09 June, 2017

Current Inspirations and Announcement!







Maybe it's because I've been spending a lot of time in front of a screen, between studying, keeping up with the blogger peeps, and beta reading/reviewing three totally different but enjoyable stories: Jordy Leigh's soon-to-be-released novella, Isolated; Jesseca Wheaton's latest short story, A Place Called Lonesome, and They're Rugby Boys, Don't You Know? which I received in exchange for a review through this website. My mind is swirling with things I want to share, but every time I sit down to a blank document, the words just don't come. I'll get them out soon enough (I have a feeling God is trying to teach me something with this), but in the meantime, here are some things which have been keeping my inspiration levels up:

Hosanna's new blog page: The Story. If you only check out one of the links in this post, make it this one. I've read The Story a few times now and it still gives me greater glimpses into what Jesus really did for me, for you.

Hosanna and Paige's recent posts about Project Love (Hosanna's here, and Paige's here). This is an awesome project which technically started on the first of June, but it's never to late to love more.

Kara's thought provoking post: What Feeding Your Brain Looks Like. This post is relevant and practical and true - something I needed to read.

When God's Commands are Unpleasant, over on Gloria's blog. I hadn't read anything like this in a while, so it was refreshing, and... convicting. What is my Nineveh?

Another convicting and heartfelt post: For Them/By Them {the lost}.

Elissa's recent posts: His Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Vision, Broken People Sit in Church Pews, and Be. Wow, each one has such a good message.

And this thought out and fascinating post on life by Anna: Have We Been Misunderstanding Life All along? I only recently discovered her blog, and it was a great find.

Emily's poem: Spring Rain. I really like the flow of words in this - it matches the title perfectly.

I also have to mention Julia Ryan's book of her poetry is now available to buy! (See her poems here, and blogs about life here.) I rarely,  rarely, like free verse poetry but Julia's poems are an exception, and I hope to acquire a hard copy of them soooon. Also on that note, Schuyler is publishing her book, War of Loyalties, and she's running a Kickstarter to pay for the publishing, which I think is a brilliant idea. Of course, helping her out means getting the book and other bonuses in the end (unless you live outside the USA like me :/).

This beautiful quote from Kailey Anne's blog:

"There are some questions we will never get the answers to until we reach the other side.  Some things will just never make sense while we're here.  Life burns but it's happy too.  When I was younger I expected life to roll out exactly as I expected.  Woah.. was I wrong.  Things never go as you expect.  I was supposed to be fulfilling my "big" life purpose traveling the world, working an amazing job that I loved.. etc.  It's hard to accept years of seeming emptiness.  But here's something I've learned:  Nothing is ever wasted.  Even if our only response to things is "why?" uttered from the deepest longings and aching of our souls.

It will all make sense someday.  Even if that someday is when we reach the other side."

Ezekiel 34:11-16 & 30-31. There's so much of Ezekiel I don't understand, but that passage speaks to me. If you need encouragement, go read it. God's love for us, his sheep, is overwhelming.

Now the announcement (don't miss this):

My fabulous, awesome, sweet-as-date-pudding-with-icecream, super inspiring, sister Rachel has started blogging! I've had the privilege of hearing her deep spiritual thoughts and lessons from life, and reading her writing, (and yes, goofing around together when we're meant to be asleep), and I'm so excited to see her start reaching out to others through blogging. I know God is going to use her blog: Me, My God, and Maverick. Go help yourself to the amazingness, and see what I'm talking about (or at least find out who Maverick is)!

Thanks for reading this disjointed rambling post, and I hope you have an excellent weekend. What's been inspiring you recently? Any posts or blogs or books I've been missing out on? Have you checked out my sister's blog yet? ;)

P.s This is the first time in over four years blogging I've written a post straight on blogger. Does anyone else write up their posts in Word, or somewhere else, before posting?

30 comments:

  1. Jessica the pictures are GORGEOUS. <3 Ahhh obsessing over the vintage, windy, golden, soft feel of them. And yes! I do write posts up on word before posting sometimes haha you aren't the only one. Thanks for all the sharing! I found some really neat things because of you :) And congrats and best of luck to your sis! I'll be hanging around on her blog.

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    1. Thanks - it was perfect for taking photos! And credits to my sister for taking most of them. You're welcome - I always like discovering new and inspiring things too. :) I'll pass that on to her - I'm sure she'll be thrilled. Thanks a lot for your comment! :)

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  2. GAHHH MY PIANO IS A CABLE NELSON TO! WOW! I love the photos! There are the kind of things you see in music videos and such! Lovely! congrats to your sister! I will definitely check out her blog!

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    1. Really?! Wow, that's crazy, although it does say on the back of this one that it's made in USA. Yes, I know - I thought of a music video too, and wish we could've done one! Thanks so much for the comment - and I will congratulate my sister again! :)

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  3. Ahhh, I adore the pictures! That last one with the piano keys...LOVE IT.
    I sometimes write my posts on word, but sometimes I get really lazy and type it out on blogger.
    And I'll be sure to check your sister's blog out! I'm so excited to click all of these links!!! XD

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    1. Thanks - it's kind of crazy how a deteriorating piano can be so perfect for taking photos of. Oh yes, well both work I guess! I'm not exactly sure why I always type it up first. I hope you find some inspiration in the links! Thanks for reading and commenting and supporting my sister, Gray! :)

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  4. I'm so excited for Julia's book, oh my gosh. xD I'll be sure to check out your sister's blog and say hello!

    xoxo Abigail Lennah | ups & downs

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    1. I know, isn't it exciting?! Thanks for read and commenting, Abby, and I'm sure my sister will be glad to hear from you! :)

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  5. Good post Pip(at least to start with) I feel a bit pressured though after you told the world I was amazing???
    Have a good day xx

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    1. Thanks Person! :D No need to to feel pressured though, because I know what you post will be amazing, because you are amazing, and you have fabulous deep insightful thoughts. xxx

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  6. 1. These pictures are STUNNING!! Ohmygoodness! So so beautiful.
    2. Wow, so many gems in this post! I've got to get reading. I always love hearing what other bloggers are reading:)
    3. Thanks for mentioning me I really appreciate it *inches away awkwardly*
    4. I will totally go check out Ezekiel. You should write a post with some thoughts about it! I'll read it;-)
    5. That's so neat about your sister starting a blog- I'm excited to read!
    5. THANKS FOR BEING AMAZING AND SHARING IT WITH ME, YOUR INTERNET FRIEND <3 <3

    elissa // letters-to-jayna.blogspot.com

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    1. Wow, thanks, and credits to my sister. I hope you find something inspirational! And I know - it's good to get fresh ideas and reading material.Oh, don't feel awkward! You write well, and I really appreciate your deep and raw, yet always hopeful, posts. :) Thanks for the suggestion - I'll try to do that once I'm finished.

      Thank you for being amazing and such a supportive internet friend! Plus, I have to say: I really like how you wrote your comment as a numbered list. I do that sometimes, but I haven't seen very many others around!

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  7. I love the pictures - gorgeous! Also, thank you for mentioning me - that made my day and it was so sweet of you.
    Really enjoyed reading this - your blog brightens my day!

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    1. I'm glad it could brighten your day! And you're totally welcome! I always gain something to think over and be inspired by from reading your posts. Thanks a lot for the comment! :)

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  8. These pictures!!! They are awesome! ♡♡
    Awe, it made me smile really big to see you liked my post! Thanks! ♡
    I love your blog and your sisters blog! I am really glad you mentioned it because I love her blog!!
    I usually just write up all my posts on blogger, but sometimes I copy verses or something. :)

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    1. Thank you, Paige! Yes I did - I think Project Love is a great idea, and something we all should focus more on! I'm glad you like my sister's blog! I've been telling her about your blog for a while now. :) Oh yes! It's funny how we're all different. Thanks heaps for reading and commenting! :)

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  9. There's so much goodness in this post, Jessica!! Links to many new blogs... links to "old friends." And how exciting to see your sister's new blog! I'm back from checking it out and I look forward to reading more from her.

    And what beautiful pictures!! Such stunning photography.

    I haven't been keeping up well with blogs or books these days, but this morning I was encouraged to read Psalm 85.

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  10. No wait, I hit "publish" too soon. Not that the psalms aren't sufficient for inspiration alone, but I did actually watch a youtube video just yesterday that was just what I needed to hear. This is the link to it:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QCkBL2DfVg

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    1. It's encouraging to hear you think so! Yes, I'm so excited to see more of my sister's posts too! It's going to be good. ;)

      Oh, I know what you mean about keeping up! I seem to keep finding more things I want to read, and have less time to do it in. I read Psalm 85 over on your blog, but I'm going to read through it again - I think it's relevant to some things I've been thinking through recently. Thanks for the video link too. I'll check that out! And as always, thanks so much for reading and commenting, Jordy! :)

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  11. ohhhhh gosh GIRL HOW CAN YOU BE SO AMAZINGLY SWEET. and are you serious that you like my freestyle poetry?!!??! wowowowowowowowowow. like HUGE COMPLIMENT GOSH THANK YOU *hugs*

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    1. Yes, I'm serious! Keep it up! ;) Thanks so much for your sweet comment. Sending hugs back!

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  12. OOOH SUCH GOOD STUFF YOU SHARED HERE <3 <3 <3 Also I'm totally going to follow your sister's new blog!! and Maverick is a really awesome name for a horse just sayin :D

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    1. Wow, thanks! I know she'll appreciate that too. :) Thanks a lot for reading and commenting!

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  13. Love all those cool pics! And wow, thanks for mentioning my blog post! I never thought God could use my struggle to encourage someone else.
    Just followed your sister's blog! :)
    Yup, I usually write my posts in Word first then transfer it over to Blogger. It just works better for whatever reason.

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    1. Glad you like them! :) Your posts often encourage me, Gloria! Keep writing for His glory!

      Yes - same here. I think I focus better in Word, or something? Anyway, it's nice to know someone else knows what I mean! Thanks heaps for your comment - and I'll just say thanks for my sister too. I know she appreciates your support! :)

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  14. I enjoyed reading through several of the links, especially Kara's post on guarding what enters our mind. What a timely reminder this summer. And I'm looking forward to hearing from your lovely sister!! =)

    Actually, I write most of my posts on Blogger... I got into the habit, I suppose. However, I would like to switch away from that so I can be on the internet less often (with less distractions). =)

    And thank you for sharing some of what I wrote; I'm thankful that it was able to encourage you. God is so good. ♥

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    1. I'm glad you found some enjoyable reading! Yes, I really appreciated that post too - a very good reminder.

      Mmm yes, I think that's why I don't. I get distracted way too easily! That's great if you can focus amid all that though.

      My pleasure! It impacted me, and I'd love for other people to catch a greater glimpse of God's love and sacrifice (which is what your story did for me). Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Hosanna! Blessings! :)

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  15. Those pictures are absolutely lovely! Especially love the first piano one, it's gorgeous. Thanks for the blogging recs as well, can't wait to check them out. I do love that quote from Kailey Anne, I can relate to it so much. I think we often feel like we're going nowhere when we're exactly where we're supposed to be, and it's hard to remember that sometimes.

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    1. Well, thank you! I hope you find something encouraging and inspiring. :) Yes, that's what I thought too when I read it! Everything's working together for good somehow.

      Thanks a lot for reading and leaving a comment, Victoria! :)

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When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)