One of the questions I often ponder is if creativity is part of the sanctification process. What I mean by that is, since Jesus is creative, as we grow to be more like him, will we grow to be more creative. We could ask the same question of our ability to reason, organize, manage money, etc. I realize countless people do those things well and reject God, so they are not guaranteed indicators of sanctification. However, it is difficult for me to believe we will not be more creative in heaven when we have been fully transformed into the image of Christ.
One thing we do know for sure is that imagination and creativity are communicable attributes, and the more we engage in them, the more his image shows forth in us. For the believer, however, all creativity must be directed toward truth and beauty. Since God is the standard of what is true and beautiful, true creativity is always directed toward him.
My daughter, Christine Eaton, who has been a guest writer here before, see The Ache of Autumn, also believes these truths and desires to help children grow in their ability to use their imagination and creativity. She is currently a senior at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, CA. Providence is a Christian institution whose mission is to equip students to be firmly grounded in biblical truth, thoroughly educated in the liberal arts, and fully engaged in their church, their community, and the world for the glory of God and service to humanity.
When you mix that kind of education with the gifting and desire the Lord has given her to be a children’s author, good things are going to happen. Pulling all of this together, she has written a new children’s book called, It Starts with a Stick. The reason why she has written the book and the accompanying teacher’s guide as her senior capstone project, is to engage the culture for the glory of God.
I am excited to announce that the Kickstarter for It Starts with a Stick went live yesterday, and we need your help to reach the goal. You can help by donating or by helping us get the word out by sharing this post or her Kickstarter page. The good news is that the tiers for giving are so low, it is almost like pre-ordering a copy of the book. Christi is both the author and the illustrator of this work.
Below is her explanation of the book. See the Kickstarter page for the video and additional information.
It Starts With a Stick asks the question, “what happens to an ordinary stick when it meets a child’s imagination?” From a horse race in the Wild West, a visit with aliens, and a sword fight with pirates, a young boy’s park day becomes full of adventure through the discovery of a stick. But can he convince his sister it’s the best way to play?
Below are a few page spread illustration examples:
I wanted to write a book that could also be used as an educational tool, while also being a fun story with bright illustrations. Here are a couple of ways I did that.
Engaging rhyming makes for a great read-aloud
- Reading aloud is a foundation for literacy development, it can help children increase their vocabulary skills, comprehension, and overall grow their desire to love stories and learn how to read for themselves.
A Story that encourages imaginative play
- We live in a time when technology plays a large role in children’s playtime. But imaginative play with simple tools allows children to develop deeper thinking, social skills, and problem-solving.
Please visit the Kickstarter page for more information.
-D. Eaton
Consider this post a dad’s bragging rights. If you cannot use your own blog for something like this, even if it does not fit the theme of the site, what is the point. Dads will be dads.
The Fight of Faith 