As for me, I read it & it solidified what I actually was already doing…to which I had to give it a toast & a great review!!!! From one thriving creative to another….Cheers!!!
April 29, 2018
I got this book just before vacation and had such a great experience with it, that I read it in two days and downloaded two more of Matt Tommy's books. The book was not exactly what I expected. I expected it to be more about art. What it really was, was a book about how we artists can thrive in our lives as children of God. The book goes beyond just making art, to making the art we were designed and created to create. This is book is in and of itself an awesome inspiring work of art that made me imagine new possibilities and inspired new idea and dreams. I can't wait to see all that God is going to do. This is one of those books that I will return to over again. I recommend this to every believing artist.
September 16, 2018
This book is a fantastic resource for artists, at any stage they are at, on their artistic journey! It is a great resource of encouragement, insight and is filled with practical ways to develop your artistic talents and voice while pointing you to the Creator who gave you those talents! I'm still processing and absorbing all the valuable information from this book.
I'm sure there will be many incidents of trial and error while implementing this insight, but at least now I feel as though I have some semblance of a roadmap! Thank you, Matt Tommey! God bless!
I'm sure there will be many incidents of trial and error while implementing this insight, but at least now I feel as though I have some semblance of a roadmap! Thank you, Matt Tommey! God bless!
July 9, 2022
Created To Thrive
I have learned so much from this book. It is good for someone like me to read as an artist. I am an emerging artist becoming a vocational artist. I like the way Matt Tommey focuses the relationship on the Holy Spirit. I have learned that all of the things that I am going through as an artist are normal. I have enrolled in the Created To Thrive mentoring course and I am excited to see what God is going to do!
I have learned so much from this book. It is good for someone like me to read as an artist. I am an emerging artist becoming a vocational artist. I like the way Matt Tommey focuses the relationship on the Holy Spirit. I have learned that all of the things that I am going through as an artist are normal. I have enrolled in the Created To Thrive mentoring course and I am excited to see what God is going to do!
March 9, 2025
This book sort of just feels like an ad for his mentorship session. I also wished that there was a little more emphasis on scripture, because it felt like he was just using scripture to prove his own philosophy some of the time. There are definitely a couple of really great points in there, but if you’re looking for a book that is more seeped in scriptural truth, I would consider other books, or use a little bit more discernment as we’re reading this one.
April 24, 2018
Created to Thrive reignited hope in my heart to pursue God's purpose for my life with greater determination. It also put emphasis for me personally on prioritizing what's important in order to accomplish that and not allow any distraction to detour my God given direction as I trust Him in faith.
May 5, 2018
Great inspiration.
5stars, as this book reminds me of my connection with God.
Gives me no nonsense advice and is very honest and easy to read.Thank you Matt, keep doing what your doing.
As for me Im off to start my painting. God Bless you.
5stars, as this book reminds me of my connection with God.
Gives me no nonsense advice and is very honest and easy to read.Thank you Matt, keep doing what your doing.
As for me Im off to start my painting. God Bless you.
June 29, 2018
Such a timely word!
Matt Tommey —the Father to many artists—has crafted a beautiful book of encouragement. It’s perfect for me—an emerging artist looking to thrive. Thank you Matt for this resource —perfect for artists of every leg of the journey.
Matt Tommey —the Father to many artists—has crafted a beautiful book of encouragement. It’s perfect for me—an emerging artist looking to thrive. Thank you Matt for this resource —perfect for artists of every leg of the journey.
January 11, 2020
How inspiring! He has some thought-provoking insights I had not thought of before. I loved how he pointed out that when your gifts, talents, and abilities line up with God's plan for you, you can prosper and have abundance.
November 10, 2022
This book quoted previously published books by the author and pointed toward joining a class he holds. There were some interesting points along the way. Overall, it felt like a commercial for older work and his current class offering. Not what I was looking for.
October 11, 2018
Excellent - reread this
January 30, 2019
I loved this book. Even as an author, I could relate to most of what Mr. Tommey speaks about. I have read it twice now and will read it again.
July 16, 2020
I found Mr. Tommey's casual style inspirational, soothing and enjoyable. At times, the push to join his (paid) online artist's community felt a bit heavy but, ultimately, it was a worthwhile read.
January 13, 2024
Its ok
Mostly based on others lives and experiences.
Not alot of psychology or motivation
Mostly based on others lives and experiences.
Not alot of psychology or motivation
October 25, 2023
This book helped me see myself through a different lens, the one that Matt Tommey uses when helping others see their Creator's love and gifting as a means whereby they can thrive in their calling as an artist. I felt this was the key I had been looking for most of my life, to unlock the creativity that had been given to me but I was afraid to use or had been discouraged from using.
I would recommend this book to anyone who doubts their calling and purpose in life to be able to look at it from another perspective and use the principles that Matt Tommey puts forward to thrive.
I would recommend this book to anyone who doubts their calling and purpose in life to be able to look at it from another perspective and use the principles that Matt Tommey puts forward to thrive.
January 1, 2020
Excellent book, would love to get the paper version as I made so many notes on the kindle version but I like to be able to flick though and see them easily which you can't do the same with an ebook.
Really like Matt Tommey's style, very easy to read and lots of real life examples. Inspiring and uplifting while also being very realistic and practical about how to grow and develop spiritually as an artist and believe in yourself.
Really like Matt Tommey's style, very easy to read and lots of real life examples. Inspiring and uplifting while also being very realistic and practical about how to grow and develop spiritually as an artist and believe in yourself.
April 24, 2018
If you need to get to the root of what's holding you back in your creative life, this is the book. Reading this book and working through the workbook has opened up a whole new dimension of my artwork and spiritual life.
June 4, 2019
Such an insightful and encouraging read. I really like that the author was real and transparent about his learning and growth. So helpful and he gives ideas you can quickly apply to your own life. We are all creative in some way.
September 6, 2020
Excellent book on how to develop your creativity and art alongside your spiritual life.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews