Abiding Creatives

In Season 2, episode 9, we’re talking about how to keep creating when we feel like giving up.I don’t know about you, but this creative calling is full of highs and lows and sometimes we need to dig deep to stay the course. So if you’re a faithful creative who’s starting to wonder if God really called you to create, this episode is especially for you.Stay tuned for a special poem I wrote, inspired by last month’s theme: Frozen in February, but longing for spring. In this episode, we’re exploring:- When to know it’s time to quit or keep going in your creative work.- Why the life of Jesus can be a source of inspiration to keep creating.- How to lean into faith to build your creative endurance.This month, I’m inviting you to reflect on how God has given you creative endurance. Ponder the questions below and spend time this month with Jesus, and perhaps even collaborate with a friend, on something to share on Substack around this theme.- What thoughts or feelings arise with the idea of creative endurance?- What experiences, truth or wisdom have you relied on to keep creating even in the midst of disappointment?- How has Jesus met you when you’ve felt faithless? How might he want to meet with you now?
Participate in the creative prompt challenge: Join our Substack community https://abidingcreatives.substack.com/
Learn more about creative abiding: The Abiding Creatives Workbook https://desertsblooming.com/products/the-abiding-creative-workbook

In Season 2, Episode 8, we’re talking to author Katie Sampias about faith and creativity.
Katie Sampias from Life Through the Lens of Love and I had a wonderful conversation about creating with God through the writing process in publishing her book Her Story of Jesus. Katie has so much wisdom about incorporating prayer in creativity, and I’m so excited for all you’ll glean from her.
So in this episode we’re exploring:
What’s it like publishing a book from abiding instead of striving.

How prayer can unlock new revelation in your creative practice.

The ways God uses our creativity and imagination to heal parts of ourselves.

I hope this episode inspires you to explore how God might want to use your imagination to create with him.
Ways to connect with Katie Sampias
Buy Katie’s book: Her Story of Jesus
Read Katie’s Substack: Life Through the Lens of Love
Connect on Instagram: @surfingwhitewaves

In Season 2, Episode 7, we’re talking about how God creates in us and through us during spiritual winter seasons.
I’m also excited to announce the theme for our first of hopefully many monthly creative prompts: Frozen in February, Longing for Spring.
So in this episode, we'll be exploring:
What is spiritual winter and how to know you're in it.

Why there's purpose even in these often painful winter seasons.

How God transforms us through spiritual winters and how creativity can help us through.

May this episode encourage you if you're feeling stuck in the winter of your soul. And make sure to go to Substack to find out how to participate in our monthly creative prompts!
After listening, try reflecting on:
What thoughts or feelings arise with the idea of spiritual winter?
What has been the most difficult or most encouraging things for you in those seasons?
How has Jesus met you in the winters of your soul? How might he want to meet with you now?
Dive deeper:
⁠⁠Join our Substack community⁠⁠
⁠⁠The Abiding Creative Workbook

In Season 2, Episode 6, we’re talking about creativity can be used to cultivate community.
I’m becoming more and more convinced that God gave us art not just to make beauty but to help others connect and heal. I’m so excited to reveal what he’s been showing me along this journey of building creative community.
So in this episode we’re exploring:
The very real obstacles to community in 2026.

How God creatively weaves community into our lives.

The ways your creativity can be used to build community.

After listening, try reflecting on these questions:
What challenges have you experienced in cultivating creative community?

Where have you seen God moving in your friendships?

How might Jesus be inviting you to extend a sense of community through your creative work?

I hope this episode inspires you to see the subtle and creative ways God is partnering with you in cultivating community.
Dive deeper:
Join our Substack community
The Abiding Creative Workbook

In Season 2, Episode 5, we’re talking about how creativity can be a way God brings healing to our hearts and lives.
This episode gets a little personal, as I’ll be sharing some things that happened last year and what I’ve learned from it.
So in this episode we’re exploring:
How connecting with God through creativity brings true healing.

What I’ve learned about creating with God in healing from grief.

How we can participate in others’ healing through the art we make.

After listening, try reflecting on these questions:
What role has creativity played in healing in your life?

Where have you experienced God’s hope and restoration through art and creativity?

How might Jesus be inviting you to extend healing to others through your creative work?

I hope this episode encourages you to explore how creating with God can play a part in your healing journey.
Dive deeper:
Join our Substack community
The Abiding Creative Workbook