The Creative Call: An Artist's Response to the Way of the Spirit

by Janice Elsheimer

Perhaps you're a "closet writer" who's been scribbling in journals for years. Maybe you once had a passion for playing the piano or violin--a passion that is still flickering somewhere deep inside you. You may have a knack for photography, drawing, gardening, cooking, or some other creative gift. Or you may long to express yourself creatively, but have yet to discover your unique talents.

Your creativity was meant be used. Whether you are an artist who has already identified your gifts or you believe that you have artistic talent that has never been developed, working through this book will help you grow closer to becoming the person God has designed you to be.

*LEARN TO CALL ON THE HOLY SPIRIT AS YOUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
* EXERCISE YOUR ARTISTIC GIFT REGULARLY AND BEGIN TO
THINK OF YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST.
* DEVELOP THE HABIT OF JOURNALING AS A WAY TO REALIZE UNLOCKED CREATIVITY
AN EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM FOR FULLY DEVELOPING YOUR ARTISTIC GIFTS
AND ENTERING INTO A CLOSER UNION WITH GOD. INCLUDES A RETREAT GUIDE.
FOR INDIVIDUAL USE OR GROUP STUDY.

Genres: Writing, Art, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality, Christianity

203 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2001

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read on this topic, and there were a lot of good points to chew on. Not everything was applicable for my life, but I think the tips (some of them very practical and specific!) can be tailored to your experience. Some of the broader points rang the most true and really got me thinking about some of the blocks I've set up in my artist path.

- Being an artist is a fulfillment of God's design for us
-Often we need to spend time on important things that don't "feel productive" and we must protect that time
- The importance of mindfulness and being in the moment for creative pursuits, taking time alone or in places that inspire creative thought
- Be mentally prepared for failure and days that don't feel like you've accomplished anything. It's a necessary part of the process! Don't stop.
- Keeping a journal with you so you can jot down what you notice - mindfulness as a habit

Reading this book started some important gears turning in my head, and I'm looking forward to reading more on this topic from other authors.

In the meantime, I'll keep writing.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nice. Elsheimer plainly admits that she was inspired by Cameron's 'the Artists Way'. I was too, and that pagan book changed my life. By comparison, this one was insipid American Christianeeze. Maybe I'm just jealous that she's published and I'm not...yet....

[Lilybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creatives usually get in their own way.
Self-doubt, fear, responsibilities, and more often get in the way of tapping into our God-given talents.
We make so many excuses for why we don't work on our craft.
Through this book, Janice Elsheimer shows why not working on our art is disobedience to God and harms our souls. God gave us these talents so we can use and improve them.

The book is basically a challenge and a how-to for all creatives to get to work!

I really enjoyed working through the book with my life group and the personal reflection time the book advocated for.

All creatives should read this many times over throughout their life.

[Heidi Guenther · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book before, but I am identifying with her words more than ever before!! A fabulous book for anyone who identifies themselves as "creative"! It's refreshing to see someone having the words to explain so eloquently the very concepts of this book that I struggled to explain to others before I had ever heard of "the Creative Call". Now I wonder why it was so hard for me to explain when her words make it seem so simple & obvious! I kept on saying, "Yes! Someone else believes this and feels this way too!!" I appreciate this book VERY much! :)

[Chad CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written for me. The circumstances of which I stumbled across it, the way it spoke to who I was and moved me, has Divine Guidance written all over it. I can honestly only thank God for getting this book in my hands. I savored every page. Elsheimer’s book cultivates the creative individual and stirs up any drowsy imaginative spirit they might be suffering from. Every exercise, helpful advice, or encouraging anecdote brings you back in touch with God and your artist self. I’m thankful for the mighty blessing this has been to me.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good spiritual boost for those of us artists who -- as is all too common among us -- become drained and wonder whether we have anything worth giving. Through various exercises and words of encouragement, Ms. Elsheimer helps us renew or minds and our hearts, and gives us permission to call ourselves artists regardless of any external success.

[Tracia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this one 10 stars

[Shelly]

Starting Chapter 2. Loving it. The Christian's version of The Artist's Way.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW I finished eight weeks of this program and I feel considerably, significantly less blocked creatively. More confident. Well centered, and this time I think it's because of how I'm asking God to inspire me. Towards the seventh and eight weeks it was a spiritual battle to press on but I've decided that's no longer going to be my issue.

From the get-go, this book tells you it's for artists and creatives who want something like The Artist's Way, but less new age. Something I've found rather amusing about The Artist's Way -- there's like an even split of Christians who say that it's just too new age and broad considering the book recommends you to interchange God with "the universe"etc, and non-Christians who say that the book is too Christian with how many mentions there are of God. I'm on the camp that if we have to minimize God to make it palatable, it's just not for me, and so this book came as a happy blessing. I mean it, I literally moaned aloud in my head because I so wanted to read something like TAW but for Christians, and voila -- I found The Creative Call! It's perfect, and it's very on the nose.

I worked through these eight weeks and I'm very happy I did so. An update I had made in my profile, I noticed that there were certain things happening in my life that sort of coincided with the chapters -- only, it would happen just in time for me to read the chapters, or just as I've finished one. Maybe a coincidence, maybe not. All I know is that when the forgiveness chapter came along, I really needed it, because I was suddenly in my kitchen table engulfed with so much rage. Of course, it got better, thank God it did.

I hope I can update this review soon. Give this book a chance! I bought it off an indie book & will be recommending it to others needing a creativity boost.

[Jennifer Passaretti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book a couple years ago when I was part of a painting group. We wanted to read this together to motivate us to create. On the whole, the author did a great job giving me the freedom to set aside time and develop myself as an artist. The book became a little redundant and toward the end, I felt like she ran out of things to talk about. The author wrote chapters on time management and how to manage your finances so you can create. Chapters which did not inspire the artist in me. Those topics did not deserve there own chapters. This book was really written for people who want to be serious artists from a Christian perspective. The idea is that we are created in the image of The Creator and we should in turn use our God-given talents to create. I put the book down but am very glad I decided to finally finish it.
Check out my profile for my rating system.

[LOVEROFBOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to want to write more. I cut out two whole pages of paragraphs and sayings that I want to keep and look at, about writing.

This book was about allowing the Holy Spirit to be a cocreator with us because God is the one who gave us our talents we have, and he wants to help us develop them, whether it be visual art writing acting etc.…God is the original creator after all.

Spending time alone with God, asking him to guide us in our arts, and even how the Holy Spirit is our muse. Excellent book, very inspiring.

[R.L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some good ideas for being productively creative--and the prayer section in the back is inspiring.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christian version of Julia Cameron's classic The Artist's Way.

[Warren Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read with the wife. A bit light on substance, but I enjoyed the exercises and discussion topics.

[Jen Seay Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A go-to for inspiration and validation that gifts we are given from God are meant to be used. Will be referring back to it, I am sure!

[Angela Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those of us whose day job involves writing, it can be challenging to find time for the creative writing we want to do for our own purposes, and this book does a great job of showing how/where/when to find the time to live the more creative life we are seeking. This book was written as a sort of Christian version of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way," which I read years ago, and some of the projects have similarities: writing practice (a/k/a "Morning Pages"), writing prompts, creative collages. I didn't really feel challenged until the second half of the book, but perhaps that is simply because I had already been through "The Artist's Way" and remember so much about it. I also liked the recommended prayers at the end which are aimed at those following their own "Creative Call." Definitely recommend this book for Christian writers - and those who want to be!

[Lzarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided just enough structure for me to think through my own ideas about creativity and my particular artist's call at this point in my life. I really liked most of the journal exercises and appreciated the practical approach the author took to solving the "but, I don't have time" dilemma many artists and creative souls encounter. Reading this book during the transition from teaching year to summer break was a great way to smooth out some of the bumps and gave me a focus for my newfound free time. The gift of reading this book at this time, and with a group, is that I have much greater clarity about my own call and vocation and feel free to use my time and resources to support that call.

[Danielle Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book!!! So many people have moved away from or never discovered their creative outlet (and yes, we ALL have creativity running through our veins) and need direction and inspiration to get back to it. This book is about reconnecting with that creative self and connecting with the Great Creator in the process. When I started reading this book, I had already started the process of reconnecting to my art, but I found so much in this book that spoke to my soul. This is a must read for anyone who wishes to connect to God through that creative part of themselves.

See more of my reviews at:
http://knowntoread.blogspot.com

[Sherry Elmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a writer, artist, musician, dancer? Or an aspiring writer, artist, musician, or dancer? Then this book is for you.

Janice Elsheimer has done a beautiful job of taking readers on a path through the fear, doubt, and uncertainty that creativity can bring and leading them to a place of hope, confidence, and willingness to develop the gifts that God has bestowed.

The book is arranged to be done in eight weeks, but I would recommend taking your time and stretching it out longer than that. Each chapter is so rich with ideas and exercises, it deserves more time. I also highly recommend actually doing the exercises and not just reading the book. You will be richly rewarded.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Creative Call can be used for individual or group study. I used it with a group this past year. Elsheimer walks readers through simple steps to reclaim their creative spirit. Using practical applications, examples from her own life, and exercises within the book, the reader is able to work through stumbling blocks that may inhibit their own growth, and be given permission and affirmation that their gifts are important. I believe that God created us and calls us to become co-creators with him. Our gifts and talents are from God and will be used by him to impact others.

[Diane Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of exercises, good questions to ask yourself in order to reignite the creative side of you and to explore what hinders or blocks that creative spirit in you. I need to finish this book.

Erwin Raphael McManu, author of An Unstoppable force said this about the book, "Human creativity has been like a prodigal longing to return to its father. Janice Elsheimer guides the artist home." Well said about this book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most affirming and life changing books I've read as an artist. Need to go back through it. This book touches the essence of why we've been given creative gifts in the first place-and the necessity to use them for a far greater purpose. We are meant to touch the lives of others with the talents we've been blessed with. This book encourages the acknowledgement, development, & sharing of those talents.

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck? Unsure of your creative calling? Wondering what God has to say about your gifting? Enjoy the challenge and insights offered in this pragmatic workbook that will have you jumping off the high dive into the creativity within you. Creativity is life-giving and comes in response to the Holy Spirit's invitations. Join in the party!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book made me think differently about writing as "artistic". It stressed that being creative is a gift God gives us and we should be practicing that. It was a shift in thinking. Would be best to do in a group.

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

anyone with a creative mind-a must read, really!!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful group study for the artist. Even a great read to do alone. Lots of fun exercises to help get you motivated to create, and to use the gifts God gave you.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction into examining your passion for making art, discovering your process in art-making, and encouraging one to be persistent and disciplined throughout the day.

[Tyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in conjuction with an art class. This book is written in the same tone and with the same charge to be creative as The Artist Way, but from a Christian perspective.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It really is peaceful to read.

[Suzanne Elliott]

It was ok, same kind of thing I've read in other books on writing. Not really anythng new here. An easy read.