Countdown 5 Days of Gratitude

As the school year winds down, I have noticed that gratitude has become the major theme. We are no longer worried about perfecting the curriculum, adapting the assignments, or making the grade. As we finish up last minute things and write out teacher thank yous the focus has been on being grateful for all the hard work and time investment teachers and staff have put in to educate, Care for, and encourage students and their parents.

Looking back, it was often frustrating and difficult to work through conflicts over assignments and homework loads. But I do believe it is the heart intent of teachers and staff to do what is best for the children. And when the motives are pure, the details can be worked out to benefit both student and teacher.

Today was our last day of school and I can honestly say I am grateful to each and every teacher at the school. I'd like to throw out some of the curriculum, modify some of the teaching styles, and revamp the assignments, but I am grateful for their hearts and their service.

I may be even more grateful for the time they spent with their teachers mid summer when I hear the I'm bored mantra one too many times in the midst of unfinished chores!

Countdown Day 6 FInding Your Audience

As a blogger (now that I've blogged for 26 days, I think I can call myself that), I have learned that the purpose of blogs varies. As a writer, I want to write with a purpose. I hope to use my writing and this blog to teach, help, inspire, motivate, challenge, and educate. I seek to learn and pass on what I have learned to others.

In seeking to do this, I need to know who I am writing for. If writing for myself, there will be a lot of gut spilling, processing thoughts, and plan making. If writing for my family, there will be pictures and stories of kids and family activities. If writing for parents or homeschoolers, resources, tips, and encouragement. If writing as an educator, I seek to help others master concepts and gain understanding. To reach others spiritually, I hope to impart some lesson learned from the Bible or impart some grace received on to others.

I realize that my desire to do do all of these things and to reach all of these audiences. Difficult to do in a single blog. Perhaps multiple blogs with more focused topics are required.

So far I have received feedback to blog about all of it. I don't yet have a large audience, but it appears I have a diverse one. Please help me know what you want to see and read and what would best be on a separate blog. I need you, my audience, to help me find my audience.

Countdown Day 7 Determination

I have wanted to be a writer ever since I can remember. I have so many ideas for books, articles and curriculum that I have lost track. Today I was asked if I had determination? YES! I have often thought about writing the books and articles swimming around in my head, but other things, life for instance, always seemed to get in the way. It seemed that demands of being an employee, wife, mother, volunteer, homemaker, teacher, etc were always coming first leaving little or no room to write. This year I was determined to begin my writing career – no excuses! I’ve journaled, entered a blogathon and blogger daily, written and submitted queries, had two articles accepted, participate in an awesome Book giveaway and won some amazing books. Determination has paid off and inspired to me to continue!

7 days left to this blogathon and then I will take a break, but not a long one. I am determined to make this blog something you can look forward to. So please leave a comment and tell me how I can provide that article, that inspiration, that tidbit of knowledge that will make your day!

Countdown 8 Days To Go.

Reason 8: Learning From Others

Blogging daily has encouraged me to search out other blogs. Viewing others creativity has inspired my own. Some blogs out there are amazing. Colorful, informative, inspiring blogs sharing tips, ideas, stories, and inspiration. I love it. I dream of having a blog that entices, teaches, and encourages others. This goal has urged me to learn both the technical aspects of blogging and enhancing my blog as well as given me ideas to add depth and variety to my writing.

If you blog, or have thought about blogging, I encourage you to view other blogs, follow ones you like, swap ideas and tips. If you don't feel you have the time, I have seen some that just share seasonally, or use it as an online photo album to connect with family who do not live nearby. Yes, blogging can be time consuming, but it can also be fun, adventurous and rewarding. Why don't you give it a try? And share it with me so I we go on this journey of life together.

Countdown Day 9 Lessons Learned about Blogging

Reason 9: Learning from Mistakes

One of the most beneficial things I have gained from participating is this blogathon is about blogging. I really had no idea what a blog was or what I was supposed to do with it when I started (which explains the lack of posts!). Now, after blogging daily, reading other blogs and gaining some insight from Michelle, I have a better idea of what I am doing and where I am headed. I also know all too well, that I am not there yet. Hope you will continue on the journey with me.

Here is a post on Blogging mistakes from Michelle:
http://michellerafter.com/2011/05/03/bad-beginnings-10-newbie-blogging-mistakes-how-to-fix-them/

Countdown 10 Days of Blogging

There are 10 days left to the 2011 Wordcount Blogathon. So I thought I would post 10reasons the Blogathon has helped my writing. One reason for each of the last 10 days.

Reason 10: Discipline
Writing everyday has given me discipline. I have heard that it takes 21 days to create a habit. I have been blogging daily for 22 days now! There were days when I was tired, there were days, I almost forgot to blog, and there were days when I couldn't think of anything to say. (If you know me well, you may find that last statement hard to believe!) But I pressed on and I did it. It really has become easier and I am actually enjoying it. Now I may not continue to blog daily, but I do plan to blog regularly.

I hope you will continue to follow me on this journey, and together we will boldly go where I have not gone before! I'm not sure where that is, but it sounded catchy! :-)

Satisfying Sunday

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. It is family day. We go to church and are blessed to serve and be served by our church family. Today I was given the surprise privilege of teaching the Sunday School class and hearing the sweet, but energetic children tell me how much they know about our loving God and shower me with hugs. Hugs from a child are truly heart warming!

My Sunday had a little excitement too as I was able to watch my son play an indoor soccer game with his new team. They are a great bunch of skilled players and I think basketball's "Stockton to Malone's" has been replaced with soccer's "Jayden to Dylan"!

Tonight, we went to Dave Ramsay's Financial Peace University class and had a lively discussion on the woes of credit card debt! Then home to relax before our last week of school begins.

Once again, I am blessed. It was a truly satisfying Sunday.