Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Creative Force With In




This is something I have been pondering a lot lately…creativity and what that all really means in my life. My pastor has been speaking on this subject off and on for the last three years. He has encouraged us to let the creative aspect of who we are have an out let in our lives. He very much sees this as one of the pathways in getting to know our Creator better. His encouragement along with the whisper of the Holy Spirit in my heart, have encouraged me to give time to this part of who I am. To at least notice that part of me and know that it has real value. I am still trying to grasp the concept and allow the creativity that God has blessed me with, to find its freedom in expressing what moves my soul. You see what moves you, is often related to the God given talents and gifts that you were given when in secret He designed you in your mothers womb. Sometimes this part of us just comes oozing out in our daily lives. My pastor asked the question, “What do you do, and what do you dream about when you have time to yourself.” Of course those same longings and passions can be perverted into things that harm. But if you follow your good passions, where do they lead you?

I have been noticing people around me and even some of you out in there in blog land, what you are doing in the natural can often be a clue to what you were created for in the spiritual realm. For example: one friend who has been a fireman, a policeman, and an emergency medical tech. in his everyday job, has found himself drawn to volunteer work serving as a hospital Chaplin, leading an evangelistic team in a state prison…and other forms of spiritual rescue. You see in the natural he rescues people from the dangers of the physical world, but in the spiritual realm he rescues people from the spiritual dangers we all face. His gifts, talents and passions draw him to help those around him.

My pastor shared a quote with us at church the other day by John Elderidge. I kind of got it a little mixed up and found myself unknowingly at first adding to it. I am not naturally gifted with words as some of our friends are, like Strider, and Pappy, but this is what I ended up with, and I kind of like it better than J.E. original quote. :o)

Desire reveals Passion
Passion reveals Design
Design reveals Gifting
Gifting reveals Destiny

So I love to grow and watch things grow. Gardening is something I am passionate about...what do I do for a job? I teach young people more about God and especially about their relationship with Him. I also teach art, by showing people how to perceive the world around them through drawing. I love teaching, and growing. I see the correlation. What is important to me by the way God designed me is to help others grow.

So do you know what God has created you to be…what tends to ooze out of you when you follow the passion and creativity He placed inside of you…to be who and what God intended you to be?

18 comments:

Pappy said...

Thanks WWI, that is a great post. Knowing your talent is one thing, but using it wisely is another. Pappy

Vee said...

Very interesting! I love the quote...I'd like to commend your pastor for encouraging creativity. I've never heard of another doing that.

Lavinia said...

In order to answer you last question, I have to give it a great deal of thought, because honestly, I don't know right now....I have let that 'creative' part of me slide....by being all caught up in the busy-ness of life, working, housework....funny how the other stuff just gets pushed into a corner. But as your post shows, it is important.

Thanks for giving me something to definitely chew on! And I love that quote....an interesting pathway to 'Destiny'.

a woman who is said...

Lavinia: I understand how busy life can be while raising a family, never mind working too! This is something I have been pondering about just this last year or so, as my last child has graduated high school...

Ahh… finally a moment to myself, to even think….but it has become very interesting to me to see that in some ways, maybe even in just a tiny little way, I was pursuing the passion and creativity that uniquely made up me. Now, I am just beginning to recognize it.

Matter of fact, I didn't even get that my love for growing things related to my unique design till I began to write out this post. What caught my attention was Carey's Meme… how he has lived his life, has revealed God's design work in him. My theory is, I think it just oozes out of us, whether we realized it or not.

I am still pondering…

Pappy: I couldn't agree more

Vee: Our pastor definitely challenges us to think outside of the box...it has been a good exercise for me.

nanatrish said...

What a thoughtful blog. Since I have been blogging it has slowed me down and helped me become more relaxed. I believe I have been so busy that God nearly had to scream at me to get my attention at times. When we really get creative we seem to just totally loose track of time. Your garden brings such intense beauty and our world needs that beauty in the worst way. There are so many vulgar and tasteless things in our world that making a special effort to keep the beauty alive is so admirable. You teach art and that gives joy to not only the one that makes the art, but everyone observing. It puts such a positive spark in people and takes a special gift! God created us and I believe He loves watching us create.

Strider said...

Great post and a great reminder. I haven't thought about that for months. Thanks.

Charm and Grace said...

I love this post because it echoes my heart and what God has been doing in my life this year. I actually posted a little about it on my blog on Friday of last week, in a post entitled Fruit of Thankfulness. If you have a chance to read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I said a lot of the things you have said here. I am currently reading a book by Michael Card called Scribbling In the Sand: Christ and Creativity. He has some wonderful insights on thesubject and is saying a lot of the things that you and I said.

Blessings,
Christi

a woman who is said...

Christi: Boy, we are on the same page. I am so glad you left a comment. And equally pleased you mentioned Michael Card’s book. I had been given this book by one of my art student’s mother. I started to read it last summer, and felt I had to go slow to absorb it. I think I need to pick that book up again! You comment was a timely reminder.

All: If you have a chance go check out Christi's blog and look at her beautiful art work.

NanaTrish: Slowing down is a good thing, for me too!

Strider: I saw your grass today, looking good!

Nadine said...

Creativity is next to God the author of all creativity. It's a way of feeling closer to Him.

Good post.

nanatrish said...

OK, I know this is not probably what you were talking about with creativity, but the dates and the cream cheese. Take the dates and cut them long ways and put the cream cheese in the middle. When we have fixed them at Bible Study we can't keep enough on the plate. The men keeping eating and grabbing them. They have such a wonderful taste together. It's as though they just dance in your mouth. Tastes great with hot tea too or sweet iced tea. You know the deal!

kari and kijsa said...

What a great thought-provoking post!! Reminds us of a favorite quote: " ARt is man's nature, Nature is God's art."

blessings,
kari & kijsa

Make mine pink said...

I love the thought of what we love to do in the physical being manifested in the spiritual. I think that is very true! I LOVE the quietness of just talking with a friend - not DOING necessarily, but just talking about the deep things of the Lord. And in the spiritual, I love to just BE in the PRESENCE of God - often not saying a single word (or prayer) but just enjoying HIS presence. It is SO COMFORTING to me. Sometimes I find myself pouring out my heart in worship and soon I'm on the piano (which is what I do for a living!)! So, I think what you are saying is very true! God made us TO BE a certain way and it is so cool to see all the parts come together.

Dorothy said...

wonderful post...I think it much easier to sit down with you and talk of these things....hmmm..It is easy for me to see Jesus in others...I can pick out their spiritual gifts in a heartbeat it seems...they just seem to radiate God's love in all that they do. I don't see these things in church related activities, necessarily...I believe the world is our place to do the Lord's work. Every little talent that God has given us can be used to glorify Him. A while ago, I worked in corporate banking. I was amazed at the people God brought to my office. My clients were CEOs and executives....each one, just like you and me outside the fancy business suit. How they earned their living meant nothing in the grand scheme of life. My gifts are listening, encouraging, witnessing and giving hope to people in need. At first I found it unusual that these prominent men would open up and begin telling me their life story...they were sad, they had illness and they were men with hurting problems. I found myself having the words to give them comfort and hope. When I eventually retired, my sadness was in leaving this world where God had used me to help others...So..I suppose what oozes out of me mostly, is still my feelings of compassion for others and a need to make it better....

Barbara said...

What an interesting post and a beautiful sunset.

Enjoyed your tag.

Knitting Mania said...

Enjoyed this post sis...I think you really nailed this one. I've been enjoying reading all the comments and reactions to this word.

DeeDee's and Karen's comments really blessed my heart.

Love the new pic of Puddin Toes, can she get any cuter, seriously??

a woman who is said...

DeeDee: ahh you have a bit of a prophetic/seer gifting on you. Yes, the compassion and comfort thing oozes out of you. But I didn't know about the "seeing" what peoples gifts are part. It would be wonderful to sit down and talk...

Karen: I love when you go to that place… where you allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you with music that magnifies Him! What is wonderful about your gift is that you can bring others along with you!!!

Sis: So what oozes out of you? I know :]

Barbara: that is a sunset I took at the Oregon coast at Cannon Beach...lovely place

CIELO said...

Party is going on right now... hope you're posting about your garden... I'm sending many people your way... :)

hugs

A Woman's Perspective said...

So Cindy my dear friend... LOVE your quote - totally get it & agree. Love your blog :-)

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