books

5 Lessons From Ruth

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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The book of Ruth is an amazing story of redemption and love. In the bible, Kinsman – Redeemer was a protection law that was in place for the welfare of the poor from being taken advantage of and from the wealthy taking away property that came from a people(community). The Kinsman – Redeemer is a reflection that God will redeem Israel from their suffering and the injustices and that Jesus is a Savior for humankind and will come back to conquer every evil deed . Below are some highlighted lessons on the book of Ruth to consider.

 

1) It’s better to be in a famine and under God’s protection, then to have a feast and step outside of God’s direction. When Elimelech and his wife Naomi(along with two sons) left Judah to stay in Moab,  they stepped outside of God’s direction. Moab was a land in the bible where people worshipped false gods and idols.

 

2) Running from trouble brings added trouble when we are outside the will of God. In Ruth 1, it mentions that Elimelech(Naomi’s husband) died and later on  Mahlon and Chilion(Naomi’s sons) died. There are always negative consequences from making a choice to be outside the will of God.

 

3) Faithfulness always ignites breakthrough. Ruth went into the field to gather from the harvest. God used Boaz to protect, provide and be generous to Ruth. Ruth stayed with her mother – in – law Naomi and went in the field and miraculous things erupted from that.

 

4) When you look out for someone else and allow God to work through you for their blessing, bitterness will dissipate. Naomi who was bitter decided to let go of the bitterness and  she guided Ruth in how to go to Boaz.

 

5) To travel from grief to restoration it requires trust, faith and obedience. Ruth had to trust that after the death of her husband that this was not the end of her story. In addition, she had to believe that God would turn her situation around and she had to follow the instructions she was given from her mother – in – law and take action from her trust and faith.

 

 

 

 

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5 Lessons Through Publishing

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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The publishing and writing industry has great creative times and it also has challenges that comes with being a part of it. As a published author and writer, I’ve experienced both sides and have learned and am learning through the process of writing and publishing. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider on publishing.

 

1) Always have a detailed plan that includes a marketing strategy. Whether you write books, articles or blog posts – the message and information can reach its audience when its targeted to readers effectively.

 

2) Give yourself extra time for the planning and preparation stages. Sometimes delays happen beyond a person’s control and things go wrong. Having extra time allows enough time to make changes and be organized.

 

3) Don’t look for major results in the beginning of something new. The little results eventually build up over time. Give it time.

 

4) Don’t place the value of yourself and your work based on sales and approval of people. Money and popularity doesn’t determine the quality, it may just show how well liked and well received a person is. Even ones that are well  liked and well received have people who don’t approve of them and what they are doing.

 

5) There’s always something new to learn and try in the publishing and writing industry. Always be open to learn and try new ways to grow as a writer and/or author.

 

What are some lessons have you learned through/about publishing?

5 Lessons Through Literacy

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Literacy has an important position and role in our communities and world. When I think of literacy I think of books and reading. Growing up reading was one of my favorite activities to do, especially reading creative stories. I still enjoy reading even up to this present time. There are many ways in which literature functions in life. Whether it’s in a classroom, library, house, workplace or any other location, it still remains information and knowledge. Below are some highlighted lessons to consider on literacy.

 

1) Communication and the comprehension of it can be developed through many kinds of reading and  different kinds of writing. We communicate in various ways including talking, listening and the way we act. Language is a strong part in how we communicate. What we say, how we listen and what we write all has a part in the process.

 

2) Writing promotes literacy. Every time a writer writes and shares their writing they encourage others to read, communicate and connect in some form.

 

3) Literacy is for everyone. Whether a person likes/dislikes to read and write and/or is strong/not strong in reading and writing, we all need it for everyday life and while it doesn’t have to be everyone’s favorite thing to do we can make it interesting in creative ways.

 

4) Literacy can be in the form of pictures and music. Images and music communicates a message, sound or information when we view and listen closely and thoroughly.

 

5) Literacy affects every area of living on earth and  the quality of life. The attention we give literacy in whatever form can bring the change and increase we need in earthly living.

 

    What lessons have you learned through/about literacy?

 

 

 

 

The Effectiveness of Reading: How Reading Can Bring Growth In Your Life

/ Crystal Holdipp / 2 Comments

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I enjoy reading. Not just because I love writing. Reading has a lot of valuable nuggets and tokens that can stir up exploration in many forms. Words are very effective and can have either a positive or negative impact on a person. Below are 5 ways reading can affect us in a positive light.

1) Knowledge

We can learn a lot just by reading. There are things that we never saw or known of that can educate us to try something different or understand another point of view. It’s good to expand our reading on various topics where we can get knowledge from. Perhaps we can discover uncommon findings in our adventure of reading. There are things we can learn about people, places, health, morals, relationships and more.

2) Vocabulary Builder

Not only English enthusiasts can benefit from building up their vocabulary, but everyday English speakers can build on the kinds of words they communicate with others as well. Reading is a great source for vocabulary building. As a writer and person I find reading helpful when it comes to learning new words. When I see a new word in a book or article, most times I would look it up in the dictionary for its meaning if need be. There are sometimes I would see or hear a word that I’m not sure of and it would be bothering me to find out about it. And when I do I often would already be familiar with the meaning of the word.

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3) Inspiration

I have been inspired just by reading books, articles, blogs, devotionals and more. A sign on the street can be a spark of inspiration. Reading is not limited to long texts, but even one word or phrase can be enough to digest and think on. There are some things that I’ve read that has encouraged and helped me on my journey. What book(s) have made a difference in your life? How can you use it to help others in return?

4) Relaxation 

Stressed? Tired? Grab a book! There are many books, articles, comics and magazines that offer entertainment and fun. Clean, fun and positive reading can be a great source to chew on. Why not relax, read and refresh all in one?

5) Ideas

I have gotten writing ideas and other forms of activity ideas just by reading. You can create, remake and cultivate through those conceptions. Look for ideas when reading and you never know what may come out of them when you carefully try them.

What effects has reading had on you lately? How will you use them for a great cause?

   A Few Books To Discover 

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises
5 of 5 stars
A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God’s Promises
by Renee Swope
This book spoke to my heart and I enjoyed the words on the pages. It challenged me in some ways and it encouraged and inspired me deeply.
Fifteen Minutes
5 of 5 stars
Fifteen Minutes
by Karen Kingsbury
Love this book and the message it brings!!! Fame is definitely not worth the cost!!! It’s a reminder that nothing is worth losing our faith in God.
Revolution in World Missions
4 of 5 stars
Revolution in World Missions
by K.P. Yohannan
Great points!
The Pain Stops Today: 10 Steps to Discovering Your Purpose
5 of 5 stars
The Pain Stops Today: 10 Steps to Discovering Your Purpose
by Veronda Bellamy

Great steps!!!

Leaving
5 of 5 stars
Leaving
by Karen Kingsbury
This book was definitely a great read! I can relate to Bailey in this book. It’s a similar journey I’m on. I’m in a place of transition and sense that God is about to do something new and is about to take me to a place where I have never been.

My Top 5 – Spiritual Books I’ve Enjoyed

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

I enjoy reading all kinds of books. When we read we can learn a lot about life and even people. I want to share my top 5 spiritual books.

1) Bible – The word of God is the most important book that anyone could ever read. It brings me great encouragement, inspiration, correction and education. My favorite book in the bible is psalms, but I also like reading the proverbs. There are many topical stories and lessons in the bible that can help everyone with navigating through everyday life.

2) Divine by Karen Kingsbury

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This was the first Karen Kingsbury book that I’ve ever read. While reading this book, I was in tears at certain points. As an empathetic person I definitely felt the pain of the troubled woman in the story.

3) Breaking Free by Beth Moore

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Beth Moore is one of my favorite bible teachers! The words God speaks through her gives life and hope. Breaking Free taught me a lot about the different challenges and struggles many of us face in life and it also taught me about having liberty in Christ. At the time I was going through this study, it helped me realize,recognize and work on things in my own life. This book is a great book to read and study.

4) Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman 

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It’s something special about Emily P. Freeman’s writing. When I read her words a sense of calmness fills my space. I’m a good girl in recovery and I’m learning to embrace God’s grace.

5) Notes to Aspiring Writers by Brooke L. McGlothlin

         

      As a young and developing writer, this book has opened my eyes to what this writing journey is all about. God’s plan is the best direction to take. Writing is my calling and I’m learning to trust God with the adventures. I recommend this book to all aspiring and developing writers. This book has me going back to find encouragement that speaks to me deeply.

What are 5 books that you enjoy reading?