creativity

6 Lessons Through Blogging

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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January 22, 2017 marks two years of me blogging on ‘Life Adventures’. I have been blogging on my previous websites and online platforms years before this 2 year mark. Blogging is another avenue for my writing and has played a huge part in my development of the craft. 

There are some lessons that I have learned through writing a blog and below are a few of the highlighted lessons for you to consider.

 

1) There is always something new to develop during the journey of blogging. When I started my blog I wanted to keep it basic and then as time passed I started adding to it until it developed into a website.

2) Your authentic voice reaches the right people who it’s meant to reach. In my blogging I’m learning to embrace my unique voice more and more.

3) Diverse ways of marketing blog posts is the best approach to reaching an audience. Researching and applying effective ways boosts your reach.

4) Your blog could be a beginning to something bigger. Sometimes when we start something we may think that’s what we will only be doing, until other things unfold from it.

5) Some topic ideas for your blog may come in unexpected ways. It is through daily encounters that ideas can come out of you.

6) Look out and be open for possible ways to grow your blog. The growth of blogging comes through openness to learn.

 

Bloggers, what are some lessons that you have learned through blogging? 

 

Music Review: Redemption by Kwest

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Introduction: The intro gives a compelling upbeat of why the listener should listen to the message of the song. Titled song ‘LOVE’, briefly gives you an idea of the tune being about God’s love and how no other love compares to it.

Melody & Rhythm: The melody and rhythm are of a speedy paced nature and the instruments that are apart of the melody beautifully combines together.

Vocals: The singer’s vocals are smooth and powerful at the same time.

Instrumental & Digital Effects: The drums stand out in the background and enhances the song’s sound.

Structure of the Song: I think that the song was organized very well and neat. The track has been recorded with order and flows smoothly throughout the entire song.

Performance & Song Potential: I believe that the overall song is excellent and has been written, sung and recorded professionally. Love has the potential to reach a larger audience and to hit the top of the music charts.

Listen to ‘LOVE’ and more of Kwest’s music on YouTube. Click here to listen to ‘LOVE’. 

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?

 

 

 

 

Q & A with JayEss

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Gospel Hip Hop Artist JayEss brings a message of hope and inspiration through rapping about everyday issues. JayEss is signed to independent  record label company, Zoe Records. The rapper has been working on his upcoming project titled ‘7even’ that is soon to be released.

I’ve had the opportunity to interview JayEss and here’s what he had to say about his music and faith.

 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: For those who don’t know me, my name is  JayEss, I’m a hip hop artist from East London and my message is speaking to everyday life issues.

Q: What inspired you to record these tracks?

A: As the days went by I started writing down things I saw on a daily basis and as time went on I had a body of work that could be moulded into a project.

Q: What inspires you to sing/rap?  

A: Everyday life and hearing dope rappers.

Who are your musical inspirations?

A: Notorious B.I.G. is my number one, he’s the one that made me even attempt this art form for myself. I’m inspired by good music in general.

Q: Have you always enjoyed the art of music?

A: I only started appreciating it when I started rapping in 1999.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?

A: I’m venturing into acting so you will see me in a few acting roles. I have my own film company so the majority of my music videos and short films are filmed in-house. Shout out to Billicity Media who have been great in creating visuals for my 7even project.

Q: What words of encouragement would you tell the aspiring singer/rapper that desires to begin a music career/ministry?

A: Believe in yourself and be yourself.

Q: If you could spend time with someone who you admire, who would that be? Why?

A: Sean Puffy Combs and Curtis Jackson and I’d pick their brains on business and how to stay consistent.

When did you start your faith journey?

A: My faith journey began in 2005  when I started following Christ off the back of a conversation with my friends for seven hours straight. My journey has had its ups and downs but that’s life. I prefer to follow the teachings of Christ than anyone else’s.  His way of thinking, his morality and the love he showed for his fellow-man was beyond comprehension.

Q: Did you have any challenges that you personally overcame? How did you overcome those challenges?

A: I overcame getting over my ex that was a nightmare lol.

Q: Any additional comments that you would like to add?

A: If you’re following Christ then study him.

 

To stay connected with JayEss,connect with him on Facebook by clicking here http://bit.ly/28YKA7J and/or through following him on Twitter @JayEssonline .

 

 

 

5 Lessons From Gratitude

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Gratitude is  thankfulness from the heart. It’s a choice to give thanks and praise no matter what is going on or not going on. There is much to learn and experience through thanksgiving. Below are some highlights to consider on gratitude.

1) Gratitude gives a refreshing boost of energy. Have you ever thought of something that you were thankful for and it poured a fresh supply of inspiration, motivation and illumination? It’s nothing like a pour of innovation.

2) Changes your perspective. You move from a place of devastation to a place of opportunity and vision. What’s important becomes your focus.

3) Enlightens in the midst of darkness. There are times where all we see is pain, negativity and frustration. Then acts of gratitude brings knowledge and insight to the circumstances.

4) Changes the atmosphere. That doesn’t mean everything becomes perfect and spectacular. Thankfulness brings the presence of calmness and serenity.

5)  Gratefulness recognizes that even the little victories play a part in the bigger picture. Little things can have a big importance in development.

Summer Story ’15: Create Your Own Enjoyment

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Life offers golden solitude moments. Moments of discovery and exploration. To be intentional in finding the joyous gifts of the present. This summer for me has been an interesting and a needed learning experience of many things. We have to always be ready for the unplanned and interruptions that flutter near. Below are a few highlights to consider.

 

   Solitude is a gift to be alive in. This is an opportunity to listen, feel, see and taste the lively and lovely splendor.

Silence reveals many wonders. When we stop to be silent and allow the beauty to soak outwardly and inwardly we can experience the amazement and grandeur of simplicity.

Envision and evoke your venture. Where do you want to head to?  What do you want to do? What is meaningful and full of life to you?

Risks are sometimes worth exploring. Not every risk we should take, but not every chance should we ignore. What possible goodness or greatness can come out  of this? What is holding me back from at least trying or finding out more about it?

  How is your summer going? What is your summer story saying? What are you doing this summer?

5 Lessons from Lonliness

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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Loneliness… that fog of isolation and insecurity that pours into the heart, mind and soul. You try to change it and escape it, but every time you’re back at that place of emotional distress. Everyone has felt lonely at some point. Some experience it at a greater intensity than others and some even to the extreme. Whichever way a person does, it affects our lives, relationships and even lifestyles. Loneliness can be felt in solitude and it can be felt when around others. I believe the worst feeling and most painful ache is when we are around other people and it won’t go away.

When the laughing and talking surrounds you, but somehow you just have trouble getting in the mix and you always seem to be an outsider. You don’t fit in anywhere or in most cases you appear to be an outcast or loner. To some they may express for you to get over it or brush it off as if they don’t care or it don’t matter to them. I speak and write out for the speakless and writeless.

Loneliness can be very painful. It’s not a sin to feel lonely, but sin can be committed during the experience – if a person yields or gives in to it. Some experience it for a period of time in their lives and others it seems like a never-ending cycle. Below are a few words and lessons to consider.

1) Only God can really meet that need of satisfaction, intimacy, fulfillment and joy. No matter what, anything outside of God will never bring completeness and will have its imperfections and disappointments.

2) Empty and deep voids help display that we have a need that only the Savior can fill. It is through this void the Lord can show his power, strength and provision.

3) Reach out to other people who show signs of loneliness. You can’t remove their pain, but sometimes the person having a listening ear or just someone to keep them pleasant company helps. If we see something and we can help, why not?

4) Distract and throw out negative thoughts. This is something we all have to work on. Satan attacks every human mind. He can use something that may be true to trap and tangle us up.

5) Feeling and experiencing things are apart of being human and living on earth. We can’t escape discomfort, pain and other unpleasant happenings, but we can learn lessons through them. Growth comes through learning and applying.

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.

Embrace Your Artistry

/ Crystal Holdipp / Leave a comment

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I was walking home from town and as I was enjoying the walk, this lady that saw me grow up came in passing. She asked me, ‘Where are you working now?’ I told her that I’m just doing freelance writing part-time. Every time someone asks me are you working or something close to it, I have that dread feeling of discontent. The lady stopped me in my tracks and poured lots of encouragement and wisdom on me. Little did I know my walk home would lead me on a message concerning the art and beauty within me. This messenger encouraged me to dig deeper with my writing and to explore art more. She built me up with words that there is a lot within me and that I need to not focus on what’s going on around me. As she continued in her words, she told me not to think lowly of myself because I’m not doing the traditional living of where people expect us to be and how we should do things. Once again I was encouraged to create my own establishment of art.

Some may not know, but I’ve been interested in and explored various kinds of art. Art such as performing arts, fine arts and writing. Being creative is beautiful! We should never be ashamed of our artistry and we must learn to embrace it. Regardless of our circumstances.  Art is beauty within that sparkles outwardly in many forms. What art do have in you? Are you embracing the artistry within? Sometimes we wait to see what happens or we may have a lack of courage or motivation because of what we think we don’t have. With God we have everything that we could have never imagined. Taking small steps and then bigger ones will lead us on a brighter path. There is no limit to our art! Embrace your artistry!