Channelling your Creativity

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed 

that I would give it unto you, when you took no 

thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must 

study it out in your mind; then you must cask me

if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that 

your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, 

you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, 

but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall 

cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; 

therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred 

save it be given you from me.

Docterine and Covenants Section 9

I want to share this uplifting article 

printed in the August 1983 New Era. (click the link for the full article.)

Channeling Your Creativity

—Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The process of creative thinking reminds me time and again of the work we used to do on my uncle’s ranch. The steps used in growing crops offer a good guideline:
1. Prepare the soil.
Start with prayer to clear your mind and set the proper atmosphere. Research the problem thoroughly. Develop a positive attitude that a solution can be found. Establish an atmosphere of trust in yourself and in others.
2. Plant the seeds.
Investigate what you can do to help. Determine where you may need help. Ask for counsel when you are ready to act on the advice given to you, but don’t ask someone else to make the decision for you.
3. Let the seeds grow.
Don’t uproot your idea before it has a chance to grow. Back off and give the idea time to develop. But you must be willing to face failure with a willingness to try again.
4. Examine your crops.
Weed out ideas that don’t belong. Through obedience to the Lord, you are entitled to inspiration. Review D&C 9:7–9. Inspiration comes when we ask if we have made a correct decision.
5. Harvest.
The most productive farmers in the world would be unsuccessful if they didn’t harvest their crops. Do something about your ideas. Take the initiative to share your thoughts with others and to take action on your own.