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Featured Book for September 2026

In the Beginning We Create: Reflections on Collaboration, Creativity, and Rest

by Nathan Lloyd Nicholson

Connect Your Creativity with the Creator

In the Beginning We Create, award-winning graphic designer and artist Nathan L. Nicholson reflects on God’s timeless patterns of creation, offering practical insights forhow and what you create. Nicholson guides you through twenty-one reflective meditations inspired by God’s creative process, each paired with the author’s original artwork, uncovering how collaboration, creation, and rest are essential rhythms for expressing your unique creative vision.

Nicholson explores how God is the ultimate Creator, and his creative abilities are beyond compare. In the Beginning We Create invites you to explore God’s creative process and discover how you canemulate his creativity in the creative gifts he has given you. Using the book of Genesis as the foundation, you’ll dive into the story of God creating the universe and find inspiration for your own creative journey. If the Creator of the universe took time to rest, the cycle of creation and rest is necessary for our healthy creativity as well.

Key Features:

  • 21 inspiring reflections that draw from the Genesis creation narrative and other Scripture passages
  • 40+ original artworks by the author thoughtfully included throughout the book
  • Insights for spiritual growth as you learn how the process of creating connects you with God and has purpose and meaning

 

Though this book, you’ll see how no matter the creative discipline you use, you can offer your creativity back to God, discovering new ways to reflect the Creator’s handiwork in your life.

If you yearn to create with intention and purpose, this book will help you view creativity through a new lens: aligning your creativity with divine purpose. Learn how you can honor God with every word, stroke, or melody you create with In the Beginning We Create.

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Additional Author Links

NathanLNicholson.com

Community Questions

Community questions from Claudia Love Mair.

Part I

  1. What do you imagine when you read the words, "In the beginning God created?" p.7
  2. Nathan asserts that innovation is a freeing act of courage that enables you to set trends. He writes, "You are a thermostat, setting trends and seeking to gain new ground in what has never been done and even known before." p.9. In what ways are you an innovator?
  3. On page 13 Nathan writes, "Creativity is where innovation and imagination meet to give birth to something new. Our creativity allows us to transform ideas into real works of art." p.13. How do you understand creativity to operate in yourself and in the world?

Part II

  1. In chapter 4 Nathan writes about self-creation. (see p.24) How can you engage in self-creation on a personal level, in your style, development, and even spiritual growth?
  2. Nathan writes, "Creativity can send you on a journey of discovery. Rather than having it all planned out in your head, step out of the boat into endless possibilities." p. 31. What creative journey have you taken that led to a new discovery?
  3. The chapter on originality mentions the loneliness originators experience. How can creatives and originators stave off loneliness? p.31

Part III

  1. On page 38, Nathan writes, "Rather than play peekaboo with what interests you, regularly expose yourself to what you'd like to do." What is an area of interest that you are drawn to? How can you develop the confidence that will produce mastery in that area?
  2. In the chapter on growth Nathan writes, "As I matured I discovered that not only am I artistic, I am an artist." p. 51. What is the difference between being artistic and being an artist?
  3. So many people are timid or apprehensive with their creativity because of negative childhood messages. Nathan writes, "You choke the life out of inspiration when you ignore it." p.62. How do you move past that kind of messaging to embrace creativity that is free and unashamed?

Part IV

  1. "Design a life that inspires you." p.65. In what ways have you created an inspiring life for yourself?
  2. On page 77 Nathan writes, "Remembering the Sabbath day is more than taking a restful pause. It is a time set apart for God not only in our weekly routine, but whenever we need it. It is a time of reflection, rest, and worship. God's modeling of the Sabbath shows us that creation is worthy of celebration and reflection." How do Sabbath and creativity intersect in your life?
  3. Nathan writes, "Pain alters our ordinary routine, bringing discomfort that often leaves space in our life for something beautiful to blossom." p. 97. How does pain dance with creativity in your life?
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