Archives for September 2014

September—in all of its back-to-business glory—lends itself to fresh creativity. We’ve all put summer escapes behind us and are busy diving in to regular routines and new challenges. The very nature of the season re-energizes us. And fresh energy many times sparks creativity.

Some may think creativity is beyond them, but that’s just not the case. Since scripture tells us that we are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27) and since we know that God is the Master Creator, we must believe that creativity sounds its drumbeat within each of us. True, the drumbeat will be different in intensity and rhythm from person to person, but we all have God-given creative potential.

So what are some practical ways we can we spark our creativity and fan that flame that’s within us? At one of our Fellowship of Christian Writers group meetings this summer, our president, Elece Hollis, presented a program of tips on being more creative in our writing. I’m sure these tips will spark creativity in other areas, too, though, so with Elece’s permission, I’d like to share a few of my favorites with you. Why not give them a try!

1) Read, read, read—books outside your interest, books on your craft, books for other ages (like children’s story books), the Bible, etc.

2) Allow curiosity to be your indulgence—stop and look at interesting things, take a different route, ask questions, look it up, etc.

3) Use all five senses to observe the world in your own backyard—notice details that you would normally miss, focus on increasing your sensory perception, etc.

4) Try new things—taste new foods, take up a new hobby, learn a new skill, do things you were once afraid to do, etc.

5) Go see art—visit an art museum on every trip you take, view art collections online, visit all art museums in your locale, find other local art, etc.

6) Try some hands-on creating—cooking, gardening, sewing, woodworking, pottery making, crafting, painting, drawing, photography, etc.

7) Get outside and enjoy nature and expose yourself to beauty—revitalize through fresh air and taking a walk, treat your senses to the wonder and beauty of God’s creation.

8) Change your environment—travel, see life through another person’s eyes, try writing (or other work) in a different place (the park, a café, a bookstore, a garden), redecorate your home or office, etc.

9) Schedule some time off every week—don’t make plans until the last minute, maybe walk or just sit and relax, be refreshed by unscheduled minutes.

This summer I’ve been lucky enough to live out several of these tips. I traveled to places I’ve never been before, visited an art museum, and enjoyed nature in a national park, a botanical gardens, and a zoo. And I got to enjoy my hobby of photography while doing it all—and yes, these experiences sparked my creativity!

Join me, won’t you, and try some of Elece’s creativity tips over the next few months. Let’s allow the sparks to fly! (Thanks, Elece, for all the tips!)

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Psalm 33:3

*What are some other ways to spark creativity?

*Photo by my husband Don