Creativity Series #2: Creating for the Right Reasons (and the Invisible Woman)

A few weeks ago, I shared the inspiring video that I watched in 2010 that impacted me so greatly that it is still influencing how I view and prioritize creativity in my life. That talk made creativity a guide, a conscious decision, a joyful responsibility, and a comfort, instead of a guilty and rarely used pleasure in a busy life.

The same year I heard that talk, a friend of mine named Julia introduced me to a beautiful five-minute motivational speech called "The Invisible Woman." The speaker, Nicole Johnson, shares inspiration that applies to men, women, and children.

In our lives, we will sometimes - even frequently - be overlooked for the beautiful contributions we make to the world around us. At times, to add insult to injury, someone else will be applauded for our efforts. We may not all feel a need for validation or credit, but depending on our personalities and the effort we put into our contribution, there are times that we will feel like we have done big, hard things, or small, loyal things, all in vain, whether as a parent, a child, a student, an employee, a volunteer, or a neighbor. This feeling of being invisible, overlooked, and unappreciated may discourage us from creating the next time, but there is always a place and value for creation.

In the scriptures, the brother of the Prodigal Son felt this way when his father threw a celebration for his prodigal brother that had returned, when he, the older brother, had been laboring diligently for years, creating a home and a living for his family, and had never had a party thrown for him. While it is true that his father had likely not thrown him a party for his loyalty for all those years, his father simply and gently reminds him, "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine." (Luke 15:11-32).



I love Nicole's speech for the way it reminds us that what we do is never in vain. When we choose to live to personal high standards, when we choose to create because of the beauty and value of creating, and not for other good but lesser reasons, we can find true joy.

May we be like Shiblon, a man referenced in the Book of Mormon by Michael T. Ringwood for being "a person who sacrificed his time, talents, and effort to help and lift others because of a love for God and his fellowmen (see Alma 48:17-19; 49:30)." (Michael T. Ringwood, Truly Good and Without Guile.)

Watch this beautiful speech to understand what it means that we are building a great cathedral, that we are creating for Him.

Give Said the Little Stream

I've been thinking about 2 Corinthians 9:7, when Paul said, "for God loveth a cheerful giver." I am teaching some 6/7 year olds on Sunday about this topic, which resonates so strongly with me, especially for this age, where they start to do harder chores (than just putting their toys away), and when they are still learning to find joy in plain old, boring chores. I also see this being a great focus for a Primary Chorister activity, especially for a Primary Program song review.

We often talk about giving and charity in a separate context as cheerfully having a good attitude as we do life's boring chores, and I think they are closely related.

"Give Said the Little Stream" is a great way to talk about this lesson, whether taught at home in the family setting, by choristers on Sunday, or in small classes, like the one that I will be teaching.

Some thoughts on different ways to incorporate the song (which, by the way, was one of President Thomas S. Monson's favorite songs):

1. First of all, consider either singing "Give Said the Little Stream" together or watching this video that puts visuals with the song together.
> Whenever I sing this song with kids, I have them get up and spin or stand up and sit down whenever they sing the words "give" or words that start with "s" for bigger kids that know their letters.

2. Second, talk about what this song means:
> What are streams like? Are they still and quiet, or do they seem to dance and quietly go on their way? (the stream is "cheerful" ... and "God loveth a cheerful giver")
> How do streams bless the ground around it? (talk about the plants that grow, the animals that drink from it, etc.)

3. Ask the class to share examples of how we can give cheerfully

> You can make this into a fun activity by having children build something as they volunteer ideas. For example, it took me about a minute to cut out this flower in front of a meadow and stream. (The stream is feeding the flower.) Each child can put a petal on the flower as they share an example of one they can give cheerfully, or they can draw a petal that has something written on it already, and either have an opportunity to read it (with some help depending on the age) or elaborate on it.

> Older children can decorate and write instructions on petals to take home, so that they can build their own flower at home as they think about how they can cheerfully give. You can print out some examples or questions to give them ideas for what to write on the pedals:
- What chore does Mom or Dad have you do that you don't enjoy that you can do cheerfully this week?
- Can you say a prayer in the morning and have a prayer in your heart about having an opportunity to cheerfully give service?

> Choristers can put one song they are reviewing on each petal, briefly talk about what this song teaches, and talk about how as they are sharing their testimony through music during the Primary Program, they are giving as the stream gives. They can do this cheerfully with joy in their hearts about being missionaries preaching the gospel from their children's choir.

You can read more on my thoughts about what it means to be a cheerful giver here.

God Loveth a Cheerful Giver

I have been thinking a lot this week about this scripture, from a letter that Paul wrote to the people of Corin:

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul said, "for God loveth a cheerful giver."

Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash

Giving with the Right Attitude
When I read this scripture, it resonated with me so strongly. I am such a big believer that our attitudes about how we do things can make such a big impact on how we experience life, especially in church service, where many of us voluntarily accept responsibilities that can take upwards of 20+ volunteer hours a week depending on the time of the year. We have leaders voluntarily taking their weekend to take youth camping, pianists that must learn and practice multiple songs to play in music programs, teachers that study meticulously to prepare and teach lessons, and so forth.

We can do these things with a joyful heart for the good we can do in the world, or we can waste those precious hours bemoaning our sacrifice and bringing misery to our homes, our friends, and those we serve. When we take the time to look outward, when we choose to find and create joy, we bring joy to ourselves as well as to others. After all, the leader gets to go camping, the pianist practices and keeps their abilities strong, and the teachers increase their personal intelligence as they study and prepare.

Dallin H. Oaks said, "Although those who serve out of fear of punishment or out of a sense of duty undoubtedly qualify for the blessings of heaven, there are still higher reasons for service." He says this in the talk, "Why Do We Serve," that he gave in October 1984. I highly recommend this talk, as I couldn't quote every paragraph as I wanted to. I'll just quote one more thing from Elder Oaks - now President Oaks - to whet your interest in this talk: "When the prophet Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to choose and anoint one of the sons of Jesse as a new king for Israel, the Lord told him to reject the first son, though he was a man of fine appearance. The Lord explained, "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward apperance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Sam.16:7)"

I like that Elder Oaks clarifies that all service is good, but there is a higher way to serve. That higher way can benefit us personally when our hearts are open. I have a very good friend in the ward that was initially a stranger, that I wanted to serve by mainly trying to be a friend. She has been such a blessing in my life, and I am so grateful that I felt that I needed to get to know here better, because I have been so blessed by her friendship to me.

Changing Our Outlook
I know it's not always this simple but with baby steps, we can change our outlooks on how we serve.

Let me give an example with mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. Neither of these chores are  convenient - the lawn keeps growing, and the snow comes down whenever it wants to fall. I'm allergic to grass (terrible hay fever) and I get cold very easily. I can easily lay these burdens on my husband, and he would do them all. Or, I can just get the chores taken care of cheerfully, and know that it's a relief for him. I can think about how I love being outside, and with a busy schedule, it's  nice to have an excuse to be outside. I can think about how I used to pull my back a lot, and I'm excited that done right, both these activities are simple ways I can strengthen my back. I love to see the straight lines appear as I shovel through snow or mow a straight line. I love to know that I'm helping to make my part of the world a better place. I know I'm getting exercise, and that it's good for my lungs and heart to do these chore.

We've had opportunities to serve others while we've been outside mowing and shoveling, and accepted them as cheerful opportunities. I especially appreciate this because as we have been able to help neighbors with yard work and snow removal, we can remember when we first moved into the neighborhood, and were burdened with having just switched jobs and homes at the same time. We were so busy, and a kind neighbor mowed our lawn for us. Then another kind neighbor shoveled for us. It was nice to remember what that felt like when we returned the favor and "paid it forward."

This is a simple example but it takes us a step forward in everything we do in life - there are always cons, but when we focus on the pros, they can bring us so much joy.

Paul's Outlook
In the New Testament, Paul recites a list of things that has happened to him as he has preached the gospel in his travels - nearly 10,000 miles worth of travel, mostly by foot, in a twenty-five year period. He has been beaten, whipped, put in prison, threatened with death, etc. In 2 Corinthian 11:24-27 it says:

"24 Of the Jews five times received I ^aforty stripes save one.

25 Thrice was I ^abeaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own ^acountrymen, in perils by the ^bheathen, in ^cperils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In ^aweariness and ^bpainfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."

Understandably, then, Paul's attitude could be one of weariness. In fact, he even talks about a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7) that he wished for the Lord to remove from him (likely a reference to an infirmity that he is dealing with, though he doesn't specify) but then comments that the Lord has taught him that "for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8). His attitude, and his understanding that God loveth a cheerful giver propelled him through the important work he did while he was here on earth.

I want to close with the scriptures surrounding the quote about being a cheerful giver:

2 Corinthians 9:7-8:

"7 Every man according as he ^apurposeth in his heart, so let him give; not ^bgrudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a ^ccheerful ^dgiver.

8 And God is able to make all ^agrace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"

You can read some of my thoughts on how to teach this concept to children in families, classroom, and during singing time here on Give Said the Little Stream.

Come Follow Me for Sunday School: 1 Corinthians 14-16, 2 Corinthians 1-7

I taught in adult Sunday School today. It's my nature to research deeply on a topic that interests me, and take notes, so don't think I'm too crazy but I had 63 slides for today's lesson. Obviously, I didn't use every slide because that would mean spending less than a minute per slide during class. I also didn't read every item on every slide. I like to jump around and bring up relevant slides, and highlight something that is on the slide to encourage class discussion, so that we are edifying each other. The slides are a supplement to the discussion, not the focal point. So ... for those that were in my class and wanted to read more deeply what was actually on each slide, I've picked 11 out of 63 slides to share today. For those that aren't in my class, enjoy! I wish I could share all the wonderful comments and insights that really make the class.

These slides give some background on Paul and Joseph, and the context of writing to the people in Corinth (the more you understand about the writer of Corinthians, Paul, and what the people and city were like, the more you can understand his complex writing style):

Here are some of the topics that we discussed from 1 Corinthians 14-16 (we can and should edify each other, we can comfort our loved ones by teaching about the resurrection):

Here are some of our discussion topics from 2 Corinthians 1-7 (our trials can strengthen and bless us, we can forgive, godly sorrow is a blessing that leads to repentance and the healing power of the atonement):

I shared a video called "My Burden was Made Light" but only around the 3.40 minute mark to about the 6 minute mark: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/video/2010-07-14-forgiveness-my-burden-was-made-light?lang=eng because I thought it really helped give a valuable perspective on forgiveness, that this man, who had half of his family killed by a drunk driver, forgave because the atonement of Christ allowed him to and gave him the strength to forgive, and he wanted that so he could move on with his two surviving sons. 

I used two sources to make the below slide. The green circles are from the second source. Everything else is from President Uchtdorf's 2013 talk.

Understanding Saul (Who Became Paul) Helps us Love and Teach Much of the New Testament

(Note for choristers: song recommendations at the end.)

Paul is the author of a good chunk of the New Testament after the Four Gospels and Acts, of which he plays a big role. He authored many of the books because they are the epistles (letters) that he wrote to people in various areas, in order from his longest epistle (Romans) to his shortest epistle. In many cases, these were people that he wanted to talk to, but he wrote letters until a time that he could go visit them, since he couldn't easily or quickly travel to these different locations, and often, there was work to be done where he was already at, or it was dangerous for him to travel to certain areas.

When I think of Paul's epistles, I think of King Benjamen in the Book of Mormon, and how when he spoke from a tower, his words were written down so that those who were further and not within reach of his voice would be able to "hear" his message. I also think about General Conference today, and how the words from our prophet and leaders can be broadcast around the world, and also printed into the Ensign in multiple languages so that all can partake of these wonderful messages that teach and uplift. Back then, Paul had to write a letter (often with the help of a scribe), then send someone (often his scribe, it appears) to deliver the letter. 

I'm fascinated by a few aspects about Paul though. There were many men and women in the scriptures who willfully chose evil, and who did not change their ways before they died. For instance, Lot's wife, who left the evil city of Gomorrah, but looked back longingly and was turned into a pillar of salt. Then there's Saul (who became Paul), who the Lord saved to become a missionary for the gospel, and even went to extra efforts to save. Rather than letting him die a foolish man, "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" (Acts 9:1), he speaks to Saul, saying "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Acts 9:4). After this experience, Saul is unable to see for three days. The Lord then sends Ananias to heal him. Ananias says, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to they saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name." (Acts 9:13-14). In other words, Ananias seems to be thinking, "Um, he's evil. He hates good. Are you sure you want to give him his sight back, and give him more opportunity to destroy followers of God?"

The Lord answers, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." (Acts 9:15-16)

This fascinates me. Why would the Lord save Saul and not Lot's wife? Was it because unlike Laman and Lemuel from the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi), the Lord knew that Paul would listen when given the opportunity to learn? (And in fact, the Lord did send angels to speak to Laman and Lemuel - and then they didn't listen.) (Jeffrey R. Holland has an excellent take on Lot's wife here, but that's a different topic, so click on the link if you want to read further.)

Also, how could Saul have been taught by Gamaliel but be so unlike Gamaliel in fairness? In Acts 22:3, it says that Paul was "brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel." Gamaliel was a respected Pharisee, a lawyer ("a doctor of the law"), and unlike some of the Pharisees in the scripture, he didn't seem to persecute others, but rather the opposite. In Acts 5:34-39, Gamaliel saves Peter and John from being stoned to death, not because he sides with Peter and John but because he reasons to the others that Peter and John are either fake, and their preachings will "come to naught," or they are of God, and, "if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."(Acts 5:39). I love his reasoning here. If we could think the same way, how much fighting and anguish could we prevent in the world? 

If Gamaliel was so reasonable, why was Paul so seemingly vengeful, where he was actively looking for people to throw in jail?

In "Paul, Untiring Witness of Christ," from August 1999, David Rolph Seely and Jo Ann H. Seely share, "A zealous Pharisee, Saul saw it as his religious duty to protect Judaism from apostasy. Because the Pharisees considered Christianity a heretical sect of Judiasm, he viewed his persecution of Christians as an attempt to defend Judaism."

On the road to Damascus, Saul underwent a great change. From defending Judaism to realizing that he was still fighting for God but he was going about it in the wrong way, with the wrong doctrine. He mourned the decisions he had made that hurt innocent people and he loved passionately the children of God, which is all men. He wanted to save everyone, and he served a life-long mission after that experience on Damascus, trying to prepare people to return to the Kingdom of Heaven when they left this mortal world.

He was deeply mournful of his earlier bad works, and spent the rest of his life helping others through missionary work.

In 1 Corinthians 15:9-11, he calls himself the least of the apostles because, "I persecuted the church of God." He then goes on to say, "But by the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

In 2 Corinthians 2:4, he said, "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you."

When you understand that Paul was teaching something he was passionate about because he cared, and that what he was teaching was new for him and new for the people he taught - how does that change how you read Romans, Corinthians, and all of his other epistles? His language can still be tough to read at times but that context along strengthens the understanding of the topics and the gravity in which he focuses on themes like forgiveness, why our trials can be a blessing (2 Corinthians 1:37; 4:6-10, 17-18, 7:4-7), not judging others (Romans 14), and more.

Teaching Children Through Music
Share some of the background on Paul's story, then let children draw from some topic cards. Each card can contain a simple scripture and topic that Paul taught about - which can be associated with a song for children to sing in review.

Examples:

1 Corinthians 14:3 - Paul taught us to teach
Sing "Teach Me to Walk in the Light"

1 Corinthains 15:22 - In Christ, all are made alive
Sing "I Know My Father Lives"

1 Corinthians 15:40-42 - The Celestial Kingdom
Sing "I Lived in Heaven"

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 - Our trials can be a blessing
Sing "He Sent His Son"

2 Corinthians 2:10 - Forgive others
Sing "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus"

Creativity Series #1: We Can All Create Joy

Back in 2010, I wrote a post on my private family blog about what a tough year I'd had (because of a stressful work situation), and what I had leaned on to help me overcome that difficult year. My faith and my family have always been my rock in overcoming trials but that year, I began to prioritize creativity. I was creative to help me with moments of frustration and stress. I used creativity to find ways to make others happy. I used creativity to make home a happier place. I used creativity a year later, when I was asked to be a children's music chorister, to focus on making sure the children enjoyed singing and the songs that they were learning.

Many of my readers are children's choristers, since this is how my blog started. Some of these choristers don't play an instrument and some struggle to read music. Some of them don't like to make things. Some don't feel like they can sing. Some don't like to stand in front of groups and be the center of attention. Any one of these traits can make being a chorister tough. However, in the talk that has influenced me so much for nine years now, when Dieter F. Uchtdorft was speaking to women around the world (but this applies to men), he said, "No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. Everyone can create. You don't need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty." (Happiness, Your Heritage, November 2008. Ensign.)

Uchtdorft goes on to say that to those who say they are not "the creative type," everyone can create. He gives examples of different ways that people can create, not just with a brush, a pen, or a piano, but by what we can bring with us, to our homes and other places; harmony, memories, and laughter, to name a few examples. We can all create, and it doesn't have to be perfect.

I have always loved the creation process, with the arts being my favorite topics in school, and various creative interests and achievements to back up that interest. However, in 2010, after hearing this talk, I began to give creativity the place of honor it deserved, instead of acting like it was a treat to be enjoyed rarely.

I started this blog in 2011 to document how I was using creativity as a new Primary chorister. I began to draw and write more. When it came time to move to a new job in 2016, I weighed my offers, then was inspired in prayer to choose the job that would allow me to be more creative. That same year, I sold my first children's book (and third book overall) to a publisher. I started an Instagram account called @iliketocreatestuff. The following year, I sold another children's book to a publisher. I continue to create, and prioritize creativity in my life. I garden, draw, cook, write, work on ways to teach from the scriptures that generates excitement in my students on Sunday, make hand-outs for students in church, and more. Last year, I worked with a couple of musicians to write the lyrics for two different songs. In short, I let creativity be a big part of my life. I do this because it brings me joy, and it can bring others joy.

I want to emphasize again though that you don't have to enjoy making the "obvious" things to create. I love being around someone with super dry wit. That is its own brand of creativity and always makes me laugh (when I get the joke ... easy to miss with particularly brilliant dry types, ha).

Creativity, as Uchtdorf says, is an opportunity to "improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

Please take a moment to watch this short video called "Create," which features excerpts from the full talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I recommend you watch the video, then read (or listen to) the entire talks. This video is less than 2 minutes of your time. I hope that like me, you'll walk away energized to make your life better, and the lives around you better, by focusing on what kinds of things you personally like to create.

Being Creative with Music
In Singing Time, one fun thing you can do is talk about being creative and even show this two-minute video. Then, sing some fun songs about creation and creativity, hopefully with a fun creative twist, like asking children to help make up motions for the song.

Some kids will make wacky motions so there's two things to combat this - either ask kids as a class to make the motion they think goes with the words and just pick one that makes sense to you, or if a child raises their hand and you choose them, and then they suggest something wacky, ask them why they chose it. They will often have a good reason!

All Things Bright and Beautiful
My Heavenly Father Loves Me
For the Beauty of the Earth