diff --git a/the_works/__init__.py b/the_works/__init__.py
index 100651f..e1c6b24 100644
--- a/the_works/__init__.py
+++ b/the_works/__init__.py
@@ -15,11 +15,11 @@ def create_app(config=None):
   app.config['DEBUG_TB_INTERCEPT_REDIRECTS'] = False #DEBUG
 
   # use config from function parameter if present
-  if config is not None:
-    app.config.from_object(config)   
+  if config:
+    app.config.update(config)   
 
   # some #DEBUG output
-  print(f"Current Environment: {app.config['ENV']}") #DEBUG
+  print(f"Current Environment: {app.config['ENV'] if 'ENV' in app.config.keys() else 'ENV is not set'}") #DEBUG
   print(app.config) #DEBUG
 
   # initialize database