The Artist’s New Paintbrush

Written and Illustrated by Alyssa Williams, LPC, MABC

"The Artist's New Paintbrush" is an imaginative tale of a new paintbrush brought to life by the Artist who lovingly crafted it. Quickly after coming to life, the paintbrush is full of questions and concerns about its existence. Are there others like me? What are we all here for? How do I measure up against the paintbrushes who have come before me? The Artist shares the story of His art with His newest paintbrush. And He teaches it how to discern its part to play in His art by noting how it was uniquely made. The children you read this story to will learn that they were also lovingly made by someone. It was their Father God in Heaven. And just like Shay the paintbrush, they can also learn to discern what part they have to play in God's good plan by following how they were uniquely made by Him. They'll also learn to trust God with the remaining mysteries of life, to not trouble themselves with how differently others are made, and to take on the posture of lifelong learners of who God is and who He made them to be.

 
 

Discussion Questions Guides

After reading the book to the children in your life, check out these guides to great discussions you can have with them to further their Christ-centered career concepts and development. Coloring sheets are included to help keep the children engaged. And simple theological statements are provided to help you explain important concepts clearly.

 

Getting to Know God

Shay listened to the Artist’s story to learn about Him. What can you do to get to know your maker, God?

  • Click here to download and print a coloring sheet of Shay showing us how we can learn more about God by reading the Bible!

  • God is real and wants a real relationship with us. He wants us to really know Him and spend time with Him. (Romans 1:20, John 17:3, John 15:4-11)

    We can grow closer to Him with prayer, the Bible, and going to a Church that teaches the Bible.

    When we pray we can talk to God, and share our thoughts and feelings with Him. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

    When we read the Bible, it is like God is talking to us because we learn so much about Him and His plans for the World. (Psalm 139:17-18, 119:9-16)

    God made the Church to be a place where we can gather together to learn more about His Bible and worship Him. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 40:9-10)

Not Following God’s Plan

What would happen if Shay decided not to follow the Artist’s plan and tried to paint a whole house instead? Would you expect it to go well?

  • Click here to download and print a coloring sheet of Shay trying to paint a house instead of following the Artist’s plan.

  • -Following God’s plan for your life is not keeping you from good things, it is keeping you from struggling through the things that are not meant for you.

    -God allows us to stray from His purposes for us, so we can learn that His way is actually the best version of our life.

    ***Biblical example***

    The apostle Matthew originally chose for himself the role of tax collector. One could suppose he was skilled with math and/or organization. He chose to apply those skills for the Roman government, and not for God’s glory. However, it could be safely assumed that Matthew did not find joy in his role as a tax collector, even with the wealth it brought him. He was likely hated by his fellow Israelites and still looked down upon by the Romans he worked for. When Jesus gave him the opportunity to leave his role as Tax Collector and become a follower of Him instead, Matthew jumped at the chance. He had seen what his life was like when he was making all the decisions himself. He was ready to make Jesus and His plan the boss instead. (Matthew 9:9)

Getting to Know You

God made you just the way He needed you to be. How can you get to know the way God made you better?

  • Click here to download and print a coloring sheet of Shay taking the time to try out new paint before deciding on the favorite one.

  • You were made just the way you are by God to match the plans that He has for you. (Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:13-14, 16)

    You are meant to use the gifts and talents that you have for God’s good plans and purposes. (Matthew 25:14-30)

    You have been called to help spread the good news that Jesus has taken the punishment for our mistakes and allowed us to have a relationship with God. (Matthew 28:19-20)

    Your unique interests, skills, and relationships are important to God’s plan. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)

    Find ways to learn more about yourself to see how God might use you!

    ***E210 Tips***

    -Try out a variety of activities before sticking to only your favorites

    -Ask yourself after trying new things what parts you liked and what parts you didn’t to gain the most helpful insights!

Comparing Ourselves to Others

Why might it not be the best idea to focus on others and how they are made differently than you? What happened when Shay did that?

  • Click here to download and print a coloring sheet of Shay and all the other paintbrushes lined up and celebrating their unique design!

  • Every person in the world is a unique creation of God, made for unique purposes. (1 Corinthians 12:18-30, Romans 12:4-5)

    It doesn’t make sense to evaluate yourself based on how someone else was made. Neither is it a good idea to try to make yourself act more like them. You should only strive to be the best you God made you to be and follow His plan for you. (Ephesians 2:10)