How Art & Faith Journaling Changed my Year…
Happy New Year!
As this last year came to a close, I found myself looking back over the past year to reflect on what I learned through this new creative practice of Art & Faith Journaling. I’m feeling so grateful for how the Lord has grown my faith this year, through both the joys and the struggles. I’d love to take a moment today and share some of those with you, along with some of my favorite art supplies that carried me through this year. So I hope you’ll cozy up with a cup of tea or coffee and stay a while.
You can watch the video I shared on YouTube below, but before you click on it…
I want to say a deep, heartfelt THANK YOU to every woman who said yes to gathering with me this past year!
You shared your stories, your art, your faith, and your courage so generously. You reminded me, yet again, that creativity is never meant to be a solitary journey. You encouraged me when you shared your joys and sorrows, and bravely traveled far from home to make new friendships and deepen your faith at our retreats.
This past year has deeply shaped me along my art and faith journey. I’ve been hosting these retreats for almost 15 years now, and each year I know God has used each group to teach me something. But this past year I’ve learned something HUGE.
Creativity is less about striving for mastery (or perfection) and more about showing up with an open heart and mind, for our Creator. I already know that He is the reason for these retreats, but for some reason THIS YEAR He has shown me a stronger link between Him… our Creator… and our creativity.
This past year I’ve realized that art (or any creative endeavor) should be a place to slow down, listen and observe. That may be strange to hear, but when we observe and listen to:
~ shapes
~ colors
~ to a moment or memory
~ God’s Word
…it’s actually in those quiet moments of observation that we can profoundly connect our Art & Faith in the process. And when we slow down enough to listen and create in this way, we begin to notice how God is already at work.
What a Year of Art & Faith Journaling Taught Me
Writing and art journaling have been especially meaningful for me this year. As I started a new practice of “Art & Faith Journaling” at the beginning of the year, I didn’t know if I would (or could) continue it throughout the year. With so many commitments, from writing a devotional for our retreats and planning each retreat on my own, it was not easy to continue this new art form. But it was so important to me to see where the Lord would take it in my own life before I could share it with anyone else.
There is something sacred about putting words to our stories; about naming what we’ve carried, what we’ve survived, and what God is still forming within us. Journaling is a place where our minds can rest, our hearts can breathe, and God can gently restore what feels too heavy.
Did you know that the act of journaling has been scientifically proven to help our brains relax… and even heal? It’s what I’ll be sharing more about in 2026 because I believe that adding art to our journaling brings it to an even deeper place of laying down our stress and feeling the joy of life again!
“We make in our measure and in our derivative mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and likeness of a Maker.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien
Here’s where our Creativity Connects to our Creator
Genesis 1:27 says God created us in His own image… that’s AMAZING to ponder friends! I’ve come back to that again and again this year. Look to the Lord, not to those around you, for your creativity. I’ve had to literally GET OFF social media when it was overwhelming me with content, because even though it has beautiful ideas and wonderful inspiration, it’s NOT what I am made to make. It’s not what YOU were made to make.
Many years ago when I was in the arts and craft industry, and making things for the trade shows, (pre-social media) I would not buy any craft magazines or books because I didn’t want my own art to be influenced by others or have anyone think I copied them. In my art journey the last two years I didn’t do that. I surfed IG and Pinterest all the time, to find inspiration or tutorials to learn a new technique, because I was learning how to draw or use a new art medium. But as I ended this year I realized that I have to lift my eyes up now… it’s time to stop looking around.
It’s time to look to the One who made us to be creative. Who meets us right in the middle of any doubts that we’re not “good enough” or that we haven’t “mastered” an art medium yet… and our faith helps us to trust God with the outcome. Faith enables us to obey when we cannot see the outcome.
We need to move towards God centered creativity. When we intentionally connect our creativity to our Creator, our art journey becomes more than self-expression. It becomes a calling. A place where our faith deepens and where God meets us with grace and purpose.
Setting Intentions for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to share more about Art and Faith Journaling with you. I’d love to encourage you to bring this practice into your life to help you reflect, create, and notice God’s hand in your everyday life. No pressure. No comparison. Just honest creativity rooted in faith.
Thank you for walking this past year with me. Thank you for creating bravely, for showing up honestly, for gathering with me, even when it wasn’t easy for you… and for reminding me that beauty multiplies when we’re on this journey of art and faith together.
As we step into this New Year, may you feel encouraged to create. Not because you must, but because you were made in the image of our Creator who delights in meeting you right where you are!
A New Year Journaling Prompt
Set aside a quiet moment with your journal, a pen, and an open heart.
Reflect and write:
Where did you notice God working in your life this past year?
What word, prayer, or Scripture do you want to carry with you as you step into the year ahead? You might begin by simply writing Psalm 23:3 at the top of the page: “He restores my soul.”
What is one way I want to honor God and my creativity in this new year?
Allow your thoughts, prayers, sketches, and colors to flow freely, trusting that God will meet you in the quiet and lead you gently forward.
Here’s to a New Year of rest, restoration, and meaningful art-making!
Happy New Year everyone!
Hugs to all,
Laura
P.S. If you read all the way to the bottom of this blog post, you deserve a PRIZE! You are the reason I write these posts and host these retreats. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Email me and I’ll send you a little “thank you” back!