I apologize for taking an extra week with this, but I’ve developed a Ganglion Cyst right in the joint on top of my right wrist. And yes, I’m right handed. So typing, and pretty much most things are slow and painful. I’m beginning to adjust to how to work with this, although, I’m praying it heals without the need for doctor interference. I just don’t like needles. At all.
Anyway, let’s continue with The Creative Call study. The first week’s assignment was to read the Foreword, Preface, and Introduction. I’ll share some quotes that stood out, along with some notes I wrote in the margins. I’d love for you to share in the comments or link your posts on the week one post. Plus, we can share in the Facebook group.
Foreword:
“Artistic and creative thinkers have helped shape our society!” – Thomas Blackshear
My thoughts:
The world would be dull without art and creativity. Seriously, can you imagine no music, no art, no poetry…beauty abounds because of art and creativity, and the Creator who put it within us.
I underlined a few things Thomas Blackshear shared in his Foreword because he had some encouraging gems of wisdom. We need to remember that being an artist is about the journey more than the product. The more we focus on growing in our specific medium(s), always learning, practicing often, the more we will see a natural maturing in our gifts.
Introduction:
“If God has given us the gift of creativity, ‘much is required’ in the way of our using it to his glory.”
“Our gifts are not from God to us, but from God through us to the world.”
“We need to realize that only through losing ourselves and becoming reliant on God can we discover how to use those gifts the way he wants us to use them. We will find the artist God intends us to be when we empty ourselves of self and become open to his plan and to the inspiration of his Holy Spirit. Only then will we experience personal artistic revival.”
My thoughts:
Where does one begin? The introduction is loaded with good stuff, and wonderful ideas for getting the most out of this study. I found myself inspired to be bold creatively in Christ. Some things that stood out –
1. It’s so important to learn the how before we can add to or make it our own.
2. God and I are partners in creativity.
3. Losing ourselves and becoming dependent on God in all areas of our lives including creativity is key to becoming the artist and person he has called us to be.
I’m really looking forward to getting into the meat of the study this week.
Please share your thoughts here in the comments or in the Facebook group page. Don’t forget to link up on The Creative Call Week One post if you’ve written a post related to the study. If you are reading this in an email, click through to link up or join the conversation.
This week’s assignment:
Week two: Read and work through Chapter 1. Continue writing in your Daybook if you started already.Come back and link up on this post at the end of the week. Look for my recap of week two next weekend.