aroundthebloc

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Around the Bloc

August 1, 2008– Seventh Issue

 

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1. Note from the Editors

2. The Editor’s Corner –Lydia Rule

3. Featured Article by Jamin Goecker

4. Poem by Leah Crothers

5. Poem by Judi Weiss

 

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Psalm 90:9a
… we spend our years as a tale that is told.

 

 

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1. Note from the Editors

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            They say seven is the number of perfection… And now that the Around the Bloc newsletter has made it to the famed number of seven editions, it’s time to celebrate!

 

            And the perfect way to celebrate would be to keep on reading this newsletter! LOL                 

 

                                              Enjoy!

                                                 -Lydia Rule

                                                 -Debra Weiss

 

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2. Editor’s Corner

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Dreamer or Writer?

 

            The theme for this quarter is motivated writing. J So often we encounter people who want to write. They have this great plot line that they want to tell you all about, but they don’t take the time to sit down and make their dreams a reality.

 

            Don’t get me wrong—it’s great to have ideas that you want to pursue! But the fact of the matter is, as long as you keep dreaming about your future goals, it’ll be that much longer before you get see those writing goals accomplished!         

 

            So what is the key to being a motivated writer?

 

            Commitment. That single word embodies the very heart of motivation. Even when you encounter “writer’s bloc” moments, having previous commitments will keep you on track. Be a staff writer, promise an editor to send them one article every month, or tell a friend that you will send them a new chapter every two weeks until your book is finished.

 

            When you are surrounded by people who are expecting you to keep your word, it is hard to sit back and do nothing. Having commitments keeps you on focus and on track with your writing goals.

 

                                      So go on, hit that keyboard! Write something!

 

Bio: Lydia Rule keeps herself motivated by being a Real Teen Faith staff writer, Editor for two newsletters, and rushing around last minute to meet an editor’s deadline for submissions. J

 

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3. Featured Article- Jamin Goecker

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Power Writing

 

Face it; writing has worn you out, and you are just not motivated to put anything else down. Sooner or later, the magic wears off. How do you re-energize your writing prowess and resume cranking out material?

 

An important part of this equation is finding what you want to write. Sitting in a chair for hours in front of a computer without checking the internet, is perhaps the hardest thing a normal person can do. It becomes easier when you are impassioned about writing. When you write what you want to write, you’ll push yourself harder.

 

Write what people want to read. It is great seeing your polished words on paper, but it feels better when someone else reads my stuff. Writing for others motivates me not only to raise my standards, but also it forces me to realize my writing doesn’t stop with me.

 

Set goals for yourself. Challenge yourself. If you are competitive, you’ll win every time.

 

Consider what you’re going to do as a career. If writing isn’t going to be your bread and butter, then you can afford to slack off. If it is, remember what you write and sell to others is what will determine how you live. It will be the difference between “bestselling author” and “hobo on the side of the road.”

 

Still not motivated? Then remember who called you to write and readjust your thinking. Have you been writing for God, or for yourself? You’re writing for the Big Man. He expects results.

 

If you ever get kidnapped to Alaska, ask a sled dog if it is motivated. The only answer you will get is a bark as it lunges forward. By following these steps, you can become more like that dog, motivated and ready to keep on going!

 

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4. Poem by Leah Crothers

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Heart’s Desire

 

I want to love God completely in every way

Spending time with Him morning, noon, and night

Telling Him all of my hopes, fears, and dreams

Not caring what other people think

Just doing what God wants

Seeking His will in everything I face

Never letting go of His promises

I want to be so close to God that nothing can pull us apart

I want my faith in Him to be so strong that nothing will shake it

Giving Him the glory in whatever I do

Not because it's the proper thing but because I feel it's true

Praising Him constantly

Worshiping Him as though life were about to end

Thanking Him for life through Him

This is my heart's desire.

 

 

Bio: Leah Crothers enjoys playing the piano, playing softball, and reading in her spare time. She loves sports, especially baseball, and she often writes commentaries on sports-related topics. Leah is enrolled in the CWG Apprentice course and is also interested in accounting and alternative health.

 

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4. Poem by Judi Weiss

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You are in His Hands

Your time of worry

Your time of fear

Call on the Lord

For He is near

 

The Healing Hand

The Guiding Light

He'll keep you safe

Morning and night

 

By your side,

He'll always stand

He's in your heart

You're in His hands