Inspired by . . . I remember

In my mind, where memories reside, lilacs are forever linked to parades and the American flag.

In all the best places this weekend, lilacs are blooming. And in many towns, but not enough, there are parades and ceremonies being held to honor the soldiers who gave their lives, in one way or another, for our freedoms.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The freedom to have an opinion, and speak it without fear. Even if that opinion is against the very soldiers who died or holds our flag in contempt.

It's a strange, awful, and wonderful world we live in.

Memorial Day is far more important to any of us than we are likely to acknowledge.

As with most things that deal with life and death, our consciousness will only skim the surface of the depth of meaning of what this day truly memorializes.

Few of us have been close enough to the sacrifice to understand.

For those of you who are, you have my gratitude and my prayers.

To those who have made the sacrifice; I honor them by remembering.

Blessings on your Memorial Day,

Inspired by . . . Celebrating 10 Years - *G*I*V*E*A*W*A*Y*

Today's the day, friends!

I'm celebrating my ten-year (!) blog anniversary with a giveaway!

As a "thank you" to all of you who have followed me over the years, I'm giving away three sets of Bible study tools.

Three (3) winners will receive one (1) custom-designed notebook, one (1) Bible pens and highlighter set, and one (1) handcrafted keepsake box with scripture memory card set (approximate retail value: $45)

There are three ways to enter:

1. Scroll down and subscribe to my quarterly newsletter.

2. Like and comment on my giveaway post on either Instagram or Facebook.

3. Share my giveaway with a friend by tagging them in the comments on either Instagram or Facebook.

That's it! Three opportunities to enter!

The giveaway starts today and runs through Monday, May 31, 2021.

I'll be drawing three winners on June 1st and will announce the winners on Instagram and Facebook! I will also contact the winners via email if they have subscribed to my newsletter.

All the official rules are posted under the Giveaway tab here on my website.

Have fun!

Inspired by . . . 10 years

Well, friends, I can hardly believe it but this May 29th will mark my 10 year anniversary of blogging!

With over 1000 posts to date, over the years I've averaged about nine posts a month. That's a lot of writing!

I originally started blogging with the intent to share about the novels I had written. But quickly realized that I wasn't comfortable constantly talking about myself or the books!

Thankfully the blog title, Inspired By, allowed me to write about pretty much anything that "inspired me" and so the first years are filled with posts about cooking, crafts, birdwatching, and photography.

In 2012-2013 the blog shifted away from crafts and DIY, and in 2014 started focusing more on photography and devotionals.

I joined Instagram in 2015 and the platform has served me well for years, especially during those times when job demands and health issues have limited my ability to blog regularly.

I've met so many interesting people and made some very special friends.

I'm working on a giveaway to celebrate my anniversary and to say thank you to all of you who have supported and encouraged me over the years - so stay tuned!

Blessings,