Originally published Friday, 19 September 2014.
You guys! I am SO EXCITED by how many of you have said you’re going to take up the challenge I put forth last week to join The Nester’s 31 Days! Like, seriously, it totally made my week.
For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, The Nester started an annual challenge to bloggers six years ago — namely, to write and post on your blog every day in the month of October.
This year I’ve issued a challenge to all of YOU beloved Five Minute Friday fanatics to do the same, but with a twist — to write each of your 31 Days posts in just five minutes each.
It’s like a month-long FMF party!
AND .. BREAKING NEWS!
Just this week, The Nester launched a brand new website that is dedicated solely to 31 Days! All the info you could possibly need can be found at: write31days.com. Waste no time! Go check it out! Also, if you’re a social media junkie, the hashtag for this year is #write31days AND there is even a Facebook group called 31 Dayers!
I’ve also done my level best to explain the process on this page right over here.
If you’re up for the challenge of writing 31 posts in five minutes each, as so many of you brave souls have already indicated, you have a couple of options:
1) You can use the one-word prompts that I’ve provided for you over here; or
2) You can write on whatever you please.
If you have a specific theme or topic that you’re planning to focus on (whether you use my prompts or not), you can link up on the Write 31 Days website sometime between October 1st-5th. If you opt to do this, you’ll need a button that advertises your topic (button info can be found here).
Whether you have a specific topic or not, if you’re planning to write all of your posts in five-minute increments, we want to know about it! Your chance to link up on this blog will start on September 30th, where you’re welcome to link up a “landing page” or an introductory post that will direct the rest of us to your 31 Days series.
Confused yet? Feel free to ask questions in the comments.
But now .. It’s time for Five Minute Friday! My favorite part of the week ..
And this week, I’ve found a Featured Five Minute Friday post I think you’ll love .. It’s a birth story, and it reminded me so much of Lisa-Jo Baker’s book, Surprised by Motherhood. In her post, Lizzy Ainsworth talks about how she was so ready for labor and childbirth. So ready. Read what happened next by clicking here.
Now, for the word of the week ..
This week, I present to you the prompt ..
Set your timers, and let’s … GO.
Hold out your palm, flat and in the sun, with no shadows.
Let me trace the story etched in the skin. Let me feel the faded scars with my fingertips and infuse them into the paper of my soul. Let me read between the lines, deep into the crevasses and far along the contour of the bends.
Hold out your palm, steady and strong so I can lean into it when the wind threatens to blow, and the clouds roll by. Hold it dry when the rain falls and warm when my heart grows cold.
Hold it high so I can soar with wings like an eagle’s. Hold it low to the ground so I can still find it there when I step out from the ashes, dusty and ashamed.
Hold it smooth when my edges are rough, and let it curve to catch me when I stumble and fall. Hold it still so I know it doesn’t change, and let it carry.
Hold it quiet so I can rest and soft so I can lay my head down in the cushion of your grace.
Hold me safe.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
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