Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom

A celebration of motherhood, creativity, and the faith that binds themIn our Pinterest age of handcrafted children's parties, artistic Instagram photos, tutorials for renovating old furniture into new treasures, and blogs filled with poetry, prose, and other creative expression, it is clear that a brand-new generation of creative women is rising up. It is a renaissance born not in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs but in kitchens and nurseries and living rooms around the world. But when Christian women become mothers, they often feel expected to lay down their creative pursuits in order to properly parent.Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart know that struggle. While they acknowledge that some seasons of mothering require setting artistic pursuits aside, they also argue that these seasons don't have to last until empty nest time. Instead, mothers with creative gifts are called to actively use them in order to bless their families, their communities, and everyone they encounter.Inspiring and encouraging, Life Creative celebrates the ways mothers can live their art in the midst of their mothering. They tell the stories of women such as author and speaker Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard who do just that. By following God's leading to embrace His gifts, renaissance moms can model the joy of obedience for their families.Review"Our creative lives are a dance--fluid and ever changing--rather than one stationary, perfect balance of family and faith. For years I thought creativity was limited to those onstage or at an easel, but a new day has dawned. Life Creative has painted an all-inclusive picture, inviting everyone to embrace their part in this present Renaissance." -- Sarah Bragg, podcaster at SurvivingSarah.com Published On: 2016-07-21"Wendy and Kelli have told a beautiful and life-giving story, by telling the stories of many women--just like us--desiring to live the life creative and steward what they've been given. This book will make you aggressively grateful for the generation of women you've been born into, and it will read like a breath of fresh air, a reminder to run in the creative giftings you've been given." -- Jess Connolly, author and speaker Published On: 2016-07-18"Kelli and Wendy understand that, yes, being a mom is about raising your children. But it's also about fully being the woman God created you to be and expressing His love like only you can. Their words will support, encourage, and cheer you on in the art and adventure of mothering." -- Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal best-selling author of You're Already Amazing Published On: 2016-07-18"Mothers carry deep within them an innate desire to create beauty around them--whether it’s with shape or color, words or song. In Life Creative, Wendy and Kelli come alongside the artistic soul inside us all with their wisdom and insight on how to care for our families while also caring for the artist within . . . An absolute must-read for creative moms." -- Denise J. Hughes, author of Word Writers Published On: 2016-07-18"This is a message that wondering, hungering, hurting, hoping hearts need!" -- Becky Keife, blogger, speaker, and mom, BeckyKeife.com Published On: 2016-07-18"I never expected this life. When I stepped out of the workplace to minister to my boys at home, I didn't know God would also call me to minister to mothers of boys all over the world. For years, I've struggled through these joint callings, simultaneously sure and unsure of myself in both. But I am sure of God, the Master Creative, who doesn't make mistakes as He asks us to use our gifts for His glory. Is there any way to be a mom and be obedient to my creative calling? I believe there is, and I look to moms like Kelli and Wendy to inspire me as I figure it out. If you're a mom struggling through multiple callings, read this book." -- Brooke McGlothlin, cocreator of The MOB Society Published On: 2016-07-18"The very