Inspired by . . . community
Elizabeth {Beauty Observed} was so sweet as to ask me to take part in this virtual blog tour. The brain-child of some fun, creative person somewhere out there in blog-land, whom I'm sure you could find if you click back through all the posts!
It's similar to those annoying chain letters you used to get in the mail, except it's not annoying, it's fun! The tour is about meeting new people, learning more about the people you know, and building community.
Which brings me to my answer for question number one - - except I need to first introduce you to Elizabeth!
Elizabeth has a passion for photographing and sharing the beauty God has created. She is the wife of a musician, a veteran home educator and the mother of three. You can find Elizabeth at Beautyobserved.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Elizabeth and I have at least two notable things in common: our love for God, and our Canon SX50's!
Now on to the questions!
1. What am I working on?
My one word for 2014 is intentional and, while this applies to many areas of my life, blogging was one of the main things I wanted to be more intentional about this year. As many of you know, there are many facets to blogging. At first, my main focus was being more consistent in the number of posts each week, and more being intentional in my writing. While that is still very important a clear, secondary focus has emerged; that of building community. What that means to me is investing in the lives of my readers – YOU! and others, even if they only visit here one time.
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
This was the hardest question of all to answer! I think my motive and purpose for writing is different than some {not all} of the blogs out there, and that comes out in my writing. As I said recently in another post: The underlying inspiration for everything I do is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My intent is to glorify Him by inspiring YOU. I don't always succeed, but that is always why I write.
Textured with Kim's waterstainedframe
3. Why do I write/create what I do?
In Luke 19:37 we read:
Then the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God for all the miracles they had seen.
They shouted joyfully, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven."
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell your disciples to be quiet."
Jesus replied, "I can guarantee that if they are quiet, the stones will cry out." Luke 19:37b-40
My writing is how I "shout JOYfully" – "Blessed is the King!" I write in obedience to His call on my life. It's that simple, and that complex. Obedience to Him always = FREEDOM & JOY.
4. How does your writing/creating process work?
Since much of what I write is inspired there really isn't a set process. I try to be intentional about spending time in the Word. Sometimes that means daily reading from the scriptures, devotionals, prayer books, or bible studies. God speaks to me most clearly through His word, but He also speaks to me through nature, the world He has created. I try to listen, to take time to be still, and quiet. Honestly, that doesn't happen as often as I'd like. So most days, I try to hear Him over the symphony of LIFE. He still speaks, it's just harder for me to hear Him.
There is one other thing that inspires me, and that is YOU! Which brings me to introduce the next two stops on the tour.
Textured with Kim's paperstainedmusic
Daniela inspires me every time I visit her "little old world" where she is sweetly dreaming of the past. She is all romance and poetry, home and gardening, painting and leisure. All gently mixed with a dash of history. A visit to her corner of the world never disappoints!
My friend Patsy lives in the Philippines and shares her beautiful paintings and scriptural insights at a place called heARTworks. Her collages, scrapbook layouts, and ATCs are unique, creative and inspiring!
Please visit them on June 23rd to see how they answer the same set of questions.
I hope you enjoyed this stop on the tour!
Have a wonder-filled day!
Sharing inspiration here:
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