Sara Thurman: Artist and Author readies for book signing

Sara Thurman has a mission, that of spreading the word of God. She does this in many ways, selling paintings, giving classes and now writing a book. After a working life as a teacher and educational administrator for 56 years, Dr. Sara Thurman also taught leadership at the University of Houston.

When she retired in April 2014 she felt “blessed to slow down and spend time, but what to do?” In October of that year she met with nine other like women at Cypress Creek Church.

“Nobody was teaching art, just a discovery of worshipping God in a quiet space. We painted on roofing felt…(she heard a whisper) I want you to create art. I thought, there is no way. Hang out with me and I’ll teach you the process of creating and listening and having fun and not to worry about the final product,” Thurman said.

She called one of her paintings of an angel “Small Beginnings.“‘

And now the title of her book about her experiences “Small Beginnings” from the Bible’s Zechariah 4:10, ”Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

Her book tells the story of how someone who had no experience or talent painting, through listening instead of speaking, spending quiet time with God can become a successful painter. “Learning to hear from God.”

“In September of 2016 I wrote an impossible prayer for you (to God), to paint and sell small and large paintings for you with money to pour all over the world. I came home in November of 2016 and I had sold my first painting and that opened the floodgates.”

The sale of the paintings has her and her husband travel as missionaries to different parts of the world. “And also to help in this little town. If we see a need we’re able to help with it.”

At the present time her son and daughter in law are in Kazakhstan, an Asian part of the former Soviet Union, where many have not heard of Christ but are eager for information.

With her talent showing through her paintings, her work is considered primitive art, and she sells her paintings through social media especially Instagram where she has over 2,000 followers.

She also offers classes on listening, “Developing Your Creative Calling” and on “Practicing Hearing the Voice of God in the Creative Process” which is also offered as a retreat.

As a painter, she has sold over 600 paintings in 2018 alone. It has been more than a journey from teaching school, to retirement and then on a new career doing the Lord’s work, travelling the world and painting beautiful paintings and now an author.

“It’s a journey to the impossible, I’m an artist now,” Thurman said. For more information on her paintings, classes, retreats or her book, see her website at actsoneeightblessings.com

Her book signing event happens on July 16 with food and drinks with door prizes and a signed commemorative 5”X7” prints of the painting: “My Delight in Small Beginnings.” it all takes place at the BellaVida Bed and Breakfast and Retreat Center at 3 to 7 p.m. The center is located at 5701 FM 2325.