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Books in Review: Created to Create (eBook)

10/19/2018

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​I was so excited when this book first came out. I had been a huge fan of Jon’s work with his YouTube channel (formerly the Anima Series, now under his name Jon Jorgenson). In the end, I was not disappointed. I love Jon’s relatable writing style that draws you in and inspires you to think beyond yourself. This book was one of my greatest motivation for getting going on this blog (since I read the book less than a month after I created it) as well as refocusing my YouTube channel to doing spoken word (which of much of his work on his YouTube channel). It’s true that a lot has changed in both my life and Jon’s life since this book came out. But I will never forget the best advice that this book (and Jon personally) gave me when it comes to creative pursuits is this: just start. Even if you don’t have all the answers. Even if you don’t have ideal resources. Don’t make excuses. Just get started with what you have right now and see where God takes it. I know without that advice, I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing online today. It’s currently one of my favorite resources on creativity. I even have one of few physical copies of the book he sold privately. If you are looking for creative inspiration or guidance, I cannot recommend this book enough ~ Bethel

Creativity. It’s a word that at times is hard to grasp its full meaning. Many of us struggle to find inspiration and motivation to pursue the ideas we have that are unique. We worry that we don’t have the right resources, enough time, enough courage, and the list could go on. We allow that to keep us from sharing what’s on our hearts. In an age when we have more opportunities than ever before to share our creativity, too many of us are scared or ashamed to do so. This makes us question our ability to do something that is at the core of who God created us to be and makes it more difficult for us to live out our intended purpose. It makes us ask the question: how are we supposed to pursue creativity in our world today?
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​In Jon Jorgenson’s e-book, Created to Create, he walks through a collection of blog posts written over the course of 2014 that are meant to help creatives walks through what it means to be creative in our world today. Over the course of that year he made a commitment to his fans that he would blog three days a week, and he kept faithful to that commitment, all while being an actor on Broadway. Being an artist and creative mind, he explores the thoughts about the call to create, the craft of creativity, the audience of our creative projects, and the One that gives us our creative abilities. It not divided into traditional chapters since it was derived from his blog posts, but it is still a powerful tool for those that want inspiration, guidance, or courage in pursuing the creative process. Jon speaks with a wisdom beyond his years as he gives a fresh perspective on a topic that is sometimes difficult to address. He speaks from his heart, and his passion for this subject is evident in every part of this book. There is so much to take in and challenge you in your creative pursuits. As a follower of Jon's work online, I think this book brings many of his messages together in a more cohesive way. I have been very inspired by what I have read and I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to pursue creativity. It’s available on Kindle on Amazon for only $0.99! Get your copy today! 

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Personal Rating. This book gets 5’s all across the board. If you want to be more creative, I can’t recommend this book enough!

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​Interested in purchasing this title? If you purchase it from Amazon using the link below, Abiding Grace Ministries will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Purchase Created to Create: https://amzn.to/41CJFId
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Books in Review: Scribbling in the Sand

1/6/2017

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​When I was first assigned this book in my Drama in Ministry and Education class back in 2010, I wasn’t sure what to think. However, I fell in love with this book and its powerful message as soon as I started reading it. Card has a great creative ability when it comes to communicating his points with words, especially with his stories and retelling of biblical narratives. His interpretation of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet at the last supper is beautifully moving, and has stayed with me ever since I first read it. When I decided to review this book, I almost didn’t reread it. Then I did reread it, in two hours! The message was just a relevant now was it was when I first read it, or even when it was first published in 2002. This is definitely a book that I will be rereading in the future and a resource I will refer to for years to come. This is great book that I would recommend to anyone ~ Bethel

​Real creativity is hard to find in the church today. We struggle with making our services original. We can’t seem to find a way to try something different for our youth programs. We have no idea how to create new events that will draw people in. In fact, most people will question if creativity is necessary in the church. If pastors and church leaders struggling with doing things creatively for the Kingdom, then how are we supposed to be able to do anything creatively? Many have ideas that don’t ever get off the ground, because they don’t its importance or significance. They listen to the voices of our culture telling them that they will never be heard or they will never be famous. They want to make an impact on the world for Christ, but they can’t seem to find the way to do it. It makes us ask the questions: Does Christ call us to creativity? And how are we supposed to live that out?
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​In Michael Card’s award-winning book, Scribbling in the Sand, we see creativity demonstrated in Christ’s own life, in the lives of His people, and we are shown how we are able to live it out. Card walks us through the some of the stories of the Old Testament and points out to pattern of creativity that was designed into the natural order. We walk through the words of Scripture that are believed to be an ancient hymn and see what it reveals about creativity centered on Christ. Then, we are reminded how to live out this special Christ-centered creativity in many ways, including listening well and creativity in the context of community. What results in the end is a realization that we were created with the inborn desire and purpose of living a creative life in worship to our heavenly Father. It compels to you to pursue creativity in ways you never thought you would. Card’s writing is powerful, packed with solid but understandable theology. His style of story-telling and lesson teaching is compelling. This book is a great book for any Christian to read, especially those that work in ministry or those with creative pursuits on their horizon. This books is available most places Christians books are sold, so get your copy today!

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Personal Rating. 5's across the board!

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Interested in purchasing this title? If you purchase it from Amazon using the link below, Abiding Grace Ministries will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Purchase Scribbling in the Sand: 
https://amzn.to/4fhSLgB

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    Lion's Eyes Reviews is a blog dedicated to reviews of Christian books, most of which are non-fiction, but may also occasionally review movies and musicals. It will also feature the work Bethel does to help launch and promote the works of Christian authors.

    The name is derived from one of Bethel's favorite books, Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko. Through these reviews, Bethel hope to give Christians the tools they need to look at the world "through the eyes of a lion" so they can find the courage to "run toward the roar". 

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Author Bethel Grove
​Bethel Grove is a Christian young woman who loves to read and write, eat Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzards, and disciple teen girls as a youth leader. What started as a hobby of writing book reviews and doing deep biblical studies eventually led her down the path of self-publishing and supporting other Christian authors and ministry volunteers. She hopes to someday be a vocational youth minister and well-known author.
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  • Home
  • Bethel's Books
    • Redeeming the Beast
    • Redeeming Cinderella
    • Beyond Your Wardrobe
    • Volunteer Youth Minister
    • Are You Ready Series >
      • Are You Ready to Be Baptized
      • Are You Ready to Take Communion
      • Are You Ready to Repent (Again)?
      • Are You Ready Leader's Guide
    • The Arrival of Emmanuel
    • Low Content Books
    • Other Books
    • Bethel Grove Publications
  • Lion's Eyes Reviews
    • Blog
    • Books in Review
    • Movies in Review
    • Broadway in Review
    • Rating Systems
    • What is a Book Launcher?
    • Review Requests
  • Youth Ministry Resources
    • Simple Youth Ministry
    • Teen Girl Youth Ministry
    • Youth Ministry Assistant
  • Operation Shoebox Resources
  • Other Resources
    • PDF Downloads
    • Apparel and Accessories
  • Services
    • Book Launch Services
    • Editorial Reviews
    • Book Reviews
    • Book Qualifications
  • Other Projects
    • LOTR Fanfiction
    • Spoken Word
    • Personal Blog Posts
  • About
    • Meet Bethel
    • Abiding Grace Ministries
    • Abiding Grace Story
    • Affiliates
    • Blogging Programs
    • Statement of Faith
  • Contact