Do you consider yourself a creative person? What creative outlets do you have, or rather how many do you give yourself permission to have? For most of my adult life, I did not give myself permission to pursue creativity and I wasn't open to the fact that I may be creative. My self-image was that of an administrator and creativity and administration were at odds with one another -- or so I thought.
Are you creative? If your answer is no, then perhaps you need to expand the way you view creativity and, consequently, view yourself. If you are open to that possibility, then urge you to read on.
ADAM'S ZOO
Adam was made by God to be creative and we are Adam’s children. After God created Adam, He invited Adam to enter into the creative process by naming the animals: “Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field” (Genesis 2:19-20). Adam decided what the animals were to be called; it was an expression of his creative dominion in the Garden.
Too often, we have identified only musicians, songwriters, poets and writers as creative—and they are indeed creative. Those expressions, however, are only a few of the creative expressions that are available to Adam’s children. Let’s take a look at some of the creative expressions that are available to you:
- Child raising—Raising a child requires tremendous creativity as you teach, train, entertain and discipline each child according to his or her personality and needs.
- Handwriting—Do you have beautiful handwriting? Then stop using the computer. Use your creative, artistic flair to communicate with others in your own writing.
- Dress—You may have an eye for color or fashion. Be creative and adorn your body, God’s creation, in a manner that is distinctive and uniquely you.
- Repairs—It takes creativity not just to invent or design something, but to keep it in working order. Your ability to read a manual and then fix something is an expression of your creativity.
- Gardening—Do you like flowers? Enjoy raising vegetables? Then plant to the glory of God and do it with your style and grace. If you don’t plant the seeds, they won’t grow! So join in the creative process and do what Adam and Eve did in the Garden. (Don’t forget to pull the weeds, too!)
- Time management—Can you organize your time and activities? That requires creativity. Can you help others organize? That requires even more creativity.
- Problem solving—Do you face new problems and apply timeless wisdom and solutions? Then you are not just organized or efficient. You are creative!
YOU ARE OH SO CREATIVE!
I hope you get the picture. Like Adam, you are creative and God wants and needs you to express your creativity in every day life. Stop saying you aren’t creative—you are! I have assembled a list of creative expressions from past studies on creativity and that list is posted on my website. Take a look at that list and see how many expressions are present in your life and then, settle once and for all your perspective on your own creativity.
Perhaps then you will see yourself as creative, which is just how the Lord wants you to see yourself. Once you see yourself as creative, you will then give yourself permission to pursue and release creativity in ways not possible up to this point in your life. As you do, I know you will have a great week!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Best wishes for a happy new year to all my Chinese readers and friends. New Year's Day is February 7 and this year is the year of the rat.
INTERNET RADIO SPONSOR: I am thinking about launching an internet radio program with an internet family channel. If you would be interested in being a sponsor for this show, let me know. People will have access to this show all over the world, so if your service, product, ministry or message needs an international audience, write me and let's talk. This has been on my mind for quite a while and now is the time to do it.
COMING TO DALLAS: I will be in Dallas next week. If you would like a purpose session, please write and let me know.
THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE IN DALLAS: Many of you are familiar with the impact the training from The Pacific Institute (TPI) has had in my life the last few years. I am happy to announce that two of my friends are now offering TPI in the Dallas area in March and April. You don't have to go to Seattle to obtain this world-class training thanks to their efforts. If you would like information or to register, you can find the information on their website. If you have any questions about the training or what it did for me, don't hesitate to write me. If you register, write to let me know! I give this training the highest recommendation possible and urge you to consider investing in yourself by attending.
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