391 - When God's Inspiration Comes From Unexpected Places with Bert Ballou

Send us a text What's the strangest place you've found inspiration for your art? For Bert Ballou, my guest on this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast, inspiration came from a wise-cracking donkey on an adventure with a grumpy, green ogre. On a rewatch of the animated children’s classic, Shrek , Bert was rather surprised to hear God telling him to write a children's story about the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. But the next thing Bert knew, he was writing the text, commissioning an illustrator, and working with editors. Before long, his first book, Anthony’s Amazing Journey, was released - and it wouldn't be the last. God put it on Bert's heart to spread His message in the world of children's books, and Bert picked up that ball and ran with it. Have a listen to this episode of the podcast to hear how Bert is responding to God's call and writing amazing books for kids, teens, and young adults. Keep up with Bert, Anthony the donkey, and the latest news! https://www.facebook.com/bert.ballou/ Bert’s Amazon author page - https://www.amazon.com/Bert-Ballou/e/B093QJJXL4/ High Bridge Books (publisher) store - https://www.highbridgebooks.com/bookstore/ And be ready because God's inspiration comes in funny ways - including through a cartoon donkey! When you’re ready to stop striving and start thriving, here are 4 other ways I can help: 1️⃣ Join Us in November - Every artist was created by God to create with Him to both experience and release His Light and Life through their creative expression. Join us for a powerful 3-day healing event for artists called the “Unlocking the Heart of the Artist Experience” where you can do just that! Click here to learn more ➡️ https://matttommeymentoring.mykajabi.com/unlocking-2022 2️⃣ Unlock Your Heart: Are you ready to begin a journey of healing and wholeness that will yield deeper Spirit-led creativity and personal fulfillment? I’ll show you how in the 10th anniversary revised edition of “Unlocking the Heart of the Artist!” Grab the book, ebook, or audio on Amazon ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1460930258 3️⃣ Connect with God: Discover how to connect with the Lord and discover His intention for you and your art in His Kingdom in my course, How to Connect with God to Create & Sell Your Art. Get more details here ➡️ https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/how-to-connect 4️⃣ Ready to truly thrive? Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program to discover how to build your art business and live the abundant life Jesus promised you as an artist in His Kingdom! Click here for details and to enroll! ➡️ https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor.html Thanks for listening! You can also watch this podcast on YouTube at yout Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose. Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist. 👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.