#encouargement

[unwelcome-ozian]

[soworthloving]

Dallas Clayton // Image Source: Pinterest

[imintheleaves]

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.…

1 Thessalonians 4: 7 & 8

[1111111111111fdfdfjhj]

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I just don’t remember a time where I wasn’t making an attempt to do it. My mother said that even in 3rd grade, I would create little books out of construction paper at home and my teacher would let me read them off to the class. The stories were silly, but the class loved them. I was noted one of the quiet people but with so much to say. That took a lot out of me to do, especially at that age but it was because I was comfortable enough to share my thoughts with the class and the teacher. When I feel I can open up, I will and I never regret it. Like now I am comfortable sharing my writing here with you or anywhere, because constructive criticism is important to improve all work and the only way to know is to try. I think about writing and realize that it is just something that keeps me going, keeps me breathing and puts a smile on my face. I concluded that writing for me is like breathing. The only time I will stop writing is when I take my last breath of life. But even then I feel that my soul will find a way of manifesting itself into a typewriter, notebook or computer and let my words continue to be created. I will become the real ‘Ghost Writer,’ like in that PBS show. It is hard to explain myself in such few words but one thing I know is that people are born to just misunderstand you no matter what you say or how you say it. I always had it easier with expressing myself with words on paper, much easier than explaining to someone face to face and I realized that there will be more people that will make me into something I am not. I am used to that and I don’t let it interfere with my life, my work or passion. It is a rare gift to find people that just know you without the need to explain, they just can look into your eyes and know what you are feeling. I am blessed to have those type of people in my life. I don’t like the quote “You write so beautifully. Your head must be a terrible place.” I don’t think its a fair assumption to make. It’s just degrading to anyone who lives to create things. And a poor excuse to use against someone, because you haven’t had the privilege of expressing yourself creatively. The truth is “I am a silent type of person with a lot to say. My head isn’t a terrible place, it just becomes cluttered with words, thoughts and feelings that need and want to be shared.” We all have the right to contribute a verse without being called terrible. Don’t let anyone influence your thoughts or tell you to give up something that means the world to you. They know they have the chance to create beautiful things or make their goals, dreams and ambitions happen if they want to, but they choose to ignore their own thoughts and just center on making you have doubt with your own. Never let anyone bully you into silence.

- Joanna Strafford (Becoming Joanna Strafford, The Collected Quotes and Writings, Vol 3)

[courtneybasuric]

Something I learned early on is that there's a big difference between accepting Christ into your heart and walking with Him on a daily basis. Both require a leap of faith through grace alone. But actively living out your faith also requires conviction, discipline, and a commitment to stand in direct opposition to what the world says is good. It's not always easy. But then again, nothing worthwhile ever is.

Kylie Bisutti  I'm no angel