A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live

(Full article about this amazing book on my blog http://www.ericbeaty.com)I first found a copy of this book at my local library using their ebook program. I checked it out and forwarded it to my Kindle.I finished the book in about two days, after which I immediately purchased a paperback copy and began transferring all my Kindle highlights to it.It was as if the creative part of my soul had been dining on fast food and had now discovered a gourmet meal.As I read, I continued to find tons of amazing analogies, spiritual truths, and, most importantly, validation that what I had been feeling in my spirit as an artist with multiple desires to express myself was, in a word: Okay.One of the aspects of this book that resonates with me the most is the sudden revelation that I don’t have to be constrained to only one form of creative expression. With so many ideas, projects, and (seemingly important) obligations, I constantly find myself torn between what will best suit my need to express my inner thoughts, emotions, and ideas as an artist. And for the longest, I’ve felt guilty at favoring one pursuit at the expense of all the many others.But after reading A Million Little Ways, most especially the chapter on “Sinking into God” (Ch. 5: “Sink: Look Up”), I realized that, as the book so eloquently yet ingeniously states:“[God] comes into us, then comes out of us, in a million little ways.”I myself sometimes feel very inadequate in expressing the thoughts, ideas, and emotions that long to come out in so many forms and expressions. This, more than anything I think, is the cause of such frequent strong feelings of failure and inadequacy: the idea that I can’t do it, that someone else can do it—and probably already has done it—better than me.However, if it’s God “which worketh in [me] both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), then I no longer have to rely on my own creative abilities; I only need to trust that He is able to lead me in the right direction, guide me to the appropriate outlets of creative expression, and help me relay the exact thoughts, emotions, and ideas which my soul wants to share with the world.In closing, in her magnificent book, Emily Freeman states that in previous years she used to be an interpreter for the deaf via sign language and has since retired from this work. But when I finished A Million Little Ways, I couldn’t help but notice the connection and similarities in both her profound writing and her skills as an interpreter.By using the signing skills she learned to convey to those who can’t hear the messages people were trying to send, Emily Freeman has, in writing this book, served once again to interpret the message that my heart, my soul, my creative self has so longed to hear: I am God’s art, He created me in His image; therefore, I am a creative soul and He delights in my art!I encourage you in the words of Jesus, regarding the parable of the Good Samaritan: “Go thou and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).

So what did I learn? What changed within me? How am I not the same?I am an artist because I am a human. Part of my creation is that I create. I am to step into this part of my identity. There are things that come against this joy. Dismiss them gently to go on their way.So I will take myself seriously, the desire to write and create and live with courage. The insecurity and the begging monkey’s have been given center stage. I’ve spent so much time afraid or trying to make my self okay or battling sin and all the fear. I have something unique to offer without any justifying. My heart is alive with His Spirit, moving, awakening love.And to love is to move generously into each day. My life, hidden with Christ, can make a difference today. He is at work in me, so now shine. He is the light of the world, shining here.There’s no need to compare or compete. There’s room at the table. Call everyone to the feast. (Thank you Jen Hatmaker)I can name the fears and then dismiss them. He is faithful. And I am His poetry, ready to speak, and to live, and to thrive in His pasture.Pay attentionAnd then respond.I’m grateful for the responses I’ve received from friends and family as I read my jumbled thoughts. They somehow speak life. So the message keeps coming (forgive me, Lord, it’s come for a while), I need to write a blog. The trouble seems to be is that I’m afraid. I feel like I need a theme, a topic, a way to continue producing something for it. A couple days ago, I thought I could write a current piece and then mine the years of writing for“Something oldSomething newSomething borrowedSomething true” (a book club)Some topics seem to reoccur: divorce, personal growth, elder care, marriage.There are so many quotes I could mine from this lovely pasture of writing. And maybe I will someday. Or maybe I will take these treasures and write my heart out.Thank you, Emily P. Freeman, for sharing yourself with the world.~Karen Wells

I could use a million words to tell you how many ways and list all the reasons why I LOVE Emily Freeman’s new book A Million Little Ways.However, since I think you should read Emily’s amazing book and not waste your time reading my lengthy review, I will refrain and use a few powerfully persuasive paragraphs.Let me start by saying, you have to read A Million Little Ways. If you don’t have the money to buy it, I will buy and give you a copy. That’s how serious I am. I have nothing to gain from Emily selling copies of her book. Yes, I did get a free copy for writing this honest review, but I have already also purchased about a dozen copies to give away as gifts.Yes, friends, it’s that good.This is why…because every single page is all about you!Yes, you. You becoming more aware of who you are in Christ and how He created you to be who you are. That my friends is art. And the best kind of art is a life well lived.Emily will walk you through 12 chapters as you sink deeper into the knowledge of who you are in Christ. You are a masterpiece! Did you know that?Okay, I promised this would be short. But it’s already getting long. Here are my final thoughts on A Million Little Ways:Your life is your canvas. Every single second is a stroke of life and energy on the canvas of your life.Emily uses her God-given writing ability in A Million Little Ways to share her art with us. Like Emily, I believe there are a million little ways to let Christ in you shine, create, and change the world. And you don’t have to wield a brush and a palette to do it.What does your canvas look like? Remember there are a million little ways to get started.

Really great book with a challenge to change the way you think about life. I liked this book so much I bought several copies to give to friends and family, plus I read her other books. Emily has a way with words. Worth re-rereading and I generally think there are too many good books out there to read the same one twice!

This book is full to the brim with creative inspiration, making you wonder about what exactly you have to offer creatively. As the title says, in A Million Little Ways, to live our lives creatively. Emily P. Freeman is a truly insiring writer and this book is for anyone who wants to awaken the creative side of themselves.

This book was okay. I think it appeals more to those who are more religious. I found it a bit too much. But that is a personal opinion and not a reflection on the book.

A thought-provoking book, I really enjoyed reading it. There was much to ponder in this refreshingly honest book by this very real author.

Arrived on time and was as stated. So I'm happy enough.