Introduction
     1.   First stage of creative act is identifying a problem, or a need, or a solution.
     2.   Second stage is investigating/researching, gaining knowledge about subject.
               a.   As you study the subject, allow God to direct your investigation.
               b.   Be willing to follow his gentle lead, because he will show you the information
          you need.
     3.   Some people get their best ideas when working on the problem
               a.   "I have to solve this problem, work this out."
               b.   Intense mental activity, focusing their mental abilities.
               c.   Based on conscious thought.
               d.   May have new ideas, but studies show this is the least creative approach.
     4.   Others seem most successful when faced with a deadline
               a.   External motivation, generally is least effective motivation when an innovative
          or creative idea is needed.
               b.   May help those who lack self-discipline to motivate themselves or are indecisive
          (eg. fear of failure, lack of confidence, lack of interest).
               c.   Still is based on conscious thought, intense mental activity; therefore is least
          creative.
               d.   Only difference between this & previous case is source of motivation.
                         i.   external:  deadline
                         ii.  internal:  determination
     5.   However, many others get their best ideas when doing an unrelated activity, or when
     just playing around with the problem, not intensely working on it.
               a.   This is today's topic:  third stage of creativity.

Stage 3:  Ponder (Incubation)
     1.   Definition
               a.   Present the situation to God, wait for his response.
               b.   Ponder the situation, let your spirit & subconscious work on it.
               c.   Important:  Be willing to continue pondering even after a "solution" comes; the
          first solution may not be the best.
                         i.   From a strictly human standpoint:  An idea has little value if it is the
               only one you have.
                         ii.  More likely to come up with innovative approach or solution if have
               several ideas to work with.
                                   (1)  One idea can build on another, result in entirely different idea.
                                   (2)  This is why group activities like brainstorming are so effective;
                    can get similar results by yourself.
     2.   Lk 2:17-19
               a.   Angel appeared to Mary, a virgin, told her she would give birth to the "Son of
          the Most High" (Lk 1:32).
               b.   Mary became pregnant as angel predicted.
               c.   After Jesus was born, angels appeared to shepherds & announced the birth of
          the Savior.
               d.   Shepherds found Mary, Joseph & baby.
               e.   "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told
          them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds
          said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her
          heart."
               f.   Mary realized these events were very significant, "treasured" the thoughts,
          carefully preserved them.
               g.   She pondered the events
                         i.   Considered what had happened; contemplated, reflected, mused about
               her experiences.
                         ii.  "Rolled them over" in her mind.
     3.   This is the kind of pondering you need to do when you need something innovative.
               a.   After you have identified a situation, and after you have investigated the
          situation, ponder it.
               b.   If you set to work on it intensely, may come up with a good solution, but likely
          will miss superior one.

                          Class Exercise
Stage 1:  Identify
     1.   Think of a recent incident, problem, need, or decision.
               a.   Identify a situation that you can or should do something about.
     2.   Preferably one that is not urgent or critical (for this exercise).

Stage 2:  Investigate
     1.   Class exercise artificially brief, may need to continue later.
     2.   Try to define actual situation, not just symptoms.
     3.   Consider available resources.
               a.   Your character traits.
               b.   God's traits & abilities.
               c.   Other people, materials, books, finances, etc.
     4.   Consider various ways to develop your idea, or approach the situation.
               a.   Conventional ways.
               b.   Unconventional ways.

Stage 3:  Ponder
Use Biblical Meditation Technique to prepare your mind & spirit.
     1.   Develop a relaxed attitude.
               a.   Try to set aside disruptive emotions: anger, guilt, fear (including fear of
          failure).
               b.   Visualize yourself as relaxed, undisturbed by circumstances.
     2.   Focus your attention on Jesus and Father.
               a.   Jesus has made it possible for you to have relationship with God.
               b.   God is source for everything you need.
     3.   Be receptive.
               a.   Expect God to respond to you
               b.   Remember:  He acts in your behalf & speaks to you because of relationship.
     4.   Anticipate a spontaneous idea or flow of ideas.

Ponder the situation (now that you've prepared your mind & spirit)
     1.   Stay relaxed, don't struggle for an answer.
               a.   Contemplate, reflect, meditate.
     2.   Think about your research & details of situation.
     3.   Identify any spontaneous ideas.
               a.   Write them down, but do not evaluate them now.
               b.   Continue pondering.

Class Response
     1.   Any spontaneous ideas, new perspectives?
     2.   This may be a new skill, will take time & practice to develop it.
     3.   Remember:  you're not evaluating ideas at this stage, just pondering & allowing ideas
     to come from your spirit or from God through your spirit.