What is this blog about and why am I writing it? As part of a 7-Day challenge I am taking, I am looking at those questions and will answer them as honestly as possible.

I love writing and creating. In a recent Beth Moore  Bible study I did, she encouraged us all to use our God given creativity. She went on to say that we have all been given creative skills and it is our choice on how or if we use them. I have found this to be true. Writing is one way I  can be creative and I love it.

I have to admit that as a child, I did not always enjoy writing. Writing a report or a term paper just seemed tedious. I was a great procrastinator and yet, I still got great grades. The only type of writing I enjoyed was creative writing because it seemed less restrictive and anything was possible.

College was something I did later in life. I didn’t write for over ten years and I missed it. Although attending college meant more term papers, I was pursuing my goal to become a teacher so I really put more effort into them.

Being an elementary teacher gave me an opportunity to encourage my young students to be creative in their writing. As they wrote, I wrote. We created many class books together and I encouraged them to continue to write daily. I think that sometimes educators actually stifle creativity and young children have great imaginations.

Retirement has given me a chance to spend more time writing creatively. I have taken writing classes, done webinars, and have taken part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) twice. Participating was challenging, but so exciting. I have two Christian novels in rough draft form and am learning how to edit. This blog will share some of my writing experiences as I continue to learn and because I think it can help others.

My blog is also meant to encourage others to continue to explore creative endeavors, to keep active,  and to share individual God given gifts. Sometimes I don’t think people really just exist after retirement and others could really use their help.

I also want to recommend some incredible books that I have read that really have a powerful Christian message. Books that are treasures even if they aren’t on the best seller list.

I want to build a community for anyone who is trying to find purpose in life, not just people who are retired. My message and legacy is one of faith and hope in our creator as we take a chance in life.