Tuesday, September 19, 2023

What are you writing these days?


'I've always believed in the therapeutic value of writing.  At a very early age, I realized that I think better with a pen in my hand.  I'm not a journal keeper, but for most of my life I've been a champion notetaker, documenting everything ... The scratch of a Pilot Precise V5 roller pen feels pleasingly analog in a relentlessly digital world, as if I were knitting something - and in a way I am.  The physical act knits concepts together in my memory and makes them part of a whole.

The cool thing is, research backs this up: Studies reveal that when we write things down by hand, we're better able to recall that info later.  And as both devoted diary keepers and brilliant novelists know, writing helps knit ourselves back together, too ... If we read to know the world, we write to know ourselves.  When we put our experiences down on paper, we make meaning out of them, and when we share them, we invite others to not only feel what we felt but find themselves in our stories.'

*
I've always found satisfaction in putting pen to paper.  All those jumbled up bits and pieces swirling 'round my brain somehow begin to make sense when seen in black and white.  Random thoughts magically come together, ideas and images join forces, thoughts and plans and brainstorms happily rub shoulders, relieved to find themselves as kindred spirits heading in the same direction.  

And if the process unfolds well, a spark may slowly ignite something of value or become a tool that keeps life moving down the right track.

For years I journaled until I found it cumbersome, repetitive, and depressing.  But I find writing out prayers to be a powerful experience.  And grateful to have 35 years of notes scrawled in the margins of my Bible.

I do love a shopping list on the back of an envelope, a to-do list on the left side of my desk, a good quality wall calendar.

The convenience of texting has gotten in the way of hand written notes and cards.  I'm trying to head back to that gracious, old-fashioned kind of correspondence.  You, too?

These days I'm toting around one of those stenographer's pads to keep ministry thoughts, notes, plans in one place.  Actually the one I'm using right now was my Mom's, who never met a notepad she didn't love.

And you already know that blogging's in my blood.  I'm sure I never would have made it through the hard transitions and deep grieving and that awful season of covid without its faithful rhythm and the community that's emerged from it.

Thank You, Jesus.

Along the way, a few people have encouraged me to write a book, but I can't even imagine.  The stress of it all!  Ugh.  Writing brings me life and hope and satisfaction.  Heading toward any kind of publication would drain me dry.

So ... what are you writing this week?  If you've got samples or links, I'd love for you to share with the rest of us.  What's working for you just might prime the pump for the next person.










Linda


Thanks to those of you who support my work by using the Amazon links here to do your regular shopping.  No extra cost to you, ever!

shout-outs to these faithful blog hosts
Paula & Jeanne & Lisa

54 comments:

  1. Oh, Linda! While I wholeheartedly agree that you should write a book, I also completely agree that it is an enormously difficult undertaking. In my case, the books are already written, yet I cringe each time I go to work on the editing of the next volume in the series I am self-publishing because I literally loathe the editing process. I have thought of having someone do the editing for me, but the project is so close to my heart, that I fear that something I desperately need to convey may be omitted, and I just don't feel comfortable delegating that trust. So, it looms over me like a lead balloon, and while I plead with the Lord for life, health, and eyesight to complete all 8-10 or however many volumes there end up being, I feel tormented over doing it. I am not a procrastinator. It stresses me terribly to procrastinate anything at all. Yet, I find myself doing that continually concerning this because of the labor intensiveness of it all. SO, I get you, girl. But if you ever do decide to write that book, Lord willing, I will be one of the first people in line to buy it.

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    1. Oh, my dear, friend. It pains me to hear where you find yourself these days, in torment and like a lead balloon is hanging over you, pleading with the Lord for your health. Your two devotional volumes have been favorites of mine. If you gave us three, it would be sheer joy. What a legacy you have already left.

      Jesus loves you so much. I pray that you'll find complete freedom as you move ahead, filled with grace and space to heal from your weariness. May the Spirit guide you step by step. May you hear His whisper, 'this is the way, walk ye in it.' If that's to publish 8 - 10 volumes, may He give you peace and partners in this labor of love. If He opens doors for your music or rest for your body, mind, and soul instead of publishing, I pray you'll be able to discern His will.
      xo

      'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'
      - John 14:27
      ✝️

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  2. Yes to everything here! I love and live by a paper Bible and a paper planner. I’m missing the ability to hand write my rough drafts but I still keep an erratic paper journal that functions a lot like your steno pad. It’s got everything from directions for embedding a PDF in my newsletter 🤢 to sermon notes and quotes from books I want to remember.
    This morning I wrote about harvesting the goodness of our days by remembering. Since that won’t be visible for a while, I will share Sunday’s short post on creativity: https://michelemorin.net/2023/09/17/encouragement-envy-creative-people/

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    1. Your little emoji captures our mutual angst over the dreaded tech stuff. I've kept things bare bones all these years not only because of my love of simplicity and white space but out of fear after almost losing two websites with the click of a button ... and then the loss of my complete subscriber list a few years ago.

      Ugh. If I close my eyes, I can still feel the panic rising.

      Thank God He is our Redeemer!

      Meanwhile, I see you writing your newsletter in Substack and you've got me wondering if that would be a good move. Have I completely lost my mind or what?
      😨

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    2. I switched to Substack because Mailchimp started charging for accounts over 1,000 names. I was barely over and probably could have culled enough names to stay under, but it was the principle…

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    3. Yep, I hear ya. We need to talk.
      ☎️

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  3. Writing is very therapeutic, Linda, yet some of it can be burdensome which makes it an interesting pursuit. I would definitely buy your book! I understand it seems like an unsurmountable task, though I have full confidence in your ability to tackle it one-step at a time. So, here's a nudge to do step one which is to determine what kind of book you would write.

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    1. Well WOW, Lisa, when I read your nudge I almost fell over. No one has ever encouraged me to consider what step one would look like. I didn't know whether to freeze or become a bit curious!

      So, I'd have to say it would simply be a compilation of my best blog posts. And needless to say, it would be a very very slim volume.
      😂

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  4. If it's any encouragement for you, I know you have a book in you, Linda. Having written my book series, I can attest to the long hours and ceaseless writing/editing, but if God inspires me with a fresh story, I'd do it all again. For now, it's just the blogging and note taking. How I love pen and paper, and like you, I'm inviting the almost lost art of note writing/card sending back into my life.
    Blessings!

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    1. Yep, I'm with you, Martha. I absolutely love blogging ... it's a perfect fit, more than ever in this season. Sometimes I wonder how it would have worked out if I started this online writing 25-30 years ago and had been more technically astute and less fearful.

      But that's water under the bridge and I'm so thankful to keep puttering along in this tiny spot on the internet. And grateful to be able to connect back and forth with kindred spirits like you.

      God is so good.
      🌉

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  5. I liked your blog post. Years ago, I used to think, "If I switch from writing on paper to using a computer, I'll lose my creativity." That was my worry. Thankfully, it didn't turn out that way, and I've written almost all of my books on my laptop. Still, I prefer pen and paper the most.

    Whenever I go for a walk in the forest, I always take a notebook and a pen with me. These walks often inspire ideas for my other blog, Kostbaar.

    Wishing you a great week, Linda.

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    1. Aritha ... I love that you take a notebook and pen on your walks. What a beautiful picture of joy and freedom. God's creation is a lovely, calming inspiration to the creative soul. Thank you for reminding us to be aware of His presence wherever we go.

      I'm so glad you're here.
      🌳

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  6. I do keep several journals, but the only one that's daily is my "Celebration of Small Things"--a gratitude journal I began in 2017. I only record an item or two so it doesn't become burdensome. Other journals include: "God Is Faithful"--a record of God's faithfulness to our family--his provision, protection, guidance, and blessing over the years. The first entry in that one: November 1983. Now there are over 1500. In a more recent journal, "In Silence and Solitude," I've been writing impressions from God as I sit in silence 2-3 days per week. Now and then I journal through a hymn, taking my time to meditate through each line, each important word. On any given day, if you peeked over my shoulder, these are examples of what you might see me writing! (Oh--and blog posts!!)

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    1. Oh that's incredible that you have an assortment of journals. I remember reading a blog post of yours that talked about their meaning in your life. What a legacy for your family to have in hand, these testaments to God's faithfulness and blessing over time.

      And journaling through a hymn sounds so powerful and soothing all at once. What a superb idea.

      Thanks for all this inspiration, Nancy. I know a number of journalers will find your commitment fascinating.
      📕🖊️

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    2. I should have added that I'm now retired and have more time to devote to writing. During the years of raising our children and teaching school I only kept the "God Is Faithful" journal!

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    3. Readers who have super busy schedules will appreciate this, Nancy. The work-outside-the-home woman, the soccer mom, and those who don't have time for lots of reflective moments are in a different season than you and I find ourselves.

      I know several have expressed that they simply don't have enough hours in the day. And I hear them. You, do, too!

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  7. I remember things so much better once I write them down; in fact often just taking notes in high school or college allowed me to recall the information without having to do much studying at all! I still write everything on our family calendar and use paper to do lists to keep myself organized.

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    1. Yep, I'm with you, Joanne. Let's hear it for paper! Trying to learn and integrate all those online tools makes things more complicated and cumbersome than necessary.
      👏

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  8. Ahh, Linda. Beautiful. From the time I was young, I wrote my thoughts, worries, cares, and joys in a journal. I still do this sometimes. But I also find I type to process my world and things going on. I write my thoughts on Instagram and especially on my blog. And yes, I may also be writing books and waiting for God to put them where He wants them. Writing is powerful.

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    1. Yes, yes, to processing life with words. Whether written or spoken or somehow creatively expressed, this is the key to clarity, healing, and all those good things.

      I'm looking forward to seeing what God has for you in this next season, friend. I admire your openness to His will in how you can best use all the giftedness He's given you.
      🔑

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  9. I love the idea of handwritten cards. I have art journaled and played with paper crafting just 'cause it feels good to make something tangible, even when it's just for me - no agenda attached except for fun and joy. I'm writing again on my blog (shooting for twice per month at least) and writing in my journal, and writing lists of course! I have writing goals that I've shared with my writers group, pray with God's strength and encouragement, I complete them! Writing helps me make sense of life, even when writing seems to not make sense at all. lol!

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    1. I am so glad that you'll be doing more writing on your blog. I check in often and it's always a delight to see your words and savor your stunning photos.

      And let's hear it for making space for creativity, fun, and joy. I keep putting off doing watercolors even though I find that painting calms me and satisfies that urge to explore colors and create. You've given me a bit of an inspirational nudge this evening, friend. I'm grateful.
      🖌️

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  10. I have kept journals in the past, but not so much now. When you said a grocery list on an envelope, I thought of my beloved Mother. I have her last grocery list written on an envelope the day before she passed away. Keep writing, Linda!

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    1. Oh, whoever dreamed that a handwritten grocery list on an envelope would be such a meaningful, winsome legacy, Pam. I can picture it framed, hanging in your kitchen or your wonderful cottage. Wouldn't your Mom be delighted to know what a treasure she left you ...
      💌

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  11. What am I writing? Hmmm. I am still old school enough that I write notes to people. Each week i write a note to an Educator and a College student we pray for. I also journal every morning (Monday through Thursday) and ultimately turn them into my blog devotion. Grocery list? Nope. I let Jo handle that. :) Due to my soon-to-be 71 years of age, I find myself making lists of things I need to do, people I need to drop notes to, people I need to see. If they took away all pens and paper I would be totally lost.

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    1. I totally agree with your last line, Bill. I'm gonna keep on writing things down 'til I can't remember to do it anymore.

      And you are ministering to your people in an extraordinary way when you personally put pen to paper and speak right to where they find themselves. This is sheer gift indeed.

      Makes me wonder if Jesus wrote notes of encouragement along the way. And then I realize Who penned the Scriptures.
      ✍️

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  12. I loved reading this! I've loved the art of handwriting since I was a young girl. I take copious notes in church each week, I write in my journal, in my planner...but my favorite thing to write out each day is the Word of God. I've been doing this for years now, and I copy the text down from a plan I pick at the beginning of each month, then daily I'll write the passage, after reading it a couple of times. It does work to help me recall it quickly- so I've also proven that theory of writing it out does help you to remember more. I also love calendars and notepads for grocery lists. My favorite pens are the Papermate Flair felt tip pens. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Repeatedly copying God's Word down has power to imprint His truth onto our minds and hearts in a powerfully unique way. I'm so glad you've told us about this, Jennifer. So simple, yet so profound.

      Thank you.
      📝

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  13. What am I writing? Another book.

    You asked for links. Here's one from a dear friend and supporter:
    http://marthaorlando.blogspot.com/2023/09/a-daily-walk-with-christ.html

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you, Victor, and thank you, Martha. May God continue to prosper the work of your hands as you write and share about His love.
      👍

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  14. I'm right there with you, Linda. I have had a lifelong love affair with sharpened pencils, reams of paper, notebooks, and smooth-writing pens. I love a pretty journal and often write out my prayers. I take tons of notes in church and fill up every margin in my Bible. My latest post is "How Can We Have Peace & Stability in Turbulent Times?" https://donnareidland.com/peace-stability-september-20/ I plan some new writing projects in the coming year but I'm not quite ready to share yet. Blessings as you pull things together with your writing and share with us to help us make sense of things, too.

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    1. Donna, I'm impressed that you are lining up writing projects for 2024! As a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants blogger, I find this kind of planning to be fascinating. Looking forward to seeing what the Lord is guiding you into.
      👖

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  15. Writing often feels life saving to me. Definitely life giving. Seeing the written word helps my thoughts unravel and with it my feelings. I do very little on paper. I like the ease of technology and I can actually read my words when they're typed. However, I've sent off three handwritten notes today to friends going through challenges. I have saved letters and cards from my granny, mom and friends from over the years and wish I'd have saved them all! That encourages me to do the same. I'm not as good as I want to be but pressing on. Here's my latest blog post and thanks for the invitation to share. Your generosity is always appreciated and shared through your writings. https://debbyhudsoncreative.wordpress.com/2023/09/14/i-thought-i-would-be/?fbclid=IwAR04U_rGrSoOjvJHNeNJfqY8XE00LvJFzR7t3HOyB82DmIkf7pX_jW8D4Mw

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    1. I'm with you, Debby. We're pressing on, always in process, and curious about the journey. I really appreciated your thoughts and reflections on who we thought we'd be and what God did along the way. There have been surprises and disappointments and a whole lot of things didn't work out the way we thought.

      But look what He has done in the process! Caused us to lean into Him and His will more than we ever thought. Stretched us and grown us and re-shaped us. Nowhere else we'd rather be.

      READERS - be sure to read Debby's reflective words! So perceptive.
      🕯️

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  16. yes yes to writing. Clarifies. helps me articulate and hear my own voice in the noisy world. I do love journaling and writing in the margins of my Bible and of course to do lists. Love the image in that quote about how writing helps knit our thoughts together, how perfect!

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    1. Jean, I appreciate your work so much. It's like you've become a wise spiritual director from afar. Thank you for encouraging us to embrace the spiritual disciplines and invitations from the Lord. This sacred relationship is worth investing more and more of ourselves into. He loves us so.
      🙏

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  17. I used to journal to process, but it has been sporadic. And some of it I shredded. When I do journal now, they're usually prayers to God. So Linda, if I click through one of your links and purchase something other than what you suggested at Amazon, do you still get the benefit? I love Lang's weekly desk calendars. I switched to something different last year, but I miss the Lang's, so I just ordered a Lang one for 2024. :) Love and blessings to you!

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    1. THANK YOU for asking about the Amazon links! Yes, once you click any of their links here, I receive a small percentage (4% maybe?) on whatever you buy. I really appreciate your shopping trip this week. So much.

      And yes, sometimes it's worth it to invest in something that really inspires you. I feel that way about those calendars since I look at them numerous times a day. Beautiful, inspirational, and well-used.

      Again, my thanks to you for supporting my work, friend.
      xo
      📆

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  18. I have got no tales to tell,
    naught of wisdom, nor enlightening,
    but the muse has cast a spell,
    and that is why I'm still writing.
    I think it's cool to nourish hope
    in the depths of cancer's pit.
    I don't write to help me cope,
    for I am not the point of it;
    rather, others, lost, afraid,
    who can't see in this dark night,
    and so my cards of life are played
    to let them know that fear's all right,
    but it is not a place to stay,
    just as the night steps back for day.

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    1. Well said, Andrew. We're called to nourish hope, to encourage each other, to spur one another forward. You've ministered to countless people ... and some you'll never know of until you reach heaven. I am one of them.

      But that you already know.
      ☀️

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  19. This post brought a smile to my face! It was a joy to read. Aside from blog posts about walking by faith for my site and trustworthiness for someone else's and lesson plans for a class at church, I've been revising my Yellowstone book-in-progress. I used to journal, but I struggle to do that these days.

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    1. A Yellowstone book-in-progress sounds fascinating, Natalie! I'm so glad you're here.
      🌄

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  20. I've never been much of a writer. I wasn't really interested. I however, have been a journeler. That is until one day when Jesus called me to write for him. "But I'm not a writer" I said. So I hem hawed around Him tugging and me resisting for a few months. He won. Lol. So here I am writing for Him and I'm blown away.
    Visiting today from G&T

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    1. And oh how we're glad He won, Paula! Look at the number of people you're impacting, the number of writers you welcome to your online home.

      He knows what is best ... even if it seems daunting to us.

      Praise.
      ✝️

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    2. I've got to tell you I'm a fly by the seat of my pants writer too. I keep a small notebook in my purse for when he touches me with something and I'm not home by my other notebooks. I've also got to tell you I love all things stationary, you know, pretties. I've recently gotten back into sending snail mail cards out. I love the intimate thought of surprising someone with a just because card and note. I'm always surprised and touched when I get a snail mail card or note from someone. I love this post. You always leave me with a takeaway.
      I so appreciate you sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month. And I so appreciate you and your friendship sweet friend.

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    3. I'm always glad to hear there's some kind of takeaway. Just talking about all this is motivating me to ramp up the note-sending. I even bought some blank watercolor paper notecards/envelopes. I've gotta top dragging my feet on this! Your input is nudging me forward, friend ...
      👣

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  21. Great thoughts Linda! Writing is therapeutic for me, besides my blog, I love to journal deeper thpughst as well. My latest blog post on missing out (https://serenityinsuffering.com/what-are-you-missing/) shares some of my recent struggles.

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    1. Wow, Donna. This is so true. Social media has sold us a bad bill of goods. You've brought us back to where we need to be - 'In all of our fear of missing out, why do we not fear missing God in our efforts of capturing the best things life has to offer?'

      Preach it girl.
      📖

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  22. Such an interesting discussion, Linda. I type most of what I write, but I do keep a notebook on my kitchen island that contains my to-do list. Just recently, I split it out into different pages for different projects/chores/tasks, etc., and that seems to be working better than one giant jumbled up list! I'd think you'd write a great book too, but if that idea "drains you dry," as you say, that's a good enough reason not to do it!

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    1. I love the idea of a well-organized notebook right on the kitchen counter, Lois. I did a white board to-do list on my counter on Friday/Saturday and it was a huge help in keeping focused on the details of pulling together a pot-luck ministry supper for 20 we had here last night.

      If it's not written down, I waste too much time and energy trying to remember details. Thanks for the notebook idea. I think there'll be people that will take you up on your brainstorm!
      📒

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  23. My writing has been all over the place the past year. Lots of journaling. Medium amount of blog posts. Lots of very specific topics in another collection I'm keeping either for myself or one day to send out into the world, but not yet... I'm so glad you continue to write in this space for our encouragement! You are a blessing, Linda!

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    1. mmm ... Lisa, I'm fascinated that you're building your own collection to do with as you wish, when you want. Maybe a book?

      Would love that.
      🥰

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    2. Maybe? One day? Or not. :) I'm not sure. I'm featuring your post tomorrow at my blog for the Grace & Truth linkup. Thank you for so faithfully sharing your words with us there.

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    3. Hey, thanks for the shout-out today, friend. A lovely Friday surprise!
      📣

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