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Monday, July 19, 2010

I'm so happy you've stopped by my blog today.  I'm celebrating a new look and a devotion running called "Rediscovering Creativity."   So welcome!  If it's your first time here, please look around and post a comment.  I've love to hear from you. 

If you are one of my bloggy friends, I've been silent for awhile as I put the finishing touches on my blog.  Or actually, I should say the brilliant and creative Carol Poortvliet put the finishing touches on it.  If you are ever in need of someone to redesign your blog, or do any graphic design work, I highly recommend Carol.  She's a hard-working mother of two, running her business from home to be there for her family.  She's an amazing Christian woman who does almost all the design work for Proverbs 31 Ministries, including our magazine.  I adore her. And she always inspires me with her creativity.

Anyway, this blog truly reflects me.  I love anything cottagey,  romantic and vintage.  I know that's not very popular these days, but it's really who I am.  If I could transplant an English cottage to my current city, I would.  Except for the fact I live in Phoenix, and it will probably hit 110 degrees today, and all those vines that would be growing over my cottage would die in this heat.  A girl can dream, right? 

On to creativity ...

If you've read any of my past blog posts, you'll know I don't consider myself very creative - even though I think I should be, given I'm a writer.  You can catch up on my oddities in this post.   If you read it, you'll see that I've always been confused by myself, specifically my strengths and weaknesses.  Years ago, when I worked in public relations, we often had to set up special events.  Don't you normally think of PR people as creative?  I did, and I thought I should be. However, the truth was if anything creative came out of me, it was because I worked with very creative people.  But I always compared myself to them, and came up short.  Recently, I've taken a different look at creativity. 

It happened when I read the book "Linchpin" by  Seth Godin.  While it's essentially a business book (which I love being left-brain uber-dominated) Godin throws out a challenge to this generation of people wanting to make a difference.  He says that the world is looking for artists - in every genre of society. But sadly, we've had the artist baked out of us.  And it's happened, he says, because of schools.

Now don't get upset.  I love schools and I love teachers.  I come from a family of teachers and professors. But he's got a point.  We get very good at learning to take a test.  We learn what the teacher wants, and then give it to him or her to get the grade we need to pass the class and move on to the next teacher.  I'm a great student.  But it has hindered my creativity.  

I see this same phenomenon on some of my favorite reality shows, like American Idol or Next Food Network star.  The judges are looking for the performer or chef to show them their unique style.  But so many of them don't know what that looks like.  I cringe when I hear them say something like, "What kind of music do you want me to do?"  "What do you think my culinary point of view should be?" 

Be authentic!   Be yourself!  Let yourself go and be your own remarkable self!

God planted art and creativity in each of us.   Maybe we need to shake off the fear of the test, and discover the artist within us.  And we can be artistic in any given area of our lives - cooking dinner, caring for children, sewing clothes, managing an office or teaching school. You probably don't want to be creative with your taxes, though. 

To celebrate creativity in the kitchen, I'm giving away a really cute apron by Mary-Lake Thompson with a beehive design on the front.  Just leave a comment WITH a way for me to contact you, and I'll pick a winner at random and announce it on Wednesday.

Thanks again for visiting!

In Christ's love,

Glynnis

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reminder that we are creative beings made in the image of a creative God.

Peace and Blessings!

Dorothy

dparker@msn.com

Gazhoo said...

I really enjoy reading your blog, it is very useful for us. Valuation Model Template.

Sharon Sloan said...

Glynnis: I LOVE the fresh and new design for your blog! Carol is the best! So glad it really reflects who God made you to be!! It is gorgeous!!

Now...I need to go be "creative in the kitchen" and whip up some breakfast for the cherubs.....

Judi said...

I love being creative. The problem is I have so many ideas and so little time. This is when I have learned to wait on the Lord. His timing is always perfect.

Sylvia Goode Basham said...

Your devotion today described me to a T! God knows when to send apples of gold my way from friends and strangers...and He knows when I need a long drive in the car by myself with just Him. It's amazing how He will speak to me when I quiet down and listen :-) Thanks for the devo today.

L said...

I found myself agreeing with so many of your statements. Thank you Glynnis. I too felt like the creativity was baked out of me when I was younger and then as I matured, I found myself being too much of a perfectionist to try anything new. Thankfully God showed me He has a different view of creativity. For me, being creative is simply expressing my love for Him whether it be cooking up something in the kitchen for my loved ones or strolling through an art museum marveling at the beautiful talents He has planted in different artists. I have to say though, His wonderful creations in nature ( a sunset, the ocean, autumn leaves) are still by far the most inspiring and always draw me closer to Him. Thanks for reminding me to draw closer to Him for refreshing of not only my spirit and soul but my creativity as well.

Deanna said...

I love your new blog look!!!! Great post, too. Lately I've been feeling like all the creativity has been sucked out of me. Love my family, but I really need to charge!

Linda F. said...

Hi!

I am actually in need of an apron!

Thanks!

lrm0568@hotmail.com

Kayann said...

I have to admit that I am not wild about Picasso's artwork, but I agree wholeheartedly with his statement that "every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up" I think that includes the ability to wonder with gratitude at the most minute aspects of God's creation. Perhaps, seeing with the eyes of the heart involves just such a creative vision! Thanks for your reminder!

LeeBird3 said...

Love the new look, Glynnis!

I could really relate to your devotional today.

I've found that my creativity is directly proportional to how much time I'm spending with my Creator!

See you soon at She Speaks...Sweating along with you in AZ, LeeBird

Jennifer said...

Glynnis - your new blog design is fabulous- so fresh, so unique! Love it!!! This re-do, in itself, provides inspiration and encouragement to even those of us who have for too long let our creative juices dry up and stop flowing. I'm an elementary teacher by profession and passion but the fed and state budget "crises" have forced me out of the classroom. This has truly crushed my spirit and shriveled my creative roots. But, no more whining! Thank you for allowing God to use you to provide vision and inspiration to so many of us languishing here in the desert! God bless you mightily!

Barbara said...

Creativity- this grandmother is too busy to think....maybe I need
to take time for myself!!!
Thanks for the thoughts.
Barbara
danbar59@yahoo.com

Doris said...

Creativity seems to be a thing of the past for me......thanks for the reminder of it's importance!

lisa farrah said...

Dear Glynnis,
I love your pretty page. I enjoyed reading about our creativity I needed a reminder. Hope you consider me for the apron giveaway.
Lisa

Lynn Cowell said...

Glynnis,
This sounds crazy but this happened to me yesterday while shopping for some new clothes. With events coming up, I need some new things, yet I couldn't seem to find anything that said ME! Maybe I don't know what that looks like, but I think some of it has to do with finding my own unique style. Not my friends, not my husband's, but Lynn's.
Thanks for the input and I LOVE your new look!
Lynn

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Oh Glynnis,

Your new site is absolutely beautiful! It so perfectly reflects your style and sense of creativity.

Wow... I just love it!

Wendy Blight said...

Oh, Glynnis, I just LOVE this. It reflects your heart and personality beautifully!!!

I love what Dorothy said "we are creative beings made in the image of a creative God." Today you celebrate that creativeness, and we celebrate with you.

See you in a little over a week. Can't wait!!


Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Pope said...

Celebrating your "new look" Glynnis. So happy for you. Have a great day and enjoy the celebration as others share with you.

Dana said...

Glynnis,
I enjoyed your devo today. I needed to hear it because Bible School is fast approaching and I have no creative ideas as of yet. I love the new look of your blog!! I also like vintage and cottage styles. I think its very in right now. I've been visiting several blogs that are all about vintage. How fun! They even dress in vintage dresses. I LOVE IT!!! Anyhoo, I think you are very creative and always love to see your name on P31 Devo's. Thanks for the encouragement you always give.

Love in Christ,
Dana

Spring M Fricks said...

I LOVE the new layout. It's perfect.

Melissa @ Half Dozen Mama said...

I really enjoyed your post. The ebb and flow of my creative juices frustrates me at times. But I've become more aware of what brings inspiration and what zaps it. I appreciated what you shared. I'm going to check my library for that book. I love business books and figuring out how they relate to my life as a mom and homeschool teacher. And thanks for the great giveaway. We are beekeepers with 4 hives on our acre intown. Would love that apron!!!

Melanie said...

Hi Glynnis, I LOOOve it! So fun to see, and yes Carol does amazing work!
I love your post. I too think creativity is so important, needs to be cultivated and guarded. Creativity takes time, yet so many women don't allow themselves the white space creativity needs. I think I've learned to schedule that time in, just time for me, whether it's creativity in writing in my journal, writing a devo, planting in the garden or kitchen - ha! those don't happen very often for me - or just creativity in our wardrobes. It's important!

Anonymous said...

Good morning Glynnis! I love the new look of your blog! I love being creative. I can sew, scrapbook, I can do lots of things creative but I decided a few months ago that surely...SURELY...since I am a pretty creative person that I could learn to paint....so far...nope! :) Thanks for the encouragement!

Tasha
tcantrell@choctawnation.com

Karen Ehman said...

Your new blog is such a mirror. It perfectly reflects you and Jesus :-) Can't wait to see you soon!!!!

Edwina said...

Hi Glynnis,

Love the new look! And I always enjoy reading your blogs.

edwina[dot]cowgill[at]yahoo[dot]com

Tammy at Witt's End said...

Thanks so much for the devotional and I love the new look of the blog. I've been struggling lately with some of the same issues about creativity and your words really spoke to me. Thanks, Tammy

Anonymous said...

I too want to be creative. Thanks for the reminder that all creativity comes from our awesome God.

bcv@glasgow-ky.com

Grace said...

Glynnis,
Thank you for your devotion and blog post today. Your words and the scripture were a balm to my soul!
I also love aprons. That has been a creative thought in my mind for quite awhile, to design aprons for all ocassions.
I like your new blog design, too!
Have a blessed day!
Grace :)

Shari Braendel said...

Oh Glynnis I LOVE your new site! And I love that you choose to do your site in a way that reflects YOU...cause that's what matters. I wish I could be creative in the kitchen but Lucky Charms is about as creative as I can get...but I can help pick out clothes....LOL! Loved your devo today...love your new site...and can't wait to see YOU at She Speaks!

ElaineDavis said...

beautiful new look : )
I'd love to win a cute new apron too!
blessings ~ jdgerigg@centurylink.net

Anonymous said...

Oh I would so love to win...Thanks for you post today on P31 and your blog, I love it too! The red checkered pattern...Vintage...I love the old farm houses etc...look. Front porch with rocking chairs and flowers in glass vase on the table with blue checkered table clothe :-)
Creativitiy...hmm...I'm at a non creative point this month....

Anonymous said...

What you said today hit home with me--I am good at doing tests or what people expect me but it's quite a challenge to be myself--I think I've hidden it for so long.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Jennifer
jroba5@yahoo.com

K. Langston said...

Hi, Glynnis! Loved your P31 devotion today. I'm coming out of a year plus of writers block. Glad to know that we all go through these periods from time to time.

Love the new website, too!

PS: My sister is in Show Low, AZ this week on a missions trip to a reservation... no air conditioning, she says! I haven't been out there, but it's a big step for her. She says the land is very beautiful. Anyway, see you soon,

Kelly

K. Langston said...

Hi, Glynnis! Loved your P31 devotion today. I'm coming out of a year plus of writers block. Glad to know that we all go through these periods from time to time.

Love the new website, too!

PS: My sister is in Show Low, AZ this week on a missions trip to a reservation... no air conditioning, she says! I haven't been out there, but it's a big step for her. She says the land is very beautiful. Anyway, see you soon,

Kelly

Artist said...

I am new here and like your blog. Speaking about creativity is so important, we never should stop doing it and living it. I am painting through synesthesia which makes me see colors when I hear a name or a number. Colors are my life.

Toni said...

Loved your devotional. God must be speaking to me...a comment made by the pastor yesterday said that In the beginning God "created", and He is still in the creation business by the amazing ideas He gives to us...I need to remember the cool ideas are His and should have the confidence and faith (in Him) to step out of my comfort zone and see what happens!! Thanks for your faithfulness.

Anonymous said...

I love the design for the blog.
I feel that God has given me creativity as a refuge from trials of everyday life. I love to quilt and sew. It is a big stress reliever for me. I feel closer to God and it brings back such good memories of time with my Grandmother!
Tina
same5@same5@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reminder that creativity comes in many shapes and sizes. As women we all have talents and should not minimized the ones that are not in the limelight.

Sue

sbiddle@bju.edu

Sarah said...

This reminded me of when you were teaching and told us to write from our own voice then gave the analogy of how when you wrote for your old boss you lost your voice so she wouldn't mark it up with her red pen.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your blog. I like to think I can be creative. I enjoy scrapbooking and beading. Lately I have actually taked time to scrapbook & make cards. I also enjoy baking and that apron would be a great prize. Thanks for all your encouragement.
Blessings,
grammy.25@comcast.net

Anonymous said...

I have been so encouraged by your blog. It's been on my heart to write for some time, but then I begin to doubt that I have anything to write that is worthy. You have reminded me that I am a creative person created by a creative God, to do His good will. Thank you so much!

Mary flyaway3farm@aol.com

Kim said...

Love the new look for the blog!
Kim

micca campbell said...

Glynnis, your new look is SOOOO you! Carol did a fabulous joy. I'm emailing her today!
I pray God uses your blog to continue to touch and encourage many!

love you and can't wait to hug your neck in just a few days!!

Sandi said...

i love your new look!

Shelly said...

Thanks Glynnis! I needed to hear that today. I'm feeling very uncreative as I prepare for She Speaks. I'm feeling very defeated and under a heavy cloak of spiritual warfare.

Would you say a prayer for me?

I would also love to have change to win your cute apron!

I love being creative in the kitchen!

Shelly
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
photogssc@yahoo.com

DaisyTea said...

I suppose somebody has already won the apron, but I just wanted to pop in to say ... THANK YOU!!! Thanks for speaking a relevant word into my life today (actually, the past few days, as I have read your Prov 31 devotional every day since I came across it in my email box on Monday!) God is speaking to *me* about creativity in my life as well. I know what I am supposed to - and want to - do, but there is a block somewhere. I feel the Lord is ready to open this specific door for me now... I am praying for creativity. I will be checking your blog while you are continuing your series on Creativity. Thanks so much!

DaisyTea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Molly said...

Oops, I have been super busy this week with no time to read my fave blogs so I probably missed out on your giveaway. (Which I would give to my highly creative and talented daughter-in-law! Smile!)
Thank you for your reminder that we all do have creativity within us. I look at artists and musicians and craftsmen and think "Oh, I could never do what they do." That is a true statement for I am not gifted in any of those areas.

However, God has gifted me with a way with words and with a love of cooking yummy meals for my family. Instead of yearning after someone else's talents, I have learned to simply enjoy those He has given me. You know, life's a lot more fun this way!