31 days.You know.
It's that endless party where crazed mega-focused bloggers link up to the 31 Days site and then go on to write a post on a specific topic each and every day in October.
Yikes.
I skipped 2014 because by the time I was done in 2013 I was so absolutely exhausted that I needed to take a whole month off from writing to recover.
I wasn't going to do it this year. And then I was. And then I decided definitely NO WAY. Life's been way too stressful to add one more thing to my plate.
They say it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. I'm good with that.
Because on an early morning weekend walk, a whole bunch of serendipitous thoughts finally melded gently together. There's been a persistent yearning that's been tugging at my heartstrings and dancing around in my head that just won't let me go. A challenge that many of us continue to face and one that a few of you have been urging me to tackle.
And it finally dawned on me that God was whispering, 'it's ok, Linda, you can do this.'
And it finally dawned on me that God was whispering, 'it's ok, Linda, you can do this.'
So yes. I'll be burning up the laptop keys in October. Lord willing.
Call me crazy.
But do plan on following along, ok? We're going to have such a fabulously fun yet productive time around here. Hint ... can you say WORKSHEETS?
Even if you get my writings via your RSS feed, you'll want to be getting this 31 Days series in your email inbox so you can print out some of the posts the weekly worksheets.
Not to worry, you're not signing up for anything else. No lists, no surprises, no newsletters. I don't keep track of who reads this blog and I won't even know if you've signed up or not. And yes, you can easily unsubscribe when it's over if you've had enough of me.
Not to worry, you're not signing up for anything else. No lists, no surprises, no newsletters. I don't keep track of who reads this blog and I won't even know if you've signed up or not. And yes, you can easily unsubscribe when it's over if you've had enough of me.
Not a problem.
So click right here to sign up to start getting my posts ... and if you have any problem doing so, simply shoot me an email at lindastoll@juno.com and I'll take care of it for you, ok?
Are you going to be writing for 31 Days? If you are, I want to know about it 'cause I'm going to be following you.
And if you decide not to join the happy throng, I truly understand.
Really.
" " " " "
Click here to find out more about writing a post every day in October.
You go, girl! I think that giving yourself the gift of writing daily will prove to heal the grief you are experiencing on so many levels. I hope that you give us a peek into those inner challenges, questions and feelings you are going through at this time. I'd love to pray for you more specifically as I know where you are struggling and what is encouraging you. I'll be keeping a close eye to your blog, my dear! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Beth. In recent years, I've found that writing can be the most wondrous healing stream. And not just for ourselves. Our experiences, shared wisely, can encourage others who are going through pain as well, even though their circumstances might be very different.
DeleteWhat a gift to be in community where we can support each other with our continued prayers and those shared written words that breathe life and hope.
I'm so very grateful you're in my life, dear friend.
I will be writing for 31 days--but do not feel the call to select a theme. How many times have I completely changed a planned post when God gave me the gift of a new post? So--will be reading along with you--but not going to play the game!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Friend!
Such a good point, Lulu ... that necessity to be very open to the leading of His Spirit, to follow in His direction even though what He's asking might be very different than what we had planned.
DeleteI'm so thankful that we'll keep on walking side by side, writing the words and sharing the stories, doing the things He's called us to do, no matter what the format. Can't wait to see what He's going to be doing in and through us in this autumn season.
A blessed week to you, my friend ...
;-}
Linda, I love that you are willing and able to do this in the midst of all the hard that you've experienced lately. I can't wait to see what you come up with for 31 days in a row! As for me, I had been blogging for less than a month last October, so I didn't even know about this 31 days of blogging thing. This year, I obviously know about it, but I'm completely content to see how it works for other people. :-)
ReplyDeleteContinued Writing = Good Therapy. Yes?
DeleteAnd even though you're not jumping into this writing challenge, I just know that you're going to continue to publish read-worthy, heart-changing pieces, Lois. I, for one, will be following you, too!
Such a pleasure to be getting to know you these days ...
Crazy. (You did say to call you that). Hope it goes well for you Linda and you find it rewarding to take on this task.
ReplyDeleteRemember that song, 'still crazy after all these years ...'
Delete;-}
Linda, blessings on your writing as you step up to the 31-day challenge. : )
ReplyDeleteYou're a sweetie, girl!
Delete;-}
I quit trying to do these challenges, because I always get too busy and don't finish them, and then I feel down on myself for failing, lol... - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Gingi ... I noticed last year that there was alot of grace being extended back and forth, with many writers skipping a day or two here and there and no one getting upset about it.
DeleteThat made me feel better about jumping back in again ... and I'll be taking Sundays off right from the start.
I'd like to see it as an October challenge instead of a 31 Days challenge. The difference is subtle, yet freeing!
;-}
I wish I were up to the 31 days! But, alas...I think not.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers, dear friend. Always.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/09/your-dying-spouse-59-slave-to-time.html
Continue to write when you can, to carve out your legacy, to leave words that make a difference ...
DeleteLinda, I don't follow very many 31 day blogs...it gets a little overwhelming, but you....you are one I would follow. I'll be tagging along! Good to have reconnected.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right! It can very easily get a little overwhelming. I'm approaching this year with a simpler, clearer plan in mind, hopefully doing alot of the writing ahead, giving myself plenty of grace if days come where it's not going to happen.
DeleteI'm glad we've reconnected, too, Carol!
Can't wait to see what you have in store for us! I'll do my best to follow along and keep up! I haven't decided if I'll do it this year or not. I haven't done very well with blogtember, but I did write a few of the one's that peaked my interest. That has propelled me into writing a little more than usual, so I may try to do something in October.
ReplyDeleteThat's the key, Teresa! You've got it! When we write about something that peaks our interest time flies and our best work emerges!
DeleteLast October I didn't do 31 Days, but I did do a series on Autumn Transitions that ran through the month. It was fun and relaxing, I did about 13 posts, had a giveaway, the whole thing ...
http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2014/09/autumn-nesting-delights-house-party-2.html
Bottom line? I know you'll make the right choice for you.
Linda, I have done it the last 2 years but am on the fence this year. I have a topic but just not sure I will do it yet. May God bless you as you write for I am sure it will bless many!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I hear you about being on the fence on this one, Joanne. I was more than a bit surprised when I got the green light on it.
DeleteI'd love it if 31 Days could morph into an October series ... it would take the pressure off, wouldn't it?
;-}
Wow!!! Linda, this is so awesome! You go, Girl! You got this! I know that many will be blessed by your words! ... This would truly be a challenge for me as far as time goes, but I'm going to pray about it and see what GOD leads me to do! Thanks for sharing! Peace and many blessings to you, Love! :-)
ReplyDeleteYep, just trying to follow His lead on this. I was a bit surprised to hear His whispered, 'yes.' Praying for you even as we speak that you'll know the right direction to go, Tai.
DeleteI'm often surprised at the doors He opens. You, too?
;-}
Can't wait!! I won't be joining in on the fun but believe it or not I actually wrote this morning. There should be a post up at some point during the week. Sending love and hugs your way. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited you wrote, Beth! Yippee-yay!
DeleteCan't wait to read your heart once again, friend ...
I post almost every day...but if I knew i had committed to it, I would probably go nuts.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I think the simplicity and beauty of your writings would translate well to a 31 Day kind of format.
DeleteAlways love stopping by your place ... peaceful, calm, inspiring, serene.
Just love it, my friend!
;-}
I've not heard about writing for 31 days. I started sweating just typing that! Neat idea, though. You go, girl. God has your back. :-)
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, I read about one poor girl who was sick to her stomach over the whole idea. That's NOT what this is about!
DeleteThanks for the reminder that God's in this whole venture, Kristi. You're a sweetheart!
;-}
Yay! So glad you decided to jump in again. It's getting so close and I meant to have several posts written already. But oops. Time has gotten away from me. I've gotten my schedule done and the intro post done and the button made. Oh well. We'll just do what we can, right? :)
ReplyDeleteCool! Nice to know I'm not alone in this ... I'm not hearing about too many writers going there this year. So I'm super glad to know we're going to head in this direction together, Lisa! You have a very calming, serene influence that touches all who meet you ...
Delete;-}
Including me.
I'm jumping in with you, Linda! It will be my first year and I am excited. Since God has been teaching me about brave, I might as well put it into practice, right? My 31 days with be my journey to brave faith. Can't wait to read yours my friend!
ReplyDeleteYAY! Let's hear it for brave, girl! What a fabulous next step as you explore your options in this new life that's emerged for you.
DeleteI can't wait to read what you write ... there are many areas in my life where I feel anything but brave.
;-}
Hello Linda, not sure I can commit to it.
ReplyDeleteMy school work load on one hand and I am not led to, at least not for now friend. Moreover, I am struggling to catch up with regular posts too!
But be rest assured I will check up on your posts by God's grace.
I pray God gives you all the strength you need.
God Bless Linda
Oh I hear you, Ifeoma!
DeleteI remember my days in grad school and it was all I could do was concentrate on the stacks of reading and piles of papers that were always due. That you're blogging even while you're so busy professionally is really amazing.
I hope your time online is lifegiving for you, friend ...
This sounds intriguing! I love a good challenge to keep me on my toes :) Count me in!
ReplyDeleteYay, Debbie! You go girl!
DeleteThanks for saying 'hi'!
;-}
I'm joining 31 days as well and I'm a baby blogger, just did my tenth post today, so I'm not sure what to except. Please pray for me during this journey and I'll pray for you as well.
ReplyDeleteA Baby Blogger doing 31 Days! I'm so impressed and so very proud of you! Enjoy it ... take any kind of pressure off yourself ... and yes, I'm praying for you right now even as we speak, Miranda.
DeleteI'll be checking in to say 'hi' along the way, ok?
;-}
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI admire you doing the 31 days! I am sure I could not as it takes me an entire week to churn out just one post, (I do work full-time) so I will cut myself a break! Looking forward to reading all your posts (and yes, I am a subscriber!) Love reading your thoughts, friend!
Oh I hear ya', Valerie! I can't imagine doing this if I was working full-time!
DeleteYikes!
Cutting myself a break? Now THAT I love ...
Glad you'll be here. For sure!
I'm in it for the win it. I've done this a year or two. It's hard to keep up, but I have started at least thinking about my subject. Glad to be joining you.
ReplyDeleteYES! Let's do this! So glad to hear of yet one more writer who's willing to be just a bit crazy enough to jump into the pool!
DeleteThanks for stopping in, Deborah ...
Today's theme on #livefreeThursday is live in the now. It sounds like you are jumping in to a crazy 31 days of living in the now. I pray that lots of beautiful words flow from you.
ReplyDeleteCrazy and beautiful. Yep, you've said it all, Suzie!
DeleteThanks for stopping by ... so good to meet you today!
;-}
Okay, so I've heard a lot about this. I would love to have the time to write for 31 days straight! I guess I still have a few days to decide. :) Looking forward to seeing what God has put on your heart to share! I will definitely be back to read!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're here, Alyssa! The welcome mat is out!
DeleteLooking forward to getting to know you better ...
;-}
Sounds like a good plan...you've got this! Thanks for sharing today, I'm visiting from #livefreeThursday!
ReplyDeleteYou've encouraged me, Angela! Thank you, thank you!
Delete;-}
Worksheets? I will get my pencil sharpener ready.
ReplyDeleteI am going to do "Pray Big for 31 Days." I have no idea what that looks like yet, but I am hoping for God to show me before next week. :)
Every educator loves a good worksheet!
DeleteI hope that these won't disappoint ... I'm planning on simple and thought-provoking, Lyli!
I'll be following you as we keep on praying big together ...
So looking forward to this, Linda! I'll be "Praying the Names and Attributes of God" for October. Last year, my first, He was so faithful to me. This year I want to give back. Not that we can ever out-give God, lol!
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on using your posts as part of my morning devotions, June ... and I'm looking forward to it!
DeleteWeekend joys to you, faithful friend ...