A to Z Challenge

Theme: Creativity Toolbox

B = Be Bold

Boldness isn’t something comes naturally to me. Yet, I think some of our most creative endeavors come from experiences we’ve had, and we can’t have experiences without being a little bold.

My worst fear is open water. It’s very specific. I can wade, sail, boogie board, swim by the shore, and I’m ok.

However, getting off a boat that’s offshore and getting into open water is scary stuff for me. My imagination goes nuts, and I don’t want to feel, see, or think about what might be in the water with me. When I was younger and first learning to waterski, I tried to claw my way out of the water, hyperventilating in panic. It happened more than once, and even happened once after I had been waterskiing for a few years . . . I thought I saw something in the water, and basically made myself crash in panic.

However, last year in April my family and I snorkeled in Hawaii with manta rays, sharks, and green sea turtles. Those experiences were awesome, amazing, and for me – downright bold. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the sensation of jumping into the water, snorkel gear on, and just letting my fear go and my curiosity take over. Those memories stir my imagination.

What do you think? Does it take boldness to be creative? Do you have any brave or bold moments that have sparked creative endeavors?

Here’s a short video clip of the manta ray snorkel (same as I've shown before):

BE BOLD WRITING EXERCISE:
Go out and try something new, and write about it. Or, think of a bold experience you've had and write about it.

365 Days of Blessings, Day 124

365 Days of Blessings, Day 124 - All About Water!

1. God gives us water - sea water, fresh water, baptismal water, living water - and it's all good.

2. Plumbing that works! The project isn't finished yet, but I see progress!

3. Having water until 10 a.m. this morning!!!

4. Water sports like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water-skiing, water-tubing, white water rafting, sailing, boogie boarding, wading, and splashing. (Plus I like the frozen water sports too - ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, etc)

5. The feel of water on my skin when I wash my hands, go for a swim, splash mud puddles in the rain, and get dripped on by trees.

6. Access to clean drinking water, clean water for cleaning, and clean water for cooking.

7. The sounds of water - waves crashing, wavelets rippling, raindrops dripping, hail slamming the ground, snowflakes whispering to rest.

8. Organizations that work to bring clean water to people in need throughout the world.

9. Clean Water Advocacy groups.

10. Fasting from bottled water. I have the means to do it, so I'm starting today. I plan to donate the money I save to an organization that helps improve access to clean water for the 884 million people who don't have it. Care to join me in giving up the bottle? The bottled water, that is? For every day that I don't drink bottled water, I'll be putting aside at least 50 cents for a donation. Doesn't sound like much, but I think it will add up.

For more information about the clean water crisis, please visit these sites:

Water.org

World Vision Water and Sanitation

Samaritan's Purse Turn on the Tap

Compassion International Healing Waters

Lutheran World Relief Water Advocacy

Scripture Blessings:
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'" John 4:13-14

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29

365 Days of Blessings, Day 122

365 Days of Blessings, Day 122
I love green, but I've been feeling a need for blue sky blue, so here it is.
Blue like sky, blue like freedom, blue like dreams, blue like water . . .

365 Days of Blessings, Day 122
1. God gives us freedom.

2. Sleep.

3. Learning more about William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, and Harriet Tubman, as well as other reformers of history who lived in the late 1700’s and the 1800’s. My youngest daughter is studying this time period currently, and I’m reading her books plus a few extras.

4. My oldest daughter is learning about the earliest history of India, 1800-1700 B.C., and we are enjoying that time period . . . although, as she says of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians – “It’s all about fighting, destroying, getting power, and building temples over and over again.”

5. Our upstairs bathroom has been gutted, the plumber is gleefully pulling pipes out of our house, and we are hanging out at my parents’ house. I’m just thankful my parents live next door.

6. We have been set free from our house, and our routines, but we’ve chosen to keep home-schooling anyway.

7. A new appreciation for water.

8. My oldest daughter’s ability to practice her Latin words and conjugations to the tunes of Thousand Food Krutch.

9. Gleeful girls with brand new gold stretch pants . . . I wouldn't wear them, but hey, they can wear them well and with joy.

10. The water is on for the night . . . thank you, Lord.

Scripture Blessings:
John 7:38
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."