2003-12-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

when we say something is creative, it's often because it reveals something we didn't expect. it's a fresh perspective--it shows something in a way we hadn't thought of it before.

randomness produces the unexpected. that's why randomness & spontaneity works so well in the creative process. and that's why we should build randomness into our creative processes....so we can make new connections, original ideas, unforeseen outcomes, et cetera.

try this: pick a spiritual subject (anything--prayer, truth, whatever). then close and open your eyes and write down the first thing you see. then listen to and describe in one word the first sound you hear. then find a photograph of someone you know and write down the first word that comes to mind that describes what that person must be feeling.

now look at your list of four words. what do those words have in common? how can those four words link together? what significance does one word bear on the others? what truth can you decipher from some connection of those words? just think about these questions, ask others, and write down all your thoughts.

then do it again. try it with a friend. this is just an exercise to get your mind thinking on unexpected levels.

2003-07-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

this is my very first post on my new blog. i don't have much to say yet, but just give me a few days. i plan to use this blog to post thoughts and ideas about things i'm involved in, such as creativity, christianity, the arts, etc. if i notice something interesting i'll post it. if i have an epiphany, i'll post it.

anyone who visits this blog in the months ahead can count on getting a host of random thoughts related to my upcoming book titled "holy wow: boost your youth ministry creativity," published by group publishing.

jeffwhite