BOOST #035: Set the Creative Temperature 🌡️

Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer

💖 DEVOTIONAL:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." - Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

In the world of creativity, just like in life, circumstances often act like a thermostat for our emotions. We're tempted to be thermometers, constantly measuring and reflecting the temperature of our surroundings. If everything is going well, our creative spirit soars. But when challenges arise, our enthusiasm can plummet like a mercury drop.

Yet, there's a profound lesson to be learned from the book of Philippians. It's often considered the happiest book in the Bible, and yet it was penned by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, facing dire circumstances. It's a reminder that our external conditions need not determine the temperature of our creative joy.

As artists, we have a unique opportunity to be thermostats rather than thermometers. A thermometer merely reacts to the environment, reflecting the heat or cold around it. In contrast, a thermostat sets the temperature. It doesn't conform to its surroundings; it influences them.

In our creative journey, this means we don't allow external factors like criticism, rejection, or comparison to dictate our creative temperature. Instead, we set the tone through our art, infusing it with the warmth of our passion and dedication.

Just as Paul found joy and inspiration in the midst of his challenging circumstances, we too can choose to find joy in the act of creation itself. Whether we're painting a canvas, writing a story, composing a melody, or designing a graphic, we have the power to infuse our work with the life-giving joy that comes from the Lord.

Let's remember that our creative spark is a gift from God, and it's not contingent upon our circumstances. We can draw from the well of His inspiration, finding joy even in the midst of challenges. When we do this, our art becomes a reflection of the eternal joy we have in Christ.

So, be a thermostat in your creative journey. Set the temperature of your art with the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. Let your work radiate the warmth of your faith, and watch as it not only influences your surroundings but also brings light and joy to others.

🙏 PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of creativity. Help us to be thermostats in our artistic pursuits, setting the temperature of our creativity with the joy that comes from knowing You. Teach us to find joy in the act of creation itself, regardless of our external circumstances. May our art be a reflection of the eternal joy we have in Christ and a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

🤔💭 APPLICATION:

How can you infuse your current creative project with the joy that comes from your faith? In what ways can you use your art to bring joy and inspiration to those around you, regardless of your circumstances?

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💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:

🔥 Be the Thermostat: Before embarking on a creative project, adjust your creative intention like a thermostat. Determine the precise message or emotion you aim to convey through your art. This deliberate setting will keep you steadfast on your creative mission.

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Hey, creatives!👋

I hope this message finds you well and inspired in your creative journeys.

We're shifting gears on our future plans and aiming to provide even more value to you. Instead of focusing solely on merch as a way to support our creative endeavors, we're venturing into monthly e-zines, each dedicated to topics that aim to support and inspire you. Our first e-zine, "For the Burnt Out Creative," is already in the works! We know that burnout is a common challenge for many creatives, and we want to equip you with the knowledge and wisdom to overcome it.

Thank you for being a part of the Indie Beginning community. Your passion, dedication, and creativity inspire us daily, and we can't wait to see where this new path takes us.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, keep those creative fires burning!

Warm regards,

Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning

🙋‍♂️Ask Us Anything!

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