Support

Have I mentioned the frustratingly unstable internet connection here in my cottage? I often miss the good old days, hard-wiring Ethernet cables into the backs of desktop computers. They were buggers to move about, but the connection was usually dependable.

*

Annoying as the unreliable cable/WiFi repeater service here often is, I get by. I utilize my laptop, my smart phone and my tablet. By tablet I mean my old Galaxy S (ahem) 3.

When nobody else is home and the cable service isn’t down – yet again, I can also carry my laptop up to the main house and log in there. And when all else fails I can drive into town and connect at the local library, book store or coffee shops. Above and beyond security risks the latter comes with a myriad of distractions and diversions. One of the perks to being me is having nothing anyone else wants. Still, public WiFi is an absolute last-resort.

I consider myself blessed to have options.

This all brings me to another reason why I especially appreciate the blogging community. It’s another aspect of how marvelously God draws like-minded people together.

• Like me, most of my blogger friends strive to post only seasoned, final drafts. Even so, sometimes mine have little errors. On the rare occasions I don’t catch an “oops” between scheduling and an actual posting, at least one of my fellow blogger friends (knowing I’d agonize over such a thing) will shoot a heads up my way right away. Typically mockery and witticisms ensue at both ends.
• The same friends also realize I often comment from the aforementioned GS3 device – with not-so-nimble fingers. They kindly correct obvious keying errors before approving them (yeah, typos).
• Then there are the ever-so-fun Speech-to-Text translations that can hijack an intended point, confusing the cleverest comment – often hilariously so. These same friends intercede as necessary.

*

So finally, my point (you’re welcome):

We all experience times when life and technology seem to get the better of us. Life itself is a learning process. In the grand scheme of things, however silly I may feel, I’m delighted to find that often I’m not the only silly soul around. I believe God orchestrates us to bring out the best in one another. This helps us get over ourselves in the kindest ways possible.

 

“Most of all, love each other steadily and unselfishly, because love makes up for many faults.” 1 Peter 4:8 (The Voice*)

 

*The Voice Bible (VOICE) Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.

*Image and Feature Image courtesy Pixabay

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Ups and Downs

What a remarkable morning it’s been!

A fellow blogger at Life Continues shared some vintage photos complete with captions. I enjoy photography and I relish those times when someone else’s mind wanders in some of the same ways as mine. And I especially enjoyed her closing shot. Happy sigh.

I needed that. During the short, dark winter days we can be more sensitive than usual. Isolated by weather, spirits can easily take a nosedive.

For example, lately I’d nursed the sting of a clearly unintentional offense from DearFriend (not to be confused with DearOldFriend 😉 ). In fact, because of something else DearFriend said offhandedly a couple of times, the molehill had become a mountain in my mind. Soon I had to “walk it off” before I could spend my usual quality time with God.

Some days finding the peace that passes understanding* takes longer than others. ‘Ya know what I’m saying?

But this morning I was free of any gloomy feelings and was determined to not allow any negativity about anything – period. Then what promised to be a sunshiny day turned dark and overcast before I loaded the days’ firewood. With that disappointing change, once back inside I went to the WordPress Reader instead of working, seeking fun and lively headlines.

Comically, I was going to skip over that post. The title was a tad ambiguous so I kept scrolling. As I scrolled, I began to feel the days-old sting – DearFriend saying in passing that one of my post Headlines as it appeared on Facebook sounded negative to her. Since she’d just been through one of life’s wringers, she didn’t bother to read it.

Ouch!

But the timing this morning couldn’t have been better. I sure showed DearFriend… I scrolled back and read that new post. So there!

In that unfortunate conversation with DearFriend, time restraints did not allow for us to address my concerns for her – or her opinion of my writing. Later in my unchecked imagination, since one of my biggest fans no longer read my work I was ready to throw in the towel!

‘Fact is, I’m blessed with great friends that are consistently supportive. They understand that if I’m out of sorts there’s a good reason. DearFriend never implied she didn’t read any of my posts or that the one actually was negative. She said she had an issue on that one particular day.

Working through CPTSD issues, it’s easy to get stuck in a present day scenario. Often a moment can last for hours or days. Unable to see through the temporary fog – what would otherwise be a natural, reasonable response to new experiences – sometimes survivors can quickly slide down a slippery slope into the profound sadness of a past event or depression.

In those situations forward motion can falter and the joy of life can seem temporarily absent.

This is why friends, community, support networks, (ahem) the blogging community are essential to healing and recovery. One hand washes the other, people.

So, something I’ve learned this past year is to roll with occasional negativity, but don’t run with it. I’m learning to ask myself what I’m feeling and why. Often all I need is a simple momentary distraction:

• Toss a ball – even better when there’s an obliging dog to chase it,
• Positive affirmation. Say out loud, “I can do this,” “I can look from another perspective” “This is a test”
• Step outdoors for a minute or two, loose those endorphins.

If in moments some happy possibilities don’t emerge,

• Pick up the phone and shout out a simple, “Hey.”

Most times only God knows the grief or fear one may have just relived. More often than not with the sound of a safe, friendly, familiar voice, I’m happy to simply be alive and far happier than I imagined I could be.

Now and then we all need a little help and simple, healthy distractions may not always be ideal. Most of the time everyday life on the ranch keeps me in balance. My methods are by no means a cure-all to traumatic events or depression and sometimes distractions don’t help in the long run. After years of working with experts I’m learning to recognize when I need a life-line, so I don’t hesitate to ask for help.

I’ve also learned I actually can handle sad times. What happened back then was then. It’s not now. I can now enjoy today. The sorrow, terror and pain doesn’t actually last forever. By learning to help myself back up, I learned to help others up too.

 

What’s more, when the time is right I can enjoy acting silly with my friends, at ease with the rest of the world. Of all God has shown me over the years, I am most assured that nothing can interfere with His plans for my life – not even me.

 

“O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!”

Jeremiah 17:14 (NLT)

 

* “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 (NLT)

 

Shout Out

One of the most wonderful aspects of the Blogosphere is the Blogging Community. “Duh” one might think.  That might seem like a no-brainer, but if it isn’t, have you actually experienced much of today’s media?

Craziness that most of us used to only read about or imagine in our worst moments has become commonplace.

“…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. …practice everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8, 9 (edited NLT)

On my down days I enjoy a warm, steaming mug with my blogosphere friends until the good vibes roll. Today, I want to recognize members of the blogging community that consistently share their firm, positive stand in reality.  If you don’t already know them too, you’ve been missing out:

• <em>Take a Chance…</em> with Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha at A Cooking Pot and Twisted Tales
• Find your power while keeping informed and inspired with Mitch Teemley at The Power of Story
• Look closer for the Nuggets of Gold
• Practice being smart with Charlene Bullard
• Enjoy Anne Mehrling‘s piece of the mountains

These were my first lifelines today alone. And there are so many more. Who can feel lonely?

“When we consider the blessings of God – the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering – friendship is very hear the top.” – Donald W. McCullough, Mastering Personal Growth

Bliends – Partnering

I often hear/read comments about the wonderful Blogging Community. I want to take the conversation to the next level this week and recognize my  blogging friends, my “Bliends”.

Sure, I’ve mentioned my friend Michelle Malone before. But wait, there’s so much more!

I met and got to know her in a Blogging U, Blogging 101 course. Doing a collaboration interview with her was barely the start of getting to know her, when at that time a loved one passed away.

I marvel at how she manages to pour so much of herself so well into everything she does, but manage she does. Since BU class (barely a year ago – really?) Two are Better Than One; Partner Up has taken off in so many directions one can get winded keeping up with her. What’s more, I’ll never forget her for her support and encouragement through some sad and hard times I experienced.

A middle school assistant principal, she’s delighted us with her perspective on so many different topics, from being an airman (airperson?), current events to music and onward, so you never know what to expect from her next. Her remarkable Christian view roots into every aspect of this wife and mother with astounding grace and compassion. I don’t miss a single post. Check her out. You won’t regret it.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

Misdial

 *

I feel like I should touch base with my counselor – I’m that happy – over a misdial:

Cell: “Hey! Answer the phone. Why won’t you answer the phone? Why don’t you want to talk to me…” It’s my “anybody else” ring tone that I rarely hear. I chuckled, imagining it playing in a crowded elevator.

Me: *clearing my throat to sound more professional* “This’s EVA.”

Voice on cell: *slight hesitation* “Oh, excuse me. I must have dialed the wrong number, please excuse me.”

Me: “Oh if I never did that too. {And then, honestly kidding}  At least I’m not someone you want to get straight.”

Voice on cell: *Another pause* “Funny you say that, I was calling someone to talk something out.”

Me: “I’m Roo. I don’t want to offend you, but do you want to pray first?”

Awkward pause. I imagine someone on the other end staring at their phone. Dang, I need a better filter. I feel sheepish.

Voice on cell: “Roo? From WordPress?”

Me: *Pause again.* “Uh… Yes. I don’t imagine it’s a common name. Are you a blogger?”

Voice on cell: “Yes, I blog on WordPress, in fact.”

Me: “That could explain how you pressed the wrong contact button. Can I ask your blog name? Hand on the Bible, I swear I don’t have time to harass or troll you.”

Voice on cell: Chuckling, “This is Me. A while back I read one of your posts.  A few minutes after I messaged you, you texted me. That’s how I have your number in my cell…

I silently wonder if they can hear my smiling.

Voice on Cell: Hey, I only have a moment, but let’s pray…”

Prayer time with someone I don’t actually know recharged the rest of the day.

This blogging community is so amazing, I want to point you to some more friends. Do stop by and say hello. You don’t have to call:

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” **

Mesca at Psychochromatic Redemption
Charles French at On Words, Reading and Writing
Caitlin at Joy-Full Happenings
Jacqui Murray at World Dreams (who also promotes Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group!)
Lori Greer in Portland
“K” at Black Wall
Pretty Plus and Proud
David at Chape Personal Trainer to inspire and get your body moving
Chris at Detached Angel
Bella at Thoughts n Life Blog
PamelasCanepa
AishwaryaAsivaKumar
V4Vikey
Emisary

 

** Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

*Images courtesy ABSFreePics

Girlz Move Party!

Days away from loading my worldly goods into a storage cube, leaving my household, my church and home for the past 24 months, I’m profoundly reflective.

I get weepy often lately, but it’s all good. The last tears are almost always sweet with happy memories and gratitude. What’s more, the grit in the experience polished me, so I shine like never before. All glory to God, images actually reflect more clearly today.

I especially appreciate how My Girlz, my friends in the blogosphere carried me these past weeks. I love that about women. Men and women may also connect, and I imagine men encourage other men, but I’m callin’ it; women instinctively do it better.

So here’s my morning line up, hopefully a reminder to every reader to never underestimate the power of the pack – (forgive me):

What’s Next: A favorite Oldie But Goodie, Stomp, Kirk Franklin
Michelle at Two Are Better Than One, The Mallone Zone:  I Can Be a Little Punk Sometimes, Hollyn
Psychromatic Redemption: Ever ready Mesca consistently brings beauty, humor, new ideas and inspiration, like: Broken Arrows, Avicii
Simply Marquessa; Life is Just a Story. And I’ve Got a Pen: Shackles, Mary, Mary
Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience – Beautiful stories and images; When the Word is Hurting…
Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha at A Cooking Pot and Twisted Tales: Would You?
Diane at LadiesWhoLunchReviews, For a quick, hearty laugh
Lisa at Kids Crumbs and Crackers: Homestyle laughs with just the right amount of grit

 

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

How to be Happy – Reblog

I hope What’s Next readers enjoy this delightful reblog by my blogosphere buddy Mitch Teemley:

How to be Happy

My holiday comedy sketch The Thanksgiving Fairy features Rick and Toodie, a married couple who are having one of those “nothing-to-be-thankful-for” days. Ever had one of those?

The setting is a laundromat:

To read more see the original post at Mitch Teemley’s blog, The Power of Story

A Pingback Party

I took up a challenge from outside of WordPress: Promote other bloggers, especially new bloggers via pingbacks.

Browsing through the WordPress Reader, Mysticalwriter’s post about her Learning Style seemed a good candidate. As I read Mystical Writer’s post, Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha‘s post Not by Rote Learning, Please also came to mind. I imagine other participants already saw both posts. Still, I’m sharing the love for other bloggers who, like me, experience that missed-the-bus feeling from not enrolling for the latest Prompt Party or Blogging U course. Anyone seeking some supportive, community interaction will find it on these avenues.

If identifying your learning style, some great writing/blogging tips or book reviews might be helpful, here’s a few links to some other exceptionally fine blogs I found (just to name a few 🙂 :

Charles French on Charles French on Words Reading and Writing,
Jacqui Murray at Word Dreams,
Kelly Miles at Author Kelly Miles
Leslie Tralli at What’s Inside That Nut?
Ryan Lanz at A Writer’s Path
Diane at Ladies Who Lunch Reviews, Etc.
J S Malpas at Useless Book Club
Michelle at Two Are Better Than One – The Malone Zone
Mescalime at Psychochromatic Redemption

I could go on, but check these out, find more great blogs there and I’ll get back to another project!

 

“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” I Thessalonians 5:10-11 (NLT)

Connect

Paying it forward here, I’m reposting from My Spanglish Familia:

“I need bloggers for my Metamorphosis Mondays Blog Event. It’s usually a Q&A format but I’m very flexible in terms of format. It could be:

• a single event that changed your life
• any moment in which you learned something about yourself or others
• humour is always welcome
• poetry is always welcome
• creativity is always welcome
• major life events or seemingly unimportant events
• travel stories welcome

 Show the love & help…

Thanks to Charles French for the heads up.

Pass it on and circle back to What’s Next.

Thank you for your support.