tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74783170978481129872024-03-13T21:21:22.009-05:00 Strength For The JourneyTraveling through the ups and downs of life and finding the joy of the Lord in the processElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-88459836524010414802021-03-03T06:00:00.003-06:002021-03-03T06:00:02.878-06:00Snow, Snow, I Love it So!<p> I am
grateful for the kind response to my previous post in comments here and on
Facebook. I am glad I decided to share something personal because it helps me
feel more of a connection with those who read it. Thank you! This time, I’m
going to go with something a little more light-hearted. Let’s talk about snow!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pIfSLXeGJE/YD8-LTNZ2sI/AAAAAAAABrI/GZP8LXtO4bgKSZX50FJqgQAabdukZ8-ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3767.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pIfSLXeGJE/YD8-LTNZ2sI/AAAAAAAABrI/GZP8LXtO4bgKSZX50FJqgQAabdukZ8-ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3767.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
going to start with a verse, because it fits so well with this story. Ephesians
3:20-21 (NIV) says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be
glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever
and ever! Amen.” It started with a small prayer I had on my heart when I first
moved in to my new home in August 2019. I noticed the beautiful view I had from
my bedroom window, and I imagined how beautiful the yard and view beyond would
be if it was covered with snow. Those who know me pretty well, know that I love
winter, snow, and all the wardrobe, cozy blankets, and hot cocoa that come with
it. As that winter of 2019 to 2020 came and went, I prayed that it would snow
and was a bit disappointed that all we got was a very light dusting in January.
In fact, it had been years since my part of Oklahoma had received more than an
inch or two at a time. December 2020 started off fairly mild, and I thought it
would be another dry winter. My prediction proved to be quite wrong!<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8SAZkyt50w/YD8-TQCSE8I/AAAAAAAABrY/SEZiwwJqPWMpQGWckQIlu9baY12K1jEtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4676.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8SAZkyt50w/YD8-TQCSE8I/AAAAAAAABrY/SEZiwwJqPWMpQGWckQIlu9baY12K1jEtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4676.JPEG" /></a></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On December
13, we got a beautiful, thick snow that covered my yard with the blanket of
white that I hoped for. When it had all melted away by the 18<sup>th</sup>, I
figured I wouldn’t be seeing much more until the next winter season. I was
grateful for the “one time” winter wonderland and the answer to my little
prayer. Yet again, I was mistaken! In mid-February, we experienced what many
Oklahomans (and other states) have dubbed “snowmageddon”. After a couple days
of light freezing rain and ice, we received multiple days of snowfall and
sub-zero temperatures, which is not a common occurrence in this state. I was in
a blissful winter heaven! Winter holds such marvelous beauty! Going back to my
prayer for snow, God went, as the King James’ Version puts it, “exceedingly
abundantly above” what I expected or imagined possible. This isn’t the first
time I’ve witnessed that verse in action, but it certainly made a big
impression on me this time. God continuously provides for the needs of His
children, but He sees their wants as well. Sometimes, He blesses us with those
moments that make us smile and remind us of the benefits of having a child-like
faith. For those who are not huge fans of winter like myself, I’ll “try” not to
pray so much next time :) In the meantime, I hope you enjoy a very small
portion of my 2020/2021 winter photos. If you want to see more, check out my
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizkat84/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isWyDXie5Do/YD8-URugePI/AAAAAAAABrc/TWIQjTNXLcQotXDqoq2wySq6WApCHlqQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4909.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isWyDXie5Do/YD8-URugePI/AAAAAAAABrc/TWIQjTNXLcQotXDqoq2wySq6WApCHlqQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4909.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_rBJzQxvFw/YD8-Kd54WeI/AAAAAAAABrE/o-_zWEG6-rIc-X6V_2Tr7YV6YNU2Ll6SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4541.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_rBJzQxvFw/YD8-Kd54WeI/AAAAAAAABrE/o-_zWEG6-rIc-X6V_2Tr7YV6YNU2Ll6SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4541.JPEG" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isWyDXie5Do/YD8-URugePI/AAAAAAAABrc/TWIQjTNXLcQotXDqoq2wySq6WApCHlqQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4909.JPEG" width="320" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDcxx_8_ffg/YD8-PsBAXsI/AAAAAAAABrQ/BNGfm8aIcyQwyo3_JMqjB6xePZzRcJpHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4639.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDcxx_8_ffg/YD8-PsBAXsI/AAAAAAAABrQ/BNGfm8aIcyQwyo3_JMqjB6xePZzRcJpHACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/IMG_4639.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LJmVfUMVzQ/YD8-SInY4HI/AAAAAAAABrU/NL4Py_8jekw9Q0VhIslwqFga81tRle0FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4564.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LJmVfUMVzQ/YD8-SInY4HI/AAAAAAAABrU/NL4Py_8jekw9Q0VhIslwqFga81tRle0FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w220-h293/IMG_4564.JPEG" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vMxorbpTw8/YD8-MlAklDI/AAAAAAAABro/_Ly-ebsYbZ0cg5H3UWfBmnOT1NaoGy6egCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_4462.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vMxorbpTw8/YD8-MlAklDI/AAAAAAAABro/_Ly-ebsYbZ0cg5H3UWfBmnOT1NaoGy6egCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_4462.JPEG" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-37340125910942534552021-02-10T06:00:00.015-06:002021-02-10T06:00:03.611-06:00Remedy for a Broken Heart<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sl05DCASll4/X-BFYvmScyI/AAAAAAAABnk/YKKb-5l3lgQjsYHPPs-z_r7ifLL8WHb7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4873.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sl05DCASll4/X-BFYvmScyI/AAAAAAAABnk/YKKb-5l3lgQjsYHPPs-z_r7ifLL8WHb7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_4873.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
considered writing about this many times, but I usually change my mind. Part of
me feels like no one will really care. Part of me feels that no one will really
understand. Part of me believes that my pain should be kept to myself because I
do not want it to be burden on anyone else. But maybe, there is someone out
there who does care, someone who does understand, or someone who needs to hear
about my heartache to help them realize they are not alone. So, that is why I
have chosen to share this in such a public manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here’s
the short summary of my story: In November 2018, I met a man. He swooped me off my
feet with his smile and his kind words. We flirted, we had deep conversations,
we hung out and played cards, and most importantly, we did devotionals and
prayed together. He helped me get through my parents’ divorce. I treasured his companionship and his insights. He was everything I wanted. There is
so much more, but I won’t go into all the details. Then, around February and
March of last year, he started cutting me out of his life. He stopped the
devotions, he stopped inviting me over for cards, he took away the key he gave
me to his house, he stopped responding to most of my texts, and he would often
give me the cold shoulder when we saw each other in person. The worst thing
about all of this is that we were never officially in a relationship, so I
guess he felt he had the right to take everything away with no explanation, no
closure, nothing. It’s like he took me on this amazing trip, then abandoned me in the middle of the desert with no map and no water. It breaks my heart all over again just thinking about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m not
asking for sympathy. I know I’m not the first person to feel this pain. I’ve
gone through all the stages of grief multiple times. I can’t really say that
I’m angry with him for breaking my heart into a thousand pieces, I did offer it
freely to someone who never made a commitment to me. Be careful who you give
your heart to, it’s not something you can just take back without scars. That is
one lesson I have learned through all this. But, there is a more important
lesson.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRe_yxorEvo/X-BNiX8-2-I/AAAAAAAABoE/jANY05Nm1O8z80jYM38nWe71ZfksOC_fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Isaiah%2B43-2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRe_yxorEvo/X-BNiX8-2-I/AAAAAAAABoE/jANY05Nm1O8z80jYM38nWe71ZfksOC_fgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/Isaiah%2B43-2.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A lot happened over the last year: heartbreak, family issues, work issues, and Covid, among
other worldwide events. Through it all, there has been one, and only one,
constant in my life. That is Jesus Christ, my Savior. When literally all else
seemed lost, He was there. When I was crying my eyes out, face down in the
floor, He was there. When I felt as though I would never find hope on this
earth again, He was there. This has given all new meaning to the word,
Emmanuel, which we often hear around Christmas. God with us. God with me. I
would not be able to get up and go without God’s presence in my life. Under the
circumstances, I could never find peace and hope on my own, but He has truly
granted a peace beyond understanding within me. Yes, I have my up and down
days, but I will keep pressing on because I know that I am not alone. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he
will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV</i></p><br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-46790313788759832722021-02-01T06:00:00.004-06:002021-02-01T06:00:02.035-06:00Given a Second Chance<p> I was once
reading Isaiah 38 where King Hezekiah was praying and crying out to the Lord
for his life. God granted his request. God had the prophet Isaiah tell Hezekiah
that he would be given an additional 15 years of life, and God, in an act to
show Hezekiah He meant what He said, made the sun go backwards! That story made
me think of a similar situation in <i>Les Misérables</i>, where the priest gave Jean Valjean a second chance and Jean was
shocked that anyone would help him at a moment when he thought he would be
thrown back into prison. Hezekiah and Jean’s words are similar in their songs
that follow these second chances. I know in these stories that the men were
given a second chance after moral failures, but I think this concept could also
apply to personal goals.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We
sometimes use a new year to start over. 2020 was a very difficult year for most
of us. Plans canceled, dreams ruined, and goals unachieved made this last year
feel rather disheartening. Now, as we enter into February, how many of us have
already lost sight of our goals for the new year? Maybe circumstances outside
of your control have hindered your plans once again, maybe you decided to ease
into this year with caution, or perhaps you have procrastinated or failed to achieve
what you hoped to over the last month. Regardless of the circumstances or the
failures, you can always try again or set a new goal. Sometimes, you just need
to take a different approach. I had spent years trying to sort through and
organize my belongings, only to end up buried with stuff over and over again,
until I discovered the KonMari method, which worked wonders for me. Also, when
it comes to taking a different approach, sometimes something that works for another
person will not work for you. That seems to be especially true with diets. We
are all different, our bodies are different, and sometimes we may have to try
and fail a few times before we find a method that works. The point is that you
keep trying! If you are given an opportunity to make a positive change in your
life like Hezekiah or Jean, make the most of it. As long as you are alive and
breathing, God still has a purpose for your life. You can start over, you can
try again, and you can keep working toward your goals. Don’t give up!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzoS_CByuCQ/YBeh8pvxSiI/AAAAAAAABpg/8XgD0QAgbLEnJiufgTwli6ylpiobD8lpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Rom%2B8_28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzoS_CByuCQ/YBeh8pvxSiI/AAAAAAAABpg/8XgD0QAgbLEnJiufgTwli6ylpiobD8lpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Rom%2B8_28.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I would
like to welcome my returning followers and new readers back to my blog. I have
given my blog a second chance and a new name. I had hoped to start posting
early in January, but I suppose I should take a dose of my own advice and work
on finding an approach that works better for me with my writing. </i><o:p></o:p></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-28183661014029897532020-12-15T13:56:00.000-06:002020-12-15T13:56:32.631-06:00Making a Comeback<p>Hello everyone, this is Elizabeth. It has been a while! First of all, I should let you know I have changed my blog name to Strength for the Journey. This blog was formerly known as Liz’s Random Ponderings. I changed the name because I felt it goes along better with where I am in life right now. I will be going back to the original roots of this blog and write about personal life lessons, words of encouragement, and devotional-style posts. I hope through this next phase in my journey that I can bring some encouragement and motivation in the midst of hard times. My first regular post is coming soon! I’m glad to finally be back!</p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-32411891517402501262019-04-30T05:00:00.000-05:002019-05-01T00:12:21.517-05:00IWSG: Let It Go<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Time
for another posting with the <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a></span></u>,
where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was
founded by <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Alex
J. Cavanaugh</span></a></span></u> and we share our posts the first Wednesday
of the month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Let me
be honest for few minutes here. Aside from messages to friends, the only
writings I have done lately have been prayers. They are usually passionate,
sincere, and from the heart. I have edited and shared some of my prayers
publically, but a lot of them are only between myself and God. That being said,
I sometimes feel this guilt about not writing enough shareable content. Yet,
the more I think about it, the more I realize that this is not something I
should be feeling guilty about. There are different seasons in life, and I am
not currently in a season to focus on my writing. I am finally ready to accept
the fact that I am not and probably will not become a career writer. Writing
will always be a part of my life, but it is not the center of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Going
through the KonMari process with my belongings has taught me that sometimes it
is best to let something go. I guess my point is that I feel that it is time
for me to stop blogging with the IWSG. I will remain in the IWSG Facebook group
and I might still participate in some of the Instagram posts. I will also be
taking a break from blogging for the summer, unless I come up with a story for
the June WEP Challenge. It is hard to say goodbye, but it’s really only a “soft”
goodbye. I would like to thank the members of this group (and other bloggers
who are not in IWSG) for being supportive and kind to me, even in the times when
I did not return your visits. I really enjoyed my experience with the IWSG,
with the various types of writing that I tried out, and all the encouragement
and advice. I still plan to utilize some of the writing methods I’ve learned
through this group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">When I
return, I plan to take this blog back to its roots. I started off with
devotional posts and life lessons, and that is what I hope to start again. For
the summer, if there are any updates on my writing, you can find them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAnnOtten/" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>. And if you want to keep up with some of my other life
adventures, I check and post to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizkat84" target="_blank">my Instagram</a> fairly regularly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b>Thanks
for all your support!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRIPio0305Y/XMknloHU60I/AAAAAAAABiE/RrdOQW-fYd0CuWcZXlPCOJMwQbx5WYtjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bRIPio0305Y/XMknloHU60I/AAAAAAAABiE/RrdOQW-fYd0CuWcZXlPCOJMwQbx5WYtjgCLcBGAs/s400/Season.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
<br />
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-41502291220068564772019-04-03T07:29:00.000-05:002019-04-03T07:29:32.712-05:00IWSG: Slow and Steady<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Time
for another posting with the <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a></span></u>,
where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was
founded by <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Alex
J. Cavanaugh</span></a></span></u> and we share our posts the first Wednesday
of the month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The
question this month is: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you could use
a wish to help you write just one scene/chapter of your book, which one would
it be?</b> It’s not in a book (maybe it could become one someday), but there is
a scene in my fantasy short story I occasionally dabble with. I have the scene
building up to the climax, but I cannot seem to find a way I like to move from
the climax to the conclusion. Ironically, it’s rather anticlimactic. I cannot
tell if the excitement of the event died down too quickly, or if I drag out
explanations too long before the end. If that bit would suddenly work itself
out, that would be great!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">In
other news, I am still working through organizing my room. It has been a slow
process because there were a lot of things going on during my days off last
month. Hopefully, I will make some headway this month since I’m taking some
extra time off. I did finish the first category in the KonMari Method, which is
clothing. Around that time, I felt my creativity flowing, so I finally sat
myself down at the computer to work on some writing, including a story I
started for this month’s WEP. I cannot make any promises about getting it
finished in time, but I do have that extra time off, so we’ll see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Good
luck to all the A to Z Challenge participants! I wish I could have participated
this year, especially since it is the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary, but I still
need to work on getting my life more in order. Maybe next year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-50549235963994600462019-03-06T05:00:00.000-06:002019-03-06T05:00:00.442-06:00IWSG: Slowly Making Progress<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Time
for another posting with the <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a></span></u>,
where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was
founded by <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Alex
J. Cavanaugh</span></a></span></u> and we share our posts the first Wednesday
of the month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry about last month. I really thought I
would find time to write a post during the week before I left, but I got caught
up with over-packing and doing chores that needed to be done before I left.
Then I copied down the monthly question and told myself I’d write a post during
downtime, but, as is the case with most of my trips, downtime was used for
resting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Aside
from experiencing a lot of cold and allergy symptoms since my return from New
Mexico, February was a good month. I have been working through the KonMari
Method with tidying up my stuff. It has been a slow-going process, but I’ve
been seeing a little bit of progress as I make my surroundings more joyful and
less cluttered. This process has really put a lot in perspective, and I find myself
more thankful for what God has blessed me with. You may ask: What has this got
to do with my writing? Quite a lot actually. All the clutter surrounding me has
been one of the hindrances to my writing. As a person who likes to be
organized, I felt so distracted and unable to concentrate when I tried to
write. This is still a work in progress, but I have been thinking more about
where I’m going with my writing. At this point, writing a novel is not my goal.
I’ve enjoyed doing short stories and devotional writings, and I have a long list
of ideas to utilize once my surroundings are more peaceful. It feels good to
still be working toward the goal I made in January, which is to make more room
for writing, and I’ve taken that quite literally!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-5Uooc1jt8/XH-LKa_T84I/AAAAAAAABhY/gqLveuVT50EPHDxqOaa2sz2iovlWQ8m5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-5Uooc1jt8/XH-LKa_T84I/AAAAAAAABhY/gqLveuVT50EPHDxqOaa2sz2iovlWQ8m5QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6197.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taos, New Mexico</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Since I
like this month’s optional question, I thought I’d give a quick answer. <b>Whose
perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the
villain (antagonist)? And why?</b> I enjoy writing from the hero’s perspective,
because I like showing how good can overcome evil within a conflict. I think I
also feel more comfortable writing from a perspective that I can relate to. I’ve
never tried this, but I have considered writing as the villain in a story of
redemption, like The Grinch or my personal favorite: Megamind (if you have not
watched that animated movie, I highly recommend!).</span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-56592957184557571932019-02-06T07:40:00.003-06:002019-02-06T07:40:44.051-06:00No IWSG Post Today I won’t be writing the regularly scheduled IWSG post due to vacation. I thought I might get a chance to write something before today, but the chance never came. I hope you all have a great month of writing! <div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH06b2kpPpg/XFrjQxs-TlI/AAAAAAAABg0/VfgigDeFh9AFsTeQ-4U74N5bIFx2elubACLcBGAs/s1600/97B8399D-BF8E-4644-931D-98FBFE1FA507.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH06b2kpPpg/XFrjQxs-TlI/AAAAAAAABg0/VfgigDeFh9AFsTeQ-4U74N5bIFx2elubACLcBGAs/s320/97B8399D-BF8E-4644-931D-98FBFE1FA507.jpeg" width="193" /></a></div>
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Image credit: <a href="https://pin.it/hpovnvoffrq2rh">https://pin.it/hpovnvoffrq2rh</a></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-13346262616375832042019-01-02T04:00:00.000-06:002019-01-02T04:00:02.164-06:00IWSG: You Have a Blog?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Time
for another posting with the <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a></span></u>,
where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was
founded by <u><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Alex
J. Cavanaugh</span></a></span></u> and we share our posts the first Wednesday
of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The question for January is: <b>What
are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your
writing? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I do
not get asked a lot of questions about writing, mostly because I do not write
enough publically. Most people I know in person do not even know that I like to
write, and are surprised to learn I have a blog. In their defense, I am an
introvert, so those people do not know much about me at all. What I like is
when someone asks me if they can read something I’ve written; it shows that
they are actually interested. It is even better when they start asking
questions about my characters and plots, though few people have ventured that
far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The questions I dislike the most are the ones
I ask myself. Why am I still trying to write? What’s the point? Isn’t it about
time I just quit? I may have been taking a long extended break from writing,
but it is not entirely by choice. My current life circumstances have created a
roadblock that has proven itself quite difficult to bypass. No matter what,
though, as long as I have stories within me that are left unwritten, I could
never quit writing entirely. I cannot let the negative thoughts in my head
cause me to give up completely. I’ve been reading <a href="https://www.writewithfey.com/" target="_blank">Chrys Fey’s</a> series of posts
on writer’s burnout, and I think I’m experiencing something similar to that. It’s
about time I take steps to rekindle the flame. I normally do not make New Year’s
resolutions, but this year one of my goals is to move writing up on my priority
list. It has been pushed aside for far too long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXuH1QEe0I4/XCxb9mKSGwI/AAAAAAAABgc/6Iw0gErmYikrgGGEQyIes_soEGnLHUXgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Writing%2BResolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXuH1QEe0I4/XCxb9mKSGwI/AAAAAAAABgc/6Iw0gErmYikrgGGEQyIes_soEGnLHUXgQCLcBGAs/s320/Writing%2BResolutions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I wish
each of you a prosperous year in writing and other creative outlets you
pursue! Happy 2019!</span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-73620817319520800502018-12-05T05:00:00.000-06:002018-12-05T05:00:05.204-06:00IWSG: My Writing Space<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Time for another posting with the <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a>, where writers
can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by <a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Alex
J. Cavanaugh</span></a> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the
month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The question
for December is: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What are five objects
we'd find in your writing space?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Well, let me
look around. Usually, I have my computer where I do the majority of my work. Then,
there will be at least one notebook to read through or take down notes on my
various writing projects. Since I sometimes write out my first drafts by hand,
I might also have a composition notebook nearby. Then, my phone will be there
with more notes or summaries of my ideas, and I also use it as my dictionary
and thesaurus (and occasional distraction). The majority of the time (including
right now), I will have a cat in my lap as I’m typing. Finally, there will be some kind of drink, most likely coffee if it is any time before
sunset, and in the evenings I’ll have water, juice, or tea. It’s a simple set
up and I like it that way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Congratulations
to all of you that won NaNoWriMo! I had a lot going on in November and was
unable to participate. Honestly, my writing is still sitting in the backseat
while I try to figure out other things in my life. I think about it often: all
those ideas just waiting to make themselves known in written form. I am trying
to find a way to fit it into the disorganization and stress of my life. But, I
think what I really need to do is get some of that mess out of the way first, and I did work on some of that last month. Maybe by the New Year I can find a
tiny window for writing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">In case I
don’t make it back here before then, I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJF8GdTVF5o/XAdb3R9RbFI/AAAAAAAABgE/y9vWbjpepOk75LJ0gHDWXgrppfWYocdxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2BTree.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJF8GdTVF5o/XAdb3R9RbFI/AAAAAAAABgE/y9vWbjpepOk75LJ0gHDWXgrppfWYocdxgCLcBGAs/s400/Christmas%2BTree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-37962777473174816612018-11-07T05:00:00.000-06:002018-11-07T05:00:07.895-06:00IWSG: Memories of Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> and we share our posts on the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The IWSG question for November is: <b>How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing? <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">That is a good question! It is fun to take a walk down memory lane through my writing history. This is one of those moments when I wish I still had my first stories I wrote in 6<sup>th</sup> grade. I cannot remember what they were like, but I know that my imagination ran wild when I was a child. I had a lot of ideas in my head before I started writing, and I still remember some of the worlds I would pretend to be in when I played. I have some of my high school diary entries, which do not include a lot of creative writing, unless you count the number of ways I fantasized about “accidentally” bumping into my crushes. I have a couple cute stories I wrote for my 11<sup>th</sup> grade English class. They lack details, but I included some interesting ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> In college, most of my writing was for assignments and tests. A couple of my professors applauded my writing skills, but I’m assuming they were referring to my grammar, because most of my chapter reviews or summaries were complete BS. After rereading some of my homework, I never realized I was so talented at making it sound like I actually read the textbook. Beyond required writing, I wrote a lot of emails during those years, since I was away from my friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The most consistent writing I have done over time has been keeping a diary or journal. It seems I have matured in how I approach my journaling. I use it to work through my emotions, to write out prayers, or just to get all of my thoughts out of my head. Sometimes journaling inspires me to work on my fiction stories or poetry. It also inspired some of my past blog posts. I started this blog in 2010, and I actually enjoy reading many of my old posts. I used to think that I’ve lost some of my creative ability, but I think my real problem is that I have been more distracted in recent months than I was eight years ago. My focus has been off of writing. I still add ideas to my list, but I have not actually sat down to work on those ideas. My most creative writing pursuits of the last two years have been my WEP entries and a fantasy story I occasionally work on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I have found other creative pursuits. From time to time I work on craft and sewing projects. My biggest pursuit lately has been photography. I have always enjoyed pictures, and after getting myself addicted to Instagram about a year ago, my picture taking has increased exponentially. I feel that photography is in a similar plane to writing, because it’s another way of expressing oneself. Also, my pictures make me want to write more – to write about the feelings and experiences behind the photos. </span></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-23067847422132169352018-10-03T05:00:00.000-05:002018-10-03T05:00:04.534-05:00IWSG: October 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> and we share our posts on the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">I feel as though my months have been going up and down with writing. One day, I feel motivated and actually write things, and the next day, my creativity seems to be lost. I really do not know what happened to September. It came in quickly and was gone before I even looked up. I guess I had a lot going on my days off. I sincerely apologize to those who I did not visit back last month. I try to do most of my blog visits on my days off, because I’ve been burnt out with my job and do not have the mental/social energy on work days. I had the first Thursday of September off, but I had to take my mom to the doctor and we ended up shopping all day afterwards. By the following week, I felt guilty and it seemed like it was “too late” for IWSG visits. I'll be honest that one of my biggest insecurities is my lack of correspondence skills. Combine that with years of procrastination experience, and I certainly am a well of insecurity, although sometimes I won’t realize it until tomorrow. ;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The question for October is <b>How do major life events affect your writing? Has writing ever helped you through something? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">It depends on the event. If it is something really happy and exciting, my writing will be in short and sweet bursts. I’ll write sentence-long descriptions to remind myself of the moment later. I do not write a lot as those types of events occur, but I do sometimes (not as often as I would like) reflect back on what happened and write afterwards. Exciting events, such as my vacations to London and Florida, inspire most of my creative visuals of worlds and characters. When sad things happen, I tend to write during the events. This relates to the second part of this month’s question, because I write to help work through all the depressed and confused emotions I may be feeling. Most of my nonfictional writing (devotions, prayers, and journaling) and some poetry is written during sad or disappointing times. I have a lot of those nonfictional writings I wish I could utilize, but they require quite of bit of revisions in order to make them presentable. Maybe instead of starting a new journal entry, I should rewrite something during my next disappointing moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-83161856761576325652018-09-04T05:00:00.000-05:002018-09-04T23:44:59.778-05:00IWSG: A Better Month<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Thank you all for the encouragement last month! I was really down and discouraged when I wrote that post, plus I had procrastinated and wrote it late the night before post day. I was tired and frustrated, and the blogging community swooped in and made me feel better. Thank you! August was a better month overall. I participated in the WEP, which helped get me back in a better writing flow. I started working on an idea for the IWSG Anthology Contest, although I’m not yet sure if I can pull it together into a decent story. It is nice to feel inspired to write again, but I’m still working on balancing my energy to make time for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">This month, the optional question is: <b>What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?</b> That is a question I ask myself quite often. I realize that I do not have anything ready to be published, but that it still something to consider now, so I can be ready once I get to that part of the writing journey. I have heard pros and cons of both self-publishing and using a publisher. I think that starting off, I would be better off with a publisher to help get my name out there. I would still consider self-publishing. It depends on what I end up writing first, it could be a novel, a collection of poems or short stories, or a book of devotionals. I do hope to get at least one of those unfinished ideas published someday. </span><br />
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<b>Happy September, everyone!</b></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-10082038971951323402018-08-15T04:00:00.000-05:002018-08-16T13:25:46.872-05:00WEP: Change of Heart<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> For the August challenge, the <a href="http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2018/08/welcome-to-wep-writeeditpublish-august.html" target="_blank">WEP (Write...Edit...Publish)</a> is collaborating with the <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2018/08/writing-together-with-wep-and-iswg.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writer's Support Group</a>. I decided to take a different approach and wrote a monologue. I should give credit to my brother for suggesting this idea, because I probably would not have participated otherwise. My monologue is short, but I like how it fits with the Change of Heart theme. It was another interesting writing experience, and I hope you enjoy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>The Dilemma</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In or out? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Why must I always be faced with such a decision? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This opportunity does not present itself very often, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I feel so pressured to make a choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I could enjoy the pleasures of staying in, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But then I’ll constantly wonder what’s going on out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In here, I feel safe and warm, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know exactly the best area to make myself comfortable, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I have all the accommodations I could hope for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On the other hand, out there I can find excitement and adventure;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There’s so much to explore, and so much to do and see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If only my demands could be met immediately, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And I can get out when I need to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But I am forced to decide my fate based on the whims and fancies of others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who do they think they are, anyway? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They go out whenever they please,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes without even asking me what I want to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I tell you I am sick and tired of it all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh no! The door is about to close!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This opportunity is about to pass me by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I must go out! Now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hello, world outside the door!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The door…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The door has been closed behind me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No, wait! I wasn’t ready!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had a change of heart,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t want to be out here anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Please let me back in,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This was a mistake!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Come back, my human!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Word count: 232, FCA</div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-47861911406460962862018-08-01T05:00:00.000-05:002018-08-01T05:00:07.018-05:00IWSG: Maximum Insecurity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The main insecurity that I dealt with in July applies to my current job situation, and though other factors come into play, this definitely affects my writing, or lack thereof. I feel as though my job is this enormous obstacle that stands in the way of most of the things I want to do. I’m especially reminded of this during the summer months when there are so many activities going on with my church and among my friends, and I only get to participate in a fraction because of work. I have hinted before that I would like to quit my job and write full time, but that idea somewhat frightens me. It seems a bit irresponsible, especially in the eyes of some people in my life. Though, my hesitancy mainly is caused by a fear of failure. What if my writing isn’t accepted anywhere? What if I’m overcome by writer’s block all the time? What if I can’t find a new job if this doesn’t work out? So many what ifs and I am not the greatest decision maker. I constantly pick stability over leaping into the unknown, and I wonder how much longer my creativity can withstand being pushed aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">I wish I could say that I have something figured out, because this issue has been plaguing me for quite some time. At least I can say that I have done some writing the past few months, mostly journaling and prayers. I try to remind myself to squeeze it in during less stressful and less distracting moments. To end on a more positive note, I found a few encouraging quotes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-74378248040306182272018-07-03T05:00:00.000-05:002018-07-03T05:00:03.650-05:00IWSG: Clearing Clutter, Changing Goals, and D&D<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">. We usually share our posts the first Wednesday of the month, but since the U.S. Fourth of July holiday is on Wednesday this year, we are posting on Tuesday. July’s optional question is: <b>What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">June went a little better than May for me, but I still have a lot of catching up to do in nearly every area of my life. It seems as though I will not be able to fully concentrate on my writing until I start clearing away the clutter around me. Not just concrete things like clothes and desk supplies (although those are on the list), but also digital clutter with emails and organizing files, and clearing my head of distractions and negativity. It has been a long, difficult process, and I feel as though circumstances keep trying to pull me backwards, but I must keep moving forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">As for my goals, they have adjusted themselves over time. I still would like to write my non-fiction “quiet book” someday, but organizing those thoughts and ideas into meaningful words has proved harder than I thought it would be. I feel like I would have to change to a better, less stressful day job in order to give that project the attention it requires. I have recently grown fond of writing short stories and even a little flash fiction. I hope to get a short story published within the next few years. I have been tweaking and adding to my fantasy story entry from the 2016 IWSG anthology contest. My friend and her husband inadvertently helped me with it a couple weeks ago. ~ Warning: The next sentence will reveal just how much of a nerd I truly am. ~ They started a sort of Dungeons and Dragons role-playing story and invited me to join, so I decided to use one of my fantasy story characters. We are not following the typical D&D rules, but I think this will be an entertaining verbal storytelling experience. I highly recommend it for fantasy writers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">I guess I distracted myself from the initial question. My ultimate goal, under my current circumstances, is to publish at least one book. If I ever manage to obtain my dream job of being a stay-at-home wife and mother, I may be able to publish more (maybe). Under better day job circumstances, another goal of mine would be to write weekly devotional blog posts similar to the ones I used to write when I started this blog. So, to better my writing, I need to broaden my search to find a better job, or get married (lol </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">😄</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>To my United States followers: Happy Independence Day!</b></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-36761908486620005532018-06-06T05:00:00.000-05:002018-06-06T05:00:16.299-05:00IWSG: Place Generic Title Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFPiPGnFSjM/VrLy_hsobHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/ja-WrbB_VCMfcN3Rzt0pDddJbBzPIXKzgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Insecure%2BWriters%2BSupport%2BGroup%2BBadge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">May was a rough month for me. My dad had surgery to remove cancer from his prostate on May 4, and then ended up in the hospital for an extra week due to various issues. So, for eight out of the ten days he was there, I was driving back and forth with my mom, who can’t drive herself, to the hospital (70 miles away from home). By the grace of God and the prayers of many friends from church, we survived that ordeal. It was a relief to finally get settled back at home, but half the month was gone and I was exhausted. Going back to work after all that was very difficult for me, especially since there have been some changes with staff and scheduling the last few weeks. Needless to say, writing was not on the agenda last month. Although, I did write a rather lengthy letter to a friend, but I have not sent it yet because I felt like it needed some editing. So, it’s good to know my writer's brain is still working.☺</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Sorry that I don’t have much to say related to writing; I’ve been too tired to be insecure. I do have some thoughts on the optional question this month, which is: </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What's harder for you to come up with, book titles or character names?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Without a doubt, titles are my weakness. I usually struggle with finding titles for my blog posts and short stories. I don’t even like the title of this blog, but after all these years, I can’t seem to come up with anything to change it to! That’s why I just use my name for my Facebook page and Twitter. I probably overthink it. I feel like the title needs to be something all-encompassing, witty, and meaningful, all in a handful of words. Most of the time, when I spend too long thinking about it, I end up giving up and picking something that feels generic. There are only a few titles I’ve used that I thought were clever, and the rest were rather lame. Character names are a bit easier. I sometimes have trouble initially, but I usually find a name that works. I feel like most of my characters embody their names very well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-59218465155189245912018-05-02T05:00:00.000-05:002018-05-02T05:00:08.140-05:00May IWSG<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The question for May 2 is: </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It's spring! Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> My answer is no, not really. I have a harder time concentrating in the warmer months during spring and summer. There seem to be more distractions and I cannot sit still for more than ten minutes at a time. In the winter, or other cold days, it is easier for me to stay still and focus on one thing for a while. I enjoy a warm blanket and a cat on my lap (which, in my opinion, is one of the most comfortable writing positions) as I write, and that does not work very well once it starts getting warmer. I do tend to gather more ideas during spring and summer. I usually try to keep a notebook, or at least my iPhone notes, on hand to take down any interesting interactions I observe as people and animals take part in various outdoor activities.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #202020; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> Spring also tends to put me in a spring cleaning mode, which adds to my lack of concentration because I’m constantly going over my to-do list in my head. Really, it seems that spring and summer are busier because there are more activities going on as people find their way back outside. Personally, I enjoy the outdoors better in the winter when there are fewer bugs and a chance of snow. I guess I’m getting a bit off-topic discussing my weather preferences. Back to my writing, I cannot believe April is already over! I don’t know where it went. I think I spent most of the month (when I wasn’t stuck at work) reading, listening to audiobooks, or working on online courses. So, that counts as writing research, right? 😉</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-73374411072781447142018-04-04T05:00:00.000-05:002018-04-04T05:00:24.005-05:00IWSG: Ups and Downs in Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The question for April is: <b>When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep on writing?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I went through a lot of cloudy days with my writing (also in other areas of my life) in 2017. I had a few better months from December to February, but the momentum has been fading again. What has worked for me before is signing up for something fun or challenging (or both) with a deadline or specific post date. I’ve done blog hops, the A to Z Challenge, the IWSG Anthology Contest, and most recently, the W.E.P. Challenge. I have enjoyed every single one of those writing experiences, and I hope to continue participating in more contests, blog hops, and challenges. As you can see, I’m skipping the A to Z again this year. As fun as it is, it is very difficult to keep up with my fellow bloggers throughout the challenge. I do hope to utilize some of my A to Z ideas at some point in the future, but this was not the year for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Anyway, looking back at my answer to the IWSG question, deadlines usually help me actually do things. As funny as that sounds, it has been true for me most of my adult life. I am not very good at sticking to my goals unless there is an outside force that holds me accountable. I have started a number of email and video courses (i.e. Reedsy or The Great Courses) and I have not finished one of them, but when I took college classes, I finished my work because I was held accountable by my professors and grades. For better or worse, I also tend to thrive as a procrastinator. I have probably written more words the week before something was due than I have at any other time in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">A problem I have with this method of writing motivation is getting myself to sign up in the first place. I am still working on balancing out my schedule and energy levels, and sometimes I have to take shelter from the rain and storms for a while. Sometimes, I do have force some writing out of myself, whether I feel like it or not. That is part of the reason I participate in the monthly IWSG posts. It is a great way to hold myself accountable, reflect on my writing, and check on how the balancing act is going each month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-29485159703996769702018-03-07T05:00:00.000-06:002018-03-07T05:00:09.712-06:00IWSG: Break or Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Time for another posting with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">The question for March 7 is: <b>How do you celebrate when you achieve a writing goal/ finish a story?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">I suppose it depends on whether or not the writing project had a deadline. If I’m working to get something finished in time, I will usually procrastinate and then exhaust myself. Like when I participated in the Blogging From A to Z Challenge and I was writing posts the night before (I do not recommend that method if you are thinking of participating this year). Or when I wrote most of my 3000+ word fantasy story in two weeks for the IWSG anthology contest in 2016. When I procrastinate my writing, no matter how much I may have enjoyed the process, I usually celebrate with a break from writing. When I was not working my day job, I watched too much Netflix, listened to music, played hours of video games, and spent time reading during these extended breaks. The problem with this is that I often have a hard time getting back into writing after the break.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Something that has worked far better for my writing is when I get into a writing flow. If I write regularly enough, I find that it is a lot easier to come up with ideas for stories. It does feel good when the ideas are streaming through my head faster than I can write them down. That is what happened with my most recent accomplishment. I participated in last month’s <a href="http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Write…Edit…Publish Challenge</a> and shared a flash fiction story on my blog for the first time. (You can read it by <a href="https://elizabethotten.blogspot.com/2018/02/wep-in-too-deep.html" target="_blank">clicking here</a>). Even though it is only published on my blog, it was still nice to share something new, and the wonderful comments people had were thoughtful and encouraging. I am glad that I participated and I’m hoping to get an idea going for the next one. Writing things like that actually inspire me to celebrate by writing more, which is a better way to celebrate by far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Along the lines of inspiration, I have been particularly inspired by a piece of music a few times this month. It is the 2<sup>nd</sup> Movement of Beethoven’s 7<sup>th</sup> Symphony in A Major. I would definitely put this on my top ten classical music pieces list if I had one. I hope it helps inspire your writing as well if you choose to listen. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Isn't Leonard Bernstein an amazing conductor?</div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-50949477660776246642018-02-21T02:00:00.000-06:002018-02-21T02:00:45.079-06:00WEP: In Too Deep<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been watching the <a href="http://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Write…Edit…Publish</a> blog hop challenge from the sidelines for the last year or so. I had an idea for one last summer but never wrote it out. This story flowed so easily from my mind last month after seeing the theme, and I really wanted to share it. So, I am finally off the bench and joining in, yet I still somehow managed to sign up at the last minute because I’m a perpetual procrastinator. I think it is worth mentioning that this is the first time, as far as I can remember, that I am sharing a fictional story publically. It seems only fitting that this is also my 200<sup>th</sup> blog post. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<u>The Depth of the Ocean</u></div>
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When Bonnie saw the ocean for the first time at age seven, she was astounded. The waves were so big and the water so cold. She was afraid to get too close at first, but her friend, Max took her hand and led her to the edge. They collected seashells together and played in the shallows for hours on end. Had she realized then that she would not see the ocean again for twelve long years, she may have enjoyed those days with Max a little more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scott came along when Bonnie was nineteen. He seemed charming and sweet, and he brought her back to the ocean again. “It’s about time!” She thought because she had been dreaming of the ocean for years now and she deeply longed to not only go back, but to go out further in the water. Why had she been so afraid as a child? When she watched others who had been out in the deep blue, they never seemed afraid. Scott slowly and gently led Bonnie through the sand. She stepped timidly into the water and it was just as icy cold as she remembered, but she liked this easy pace as they let the water edge its way further up their bodies. It was nice until they were shoulder deep and suddenly, Bonnie was afraid again. “Will Scott really be able to help me navigate these waters when it’s too deep to touch bottom?” She wondered as she let go of Scott’s hand and swam back to shore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then, there was Ethan, and he was so fun! Bonnie was always pleased to be around him and they even talked of the ocean one time. But, when she went out to the ocean again, Ethan was nowhere to be found and she realized that he never really wanted to go there with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The years went on, and Bonnie was now in her late twenties having never gone out in the deep, as she watched so many others experience it before her. She was frustrated and desperately searching for the one to go with her. She thought she found him when she got to know Trevor. He was an all-around good guy; he would definitely be able to protect her from drowning. She would sit at the water’s edge and dream of going out with him. It came to a point when she was tired of waiting and dreaming, and she attempted to go out on her own, hoping Trevor would catch up eventually. She was neck deep when the tide started to pull her under. Bonnie nearly drowned that day. As she breathlessly crawled to the shore, she caught a glimpse of Trevor going in with someone else, and Bonnie realized he had never wanted to swim with her in the first place. It had all been a fantasy in her head. The waters became a much darker place after that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years later, Bonnie had formed a habit of taking sad strolls along the sand. She still liked to gaze at the ocean, but she dared not to enter it again. She sat and stared at the waters until she saw something out of the corner of her eye. There was someone else down the beach doing the same thing she was. He looked up and suddenly the sun started to rise creating a beautiful, shimmering glow over the smooth waters. He approached her and spoke of how he had always dreamed of going out where the water goes above your head. She enthusiastically told him she shared the same sentiment. Before she knew what was happening, they were walking hand in hand out into the clear, blue waters. It went from their ankles, to their knees, to their waists, shoulders, necks, and then it was the furthest point Bonnie had ever been. They plunged into the deep, no longer touching bottom, and it was the most freeing sensation Bonnie had ever experienced in her life. She felt as though they could swim all day and all night and never drown.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Word Count: 680, FCA<br />
Photo is my own taken in Cape Canaveral, Florida</div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-47450931662054971532018-02-07T06:00:00.000-06:002018-02-07T06:00:51.045-06:00February IWSG<div class="MsoNormal">
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Time for another posting with the <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> and we share our posts the first Wednesday of the month. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> On Saturday, I was catching up on email and was surprised to find my picture in the IWSG email newsletter. There was a little blurb about me in the member spotlight box and some encouraging words. It makes me feel special and slightly humbled to be included there. Thank you, admins, for the reminder to not give up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Here’s the question IWSG posed for February 7: <b>What do you love about the genre you write in most often?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">In fiction, I have been experimenting with a handful of different genres. So, I would say that I write nonfiction most often. Particularly, I tend to write a lot of reflections and what I hope are inspirational posts. Something I like the most about this style of writing, even in personal journaling, is to use metaphors. I tend to think in abstracts and sometimes a feeling or a concept can be hard to describe without some sort of example. I enjoy coming up with concrete ways to explain some of those ideas and thoughts swirling in my head. When I word it that way, I might as well just say that I enjoy the art of writing. :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-52631660491993175632018-01-26T05:00:00.000-06:002018-01-26T05:00:54.481-06:00Winter Poetry Occasionally, on the last Friday of the month, I do a Flashback Friday post. I suppose this post would fit into that category because I am sharing some things I've written in the past, although I have never shared these on my blog before. I'm sharing two short poems I wrote about winter. The first was written when I was 17 for my Junior English class portfolio. The second was written in 2013 as a response to someone on Facebook who wrote a poem about how she disliked winter.<br />
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The winter winds are starting to blow.<br />
Blowing the orange and red leaves to the ground.<br />
The ground is covered with an icy dew.<br />
Dew that makes the grass crunch with each step.<br />
Step-by-step, the season is changing.<br />
Changing as snowflakes begin falling from the sky.<br />
The sky is a pale blue without much light.<br />
Light comes from the bright, white blanket of snow.<br />
Snow that glistens with beauty.<br />
Beauty surrounds you in the snow and ice.<br />
Ice covers the ponds and trees.<br />
Trees are now bare, in the beginning of the winter.<br />
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<b><u>In Defense of Winter</u></b><br />
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Would you like it with a good book,<br />
or how about cuddled in a nook?<br />
Would you like it nestled by a fire?<br />
That should satisfy your warmth desire.<br />
Would you like it with boots and a sweater?<br />
Those certainly make the best of the weather!<br />
Not even in the fresh, fallen snow<br />
with beautiful whiteness all aglow?<br />
I love the cold! Please don't wish it away.<br />
It's much more pleasant than a hot summer day!<br />
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I know there are many people who do not share my sentiments of winter. Which season is your favorite? Have you ever written about it?</div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-53374213251670776232018-01-03T05:00:00.000-06:002018-01-03T05:00:04.555-06:00IWSG: Plan? What Plan?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Happy New Year! It’s time for the first post of 2018 with the </span><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, where writers can share their insecurities and encourage one another. IWSG was founded by </span><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Alex J. Cavanaugh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, and we share our posts on the first Wednesday of the month. We are given an optional question to answer each month, and this is the question for January:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">What steps have you taken to put a schedule in place for your writing and publishing?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">That is a very convicting question. What steps have I taken? What plans have I made for writing? I certainly did not have a schedule or plans in place last year, and I haven’t gotten very far with my writing. I’ll be honest, there are many moments when I don’t feel like much of a writer at all. I rarely have the energy or the patience to sit down and write most days. As an introvert working in an extroverted environment, I usually feel so drained at the end of each day. I can’t concentrate. I can’t recall my ideas. I can’t write. Believe me, I have contemplated quitting my job and diving into an entrepreneurial lifestyle many, many times. I stay because I’m scared of losing my financial security. Other part-time writers somehow manage to balance their time, and I do not know how they do it. I have tried different methods and nothing seems to stick, except journaling. I do tend to write out my thoughts, prayers, and feelings on a regular basis. The problem is that those journal writings are deeply personal, and I’m not comfortable sharing most of them. But, at least I have been getting some writing done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"> As the New Year was approaching, I was thinking about my current works in progress. My “quiet book” is still on hold right now. I have a handful of short stories that I have started, and one story I would like to fix up. I also have some non-fiction writing and poetry I could work on. It’s not the ideas that I’m lacking. It’s more of a lack of motivation to sort through it all and get those ideas in a presentable form. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">What are some methods you use to motivate yourself when you lack the energy to write?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><i>“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”</i> –Neil Gaiman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><i>“If you have other things in your life—family, friends, good productive day work—these can interact with your writing and the sum will be all the richer.”</i> – David Brin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7478317097848112987.post-40073148029963447442017-12-29T05:00:00.000-06:002017-12-29T05:00:36.618-06:00Flashback Friday: When the Magic Fades<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> **I have not done a Flashback Friday post for a while, but</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was thinking about this subject while I was at work the day after Christmas. Then, I realized I had already written a post about it before, so I thought it was worth a reshare.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When the Magic Fades </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">(Originally published on December 31, 2012)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"> Christmas can be a magical time of year. Children are excited, the weather changes (for some), beautiful lights and decorations flood the stores and streets, and many people seem to be in a merrier mood. Of course, this isn't always the case. Some people do not enjoy this time of year-and to them I say bah humbug!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of us who are Christians, we have an even greater reason to celebrate. I know we have all heard this a lot, but it is important to set aside time to remember how God sent His Son to earth to take on an earthly body as a little baby boy, knowing He would one day sacrifice that Son to save us.<br />This year brought an amazing Christmas Day for my family. After a fairly hectic month with work, doctor appointments, and crowded shopping, that day was so peaceful. My brother and I took charge of making the dinner, and he even ground up the turkey and stuffing so my mom could enjoy it since her jaw isn't fully healed. We enjoyed gifts and filming the cats (our children) with their new toys. Then, as my dad was reading about the nativity, it started snowing! It was a great day that we did not want to end.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Day 2012</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"> After such a wonderful day, I was deeply saddened as I started at work the following day. Despite the weather, many people decided to take advantage of the clearance sales, so the store was crowded. But I expected that. What really got to me is that after such a magical day, everyone was carrying on business as usual. Customers were frantic and impatient. Drivers on the slick roads were the same. My coworkers were discussing grievances about the job. It was like time was frozen in the snow that one Christmas Day, and then it unfroze and life forgot it. It seems that the music, lights, joyful spirits, and goodwill all faded in an instant. Why do people allow themselves to forget so quickly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we change back to our normal glum selves when the family goes home and the decorations come down?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shouldn't we have those joyful feelings and kindhearted nature all the time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what about those who don't feel that way even on Christmas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't believe God meant for us to get so caught up in our day to day busyness that we become grumpy, depressed, stressed-out, or inconsiderate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to not only look at Christmas through the eyes of a child; we also need to find that childlike faith all year long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as we enter a new year, don't allow the Christmas spirit and its true meaning to fizzle out. If you are too busy to reflect on the joys of each day, then you are too busy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us not forget the things God has blessed us with. As my pastor says, if God doesn't bless you beyond your salvation, you still have a reason to thank Him. And if you are not saved, please consider God's gift, it's the best Christmas present of all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /><br /><em>“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”</em> <em>Luke 18:16-17 (NIV)</em></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165210377903518274noreply@blogger.com1