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!