Just for Fun - Write Gooder

This humorous list has made its rounds on the internet for quite a few years. I'm sorry to say that I don't know who the original author is. I may have added one or two items myself. I can't remember now. :-)

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1. Avoid alliteration always.

2. Prepositions are no words to end sentences with.

3. Avoid clichés like the plague.

4. Employ the vernacular ad nauseam.

5. Eschew ampersands & abbrev., etc.

6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.

Continue Reading. 

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artist unknown

Random Acts of Blogging - Questions About Writing

I found these questions somewhere online. I'm sorry I don't remember where, nor do I remember if I added any of my own. :-)

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Do you write better at a specific time of day?

That's hard to say. I'm not sure there's a time I write better, but I do have the unfortunate tendency to start writing too late in the afternoon or evening and then end up writing too late. This isn't good for my health. Sigh.

What is something about yourself that you hope will change, but probably never will?

I struggle with self-doubt about my writing skills quite a bit. I also get discouraged about whether I'm doing anything useful.

How much time do you spend writing?

This year, not as much as I should. I have been gradually getting back to feeling like writing just lately, but I had a rather long spell of not feeling motivated to write much. I realize now that this was probably largely due to the stress we were going through dealing with my mom's dementia and failing health.

What is your favorite type of writing?

At present I have been enjoying the epistolary form of writing - the new category at the web page: "Letters to My Friend".

When did you know you were a writer?

Strange to say, I didn't really know it for a long time. I was at least in my late twenties or thirties, I think, before I thought of myself as a writer. This despite the fact that I loved writing before I even knew how to read! 

How did you first get into writing?

One of my earliest memories is one of my mom writing a letter at our picnic table in Ethiopia with 3 or 4 year-old me sitting next to her making marks on a piece of paper. I was "writing a letter" to Gramma Hoover. I never lost the love or fascination for writing. For years it was focused on letter writing and school work, then the occasional poem, diaries and Bible study journals. Later it moved into writing articles for the web page.

Who was the first person to take note of your writing skill?

My fourth grade teacher, Woody Fridae.

How did you get into writing/editing an online journal?

My dad had started a web page for the purpose of ministry and he suggested that I start a section for women. This is the reason we chose the name "The Home Maker's Corer". It was originally a "corner" of his much larger web site. When I married my husband, Peter, he wanted it to be a separate web page of its own, so we separated it and got my own URL and compiling program.

How did you get into blogging?

After we got married in 2008 my husband suggested a blog as something to along side the web page. Coming up with a name was a bit difficult at the time, but we settled on "The Cotton Apron" because I wore cotton aprons a lot. Still do some. I believe I started it in February of 2009.

What writing skills would you like to add to your skill set?

I would like to write edifying fiction.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing for you?

Starting. Once I really get started, I can usually keep writing. It's the starting that hinders me the most.

What aspect of writing do you enjoy the most?

I think that would be the sense of satisfaction that I was able to get into words something that was on my heart that I wanted to convey to help people, and then to know that it did help someone in the Lord. That is sweet and such a blessing to me personally. 

What motivates you to keep writing?

The desire to help lift others' loads and to teach. To help my sisters in Christ look to God's word for their answers to life's questions. To pass on some of the things that God had taught me. 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. I have been given so much, and I know the Lord doesn't mean for me to keep it all to myself. Plus, I just have to write. Even if it never makes it into print, I write and have conversations in my head constantly - c-o-n-s-t-a-n-t-l-y!

How has writing made a difference in your life?

It has expanded my view of the world and life. It has forced me to work on my own spiritual needs and life struggles. It has perhaps given me a different view of  scripture sometimes as I read it. It has made me more aware of may issues that women are dealing with in the world and church today.

When you are in ministry to others often times the Lord will let you experience a lot of things so that you can help others, or perhaps you just become more aware of how your life experiences can help others. This can give you a sense of the importance of not letting things go to waste, so to speak. Sometimes it is an attainable goal, and sometimes it is not. Some things are too hard to write about yet, but when you have a desire to help others, you will often times find that at some point the Lord will require you to write about things you never wanted to write about. This is hard. It strips away a lot of pretense. It can be quite painful at times, but it can also be cathartic. 

Another, though less interesting, difference that writing makes in my life is that when I get to writing sometimes chores that needed to be done get delayed or missed. Sigh. Tonight the dishwasher did not get run as it should have.

Do you have any professional help with writing?

No. I have watched some YouTube videos by writers and editors that have been helpful to me, but so far I haven't sought out professional help. My husband proofreads for me often, but we both miss things, as you may notice. 

Have you taken any courses on writing?

I took a creative writing course at the college level right after high school (maybe I did secretly know I was a writer? but I didn't have a real goal in that other than wanting to). It was really more basic English, in my opinion. I wasn't overly impressed, but I did learn stuff from it. 

Is writing your profession or hobby or...?

For me it is an unpaid ministry at present. It is one of the main ways that I serve the Lord outside my home (and yet at home at the same time). Unfortunately, writing does not seem to be very much looked for as a ministry within the body of Christ on the local church level any more. I'm not sure how that could be changed.

Writing Challenge # 11

"Mrs. Duffee Seated On A Striped Sofa Reading" by Mary Casset

This month the writing challenge will be easy. I've seen quotes to the effect that if you wish to write well, you need to read good books. So...

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The challenge is to read a good book this month. If you're up for it, read several. :-)

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You can read something that is written well and is in a style of writing that you would like to influence your own writing, whether it's for adults, children, teens, or a specific group. Sometimes the blogging world can get a little too free and easy with writing styles - by this I mean the decay of English. Reading books that lift our minds and thoughts and that will have an improving effect on our writing is a good investment of time.

Or, if you need a rest for your mind and something pleasant for a distraction this month, read something that is light recreation reading for you. These are things that RE-create - things that refresh your mind or your spirit or both, and that don't make you feel pressured to perform or achieve.

Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 

Image created at AZQuotes.com

Writing Challenge #10

Psalms 45:1  My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

November is NaNoWrMo - National Novel Writing Month. This is the challenge to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. You can read more about it at the link, but suffice to say that it has grown into a rather large yearly writing event.

Now, I do not plan to participate in that, although I have been toying with writing a novel. I don't think I'd do well trying to meet a specific deadline of 50,000 words in one month on one specific project, and also I don't want to submit my writings to a web site which may or may not keep a copy of my work for their own purposes. (Yes, I'm a suspicious person when it comes to certain areas of human nature. Not without cause, as thousands of years of human history have shown.)

But, as I was thinking about that challenge, it occurred to me that a more possible challenge for November, from my perspective, would be to strive to write every day. I know. Someone may be surprised to learn that I don't do that anyway. I do write a lot, but I tend to write in "spurts." Although I've wanted to make the effort to write at least something daily, I have not done so yet to date. I made some progress this year for sure, but definitely didn't get there and I would like to be a more "ready writer." So...

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This month's challenge is write something at least 100 words long every day.

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It doesn't have to be a lot or well planned, in fact it can be a very rough draft. It can be in your journal, on you blog, a letter or email to someone, a poem, a love note to your spouse or family member, or a larger project on which you want to make progress. It doesn't have to be a complete post, letter, chapter, etc. as long as it's progress toward a goal. It can be a short outline of something you want to write more completely at a later date. I am possibly being too easy on us, except that I know how hard it is to form a daily habit of writing and I want to address that myself. :-)

We also won't count the first day since I'm posting this so late. :-) It's already November 2nd in a lot of places!

Updates on other challenges and a question:

I did write a new nature themed poem for the September challenge, but I didn't get it done until early October. It was an autumn themed poem, but I am not happy with the results, so it needs more work and won't be published until later.

I don't know if anyone else is participating in any of these challenges, but I have quite enjoyed them so far and so I'm continuing on with it for now. If you are interested and/or participating I would really like to know either in the comments or in email. As we approach the end of the year I would like to know if it is worth while to continue to share these challenges, or if I should do them for my own private enjoyment only. Would you, the reader, rather see something more like the old challenges that I did before? Or would you like to see both types - the writing challenges, and something for a wider audience to do as well? Please let me know your thoughts. :-)

See the other writing challenges here.

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Photo in title: unknown source
Bottom graphic created at AZQuotes.com

Writing Challenge # 9

Are you ready for a new writing challenge?

This month it will be a little different. Instead of actually writing, we're going to share information.

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Share (on your blog or in the comments here) some of your favorite online resources for writing helps.

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This could be a fairly wide variety of resources - anything from online classes you recommend to dictionaries and things like that.

Here is a list of some of mine:

These are actually on my tool bar at the top of my browser for easy access.

Thesaurus.com - This is helpful when you want to say a certain thing but you're looking for a better word or a word that you haven't already used but means the same thing.

A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson - This dictionary compiled by Johnson in the 1700s is a tool that I have used in an abridged form (in print) for years. I was happy to learn that they are putting it online, and I have used it here as well.

KJV Dictionary - This is helpful for those of us who use the KJV. It gives the definitions of over 11,000 words found in the King James Version of the Bible as taken from Webster's 1828 dictionary of English.

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Of course, Google is always helpful for doing research. I use it often for simple definitions of words and concepts - whether to check my usage or to provide my readers with a more concise explanation of the meaning. Type in the search box the word or phrase you are looking up with "definition" after it. Example: "persecution complex definition"
I also use it a lot for random research purposes on many varied subjects. For writing it can be very valuable. User discretion required. :-)

Wikipedia can be useful for some research, but on more sensitive subjects or things that have controversial aspects, it is not always completely reliable since the content can be biased by the contributors. Keep this in mind as you use it.

Another source for information can be Facebook if it is used wisely. If you want to know what the people of a specific group think, searching for their Facebook pages that are public can give you a lot of insight as to how they actually are thinking and arguing their own position. It is important to remember when using this source that the main perspective is that of the individual(s) who moderate the page, so don't assume that it is what all _________ think on a given subject. You will definitely find the opinions of the "common man and woman" in abundance!

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These sites are useful for working on poetry.

Rhymezone.com - This tool offers help with rhyming words and phrases, but it also gives a lot of other helps in the drop down box on the right. Click the little down arrow for a long list of ways to use this tool.

Rhymer.com - This page has some interesting technical options, along with an explanation on how to use it.

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One of the quote sites that I have liked and used the most is AZQuotes.com. They even have a way to make your own memes with many of the quotes offered there. Also there are many by known Christians, which is useful.

I strongly encourage discretion in using quotes. There are many people who have said interesting or even true things who are of dubious reputation, and some should not be used at all in most instances. It always bothers me to see someone quote a person who was known for their godless life on subjects where we should be sticking strictly to those who are had in honor for wisdom and godliness.

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So, there you are. I hope someone finds something useful here. :-)

See the other Writing Challenges.

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Photo in title - unknown source. This probably came from an advertisement since it was said to be a Smith-Corona that the lady is typing on. I learned to type a later model, portable Smith-Corona, so I liked this picture for that reason as well as the historical content and the way it was setup by the photographer. :-)

Writing Challenge #8

Well, as you no doubt know if you've been around here any length of time, I love poetry. So, it would hardly be acceptable for me not to include some challenges relating to poetry. Since I consider nature one of the easier subjects to address, we'll start here.

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Write a poem about something in nature.

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It can be anything in nature.

It can be as short as you like.

It doesn't have to rhyme.

Personally I prefer rhyming poetry for the most part, but it is up to you in this case since it is your poem and this isn't school. :-)

Here is an example of a poem I wrote on something in nature: The Reflecting Tree.

I will try to do this challenge this month also, but I wanted to include this example now. Please don't assume this will be easy for me. I tend to only write poetry when the right mood hits me, so it's uncertain if I'll be able to work myself into that mood for this challenge or not. haha

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Painting in logo: Faraway Thoughts by Langley Walters

Writing Challenge #7

Some of you may possibly have noticed that I haven't done a writing challenge for awhile. I took July off intentionally, but August has just gotten away from me. Due to the fact that the month is half over at this point, I'm going to give what will hopefully be an easier challenge. It was for me, at any rate.

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Find something you wrote three or more years ago and edit it or rewrite it.

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It's always interesting to me how many mistakes I find in things I've written when I go back to read them. I also usually notice ways I could improve them, and sometimes I even have more information to add that will be helpful or important to the subject. Sometimes it's just a pleasure to clean up and tighten the wording or thoughts.

This doesn't have to be something you wrote online. It could be an old journal entry or a poem you wrote. Whatever you like, and however private you want it to be. :-)

My effort is the article I posted Sunday, although I have been working on other things along this line as well in recent months, this one is actually completed and reposted in its improved form.
Jacob - Family Troubles.

[Photo by Rudolf Duhrkoop, 1909.]

Writing Challenge #6

Ecclesiastes 12:12  And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

It's time for another writing challenge! I haven't even gotten the May challenge done yet (ack!), but I'm hoping to soon.

This month I thought it would be interesting to think about something we enjoyed reading.

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Write about a book that you especially like.

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This is not a "book report" in the strict sense. Discuss the feeling, emotions, lessons, etc., but if the book has a plot, try not to give spoilers that may ruin it for others. If you do write about the plot or give away "surprises" give a spoiler alert to warn your readers. :-)

For those among us who do book reviews often, this won't be a challenge, but for those of us who do not, this should stretch us a little. But that is the beauty of these challenges, some will fit our style more closely, but others will stretch us; and what stretches one person will not necessarily do so for another.

Enjoy!

Writing Challenge #5

This time our challenge is going to relate to mothers since this month is Mother's Day in the U.S. I don't generally make a big deal out of this holiday, but this particular challenge seemed to fit well this month, so here it is.

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Write about something that happened to you from your mom's perspective. You may ask her questions about this if you wish to and can. Otherwise, strive to write about how she would have felt based on what you know of her.

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I think this one could be a little more challenging than some. You may write this in the first person if you want to, but that isn't necessary if you don't prefer it. I won't be writing in the first person. :-)

Ephesians 6:2  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Enjoy!

[Photo by Rudolf Duhrkoop, 1909.]

Reader Comments and Questions - About My Emails

Reader: "I was wondering why does your husband read your emails before you do ? You are plenty capable of handling a nasty email or discern if someone sends you something off? Just curious?"

Answer: This anonymous comment showed up on my blog several years ago. I am finally getting around to answering it.

First of all, let me say that while some people refuse to publish anonymous comments, I understand that some ladies want to maintain their privacy, so I don't have a problem with it. In this case I didn't because I wanted to answer it in an actual post. Of course, if it is a rude, angry or otherwise unacceptable comment, I will not publish it as all my comments on the blog are moderated by me.

The reason someone asked this question is not directly related to the blog itself and actually it had nothing to do with the post where it was made. This comment was inspired by the fact that formerly, if someone clicked to send email from The Home Maker's Corner, there was a page with the email address which also included a short message. Part of that message was that all emails were pre-read by my husband, Peter. Someone apparently thought this was weak of me. :-)

So, what was the reason behind this?

I started The Home Maker's Corner around 1995 or 1996 (I wish I'd made a record of that date). This was long before I got married, and I was still living in my parents' home at the time. Back then, what have now come to be called trolls on the internet did not have nearly as much breadth for their general nastiness as they do today. When my dad and I first started our web pages, we got "hate mail" and "flames" often enough. And, I do mean hate mail. Some of it was obscene. The vile spewings that sometimes landed in my dad's "in box" were really dreadful. In fact, he has even had a death threat and threats of personal harm and law suits in the past. Yes, you read that correctly.

Not surprisingly then, it was decided early on that my dad would screen all of the email for The Home Maker's Corner. Some of it he answered himself, especially if it was from a man or a lady who was being particularly pushy or rude. Some was simply deleted. If he thought it was something I should handle or it was a positive communication, he forwarded it to me. I did deal with some difficult questions and emails at times, because he was only protecting me from the really vile or disgusting stuff - and things from men who should have been writing to him anyway.

When my husband and I got married years later, this was still the system by which we were working and so we naturally just transfered those incoming emails over to my husband. He is not terribly diligent with he email in some ways, and I am not as diligent at answering emails as I used to be, so this was not working out too well. There were long delays in people receiving answers to their letters. Some never did get a reply, I'm very sorry to say.

But, something curious happened on the internet during that time. The trolls and ranters experienced a wide expansion to their field of activity. They now have their own blogs, other blogs where comments are allowed without moderation, Facebook, Twitter, etc. where they can dump their loads of verbal manure for tens, hundreds, and thousands of people to read. Why waste their time sending single emails to some housewife or her husband who may not ever answer it? So, they seldom do that any more. For the most part I handle the email now, but my husband is still sometimes part of the decision process if something difficult comes in.

Interestingly, even the contradictory emails tend to be more polite than they were in the past. The people who are prone to gross language and such like seem to be primarily attracted to the places where they can have a wider audience.

I think that there is also the facet of the multitude of information out there now. There are millions, billions of sites people can visit, and my little corner of the web is really not that interesting to most of the trolls and rowdies. Why rail on some "stupid housewife" when they can spend their energy tearing up the POTUS or their hated Hollywood star or some well-known Bible teacher? And since I don't do videos, I'm really pretty dull. :-)

As to my being "plenty capable" of handling nasty emails, that is debatable. Some emails that are not even nasty, but only difficult, can still cause me stress. And, with a chronic anxiety disorder [disclaimer on some content], this is something that I sometimes just can't deal with very well. It isn't a matter so much of whether or not I can handle the content or discern a problem, it's more that my mind becomes obsessively compulsive over answering such mail and this can literally wear me out mentally and emotionally. So, yes and no to being able to handle it. Sometimes it isn't a problem. Sometimes it is. Partly this just depends on where I am with my own struggles with health - both physically and mentally.

So, for whoever was wondering, this is the story behind that. :-)

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Original vintage graphic from the Graphics Fairy.

Writing Challenge #4

It's time for another writing challenge. I don't seem to have many people following along with this as compared with the other challenges that I posted for two years, but I have found the writing challenges to be really beneficial for my own writing, so I intend to keep on with it. Maybe more will join in eventually. I hope that some home school moms might realize that the challenges could be used for writing assignments to help improve their students' skills. They are also useful for adding content to a blog - so far. :-)

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Get a phrase from the Random Phrase Generator and write about it.

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I really do like this generator of ideas because it can make us take on topics that we might otherwise never think to write about.

Enjoy!

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Here is my attempt at this: Words Mean Things - Son of A Gun

Writing Challenge #3

Hooray! It is time for another writing challenge.

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Write a story from your family history. Strive to make it interesting while staying as close to the facts as possible.

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This can be anything you want - sad, happy, funny, heart-breaking, recent, long ago, etc. It did not have to happen to you personally. The choice is up to you. One way to stretch your abilities here would be to interview some family members about their memories of the event: how they felt, what they remember about it, etc.

My effort will be posted later this month. :-)  And here it is: Mom Prays in the Night.

Enjoy!

Writing Challenge #2

2 Corinthians 3:12  Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:

February is a shorter month so I thought we'd do one of the shorter challenges on my list. However, this one may prove more intense that it first appears.

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Write five sentences on a subject you are passionate about. Only five - or less, if you like.

The point of this is to write succinctly and with exactness to convey passion and meaning in just five sentences, or less.

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Here is my effort -

Sadly, she was raised in a church and home where purity was idolized, but where innocence was taught and maintained more through ignorance than through knowledge of life. She never learned to recognize the behavior of a man who is full of lust-driven, evil intentions. Certain situations did make her uncomfortable and cautious, but she was doomed to suffer greatly from the terrible lack of knowledge forced upon her by those who valued "emotional purity" more than her personal safety. Tragedy and fear taught her where her church and parents failed.

Writing Challenge - Introduction and Challenge #1

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

As 2016 was winding down I was struggling with the "Monthly Challenges". We did them for two years, but I was not keeping up with them like I should, and I was running out of fresh ideas. I wasn't sure if I even wanted to do any kind of challenges this year, or just let it go entirely. However, I've been thinking a lot about improving my own writing skills and in order to do that I need to stretch myself. It occurred to me that at least some of my readers might like to participate. Perhaps some new readers will join us along the way.

Obviously writers, especially those with blogs, might enjoy the challenges the most. Homeschoolers might like to add some of them to their children's learning plan. Some who journal or just write for their own enjoyment might also find some of them interesting as well.

"Rules"

The "rules", for lack of a better word, will be fairly loose.

1. My own original writing and ideas are my intellectual property and may not be copied or printed, except for personal use, without my written permission. (This is the most threatening rule and I state it because I don't know if I may someday wish to publish my ideas myself. It gets better, keep reading.)

2. You can post your participation projects on your blog or in the comments here - or not. You choose.

3. It would helpful if you use a challenge idea for a blog or web site post if you would link back to the challenge, but that is completely voluntary.

4. If you are an educator, while I am delighted to have you use my challenges, I would much appreciate credit for any challenges you choose to use with your students. (See Rule 1.)

5. You are not obligated to leave "encouraging comments" on other blogs or in the comments below in order to participate. (NOTE: Rude comments left here will more than likely not see the light of day on this blog.) ;-)

6. You do not have to connect to me through social media, and you are not required to follow my blog in order to participate.

7. You do not have to participate at all. :-)

8. You may participate in complete obscurity or anonymity (because I know that putting yourself in print online can be intimidating).

9. If you post your efforts in the comment section here, you accept the fact that I have the right to decide if I wish to publish it or not. All comments are moderated. This is my blog. You want to make sure it's seen - start you own blog. :-)  This blog is run by a Christian, so keep comments posted here family friendly, profanity free, and God fearing.

If You Wonder...

There will be no link-up parties for these challenges in the foreseeable future because I don't want all the extra work. I just want to write more, not manage. ;-)

While I want to improve my own grammar skills and such, I am not a teacher nor part of the "grammar police", so there will be no "correcting" or instructing of individuals along those lines. If you're looking for that type of thing I'm sure you can find something online to help you. I may post opinions in my own posts upon occasion, but I'm not here to help you correct your own mistakes. I just thought some others might enjoy coming along for this adventure, so I'm essentially inviting you to participate if you wish, nothing more.

Lastly, since we live in the best and worst of times, to reference Dickens, and very strange things seem to be common these days, if for any reason an ugly situation develops in relation to these challenges, I will discontinue them without warning or reference to the participants' opinions. Sad to have to say that, but as my Grandpa was wont to say, "People are stranger than anyone."

I think that about covers it. I haven't yet determined how often I will publish the challenges. Some will be easier than others. Some will relate to specific types of writing projects. Some may have either/or options.

Kick Off Challenge

Since January is already waning, we'll kick things off with something I've already been doing and am hoping others might enjoy.

CHALLENGE: Get a word from the Random Word Generator and write something about that subject. It can be as short or long as you wish.

Personally, I don't care how many times you hit the button to get a word you want to write about, but it's more challenging if you hold yourself to one to three clicks. :-)

I already did one of these this month.

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For those who are interested in participating: How often would you like to see the challenges go up? I'm just looking for some ideas on time frame.

New Ideas for Writing

Recently I was talking to my husband about creative writing.  I have done some over the years, but most of my writing is instructional, or what you might call teaching.  Anyway, he encouraged me that it might be a good idea to expand more in that direction.  I'm not sure how it will work because it will be more challenging territory for me, but it has come to mind as I've been thinking about which direction to go with writing in the next year.  I know that the Lord wants us to increase our talents, not let them stagnate, so perhaps this is one way to do that.  [Illustration right - unknown. Edited.]

Another thought was that awhile back I found a blog where a lady posts a word/subject once a week and people who participate then write for five minutes on the subject.  I thought it was a good idea, but I was not willing to participate due to some of her requirements that she was asking so I decided against joining in.  However, it got me to thinking.

The outcome of all this is that I am thinking of starting a jar into which I can put ideas for writing - subjects, words, maybe even some quotes.  I also am thinking of using an online word and sentence generator to give me ideas.

Sometimes I get ideas for writing at times when it isn't very convenient to write, or even make extensive notes.  In case you didn't know it, ideas are as slippery as wet fish; they can be hard to hold onto.  If I could write something brief on a bit of paper and put it in a jar, maybe I could come back to it at a later time and develop it into something. [Illustration left - from a painting by Thomas Faed.]

I have also been collecting memes which I wanted to write about, so I may think of a way to incorporate those, though admittedly they would not be so much about creative writing and more about teaching again.

Overall, though, I'm not so much concerned about creative writing as expanding my writing in a productive way, and one that will honor the Lord.  It's sometimes hard to settle on one topic or idea for writing when one's mind can produce 12-15 in a relatively short period of time and they all seem worthwhile - at the time.  It is also hard to think of something to write about sometimes when I should be writing but I'm not in the mood to write what I "should" be writing - or what I think I should be writing.

So...I think that I am going to try the jar idea and see what happens.  It may not work out well, in which case I would simply dispense with it.  But, it might just prove to be something useful and challenging.  I haven't determined how often I would use it.  I think that would depend on how well it works out.

Added to this, I thought it might be interesting to ask my readers - that's you - to give some of your ideas for me - words, Bible verses, quotes, topics, etc.  I could include in my jar the ones that I felt were useful, interesting or a good challenge.  Of course, I reserve the right to make that decision since this is, after all, my blog. :-)

What do you think?  Do you have any ideas to contribute?  Please leave a comment.

If you like this idea please feel free to use it. :-)

Monthly Challenge – November

 

Since November is a month when we particularly think about being thankful here in the U.S., it seemed like it might be nice to incorporate that into this month’s challenge. 

Here we go:

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Send a “thank you” note to a lady who has been a blessing to you (or your children) spiritually – a pastor’s wife, Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, etc.

And/Or

Write a letter or email to a missionary lady who is far away from home.

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I am focusing on pastor’s wives and lady teachers and leaders because I was a pastor’s daughter and I know that sometimes people forget to thank the ladies in the church who either are teaching or doing work behind the scenes in the line of ministry.  Verbal thanks is good, but a written “thank you” is really meaningful.  It means someone actually took the time to stop and write down some thoughts, not just say “thanks” in the hall and rush on with their lives.  If you know what I mean…

I will also add that I’m not talking about your mother or grandmother here.  I sincerely hope that if you have godly parents and/or grandparents that you let them know on a regular basis that you appreciate them.  This is about the women who aren’t usually thought of as “needing” to be thanked.  Galatians 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

The second part of the challenge is, I think, self-explanatory.  Missionary ladies may not get many personal letters from someone just reaching out in love to thank them or encourage them.  If possible, I really recommend sending snail mail.  It is such a blessing to received a real letter from someone “back home”.  But, when it comes down to it, I think they will be happy with an email as well.  And, please, try to write a personal, friendly letter.  Half a dozen questions about their work and a brief synopsis of the weather is hardly going to make them feel loved and cared for.  Tell them about your kids, your projects, something you’ve learned in your walk with God, maybe even share a recipe if they are in a place where they can get Western ingredients.

Romans 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Hope you enjoy this challenge! :-)

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NOTE: I have a question.  Shall I continue the monthly challenges next year?  Are you enjoying them?  Thanks for your input.

Blessings and Encouragement Along the Way

 

Last week was a hard week.  My husband has had some recent physical issues that needed addressing (still no diagnosis, we’re waiting to see how the treatment goes).  I had something going on – there was at least one migraine and then another that lasted more than one day, which may have actually been a bug of some sort.  We didn’t get to go to church fellowship at all because of various health hindrances.  I also had some struggles with my old flesh that were discouraging (Rom. 7:18-25).

But, my kind Lord blessed me in a very special way.  I received two letters and a package from ladies I know in Australia!  I met two of them online through my sister-in-law and the other through the blog or web page (though she also knows my s-i-l’s family).  Here are the lovely things I received:

Notice that all five verses on the various things are different.  Such a small thing, and yet it indicated the Lord’s attention to details in guiding their choices.  Also, that phrase from Isaiah 30:15 at the bottom of the card on the lower right is one of my favorite verses! …in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength… The two papers in the background give the definitions of our first and last names.  The letter on the right was printed on the back of such beautiful, cheerful paper!  What a great idea.  The lady who sent the card on the upper right also included some information that she thought might be helpful for one of my physical difficulties, and she wrote her short note on a separate piece of paper so that I can reuse the blank card!  Wasn’t that an nice touch?

One thing that made me feel very humble was to realize that the Lord had planned all this ahead of time for me, knowing that last week would be a hard week.  They all mailed their items before I “needed” them.  This was a real reminder to me of His faithfulness in caring for the smallest details of our lives – even when we aren’t faithful to Him always.  Now, I don’t always get some extra special blessing like this when I’m down or struggling, but our kind Father has a way of reminding us He is there and loves us and that He is FAITHFUL.  Sometimes I’m afraid we miss the reminders, but this was hard to miss. :-)

He's helping me now--this moment,
Though I may not see it or hear,
Perhaps by a friend far distant,
Perhaps by a stranger near,
Perhaps by a spoken message
Perhaps by the printed word;
In ways that I know and know not
I have the help of the Lord.

-- Annie Johnson Flint

Another thing that I can’t help noting is just how pleasant it is to get “real mail.”  It makes me happy that I’ve been encouraging just this type of behavior on the blog this year.  (See the January Challenge and February Challenge)  It makes me feel more motivated to pass on the love to someone else.  Mailing a letter or greeting card really doesn’t cost that much in the big scheme of things, but that kind touch may alter the whole course of someone’s day or week.  Remember the ripple affect.  One stone dropped in a pool can make ripples far from where the stone landed.  One kind deed done in Jesus’ name can spread joy and cheer in places you may never realize you could reach.  Let’s all be more diligent to do these small deeds of kindness – in Jesus’ name and for His glory!

Mark 9:41  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Colossians 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

So you want to start a blog…

 

2 Corinthians 8:21  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Some months ago a friend of mine was getting ready to start her first blog and asked for some advice from friends on Facebook.  I gave her some thoughts off the top of my head and then thought I should share them here for any of my own readers that might be interested.

Here’s what I told her with some new thoughts added:

1. Make it so you have to approve all comments. Unless you get a ton of them and it's too much work, you can save yourself the issues of spam, rudeness and foolish comments before they happen. [Further note: Plus you can decide which controversial conversations you want on your blog and which ones you don’t want!]

2. Learn to pre-schedule your posts so that you can have stuff going up regularly without having to think about it all the time. (You probably will anyway, but you won't *have* to. ) This is handy for being away too. I did this for the 3.5 weeks we were in Australia. I have almost all of March scheduled at the moment. Ahh...freedom - and a blog at the same time. [When you schedule your posts ahead of time you can choose your time stamp for when you want it to go up.  I recommend using the same time every time for continuity.  When you’re writing and posting immediately it doesn’t matter.]

3. If you pre-schedule posts be sure to make a back up copy of each one on your computer so that you don't lose all your efforts due to a glitch. I save mine in HTML format in a Notepad file.

4. Read and comment on other blogs that are pertinent to your own and make sure you have your ID set so that your name links back to your blog. This helps bring legit traffic to your own blog. Also, be a follower on similar blogs. [Please make sure you comments are appropriate, intelligent and not just spammy blabber for the sake of getting traffic at your own blog.]

5. Watch your stats. They will tell you which subjects are most interesting to your readers - how many readers on certain days, where they're from, which posts had the most hits, etc.

6. Don't post too often or too little. Too little is a no-brainer, but I've actually dropped blogs I followed where the blogger just made way too many posts – sometimes several in a day. It felt almost intrusive. I've had to work up to several posts a week, but I am trying not to over-do it either.  [Readers, are my two posts on Saturday too much?  I like the evening song idea, but maybe it’s too much with the sewing and strawberry posts? – Leave a comment.]

7. If you struggle to make your quota of posts give yourself an easy option to resort to. This is why I just post photos with little to no text on Thursdays. Readers get some eye candy, but it's super easy for me! I schedule those posts 6 months in advance sometimes. It feels good to know I have at least one post a week taken care of for months to come. [Also, if you have something you’re writing that is getting long, think about dividing it into “parts” to spread out the content.  I should have don’t that with this one, I think!]

8. Make sure your pre-scheduled posts go up. I have had Blogger fail to post one or more times and I had to go post “by hand”. Keep track, if you can, even when you've written them ahead. [One way to keep track is to have your posts sent to you via email.  That way if one doesn’t go up automatically hopefully you’ll notice.]

9. Always include an image if you can - your own photos are probably best, otherwise find free places online such as Wikimedia Commons where you can get illustrations for your posts. I started doing this consistently when I realized that I prefer posts with illustrations myself. You may want to find a free spot online to store your own images so that you don't use up your blog account space with those. I think Flicker might be one? I have a paid account at Smugmug.com, so I can't advise on that one.  [Another place you can find free illustrating material is at WikiArt.  User discretion required.  Also, some bloggers are happy to let you use one of their own illustrations if you are posting a recipe or article from their blog, giving clear credit and linking back to them.]

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A few more thoughts:

10. Try to pick subjects that will interest readers but don’t overwork them if you can help it.  I know your kitchen remodel may be a huge event in your life but don’t blog about only that for weeks and weeks giving a play-by-play of every little step and detail.  Really.  We’re not all that interested.  Your wedding or your daughter’s wedding may be the most wonderful thing that has happened to you in years, but it probably won’t be the best idea to only write about that for 6 months.  Just sayin’…

11. Don’t try to push through writer’s block.  Come back and write later or find a quick easy post to put up that doesn’t require too much work – a recipe, a poem, a special photo, a favorite web site, etc.  Another easy one is to look up quotes on a specific subject and just put in half a dozen or so that you particularly like.

12. Learn to add YouTube videos directly on your page so people don’t have leave your page to view it.  With all the distracting extra videos on YouTube’s side bar your readers might get distracted and forget to come back!  Plus, this is one of those easy posts that you can add as in no. 11.

13.  “Variety is the very spice of life.”  I think Samuel Johnson said that.  Anyway, if you feel like your blog is becoming too one subject oriented or that you’re developing a hobby horse, consider where you could branch out and add some content that is similar but different enough to add some interest – recipes, poems, educational information, etc.  I know some blogs are dedicated to specific subjects – autism, cooking, healthy living, etc. – but these can be many faceted things and dwelling on just one aspect isn’t useful content after awhile.

14. If you do tend toward hobby horse rants, stop and think about what you are doing with your life.  Is it something that will actually count for eternity and make a difference, or do you just get a thrill from blowing off steam publically?  Are you wasting your time?  Just because you get a lot of traffic on that stuff doesn’t prove that it’s useful or worthy.  Really.  The world is more attracted to the bizarre, sensational and ludicrous than to wisdom, justice and truth.  Yellow journalism is not a Christian ministry. 
2 Corinthians 5:18-19  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

15. Don’t assume you can’t blog because you’re not a “good writer”.  People don’t become better writers by thinking that, they only improve by writing.  Give it a go if it’s something you want to do.  Just one tip (among too many to mention here): try writing as if you were writing a letter to or talking to a dear friend who understands you well.  Just be sure to explain “inside information” where necessary.  You might be surprised at how much easier that makes writing, and how well your readers respond. :-)

16.  It’s ok to have a small presence on the web.  If you are helping a few people you are still helping.  If you are staying connected with family and friends, you are still doing something worthwhile.  We can’t all have thousands of followers and get interview offers.  Be content to make a difference, even if it’s small.  Zechariah 4:10a  For who hath despised the day of small things?…  “There are many of us that are willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do little things.” – D.L. Moody