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In the previous sections, I discussed the need for parental involvement in early education. Now, I am strongly suggesting that parents will need the help of God to be fully successful. It is a partnership.
Citation preview
That brings us to the next section,
"I'M HAPPY CREATING"
First, I want to share the words of a song that came one day when I
was sitting with my four year old as she picked out the notes for her own
song melody. It describes the creative process exactly.
A mother and child sit, creating with love,
Flowing together, like river and stream…
A mother and her child are bonding, cementing like glue
While spinning a thread made of starlight and dreams,
Holding hands while spinning a thread
Made of rainbows and dreams.
Look at their heads, close while reading a book;
Watch them turning the pages, they talk as they look—
Inspiration sparkling from every story of Life's heroes…
Ideas spring from studying the best of all that's been written here
Of all those who have gone before us…
A mother and child are praying to God
Asking for help to know HOW to be good…
A mother and her child are bonding, increasing in love
As Jesus looks down from the heavens above,
Smiling approval for good that is done!
I feel truly blessed by having had these wonderful moments with
my children. I experienced the uplifting certainty that God is always
there and interested when creativity is happening. In those moments,
they were quiet and content, satisfied that they were creating their own
songs, with Mom helping them.
Parents are partners with God in raising families. He is always
interested in our progression, especially when we are setting patterns
with our children for their successful futures.
What mothers do with their children is so important. They have
special influence given to them that fathers appreciate and admire! I had
the time to work with our children because Kay was out working hard,
supporting us. He was just as much a part of the whole process as I was.
And gave his smiling approval every time we showed him a new piece.
Do you know that every beautiful melody has beautiful
words?
And, beautiful poetry has
music floating along with it?
And that every story and song
has a beautiful picture that can
be drawn or painted? We
found it was true, and that
home is the best place to first
learn creative principles so
that creative learning will
take place. As I searched
for information, it became
clear to me that all art,
music and invention—in
fact, ALL good things--
are interconnected. So, if
a person is persistent and
becomes skilled in one
area, the same good skills
and good work habits will
carry over into the next job or development of a new gift or talent.
These attributes include thoroughness, diligence, carefulness and
the ability to stick to a job and carry it out to completion.
Being interested in and happy in what-you're-doing-at-the-moment
is important for a person to be content. All are valuable skills,
contributing to a happy, fulfilled life.
Arnold Friberg, a marvelous gifted artist, once lived in our ward in
Mesa, Arizona for the winter. My husband and I were privileged to have
two very helpful,
informative conversations
with him and his wife after
church. He told us that he
mastered the fundamentals
needed for his art career by
learning to be a good
carpenter in Phoenix.
His wife was always
there in the background,
encouraging and supporting
him. They thanked us for
talking to both of them,
rather than shoving her
aside to get to him and his fame. One of the greatest compliments I have
ever been given was by Mrs. Friberg, when my three little girls walked
out of the church doors. She gasped at the picture they made, with
matching dresses--one in yellow, one in pink and one in blue—their
Easter dresses. I'd designed and sewn them. She said, "O, how
beautiful! Would you make me a dress?" It didn't happen, but her eye
for beauty and sincere appreciation–from one surrounded by art--still
warms my heart.-
The two conversations we had with the Fribergs gave us critical
insights from professionals. Arnold Friberg told us that the ground
fundamentals of structure and the training of his eye in relation to
proportion and reproducing angles and shapes was all done through hard
manual labor.
This was valuable information from one who knew. This was just
before he painted his masterpiece of George Washington kneeling and
praying at Valley Forge. Because I was diligently searching, wonderful
people like him came into my path to let me know what I needed at that
moment.
The necessity for doing hard work and
always doing one's best is not
understood currently. It is fundamental
to the creative process.
Work (manual labor) and good
workers should be honored, not
despised for 'getting their hands dirty'
(as one who prided herself once said to
me loftily). Work should be taught as
the first necessary step in development, instead of something to avoid..
There is a great feeling of self-worth and satisfaction deep down
inside that no other human activity will provide. The commandment to
work was given to Adam and Eve by God. It is for our development.
I used to hear my Daddy say that God cursed the earth for Adam's
sake, because learning to work hard was a great blessing to him and Eve.
In the Garden of Eden, seeds sprouted and grew spontaneously. The
watering was done each morning automatically by dew rising from the
ground and settling on the vegetation. They just needed to 'dress' it—
light work.
Here, work is our opportunity to REALLY TEST and develop our
abilities. We should tackle work with an eye toward personal
achievement. The prevalent distaste for work is crippling the
development of people's abilities and talents. The good life is a lazy life,
advertised everywhere as the most desirable way to exist.
Genius is creating from revealed inspiration. God expects us to
awaken our slumbering potential and seek those extended aspects in life
which encourage discovery and progression in all our gifts and talents.
Each person on earth is blessed with gifts and talents to develop
and share. God is no respecter of persons, giving to one and withholding
from another. All are important and loved by Him.
Over the years, I have
asked people I meet and
converse with, "Have you
had bits of poetry, music
or heightened thoughts
come unbidden into your
mind?" Invariably, they
will answer, 'Yes." Then I
ask, "Have you written
them down?" The usual
answer is, "No." Then I
ask, "Why not?" The last
cute little college girl I
asked this said, "Was I supposed to?" I assured her that she should have.
I learned that these small gift ideas grow into big talent projects
when I bother to accept them, write them down and work on them,
getting more ideas and help from the Spirit. When people accept the
small offerings and develop them through effort, they blossom into
wonderful productions!
When you work with your children, let love and caring shine from
your countenance. YOU
can make the difference
between success and
failure…The difference
between happiness and
despair. You are important
to your child's future welfare and happiness
We all learn best when we are happy. Creative activity is
motivated from God, from feelings springing deep within. The best,
most productive results spring from happiness and the freedom to
choose. Your child will love you and respect you for setting up ideal
learning conditions, where it is calm with no duress or stress!
When a baby is born, it is totally dependent upon others for its'
care. It needs welcoming
and reassurance. The baby
should be regarded as an
individual with capacity,
character and talent right
from the beginning, from
conception. The feeling of
love, warmth and trust is our parental gift to the baby and is necessary
for the baby's happy development. Right from the start.
Everyone responds to positive
attention. Look into your child's eyes.
Tell your child you love them. Follow
your instincts to nurture your baby to
progress. Smile approval –it comes
naturally. to you to know how to raise
your baby best. You can reach and help
your young child the best. You can and
should be your child's most important
first teacher. You will feel the presence
of God's Spirit helping you.
Desire is the seed
from which creative genius
roots and grow. This
desire to grow and develop
comes from our Creator,
our Heavenly Father. We
are here to progress, to
learn to be our best.
The innate creative attitude is, "HERE I
AM! I am important! I have ability and
talent buds to be encouraged and developed
just like everyone else!"
"Here I am with my talent
and ability petals or buds. At this
moment, my ability buds and
petals may be small. It does not
matter. What is important is my
inner satisfaction when I try my
best, so that I am always happily
growing and unfolding, becoming."
"As I reach and stretch to
develop, my talent and ability
buds and petals will grow. While
at-this-moment, they are still
small, it is all right. Development
takes time. I will be happy in the
moment-by- moment process of
becoming my very best!"_
"My best is to develop until my buds and petals are full grown
talents and abilities. I love what I do, and I do what I love! By
developing myself, I will be ready to lead an interesting life and
contribute to the happiness of those around me"!
Everyone likes and needs their ideas to be listened to and
encouraged.
So, listen to your children…
Listen to how they feel.
Listen to what they want,
And the depth of thought they reveal…
Listen to their suggestions,
Read 'between the lines'…
Make them feel important,
'Their way' as good as 'mine'!
Listen! Hear their heartbeats
When happiness is near—
Sense what is around you;
Really learn to SEE and HEAR!
Allow them to grow and progress
Along roads only they and God see
Because they truly do belong to Him
For now and all Eternity!
Make the most of your children's curiosity
and personal interests. Examine the myriad
resources in the library and the internet. Help
them research what they are interested in to the
fullest of your capabilities.
There is no time to waste, Life can be so full
of interesting things to learn and do that nobody
needs to ever be bored.
Children love to pound nails and saw.
Children love to learn to cut and sew, cut and paste, stir and bake, dig
and plant. Children need the thrill of personal achievement—from
inception of their idea to finished product. Your opinion and advice is
what will cause their gifts to
grow!
Free agency is the door to
creativity. Use your time and
talents to carry out interesting
ideas that deeply engross your
attention and concentration.
That inner world of exciting,
wonderful development will
make you happy for the rest of your life and will carry on throughout
eternity. Pass this attitude on to your children.
The best education happens when the material is something YOU
want to learn! It is the same for a child.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink…
You can a child at a desk, but you can't force him to think.
(That boring, have-to stilted stuff will never be for ME--
My mind, my heart and body must be free, free, FREE!)
Your own curiosity will open doors
To unexplored new ideas and knowledge,
Enticing your mind to 'come hither'
And learn in your personal 'college'.
A first glimpse of a new
idea usually flits into view
Like a moth or
butterfly…Where it lands is up
to YOU!
An idea will go gliding here
and there until someone takes
notice of it, takes it and utilizes
the gift. Everyone gets good
ideas. A few will create from
them.
The feeling of self-worth
comes from knowing you can
do many things well by developing good ideas to happy completion.
If you have ever felt stunted or chopped off
like this tree, know it is time to put out new shoots
and grow. It helps you when you help others,
especially your own children who rely on you for
their personal support. You will bask in their
happiness as they express radiant joy in their
development. They will bask in your warm love and
approval.
Just believe you can progress at ANY age.
When you create, you will feel a glow of satisfaction
within and know that God loves you and approves of
your performance. I know. I have felt it when no
one else loved or approved of what I was doing.
These ideas are offered here to give you
courage to advance yourself. It is never too late in
life to expand knowledge, abilities and talents! I thought it was too late
to share these ideas because they have been sitting here for 24 years,
after we had done all we could to publish them. I'm 81. Kay let me
know I had to finish the job we began as a family development project.
The taste we got of the great Millennial culture is what I am sharing,
hoping a spark from me will blaze into a great flame in you! We all feed
from each other's good works. FEED ME!
Technology has advanced. These ideas are
still needed to give parents understanding that they
are needed as partners with God in their children's
development. We were fortunate to search out and
finally understand how important parents are. Kay
is now at peace, gone on to a better place. He let
me know what we had gathered is still as
important to others as it was when we found these
ideas, when we wanted the best education for our
young children.
I believe in sound early education by parents,
which supports and enhances God's wonderful
natural development. I believe in an ungraded
system, where anyone can study whatever they
wish. Students should not have to sit at a desk listening to rote material
they already know and understand. Teachers can then be mentors and
guides Students can then study harder material they are ready for—And
not wait until high school to play harder pieces of music, or take up
other labeled 'adult 'studies. Our abilities at any age can accelerate. We
all need to e free to 'fly' when this acceleration occurs. Freedom of
expression will bring about
a great social change. We
can all be gloriously as
happy as Susanna portrayed
in her picture, long ago.
Everyone is at a different
point in understanding any
subject. Adults often need
material designated as
elementary school level.
Children are often ready for
high school subjects and
even college. Adults who
still need elementary school
training should be allowed help from schools, which would then become
community learning centers.
When I tell people grades and grading are not the way to go, I see
doors closing in people's minds. But, a society where parents have
established home as the place to learn to behave will not send children
out into society to disrupt. Homes should and will be responsible.
Schools will then be places to learn for all, not mini prisons with kids
ordered to sit and sit interminably, imprisoned for hours in their seats.
And, if you did not
get the early education
you wanted, or the
college or other
advanced knowledge
you desired to develop
your abilities and
talents, you can still do
do-it-yourself. You can
become well-educated,
well-rounded and well-
developed at any age!
You can open the door
yourself and walk in to
the wisdom of the earth.
The truth is—true education is always self education. It consists of
pursuing those things you have a real desire to learn. Study and use that
knowledge you gain to better your life and the lives of those you
associate with each day, particularly your family.
It is time to change the education lesson-teaching modes of the
past—to allow freedom of choice and expression, just as the writers of
the constitution intended.
No one attempting to teach anyone--children or
adults--should 'drive' another individual, because force
counteracts the natural flow from God which always
attends creative work. Force interrupts eagerness and
joy in learning. Individuals in any learning situation
should be there because they want to be there—not
because they have to be there. All should be there to
freely learn and share.
I once heard a teacher say in great frustration, "I
wish I could just open up my pupils, heads and pour
knowledge in!"
(Supreme force) There
is no necessity to feel
this way. The real secret, one that will
succeed beyond the results that any force
will bring, is to present lesson material that
will stimulate and engage the pupil's
interest and desire by encouraging each
participant to find and pursue their inner
goals. Adults in charge need to take time
to assess what each child wants from the
prospective lesson material. Encourage
freedom to interact and participate.
Children who are approached enlisting their free agency will soon
chug along investigating the subject on their own, once they have the
fundamental groundwork laid. They will learn more without pressure
when their brains are free to think. Such an environment will free up the
teacher, enabling her or him to do the brilliant,
inspirational teaching they entered the education
field to do!
It was quite wonderful when my children began
looking up information in the encyclopedia books
on their own after I showed them how. Several
became so intrigued with what they found that
they read the whole set of encyclopedia books.
The greatest thing a parent can do for a child
educationally is to encourage confidence that says,
"I can do it! It is FUN to learn!" Give approval
for every bit of good effort shown. Approval from
trusted parents is necessary. We all thrive on
approval and never outgrow the real human need
to bask in the warmth given by them and others.
So, do not approach your child educationally with an 'it’s good for
you' attitude. Because they are smaller, they can be forced to cooperate.
But, no long-lasting creative learning will take place. When the
coercion ends, that unpleasant memory will be dropped by your children
into a mental 'garbage can'. Force always stirs up rebellion, even when
the information to be imparted is desirable and important. They will just
refuse to remember it!
There are lots of very smart people I knew when I went through
the public school education system who got good grades by taking tests
they were not interested in, but could pass-- information force-fed by the
teachers. After graduating, many have told me they have never picked
up another book. They are 'turned off''. They no longer 'have to' do
what others tell them to do. It is sad!.
God supplies a necessity in adults to move them to action when He
deems something must be done. Action is taken only when people--
through their own free agency--see that a certain course must be taken,
whether it is pleasant or not. But, children are simpler in how they will
accept choices. If it is going to be unpleasant, they will always balk.
All of us have a natural desire to excel. A baby is born with a
God-given need to develop. They have innate curiosity to explore and
learn. This desire and curiosity is born with us and will always surface,
no matter how many layers of sediment has gathered and lain over it
through years of indifference and neglect—IF what is being presented is
lively and of personal interest to the audience.
For example, a teacher 'pings' an interesting
ball (idea) to a student. The student then has
the opportunity to examine it, turn it over and
ping it back with his idea added. Successful
learning is interactive and takes place when the
parent or teacher uses the impetus from one
successful moment to jump start another, to
introduce the next important idea.
Watch for fatigue. When attention flags, it
is time to change the activity. Fatigue will
bring boredom; projects will be slopped through or left unfinished.
Because stress will cause distaste for a subject. The good aspect of
starting anything is that God gives us a need to finish what we start to
completion. After a rest (if not badgered), individuals will return to their
unfinished projects with zest and complete them at their own pace.
There is renewed drive and conviction if individuals are allowed
personal freedom to do so.
Be patient with the creative process. It has its' own rhyme and
rhythm, its' own pace and space. God-given free agency is the motor
and driving force.
Creative ideas always have a feeling of enhanced life and
understanding, because they come from God--the creator of all. Without
His help, projects will lack vitality and are dry and void of 'sparkle'.
Forced learning efforts are harmful and boring to the attacked
individual. God has given each of us special gifts and talents to develop.
We need His Spirit to guide, enhance and lift us to higher planes of
development. Realize that the best of your life is always still just ahead.
Stop looking back at the past. Make your future into one that will please
both you and your Maker!
Read, pray and study. Talk to other people who
know more than you do about the subjects you wish
to pursue. Search and research until your thirst for
knowledge on that subject is quenched and satisfied.
Reach out. Turn the knob of interest and curiosity.
Open the door to new ideas and knowledge. God will
bless all who turn to Him for guidance and who desire
to stretch and grow.
Enter that door. You'll find what you want is out
there just waiting for you to discover and
explore…that which is unknown to you at present,
but which God will guide you to learn and keep.
Since I graduated from college, most of what I've
been privileged to learn has been through study and talking to people
that God has sent into my path. What I learned before that time was
primarily self motivated. If the teacher caught my attention with
something interesting, then I paid attention and learned from them. I
never was so bored my brain
'turned off" (As so many others
have expressed to me). My
husband and one daughter let me
know a turned off brain goes
through a painful process--like a
leg when it has gone to sleep—to
reawaken it. God helped me
compensate at all critical times
when it threatened to happen and
almost did. That's how I learned
about doodling.
God will do the same for all who
consult Him and allow Him to be
the mentor and guide. I believe each of us has divine knowledge to
share. These are pieces of a huge perfect civilization puzzle which will
come shortly.
I have found that some will share their knowledge; some will not.
When I have needed knowledge sometimes a person comes along who
has just what I need, but has clung tightly refusing to share. When that
happens, I have found that missing piece elsewhere--at greater cost and
effort. They lose their opportunity to share, with the attendant blessing
rewards gone.
There is no shortage of gifts and blessings
God can bestow. There are enough for all to
develop in any desirable direction. In a dream,
I was shown the following scenario:
Piles of brilliant gemstones
Are waiting to be discovered
Behind a vine-covered door
Few have bothered to uncover…
That door is there for all
Who truly seek to search and find,
Who thirst for hidden knowledge
And diligently cultivate their minds…
Children have great thirst to learn. Toys should help fill this need,
not just idly amuse them. They can be taught to sew at age 4. They can
be taught to saw and hammer nails—to make things. They like to make
their own puppets and put on shows. They like to carry heavy loads and
test their muscles. They like to run and twirl and roll over. Childhood is
wonderful when allowed to be.
Children are surprisingly inventive. When my great-aunt Phoebe
was small, she made a little sewing machine out of mud and sticks with
a thorn for a needle that she could turn with a handle. She sewed leaves
together with it. Her father was an inventor, so she understood wheels
and gears from watching him. She was a very old lady when she told
me this. It was pioneer times. Life was hard. She was paddled for
getting dirty. She never tried again, discouraged.
So, pay attention to what your children are interested in. Pay
attention to the ideas they tinker with. Work with them, help them to
achieve their dreams. Encourage them to have wide, varied interests and
to read, read, read!
The ideas I have presented here are those I researched and prayed
for or ones I stumbled onto unexpectedly (little miracle happenings) or
they came into my mind. I wrote them down or thought them through
enough to file mentally so that I recalled them later when I needed them.
Because I applied thought at the time, they became mine to keep. And
they flow out of my brain files as I write, at the appropriate places in this
dialogue.
So, pay attention to what your mind is thinking. Learn to trust
your 'inner man', that spiritual feeling self that God's Spirit
communicates with. Do not just run along on 'automatic pilot'.
Gather in the rainbows—those myriads of ideas God sends
out which can be ours just for reaching out and taking. Exchange ideas
with others, because each of knows many useful, valuable pieces of
knowledge which can be shared.
Interesting conversations usually contain new ideas which are
exchanged as in a bartering session—each person receiving value for
what they offer. In perfect social relations, no one has the need or right
to 'rip-off' what belongs to another whether it is personal projects, ideas
or possessions. It is up to each individual to elevate society by
respecting the rights of others.
It is this deep respect for all God's children and creations which
will enable all to have a richly blessed, full life. I do not have the kind
of exciting life most people yearn for…But it is very interesting to me
because I have been allowed to continually learn and feed my curiosity
and intelligence. It has been a hard, grinding road. I would still choose
it again. My thirst for knowledge is still there, urging me onward.
One-To-One-Teaching-In-A-Group-Setting
Cynthia's second grade
teacher, Mrs. Stafford, was one of
the most successful teachers I
have ever known. When I
enquired as to what made her
class so happy and different from
all others, she let me know it was
by design, not a fluke or accident.
First, she told me that she always spoke in a low, clear voice—
slow enough so that each child could grasp the ideas she was presenting.
She looked each child in the eye as she spoke, one at a time—giving
each a moment of personal contact. By doing so, she always maintained
their attention.
She did not have to raise her voice or correct or disrupt her creative
learning atmosphere in any way. Because she was always polite and
respectful toward the children, they were always polite to her AND the
other children.
The children in her class were always quiet and happy. They
listened attentively because their interest had been engaged by her
momentary eye contact at the beginning of her lesson. They each felt
'tended' and included, because they were.
An added special thing she did each day was to touch each child in
an encouraging way—with a pat on the back, a squeeze on the hand or a
little hug with one arm around the shoulders. The children all felt her
personal approval and love. The children all glowed under Mrs.
Stafford's kindly care.
At Christmas time, she suddenly became ill and died. It was a
horrendous shock when the children returned to find another--a cold,
controlling teacher--in command of the once-warm classroom. I want to
honor Mrs. Stafford's memory and the example she left for other
teachers to emulate.
Celia had another very successful teacher, Mr. Hall, who used this
same type of combination. He made sure he helped each child briefly
each day. He looked into their eyes on a one-to-one basis as he checked
on their reading or some other assignment. He acquainted himself with
their personal interests, so he could pick out a book the child would
enjoy if the child happened to miss library day. He was loved by his
students. They were also well behaved and
made great progress that year.
The age of the group does not matter.
The teacher approach does. Several of my
teenage children had the good fortune to be in
Junior High classes taught by Mrs. Smith.
She kept her voice low, pleasant and well-
modulated. By design, she was invariably
agreeable and polite. She made her classes
interesting. Her students responded to her in
kind. She did not have behavior problems that
are usually attributed to that age group.
All humanity loves to be treated like they are important, that what
they are doing is of worth to themselves and others. And that is how
Mrs. Capell, another good teacher, made her teenage students feel—that
they each had special gifts to develop and share with the world.
This is the story my daughter remembers of how her Grandpa
Tracy patiently taught children. "When Grandpa Tracy babysat us, his
grandchildren, he never scolded or bossed us. He allowed us children to
trail after him while he went about fixing his oatmeal (which he shared,
holding me on his lap) and then going out to work on wood building
projects. He was very patient as we asked to play with the wood
shavings. He never raised his voice as he explained things he was doing.
This made a lifelong impression on me as the way to teach kids. We
were the lucky oldest ones. He died before my younger siblings could
experience his example."
"One day while we were watching, he built a little stool. First, he
carefully cut the pieces. Next, he sanded the pieces. Then, he pounded
the nails into the wood pieces and a stool appeared. He wiped the dust
off the stool. Next, he opened a can of RED paint and finished by
painting the stool. We were in awe. The stool was wet so he invited us
(I'm sure to keep us from touching the red paint) to come into the front
room, where he sat down in his chair with me on his lap."
"Then, he opened his family album showing us pictures of his
former home in Idaho and our far away Tracy relatives. He was gluing
pictures in as he talked. After awhile, our parents came for us. We went
outside and got in the car. Then, Grandpa came out with that red stool
and presented it to Dad. We were so happy that it was really OURS!
We still have that red stool, the red paint gone from using it as a car—
upside down. But, it is still together. After Dad carefully, lovingly
repaired it. Grandpa was a very good builder! As was Dad."
All good paintings, writings and personal creations have a 'ring of
truth' to them when God's Spirit inspires the creative process to the
finish. Then, we know it is of value and if the end result is proper. It
will share something good with us.
Respect for each other's God inspired creations is a fundamental
law in a creative society. There is no competition, no one saying, "Mine
is better than yours." Nothing is more blighting to one's future efforts
than for another person to infer that what you've done is inferior or no
good.
Every good effort has time, work and personal ideas invested.
Criticism and competition opens up insinuations that one person is
basically inferior to another. God tells us we are all important to Him.
He does not compare one with another.
He only asks us to do our best. Our best is
acceptable.
Most adults suffer lack of confidence
in themselves from childhood traumas.
Their creative educational progress has
been stifled. So, as I have discussed the
creative process with others, most will tell
me that they have no special talents.
Then, they will relate a story about an authority figure who labeled
them as inferior or untalented in relation to others. Their peer group
accepted that labeling as true.
It is difficult for anyone so treated to believe in themselves again.
For when a person has a worthless frame of mind to overcome from the
shattering of their childhood ego, the shattered child is still there in
memory in the grownup.
I once talked to a lady who had occasion to pass briefly to the other
side. While sitting and waiting for her guide, two of her friends came by
and said, "Why, Eva! What are you doing here? It is not your time yet!"
While that was interesting, what she said next was startling news--that
they did not speak their words—they SANG them! As did all the others
she encountered there. Then, I knew that we all sang before we came to
earth. It is a universal gift, here
on earth treated as unusual and for the
privileged few.
Art, music, dancing, singing
and all other inventive activities
should be flowing from ALL of us, as
common as the air we breathe. No-one
should be left bereft. We all
progressed before we came here in
many things. The seeds are there
down inside just waiting for sunshine (hope and belief) and water
(doing) to make them grow here.
Personal creativity rounds out one's personality, promotes a feeling
of worth, and creates zest and enthusiasm for living. Developing an
ability, then on to be a gift, then to the talent (gold) level is a fulfilling
experience. To select an area, consider your 'gut' feelings—your inner
yearnings. You'll do your best if you heed to what God's Spirit is
nudging you to pursue. You will be able to best complete whatever you
are most vitally concerned about. You will be setting a success pattern
for your children.
In each child, there are little
bumps of curiosity that surface
often when learning conditions are
right. Take advantage of those
moments of curiosity to teach.
That is when your child is most
eager and willing to explore.
Fulfillment at home promotes
fulfillment at school and other
public places. Teachers respond
favorably to children who are ready
and eager to learn from them.
Parents and home make it so.
I love the following poem which I was given one day. Families
and family life are under attack as never before in history. I originally
was going to go on with my career. The Spirit let me know it was not a
pleasing decision to the Lord, and that I would be given a better life
pattern to follow. I am so pleased that I listened and have been given so
many great ideas to explore.
Families need to become strong,
Standing together like stones in walls of a fortress
Built to repel battering rams and pounding storms,
Deep faith, their supporting buttress…
In everlasting bonds,
Father, mother and children unite
Working toward God's
Eternal goals bright…
Love in each willing heart,
Often naturally expressed
Always helping one another
Develop to their best!
Each family member receiving
Love and moral
support they need,
Sharing the good and the bad of each day;
Lessons strung like a crystal strand of beads.
The golden hours of each brand-new day
Should be spent progressing righteously,
Marching forward step by step
To music and rhythm only God and I see.
Little precious daily moments
Sweeten what could be mundane and drab,
Enlightening us in-the-moment
So we become thankful for everything we have…
Beautiful, sweet smelling roses express
A feeling of fulfillment and peace;
In the presence of such sheer beauty,
God's Spirit whispers--then we know and see.
I did finally know that it is true that poverty is worth it if family
values and family love and living are at stake. They were. I would have
traded family life for continued public approval had I gone on with my
career.
When I was in college, we were taught
in our psychology classes that mental
ability was all 'downhill' after the age of
25. I did not like hearing that. It did not
feel right to me. It is wonderful that
current findings indicate that those who
continue to use their brains do not lose
their capacity to learn and think into old,
old age. We can control what we become. We can study
what we want to study and continuously learn all our lives. Make that
inner child happy studying that which is of intrinsic, eternal worth.
I feel that wherever we leave off developing any
attribute or branch of knowledge, we are stopped at that
age in that particular thing. We need to be patient with
our child within so that we can pick up where we left off
and learn without stress, as did the children under the
good teachers described. That is why I address the child
within in what I write.
It is good to realize that 'I possess all the brains
and abilities I ever had previously.' They may feel rusty from lack of
use, but I can develop what I wish. We can make our lives better by
realizing education is an eternal continual on-going process.
This idea of continually learning and being able to strengthen weak
places in our knowledge background was first just an idea. Then, it
became a potential theory. At the point of this writing, we know that
these ideas are correct. For example, an individual we met casually a
few years ago, went from high school scores which indicated average IQ
and no particular strong points to recent testing in the gifted range. I do
not believe people should be sorted into IQ groups. Doing so
automatically sets up a social division I don’t believe God approves of. t
Another went from high school scores of 115 to 152 later, in the
military. A change in attitude from playing around to consistently
studying made the difference.
Broaden your experience by dipping into diverse subjects and
vocational fields. Everything you learn can be of benefit to you. Do not
allow yourself to be idle or bored. Each of us has only a certain number
of minutes, hours, days and years here on earth. Liken it to money,
because we do spend time. It is best for us to make it as interesting, full
and rich as possible. We do have an accounting to be made to our
Creator for what we've done on earth when this life is done. While we're
still here, we can experience a renewed, different, enhanced life!
The following poem was written for women. However, the ideas
expressed are just as valid for men. We are all potentially great people.
We are all children of God, capable of increasing our knowledge and
experiences, making ourselves into beings worthy of going back into the
presence of God.
There is always a negative force implying that we cannot do it—
we cannot make a difference for ourselves or anyone else. We can
overcome feelings of defeat by just starting on something we wish to
learn or do. The opposition melts away when we pray for help and
proceed anyway.
Faith, hope and good works are all tangible solutions in making
progress. It is God's benevolent advice which we need to try out until
we are successful and no longer waste time and energy in defeatist
attitudes!
Each woman has deep inside
A beautiful being she often hides
Underneath layers of commonplace habits
Which have multiplied thickly like storybook rabbits-
Until she feels depressed and riven
With guilty fears…So sad she's given
Up any hope for relief, has come to feel
Jaded, useless, faded, unhappy, unreal…
Yet, that hidden being in cold-storage keep
Is waiting there in marvelous beauty, asleep
Waiting for her to unwrap her gifts, to believe
She can transform her self and utterly leave
All that is ugly and depressing behind
Reaching for her potential, her inner gold find…
As she emerges from her tight gray cocoon,
She'll find herself a butterfly, free to fly and bloom!
Reading becomes most enjoyable
and fluent when many new ideas pass
before one's eyes. Read book after
book…interesting, illustrated books. I
still like to read beginner children's books
which are well done. Often a sticky fact
that won't gel from a textbook is there
brilliantly explained in a simple child's
book. If a book isn't interesting to an adult, it will hold no charm for a
child either.
Drawing becomes more fluent when many different pictures are
offered, outlining and tracing before interest flags. Then, by doing your
own originals, which are the most interesting because they are yours.
Music reading is more easily and pleasantly accomplished when a
person works through hymns, my gifted cousin, Alice Brewer Sailey,
once instructed me…Just as children were formerly taught
to read from reading the Bible, extra help comes from
using God's words to praise Him.
I learned many important ideas from her. She had
traveled widely. She was privileged to take lessons from
some of the world's best piano and vocal teachers just
after World War II in Paris, France because she was an
army civilian employee and had money for lessons, which
the starving populace did not. She then passed her superb
training on to many others, unselfishly helping spread
improved singing and piano methods to the world. I miss her.
Read and experience many good things from what others have
written--things which will spark your interest and imagination. Ideas
flow when encountering and evaluating many bits of engrossing
information from widely diverse sources..
Help your child find answers to
questions he has. Keep dictionaries
and encyclopedias handy. Collect a
library of diverse good books.
Encourage him to feast when he is
intellectually 'hungry'.
Creative learning is that which
God directs. It goes on forever! It
makes life always vital and interesting,
always progressing.
Believe that the parable of the
talents in the Bible is true. It is easier for me to grow when I know that
God is personally interested.
I know He expects me to increase my talents as did the servant
who was given the five talents. The Parable also tells us that we will be
punished at some future date by having our talents given to another who
is more worthy if we do not increase them. Do not allow them to lie
buried and unused, unappreciated!
God is no respecter of persons. He does not play the 'favorites'
game. His rule as stated in the Bible in the Book of James is for us 'to
seek and find, knock and it shall be opened'…'Ask and ye shall receive.'
These are very fundamental, concrete directions to enable any child of
His to acquire what he feels is desirable and good to have.
Of course, there is a price to be paid. Expect to have obstacles to
overcome, hardships to endure and disappointments when you don't get
what you want when you think it is time. People often express
admiration for the patience of Job. They seem to think he went through
his trials without shedding any tears or expressing any tears negative
sentiments…evidently never reading his Lamentations. He was
rewarded in the end for still loving and believing in God, though he'd
'had it all' before it was taken away. It was a bitter experience.
So must we also taste the bitter to savor the taste of the sweet.
Such is part of God's plan for us here on earth so we will know for
ourselves what we are and how far we are willing to go for our Savior.
He gave all. Are we also willing to give our all to promote the Kingdom
of God? I told Him I would. I have. I am sharing what I have been
given.
Desire is the seed which can produce
genius--the door to fulfill the yearnings of
your soul. Genius may come in small
drops of golden ideas which flicker and
flash through the gray threads of our daily
existence. It is always present in the
background, waiting as potential. When
people become willing to move forward in
progression and are truly interested, then
that moment becomes vibrant. Our vital attention and concentration taps
into that waiting genius power. Ideas flow because of the unbroken,
unified projection of our minds upward toward God.
Up in front of audiences, I once felt the mighty power of an
audience who was 'with me' in spirit. I could feel them whirling with me
as I danced, lifting me higher as I leaped. Later as I conducted music at
church, I experienced the power of united voices singing beautifully,
even breathing as though they were one person. They sounded like a
choir of angels. At such times, I felt added strength and vitality flow
into me, so I was enabled to give a better performance beyond my
natural abilities.
I experienced the opposite as well. Not long after I danced in front
of a smiling, supportive audience, I was on stage doing a solo when I
noticed my legs and feet felt like dead weights. It was difficult to do the
steps to the music. No one smiled. There was no audience support. But,
I am grateful Heavenly allowed me to learn the
difference. My talents were the same. For some
reason, I failed to connect with the audience.
But, I learned a valuable lesson on unity.
The process of interaction is the same in
any subject setting. When learning is taking
place, the students literally soak up everything
offered like dry sponges will soak up water. They give back vitality--
payment for any sharing teacher or performer.
It is a big problem when people do not recognize their value or
their gifts or the fact that they can make a contribution to society in
spreading joy and happiness. Remember the parable of the talents?
Even though the talents mentioned were actually money and interest, the
process of having and developing talents is the same. The original
talents must be invested and increased. Some bury their talents. Others
increase their talents 500%.
The key is to pay
attention to those deep
feelings and desires you
have within. Listen as the
Spirit whispers to you,
stirring and nudging you
toward worthy goals which
will bless your life. Do
things you are interested in
and have never done
before. Try learning a new
language. Or dancing the hula, or learning about gears and wheels, or
writing a poem, or composing a song, or designing a piece of furniture…
All of us are potentially creative. All of us have gifts to develop.
In some, creativity is an active bubbling pot—yet in others, it lies as
dormant seeds which do not grow because they don't get planted and
watered. Unexperienced, the satisfaction that comes from discovering
and unfolding individual talents cannot be adequately described to one
who has not yet begun. Just start right where you are. Be aware that
you can 'water' your dormant ability seeds through prayer and constant
effort. They will become visible to you and grow into wonderful,
enlightening, satisfying talents.
Best of all, having fulfillment within yourself will enable you to
enjoy and learn from others' talents, without the destructive feelings of
envy and jealousy which do not belong in a perfected society. Envy
poisons creativity and stops joint cultural appreciation and advancement.
Love, joy and happiness can flow freely when unrestricted by
jealousy. Freed from poisonous emotions, sharing talents will promote a
higher, more noble civilization.
People I have expressed these ideas to know how impatient I have
been for people to pick up their waiting plow, cluck to their waiting
oxen and begin to plow their fertile ground. I know how wonderful and
peaceful the world will be when all are developing their gifts and talents
under the guidance of the Spirit
Since all good ideas come from God, it
is best to accept ideas as He sends them.
He has foreknowledge and a plan on how
to fit all His children into a productive,
happy society. He intends for us to
discover and live rich, rewarding lives.
The creative process will make you the
happiest. Just listen to what the Spirit tells
you to do to best progress. Just tick along
contentedly developing your abilities
Little by little, rhyme by rhyme
You will succeed in God's own time!
Little by little, rhyme by rhyme
Unfolding present becomes written line…
No encompassing miracle or seer,
Just at-the-moment living, the best today, here…
Little by little, a grain at a time
Ants move mountains of sand and climb
Over the obstacles left in their way—
Nature's pattern for a productive day!
An old, wise man once told me, "If you want to learn some new
subject quickly, just study it out a little. Then, start teaching what
you've learned to your kids. Keep one step, page or chapter ahead of
them. You'll find yourself developing at an enormously fast pace. You
will have to, because they
will be so interested, they'll
be running right on your
heels!"
I tried it out. I found
he was right. When I began
experimenting with creative
ideas and expanding my
talents, I first approached
my kids with learning to
play the piano. My children
had been taking beginner
lessons from a young
teacher who sent me out of
the room, which scared
them. They became
unhappy with the lessons, so I bought some beginner books and began to
work with them myself instead. They were very happy and picked up
tunes joyfully. Several years later, I found they could compose simple
sweet songs with surprising beauty.
We tried sewing with the same happy results because we were
working and producing simple projects together. (We began by making
bean bags.) We turned to learning to draw when my kids brought home
the article about the link between drawing and learning. My hours of
work preparing drawing projects would be gone like a puff of smoke.
The results in the children was boundless joy and enthusiasm.
Successful ventures made it possible for other ventures and
successes, providing the 'gas' to keep the creativity machine going.
Everyone glowed and talents grew with good, positive experiences.
As you carefully, cautiously step out on the water, you'll find your
children are very sharp. It will be all you can do with the aid of the
Spirit to keep ahead of them. After awhile, they will surpass you as a
teacher and learn on their own from other sources. You will have laid
the foundation for the future success your parenting job requires!
So, when is the best time to make a creative effort? You may be
wondering how to get it started. Chance often appears to play a role
here. A person may experience a whole poetic flow of beautifully
descriptive words while looking raptly at a gorgeous mountain valley or
a striking sunset. At such moments, the flow seems to come unbidden,
spontaneously.
But, in analyzing
such moments—what
is actually happening
is that a person's
attention in that
moment is wholly
concentrated on one
thing—breathtaking
beauty! The Bible
talks about using one's
whole heart, might and
mind in the service of
the Lord. It appears
that the only time this
criteria is met is in moments of pure beauty which catches our attention
so completely the Spirit of the Lord can 'break through' our usual
mundane thoughts and acts with words and images that are truly spiritual
and uplifting.
"Low self esteem and image" is a huge topic these days. The answer
does not lie in pills and doctors. Rather, by creating something under the
inspiration of the Spirit. This is so fulfilling to one's 'inner man', that this
creative act bypasses and obliterates that problem because the partnership
with God in producing a project that uplifts, dispels those dark clouds..
After trying, praying and practicing for a time, you
will be blessed with success. Creativity can be
applied to every daily job you must do. Doing so,
will make living worthwhile and full of JOY,
fulfilling the scriptural edict that "man is that he
might have joy, and have it more abundantly." We
can choose to be creative and joyous, filling our lives
with such positive things that there will no longer be
room for anything but happiness!
God expects us to become great, positive transmitter/receivers of
good—Good thoughts, good examples, and good deeds. God expects us
to make changes for good on the earth.
We can't all sit in the seats of power! But, we can all learn to change
the negatives we receive by refusing to just react and send back like for
like, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Once when we re paying
for guidance, Kay and I were asked to serve Jesus at the bottom rung of
the church—Jesus needed plain ordinary workers. He already had enough
offering to be the leaders in the pre-existence. We said, 'Sure." We knew
our reward would be the same, no matter where we served. It has been a
fantastic journey, because no one puts on a façade to impress us. We
learned about human nature without it being hidden and disguised.
"SO, how does the Savior really want me to be?" If you don't know
Him all that well, pray and ask Him what He wants of you. Since God is
no respecter of persons, you can be sure He will answer you, for He's
answered others' sincere prayers. Including mine.
It is difficult for anyone to make a dent in harnessing their natural
man. But, Jesus overcame all. If we ask for His mercy, He will enable us
to make good changes with His help and advice. With His help, we can
become good. We can become happy. W can make a difference!