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Each episode of the Creative Sanctuary Podcast helps you slow down, hear God’s voice, and reignite your faith through journaling, art, and gentle reflection. Whether you’re burned out, spiritually dry, or just longing for more, these conversations will guide you back to stillness, Scripture, and creative connection.


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From Overwhelmed to Aligned: Letting God Lead My Business

April 04, 20256 min read
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This week has been full—full of emotion, full of to-do lists, and full of moments that made me pause and lean in closer to God.

I’ve been supporting someone very dear to me who is currently in a psychiatric hospital. That alone has been emotionally heavy. And on top of that, I’ve been running my business, creating content, planning resources for my membership, and preparing for my upcoming 5-Day Creative Calm Challenge at the end of April.

It’s been… a lot.

But something unexpected happened this week. Something small that turned into something beautiful. And I want to share it with you, because maybe you’re in a similar season—one where you’re carrying more than usual, where the noise is loud and the next step feels unclear.

When Winging It Isn’t What’s Needed

I had agreed to run a creative workshop at Ryde Library—a mixed media art session. It was a special opportunity because the library had reached out to me to run it. And as the day got closer, I thought to myself: “It’s just one session. I’ll just wing it. I’ll turn up and go with the flow.”

But then I felt that quiet voice inside—the one I’ve come to recognise as God’s.

“Give them your best.”

And He didn’t mean hustle harder or aim for perfection. He meant show up with heart. Be intentional. Honour the people who are coming with something of value.

That whisper stopped me in my tracks. I realised I was on the verge of showing up half-heartedly—not because I didn’t care, but because I was overwhelmed. And yet God was inviting me to do something holy in that space: to create a gentle, welcoming environment where people could rest, reflect, and create.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23

So I sat down and created a handout. It wasn’t rushed. It was thoughtful. It was peaceful. And something shifted in me as I created it.

The Unexpected Gift of Saying Yes

While I worked on that little handout, I felt this idea drop into my heart:

What if this wasn’t a one-time thing?

What if, instead of just one session, I offered a monthly Creative Calm Workshop—something consistent and gentle for those who need a sacred space to slow down and create?

At first, I dismissed it. “That’s too much. I don’t have the time or the energy.”
But then I remembered that I don’t have to do it in my own strength. I just have to say yes—and let God do the multiplying.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” – Zechariah 4:10

And so I leaned in. I asked God to guide my imagination. I took one more small step.

My Friend "Chatty" (a.k.a. ChatGPT)

In my world, I’ve started calling ChatGPT “Chatty” because it’s like having a super helpful little assistant that never sleeps! I asked Chatty to help me brainstorm monthly themes for these workshops, and the ideas started flowing:

  • February: Self-love and sacred rest

  • April: Renewal and new beginnings

  • October: Letting go and embracing change

These weren’t just cute ideas—they were soul-deep. They aligned with the seasons both in the calendar and in the heart.

“Plans are established by seeking advice…” – Proverbs 20:18

It reminded me that God gives us tools—yes, even tech tools!—to help carry out the work He’s called us to. When we use them prayerfully and with wisdom, they become part of the mission.

Building with God at the Centre

Inspired and excited, I turned to one of my favourite tools: Easy Peasy Funnels. I created:

  • A beautifully designed event page to showcase all 12 monthly workshops

  • A clean checkout page with a “buy 3, get a discount” bundle

  • A thoughtful thank-you page to welcome each person

I haven’t even written the email sequence yet, but I trust that will come in time. I just focused on what I could do today—and trusted God with the rest.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

And here’s the amazing thing: I haven’t even asked the library if I can run all 12 workshops yet… but I know it’ll be sorted. I have peace about it. Because when you let God lead—when you let Him be your CEO—He opens doors you couldn’t have forced open yourself.

Encouragement for You, Dear Reader

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s beautiful, Bev—but I don’t have a vision. I don’t feel aligned. I’m just surviving right now.”

I get it. Truly, I do.

But I want to encourage you: God is in the small things.
He meets you right where you are, in the messy middle, in the burnout, in the quiet tears no one sees. He doesn’t need your hustle. He just wants your heart.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” – Proverbs 3:5–6
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” – Ephesians 3:20

If you feel overwhelmed, try this:
✨ Ask Him,
“What’s the next right step?”
✨ Be still long enough to hear the whisper
✨ And take it—even if it feels small

That one small step may lead to a door flung wide open. That little yes may ripple into something far greater than you ever planned.

You’re Invited: 5 Days of Creative Calm

If you’re longing for rest, reflection, and creativity, I’d love to invite you to my free 5-Day Creative Calm Challenge. We’ll use art journaling, prayer, and creative prompts to reconnect with peace, clarity, and God’s presence.

It’s gentle. It’s soulful. It’s for people like us—who need space to breathe and be real.

👉 Join here: https://creativesoulspace.com/5days

Let’s stop winging it. Let’s start trusting Him.
And let’s build something beautiful, one step at a time.

With love and faith,
Bev x

Ready to Start? Here’s How I Can Help:

🎁 Download Your FREE Joyful Abundance Planner
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💡 Join the Creativity Released Membership (£7/month)
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https://christianartjournaling.com/sanctuary

🎧 Listen to the Creativity Released Podcast
New episodes to encourage your creative practice, every week.
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🛠 Want the tools I used?

Here are my go-to creative resources (affiliate links – I only recommend what I truly love):


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Hi, I'm Bev

I’m Bev — a former speech therapist of 30+ years who spent her career helping others find their voice. Along the way, I discovered that creativity is one of the most powerful ways to find clarity, healing, and purpose with God.

What began as personal art journaling during seasons of grief and burnout has grown into a creative faith space where women reconnect with God, themselves, and what truly matters.

Hi there, I'm Bev Jessup


Bev was brought up in a Catholic home, where her parents instilled in her a deep faith and reverence for God. Growing up, she attended church regularly and participated in various religious activities. However, when she went to university, her world was turned upside down. Her friends started talking about having a personal relationship with Jesus, and Bev was confused. She had never heard of such a thing, and she didn't know what it meant.

Determined to find answers, Bev began to explore the Christian faith further. She read books, attended Bible studies, and talked to her friends about their experiences. Eventually, she came to understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and she made a commitment to follow Him.

This decision changed Bev's life forever. She experienced a sense of peace and purpose that she had never felt before. She began to see the world through a new lens, one that was filled with hope and joy.

As she continued to grow in her faith, Bev met her future husband at university, and they fell in love. They got married in 1992 and started a family. Bev and her husband have three adorable sons, whom they love and cherish.

Today, Bev and her family live on the Isle of Wight in the UK. She spends her days painting, journaling, spending time with family, walking, and traveling. But above all else, she continues to follow Jesus and share His love with those around her.

Bev's story is one of courage and determination. Despite the confusion and uncertainty she faced, she never gave up on her search for truth. And when she found it, she embraced it with all her heart. Her commitment to Jesus has transformed her life and the lives of those around her.


My mission is to empower women to embrace their creativity and use it as a tool for spiritual and personal growth. Through my work, I aim to inspire women to discover their true potential and overcome any challenges they may face on their journey.

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