This is the month where hundreds and hundreds of bloggers burn the midnight oil and push their creative selves to the limit as they commit to hitting the publish button day in, day out.

I plunged headlong into this writing challenge in 2012, 2013, and 2015.
Here's 4 reasons why.
This year I'm saying 'no thanks, no way' but I'm super happy to introduce you to 4 writers who are all-in, familiar faces around here in this, my online home. I encourage you to go over to their places and check out their work ... you'll soon be able to capture the essence of who they are and what they prize.
31 Days for Caregivers ~
Andrew Budak-Schmeisser
He might be smack dab in the midst of fighting for his life, but nothing can keep this good man down. If you're not a caregiver, you probably know someone who is. Chances are you'll become one sooner or later. Or you have a tender heart for a loved one battling terminal illness. This is a series for you.
Redemption Stories ~
Debby Hudson
If ever we needed to hear testimonies of God's powerful grace at work, it's right about now. Debby's talking about 'addiction and disease and hope and restoration' at The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center where she ministers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Say 'amen' and join her there.
Sing to Jesus: 31 Days in the Psalms ~
June Caedmon
I'm using June's daily exploration of this beloved book as my go-to devotional guide this month. I know of no better way to start or finish your day. Beautiful.
31 Days of Kintsugi ~
Lesley @ Life in the Spacious Place
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with precious metals, and in the process, creating something of loveliness and value. Lesley's focus is on 'God's work in our lives and how He can create beauty even in the midst of our brokenness.'
My lovely Scottish friend has invited me to guest post during her series. Keep an eye out for On Being Unraveled ... and Re-Knit Together.
Last but not least ...
morning invitations * a 31 Days gathering {2015}
This series was born out of my own craving for creating some sort of steady grace-filled morning rhythms after living through six months of overwhelming choices, great big changes, and sorrow upon sorrow. I even included weekly worksheets to help you tend to your soul, body, home ... and use of screens!
I actually thought about publishing morning invitations as a little guidebook, but the whole idea was more than daunting and I never followed through. Yet I feel the urge to put this series on the table one more time ... and I hope that if you find it helpful, you'll share it with your social media fans, even if it is a year old!
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And the winner of Jeremy Camp's brand new CD The Answer is Carolyn! Congrats ... and welcome to our little community!
May this weekend offer each and every reader sweet rest for body and nourishment for soul ~
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Thanks for sharing about my series, Linda! So glad you're taking part. I enjoy reading Andrew and Debby's blogs too, and I will have to go and visit June's.
ReplyDeleteYou'll love her. Promise!
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Linda, thanks so much for the callout. I actually didn't know I would be doing #write31days until October 1, when I heard that still, small Voice say, "Write it."
ReplyDeletehttps://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/10/your-dying-spouse-374-caregiving-for.html
Yep, I know exactly what you're talking about, Andrew.
DeleteWhen He speaks, we can't help but listen. He has a powerful way of letting us know what He wants us to do. We do best when we obey.
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Thanks for sharing about these different series. I'll be checking them out as time permits. (I'm especially interested in YOUR "Morning Invitations"!)
ReplyDeleteI've done the 31 day challenge several times over the years as well; and I really wanted to participate again this year, but life has been kicking my butt the last couple months... I found out drama saps creativity.
Recently, you reminded us to be the boss of our own blogs. I can do my 31 day challenge whenever I want! (and make my own rules!)
Thanks for sharing!
It'll be fun to see what you come up with if / when you decide to do a series! You'll know when the time is right ...
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I hope you enjoy 'morning invitations'! Looks like about half of those reading this post are checking out the series, too.
* smile *
Thanks so much for your kind words on my blog yesterday! I am happy to have discovered you, too - I think from your comments on another blog I read, though I can't remember now which one led me to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this round-up as well. I've enjoyed doing the Write 31 Days a few times in the past - once on missionary stories, once on inspirational biographies, once on Elisabeth Elliot quotes. But this year I just didn't have anything on my heart to write about and felt I needed a quiet, non-busy spot between the craziness we've had in the last few months and the holiday happenings coming up in November and December. I hadn't even had a chance to check on any of the series, so I appreciate these recommendations.
One of the things I like most about blogging is having a platform to share resources with other like minded souls. I haven't even begun to head over to the write31days.com site.
DeleteLife's busy enough right here.
Have a good weekend, Barbara ...
I too am not participating.Twice a week is enough for me! Thanks for suggesting a few good bloggers though. I will check them out!
ReplyDeleteIn this season of life, I'm absolutely hearing you, Jean. After one year of 31 Days, I took a whole month off to recover. And by the time I was done 'morning invitations,' I was beginning to get a bit crispy around the edges and needed to take some of my own advice ...
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Thanks for all these 31-Day recommendations, Linda! I do have a blogging friend who accepted this challenge this year. Her name is Diana Trautwein, and you can find her blog here: http://dianatrautwein.com
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I've heard of Diana ... I'll check her out! Thanks for sharing her with the gang here, Martha!
DeleteAppreciate it ...
I follow and love Lesley's and June's, but the others sound great, too. Sometimes it's a bit overwhelming to try to keep up with all the great 31-day posts out there, but kudos to all who take on that writing challenge. :) Have a blessed weekend, Linda!
ReplyDeleteIt's alot to do your own series and try to support your current online friends as well as take the time to explore new sites.
DeleteSometimes enough's enough ... there's only so much energy to go around, isn't there ...
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I totally "get" not committing to 31 days. Our commitments take the joy from the process. Let it flow---free and easy as the Spirit leads, My Friend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
My hat's off to all 31 Day-ers! I remember how challenging it was by the 3rd week ...
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Thank you so much for including me, friend! I look forward to revisiting your offering from 2015!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll find it encouraging, June ... don't worry, it'll still be there after you get through the month!
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You are a beautiful encourager!
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet, MaryLeigh ...
DeleteI'm sorry I haven't been here to visit you much Linda, you are right life is busy! I hope you find time to relax and enjoy the season of fall blessings and hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteSeptember? Just like summer ... flew right on by like a bird in a hurry.
DeleteI hope you mend quickly from your surgery, friend. Be sure to give yourself plenty of grace and space along the way ...
Linda, you are always gracious in your sharing and I'm blessed to be part of this. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing stories that matter, Debby ...
DeleteWe need to be reminded that redemption is ready and waiting, right around the next corner ... for each and every one of us.
Bless you guys and your ministry.
Such a sweet offering as always. I'll be checking on on these writers for 31 Days but am not joining myself. Since I just moved I couldn't even wrap my brain around starting. I have read some beautiful posts for those who are plugging away.
ReplyDeleteI pray Fall is showing up in all her glory in your neck of the woods. Happy weekend!
I'm with you, Mary. I can't even imagine doing a 31 Day series at this point in my life. I don't know if it's old age whispering ... or sanity arriving!
DeleteI'd love to hear about your move, your transition!
Thanks for featuring other bloggers work here, Linda. I think I remember your morning invitations series, but want to look again. (I have not ever and probably never will do a 31 days series. Are less people doing those now, or am I just in different circles now??
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving the series another peek, Betsy. That's sweet.
DeleteI'm not sure what's happening with 31 Days, if it's holding its own, how many are participating. I haven't made the time to do more than briefly check it out. I remember back in the day when the majority of bloggers I connected with were jumping in.
This year? These brave 4!
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Maybe you'll revisit putting morning invitations even if just a PDF format guidebook for others! Sounds like something that is a creative blessing. And will be looking into it. I contemplated the 31 day challenge to get my writing habit back in gear, but then took a beat, and realized it wasn't right for me this year. I'm sure the world will be a bit brighter with all this talent writing daily though!
ReplyDeleteJust the words PDF format make me swoon, Lynn! I definitely have missed the technology bandwagon. I know just enough to make me dangerous ... and never will forget the day I almost this website and my former home space within 15 minutes of each other just by pressing a few wrong buttons.
DeleteI saw my life flash in front of my eyes!!!!
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Now you know why I keep things very simple around here!
Fabulous list, Linda. And aren't you kind to introduce us to other writers on this 31-day journey even though you're taking sabbatical?! I enjoy Andrew's writing as well as yours and am excited to investigate the others as well. Blessings, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the inspiration these valiant writers are sharing!
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Good idea to feature other Bloggers and inviting your readers to visit them. Visiting them now.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and God bless.
Thanks for heading over there. What an encouragement!
DeleteHi Linda! You are always so supportive of your blog friends, and this time of '31 Days' is no exception. I really admire people who can write every day of the week, it amazes me. I just think about that and get hives!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being digitally challenged. You never know though, someone might just help you get your thoughts published. It's amazing how much you can do if you have help!
Blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil ... yeah, I hear you. I feel a bit crispy just thinking about writing for 31 days straight. From where I sit today, I just can't imagine doing it again.
DeleteBut never say never, ya' know?
Meanwhile, congrats to you on your writing in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book ... and the giveaway! Hey readers ... head over to Ceil's by this weekend to jump on in!
http://www.ceilryan.com/2017/10/09/yay-book-give-away/
Linda, it's so fun to see the bloggers you highlight here. :) There are years when we just can't say yes to 31 Days. Each September, I evaluate my schedule and try to see where I could fit in participating. This season of life with busy boys and a traveling husband would make doing it too stressful for all of us. But, I admire those who write all month long. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this post!
Like I've said before, I can't help but thinking that my 31 days are finished. But I'm still a big fan of those who go there.
DeleteAnd I appreciate when someone looks at their schedule and says 'no, thanks' even though they'd love to join the crowd.
I can't wait to read your guest post at Lesley's place, Linda. As for me, I've never done the 31 Days thing ... it just doesn't fit with how I operate. But I love that others can do it, and I appreciate how well they do it! (Same with Five-Minute Friday ... I marvel at the posts people produce in only five minutes, but it just never feels right for me!) Also, I'm a little behind on this, but I love your blue front door (and the toenail polish that inspired it). Big hugs, friend!
ReplyDeleteHi Lois ... yep, I used to do the Five Minute Friday but Thursday nights at 10 pm are NOT my optimum writing time and I didn't feel like I was offering the quality of work that I want my readers to get from me.
DeleteBut ... it was fun for a season ...
I've never done the challenge but admire those who do. Life is crazy enough that I find it hard to write twice a week!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I would have blogged and been a mama of little ones at the same time. Something would have fallen short ... and I don't think I want to know what that would have been.
DeleteThis whole social media thing can be addicting and all-encompassing, Sarah! I admire mamas who can keep a healthy, sane balance in the midst of it all ...
I'm reading several of these blogs already! Good choices, Linda. I'm not doing 31 Days this time either. I miss it, but it's given me more time to read instead of just write, write, write. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, friend. I'd just as soon get lost in a good book than get lost in the endlessness of all this social media stuff. And thanks to your frequent book guides, I've found myself some super worthwhile reads along the way.
DeleteAppreciate you ...
Yes! Sometimes the best "yes" is a no--giving more room to the things that matter in this season of life. I'm glad you are brave enough to do that, Linda. And I do want to check out all of these lovely bloggers. Some I'm familiar with and some not, but it's always good to get to know a new friend in the blogosphere. I also will be sharing about your book, Linda. In fact, I'm going to check it out myself!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I hope I didn't mislead! The link is just to my 2015 31 Days series ... it's not a book!
DeleteGoodness, no!
But I hope you enjoy it anyway!
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Linda,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm daunted by the task of writing for 31 days. I applaud you for doing it as many times as you did!! Thanks for pointing the way to those who are writing for His glory during this month. I just have to tell you that I always appreciate your thoughtful and insight-filled comments.
Blessings,
Bev xx
You always bring an encouraging word, a smile, a ray of hope, Bev ... I'm grateful to have you as a sweet part of this community here.
DeleteBlessings to you this afternoon, friend.
I've never done the 31-days-of-publishing thing, Linda. Can't quite seem to find the extra to give to that kind of commitment. (I feel accomplished just getting four posts a month done. haha.) Going to keep this link open so I can come back to it and check out all your featured posts here. A few of these I'm familiar with, but a couple I haven't met yet. Yay for new friends. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, friend. ♥
ReplyDeleteAnd if all we can do is four posts, then four posts it is! Don't you love setting the perfect pace for yourself?
DeleteSo glad to introduce you around, Brenda ...
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