I wrote 'Circles' to encourage others to go on their own journey with their creativity and faith, to give time and space to their gifts, and to allow them to flourish. I wrote it partly as a chronicle of my own creative journey through the exhausting years of parenting young children as a testament that God is working in us even when we feel exhausted and that we are getting nowhere. I pray that it encourages you on your creative path.

'DO YOU HAVE A QUIET PASSION INSIDE YOU TO CREATE? ARE THERE DUSTY DREAMS OF YOURS HIDDEN AWAY SOMEWHERE?

In CIRCLES, ELISABETH PIKE looks at creativity through God’s eyes and through her own creative journey. She is convinced that the gifts that God has put inside each of us are powerful and that the more we share them, the more a touch of the glory of heaven will be spread too.

With encouragement and openness, Elisabeth will bring you on a journey to examine your own heart and desires, to uncover the dreams that God has rooted deep inside you. This book is both bold and nurturing and will encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and into the plans that God has for you.

When we begin the journey, we are coming full circle, back to ourselves and our true purpose: to be who he has made us to be.'

Endorsements:

'Liz Pike’s encouragement for us to pursue our creative dreams and find ways of expressing them is a creative work of art in itself. It follows her life in Guildford and Shrewsbury as a struggling young Mum (now with four children), her second child being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and her husband, also a creative musician, also struggling to make ends meet. Yet through it all there is the same quiet, compelling call to creativity, which Liz shares with us. Her children and life are part of this, in a background which often seems to work against any time at all for creative expression. Each chapter nevertheless includes one or more of her poems which arise out of the often perplexing cross-currents of her life. The book is a treasure trove of many wonderful quotations from a wide range of writers on the mystery of creativity. At the same time, the book is full of practical suggestions, the more convincing because arising from her own life as described in the book. And through everything there is the encouragement that listening and giving expression to the creative gift within us is what God calls us to, as underlined by frequent references to the scriptures, brought to life by the new context in which they are placed. This thread running throughout the book rises to a glorious climax in the closing lines of the final chapter: triumphant without being triumphalistic. Liz has provided a great service to everyone who has ever wondered if they have a creative gift inside them but has lacked the courage to pursue it. A copy of this book should be close to hand to each of us.'

Peter Wilkinson

Pastor, Teacher and Writer

'Liz Pike writes with passion, spiritual integrity and searing honesty. She not only describes her own personal journey in embracing creativity but draws on the wisdom of well-loved poets and writers to explore the ambiguities and joys of the art of writing. Her poetry, which resonates with Celtic spirituality, expresses wonderfully the moments of inspiration and struggle of everyday life, in beautiful imagery and imaginative use of language. It has been a privilege to accompany Liz on her creative journey over the past ten years and to witness how, against so many odds, including the increasing challenges and demands of motherhood, she has made space for the seeds of creativity within her to grow, blossom and bear fruit – not just in this book and other published writing, but in the lives of many others. A commissioned writer myself, I read Circles at a time when my confidence had waned and I lacked the courage to take on a bigger writing challenge. Liz’s words were exactly what I needed for God to speak again to me: that if I didn’t write what I had inside me, who else would? I encourage you to read Circles with an open heart and mind, and to receive the creative call yourself. May you be inspired and encouraged by the authenticity of Liz’s words, life and testimony – and may the wonderful Creator’s glory shine through you.'

Carol Herzig

Teacher; former Editor of Inspiring Women Every Day and Freelance Writer

'I first read a draft of Liz’s book when I was in the murky depths of early years motherhood. To say the book was timely is an understatement. Despite the obvious joys of parenthood, I had lost myself in raising three children under the age of four. As a musician and writer, I struggled not to resent motherhood for depriving me of the creative flow that is fundamental to my being. Liz’s book brought such perspective, hope and challenge. She had written what was in my heart with an eloquence that I do not possess. Liz’s book is a call to all those creatives feeling lost under the pressures of motherhood. Her writing will revitalise your creative practice with the combined sharpness of an academic mind; and the warmth of a good friend who has just made you a well-needed cup of tea. You won’t regret reading it.'

Rebecca Hitch

Musician and Writer

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