tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67046861090572392412024-03-13T04:49:03.001-07:00The Writer's PenA blog about writing, faith, and the world around us!Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-67482100341630434462023-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:002023-01-31T12:56:28.057-08:00Learning to Write-Setting<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IfzT4ZLy2A/U859JfYcyUI/AAAAAAAADh4/02LYx9mnO7A/s1600/100_2336.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IfzT4ZLy2A/U859JfYcyUI/AAAAAAAADh4/02LYx9mnO7A/s1600/100_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budapest, Hungary</td></tr>
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<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>
The Setting of Your Story</b></h3>
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I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Budapest, Hungary back in 2009 and again in 2012. I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this large city. The architecture, bridges, and the Danube River added to the splendor, but what impressed me the most was how simple it was to tour the city.<br />
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After a thorough and informative bus tour, I fell in love with this gorgeous setting! Its history, its architecture, its museums...all of it told a story.<br />
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So what does all this have to do with the setting of a story?<br />
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Simple: when you select a place in which to set your story, you should be able to describe it, the people who live in the setting, and also the culture. You should know the backstory of your setting, its history, quirks, and peccadilloes...even if it is a fictional fantasy setting or a modern setting. <br />
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Think of Gilmore Girls and Stars Hollow. This fictional town set in Connecticut is full of charm and quirkiness. The quaint buildings and houses, the town square, and characters to match all make Stars Hollow most memorable.<br />
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What small towns have you lived in? Why do people, especially readers, love small towns so much?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5b1ka-z1k_0SXoecpdE4V2Y6ZqvxQaPWl4MYgHm5zuEAp3tezc6aWvU4svyZf-Xc9X6fyeomDdEFCBKzx59ZKyFnc20yam_QhULVO4UpVw77vN5G5f_iCuXk_P6p_F3TTZnsgKRgB_z1h6J7HAwJQYGtRR5PNoSVJxhWR1Ral0CsGHkg0pLgvWNj0Q/s1080/Untitled%20design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5b1ka-z1k_0SXoecpdE4V2Y6ZqvxQaPWl4MYgHm5zuEAp3tezc6aWvU4svyZf-Xc9X6fyeomDdEFCBKzx59ZKyFnc20yam_QhULVO4UpVw77vN5G5f_iCuXk_P6p_F3TTZnsgKRgB_z1h6J7HAwJQYGtRR5PNoSVJxhWR1Ral0CsGHkg0pLgvWNj0Q/w200-h200/Untitled%20design.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br />
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When I was first married, we moved from the dry desert southwest to the lush green forests of eastern North Carolina. This was such a culture shock for me because I was from a big city in the middle of the desert. It took me a while to get used to the small town setting I was plopped into thanks to the USMC. But, being a student of history, once I began to learn about the town I lived in )Havelock, NC) and the town I worked in (New Bern, NC), I began to fall in love with the setting of my life story. The Revolutionary and Civil War history, the quaint buildings, New Bern's lovely town square, old churches, and antiquated features drew me in.<div>
<br />Why does it matter what the setting of your story is? Well, think of your own life story. Reflect on all the settings of your life...where did you live when you were young and why? What about young adulthood? What was the setting of your story then? A college campus? A studio apartment? A dorm room? What about adulthood, did you live in a small town like I did or a big bustling city? The various settings of our life stories have an impact on us, no question about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, the setting of the story you're writing right now must have an impact on your main character's life as well. why? Because that's how your readers will relate to your main character.<br />
<br />We writers make connections. You will need to connect the setting of your story to your characters, the main goal of the protagonist, as well as connect it to the conflict of the story. To do this well, reflection is needed.<br />
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Ask yourself some questions: Do you want the setting to contrast with your character? I mean, think of Gilmore Girls. These fun spirited, adventurous women lived in a small sleepy town that also seemed to want to be more than it was. And it worked, didn't it? The setting did contrast with their personalities but also blended nicely with them, too.<br />
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Or maybe you want the setting of your story to align with your character. I think of the movie <i>Gravity</i> where the setting of space: cold, dark, lonely, silent...seemed to match the feelings of the main character (played by Sandra Bullock) and her emotional state. We find out later that she is enduring extreme grief and pain, so the fact that she volunteered to head out to the vastness of cold, dark space makes complete sense.<br />
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What about <b>your</b> character? Who is she or he or maybe you MC is an animal, elf, or a robot. Be able to explain why you set your story where you did. Readers should be able to figure it out as they read, too.<br />
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In my current WIP, my character escaped the small town life to go into the setting of a war in the desert. Her mood contrasts significantly with the small town she grew up in. I have the task of providing enough character development and setting context so my readers will figure out why my main character dreads heading home after successfully reporting on the wars in the middle east for so many years.</div><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zQBfH36Krl4KMGEEsPQHffj6fNxgAgb_hn82QbVQg1B3orx6ZAvJLmoqiSSoZZJMSasJQQ94Og1FjJ0iz8pvoEkXBiGzOqipEa6FrK89reVZx_2zV6kzYaMLE-IaGG0RSWgPHrJYme5cyPiYxjHeUWJECsAGEuVMZncjPQCDG6vKkrUZTqMzKbKCkg/s1080/connections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zQBfH36Krl4KMGEEsPQHffj6fNxgAgb_hn82QbVQg1B3orx6ZAvJLmoqiSSoZZJMSasJQQ94Og1FjJ0iz8pvoEkXBiGzOqipEa6FrK89reVZx_2zV6kzYaMLE-IaGG0RSWgPHrJYme5cyPiYxjHeUWJECsAGEuVMZncjPQCDG6vKkrUZTqMzKbKCkg/w200-h200/connections.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>
Connections</b></h3>
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Think back to your favorite books or movies. Now think about the setting of those stories. How did the setting connect to the protagonist?<br />
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Harry Potter: Once lived in a cupboard under the stairs of his aunt and uncle's house. They were abusive and resentful. That situation matched his setting. The sadness of the space, the lack of warmth and ability to move went along with his feelings of being trapped with no hope. Harry tried to make the best of an awful situation. Later, he is transported to a grand magical castle with a unique history. Connection? We soon discover Harry also has a unique history as grand and magical and mysterious as Hogwarts!<br />
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Katniss Everdeen: Once lived in dark and struggling District 12 fighting to survive. Hunting for food to feed her family within the vast forest environment. Her environment could provide but also kill her. This setting matched her situation. Next, she volunteers for the Hunger Games and is transported to bright and glorious urban Capitol setting where she discovers the beauty of this city is all a façade and she must continue to fight for survival. She learns how everything is just a façade. How do the various settings of The Hunger Games books connect with our heroine? Think about it.<br />
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I used to ask my students to think about how significantly different the task of winning the tournaments would have been for Katniss had the first game been set in an urban setting rather than the forest, which she knew so well. Do you think she would have been as successful?<br />
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In Lord of the Rings, how did Mordor conflict with the lovely shady and green Shire? Think about how the Shire connected to Frodo and Sam and the other Hobbits. They were pleasant farmers, fun-loving and filled with sunshine. Mordor was dark, rocky, rough, lava-filled and barren of life. What an amazing contrast for readers to see inside their heads and then later on the big screen. Tolkien had seen the brutality of war and how it destroyed lives and the land when he served in WWI. Many believe his inspiration for the Hobbit and the LOTR was WWI. Mordor definitely resembles the stricken land after war. <br />
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Back to Stars Hollow...<br />
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What made viewers, like me, enjoy the show The Gilmore Girls so much was the quirkiness of the town and townsfolk. No one was perfect. Each person had a story and each person added to the main story line. Now think about your story. Can you say the same thing about your characters? Do they connect to your setting?<br />
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What about when the setting changes?<br />
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Good question. I often used The Great Gatsby as an example of settings when teaching this topic to my students. We would look at the descriptions of the Gatsby's mansion written by Fitzgerald. We would analyze how the details of the mansion meant something and revealed much more to the reader than just a simple narration would reveal.<br />
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But then, in the story, the settings change to help the reader picture the context of the 1920s, the contrast between the filthy rich and the struggling poor.<br />
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Again, in Harry Potter, the setting changes rather drastically so we can feel the excitement of Harry. The drastic differences between the room under the stairs and the vast magical castle give us a glimpse into how Harry's life was about to change as well.<br />
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We in the USA weren't as affected by this as those children in the UK who sometimes had to leave home and head to boarding school. To them, Hogwarts was the ultimate boarding school experience picked right from their active imaginations, yes?<br />
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Now that you have a clearer understanding of how the setting of your story matters, what adjustments need to be made to your current WIP? I know I needed to go back and add some small town quirkiness to my story. This town will be the setting of 3 books, so it matters to each story line. No pressure!<br />
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As I look back over my life and see the many settings of my life story, I can see why God had me in each place for a reason. Sometimes a season of tremendous growth. Sometimes isolation so that I could focus on Him and my need for Him. Sometimes he had me surrounded with like-minded friends who supported me through hard times. Other times I was surrounded by older women who came alongside me like older sisters. I can look back and see the purpose behind each setting.<br />
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Imagine you're interviewing your main character. Can she or he look back and see why you placed her in each setting? Can she see the purpose? Can your readers?<br />
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They should be able to. It does matter to them. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ewxGjdslluoEcicSfJs1QDYW96A4RH1NoTk-S2YigGzcaqDb5RHEtyUt-6qHIzuuQPC17ij69Clbesx0Cr4MVdOBPKW2Qb2jUQfZ38m0656_BDbCenH1cYMX5ywskvprImaNjGjec0GvWUD_TTmL8HdO1terLyarvugnbNTcgbEspEKPWZkW2zFP8Q/s1080/budapest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ewxGjdslluoEcicSfJs1QDYW96A4RH1NoTk-S2YigGzcaqDb5RHEtyUt-6qHIzuuQPC17ij69Clbesx0Cr4MVdOBPKW2Qb2jUQfZ38m0656_BDbCenH1cYMX5ywskvprImaNjGjec0GvWUD_TTmL8HdO1terLyarvugnbNTcgbEspEKPWZkW2zFP8Q/s320/budapest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br />
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Ahhhh Budapest. Someday I'll write a story set in that magnificent city with its historical monuments and bridges that cross the romantic Danube.<br />
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Yes, the setting of your story can take people to places they can only imagine.<br />
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Writing gives you that power! Wield it well.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings,</div><div>Ruth</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TujMKUHNY4eZBc6D6ev1PThn2YWHPzEwybY9zDq8zS2ezmWqBjs6sDTyAN_Zlc3DmsgFBHwwFws0uUYEv_G6FP1GWSlS_FBS3hLUzb0_PncCdjnWKA6msHwwgDZgTTHKy1dyo1RecnG_puK5D1iHqvrZA0ukqR67NJX5il30ZKjzMIng3h4HVqF6Nw/s960/161658629_10225448973759635_239550753418180753_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TujMKUHNY4eZBc6D6ev1PThn2YWHPzEwybY9zDq8zS2ezmWqBjs6sDTyAN_Zlc3DmsgFBHwwFws0uUYEv_G6FP1GWSlS_FBS3hLUzb0_PncCdjnWKA6msHwwgDZgTTHKy1dyo1RecnG_puK5D1iHqvrZA0ukqR67NJX5il30ZKjzMIng3h4HVqF6Nw/w150-h200/161658629_10225448973759635_239550753418180753_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What about you? How do you show your readers how the setting of your story is connected to your main character?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-59720853810982445572019-06-04T09:30:00.002-07:002023-02-03T07:25:39.777-08:00Running for LIFE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For runners, heading out for a run is more than logging in miles or training for a upcoming race. No, running is therapy. It's spiritual renewal. It's a way of life we can't do without!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Run for Your Life!</span></b><br />
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I am honored to have two running stories in the new <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Running-Stories/dp/1611599903/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FKHJ7AGLKDIW&keywords=chicken+soup+for+the+soul+running+for+good&qid=1559665794&s=gateway&sprefix=chicken+soup+for+the+soul%3A+running%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Chicken Soup for the Soul book: Running for Good</a> that has just been release in time for <a href="https://globalrunningday.org/" target="_blank">Global Running Day</a>.<br />
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Years ago, I ran in high school track and on the cross-country team. I ran because it was fun and my friends were also on the team. But I never felt like a runner.<br />
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One day, it happened.<br />
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During cross-country practice, we ran eight miles. I had never run that distance before. Stopping to think about it, I finally felt like a runner... a real runner!<br />
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I haven't stopped since.<br />
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I always warn new runners that, the first time they run eight to ten miles, they will fall in love with running. They will experience that runner's high and never look back. It's tempting to run all the time, I warn them, but don't do it! Be sensible and rest to allow your body to heal. Those who listen, go on to experience fun and exciting running events. Those who don't listen to advice or their bodies, experience injuries early on.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Spiritual High</span></b><br />
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That's why running is so appealing. Your body will speak to you as you run. You can have a long, deep conversation with your body while you're logging in eight to ten miles. At first, it whispers to you. And if you continue to ignore it, it speaks loudly to you. And if you <i>still </i>continue to ignore it...your body will scream at you!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yFb9O84sMA/XPabCyV2OzI/AAAAAAAAIW8/hHkm43EQISMKmmW6jGuoHRewST2emtWfACLcBGAs/s1600/12185072_966338956741265_509980427145432057_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yFb9O84sMA/XPabCyV2OzI/AAAAAAAAIW8/hHkm43EQISMKmmW6jGuoHRewST2emtWfACLcBGAs/s200/12185072_966338956741265_509980427145432057_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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That's what I experienced while training for my favorite race: The Marine Corps Marathon<br />
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I wrote about this race in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Soul-Running-Stories/dp/1611599903/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FKHJ7AGLKDIW&keywords=chicken+soup+for+the+soul+running+for+good&qid=1559665794&s=gateway&sprefix=chicken+soup+for+the+soul%3A+running%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Chicken Soup for the Soul: Running for Good</a>. I trained and trained so hard for this once-in-my-lifetime race, that I ignored the warnings my body was sending me daily. I ignored it until it screamed at me and I couldn't take another step.<br />
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So, I rested and paid attention to my body's needs. It healed and off we went to the marathon!<br />
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I call this the Spiritual High because running allows you time to really listen. You can think deep thoughts while out on a run. I tend to write scenes for my latest writing project while I run. Sometimes, I work out problems I'm having at work or at home. Most of the time, I talk to God and seek His wisdom. Because I was bedridden during my pregnancy and afterwards, I went almost two years without running. Today, I appreciate every workout more than ever. When you've been forced to lie in bed for almost six months and experience atrophy, and then have surgery that keeps you from returning to normal life for another six months, getting your health back is priceless.<br />
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As I lay in bed, day after day, worrying about my unborn child and my own health, I prayed and bargained with God. "Lord," I prayed. "If you give me my health back, I promise I won't take exercise for granted ever again. If you get me back out there on the trails, I will always give you thanks. I promise."<br />
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That was 25 years ago and six marathons, eighteen half marathons, four ultra-marathons, and sprint triathlons later. After every workout, I thank the Lord for giving me my health back to enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNIGH6Ysng/XPaZsO0kWSI/AAAAAAAAIWk/_-FZTnBraTEPOpJZFEPfEq6ffQoLsBG8QCKgBGAs/s1600/FB_IMG_1448592728993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XNIGH6Ysng/XPaZsO0kWSI/AAAAAAAAIWk/_-FZTnBraTEPOpJZFEPfEq6ffQoLsBG8QCKgBGAs/s200/FB_IMG_1448592728993.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hubby is my main support! I couldn't do any of it without him.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Run for Your Life</span></b><br />
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In this book, I also wrote about how running helped me heal after suffering the tremendous loss of my older sister, Tammie. I have since lost my mom, aunts and uncles, grandparents, as well a beloved pet dog, and continue to use running as a time of therapy and renewal. I know my sister and my mom wouldn't want me to stop doing what I love. So, I run for them and all those who can no longer hit the trails.<br />
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Running is a way to enjoy life and prolong a healthy lifestyle. Smart training and planning can ensure successful race completion. I have found running to keep my health balanced and my body fit. In the book, you will read so many stories about people who found new health through running.<br />
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Their stories are so incredibly motivating!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCwham3iajY/XPaa_6qKRjI/AAAAAAAAIW4/__nysNQddN0foSQdFutp87nxVoKeMQTAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Romapic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="414" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DCwham3iajY/XPaa_6qKRjI/AAAAAAAAIW4/__nysNQddN0foSQdFutp87nxVoKeMQTAwCLcBGAs/s200/Romapic.JPG" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running through Rome in the 2018 Maratona di Roma</td></tr>
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Last year, when I trained for the Rome Marathon, I had to have a complete physical as part of the race registration process. My doctor was astounded by the results of my bloodwork. "I haven't seen such excellent numbers in a long time."<br />
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"Running," I said. "Clean living and running will do that for you."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nstPmLAuqpM/XPaa8eG-qvI/AAAAAAAAIW0/BBEVeg4Uez83licbkE7OVYwYxdBNZmLLACLcBGAs/s1600/11252680_998274803547680_6050126449261278456_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nstPmLAuqpM/XPaa8eG-qvI/AAAAAAAAIW0/BBEVeg4Uez83licbkE7OVYwYxdBNZmLLACLcBGAs/s200/11252680_998274803547680_6050126449261278456_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in the Across the Years ultra marathon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I run for pleasure and for life. But I know I won't be able to do it forever. So, I also ride my bike, swim, do Pilates, and hike. An active lifestyle goes along with spiritual health and mental health. Because I have learned so much about how running improves mental health, I plan on returning to school for a second Masters degree in Mental Health and Wellness at Grand Canyon University. Writing more about how running can improve emotional stability in addition to physical stability is my goal. Hopefully, more and more people will be inspired to try running.<br />
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I have a few more races to enter and complete before I hang up my running shoes. I also have more "metaphorical" races to enter and complete. Running has prepared me for the obstacles I will face in life. I hope to inspire others to try running and see for themselves how their bodies and mental state will grow stronger.<br />
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Running really is for good!<br />
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<b>Your turn: Do you run? How has running changed your life? If not, what do you do to maintain mental health and renewal? </b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-69506746008682696192019-05-31T07:57:00.002-07:002019-05-31T07:57:57.438-07:00Enter (Writing Contests) at Your Own Risk! <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3uJFZ1X3fM/XPE--ryWTwI/AAAAAAAAIVk/N5VW-16-DqYWcVt8oFdoWl2fhB4hnf7qQCLcBGAs/s1600/Contest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="593" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3uJFZ1X3fM/XPE--ryWTwI/AAAAAAAAIVk/N5VW-16-DqYWcVt8oFdoWl2fhB4hnf7qQCLcBGAs/s320/Contest.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Prepare Your Work for Writing Contests</span></b><br />
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One of the most effective ways to get your work noticed is to enter contests. Even though you may not win or place, there's nothing to lose! Most writing contests offer helpful feedback on your work by talented, published authors, literary agents, and editors who act as contest judges.<br />
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If you do place or win, you're immediately afforded the chance to put the contest details in any query letter you send to literary agents. This increases your chance of representation by an agent and landing your first publishing contract.<br />
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Woo hoo!<br />
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So, what steps should you take to enter? Keep reading...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8tXJLG-F-4/Tu9arHc30hI/AAAAAAAAASw/Owo7UDxWFKgGer9h0gd9n-YSJz3GGgmdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/stun-pen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8tXJLG-F-4/Tu9arHc30hI/AAAAAAAAASw/Owo7UDxWFKgGer9h0gd9n-YSJz3GGgmdgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/stun-pen2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Preparations Matter</span></b><br />
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But before you submit your work and hit "send", there's much to consider. Best-selling author, <a href="http://www.gailgaymermartin.com/" target="_blank">Gail Gaymer Martin,</a> recently spoke to our Christian Writers of the West group about how to best prepare your manuscript before you hit "send." She ought to know! She's won many prestigious contests, including the Holt Medallion Award, the Golden Quill Award, and the National Readers Choice Award. I'd like to share with you some of the tips she shared with us:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">First Steps</span></b><br />
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Begin by reading the submission requirements on the contest website. If they ask for the first 15 pages, then submit your first 15 pages. You may be tempted to send chapter four instead because you feel that's your strongest chapter, but don't! Instead, ask yourself <i>why </i>chapter four is your strongest chapter. Maybe you should make it chapter one!<br />
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Next, make sure your writing is polished to a shine. In other words, hire an editor! After it's edited, ask friends (preferably other writers) to read your work for critique. This means, someone other than grandma who loves everything you've ever written since you were five years old. You'll need someone who cares enough to tell you what works and what doesn't work in your story. Trust me, it's worth the pain of going back and revising.<br />
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Read the contest categories carefully. If your story is speculative fiction but the contest wants only romance, then don't enter it. Find the contest that best aligns with your writing style and genre. But don't be afraid to try a new genre. That's what I did recently and I placed third in the contest. It was a stretch for me to go from middle grade fiction to contemporary women's fiction, but I am all about change and improvement. I wrote a women's fiction story, found a contest with that category, and entered. So, give a new genre a try! <br />
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Check your story. The contest judges want to see the main character, the inciting incident, and the possible resolutions in the first few pages of your story. If the contest wants only the first three chapters, but your inciting incident doesn't happen until chapter four, you have some revising to do. Most readers have the attention span of five seconds. If the action, the inciting incident, and the main character don't appear right away, readers will put down your book. Read and re-read your story to make sure these requirements are present right away. Judges will be on the look out for them!<br />
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If contest organizers require formatting (and they usually do), be sure to follow those formatting requirements to a tee! If they want your name in the upper left-hand corner, then don't include a fancy cover page. Obey their every command! Otherwise, your manuscript might be sent back for corrections or they may never even read your manuscript at all.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzmmLC5I4Fg/XPFA0rNzJFI/AAAAAAAAIV8/6jeeU0enI-88NAbxxEBrXD-Nd-bab3xAgCLcBGAs/s1600/enter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="517" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzmmLC5I4Fg/XPFA0rNzJFI/AAAAAAAAIV8/6jeeU0enI-88NAbxxEBrXD-Nd-bab3xAgCLcBGAs/s320/enter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Enter Contests: You Have So Much to Win</span></b><br />
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Entering contests is about more than just winning. Even placing in the top three is desirable and beneficial. Literary agents and editors participate as judges in contests sometimes because they are on the lookout for the next BIG story and successful writer. That could be YOU. Thoughtful judges will provide you the feedback on your story that will make you a better writer. They will mention what you did right and what needs work. I was so blessed to have received excellent feedback on my work-in-progress when I placed third.<br />
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Most contests have reasonable entry fees and turn around times, so you really have nothing to lose by entering. You do, however, have so much to gain!<br />
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Our <a href="http://www.christianwritersofthewest.com/" target="_blank">Christian Writers of the West Rattler's Contest </a>opens in August. Please consider entering your work.<br />
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You won't regret it!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-51978210512248309072019-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:002019-05-01T09:44:40.697-07:00Author Websites and You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGcHPvBges0/Ty9Nuh9FccI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/iDKJ_6E2g94JwJMS22z1uY3uEJ3_TueNgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/ebook-readers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="440" height="218" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGcHPvBges0/Ty9Nuh9FccI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/iDKJ_6E2g94JwJMS22z1uY3uEJ3_TueNgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/ebook-readers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Author Websites</b></h3>
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A couple of years ago, I sat in a session offered at the <a href="https://www.acfw.com/" target="_blank">ACFW</a> Writers Conference in Texas. In this session, the speaker (a web developer) spoke about the importance of the author website. He covered the "dos and don'ts" about creating an effective website an explained why authors need a site to inform readers about themselves and to sell their books.<br />
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I walked away from that session inspired to create my own site. Being an artist, I understand about composition, principles of design, and navigating through a web host template. It was easier than I thought it would be. However, I know many authors don't possess these skills and need to hire someone to build their sites. This can be expensive.<br />
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Last month, at our Christian Writers of the West (the local chapter of ACFW in Arizona), we had web developer <a href="https://www.gabriellekoza.com/" target="_blank">Gabrielle Koza </a>speak to us about how simple it is today to design your own website. I couldn't agree more!<br />
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She explained to us the various web site hosts out there that offer FREE templates we authors can use. I, personally, use <a href="https://www.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Weebly.com </a>for <a href="https://artbyruth.weebly.com/" target="_blank">my site</a>. Here's brief video explanation about Weebly:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGTAwMn1MnU/XMnM6x5rB3I/AAAAAAAAITE/d4zgwKSyKQAlyuOU1ZsEQSBRB905u74fQCLcBGAs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="819" height="182" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGTAwMn1MnU/XMnM6x5rB3I/AAAAAAAAITE/d4zgwKSyKQAlyuOU1ZsEQSBRB905u74fQCLcBGAs/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.loom.com/share/6d150996467f425b85ad788ab6c5a4cb">https://www.loom.com/share/6d150996467f425b85ad788ab6c5a4cb</a><br />
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There are so many other free web hosting service providers out there. Gabrielle listed a few for us:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.wix.com/" target="_blank">Wix</a></li>
<li><a href="https://hibu.com/?cid=ppc-g-brand&useYB=1&elqCampaignId=3442&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh6XmBRDRARIsAKNInDGL98GBOgnnMZBJp0TxcQZvqxlh4KQ4bTlqyWyp49we_PhnSeNeV9oaAhGHEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Hibu</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sitebuilder.com/" target="_blank">Sitebuilder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://web.com/">Web.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.godaddy.com/offers/websites/website-builder/bestwebsitebuilder?isc=cjcwsbfr&cjelbDays=7&AID=13379824&SID=XHCKetGxem&utm_source=cj&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=xx-xx_corp_affiliate_base_purchase&utm_content=Natural+Intelligence+Ltd._2828146&tgt=6415895" target="_blank">GoDaddy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.com/create/?aff=6189&cid=788482&sid=fodUdfiqYV" target="_blank">Wordpress</a></li>
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and many more!<br />
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You don't have to be an expert in design. These service providers walk you through the process with easy to navigate templates. Be sure to include the necessary pages to your site first:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Home</li>
<li>Services</li>
<li>News</li>
<li>About</li>
<li>Contact</li>
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After these pages, you can add a blog page, award page, or even individual pages for each of your books. Be as creative and informative as you can. Your author website is where your readers will go to learn about you and buy your books. It should be as detailed as possible but not overwhelming. Remember, less is more. Browse through some effective websites of authors you follow. Learn from them.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lindsayharrel.com/" target="_blank">Lindsay Harrel</a><br />
<a href="https://saraella.com/" target="_blank">Sara Ella</a><br />
<a href="https://www.tinaradcliffe.com/" target="_blank">Tina Radcliffe</a><br />
<a href="https://www.susanmaywarren.com/" target="_blank">Susan May Warren</a><br />
<a href="https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/" target="_blank">Liz Johnson</a><br />
<a href="https://rachellegardner.com/" target="_blank">Agent, Rachelle Gardner</a><br />
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Good luck and have fun building your author website!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-79405662725962695402018-05-12T07:27:00.000-07:002018-05-12T07:27:05.917-07:00How to Avoid the Root Canals of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KH4zyX4kVV4/Wvbzgxk-kJI/AAAAAAAAICs/Q0DIb2J_-yEKUe27jE2_2dxAISRIYy3OACLcBGAs/s1600/pain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="451" height="235" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KH4zyX4kVV4/Wvbzgxk-kJI/AAAAAAAAICs/Q0DIb2J_-yEKUe27jE2_2dxAISRIYy3OACLcBGAs/s320/pain.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one in their right mind enjoys visiting the dentist's office. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>In the Word</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I teach a Bible study at my work and thoroughly enjoy it. But teaching God's word requires much time spent in God's word. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being in God's word brings conviction of sin. It stings! So many times I think, Okay, this will be my last Bible study because I need a break. I have other things I need to do instead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's when the dentist office comes to mind...</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNwoh39I1Eg/Wvb39_OlbtI/AAAAAAAAIC4/qhzNmawnOckXnJ-Xr0XrMWogDcw6A_dpQCLcBGAs/s1600/dentist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="742" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNwoh39I1Eg/Wvb39_OlbtI/AAAAAAAAIC4/qhzNmawnOckXnJ-Xr0XrMWogDcw6A_dpQCLcBGAs/s320/dentist.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Root Canals</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had a root canal and it hurt. I had to have seven shots in my mouth before the doctor could begin work. Ouch! Because I had poor oral health as a child, I am reaping what I sowed today at age 51. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I won't lie. Studying God's word does cause the sting of conviction. Just like a visit to the dentist, a normal person would want to avoid that pain, wouldn't they? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like when you feel that sting of pain when you brush your teeth. Uh oh! A visit to the dentist office might be required. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No! I don't want to go because I just know the dentist will find...<i>something </i>wrong! That could mean a lot of time and money spent, as well as, ultimately a lot of pain. Who needs that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result, you just might stop brushing your teeth if it causes so much pain, right? Problem solved. And then what happens?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead of needing one root canal, now you'll need <i>several.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it worth it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24osvOKrG20/Wvb4shxo2vI/AAAAAAAAIDE/I6cA7J7qdu4QIFAy3_UlCMeGWbf0InOHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Bible.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="733" height="271" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24osvOKrG20/Wvb4shxo2vI/AAAAAAAAIDE/I6cA7J7qdu4QIFAy3_UlCMeGWbf0InOHQCLcBGAs/s320/Bible.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Avoid the Root Canals of Life</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the same way with reading God's word. Yes, I spend hours each week preparing for the Bible study I teach at work. Sometimes what I read convicts me of my sin. And that leads to a time spent arguing with myself, rationalizing my actions, and then, finally, confessing that sin to God. That leads to repentance and PEACE in my soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could set down my Bible, send an email to my attendees informing them that I will no longer teach, and then take a break from the pain of reading and teaching God's word. That's the easy thing to do, right? Who doesn't need a break once-in-a-while?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...but then instead of a few sins to confess, I will find myself with a soul full of many sins to confess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting in that dentist's chair waiting for the root canals is terrifying for folks like me who HATE the dentist. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it is necessary, isn't it? Poor oral hygiene can lead to other health issues like heart trouble. How? The bacteria seeps into the blood stream and heads to all the other parts of the body, infecting everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the same with sin in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It spreads and permeates all other parts of our lives. We begin to complain, covet, gossip, hate life, and despise others, until we become what we claim to despise most:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ungrateful to God. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDuWnj3XP-8/Wvb5hUk5vlI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/9nwKmK5uIbYC7cXUUb86YBEnjFQwWpdJQCLcBGAs/s1600/run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDuWnj3XP-8/Wvb5hUk5vlI/AAAAAAAAIDQ/9nwKmK5uIbYC7cXUUb86YBEnjFQwWpdJQCLcBGAs/s320/run.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Just Do It</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a runner, I need my heart to be in top condition! Good oral hygiene is a step in the right direction. We've all seen the Nike slogan, "Just Do It" right? Well, it's the same with reading God's word and teaching it. I need my soul to be in top condition if I am to teach God's word to others!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to stop avoiding it and just do it! Paul understood about the conviction of sin that comes from being in the presence of God's holiness:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">2 Corinthians 7:10 "For godly grief produces a </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">repentance</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't despise that sting of conviction. It is assurance of God's presence in your life. It is far better than worldly grief.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, spend time today talking with God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In doing so, you're going to avoid those "root canals" and enjoy the joy of good spiritual hygiene of a life without regret. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Your Turn: How much time do you spend alone with God? How do you handle that sting of conviction?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ruth</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-7169276490559021822018-04-23T07:34:00.002-07:002018-04-23T07:34:53.583-07:00<div id="prevNext" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(235, 232, 213); border-top: 1px solid rgb(235, 232, 213); color: #181818; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 0.5em 0px;">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16548919-motivation-monday" style="color: #00635d; text-decoration-line: none;">Motivation Monday</a></div>
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<b>How the 4-Drive Theory Motivates Writers</b><br /><br /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521476568i/25238835._SX540_.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 613px;" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><b>Needs</b><br /><br />We all have needs. Some are easier to meet than others. Some needs are easier to communicate than others.<br /><br />Communicating our needs is essential to obtaining the assistance we need in order to reach our true potential. The 4-Drive Theory is typically used by management in businesses, but we can also use this theory to motivate us in our writing careers.<br /><br /><b>Acquire</b>- We all have that need to achieve and accomplish, so we attend conferences to acquire the information needed to become better writers. This will help us compete and achieve.<br /><br /><b>Bond</b>- Writers tend to be loners, so the need to bond with other writers may not be communicated successfully. It is hard to ask for help, sometimes. But in order to bond with other writers, attending conferences helps, participating in a critique group helps, and even being a critique partner helps. Building a culture of caring and support is what every person needs.<br /><br /><b>Comprehend</b>- Learning opportunities are out there. The need to learn new things is vital to our personal growth. By meeting this need, writers stay motivated to write. Challenging ourselves will also cause us to stay motivated. Writing in a new genre is definitely challenging, but this causes us to grow in our profession. Trying something new will keep our creative juices flowing.<br /><br /><b>Defend</b>- In business, this would be where the employee defends his/her work in an evaluation. In writing, we have to defend our work all the time: To editors, agents, publishers, critique groups, etc. But the act of defending our work makes us better writers. If we can't defend our stories to our editors and critique partners, then how can we defend them to total strangers like agents or publishers? Explaining a story is different than telling a story. But we obtain confidence when we defend our stories. This confidence will motivate us to write more, enter stories into contests, and feel accomplished.<br /><br /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521476685i/25238839._SX540_.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 613px;" width="500" /><br /><br /><b>Stay Motivated</b><br /><br />We all need motivation from outside <i>and</i> from within. Extrinsic motivation has been known to be temporary. "Atta boy" statements and pay raises last for a while, but the intrinsic motivation tends to be more permanent.<br /><br />Knowing how to motivate ourselves and stay motivated when times get tough is what we all want to achieve.<br /><br />We've all been there: Receiving a rejection from an agent or contest judge hurts. Being able to work past that hurt is what keeps us in the race.<br /><br /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521476753i/25238842._SX540_.jpg" style="border: 0px; max-width: 613px;" width="500" /><br /><br />The 4-Drive Theory can apply to our writing journey as well as in business. We can use this theory to learn how to work through the setbacks and achieve our goals.<br /><br />In other words...keep writing! Never give up.</div>
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<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.leadersbeacon.com/how-great-leaders-use-the-4-drive-model-to-impact-employee-motivation/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #00635d;" target="_blank">http://www.leadersbeacon.com/how-grea...</a></div>
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<img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" height="100" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1511805306p3/6008377.jpg" style="border: 0px; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="90" /><br style="font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">R. A. Douthitt is an award-winning author of middle grade books. She is currently working on her women's inspirational novel, </span><i style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Leaving Eden</i><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">, to be release later this year. To learn more about her books, visit her website: </span><a href="http://www.thedragonforest.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #00635d; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">www.thedragonforest.com</a></div>
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Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-67058027723179407802018-03-30T07:50:00.001-07:002018-03-30T07:50:22.469-07:00Healing With Words<b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">How Researching PTSD Changed My Book</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="300" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521132596i/25218394._SX540_.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="400" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">A Higher Purpose</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">When I was a writing teacher, I would often show my students J.K. Rowling's commencement address she gave at Harvard. I showed this speech to students so they could learn how to properly write and give a speech. Rowling did an excellent job. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="300" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521132596i/25218395.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="400" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">But as I listened to the moving speech, a few things hit my heart rather hard. In addition to sharing her writing journey, she described her time working for a human rights organization. She went on to describe the impact her time at the organization had on her life and on her writing. After learning more about her time there, readers can easily see how important human rights are to her just by reading her famous Harry Potter series. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">PTSD and Other Issues</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">That revelation by Rowling made me pause and consider my own writing projects. Do they have an impact on my readers? Am I successfully conveying my message to them?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I'd love to be a writer simply to make money, but that's just not me. I write to send a message, too. In my current WIP, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Leaving Eden,</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> my protagonist is a war correspondent who suffers from PTSD. She doesn't realize it at first, but friends and family recognize the symptoms. When they confront her, she resists getting help at first. But later she realizes her friends and family are right. She seeks help.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521132719i/25218402.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="300" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">So many people don't truly understand the disorder and what trauma can do to a person's mental state. I know I didn't understand the scope until I experienced it when my mother died suddenly. I then started studying it. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">The disorder was first recorded and researched at the time of the Civil War. Military physicians called it "irritable heart" and "soldier's heart." Later it was called "battle shock."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Experiencing and witnessing a sudden traumatic death can forever change a person. You can't "un-see" what you have seen. I worked in a criminal court and saw the horrific crime scenes and listened to descriptive testimony about those crimes. I also witnessed several autopsies live because I once thought about going into forensic science. I once sat four feet away from a mass murderer and rapist. All of these experiences stayed in my mind and began to change how I thought. I had no idea this was happening until 7 years later. I knew I had to walk away from this atmosphere. Imagine the police officers, medical examiners, paramedics, and firefighters who cannot walk away. They need their jobs!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">And I also knew that I could never be a forensic scientist. And that's okay. It's important to respect your boundaries</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="300" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521132824i/25218425.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="400" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">War</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Now consider those who have experienced war! The constant threat of death and destruction does affect the psyche. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">During WWI, soldiers were psychologically wounded. The weapons of war had advanced and chemical weaponry had a severe result on soldiers. The term "shell shock" entered the vernacular and alerted Freud. He submitted a memorandum about the brutal treatment wounded soldiers were enduring. Not only were they physically wounded, but psychologically wounded. Doctors had to learn to treat wounds they could not see. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">WWII changed the terminology and called PTSD "battle fatigue" and "combat stress." These men (and even the women who served as nurses) had reached their limit. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">PTSD wasn't even officially diagnosed until the 1950s. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">In the 1960s and 70s, of course, Vietnam veterans and the mistreatment of their psychological wounds perpetuated the problem rather than prevented it. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Today, we all know more about PTSD and its affects on those who have served in war. The good thing is that the more PTSD is discussed, the more prevention options are discussed as well. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Books About War</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="300" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521133049i/25218441.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="300" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="300" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521133049i/25218442.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="300" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/818840.War_Torn_Stories_of_War_from_the_Women_Reporters_who_Covered_Vietnam" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" title="War Torn Stories of War from the Women Reporters who Covered Vietnam by Tad Bartimus">War Torn: Stories of War from the Women Reporters who Covered Vietnam</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1276852.American_Daughter_Gone_to_War_On_the_Front_Lines_with_an_Army_Nurse_in_Vietnam" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" title="American Daughter Gone to War On the Front Lines with an Army Nurse in Vietnam by Winnie Smith">American Daughter Gone to War: On the Front Lines with an Army Nurse in Vietnam</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">In my book, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Leaving Eden,</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> my protagonist experienced war in Afghanistan and Iraq by embedding with the troops in both countries. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">To prepare for writing this book, I read </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">War Torn</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> by Tad Bartimus and Tracy Wood which is about women journalists who served and reported on the Vietnam War. It was an eye-opening read. I knew women journalists went to Vietnam, but I had no idea what they had endured. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Another good book to read that also prepared me was </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">American Daughter Gone to War</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> by Winnie Smith. This book is also well written and fascinating. It opened my eyes to what nurses endured during Vietnam. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">But the aftermath of war was also presented in both books. That's what intrigued me the most. Survivors of war suffer much when they return home; Survivor's guilt, depression, anxiety all of which are typically self-medicated at first, resulting in alcohol abuse and drug abuse. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Now that my protagonist is home again, how will she adjust? How do all war vets adjust?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Knowledge is Power</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Now that I know more about PTSD, I can write about it. There is still so much for me to learn. I want to interview those who have returned home from war to ensure I am adequately portraying the affects of the disorder in my story. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Now that we know more about PTSD and its affects on people (and not just veterans but all victims and survivors of trauma), we should do our best to spread the knowledge. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">If we keep quiet about it, we perpetuate the problem rather than solve or prevent the problem. Words can heal.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">For this reason, I am making sure the issues that surround PTSD are addressed in my novel. My protagonist is a strong headed woman with a purpose. Pride and fear keep her from understanding the effects of the trauma she has experienced after 8 years of dealing with war. Pride almost kept me from seeking help after I experienced the trauma of losing my mom suddenly. What else keeps people from seeking help or talking about their traumatic experiences? How can they be helped to move forward?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">There are resources out there. Books are just some of the resources. As writers, we can help get the conversation started by addressing PTSD and other issues in our stories. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I suppose that's why I write what I write.: Flawed characters who do their best to move forward, conquering the "dragons" along the way. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Write with a purpose, that's what I always say. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">My purpose is to help others cope with what life has handed them. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" data-bukket-ext-bukket-draggable="true" draggable="true" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1521133326i/25218490.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" width="200" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">For help with PTSD, please visit: </span><a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">https://www.ptsd.va.gov/</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">R. A. Douthitt is an award-winning author of books for middle grade readers. She is now working on a contemporary inspirational novel, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Leaving Eden</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"> for release later this fall. She is also an educator and speaker with a Masters degree in Education.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">References:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">History of PTSD in veterans: Civil war to DSM-5. National Center for PTSD. (2016). Retrieved from //</span><a href="http://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Friedman, M. J. (2015). History of PTSD in veterans: Civil War to DSM-5. Retrieved from //</span><a href="http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/history-of-ptsd-vets.asp" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" target="_blank">www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/...</a>Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-46473847266453359182018-03-14T10:21:00.005-07:002018-03-14T10:21:49.311-07:00Broken Vessels<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2GkUlrqMP0/WqlG79PdWqI/AAAAAAAAH98/JrkfLMbbjbIeZ7jH65JcK001m0_reQHcgCLcBGAs/s1600/kintsugi21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2GkUlrqMP0/WqlG79PdWqI/AAAAAAAAH98/JrkfLMbbjbIeZ7jH65JcK001m0_reQHcgCLcBGAs/s320/kintsugi21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kintsugi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last year,</span></b> I attended a thought-provoking conference for writers that challenged my thinking.<br />
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As a Christian author, I work hard to ensure my books contain Christian themes and principals: redemption, deliverance, faith, hope, covenant, salvation, justice, forgiveness.<br />
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Because of this effort, I struggle with my own past. The devil is good at attacking those who seek to do God's will and he has definitely attacked me over the years.<br />
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Our conference guest speaker, Allen Arnold, reminded me of the healing that comes from God. I was struggling spiritually. My heart was heavy. Without knowing the significance of his actions, Allen Arnold provided me with a composition book with the word Kintsugi written on it. I quickly Googled the word and saw what it meant:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">By repairing broken ceramics it’s possible to give a new lease of life to pottery that becomes even more refined thanks to its “scars”.</span><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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The Japanese concept of Kintsugi aligns perfectly with my story. I am a broken vessel repaired by a good and merciful God. I have been given a new lease on life and am more refined thanks to my "scars."<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8VixmPt8Eo/WqlP1LlbO6I/AAAAAAAAH-M/e8FSevmN4R47K8SyQqHE8RyXTi1m2Wg8QCLcBGAs/s1600/vases.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="263" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8VixmPt8Eo/WqlP1LlbO6I/AAAAAAAAH-M/e8FSevmN4R47K8SyQqHE8RyXTi1m2Wg8QCLcBGAs/s400/vases.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Broken</b></span><br />
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But revisiting that brokenness is never easy. I remember one day, at another writers' conference, where I had to deal with the sins and shame of my past. I sat in a hotel room I shared with two other Christian women. These two women were almost twenty years younger than me. In the room, they spoke of how they had met their husbands and how they had waited to be intimate with their husbands until their wedding nights.<br />
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It was like listening to fairy tale romances! I sat there mesmerized by their lovely stories. And then it hit me.<br />
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<b>Shame.</b><br />
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You see, my own story isn't all that romantic. My husband and I had dated for almost 3 years and we did not wait for our wedding night to be intimate. We participated in sexual sin as Christians. Knowing full well what we were doing was wrong, we continued. Our actions displeased God immensely. It was a time of great darkness for me. The darkness engulfed me and separated me from Christ. Not the <i>love</i> of Christ, nothing can separate us from His love, but I couldn't have fellowship with Him while living in sin.<br />
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Living in daily sin as a Christian has a horrifying effect. I became so depressed. It felt like I was at war with the darkness. And the darkness almost won. I almost took my life. But God intervened and stopped me...and admonished me.<br />
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As I sat there listening to these young women tell their romantic stories of courtship with their spouses, I didn't say a word. Inside I was hoping they wouldn't turn to me and ask me about my courtship. I was hoping they wouldn't ask me to share because I had shame. In the midst of their beautiful "light-filled" stories of love and obedience to God, the darkness and shame of my past began to fill the room. Their light began to hurt my eyes just like it did when I had lived in darkness for almost 3 years.<br />
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The shame made me sick to my stomach. I was reminded of who I used to be: That broken vessel.<br />
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Blessedly, the two young women didn't ask. They simply went about the rest of their day. "Whew," I thought. "So glad I didn't have to revisit my past..."<br />
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Yet, I did revisit it. I often do.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Broken Vessels Repaired by God</span></b><br />
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I read through the information about Kintsugi with tear-filled eyes. It was the first time I had ever heard of this Japanese concept. Who knew you could repair what was broken and then reuse it!<br />
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Who knew?<br />
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<i>God knew. </i><br />
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He knew what I needed to see that morning. He saw my heart that morning. I couldn't believe it! But then, as Yoda said, that's why we fail isn't it? We don't believe God when He says He resides with a broken and contrite spirit:<br />
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<span style="color: red;">"I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite..." Isaiah 57:15</span><br />
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Why does God dwell with those with a contrite and lowly spirit? To revive the spirit! He repairs us so we can be used by Him.<br />
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Praise God!<br />
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I am repaired by a loving God. As a result, like the Kintsugi vases, I am more beautiful now than I was then. Today I regret not telling those two young women my story. Who knows how God could have used it.<br />
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So, I am telling my story now: I am a sinner saved by a loving, merciful God! I was broken, but He repaired me to be used by Him. Now I shine with the Light of Christ. <br />
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My story could have shown those two young women how God works in us <i>in spite</i> of us. He takes what is rejected and despised by the world and uses us. Much like how King David sought out the family of his enemy, Saul, because he remembered his covenant with his beloved friend, Jonathan.<br />
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King David's servants brought to him Mephibosheth, the lame grandson of Saul. A lame man is considered broken, a reject of society, unable of being anything other than a beggar for life. Yet, King David welcomed him into his court. He sat Mephibosheth at his table and treated him like one of his sons.<br />
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One of his sons!<br />
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What a beautiful picture of what God does for us. He repairs us, seats us at His table, and loves us as much as He loves His own Son, Jesus.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Repaired By God</span></b><br />
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How amazing is our God! Look how much He loves us. He knew I was down that morning. He knew I struggled with my past. Yet He used the Japanese concept of Kintsugi to remind me of how much He loves me and wants to use me to do His good works.<br />
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<b>How is God speaking to you, today? How is He challenging you to use your story to tell others about His wonderful works? </b><br />
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You are a broken vessel repaired by God. Go and tell others about it! They need to know...<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-68206030641362552492018-03-14T08:56:00.002-07:002018-03-14T08:56:35.871-07:00It's All Uphill from Here!<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wait? I thought it Was All Downhill From Here?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ever</span> take on a project that just might be more than you had planned? At first, you couldn't wait to work on it, but then you began to realize that there's no way you can complete it.<br />
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As a writer, I have been there.<br />
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Some projects are simple: A low word count book that follows a "formula" of Act I, II, and III with an uncomplicated conclusion.<br />
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<i>Voila!</i><br />
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You're done, get it edited, revise, upload, hit publish and there it is! A completed project.<br />
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Other projects, however, require more thought, effort, time, and determination.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Up Hill</span></b><br />
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Running on a flat surface is a piece of cake. As a runner of many marathons, the words "flat course" when describing a race is heaven to us runners. No one enjoys running uphill. it is a challenge, but boy does it take its toll on the body.<br />
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Same with some writing projects. They just seem uphill all the way! Why is that?<br />
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<b>Research:</b> You've heard the saying, "Write what you know" because that's the easy way to do it. But some projects require some research and that can cause a writer to freeze up. The cognitive dissonance almost paralyzes us! Procrastination wins.<br />
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<b>Critique:</b> I have writer friends who are blessed to have a FREE (free as in cost as well as in availability) critique group help them brainstorm a project from beginning to end. I have never had such a blessing. I guess I came into this writing game too late, but it seems all the critique groups are full and not receiving "new patients" at this time! LOL<br />
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Bummer. I could really use the help getting through my current project. I may have bitten off more than I can chew! It would help to sit with a writer familiar with the genre I'm writing and provide some pointers. Nothing makes you stop writing faster than when you realize that you may not know what the heck you're writing! But to find a critique group today requires a lot of money: You have to register for a writers conference, pay for airline tickets, and hotel because hardly any conferences are in your neck of the woods, doncha know? And then pay for the critique. Ugh!! I get it, they are professionals who deserve to be paid for their time.<br />
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<b>Personal Responsibilities</b>:This hill gets me all the time. I tend to plan so many activities (running, writing, ministry, etc) that I don't have as much time to work on an uphill project. Why do I do this?? Probably because this project is so intimidating that, subconsciously, I don't want to work on it. Making myself busy is the perfect excuse!<br />
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But running uphill requires time, effort, and <i>skill.</i>There is a right way and wrong way to do it.<br />
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The right way leads to successfully reaching the top and celebrating the success!<br />
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The wrong way leads to <b><span style="font-size: large;">pain</span></b>...pain in the lungs, legs, and shins. Not knowing how to run uphill can lead to injury. And nothing ends a running career quite like injury.<br />
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As with writing, there is a way to conquer that hill succesfully!<br />
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<b>First: </b>running uphill requires that you are up on the balls of your feet, NOT leaning forward, and using of all the muscles of your legs. Why? Leaning forward flat on your feet will burn out your thighs and cause shin splints. Slightly leaning backwards while on the balls of your feet will cause your glutes, hamstrings, and calves to assist your thighs. This will result in lasting longer! Using your arms will drive you forward.<br />
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<b>Second:</b> This type of exercise is called "anaerobic." This means that this workout isn't intended to build up cardiovascular health. Because you are running uphill, your breathing will be shorter, you'll be taking in less oxygen. As a result, your muscles won't receive as much oxygen rich blood! But, on the plus side, you'll burn more sugar and fat in addition to oxygen. This type of workout is an excellent way to break out of a slump and boost your metabolism (how quickly you burn calories) from a plateau to super fast!<br />
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<b>Warning:</b> Because you are working those muscles, lungs, and your heart...this workout is not something you should do everyday. It breaks down a lot of muscle, so it requires rest! After running uphill for more than 20 minutes, you should spend 24 hours resting, consume protein, and stretch sore muscles. Doing this will help your muscles rebuild which means you will avoid injury.<br />
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See how this all applies to writing as well?<br />
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An intimidating writing project shouldn't be entered into lightly. It will cause more stress and require more of a commitment than those shorter, lower word count projects.<br />
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These big projects require more assistance. Like uphill running requires help from just one set of muscles, these writing projects require help from other writers. Without that assistance, the project will become overwhelming and make you want to quit.<br />
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I know from experience.<br />
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Running is a solo sport, as with writing. It is just you at the computer pouring your heart out into words that you hope will inspire others. We write to be read, after all.<br />
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The toughest marathon I ever ran was the Marine Corps Marathon back in 2014. The first 7 miles of that race were uphill. Ouch!! That was one intimidating project!<br />
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But because I knew how to run hills, I knew how to train for that race. I trained, rested, and prepared my body (as well as my mind...) and finished that race successfully.<br />
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I know this current Work-in-Progress is an uphill climb, but I am fully prepared for it. I pray I get the assistance that I need. I'm hoping to participate in a FREE critique group this summer. Hopefully, I'll be able to get up this hill once and for all. It hasn't been easy.<br />
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<b>What about you? How do you get up those hilly projects? What do you do to prepare? </b><br />
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What it all comes down to is to keep going. Pushing through the hard times is what makes completion so satisfying! You can look back, hold up the project, and say, "I did that!"<br />
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So, keep writing...keep running...and <i>never</i> give up!Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-44306388239185831242018-02-07T06:32:00.002-08:002018-02-07T06:32:20.755-08:00Look Out!<b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">How Writing is So Similar to Trail Running...</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">"Writing is like a marathon, not a sprint!"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">We writers have heard this before. Writing takes time, discipline, training, patience, endurance, and on and on...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I run and have blogged about it here, but one thing I noticed about this crazy writing life is how writing is not just a marathon, run on a smooth surface, but more like TRAIL running!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Look Out!</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">One thing I love about distance running is how I get to "zone out" and not think about anything while I run. Because of this, I tend to run along the Arizona Canal. This path is smooth asphalt and the occasional gravel path. It's a predictable path that I have memorized over the last twenty years of running. So, very little thought goes into where I place my foot and I like that! I can listen to my music, think about things or just zone out and not think about anything at all. What a pleasure!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Trail running, on the other hand...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Ugh!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><img alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1517671488i/24996077._SX540_.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px; max-width: 613px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Because the path is unpredictable, loaded with rocks of all sizes, twists and turns, inclines and declines...a wise runner would never consider zoning out or they could find themselves flat on the ground eating dirt. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Or worse! Falling off a cliff. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">And that, my friends, is the writing journey: Not a sprint, that is true. Requires time, discipline, training, endurance, and patience, but also FOCUS! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Writing is hard! It requires complete focus, especially today with all the social media tempting us to stop and read a post or see how many "likes" a photo received. It's the same with trail running because the scenery can be so beautiful. You'll want to stop and take some photos of your surroundings.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">DON'T DO IT! Keep going. Keep writing. Stay focused or you'll end up flat on your face or over that "cliff" of not completing your manuscript. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">There are so many tools out there for writers to help us stay organized and focused, but it all comes down to staying the course, doing our best to predict the obstacles on the path, and endure the emotional or psychological inclines and declines that come out way. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">See? Writing, like trail running, is hard! But as with everything worthwhile, it is a race worth running. I highly advise a trail run now and then. If you ever get the chance, do it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Make this the year you FINISH that manuscript! Make this the year you type "The End." You can do it! You can finally accomplish that goal. It isn't easy...but it is so worth it. </span><br />
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<b>Your turn: What is keeping you from crossing the finish line of your project? How can you overcome the obstacles in your writing path? </b><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Happy writing!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Ruth</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span>Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-59412970229426702202018-02-01T12:24:00.003-08:002018-02-01T12:25:37.696-08:00What's New in Publishing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">This was the question a fellow author and I answered the other day when we met to discuss trends in publishing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Our answer was most definitely <b>Memoirs.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">As we thought more about memoirs, we realized a new style of memoir is currently taking over publishing: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Memoirs written in a narrative style. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">This style seems to be appealing to authors because it can be easier to write about a painful time in one's life if names, places, and circumstances are slightly changed. But even if the author's selected time period isn't traumatic, writing it as a narrative can make the memoir more marketable and appealing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">For me, my novella, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Christmas-Paris-R-Douthitt/dp/1979903484/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517516423&sr=8-1&keywords=first+christmas+in+paris" target="_blank">First Christmas in Paris</a>," was written in narrative style because I wanted to change the names, setting, and be creative with the plot. For instance, this book is based on a true story from my marriage. We live in a large city, but I wanted the story to begin in a quaint small town. At the time, I worked in a large office with some wonderful people, but wanted to have my protagonist work in a small office with closer, more intimate relationships with her co-workers. Lastly, I had to add some conflict to the story to make it more interesting for the reader, because the true story didn't have much conflict. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">I have no regrets writing our true story this way. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have received wonderful reviews from readers. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">I believe the memoir is so popular with publishers today because people want to read fascinating true life stories about overcoming obstacles or about fun and exciting adventures. Hope and adventure seem to be the themes people are drawn to most, whether in memoirs about beloved pets or children. I'm told horse memoirs are very popular right now. Maybe write a memoir about a horse-loving child!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">I'm not suggesting all writers abandon their current projects to write a memoir, but I think we all should consider it. Each of us has a unique life experience that readers could benefit from. If it's a traumatic experience, consider writing it in narrative style. If it's an adventure story, be sure to include photographs so we can travel vicariously through your story. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">So, what's popular in publishing today? Memoirs seem to be hot right now. After reading a few and writing one in narrative style, I can see why!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">Happy writing!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><b><i>Ruth</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span>Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-20340492098068658862017-07-06T14:36:00.003-07:002017-07-07T14:33:22.393-07:00Storming the Castle! The Importance of Your Hero's Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To Battle! Heroes and Goals</b></span><br />
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Developing the goals of your protagonist is essential to telling his story. What goal awaits him at the end of his journey? Why is it important? Well, consider the goals in your own life...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Short Term Goal</span><br />
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In narrative writing, the idea of the "hero's journey" refers to the short term and long term goals of your protagonist. But here we'll look at the <b>short term goal:</b><br />
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At the beginning of your story, when the curtain opens, and we meet your protagonist, she should be in the middle of some action that will reveal a little bit about who she is. Her actions will reveal some of her character traits.<br />
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But her short term goal, the goal that exists <i>before </i>we ever meet her, will reveal even more about her. Sometimes, though, coming up with that short term goal isn't as easy as it seems. Think of your own life. What was that goal you had when you were younger? How has life changed that goal?<br />
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Your hero's goal should be similar...<br />
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For instance, many writers don't make the short term goal urgent enough. One student of mine wrote that her protagonist's short term goal was to pass a science test. Well, that's a goal, but why not make it more urgent or important? She needs to pass the FINAL EXAM with an A so she can get into a top college and escape poverty and have a chance at life. See the difference?<br />
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In one story an author shared at a writing conference, his hero longs to win the science fair at his school. When the "curtain" opens, readers meet him as he plans what his science project will be and how it will be the best, even better than the bully who tends to win every year. Because he wants to win the science fair with his own project, we learn a little about our hero: His goal is a noble goal, therefore, he's a noble kid. Because he wants to complete the project himself, without his parents' help, we learn that he is self-sufficient, smart, and ambitious. Because he wants to challenge the bully <i>again</i>, we learn that he is brave and has integrity.<br />
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Selecting and describing the short term goal of your protagonist is the perfect way to introduce him to your readers. Is the goal sinister? What character traits will that reveal to your readers? Is the goal impossible to attain? What does that reveal to your readers?<br />
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The short term goal is essential to your story and should be important with a sense of urgency. The goal should also connect to your protagonist.<br />
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But it should also connect to your <u>antagonist </u>as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Battling Dragons</span><br />
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Now, in fiction, the antagonist doesn't always have to be "evil" or sinister like a dragon. In fact, your antagonist can be a coach or a teacher or a boss with no evil intentions. These characters can simply be placing obstacles in the path of your protagonist. The antagonist places obstacles that hinders your hero's journey.<br />
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How do they do this?<br />
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If the antagonist is pure evil, well, he or she or "it" (like a dragon) will try to kill your hero to stop her from saving the world.<br />
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But if your antagonist isn't evil, but still places obstacles in your hero's path, this can be done in subtle ways (like the parents in <i>Ferris Bueller's Day Off</i>) with rules or restrictions, or in more obvious ways (like the sister or the principal in <i>Ferris Bueller's Day Off</i>). They may not truly want to harm your hero, but nonetheless, they hinder their journey.<br />
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One story I read that comes to mind, had a coach as one of the antagonists whose strict rules hinders the progress of the hero who wants to win the championship. At first, these rules seem unfair, but in the end, the obstacles actually made our hero stronger than she thought she was.<br />
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You see how it works?<br />
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Something to always consider: Always connect the hero's short term goal to the antagonist in some way. If the goal is to win the science fair, then perhaps the student's teacher also wants someone representing her class to win the science fair so it makes her look good, too! But her enthusiasm causes obstacles in your hero's path to success inadvertently. Of course, the goal to win the science fair is also connected to the villain (the bully) but I cover the role of villains in another blog post.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Long Term Goals</span><br />
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So, how then do writers come up with the long term goals and why are they necessary?<br />
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Well, remember how the short term exists when the curtain opens and we meet your protagonist? The long term goal comes as a result of the <b>inciting incident. </b><br />
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The inciting incident is that pivotal moment in the story, that one event, that changes the life of your character forever. But this event is so drastic that it also affects the people around the hero, too.<br />
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Let's go back to that story of the kid who wants to win the science fair. The writer told us how he developed the long term goal of the story. While the kid is planning his perfect science project that will win the science fair, NASA announces that a large asteroid is hurtling toward the earth at an alarming speed. If it strikes the planet, it will kill all life on earth! Now the goal of this kid is no longer about winning the science fair, but about using his skills to SAVE THE PLANET!<br />
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You see how this goal also has urgency to it, but it involves more than just the himself or the school? Now it involves the whole world! His new goal: Come up with some way to stop that asteroid.<br />
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What about your story? What incident (natural disaster, death in the family, diagnosis, accident, murder, etc.) has affected your hero and set her on a different trajectory than when readers first meet her? It has to have that sense of urgency. It has to involve more than just herself.<br />
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And, as with the short term goal, it must connect to the antagonist.<br />
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Back to the science kid, the bully in the story also wants to stop the asteroid. But his intentions aren't as noble as our hero's. He just wants to win for the notoriety, fame, and fortune that awaits whomever stops that asteroid. Who will get there first? The hero? Or his nemesis?<br />
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The severity of the inciting incident must be apparent. This incident has to be so intense that it changes our hero completely. The change must be so extreme that it sets our hero on another path entirely. But the incident doesn't have to be a horrible event. Take <i>Harry Potter,</i> for instance. What was the inciting incident that changed his life forever? He is invited to Hogwarts where he learns he is a wizard! Not bad at all.<br />
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Or like in my book, <i>The Children Under the Ice</i>. My hero's life is changed when he falls through the ice of a frozen pond and encounters the ghosts of children. This incident isn't as horrible as a cancer diagnosis or natural disaster, but it is still serious enough to change his life.<br />
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Back to our hero who needs to stop that asteroid...the writer finished the tale by explaining how his hero not only comes up with a device to stop the asteroid, he works with NASA and destroys it minutes before impact. Problem solved! He met his long term goal of saving the world. Yay!<br />
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Yet, in doing so, the school principal awards him with the top prize at the science fair! Now our hero has also met his short term goal of winning the fair and defeating his nemesis. All is well. This writer showed conference attendees how to develop effective short term and long term goals in a fun and interesting way.<br />
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As you can see, the goal is essential in developing your hero's journey. Without those goals, short term and long term, there is no reason for the reader to turn the page.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Slaying Dragons</span><br />
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It's the same as in life. You had goals early on in your life that certain inciting incidents may have changed. Perhaps graduating from college was your number one goal while in high school, but a parent's death, or a sibling's birth, or a job loss changed your goal and set you down another path.<br />
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There's nothing wrong with these incidents, but they are severe and urgent enough to impact not just one life, but many.<br />
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It's the same with writing! Think of your character and her journey. What obstacles will you put in her path? Who will hinder her progress and why? How will those obstacles affect her journey? And what will her goals be to get her through all those obstacles and help her reach the top of the mountain and slay that dragon?<br />
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Isn't writing FUN? Now, go and devise more ways to inspire your hero to slay dragons and save the world!<br />
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<b>Your turn: What part of developing goals do you find most difficult? How do you go about creating short term and long term goals for your hero?</b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-4364810909161708522017-06-18T16:10:00.002-07:002017-06-18T16:11:13.716-07:00LOL: Ways Humor Can Help You Deal With Grief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Will I Ever Laugh Again?</span></b><br />
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Back in the 1990s, I read a book by Barbara Johnson that I never forgot. <i>Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy </i>was one of those books that stays with you because it's unlike anything you've ever read before.<br />
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Barbara Johnson's candid look into her grief journey was unique because it was hilarious. There were parts of the book that made me laugh out loud and yet I was reading about her life tragedies. How can that be?<br />
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Twenty something years later, as I am on my own grief journey, I do reflect back on that book for ways to help me deal with the different parts of grief.<br />
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Among those ways is humor.<br />
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Can one really laugh again after dealing with tragedy?<br />
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The answer I have learned is YES!<br />
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<b>"Love makes the world go round but laughter keeps you from getting dizzy." -Barbara Johnson</b><br />
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Scientists suggest that there are benefits from laughter:<br />
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1. Lowers blood pressure.<br />
2. Reduces stress<br />
3. Works your abdominals (that's a great workout we all can do!)<br />
4. Improves cardiac health<br />
5. Releases endorphins<br />
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These are just some benefits I found online! There are many more...<br />
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When you're deep in grief, you may think you will never laugh again. And if you do, you immediately feel guilty because your loved one can no longer laugh.<br />
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I mean, your're supposed to be sad and solemn, right?<br />
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That's the popular idea: Be sad and lonely in your grief.<br />
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But what I learned from the late Barbara Johnson is that laughter will sustain you through those very difficult times. She lost two sons (one in Vietnam and the other to a drunk driver) and helped her husband deal with a brain tumor until his passing. Yet this woman was funny. I mean, FUNNY! I highly recommend her books. She could find humor in anything.<br />
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Change is never easy. Losing a loved one brings immediate change.<br />
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Barbara Johnson wrote about celebrating the little things in life to deal with the sudden change. She wrote about things like celebrating the first of every month. How simple is that? The first of every month means you made it. You made it through! So, celebrate!<br />
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Find ways to celebrate the little things in life: You walked 10,000 steps for the first time in months? Celebrate! You made it through the day without a flashback or tears? Celebrate! You were able to talk about your loved one without weeping? Celebrate!<br />
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Celebrate these accomplishments with a special treat for yourself: a hike, a new pair of earrings, try a new restaurant, a new pair of shoes, or watch a funny movie. I knew one guy who collected watches. He'd buy a new watch each month because it made him feel special. Celebrate with LAUGHTER! Post a funny joke or meme each week. Make it a goal to bring a smile to someone's face.<br />
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Do something your loved one always wanted to do:<br />
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Try a comedy club one night! Go with a group of friends and laugh...just laugh out loud together at nonsense.<br />
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Try a hot air balloon ride and record it on video.<br />
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Try traveling by train to another state and blog about the experience.<br />
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Try reading a book your loved one always wanted to read but didn't get to. Write a book review!<br />
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The key word there is <b>TRY.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What's So Funny About That?</span></b><br />
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I once had a lady say to me, "You've been through so much and yet you smile."<br />
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I smile because I finally can.<br />
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You can, too.<br />
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And it's okay. I know there will be times you will feel guilty about it, but don't, because that's what our loved ones would want.<br />
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We've seen the benefits of laughter and we know it can help our physical health, but can it help our mental health, too?<br />
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Yes!<br />
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There are plenty of researchers out there who have done the hard work. Their results show that laughter is most beneficial to our mental health because of the way it relieves us of negative thoughts and releases those hormones that reduce stress. Laughter through pain also helps us break down those emotional blocks we build up around ourselves. Find the humor in things and enjoy a good laugh.<br />
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In the long run, finding humor will get you through it all. If you're struggling to find humor, then pick up a copy of any one of Barbara Johnson's books and enjoy a good laugh and a good story about surviving the grief journey.<br />
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Remember, your mind is healing. Laughter will help your mind heal. Finding humor in everyday life will bring laughter. Now go and share that laughter!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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Ruth<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">References: </span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #707070; font-family: "Fira Sans", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; list-style: none !important; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em !important; padding: 0px !important;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block !important; line-height: 1.3em; list-style-type: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 4px 0px 4px 2em !important; position: relative;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gelkopf M, Kreitler S, Sigal M. Laughter in a psychiatric ward. Somatic, emotional, social, and clinical influences on schizophrenic patients. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1993;181 (5):283-289.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block !important; line-height: 1.3em; list-style-type: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 4px 0px 4px 2em !important; position: relative;"><span class="fa fa-arrow-right" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: "fontawesome"; font-stretch: normal; height: 1.3em; left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 4px; width: 1.3em;"></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gelkopf M. Sigal M, Kramer R. Therapeutic use of humor to improve social support in an institutionalized schizophrenic inpatient community. J Soc Psychol 1994;134 (2);175-182.</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block !important; line-height: 1.3em; list-style-type: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 4px 0px 4px 2em !important; position: relative;"><span class="fa fa-arrow-right" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: "fontawesome"; font-stretch: normal; height: 1.3em; left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 4px; width: 1.3em;"></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gelkopf M, Gonen B, Kurs R, Melamed Y, Bleich A. The effect of humorous movies on inpatients with chronic schizophrenia. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2006;194 (11):880-883.</span></li>
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Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-12611047265827481372017-06-12T15:19:00.001-07:002017-06-12T15:19:06.025-07:00Where is God in Grief?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where is God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my last post, I wrote about that foggy brain feeling caused by grief. I wrote about how strange everything became after I experienced loss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That foggy brain feeling also applied to my spiritual walk with God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never was there a time that I felt God had abandoned me, but I must admit there were times when I sat at my desk at home with an open Bible before me unable to pray. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The words wouldn't come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had lost my older sister in October and five months later, I lost my mother. We had found my mother in her home. She had died alone at age 79. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was told by the Crisis Prevention paramedic that I suffered a traumatic loss which is different than a loss from chronic illness. I was told I needed counseling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first, I didn't listen to the paramedic. I thought I was just fine. But later, I began to understand what she was talking about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I understood when I began to feel God wasn't there anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where is God in Our Grief?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I obtained support through my grief, only then did I learn that my spiritual walk with God was affected, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How about you? Did your experience with grief affect your relationship with God? Did you begin to feel anger toward Him? Did you, like Job, begin to question Him?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nowhere in scripture are we told that it is wrong to call out to God in our pain. Instead, He tells us in His word that He prefers a broken heart. He loves a broken and contrite spirit.</span><br />
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<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51:17&version=NASB" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b23526; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px;">Psalm 51:17</a></div>
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"The sacrifices of God are a broken <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">spirit</span>; A broken and a <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">contrite</span> heart, O God, You will not despise."</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God created us in His image. How did He handle grief?</span></div>
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<a class="bible-item-title" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11:35&version=NASB" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b23526; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px;">John 11:35</a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">"Jesus</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">wept</span>."</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sat there before my Bible that one day, I honestly had no words to speak. I was dumbfounded that I no longer had my sister or my mom with me anymore. The thought just couldn't materialize in my head. The words I wanted to say to God, I knew would be wrong. So, I sat there and stared at God's word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is There</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMWi_78Q9-k/WT8QKAIfKlI/AAAAAAAAHo8/fdVDR98iIrcB5moMiXfNFvKkCSExUy2DACLcB/s1600/5121449-and-god-knows-our-pain-your-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMWi_78Q9-k/WT8QKAIfKlI/AAAAAAAAHo8/fdVDR98iIrcB5moMiXfNFvKkCSExUy2DACLcB/s1600/5121449-and-god-knows-our-pain-your-heart.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks later, the fog began to lift and God's word became more meaningful to me than ever before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But how? How could I still cry out to God after experiencing so much loss in such a short period of time? Wasn't I angry? Wasn't I full of doubt? Did I doubt His existence? I mean, how can a good God allow so much suffering?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't that the ancient question? How can a GOOD GOD allow pain and suffering? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After analyzing this concept, I have come to the conclusion that, as with all things pertaining to God, there is a purpose everything. Yes, there is even a purpose for evil:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evil (moral, natural, or supernatural evil) will either draw us closer to Him or push us further away from Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came away from the experience of writing two eulogies in five months time that the purpose of this form of natural evil was to draw me closer to God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about you? Did your loss of a loved one draw you closer to God? Or did it push you further away? Did you find yourself doubting His existence?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If so, you would not be alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the Midst of the Storm</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people feel alone in their grief. Many begin to doubt God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The purpose of storms is apparent: The winds make the trees stronger. Their roots dig in deeper to the soil and the pressure of the wind on the tree trunks make them thicker to withstand stronger winds as they grow. The wind blows the pollution out of the air. The rain makes the grass grow. The rain replenishes the earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without the storms, everything suffers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when the storm passes? Crystal blue skies are left behind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But sometimes, those storms are devastating. We all have seen how tornadoes and hurricanes rip through a community leaving destruction and death in their wake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why does God sometimes quiet the storms, yet allow others to destroy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again, He allows this form of evil to draw us closer to Him or push us further away. But one thing we can know for certain is that He is there in the midst of the storm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We never have to endure it alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lessons Learned</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's the lesson I learned through this storm...this<i> hurricane </i>called grief. I never had to endure it alone. God is sure and steadfast. God knew my spirit was so broken that the words wouldn't come out of me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, He patiently waited...and <i>waited</i>...until that day when the words came. They came flooding out and He was there to listen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer to my "why" never came, but I no longer needed those answers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began to heal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about you? Have you been able to talk to and walk with God yet? If not, what's keeping you from your spiritual walk with God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this post has helped you understand that God has never left you. He is simply patiently wading with you through the waves of your grief storm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is that anchor that holds us. He is that stronghold we can reach out to. He is that shield that protects us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never question it, He is there in the midst of your grief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth</span><br />
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Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-13617701546984843082017-06-11T21:03:00.005-07:002017-06-11T21:08:23.260-07:00Get Over It Already!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Grief Journey</span></b><br />
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Back in 2014 when my older sister was diagnosed with stage 4 colon and liver cancer, my grief journey began.<br />
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Now it is 2017 and I have lost not only my sister, but my grandfather-in-law, my aunt, an uncle and, finally, my mother.<br />
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In the span of almost two years, the grief journey has increased in complexity with greater obstacles placed in my way by circumstance and also by myself. I admit it. I made it harder than it had to be.<br />
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Now that I look back, I can see how understanding the grief process has helped me.<br />
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But not everyone understands grief nor how to handle it.<br />
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Unless you have experienced it firsthand, you cannot possibly understand it. You can sympathize with someone, but you will find it very hard to empathize with them.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Time to Move On</span></b><br />
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I suppose the main thing about grief that I never understood was the impact it had on my thinking.<br />
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Before I sought grief support, I walked around daily in a fog.<br />
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It truly felt like a fog had clouded my mind. Everyday tasks that were once easily completed became difficult. I became annoyed with myself because of all the mistakes I was making in my work. I became annoyed with coworkers and my students. I mean, everything bugged me!<br />
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I also became very jealous of people. I envied their relationships they had with their moms or sisters. I was shocked by how upset I would become by people's conversations about the mundane.<br />
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Eating became routine. I no longer found pleasure in food. I simply went through the motions. I lost a lot of weight, but not in a good way.<br />
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And don't get me started on sleep! It almost never came. Flashbacks came nightly. And when I finally did fall asleep, waking up to go to work became a chore. That shocked me because I was always punctual. I found myself struggling to get to work.<br />
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In fact, I didn't want to go to work anymore. I had anxiety on a daily basis.<br />
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Try to imagine what it is like to live like this.<br />
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Most of the time, I would tell myself, "Isn't it time to move on? Shouldn't I be over this already? What's wrong with me?"<br />
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Moving on from grief is a <b>myth</b>. But I could tell people expected me to have already moved past it. When I would bring up my lost loved ones, I could see how nervous it made my coworkers. So, I would remain silent and try to "move on" on my own.<br />
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This, I found, was almost impossible.<br />
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What I found through grief support was the explanation I didn't know I was searching for.<br />
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Grief was what had caused my brain to fog over. Grief was what had caused my annoyance toward everyone and pretty much everything. Grief had caused my anxiety. I look back on those early days after my sister had passed and remember how I would cry from listening to a song or a TV commercial or a line in a book. I remember jerking awake at night from the slightest noise. I had never experienced that before. I remember sitting still and just staring into space for long periods of time. Why was I doing this all the time?<br />
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Grief.<br />
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In grief support, I had my "ah ha" moment, as Oprah likes to say, and felt the heavy burden lifted off my shoulders. Once I gave myself permission to feel the way I felt, the relief came. Once I gave myself permission to grieve at MY OWN PACE, the relief came. And once I learned how to communicate to those around me about my thoughts and feelings, the relief came.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Get Over It Already!</span></b><br />
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If you know someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, there are things you can do to help. But there are also many things you can do to cause more harm than good.<br />
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What can you do to help?<br />
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<b>Listen. </b><br />
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Just be there to listen to them talk about grief, their feelings, their memories, their struggles. Listen without feeling like YOU have to solve or fix everything. No, you are there to help hold them through this hard time that will pass. You cannot fix anything that they are going through.<br />
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What can you do to <i>harm</i> them?<br />
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Tell them to get over it already. Tell them it's time to move on. Tell them to get back in the game, that's what their loved one would want.<br />
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All of these sayings aren't about helping them, but they are about helping YOU and this isn't about you. Wanting your loved one to be like they were before the tragedy or loss occurred is normal, but it can never happen. They are forever changed. And that's ok!<br />
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Asking them to "get over it already" is like asking someone who just broke their arm to "get over it already" because you need them to help you do yard work or paint the house. Yes, their injury does inconvenience you for a time, but that's just the way it is.<br />
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Healing takes time. So does grief.<br />
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Simply be there for them when they want to talk. Listen to them, laugh with them, and cry with them. In doing this, you are helping them heal faster.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I Didn't Mean to Say That</span></b><br />
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Yes, you will make mistakes.<br />
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In grief, some things will be said that may cause pain. I know I yelled some things to my husband in a fit of rage that I didn't mean to say. He was gracious and understood it was the grief talking and not really me. There were times people said things to me that they really didn't mean to say, so I learned to understand this.<br />
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If you don't know what to say to someone who is grieving, it's okay to tell them this.<br />
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"I don't know what to say, but I'm here with you now." By saying this, you are being honest with your loved one or friend. You are letting them know you are with them during this difficult time.<br />
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Good days will come! I promise! Rest assured that your loved one will laugh again. He or she will smile a genuine smile again. Your friend will show some semblance of who they were before their grief journey began. And you will treasure it more than you did before. It will almost seem like old times. But know that it isn't. The good days will begin to out number the bad days.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Year of Firsts</span></b><br />
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I remember as the first Christmas without my mom approached, I was given advice to do something totally different. I followed this advice and ended up having a wonderful Christmas with my family.<br />
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The year of firsts is the hardest one of all. Every birthday, anniversary, or event will remind you that your loved one or friend isn't there. The one thing I learned is to communicate throughout that first year. Write notes or emails or letters to family, friends, and coworkers about the upcoming milestone to prepare them for how you might be that day. This way, people around you will know why you are gloomy or homesick or depressed on a certain day. I did this as my mom's birthday approached and it really helped. I felt like I had permission to be sad that one day and everyone around me would understand.<br />
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Communication is key to surviving that first year. Loved ones and friends will be there for you if they know about it beforehand. Remember, they cannot read your mind and they cannot comprehend what you're feeling. To expect them to know isn't really fair. They are living their lives, too. They are dealing with their own issues, too.<br />
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Communicating with each other is what will help you learn to help others.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Support</b></span><br />
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Some people are too proud to reach out for help. Or they may think they aren't grieving at all. They may think their grief is over with.<br />
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But seeking out support is the best thing you can do no matter how long it has been since your loved one has passed. I attended a support group with a man who had lost his father over 60 years before. He had never sought help with his grief, so he decided there's no time limit. We all helped him deal with the anger he still had bottled up inside.<br />
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By talking with others who are grieving, you can learn more about your behavior. For instance, you could say to a friend, "I was happy yesterday and I felt so guilty about it." Because your friend has never experienced grief, she won't know how to respond.<br />
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But those who have lost a loved one will understand exactly what you mean and will be able to help you work through that guilty feeling.<br />
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Support groups can truly be a blessing.<br />
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Yet, they can also hinder your progress. It's important to know when to step away from a group. You know your needs better than anyone else. Sometimes a group of sad and angry people might not be what you need at this stage in your journey.<br />
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I had to step away from a support group that seemed to be "stuck" in their sorrow because I needed to be around people who had worked through that stage into acceptance and resilience.<br />
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Paying attention to your needs is most important. You need to know when your group is no longer helping you move forward.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Getting Over It</span></b><br />
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I once read that grief isn't a destination, but a journey. This is so true. Getting over the death of a loved one isn't easy. Their life will always be with you. Getting over a traumatic loss doesn't happen overnight or at all. Like a marathon, it isn't easy, but it is possible. With support, educating yourself, and persistence, you can make it through.<br />
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With family and friends, God's love and help, you can get through it. Learning to live with grief takes patience, determination, and grace. In the end, you are stronger for it and can begin to help others on their journey.<br />
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I hope this blog helped! There will be more posts coming up about the grief journey.<br />
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<b>Your turn: Are you dealing with grief now? How have you been able to progress through the journey? Are you living with someone dealing with grief? How have you been able to help them progress? What part of the grief journey has been the toughest for you?</b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-1780978235139044272017-01-02T13:57:00.001-08:002017-01-02T14:04:38.325-08:00Word for the Year? Oh Bother...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Look Out!!</span></b><br />
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As I sat in my office this time last year, contemplating what my "word for the year" would be, I had no idea what was coming. How could I know? I can't read the future. Who can?<br />
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No one.<br />
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So, I did what most of my blogger friends do this time of year, I selected a word. It was difficult because the year before (2015) had proven to be pretty ugly. My family had lost a loved one to cancer and the wounds were still fresh. For the life of me, I don't even remember what my word was for 2016, but I do remember I had high hopes for the year. "Let's make it a good one!" I remember telling friends on social media.<br />
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A <i>good</i> one.<br />
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Ha!<br />
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All I can think of when looking back on 2016 was all the change that had happened. Some of it self-caused while other parts just happened.<br />
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Without a plan? Of course not. God is in control of all things. His plan is perfect. I can see that now, but in the midst of the storm, it's hard to see that perfect plan at the other end.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Year of Change</b></span><br />
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That's how I will always describe 2016. So much change and much of it too soon.<br />
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Beginning with January, because that's how every year begins...the year started out quietly. We lost my sister back in October of 2015, my husband's grandpa in November, and then my dear friend lost her mom on Christmas Day. *Sigh*<br />
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Blessedly, January was a slow, boring month by comparison. No one close to us had died.<br />
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Whew.<br />
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And then came February...<br />
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My cousin called me one morning while I was prepping inside my classroom. She called to tell me that my Aunt had been admitted to the hospital and it didn't look good. Unfortunately, my Aunt passed away not long after that.<br />
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More loss. More grief. Another family member gone. All those memories were gone, too...<br />
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But we endured and life did continue.<br />
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Life continued until March 5th. That was the day I won't soon forget. No one can forget the day they find their mom has died at home. Alone.<br />
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*Heavy sigh*<br />
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On that day, my heart was ripped out of my chest. I hadn't ever screamed like that before and it was an "out-of-body" experience.<br />
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Seriously.<br />
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I was outside myself looking at the scene of myself sitting on the ground, rocking back and forth, in front of my mom, wondering what was going on. It was surreal.<br />
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My mom was gone. Forever. Nothing could change that. I didn't realize I was suffering from trauma until the Firefighter/Crisis worker at the scene had told me so. I'm forever grateful she did tell me this, otherwise I'd be stuck in the "I'm fine, no seriously, I am just fine..." mode forever after until mental illness took over my mind.<br />
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So, I had to write yet another eulogy and plan another funeral service. And God carried us through it all.<br />
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And did I mention my Uncle died the day after my mom?<br />
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CHANGE.<br />
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Too much, too soon. Too painful. Too sad.<br />
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After all that, the year was just a blur. Death seemed to be everywhere. It began to take over my mind and the nightmares and flashbacks of finding my mom haunted me daily. Who would die next? My brothers? My dad? My husband? Oh God, please not my son!<br />
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Grief support groups are tremendous! I followed the advice of my pastor and sought out a group. It was difficult at first. Those meetings made the entire experience painfully real. I was now part of this sad group of sufferers. I had lost five loved ones in five months. My poor husband and son had lost them, too, but I guess I was the one who needed the support. And it's true. I did need it.<br />
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Talking about my pain to others knee deep in their own pain did help. Learning how to answer all the questions I had about grief also helped. Reading pre-written prayers to God helped since I couldn't even pray anymore. I would simply sit there and stare at the open Bible, unable to speak or think.<br />
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May came and I decided I needed more change. Can you believe it? Yes, that's how I am. I decided to resign as a teacher and see what else God wanted me to do with my life. That was a leap of faith off a very high cliff with jagged rocks below. Sharp, jagged, scary rocks...<br />
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Then came June.<br />
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My son...my only child...announced he wanted to move out. I don't blame him. I would want to get away from me, too. I cried pretty much everyday.Who needs that? He found an apartment nearby (thank You, God...) and moved out. I handled it better than I thought I would! Was I healing? My support group thought so.<br />
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We moved our son out and got him settled in. Then, I decided to make more changes. Good changes. I got a new job at a familiar place: Grand Canyon University. It felt like going home after your folks moved into a nicer house than the one you grew up in. AWESOME.<br />
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And then we decided to sell our house and move after eleven years. Because...CHANGE!<br />
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That's how I roll.<br />
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September came and we had made it through another hot summer, another move (our eleventh, I think...) and settled into a smaller home for the duration of our time on earth. I hope.<br />
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The Holiday season was upon us, and now it was time for more CHANGE. But this one was definitely for the best. My support group advised doing something new for that first Holiday season without loved ones. I am so glad I listened to that advice. We spent Christmas in Prescott, AZ at a little cottage and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We laughed together! It felt great to laugh again. Really LAUGH again.<br />
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Now, a new year has begun. I'm sitting in my new writing space looking out a my new view...flowers and trees...and smiling. Really, SMILING.<br />
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God has been faithful through it all. I am truly grateful for that fact. I can look back and see His hand over me, protecting me (my heart and mind) all year. What a messy year of CHANGE.<br />
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Yet I survived. My little family survived. I'm so grateful we survived.<br />
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So, my word for 2017 will be GRATEFUL.<br />
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For my husband<br />
my son<br />
my brothers<br />
my nieces<br />
my aunts and uncles and cousins<br />
my in-laws<br />
my friends<br />
my little doggies<br />
my new job<br />
my new home<br />
my talents<br />
my lack of talents<br />
my books<br />
my artwork<br />
my Savior<br />
and for all the opportunities that are to come.<br />
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I know more challenges are coming. More CHANGE is coming. Some will be self-caused and all will be God ordained because He is sovereign. There's rest in that fact.<br />
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Looking back can be painful...looking ahead can be scary...but knowing God is there through it all makes life doable.<br />
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Here we go, folks!! 2017 up ahead!!<br />
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I wish you all the best. Keep the faith! I know I will...<br />
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<b>Your turn: What is your word for the year 2017? Looking back on 2016, what were your biggest challenges and successes?</b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-41365220162728919092017-01-02T12:53:00.001-08:002017-01-02T13:01:06.415-08:00Social Media and the Grief Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Social Media</b></span><br />
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While developing some college courses for a mental health and wellness program, I read some interesting articles about the impact of social media on those dealing with grief.<br />
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I had never really noticed this impact before until I was knee-deep in the bereavement process myself. We all have our opinions on social media. Some consider it pure evil while others consider it essential for quality living.<br />
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My opinions fall somewhere in the middle.<br />
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But one thing I can attest to is how effective social media has been on my journey in grief. So, I wanted to share some of that experience with you in case you, yourself, are dealing with this unfortunate process or know someone who is.<br />
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When we think about social media, images of delicious food recipes and videos, cute puppies and kittens, or funny memes come to mind. But lately, I have seen how people use social media to deal with loss. For instance, on Facebook, when my sister passed away, her page remained open. I and others have posted on her page knowing full well she will never see the posts, but yet we write on her "wall" as a means of keeping her memory alive. </div>
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Why do we do this? </div>
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Does it help us to express our emotions on her page? I believe it does. Somehow, knowing others are reading my thoughts and seeing my posts does much to end the feeling of loneliness one can feel when grieving. I have seen evidence of this phenomenon on other pages as well. This type of expression was never experienced before this century. People steeped in grief were only given the chance to write eulogies or obituaries for newspapers, and (if their experience was unique enough) publish a memoir. And that's about it. </div>
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So what? You might ask this question, but I strongly feel this type of expression is good for mental health.</div>
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In the article, "You Don't De-friend the Dead," the author wrote:</div>
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But how do we cope with this grief over time? Grief communication
theorists suggest that the attachment we feel toward the
deceased postdeath can be understood as a continuing of bonds: Rather than severing all ties, the bereaved finds way to renegotiate
and understand their relationship with the deceased now that they
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Continuing of bonds. Yes, I can definitely agree with that assessment. Perhaps that is why social media has greatly assisted those dealing with loss. By connecting with others suffering through the loss of the loved one, that connection to memories of experiences shared or expressed can help understand the impact the loved one had on so many. It's those connections that help keep that loved one "alive."</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Move On, Already</b></span></div>
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But can this connection be harmful? What about those who believe it is best to "move on" from or "get over" the loss? Is there merit to such suggestions? Can social media cause the grieving to remain stuck in their grief?</div>
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Many say, no, because grief is a process and not a destination. From that same article, Pennington (2013) suggested that the connections found on social media can help those left behind form a new understanding of their relationship with the deceased that will help them move forward through the excruciating grief process. Life without the deceased then becomes a new normal and those grieving are able to heal and grow. </div>
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I can attest to this from personal experience. As a writer and avid social media user, I find that posting about my journey through grief as well as sharing memories about my deceased loved ones has helped me heal and grow as I move on toward that new normal. It also benefits me to know there are others out there who have endured and made it through the various steps in the process. These "friends" converse with me in the virtual setting that proves to be more comfortable than an actual face-to-face setting (Pennington, 2013). </div>
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This encouragement leads to mental health and wellness. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Better Left Unsaid</b></span></div>
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Unfortunately, there is always a dark side to social media and some decide it is best to air their grievances toward the deceased on social media sites. These acts can cause much harm to the grieving. As per all parts of social media, discretion is necessary and some people aren't capable of this type of critical thinking. So, harmful and hateful posts are read, leading to more harm than good. But could this harmful behavior also happen <i>without </i>social media? Yes and has happened since modern communication methods have existed. That is truly unfortunate. The grief process is different for everyone and emotions can take over. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Social Media to the Rescue?</b></span></div>
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In the end, can social media benefit those who are grieving? Research suggests that it can. There are so many valuable forms of social media sites helping those deal with grief:</div>
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Blogs</div>
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GoFundMe</div>
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All of these sites offer effective assistance to those dealing with loss. I have used many to help me through the process. One thing is for sure, in this age of technology, social media has touched so many parts of life now. Is it going away anytime soon? I, for one, do not think so. Therefore, why not make social media a benefit to those dealing with loss rather than a hindrance? Blog about your experience, post about your loved ones, or simply acknowledge the loss someone else is experiencing. You could be helping someone more than you know. </div>
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<b>Your turn: Have you ever posted on a deceased person's Facebook page? Why or why not? How have you seen social media impact grieving and loss? </b></div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Ruth</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">References</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pennington, N. (2013). You don't de-friend the dead: An analysis of grief communication by college students through Facebook profiles. Death Studies, 37(7), 617-635. doi:10.1080/07481187.2012.673536.</span></div>
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Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-72487637406338790012016-08-14T21:48:00.000-07:002016-08-14T21:50:48.925-07:00The Race Set Before You<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Heb-12-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">Hebrews 12 "</span>Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>sin which clings so closely, and <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>let us run <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>with endurance the race that is <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>set before us,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-ESV-30198" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>the shame, and <span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span>is seated at the right hand of the throne of God..."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b style="background-color: white;">The Race Set Before You</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Today in church, I was reminded of the hardest marathon I have ever run. We are studying Hebrews 12, where the writer advises us to prepare for the race set before us. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The race.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">We are reminded of those who have gone before us and are now our witnesses. We can gain comfort by reading their words in scripture because they ran their race and endured to the end where they earned their imperishable crown. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">As I sat there listening to our pastor teach, I couldn't help but remember the race and how it's a perfect analogy for what the writer of Hebrews meant...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Prepare</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Good shoes, a good training plan, and good health are needed for marathon training. I live in Phoenix, so an October marathon meant training all summer. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">All summer in Phoenix. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Yuck. What was I thinking?? I did it, but swore I'd never do that again. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Register</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Signing up for a marathon requires commitment, but to register for the most popular marathon in America requires a little bit of luck. Because the Marine Corps Marathon is so popular, you have to enter the lottery and hope your name is selected.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I was selected that March of 2014!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Upon arriving in Washington, DC to pick up my race packet, it meant waiting in line for an hour just to get in the door, but that's ok. I've always wanted to run this race ever since I saw Oprah run it so long ago. I had no idea there was a Marine Corps Marathon! I knew it was the only race that would mean something to me. I knew I had to do it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>The Race</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">My father was a Marine and so was my husband. I was a Marine Corps wife, so the Corps means something to me. But I knew running the marathon was nothing compared to what they had endured during boot camp. I had to finish for them because they finished for us. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>The Course</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">My uncle had run the race before, so he advised me of the course. "It's hilly, so prepare..." and I did prepare. But you can't really know the course until you are on it. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Training for a race always has obstacles to face and this one was no different. During my summer training, I did run up hills to prepare, and in the process blew out one calf muscles. I couldn't even run half a mile! As I wallowed in self pity, I knew there had to be something that could treat such an injury. I sought out the treatment, followed doctor's orders and rode my bike instead of running. For 9 days, I didn't run. That's torture for someone in training! But obeying doctor's orders paid off and I was able to resume running on schedule. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">But that wouldn't be the only obstacle in the way...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The night before the race we were in a car accident. Yes, the night before. Blessedly, no one in our vehicle was hurt. The driver at fault was hurt and flown to the hospital. We were a little shaken up and exhausted from sightseeing in DC all day, but I went to bed and awoke rested and ready to head to the staring line. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The next obstacle? <i>Finding</i> the starting line. Sigh.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br />Washington DC is a BIG city and because this race is so popular, there were 30,000 people also trying to find the starting line. After almost 2 hours of driving and searching, we finally found the place to park and the shuttle to take us to the starting line. I'm so glad my husband was with me. I would have talked myself out of the whole thing, I was so stressed!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">But we made it to the start and that alone felt like a huge accomplishment! And then it dawned on me that I still had to run 26.2 miles. Oh yeah!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>The Race Set Before Me</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Finally, I was on the course. Yes, it was hilly just like my uncle had warned. In fact, as we ran through Georgetown, we had 7 miles of hills! But oh how I loved that run. Georgetown was spectacularly beautiful with the architecture, the little shops that lined the route, and the fall leaves fluttering through the air. And the cool air! Mind you, it was still about 104 degrees back home, but it was a balmy 60 degrees that morning. Awwww....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">As we entered DC, we ran by the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and headed toward the Washington Monument. My legs began to ache. I knew I was getting weary. Of course, my body was revolting and wanted to quit. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">And that's when we entered "Memorial Way" where the Gold Star Moms are out, encouraging us to run our race. Here they were to encourage us when we should have been hugging them! It was moving.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Enlarged photographs of fallen Marines lined the route. Some were pictured holding their babies, others were in combat fatigues, and others were pictured in civilian clothes just grinning in life. As I gazed into their young faces, a surge of pride rushed through me. Tears filled my eyes and I knew I couldn't quit. I wouldn't quit. I had to keep going.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I had to keep going for all of them. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The mantra during the whole race is "Beat the Bridge" because if you don't, you'll be stuck on the other side of the draw bridge waiting for a ferry to come take you to the rest of the race! No one wants that, so I pushed it and ran my fastest 20 miles ever. I made it to the bridge and crossed it on time. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>The Finish</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The last 6 miles were excruciating because all my energy was gone. But, as usual, there's one last surge of energy at the end and I pushed through. When you approach the finish line, the whole area is full of Marines cheering you on. Yes, I know they are probably ordered to be there on a Sunday morning, but they aren't ordered to clap or cheer. Yet, they do. They encouraged us on even though they themselves had endured boot camp for 13 weeks. No one cheered them on. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Finally, I could hear the cheers and the music and that's when I knew I was near the end. One last hill greets you at the end (leave it to the Marines to put in <i>one last hill</i> at the end...) complete with signs painted on the ground encouraging us on:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Beat the Hill!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Dig Deep!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"Okay, I'll dig deep. I'll dig deep.." I thought to myself and pumped my arms. But after a while, it seemed like the hill went on forever!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"Who put this hill here?" I huffed. "Who's idea was it to have this stupid hill here at the finish? <i>I hate this hill!</i>"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">One last sign was painted on the ground: </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">What Hill?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Arrrgh!! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Funny Marines. Hilarious.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">There it was, the finish line. As I crossed, I saw my husband and smiled for a few photos then made my way to where a Marine Corps officer waited with a medal. He placed it around my neck and I couldn't help but cry. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I cried because it was over, because he was so young, and I cried because so many Marines didn't make it home. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">When you finish the Marine Corps Marathon, you finish at Arlington. You finish at the base of the Iwo Jima Memorial, that stalwart statue that epitomizes the fortitude and reputation of the United States Marine Corps. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I cried because what I had just endured was nothing in comparison to what that Marine, what my father, and what my husband had endured to become Marines and have that eagle, globe, and anchor pinned to their uniforms. They endured marathons everyday during boot camp: physical and mental marathons that they couldn't quit if they were to become Marines. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for all those who had endured and that my race was finally...<i>finally</i>...over. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">And that's what the writer of Hebrews meant. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">We have the martyrs and the saints who endured the race of life all around us, encouraging us to continue. We have their testimonies to read so we can know the course and all that it entails. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">But even so, those who came before us do not want us to focus on them. Like those Gold Star Moms cheering us on, they are there to point you to the finish line where the real reward lies. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Those who came before us point us toward Jesus, who endured so much more than we ever will. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">While I was running the marathon, the streets were lined with people cheering us on. Imagine enduring such a race with people spitting on you, threatening to kill you, mocking you, and throwing stones at you. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Jesus endured that and more. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I had my husband at the finish line. Jesus was abandoned by His friends at His finish line. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Our life race is unique to us all. You could ask 100 marathon runners about their experience and you'd get 100 different stories. We shouldn't compare our races nor boast in them. Instead, we should use our races to encourage those who come after us. Like those marathon coaches who run back to find their teammates and encourage them, explaining what's to come on the course and informing them of water stops up ahead. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Those of us who have experienced much must use our testimonies to encourage others. After the race, I couldn't imagine keeping quiet about it. I am so glad I spoke up in Bible Study today because my story of completing the Marine Corps Marathon analogy encouraged many in attendance. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Looking to Jesus</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The whole point of running the marathon for me was to pay tribute to the Marines. But the whole point of running this race called life is to focus on Christ waiting for us at the end. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">And when He places that imperishable crown onto our heads, we will immediately remove it and place it at His feet in adoration and worship because, as the author and finisher of our faith, He, alone, has earned it. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">What I have learned?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Endure to the end. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Run the race that is set before you.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Looking, always, to the Savior at the finish line. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Blessings,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Ruth</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-53280585815122587382016-06-06T20:01:00.000-07:002016-06-06T20:02:09.545-07:00Never Fear the Storms<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-2ZO-O85-0/V1Y3fM7flMI/AAAAAAAAHUk/CZlQn-P_3nQtEOkn3vnRjdDuWH_-rectgCLcB/s1600/12118745_10208094391025913_8165074046698631304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-2ZO-O85-0/V1Y3fM7flMI/AAAAAAAAHUk/CZlQn-P_3nQtEOkn3vnRjdDuWH_-rectgCLcB/s320/12118745_10208094391025913_8165074046698631304_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lake Powell, AZ</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">N</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">owhere
in the Bible is it written that the life of a Christian will be easy. Instead,
we are told the Christian will suffer as Christ suffered. Meaning, storms of
life will come and go and leave their marks on us as they do the unbeliever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember last October, after my sister passed away
from cancer, I had registered to run a half marathon at Lake Powell. I wasn’t
sure if we should still go so soon after my sister’s death, but we both knew my
sister would want our lives to go on. As my husband and I were driving toward Page,
AZ, for a half marathon race, we could see storm clouds gathering above the
city. It’s hard enough to run a half marathon, but to run in the rain and wind
makes it even harder! I could feel the fear and trepidation building inside me.
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We tend to fear storms because we’ve all experienced
them: literally and figuratively. We know how dangerous storms can be. All of
us would love to live a life without storms, but what would that life look
like?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years ago, in Tucson, Arizona, scientists built the
Biodome: A place where scientists could live and work in a perfect environment.
They had perfect air, water, and soil to grow perfect food. They even made a
simulated ocean! There within the Biodome, these scientists could study the
effects of a perfect environment in hopes of replicating it in life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a while of living in this perfect environment,
however, these scientists noticed something shocking: the trees they grew were
dying. They were simply falling over dead at a young age. Concerned, they took
samples of the air, water, and soil to try and figure out what was causing the
deaths of these perfectly healthy trees. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All their tests showed nothing was wrong with the
water, air, or soil. Perplexed, the scientists had no idea what was causing the
deaths of the trees, until one day the answer came to them: No wind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see, there was no wind inside this “perfect”
environment, but trees need wind. As a young tree grows, the wind beats against
the trunk causing the roots to dig in deeper and the trunk grows stronger after
each storm. Without those strong winds of a storm, the young trees did not
become stronger. Instead, they became weaker and fell over. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">W</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">e
might desire to live in a “perfect” environment (a life without storms…) but by
studying God’s creation, we can see that a life without storms makes us weaker.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I thought about this life lesson as we approached
Page, AZ. I knew I could run the race in the rain, but it wouldn’t be easy. The
morning of the race proved to be beautiful with the sun rising through the
thick storm clouds. It only sprinkled on us as we ran. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later that night came the rain, wind, and lightning.
But we watched it from a safe haven inside our hotel room. It was a beautiful
sight!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have endured many storms in life. Recently, my whole
family endured that hurricane called “cancer.” We endured for a year alongside
our sister, mother, aunt, daughter, and friend: Tammie. Watching someone you love die a slow painful
death isn’t easy. You feel helpless and hopeless. You walk away from that storm
forever marked…forever changed. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, after the rain and wind departs, the skies are
clearer, the sun shines brighter, and the new day is remarkable. You walk away a
stronger person for having endured the storms. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The good shepherd knows how to handle the storm. He
gathers his sheep and provides a shelter. During the storm, he watches the
sheep to make sure none wander off and fall into a raging river or off a cliff
to their deaths. He keeps a vigilant watch all through the night. And in the
morning, he counts his sheep to see if any are lost. If any are gone, he
searches for them and returns them to the fold. He binds their wounds and heals
them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">o, never fear the storms of life. They come to make
you stronger. The rain makes you grow and the winds make you stand firm. Praise God you have the Good Shepherd who
will remain with you throughout the storms. He will never leave you nor forsake
you. There is purpose in everything He
does.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down
his life for the sheep.” John 10:11<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his
sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue
them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and
thick darkness.” Ezekiel 34:12<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 17.3333px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ruth</span></span></div>
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Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-65781747209633305182016-05-20T21:20:00.002-07:002016-05-20T21:20:31.141-07:00Are You Ready for the Summer?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New Smyrna Beach, FL</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rest & Relaxation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah, the beach. For me, there is no better place to relax and unwind after a busy school year. As a former school teacher (this was my last year...), I found much solace in sitting on the beach and listening to the waves last summer in New Smyrna Beach, FL. It was the best way to decompress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about you? How do you prefer to rest? Do you even rest at all?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to have many projects going at the same time. I'm crazy that way. I think I find busyness as a way of avoiding things...primarily completion. But I have improved upon that little hiccup in the system. I actually do complete novels, paintings, or blog posts. I know many people who never complete a project. They just go on to the next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I have been working on a project that speaks to my heart. I am writing a women's Bible study based on Psalm 23. The part I focused on today is the concept of rest. In the first verse, David writes about the Lord our Shepherd.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"He makes me lie down..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Curious
isn’t it how David wrote that the Lord <i>makes
him</i> lie down? Wouldn’t one <i>want </i>to
lie down in green pastures?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think about it. When was the last time you stopped
and rested. I mean really rested? The good shepherd would stop his flock and
make them lie down to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I, myself, understand this idea perfectly because I
usually am against resting. I am very good at multi-tasking. Aren’t most women? <span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">It is hard for me to stop and take a break from anything. My brain is usually going one hundred miles an hour. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a runner, I almost feel guilty when I take a day
off from running even though I know my body needs rest to recover. Rest is the
best way to avoid injury. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I can easily understand why the Lord has to
make us lie down in green pastures to rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That’s a sad reality, isn’t it? But we women tend
to become so busy that we do forget the importance of resting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">"Pastures of tender grass..."</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The phrase "green pastures"
is translated as "pastures of tender grass.” <span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">You know the kind of grass: soft and
cool to the touch. It reminds me of that rye grass we plant in winter here in
Phoenix.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine your bare feet on the soft cool
tender grass shaded by a tree. Who wouldn’t want to lie down on that grass and
rest? <o:p></o:p><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">Contrast that to the dry harsh desert landscape: The coarse sand and rock burning in the sun. The Good Shepherd seeks out the green pastures for his sheep to enjoy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He seeks out the land for us to enjoy! </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why would we not follow our Shepherd and find that rest? My challenge this summer is to make the time to rest. It will be a challenge, too. I want to finish three books and self-publish them this summer, start a drawing instruction YouTube channel, and also write and teach this Bible study. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh and did I mention I am also looking for a full time job? Tired yet?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See what I mean about crazy busy? It can become overwhelming and the Shepherd must lead His sheep to the green pastures, stop them, and bend their legs to force them to lie down as a good and loving shepherd does. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's up to you and me to actually follow His lead. He knows best. Who are we to fight Him?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, are you ready for the summer? Are you going to be so crazy busy with projects and plans that you will forget to stop and rest? Or will you truly heed the Master's call and spread your bare feet in the cool shady grass that He provides for you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you heed His call and find rest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy your break!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth</span></span></div>
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-26884832200019789312016-03-08T09:40:00.000-08:002016-03-08T11:01:14.617-08:00The Only Race That Matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How much do we trust God?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm a runner and I truly enjoy the experience of running alone. It's my time of reflection where I do my deepest thinking. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also enjoy participating in races! One race I enjoy the most is the ultra marathon. I have had the pleasure of running this race with a large group of other crazy runners who love it just as much as I do. One race I have never tried is the trail ultra marathon where you head out into the desert alone and complete the race 50-100 miles in 10 mile loops. That idea terrifies me! I like the 1 mile loop that connects me to other runners, the food tent, the port-a-potties, and a comfy chair I can rest on when needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But to be out there for ten miles at a time<i> alone</i> in the desert? That's risky. There are snakes out there! There's more of a chance of falling down and getting injured, especially in the dark. Running through the desert in the dark...now <i>that's</i> crazy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I prefer the safety of the 1 mile loop. I prefer the security of being with other runners. I prefer the known rather than the <i>unknown</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We Christians tend to be like this. During our life-long race, we tend to enjoy the security of the seen instead of the unseen...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moses</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After listening to Dr. R.C. Sproul teach about when God called Moses to return to Egypt to perform a miracle, I was reminded of all that God asks His servants to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If God asked you to reach down and pick up a poisonous snake by the tail, would you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God's tasks are never easy ones. These tasks tend to take us out of our comfort zones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes we Christians forget that we aren't called to a fluffy white perfect marshmallow existence here on God's green earth. We tend to think that the word "Christian" means: having a perfect life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How far from the truth can that be? Pretty darn far...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hate snakes, so if God asked me...or commanded me...to pick up a snake by its tail, I know I would question Him. I know I would hesitate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, this year has been about as challenging as picking up a rattlesnake by its tail. I experienced my mother's death this month and this comes only 5 months after grieving my sister's death from cancer. Now the grieving process has started all over again. My treacherous trail ultra-marathon has begun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the task that God has appointed unto me. Frankly, I'd rather pick up the snake, for crying out loud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When God commanded Moses to go back to Egypt and perform miracles in front of the Pharaoh, no one can blame him for questioning God's choice. "Who, me?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been asking God the same thing lately. "Who, me? You want me to handle all this on my own? <i>Me</i>?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God doesn't expect any of us to handle anything on our own. This is what women need to learn more and more in this time of feminism. Being alone is not part of God's perfect plan. Being alone was what God called "not good" when He created Adam. And so, He gave Adam a helper. He gave Eve to Adam. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God has given me my helper, my husband, Scott. But He has also given me The Helper, the Holy Spirit in addition to Himself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will never go into Egypt alone to face the Pharaohs of this world. God goes with me and He carries me through the storms. I never have to run the race alone through the desert facing all the risks out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, I will endure this ultra-marathon with my God who loves me. I don't know what else is coming, but I do know He feels I can handle it with His help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before you run a race, it's wise to take a look at the
route. God gives us the route in His word and He also provided us with the
testimonies of those who have gone before us! We can learn from their wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Hebrews 12:1</b> <span style="color: #38761d;">"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which
clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before
us..."</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The longer I live, the more I understand why Paul and the
other writers of the New Testament used running the race as a metaphor for this
Christian life with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a race! It is the most difficult race set before us:
one through the dark desert trails full of obstacles and dangers all the while
the approaching storms bring the cold wind and rain...not fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 9:24</b> <span style="color: #38761d;">"Do you not know that in a race all
the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain
it."</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will continue training by being in God's Word, praying to
Him, and trusting in Him while I endure these obstacles He has put before me. I
will work on my stride, my dietary needs, and hydration during the race. I will
trust in Him when the darkness comes and the hungry coyotes howl in the
distance. When the snakes cross my path, I will not falter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And my God will be there the entire time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My goal? Like Moses...like Paul...like Jesus: To finish this
race strong!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2 Timothy 4:7</b> <span style="color: #38761d;">"I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith."</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let us all face this race prepared and on task so we can all
cross the finish line together! It isn't an easy one. No white fluffy
marshmallow creme trails. No. It is challenging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But we can trust God. He has gone before us and He will go
with us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ruth</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-20208212191724857382015-11-15T19:47:00.002-08:002015-11-15T19:49:05.294-08:00Paint By Numbers? Be Unique! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cvztDUWzFc/VklLInj8xAI/AAAAAAAAD-0/TjSNcVz-5_0/s1600/_20151115_201736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cvztDUWzFc/VklLInj8xAI/AAAAAAAAD-0/TjSNcVz-5_0/s320/_20151115_201736.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paint By Numbers? No Thanks. I'd Rather Be Unique</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, I was invited to participate in one of those painting parties. Have you ever heard of them? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a party that consists of attendees painting a painting based off of the teacher's sample painting. It's a fun social way to be creative while eating and drinking (wine at some parties...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've seen the final product of these parties on social media and the one thing I noticed was that all the paintings look the same. So, before I arrived at the party, I thought about what I would paint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The artist posts the sample painting on the invite. After studying it, I lay in bed one night, thinking about what I would paint. "I'm not going to paint the sample painting. That's just a guide. I'm going to paint what I want to paint."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the party, I began filling my canvas with the bright colors of a sunset while the instructor taught about the brushes and mixing the paints. I have a degree in visual arts, so, as an artist, I already knew about mixing paint and using the brushes. As I filled my canvas, I felt like a rebel going against the grain. It felt fun to be different. It felt great to be unique.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a while, the other attendees walked around the room and when they came to my painting, they stopped and studied it. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeJKZADIu94/VklMiF6qF0I/AAAAAAAAD_A/_n-3Z79tQYo/s1600/12182481_514769118684555_7587605134864703680_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeJKZADIu94/VklMiF6qF0I/AAAAAAAAD_A/_n-3Z79tQYo/s320/12182481_514769118684555_7587605134864703680_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I didn't know we were allowed to do something different," one lady said. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be Unique</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Isn't that how it is? We go through this life thinking we have to be exactly the same as the other women around us. We frown upon women who dare to go against the norm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why are we women, especially CHRISTIAN women, so hard on each other? I really want to know the answer to this question. I mean, shouldn't we encourage one another instead of tearing each other down?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, as a Christian woman, I once was told by another Christian woman that I was sinning because I did not homeschool my son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I lost many Christian friends when I revealed that I was not a virgin on my wedding day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was told I was selfish for not having more than one child (without being asked why I only had one child. Had this woman asked, she would have learned that God only allowed me to have one child...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been judged for working outside the home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been judged for...gasp...bottle feeding my son instead of breast feeding him. Oh the horror!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the list goes on and on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why do we do this to each other? Where in the Bible does it say that we women have to be exactly alike? I have studied the Bible many times and never saw that verse anywhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead, I found a verse that says we are to be the same as Christ who sought out the broken, flawed, and despised people of the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Broken Vessels</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take Ruth, for example. Ruth was a Gentile. She was a Moabite woman. Yet, God chose her and used her to do great things. As a result, Christ comes from her lineage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Samaritan woman is another example. Christ sought out this scarred Gentile woman. She was in a part of the world that was seen as unclean. She was a broken vessel living in sin, but Christ spoke to her, confronted her sin, healed her, and used her in a mighty way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His disciples weren't men of prominence. Instead they were lowly fishermen or even a despised tax collector, yet Christ called them, changed them, and used them in a mighty way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, why do we expect perfection from those around us? Why are Christian women so harsh toward one another?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It just doesn't make sense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finish Product</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I finished my painting, it stood out from the others. The instructor loved it because I went "outside the box" and used my creativity. She loved that I did what others had not. And, as I walked around, I noticed that some had decided to make their paintings their own after they had seen what I had done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I didn't know we could do something different," asked that one attendee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Of course you can," I said. "That's what's so amazing about painting. You can express yourself."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was fun to see how others had expressed themselves once they realized they could.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Celebrate Your Uniqueness</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead of judging other women who aren't doing things the way you would do them (I know, How dare they, right??) encourage them. Use your uniqueness to<i> encourage </i>women. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you have a unique story to tell? Tell it to encourage women. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you have scars to reveal? Show them to encourage other women who may have scars, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you have gifts or talents that may be different than what others have? Use them to encourage others. </span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-ESV-29377" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> Philippians 2:2-5</span></span></div>
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<i><span class="text Phil-2-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">...complete my joy by being <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29377E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29377E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-ESV-29378" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Do nothing from <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29378F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29378F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>selfish ambition or <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29378G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29378G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>conceit, but in <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29378H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29378H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>humility count others more significant than yourselves.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-4" id="en-ESV-29379" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let each of you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29379I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29379I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-5" id="en-ESV-29380" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead of worrying about being just like that perfect woman you know who raised seven kids and still has a twenty inch waist and has a clean house and bakes her own bread and sews her own Halloween costumes...worry more about being just like Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Aspire to have His mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Celebrate who you are in Christ. After all, He is the great artist...the divine designer who created you as <u>one unique creation </u>to be used by Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that's a work of art to celebrate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ruth</span></div>
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-73891045836627639312015-06-18T21:54:00.002-07:002015-06-18T21:54:05.470-07:004 Important Writing Questions...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know about you, but I LOVE Writer's Digest Magazine. I obtain so much helpful information about writing from this magazine and their Facebook page.<br />
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Earlier today, they posted on Facebook an article about the importance of <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/4-questions-agents-ask-at-pitch-sessions" target="_blank">answering 4 questions</a> from an agent during the pitch session at a conference.<br />
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I read the article and decided to answer the questions here.<br />
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In the column written by author Lisa Katzenberger, she thoughtfully explains the importance of the questions and knowing how to answer them...<br />
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How would you answer the following questions?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Are you working on anything else?</span></b> For me, the answer to this question came easily because I am ALWAYS working on something else. I have about a dozen book ideas in my head as I type. Plus, I have new ideas pop into my head during the year. I get ideas from my job (I'm a writing teacher...), my students, books they are reading, movies I watch, etc. Just ask my student. They'll tell you how I often talk about the plot of my next book.<br />
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I find it is important to have that next story in line. That way, when I type "the end" on my current WIP, the mourning period is short. I am back in the saddle and ready to begin plotting out the next big idea. I also think agents like this answer because it shows them that I am a writer. This is my <i>career</i> and not a hobby. I want them to see that I am serious about my craft.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Who are your favorite authors?</b> </span>This question is tough for me to answer because I am not a voracious reader in that I tend to start many books and then put them down after a few chapters. But, I am working on that! So, for me, I'd answer Susan May Warren (I am reading her books), Susan Meissner (Just started one of her books), J.K.Rowling, of course. She is an inspriation to me. Karen Kingsbury (I love her latest true crime story!), and Jodi Picoult. I just started her book, "Lone Wolf" and am enjoying it.<br />
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I would next explain to the agent that I am a bigger fan of non-fiction: Biographies and autobiographies along with historical narratives. These books help me with research into certain eras I am writing in or with voice to make my dialog or exposition sound more real.<br />
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I feel an agent could see by my answer that I do appreciate good story telling techniques in the genres I write. I tend to research writers who are on top of the market (John Green is another favorite...) and see what they are up to next.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. What kind of writer are you? </b></span> This question is much easier for me to answer. I have to confess, I did have to rehearse the answer a few times, but that's okay.<br />
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I am a writer who writes about flawed protagonists with real struggles but who are determined to reach their goals no matter what. They don't always wish to "save the day" but sometimes that task is thrust upon them and they desire to follow through. They have caring hearts and big dreams, and they tend to be humble and cerebral. I write more plot driven stories, but I aspire to write character driven literature some day. My writing is strongest through dialog and description. I consider myself to be very good at sensory writing and plot twists. Just ask my readers!<br />
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But, most of all, I am a writer who wishes to impart a theme or "message about life" in my stories. My desire is for the reader to walk away from my book having learned something or connected to the story in some way. Faith, hope, stay-the-course, never give up, are just some themes I place in my stories.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Where did this story come from? </b></span> Good question! I love asking authors this question when I get to meet them. And I really love it when readers ask me this question. I find most of my stories come from other stories I have read or have seen in a movie. Sometimes they come from real life events that I have experienced or someone else has experienced.<br />
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The idea for "The Children Under the Ice" came from a spelling test I was giving a class of 6th graders. The idea for "The Dragon Forest" came from a love of dragons and the King Arthur legend.<br />
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The idea for my current book came to me back in 2004. I would read the military blog posts (milblogs) via the internet at the height of the Iraq War and was amazed at how these men and women wrote about their combat experience minutes after it happened. It was then that I read about how civilian journalists would embed with the troops to report on the war. Unfortunately, many of these journalists would twist the account to fit their agenda of turning Americans against the war effort. I would read in the milblogs how angry our troops were to see their actions distorted by the journalists they had trusted. And then I read about a missionary who started a sewing center in Iraq to provide work for Iraqi women.<br />
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As a result, I put the two ideas together and have a book to write with these themes running through: Fight the good fight, stand up for the truth, persevere, and learn to trust and love again.<br />
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I feel I am ready to answer these questions for any agent and I look forward to it at the next writers' conference I will attend!<br />
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<b>What about you? How would you answer these questions? Are you ready to answer them?</b><br />
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Blessings,<br />
Ruth<br />
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<br />Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-39997150689274600932015-06-17T08:38:00.003-07:002015-06-17T08:43:16.408-07:00Write About What You Love... <br />
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"A lot of people tell writers to write about what they know.<br />
And that's good advice because it gives you a lot of things to draw on.<br />
But I always like to add that they should write about things that they love.<br />
And by that I mean things that fascinate them or excite them personally..."</div>
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-Suzanne Collins</div>
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<a href="http://www.talesofsuccess.com/suzanne-collins-writing-tips-18713/">http://www.talesofsuccess.com/suzanne-collins-writing-tips-18713/</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Write About What You Love</b></span></div>
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As soon as the evil Maleficent transformed into that purple and black dragon in Disney's <i>The Sleeping Beauty</i>, I was forever in love with... dragons! I love their strength, beauty, and mystique. So, when it came time to write a book, the subject I selected was dragons, of course.<br />
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Why not? For me, it was a no brainer: Kids love dragons and I was writing a book (<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/R.A.-Douthitt/e/B00508VSJE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_12?qid=1434555658&sr=8-12" target="_blank">The Dragon Forest)</a></i> for kids.<br />
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I also love ghost stories! My love for ghost stories led me to write another book series about a group of kids solving a murder mystery with the help of...ghosts! <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/R.A.-Douthitt/e/B00508VSJE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_12?qid=1434555658&sr=8-12" target="_blank">The Children Under the Ice </a></i>was a fun book to write because of my love for this genre.<br />
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But for many writers, coming up with an idea can be a struggle. Why? There are so many ideas to choose from! </div>
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The above quote is from a list of writing tips found over at <a href="http://www.talesofsuccess.com/suzanne-collins-writing-tips-18713/" target="_blank">Tales of Success blog.</a> Suzanne Collins lists 5 tips on writing and this particular tip stood out to me because I agree with it wholeheartedly.</div>
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What about you?</div>
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Do you write about what you know or what you love... or both? I find it easiest to do both, frankly.</div>
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Suzanne Collins once stated in an interview that she knows about war because her father fought in war, studied war, and taught about war strategy at the War College and West Point. She also listed several books she had read as a child that were about children battling each other and dystopian themes:</div>
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Theseus</div>
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Lord of the Flies</div>
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1984</div>
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</div>
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By reading the list above, one can easily see how influential these stories were to Collins who deeply loves each book and rereads them annually.</div>
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Do you love a certain theme or era or hobby? Write about it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Write What You Know</b></span></div>
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Writers should love stories and storytelling. It is a passion of mine to tell stories, both fictional narratives and personal narratives. But to <i>write</i> a story is entirely something else.</div>
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I know much about art, drawing, painting, etc. I know about teaching because I am a teacher. I know about what it's like to be married to a military man. What I don't know is war or combat. My next book will be based in the Iraq war during 2007. So, in order to make my story seem real to the reader, I must study and learn more about this time in US history. But I love to write about wartime romances, and this is why I chose this period to write about. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed the research about this time in US history.</div>
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What about you? Do you find it easy to write about what you know? Or do you prefer to learn about a subject and then write about it? Or do you just "wing" it?<br />
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I highly recommend the article about Suzanne Collins over at Tales of Succes blog. She provides some thoughtful insights about her writing process.<br />
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Now...get to writing!<br />
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Blessings.<br />
Ruth<br />
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Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6704686109057239241.post-9981162934244013152015-01-27T18:19:00.001-08:002015-01-27T18:19:52.720-08:00Ruth Douthitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210433378863401466noreply@blogger.com0