What makes an effective writer? Is it somebody who can present thoughts articulately? Is its somebody who can weave words into works of art? Is it somebody who can truly see the beginning from the end of whatever it is they're working on? Is it somebody who knows the rules of writing and keeps them?
Yes. On all counts.
And no. On all counts.
When it comes to writing, there are basic rules that you should generally follow. Then, there are times you should break those rules because it will make your piece sing. In my opinion, an effective writer is one who knows when to keep the rules and knows when she needs to break them.
So, I want to start getting into some of the ways you can write more effectively, which will in turn will bring you more followers. We can talk about tips and tricks to get people to your blog and get them to follow, but in the end, one truth rules the roost. If you aren't putting out quality content, people won't stick around for long.
Today, let's talk about Phrases and Words that you shouldn't use when writing your blog posts (keeping in mind what I said above). Read & Comment >>
1. Bible There is only one thing needful in a child's education: the Lord Jesus Christ. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are all very important, but of what eternal purpose do they serve if our child's soul is lost? Don't get me wrong; we can't save our children. Their salvation rests solely upon the grace of God. But instructing our children in the paths of righteousness is a parental commanded uttered from the mouth of God that we must obey - for our sake, and more importantly, so that our children would be given every opportunity to enter into a saving relationship with their Creator. (Ephesians 2:8; Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6-7) How To Produce Godly Children is one of the best articles I've ever read on the subject.
Not to mention, that Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16). It is here where our children will learn God's pattern for society, how we are to live and work, and all that makes for a peaceful and joy-filled life.
2. Reading and Writing God has chosen to reveal Himself in His written Word which we are commanded to read. From the plumber who writes out a bill, to the pastor in the pulpit, to the mother who reads bedtime stories to her children, reading and writing are life skills used every day by people everywhere. These are the greatest gifts you can give your children. With them, they will be able to discover the Word of God for themselves, engage in every other secondary subject (science, history, foreign languages, etc.), and accomplish necessities like writing out checks, following a recipe, and filling out health card forms, etc.
3. Mathematics Though perhaps not consciously, people use math skills everyday in construction, cooking, banking, and grocery shopping. Basics like adding, subtraction, multiplication, and division allow the homemaker to be a prudent spender (and saver), and enable most men to land a job and excel in the workplace.
4. Their individual, God-given gift If your daughter is naturally fascinated with horses, run with it! Delving into something she loves can be the most effective means of teaching her about everything else she thinks she's not interested in. You can't learn a lot about one subject without learning something about the others.
What about all the other subjects and how do you teach them so that it sticks?
As much as I hated it, I aced biology in school merely so my grades would stay high. Ask me to name the parts of a dissected frog now I'll give you a blank stare. I had no purpose for it. I knew how to memorize something just long enough to pass a test.
Show me an ultra-sound, on the other hand, and I could probably tell you the gestational age of the baby. I know what the purpose of a placenta is and what it looks like, why I need a rhogam injection each time I get pregnant, what a molar pregnancy is, and what happens when the body miscarries a child. I know these things because I love babies. I've experienced the miracle of childbirth and have grieved at the loss of life inside my womb.
History, Science, Handwriting, grammar, music, art - I would love it if each one of my children excelled in these subjects, but I know they'll survive if they never manage to sing on key, speak French fluently, or understand the recessive genes in fruit flies. These facts are merely useless trivia that will be forgotten soon after the assignment has been handed in unless they know why or how it relates to real life. Focus on their God-given strengths and they'll learn something of all these things in the process.
Can she develop her math skills by calculating how many square feet a pasture for five thoroughbreds needs to be? At $X per eight feet of fencing, what would the total cost be? Could she describe the thrill of winning her first race for a creative writing practice? What new words from the thesaurus could she learn how to spell to replace the ones in her story to make it even more exciting? Does she know how often the horse is mentioned in the Bible or what it is compared to? How has man's use of the horse shifted over the years? Could she make a historical timeline that documents the major changes? Is it possible to watch a foal being born at a nearby barn? Have her look at various horse paintings by different artists. What style does she gravitate to? What influenced the artist's rendering? Could she go riding for a few hours every week or help muck stalls for exercise?
Now you've got a child who's thrilled about learning because it involves something in His Creation that God has given her a passion about. Horses maybe just a quarter inch in the string of things there are to lean about, but her knowledge is a mile deep and in the process, she has learned valuable Math, English, Bible, Science, PE, History, and Art skills that she will never forget. Find out what your child is interested in and facilitate experiences in that area.
Today, I want to discuss something simple you can watch for in your writing, and that also has the power to make your writing so much more effective. Today, I want to talk about redundant words.
Let's start with the dictionary's definition of redundant:
re·dun·dant being in excess; exceeding what is usual or natural.
Now, I want you to look at my simplified definition as I believe it has to do with writing effective blog posts.
re·dun·dant writing certain words too many times; using certain phrases too many times; repeating an idea too many times. Read & Comment >>
It's easy to get discouraged when faced with the continual decline of our society. I'm particularly guilty of being a Debbi-Downer when it comes to current affairs, especially when we, of all people, have every reason to hope. Christians do not fight for victory, they fight in victory because Christ has already won the battle for us! (Revelations 1:18) Our victory is not only certain, but we've been provided with all the tools we need to wage battle against sin on this side of Heaven.
Some folks within the Christian community see no point in becoming politically involved. They reference God's sovereignty over cultural affairs as reason to accept whatever is dished out by the hands of diplomats. While we must submit to civil authorities (1 Peter 2: 13), we likewise must take seriously the command to "occupy" until Christ's return (Luke 19:13).
It's important for Christians to get involved in politics because, rather than "polishing brass on a sinking ship," our mission on earth is to be about the kingdom business of our Heavenly Father. Being a voice for truth and spiritual freedom in the public square is a particularly effective way for this to happen. Imagine what kind of change would occur in a society where judges made court rulings based upon God's law and politicians kept promises because they understood the seriousness of the ninth commandment!
It may feel like the worst of times, but in many ways it is also the best of times. The odds are in our favor - the rapid increase of homeschooling families - most of which are Bible-believing Christians - are not only having plenty of children, but according to Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute, are fourteen times more likely to get involved in politics than the rest of society! You do the math.
Getting politically involved within your own community doesn't necessarily mean you have to run for mayor or city councilor. There are several things a family can do together to make a positive impact on their society. Here are a few things that don't require much time or effort when compared to the return on investment:
1. Vote! Voting is a Christian's opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government, and the most basic responsibility we have as citizens of our country. Those we elect (or do nothing to remove), can choose can protect our freedom to spread the gospel or restrict it. Voting is one way to fulfill our civic duties (Matthew 22:21) and encourage righteousness within our nation.
2. Write letters to the editor. Generally speaking, the most interesting part of a newspaper is the Letters To The Editor section. Along with the funnies, it'll get read if nothing else. A simple letter to the editor regarding something that has gone on in your city is a free and efficient way of presenting a counter-cultural message to a large audience.
3. Write letters to your Member of Parliament or Congressman. ARPA takes away all the excuses with their EasyMail system. They connect you with the appropriate government officials in a matter of seconds and provide you with completely customizable letters addressing the current concerns in our country. It takes less than 5 minutes to let your MP know which way you'd like him to vote concerning proposed legislation.
4. Keep the phones ringing. Similar to writing a letter, calling your local politician on the phone is a personal and effective way of sharing your approval over a decision he's made or voicing your concern.
5. Attend town hall meetings. Another great way to have an impact in your community is to let your voice be heard at town hall meetings which are open to the public. Prepare questions or comments regarding the topic at hand ahead of time and keep a friendly, respectful tone when you're given the opportunity to share your opinion. Folks are more likely to ponder your point of view when they understand you're motivated by love for your fellow countrymen.
6. Volunteer during election campaigns. Volunteering - setting up signs, calling people on the phone, and printing ads on behalf of a godly candidate is at least as effective as a financial donation. See next point.
7. Donate. Kevin Swanson nailed it in this article when he said: "A $100 donated to a Congressional campaign for a solid candidate is 100 times more effective than a vote for an unprincipled presidential candidate! If you are first assured that the candidate fulfills the Exodus 18 requirements, then why not get the most bang for your buck? Why not put your time and energy behind a candidate who give us life and sacred honor for the cause of principle? I organized a fundraiser in my basement and raised $14,000 for a godly congressional candidate in my state who has maintained a consistent record and rhetoric for 15 years of politics in this state. If he is elected, that’s about 2-5% of the monetary influence needed to put him in office. If I place a ballot for a socialist, pro-homosexual, pro-abortion Republican for president, I have 1/50,000,000 of an impact on that election (or.00002%). That’s almost zero influence for a candidate that will almost certainly lead the nation towards more socialism, more homosexuals in the Boy Scouts, and more tax-funded abortions. Don’t waste what few resources are left for the cause of righteousness! " To further understand the importance of getting involved politically, we recommend the following reads: God and Governmentby Cornelius Van Dam and The Second Mayflowerby Kevin Swanson.
Does your family get politically involved within your community? How have you done so?
Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home,,Modest Monday, A Mama's Story, Raising Arrows, Time Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies
Yes. On all counts.
