tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52447554139003946952024-03-12T22:35:33.306-05:00Sketchings of an OptimistSusanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-23837688537548746452022-05-15T20:30:00.001-05:002022-05-15T20:30:32.318-05:00On Second Thoughts<p> <span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: 18pt;">Dear Friend,</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">You know when you have a thought that enters your mind immediately upon hearing something or seeing someone, and you think, “Wow, I’m not sure why I thought that. That was a bizarre thought. I don’t appreciate that that came into my mind.” Follow me here. I call this a First Thought.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">That internal questioning that says, “Hmm, why did I think that?” is one example of a Second Thought. This is a fundamental aspect of maturing as a person.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">We’re all taught things, raised with ideas. Some of those ideas are beautiful and good and shape us to be stronger when challenged. Good ideas like trusting God first and looking before you cross the street can become instinctual First Thoughts if they’re ingrained early enough. Other first thoughts, however, are toxic. An example would be a thought of judging someone’s actions without discernment. Another example would be rude thoughts without consideration. Some forms of racism and sexism come from this First Thought category. Somewhere along the way, we absorb the belief that those clothes are “ugly” or that hairstyle is “awful.” These examples are only the tip of the iceberg. Sometimes these First Thoughts are insidious, causing harm to our psyche or resulting in harm to others when acted on. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">When I first began doing pro-life work, I judged women who had abortions as murderers – evil women who wanted to kill children. After speaking to women who had unexpected pregnancies, challenging life circumstances, or who had actually sought out abortions, the Second Thoughts started to emerge. When I judged someone “without thinking,” I addressed that thought: “I don’t want to think things like that automatically. I want to learn more about this person and have compassion.” </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Without Second Thoughts, the mind runs about like a child in a grocery store: “Ew, Mom, what’s wrong with her face?” With maturing and conscious effort to address prejudice, the mind stands still and ponders, “I feel concern. Concern for many people: the unborn, the women, this person standing before me. How do I love them all and extend to them the heart of Jesus?”</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">This transformation of thought takes work. Making Second Thoughts into instinctual habit takes years of re-learning, exposure to uncomfortable ideas, abandoning our pride before the throne of God. I still have so many First Thoughts. As a new mom, some First Thoughts about parenting are rearing their ugly heads, and I need compassion from people around me as I learn to re-train my mind, turning judgment into discernment and care. The good news is that I (and you!) can work on developing the habit of Second Thoughts that counteract these First Thoughts, causing them to recede into the background, and hopefully causing them to pop up less and less as Second Thoughts take their place. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">As a pro-life speaker, trainer, and conversationalist, Second Thoughts are my passion. If I want to have a good conversation with someone with whom I may have disagreements, I have to put aside judgmental thoughts first and say to myself, “On second thought, how can I love them first?”</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">I challenge you to do the same.</span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-7186570245179289322019-02-16T14:29:00.002-06:002019-08-09T10:07:54.518-05:00The Girl Who Saw the Bear<div dir="ltr">
<i>It's supposed to rain.</i><br />
<i>What if I stand there for a whole hour and don't talk to a single person?</i><br />
<i>Who wants to have a conversation about abortion anyways?</i><br />
<i>If only I wasn't alone.</i></div>
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These are all thoughts that entered my head on the morning of February 6th. I had committed to an hour of standing around on Mason's Fairfax campus near a group of pro-life activists. They bring signs with them with grotesque abortion images and aggressive messages like "THIS COULD HAVE BEEN YOU." </div>
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I know these people. They mean well. The students on campus know them too. They know the routes to take on campus to avoid seeing the images on days when their friends text them and warn them. "That group is back. You might want to find another way to class ;)" I've heard people say that to one another.</div>
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So I go to campus on those days. To be a go-between. I stand near their "tunnel of horror" and catch students on the other side. Most of those conversations start with common ground about dislike of the signs and we transition into a productive conversation with love and respect. That was my goal that day. I walked onto campus in a positive mood that threatened to wear away as I got closer to the signs and my heart started to pound. Dark clouds covered the sky.</div>
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As I walked up, I made eye contact with a girl walking my way and in the blink of an eye I made a decision and got her attention. "Hey, did you just come from the direction of the signs?" Ariel* immediately groaned and nodded. We agreed that the images are horrible. I told her, "I know those people, and I have conversations about abortion all the time, but I try to do it in a way that is respectful and involves asking questions." She looked relieved and said, "Yeah, I could do without the yelling." I asked Ariel about her opinion of abortion. She told me she only had a short while to talk and we used that time to discover our similar and differing views. </div>
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At some point in our conversation we discussed scenarios where someone might try to save someone's life if they were in danger. "If a small child was drowning and you passed by, would you jump in and try to save them?" "Not if I couldn't swim," Ariel said firmly. "You wouldn't even try?" Her answer was, "Of course not, why kill myself trying to save them?" Her argument was that a woman who was too poor to care for a child should be allowed to kill it so she doesn't have to go farther into debt. She was adamant that children in the womb were disposable for any reason before birth. Conversations like that are discouraging, but it's hard to leave them. We parted on good terms despite our differences and my challenge to her to reconsider her view.</div>
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I walked back toward the group, but they were already tearing down their display. Had I just had my only conversation for the day? We prayed together and, before they left, their leader left me with a bear. It's a small stuffed animal with a tag tied to it. The tag reads: "Will you adopt me? My child was aborted and I never got the chance to love or be loved. Please take me home and love me." It has a web address and a hashtag and that's it. That message is supposed to communicate to some unwitting person that abortion is murder and they should care. I took the bear skeptically, but with the sense that I could use it somehow. </div>
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But how? I wasn't ready to leave and I wanted to process my earlier conversation, so I sat down on a bench in the middle of the plaza...</div>
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I set the bear on the ground in front of me and stared at it. A few rain drops fell. I prayed, "God, I'm here and I really want to have another conversation. Please use me. I've got this bear and some time before class. Help me to trust you." I zoned out, music playing in one earphone, people-watching and re-playing my conversation with Ariel in my head until I heard: </div>
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"Hey!" </div>
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I looked up. </div>
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"You dropped your bear," she pointed.</div>
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The girl, whose name was Laura, gestured at the bear and I looked at it as though I had never seen it before. My bear had fallen over, looking dejected. I picked it up and said thank you. </div>
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"What's that tag it has?" she asked. I showed her the tag and she read it. Her face contorted into an expression of pain and confusion. "Oh, oh. Wow, that's so sad." I asked her what she thought of the message and she said the most profound thing: "Love is something you want to give freely. I feel like this bear is trying to manipulate me into loving it, and that's not how love works." I agreed wholeheartedly and she asked me what I thought of the bear. I told her about how I had been given the bear by someone with good intentions. "I'm pro-life," I said, "but I don't feel like this is the right way to communicate that to someone." </div>
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Laura looked excited. "I agree! I'm pro-life too." She told me that she wouldn't know what to believe about abortion if it wasn't for her faith. For her, the only thing that mattered was what God said on the subject. I got so excited. Through my prayer and my bear, God had brought me a convicted pro-life Christian. We compared notes for the next half hour on our journeys of faith, learning to trust God and know Him, and how that understanding of our Maker permeated our perspectives on all things. We kept agreeing and learning more about each other, getting more and more excited to discover another passionate Christian on our campus. </div>
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When we exchanged phone numbers, she took the conversation one step further. "If I can be completely transparent," she said, "I saw you first and I asked God if I could talk to you. Then I saw your bear and I thought, 'I'll just make it all about the bear and see where it goes from there.'" I laughed and could have cried. I confessed, "I sat here to have a conversation and I prayed and asked God to use me and the bear!" We laughed. We hugged. We made plans to meet up later. Only then did it start to rain.</div>
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Leaving campus, I couldn't contain my excitement. I called my best friend. I called my mom. "This is why I'm here," I told them.</div>
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When I came to George Mason last fall, I had two goals: 1) Survive classes. 2) Form a pro-life group. Making friends and discovering who was willing to join me in this struggle has been harder than calculus.</div>
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That morning, I prayed with one of my mentors for courage. Courage to talk to people and be more forthcoming with them about my purpose. A few hours later, God gave me one person to talk to about the issue, and another to encourage me. </div>
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God, thank you for Laura and Ariel. Thank you for answering my prayers, encouraging my heart, and showing me that you're with me even when I feel alone.</div>
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I am not alone.</div>
Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-71832334868761986732018-06-04T13:43:00.002-05:002018-06-04T13:48:38.495-05:00MayI have two weeks left of my Kansas adventure with Justice For All. May was a flurry of activity and very little sleep. I loved every minute of it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tammy, Grace, and I at Cowtown</td></tr>
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<br />
I appreciate all of you who have kept up with me while I've been interning. Your encouraging texts, emails, phone calls, and cards have lifted my spirits again and again as I've been 1,000 miles (and more; here's looking at you, Albuquerque and Denver) from home. It will be so good to see many of your faces again when I head home on June 15th.<br />
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That being said, I'm not excited about leaving. Wichita has become a home to me in more than the physical sense. I have made friends here closer than family. It feels as though I'll be leaving behind much of my heart with the hundreds of people that I have met and come to love in the past year.<br />
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Among those people are the hundreds I have spoken with on college campuses. They have shared with me their thoughts, concerns, and backgrounds. It is a privilege to have met each of these students. I wish you could see them all, each one so unique, so surprising. Each one has taken my expectations and turned them on their heads. They don't fit into tidy boxes. But they all have the same need for the Savior whether they realize it or not.<br />
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I love my job. If I could be a voice for the voiceless with JFA for the rest of my life, I would do it. This time has been extremely important for my spiritual growth, nurturing my passion for protecting infant life and elevating the value of all people, and other things like independence, reconciliation in my heart, and adventure.<br />
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I've used the word 'adventure' in almost every monthly update because it's so applicable. Coming to Wichita was one big adventure full of unknowns. In spite of this, one thing was always certain: I knew God was going with me. Before I left, I was prayed over many times by people who asked God to "go before, go with, and go behind her." He has done exactly that. He paved the way for me to come to Wichita. He came with me, staying by my side even when I thought I didn't need Him. He had my back protecting me from countless dangers, some known to me and some known only to Him. He is my strong tower and He will be when I go back home.<br />
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May Adventures:<br />
Helping Grace move into her new apartment<br />
Contra dancing in Derby<br />
Kayaking the Little Arkansas<br />
Game night with friends<br />
Movies with friends<br />
Frisbee in Derby<br />
Monet to Matisse exhibit with Grace<br />
Cowtown with Tammy and Grace<br />
Going to see Clydesdales with friends<br />
Sedgwick County Zoo with friends<br />
Much swing dancing<br />
Making lots of new friends<br />
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Looking forward:<br />
The last two weeks of my internship include two workshops, a wedding, more dancing, untold fun, and getting to spend time with Katrina who is flying in to drive back home with me.<br />
My summer will most likely include a trip or two to the Boardwalk Chapel, a family vacation, and random stuff.<br />
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In the fall, I start school at George Mason University to study Cyber Security Engineering. I hope to form and maintain a pro-life club with the focus of starting and continuing truthful, loving conversations with fellow students about abortion. Lord willing, JFA will come to Mason to do outreach and there will be more blog posts about conversations where God does amazing things.<br />
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Thank you again for all your support and encouragement. Here's to the next adventure <3Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-24686186523281012142018-05-23T11:40:00.001-05:002018-08-27T21:35:05.324-05:00Conversations from Colorado: Open Invitation<i><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">In April, the Justice For All team went to
Colorado. There we taught people skills for having productive conversations about
abortion and we also held outreach events on a few campuses, using those skills to
converse with hundreds of students. I believe that God was orchestrating a central theme through many of my conversations during those weeks. Here are a few highlights:</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i><span style="color: black;"><b>Melissa</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> "</span>Melissa" walked up to the exhibit at Metropolitan State University (MSU), just about as
angry as anyone I’ve seen in my time with JFA. She pinpointed one of our male trainers, Jeremy, and verbally attacked him. Hearing her shouting from across the
square, I edged into the conversation, letting Jeremy know that I was available
to help by standing close by. As Melissa continued to yell at him, I listened
and nodded calmly as she spoke. After a minute, she gestured widely in my
direction. She said, “What about you? Do you want to add anything?” I
immediately found common ground with her and invited her into a calmer, more private, conversation. She relaxed instantly and we discussed our views on human
biology and dignity. After a few minutes of getting to know each other, she
asked, “Would you like to ask me more about the unborn?” Along with this open door,
she even added, “We can bring [Jeremy] in and see what he thinks, too.” I
was amazed to see this woman who had been so angry, calmly invite both me and
Jeremy into another conversation in which we discussed more aspects of the
abortion issue. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span><b>Charlie</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After
a few particularly difficult conversations at MSU, I walked over to a
volunteer who was engaged in conversation with a pro-life student named Charlie. She was doing a
very good job addressing some reservations he held about our display, and when he asked a
question she couldn’t answer, she gestured my way. “Actually, Susanna would
know better how to answer that,” she said, inviting me into their conversation.
He told me what his situation was: “I have friends who have abortion experiences. I want to talk to them about it, but I don’t know how to let them
know I care.” It was a beautiful relief to meet someone who cared so much. I
shared with him the ways I have learned to help people
who are hurting from abortion and be there for those who need to talk about their experiences. I invited him to our
seminar that night, where he could learn how to have the conversation about
abortion in a caring, loving way.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Olivia" writing Genesis 1 on the Free Speech Board right before I spoke to her.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><br />Olivia</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
Colorado State University (CSU), I had spent the morning in two long conversations
mostly centered around the biology of the unborn. I sat down to think about those
conversations and pray when I saw "Olivia" walk up to the Free Speech
Board. She sat down in front of it and started writing. I was conflicted. I
wanted to talk to her, but I didn’t want to interrupt her writing. I prayed, “God,
if you want me to talk to her, please keep her around when she’s done writing.”
When she finished writing, she just sat there, looking at her phone, so I walked
over and sat down next to her. She had written much of Genesis 1 on the
board. After introducing myself, I learned her name and that she was
a Christian who was very appreciative of our work on her campus. She told me
about how college was going and the different ministries in which she was a part. Before she left, she invited me to pray with her. Right then and
there, we prayed for each other’s ministries and personal walks with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YnINFq-Gyw/WwR-CeevLqI/AAAAAAAABgI/3Q-Ufy028qIOWTJuYaiCGl6du0YfMTopwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E8851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YnINFq-Gyw/WwR-CeevLqI/AAAAAAAABgI/3Q-Ufy028qIOWTJuYaiCGl6du0YfMTopwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_E8851.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">At the University of Colorado of Boulder, Steve, JFA's executive director, and I talked to this young man who disagreed with us, but who was willing to stay and talk for an hour despite the snow.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God set each of these students in my path. Each
of them invited me into their lives. Melissa asked me what I thought about
abortion, so we had a conversation. Charlie asked me how to show his care for
people who had experiences with abortion, so I helped him prepare for future
conversations with his friends. Olivia asked me if she could pray for me, so I
returned the favor and prayed over her life. These invitations all happened
because I was there and I was available. Because I was invited, I responded. </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is my challenge to you: Respond. Respond to the
invitations to share, listen, encourage, give assistance, pray. God puts these
people into our lives all the time - people who invite us in unexpected ways.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I have an invitation for you. My internship with JFA ends in June, but the work of JFA continues on. You helped me
do this work by providing financially, encouraging me and praying for me. Please help JFA continue this work by continuing to
<a href="https://www.jfaweb.org/donate" target="_blank">donate to the Intern Scholarship Fund</a>. They did not ask me to ask you this. It just makes sense. You cared about this work
enough to get me onto the field. I care about this work enough to ask you to consider supporting the organization as a whole. I
would not ask you this if I did not think you cared enough to consider making JFA a part of your giving. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thank you. Thank you for getting me to Kansas, and from there to Indiana, Oklahoma, Minnesota, New Mexico,
Georgia, and Colorado. Thank you for the support which helped me impact the lives of over 180 college students, with whom I
spoke during these various outreach events, for the sake of the unborn. God used you to impact over 180 people just through
me. I believe He will use you again to train thousands to make abortion unthinkable for millions, one person at a time. </i></span></div>
<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-36739583316516827272018-04-30T21:22:00.001-05:002018-05-02T10:55:48.289-05:00AprilApril has come and gone in a blur. I'm sitting here on Grace Fontenot's porch playing soft music as a light breeze brings down the heat of a glorious afternoon. Such a wonderful way to relax after two weeks in Colorado. About an hour ago, a mother cat tore into a paper bag that I left on the porch and she ate the half-muffin I had saved for later. She needed it more than I did.<br />
<br />
JFA brought the team to Colorado State University to do three seminars and two days of outreach in the middle of April. Seeing the Rockies for the first time blew my mind. I took every opportunity over the next two weeks to mention my love of the mountains to anyone I could. I participated in the seminars and one outreach day. One of the unique conversations I had on CSU's campus is already in blog form and can be found here: <a href="http://cheerytype.blogspot.com/2018/04/real-conversation-at-csu-third-person.html" target="_blank">The Third Person</a><br />
<br />
After spending two days recuperating, the team met up again in Colorado for three more seminars/workshops and two days of outreach at CU's Auraria and Boulder campuses. That's right, Auraria. Strange name, but definitely different from Aurora ^_^ On Sunday the 22nd, we went hiking in the mountains and the Red Rocks. It was a gorgeous day to climb 380 stairs up to the Red Rocks Amphitheater.<br />
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Outreach at Auraria was spiritually daunting. From conversations with students who thought it would be fine to abort babies after birth, to spending an hour calming down two upset women, God reminded me over and over again how much prayer has to go into every conversation. A notable conversation that day was started by "Anna." She stopped by the exhibit (pictured below) and stated that she would never admit to her opinion on abortion. She was going to stay out of it. After engaging her on the subject and learning about her family history of political contention, I asked her what she personally thought about abortion when she wasn't trying to calm down her relatives. In her mind, abortion should only be legal in the case of rape in the first trimester. This position is incredibly common and means that she and I share about 98% of our views in commonality. She didn't have time to go farther into the topic, but she thanked me for being civil and finding common ground.<br />
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Grace Fontenot in conversation</div>
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Boulder turned white while we were there. The day before, Colorado experienced 70 degrees of sunny bliss. The next day, with temperatures in the high 30s, snow fell for about twelve hours, covering everything and us. A few people were gracious and interested enough to stand in the cold with us and dialogue. My favorite conversation that day was with a young man who thought that life did not begin at conception, it began with everything that came together to make our existence possible. We connected over a Doctor Who reference that brought the whole concept together. (For fellow fans of the show, that reference was: "I blew into this world on a leaf.") With this view, it was hard for us to establish in the conversation what makes a <i>potential</i> human person become a <i>real</i> human person with value and the basic right to life. Thanks to help from Steve, an umbrella, and a cup of hot soup, we got through the long, complicated conversation. We parted with a better understanding of each other's views.<br />
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Now, back at home in Wichita, I'm looking forward to a few days of rest. May does not have any events scheduled for me as of yet, so I will probably be doing many intern-type things, learning the seminar, training as a mentor, dancing, and spending time with Grace. Please pray for continued restful nights. I'm grateful to have not had a nightmare since early March. Pray also for the men and women we have encountered on campus this year and an end to abortion.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-44460146662809917572018-04-26T14:30:00.000-05:002018-04-26T15:47:41.574-05:00MarchMarch really was an adventure. From Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Mt. Nebo, Arkansas, to Lawrence, Kansas, March has been full of driving. There was more to it than that, but everything is so far away in the mid west!<br />
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Have a sunrise: <br />
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This was my view on March 4 with Grace and Maria. I think I can speak for them when I say we had a great time planting trees for monks at Clear Creek Abbey and a hilarious road trip out to Mt. Nebo and back. Such a blast.<br />
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JFA brought the team to University of Kansas (KU) from March 10-13. That was an adventure. I got to speak for the first time in two seminars that weekend. Having been certified in two speaking sections, I already feel more familiar with the concepts that we use to create personable, informed dialogue about abortion.<br />
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Outreach at KU was unique in that it was the first time I have done outreach using the Art of Life exhibit. The purpose of the exhibit is to start conversations by suggesting that the various themes represented in these paintings such as "Embracing child and career", "Suffering", and "Unknown future" are better than abortion. One side pictured here:<br />
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We brought with us a few polls, free speech boards, and even this snazzy art table that Grace and I created ourselves: <br />
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The Star Wars layout was my idea ^_^</div>
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In Lawrence, I had some really interesting conversations. I feel that God has been slowly challenging me with more difficult conversations. When I first began, I did not know how much I did not know about how to talk about abortion. Now that I am learning that, I am experiencing conversations in a different way. Listening, asking questions, and finding common ground are more important than ever and I realize that my mind has a tendency to go blank if I haven't role-played how conversations can go with the hard questions like rape, life of the mother, and bodily rights.<br />
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After KU, we set up a kiosk at WSU for an afternoon. My last conversation that day was with a young man named "Peter." When I asked him if he wanted to sign our "Should Abortion Remain Legal" poll on the "Yes" or "No" side, his curt response was, "I don't think it's a binary issue." And the conversation took off from there. Peter had three points that he brought up over the course of the next half hour. His assertions: 1) You can't really be pro-life if you eat meat. 2) You can't really be pro-life if you don't allow abortion in "life of the mother" cases. 3) You can't really be pro-life if you are a fiscal conservative. One by one, Peter and I addressed each of these concerns and fleshed out why being pro-life is more complicated than that, just as the abortion issue is more complicated than whether or not it is legal. It was hard to find common ground with Peter because it seemed as though common ground for him meant giving ground. Getting him to concede points wasn't my goal, so I tried to convince him that we weren't enemies. What we needed to do was define our terms and open our hearts to each other's backgrounds and worldviews. Peter identified himself as being a pro-choice libertarian vegan. That was the best way he knew to take care of people and the earth. At the end of our conversation, Peter was still a pro-choice libertarian vegan. That's alright. What amazes me though were his words right before we parted, "I guess we have common ground after all." Him saying that to me, a pro-life conservative omnivore, makes me happier than a pigeon with a french fry.<br />
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New experiences of March:<br />
Planting trees for monks in Oklahoma<br />
Arkansas!<br />
Eating edamame aka soybeans<br />
Trying sake<br />
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Note: Usually I would add a "Looking forward to" section, but I procrastinated so much in getting this post out that the April post will probably follow it too soon to warrant a whole section here. April coming soon!<br />
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<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-69024029652800979632018-04-21T14:09:00.001-05:002018-05-17T11:19:07.429-05:00Real Conversation at CSU: The Third PersonAt the end of the outreach day at Colorado State University, the area around the exhibit was quiet except for one voice. He sauntered over to the signs with an air of confidence that piqued my interest. He began to loudly abuse the exhibit pictures so I intercepted and asked him what he thought.<br />
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"It's crazy," he said. "Why is this here? What do you think?"<br />
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"I'm actually with the exhibit. We go around to college campuses talking to people about abortion. What do you think about that?"<br />
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"I think the government shouldn't have a say in our rights. And why is anyone pro-life in the first place? Have you even ever heard a pro-life argument that wasn't religious?"<br />
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I love this question. JFA taught us a reply that anyone from any religion can use and be consistently pro-life. I've only recently understood how to help people understand this argument, so I eagerly responded.<br />
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"Sure! You want to hear one?"<br />
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"Yes!"<br />
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I dove into the thought experiment with him. "Look around! See all these people around us on campus?" He looked all around and I continued, "Do you think we deserve equal rights?"<br />
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"Of course!"<br />
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"Good, I agree. If we deserve equal rights, isn't there something the same or equal about us that demands that we be treated equally?"<br />
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"Yes!"<br />
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"Cool. What do you think that is?"<br />
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"Our humanity. We're all humans."<br />
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"That's right! So, the conclusion is that, if the unborn are human, they must be given the same rights as the rest of us."<br />
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He backpedaled immediately to his previous statement, "The government shouldn't have a say in what we do with our bodies."<br />
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I gestured a time-out, "Follow me here. Forget the government. Say abortion will always be legal and there's nothing I can do about that. What if the unborn are humans but they are being systemically exterminated by the thousands every day? What if they are being discriminated against the same way black people and women were discriminated against? What if abortion kills a human being?"<br />
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"Then it's absolutely wrong," he said quietly. His attitude melted away and he wouldn't look at me. I waited.<br />
<br />
After a moment, he said, "I know someone who had an abortion. She got knocked up by a douchebag on a one-night stand and she got an abortion. She had to. That baby would have screwed her over and ruined her life. She wouldn't have a degree or a career if she hadn't had that abortion. I hate that she had to do that but it was right for her."<br />
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My heart broke. This loud young man with an ego the size of a bus had just crumbled. He revealed to me in a moment the reason for his rough exterior and there was nothing I could do but sympathize with him.<br />
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"I'm so sorry about your friend. That sounds horrible."<br />
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He thanked me for talking with him and he walked away.<br />
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I was left with what felt like a gaping hole in my heart. I had forgotten <i>the</i> <i>third</i> <i>person</i>. I got excited by the opportunity to share such a cool, fool-proof argument for my cause and I forgot about what I was telling him. I told him what he probably already knew: that his friend had been party to taking the life of a human being. That is not information to be taken or given lightly.<br />
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JFA taught me to keep three people in mind in every conversation:<br />
1. The unborn. As a pro-life advocate, it's my job to be a voice for the voiceless. Usually, that means being a voice for the unborn, but they are not the only ones I need to consider.<br />
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2. The person standing in front of me. In every conversation, they are the most important person. They are just as real, just as valuable, just as beautiful as the unborn. I need to remember to respect every person I speak to and place them first.<br />
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3. The woman. The third person I must include in every conversation is the person who has a connection to abortion. Sometimes it is the person standing in front of me, but other times it is someone they know, someone who is standing nearby listening to me, someone they will talk to in the future, someone who will read my account of the conversation. Even if it seems like the person I'm talking to has no connection with abortion, statistics say they do or will. I have to keep in mind my respect, care, and love for the man or woman personally affected by abortion in every conversation.<br />
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This is just one example of how complicated these conversations can be. I've wanted to describe the third person tactic before, but such a clear example of the need for it hadn't arisen. He was my last conversation that day. In a few days, JFA will be at the University of Colorado and this time I will be more careful to look out for what I cannot see and listen to hear unspoken words and feelings.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-54525248096097066142018-03-05T08:41:00.000-06:002018-03-05T08:41:36.461-06:00Real Conversation at OSU: "Of Men and Of Angels"Out of the corner of my eye by Oklahoma State's Chi-O Clock, I recognized her. When she walked past me a moment ago, I smiled and she smiled back, but she kept walking. Now, she was returning this direction slowly. I turned and smiled again, "would you like to sign our poll table?" As if noticing it for the first time, Rachel* agreed. When she finished writing on the "YES" side of the poll: "Should Abortion Remain Legal?" she waited around to talk to me about her view.<br />
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We introduced ourselves and she said abortion should be legal because of the many difficulties that people discover along the way in pregnancy. I agreed that there are many possible complications and difficulties involved in pregnancy. Rachel then cautiously voiced a belief that the unborn isn't human. She asked me what I thought about abortion.<br />
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Gently, I said, "Before I tell you what I think, can I ask you more questions?"<br />
She happily agreed.<br />
"You said you don't think the unborn is human. Do you mean that in a biological sense or a philosophical sense?"<br />
She grinned. "I just came from a human development class, and I failed philosophy, so let's talk about biology!"<br />
<br />
Carefully and respectfully, she and I went back and forth for a few minutes while I clarified what her position was. Through five questions, we discovered that she believes the unborn is just a mass of cells in the first two weeks of pregnancy. According to her professor, "you can technically get in there and find human DNA, but it's not a human yet." She acknowledged that, after three weeks of development, the heart and brain are communicating and therefore the unborn is a human at that stage.<br />
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This is where I transitioned us. "Rachel, you asked me what I think about abortion. I was taught that the most comprehensive view of valuing human life extends to all stages of development, even the stages I am not personally attracted to. The embryo from conception to three weeks does not seem relational to me, but I would rather treat it like a human and respect life all the way through development, even to old age. That includes the two week embryo, all these students here, and you."<br />
<br />
She paused and stared at me for a moment. When she spoke, she said, "let me just say, that is the most sensible pro-life view I've ever heard. Every other time I've had this conversation, the pro-life person just screams at me, 'd*** you, liberal!'"<br />
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I expressed sadness at the way she had been treated in the past and thanked her for sharing her experience. She went on to say how nice it was to disagree in a free way with me. She had grown up in a liberal environment, I had a conservative upbringing, and we were looking for truth together.<br />
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Thinking back on this exchange, the passage in 1 Corinthians 13 has new context for me. Even if I could speak with the tongues of men and of angels, having the most knowledge and scientific facts at my disposal, if I do not love the person I'm talking to, it's more than worthless: it is that obnoxious sound that hurts and you wish would just stop. For Rachel, I was the first person she disagreed with who had let her express her opinion without attacking her. I hope I'm not the last.<br />
<br />
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;<br />
It is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way;<br />
it is not irritable or resentful;<br />
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.<br />
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.<br />
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.<br />
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,<br />
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.<br />
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.<br />
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.<br />
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-84513448278594875102018-03-01T10:23:00.002-06:002018-03-01T11:14:03.344-06:00February<div style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a wonderful hiatus in Virginia for family, holidays, and fundraising, I am back in Kansas for a five-month internship, ending in June. The month of February has been cold and challenging, but full of bright hours and big accomplishments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my long-term tasks last semester was to scan 20 years worth of JFA response cards, volunteer agreements, debrief and reflection papers, and other papers from seminars and outreaches into the computer. It was supposed to take a year. David and I finished half of the project in the three months we were interning together in the fall of 2017. This month, I completed that project. It feels amazing to see that progress and now move on to other projects.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most exciting things I was looking forward to doing with JFA was learning how to present parts of the seminar that we teach all over the country. This month, I was certified in one of those speaking sections and I'm working on memorizing a second one. I love public speaking and this material is incredibly helpful in conversations and life in general.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventures in February:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/27 Meeting my host family's newest member: baby Brave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/28 & 2/4 Swing dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2/11 Lunch with the Hotovys, Grace, and CK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2/15 Creating an intricate conspiracy story about the occupants of a local pub with Grace<br />2/18 Swing dancing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2/23 Final Friday: spending hours looking at local art with Grace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2/25 Visiting Jubilee PCA; lunch with new friends</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the 27th, Becca, Grace, and I set up a poll table at Oklahoma State University for two hours and talked to about 13 people. We were abruptly cut off by a downpour, but we had a lovely lunch and meeting with the pro-life club at OSU. I'm in the process of making another post for one of those conversations.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking forward to in March:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hiking in Arkansas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seminar and Outreach at KU</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Progress in speaking certification</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's hard to close the chapter of February. I learned a lot about myself, my work, my colleagues. It was a good, hard month. March has its own adventures and I look forward to them, but I hope to remember this February for a long time.</span></div>
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Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-49794901460400318012018-02-23T12:28:00.001-06:002018-02-23T12:52:46.403-06:00Real Conversation at UNM: SharpieIt was the second day of outreach at the University of New Mexico. I had been in conversation all morning, so I walked over to the Free Speech Board and sat down to read it. As I sat there, a young man walked up next to me.<br />
<br />
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<br />
"Have you written anything?" He asked.<br />
<br />
"Not yet, but I was thinking about it," I responded.<br />
<br />
He sat down next to me and fished a Sharpie out of his backpack. The boards have about half a dozen Sharpie markers tied to each side, but he handed me his own without a word. So I took it.<br />
<br />
I wrote on the board a verse that had been in my head since the day before. A shortened version of 1 John 4:10 “This is love...that God first loved us." I handed his Sharpie back.<br />
<br />
He read what I wrote and then wrote next to it, "There is no God, but there is Love."<br />
<br />
After a moment, I asked him, "If there is no God, where does love come from?"<br />
<br />
He considered this and said, "I don't know. I've never thought about that. Where do you think love comes from?"<br />
<br />
I have never seen a more open door for the gospel. So I took it.<br />
<br />
I told him about how God created the world and us and He loved us so much. But then we broke His law and He loved us so much that He came to earth and took the punishment for our sin for us so that we can live with Him forever.<br />
<br />
He accepted this and we started to transition the conversation to the topic of abortion, but we were interrupted by another student.<br />
<br />
"You're one of those crazy people who thinks the Bible informs every area of your life?!"<br />
<br />
Almost everyone with JFA has a Colin* story from that day. He got around. In that moment, he stood between me and the sun, so I squinted up at him.<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I am," I said, having no idea where he got that from, but happy that he brought it up while Sharpie guy was still around. "Have you read it?"<br />
<br />
Colin’s confidence flared up. "No," he said, "Have you?!”<br />
<br />
I grinned and responded, “Yes, three times.”<br />
<br />
He then made a strange statement, “by reading and interpreting the Bible on your own, you’re going against the authority of the Pope!”<br />
<br />
Confused, I simply answered, “I’m not Catholic.”<br />
<br />
Colin’s attitude deflated instantly. “I know that having not read the Bible is my greatest weakness when talking about this."<br />
<br />
"You should read it," I smiled, "It informs every area of life."<br />
<br />
Sharpie guy had to leave then, so we said our goodbyes and Colin, now calm and respectful, dialogued with me for a little longer about God, the Bible, and how interpretation of those matters affects how we determine the morality of abortion.<br />
<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-49663696117495128092017-12-09T14:57:00.001-06:002018-01-13T17:19:36.669-06:00NovemberIt's been a crazy, blessed month!<br />
<br />
I got back from Georgia right at the beginning of the month. While in Georgia, I had a really cool conversation with a young man who approached the exhibit. We agreed that abortion should not be legal in the last two trimesters and should not be done for just any reason. He said that a good reason to have an abortion would be if an unborn was diagnosed with a disability. With permission, I shared with him the story of a baby with spina bifida who had received surgery in utero to fix part of the baby's spine. In the corner of my eye, I saw a lady in a wheelchair coming down the sidewalk in our direction. I kid you not, as we were talking, this woman approached us and interrupted our conversation. She passionately shared that she had spina bifida and was afraid for unborn babies with that diagnosis. Many of them are aborted. She said, "Never let disability be the reason you have an abortion. Never. We can have good lives too." The young man heard in awe as the woman told her story. He left an hour later saying that he had a lot to think about.<br />
<br />
One week later I was in Oklahoma with the office team, most of our national team, and two volunteers! Outreach at OU was interesting, hard, and pretty great. I got to watch God quell some firey conversations almost as soon as they started. He opened up some doors I never would have expected in people's minds and hearts. He also set up some circumstances that were amazingly clear <a href="http://cheerytype.blogspot.com/2017/11/real-conversation-at-ou-spheres-of.html" target="_blank">open doors</a>. He guided us as we walked through the doors, minds, and fires of the students of the University of Oklahoma.<br />
<br />
Fundraising filled the last two weeks of the internship with many letters sent and calls made. The encouragement from friends and family has been a huge blessing in this process.<br />
<br />
Random adventures:<br />
11/5 Called Sarah on her birthday!<br />
Dancing!<br />
11/18 Dinner and Blokus with Becca, her fiance Mark, and David!<br />
11/19 Called Olivia on her birthday!<br />
Swing dancing and eating ice cream with Deborah!<br />
11/20 Won ImaginIf at my small group's Friendsgiving!<br />
11/21 Workshop at Kansas For Life (I got a t-shirt!)<br />
When I called Katrina, her sun was setting and mine was still up. It was a magical moment.<br />
Painting Grace's living room and saving her from a self-destructing bookcase!<br />
11/22 Bananagrams with Becca and David!<br />
11/23 Thanksgiving with Kulases!<br />
Coffee and walk with Grace!<br />
The Princess Bride, online shopping, and painting with Grace!<br />
11/25 Cosmosphere and shopping in Hutch with Grace!<br />
11/26 Swing dancing and ice cream with Grace!<br />
11/27 Last small group meeting!<br />
12/1 Final day with Justice For All<br />
<br />
I was given the honor of presenting the <a href="http://cheerytype.blogspot.com/2017/09/real-conversation-at-purdue-university.html" target="_blank">"I'm a miracle!" story</a> to a Baptist church in Oklahoma. That was a very cool opportunity for me. Probably the largest crowd I've spoken to and they even laughed at my joke :)<br />
<br />
How do I sum up? Last year, I thought I knew what I was asking God for when I asked to do pro-life work. I didn't know that that prayer would be answered in the form of sharing love and truth with college students all over the United States of America with an amazing team of God-fearing, life-affirming prayer-warriors with decades of pro-life work experience to learn from and imitate. I am blown away... and I can't wait to come back. Whether I return in the spring, or God doesn't lead me back for a long time, I hope to support and participate in this organization. Justice For All lives up to its name, placing God at the front of all their work. Thanks, team. Thank you for exemplifying to me what love and truth can do when used together.<br />
<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-42216235241428287142017-11-16T21:04:00.002-06:002017-11-18T13:11:18.215-06:00Real Conversation at OU: Spheres of InfluenceOn Tuesday, I had the privilege of sitting in on a conversation on the University of Oklahoma campus.<br />
<br />
Caleb, a high school student volunteering with JFA that day, and I were discussing a previous conversation when we were approached by an OU student named DeWayne* who asked what the exhibit was about. He seemed very pro-life. He believed life started at conception and that generally abortion should be illegal. We built common ground there and I asked questions to understand his beliefs.<br />
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<br />
At this point in the conversation, DeWayne paused in his processing of abortion and asked Caleb and me a question. He said, "Everyone has a certain amount of energy that they use to address different things in their spheres of influence. I choose not to get upset over some things because they don't affect me yet. Why do you choose to spend your energy talking about abortion?"<br />
<br />
It was a packed question. I wanted to slow him down and address one thing at a time because I heard a lot in what he was saying. But it wasn't me who needed to speak. As I was thinking about how to unpack DeWayne's question, the volunteer spoke up. Caleb told a story about how his brother's roommate in college had said the word "super" so much that all the roommates eventually began using the word "super" in their vocabulary subconsciously. Then his brother, who was now using the word frequently, unintentionally spread the word to his Chik-fil-A coworkers. Within a year or two, the word "super" had gone from being used by one person to 95 people who did not know the original speaker. Caleb's point? Your influence goes far beyond what you will ever know.<br />
<br />
This impacted DeWayne. We could see it in his eyes and he told us as much right away. "You're right," he said, "I hadn't thought about it that way. It's worth it to have the conversation about abortion because we have no idea who it could influence." I thanked God that this young man had connected the dots. This is a point I try to get many pro-life students to reach. I am asked at every campus, "It doesn't affect me. Why should I even have an opinion?" At every campus I want to explain to people that the topic of abortion may not seem like it affects them, but they can influence others if only they will speak up.<br />
<br />
DeWayne got it. He is now willing to start talking to people about what he believes regarding abortion. This young man, through the conversations in his future, will make an impact he had never thought possible.<br />
<br />
He did not think it was worth his time and energy to have the conversation, but he was willing to ask us why we thought talking about abortion was worth our energy. I did not have the words he needed to hear, but the <i>high school senior</i> volunteer did, and he spoke up.<br />
<br />
Are you willing to have this uncomfortable conversation? Have you formed your opinion on abortion? Have you done the research?<br />
<br />
If not, are you willing to start down that path?<br />
<br />
If so, are you willing to speak up?<br />
<br />
Your sphere of influence is larger than you can imagine.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-60312237541824621722017-11-02T22:28:00.003-05:002017-11-02T22:28:50.566-05:00oPIN Your Eyes Project<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever since watching the <a href="http://www.oneclipatatime.org/paper-clips-project/paper-clips-film/" target="_blank">Paper Clips</a> documentary on the Holocaust a few years ago, I have wanted to find a way to both commemorate and help visualize the loss of life in this country from legalized abortion. Two weeks ago, I Googled "paperclips abortion" and found Alyson: a working student who was one step ahead of me. Back in March, Alyson started the <a href="https://opinyoureyes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">oPIN Your Eyes Project</a>, collecting diaper or safety pins to raise national awareness for the lives lost because of abortion. To do this, she set a goal of 9 months to collect 300,000 safety pins to represent the 60 million abortions in the U.S. since Roe vs. Wade in 1973. <b>All she needs is 10 people to send in 2,000 pins each by Thanksgiving and she will reach her goal.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After connecting with Alyson, she agreed to do a Question and Answer post with me. I hope you enjoy getting to know this incredible young lady:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q1. How did you get
interested in Pro-Life? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. I have
always had a passion for “the least of these." When I was a
little kid, I wanted to help the poor or those who could not help themselves.
As I grew up, that desire expanded into even wanting to help people
with disabilities. As I grew older, I learned about other people who
would fall under “the least of these” category. Now, not only
do I desire to stand up for those who are killed in the womb, but my heart also
breaks for the Muslim people. (After college, I plan to become a
Missionary in closed countries to reach Muslim women and children with
the hope of the gospel.) I cannot pinpoint an exact day or time when
I decided to be Pro-Life. I have grown up in a Christian home, and so I
always knew abortion was wrong. Although I knew it was wrong, I did not
jump out there and get involved with Pro-Life marches or anything like that.
It was more of an understanding, but no action accompanied it. I
did hold some Pro-Life signs on the side of the road with a group of
Pro-Lifers one time, but that was it. Now, this past January is when I
began to consider taking more of a public stand. It was when I
read <u>WORLD</u> magazine's article by Marvin Olasky,
called “Incapable of Shame.” For more on how that changed me: <a href="https://opinyoureyes.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-story-behind-opin-your-eyes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://opinyoureyes.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-story-behind-opin-your-eyes.html</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><img alt="__________" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLMUNTQe-NU/WLttA9hhlnI/AAAAAAAAABM/Ta3E_JsJWhgsT4QJpFW1R4U05a7B7MxQACK4B/s320/DSC_3104.jpeg" width="320" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q 2. What was your
impression of the Paperclips movie? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. My first impression of the Paperclips movie was how amazing it was
that those middle school kids worked hard to create such a beautiful memorial
for all those who had died in the Holocaust. It also made me cry, to
just imagine what all those Holocaust survivors went through! As I
watched it, it confirmed my idea to do a project like the Holocaust
Memorial for the babies who have been aborted. I thought, “if
these little middle schoolers could do this for
something like the Holocaust, why can’t I, a high schooler,
do something like that for abortion which is 10x worse (in amount of babies who
have died)?” I had no idea what all this project would ask of
me, even after seeing that movie. The movie did prepare me for
the time and effort I would have to pour into this project, but
it just scratched the surface. <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, after reading the
WORLD magazine’s article, that is when an idea of bringing
national awareness concerning abortion was birthed. The actual oPIN your
eyes idea was conceived when I remembered the Children’s Memorial
Display of the Paperclips that I had visited several year ago.
After considering how I could collect diaper or safety pins like
those middle schoolers collected paper clips, that is when we watched the movie
to see what all was involved. <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q3. Why safety
pins? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. Well, I associate safety/diaper
pins with babies, especially diaper pins. Plus, it was the closest thing
I could think of to paper clips. They are roughly the same size, and
people (mainly ladies) seem to have plenty around the house. It just
seemed to practically fit the idea, both collecting wise and in proportion to
how big these aborted babies are and how they are uniquely different. <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q4. What is your goal
with the Project? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. While my goal is to
collect a certain number of pins, my ultimate goals are:<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. To glorify God
2. To bring awareness of what we have lost as a nation.
3. To be able to visualize this massive number.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q5. Share a cool story
since starting the Project: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. Oh dear, there are a lot. I have talked to people who
were almost aborted, and those are such neat stories of how God spared
them and then to see how God is using them. One of
those stories was about a little girl who was at a church I was
speaking at. Her grandmother introduced us to her 3 year old
granddaughter who “was a walking miracle.” The child’s mother had been on
meth when she found out that she was 32 weeks pregnant and “her tummy was flat
as a board." They didn’t know what to expect when the baby was
delivered. Would she have all her fingers and toes? What about her brain?
How would it be affected? When we first arrived in the packed
(small) sanctuary that night, this little girl was the one that stood out to me
above all the rest. She was adorable!! She was attentive and engaged in
the whole service. We overheard her grandmother prompting her to quote
John 3:16 to an older woman sitting nearby. She touched our hearts before
we even met her. Her grandmother said she was born without any problems.
Indeed, she was a walking miracle!<span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Q6. What is the most encouraging
part of this for you? </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. There
are two things that have been encouraging to me. (1) When pins do
not come in as quickly as they used to, God sends some form of encouragement.
Sometimes it is a person I have not met who contacts me, or sends me
pins, or I get a chance to speak somewhere about my project. (2) I
have seen so clearly how God has placed a passion to stand against
abortion on certain people’s hearts. I have found that even if I present
my project exactly the same to two different people, their reactions
can be quite different because of how God is working in each one. The
first person might respond with an “oh that is nice” comment and move on, while
the other might respond energetically, eager to help me in any way
possible. I have been so encouraged when God directs me to multiple,
like-minded, and passionate people during this project. <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q7. Why should people
send you pins? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. These pins, at the end
with the final display, will be a way to help our nation
be aware of how many babies have died. It is a way they can play a
part in bringing awareness. My prayer is that God will use this awareness
and the final display of pins to help Christians realize how many babies we
have lost and to stand up to change how our country views abortion. <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Q8. What was the
initial response and how has that changed?</span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. When people heard about my project, they were surprised
to see a young person being willing to stand up against abortion. But as
time has gone on, responses have varied. I think that it depends on who I
talk to, if God has already stirred in their heart a desire to stand up
against abortion, or not. I also think that the amount of time I spend on
the project affects the amount of pins I receive and the
number of responses as well.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q9. Who has given you
the most support? Pins? Emotionally? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. The most support in general, has been my mom. She has been
right there with me through every step, pushing me to take initiative and
to do it myself, while also being there for me if I need advice or an idea.
She has been the back bone of this project, though she won’t admit
it. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most support pin-wise, I would say is a church in our area.
They gave 50,000 pins after I spoke at their church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most
support emotionally, would be God, my mom, our prayer team, and my family.
Without all of them, I would have quit a long time ago. At our
church, there is a dear older lady who has been so sweet and supportive of my
project. When I told her about the project she hopped on board and asked
how she could help. I had no idea at the time, but she has been so
passionate about it and collecting as many pins as she can for me.
She has been extremely supportive and encouraging.<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q10. What is the
biggest surprise you experienced from the Project and why? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. Oh goodness, God sends such great surprises
to me nearly every time the project begins to feel slow. I would say that
the biggest surprise was when I contacted several Christian radio stations, and
Chris Fabry responded, asking me if I would come on his show! So I did,
and God worked through that to send me pins from people who had
heard me share about my project on the radio. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q11. Who is your public
inspiring figure and why? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. Honestly,
my role model is Jesus and if I had to pick an earthly one, it would be my
mom. She is always so strong and knows just how to get what needs to
be taken care of, completed in the most efficient way. She seems to
be always right and gives the best advice. Now, my dad is also my
role model. He is the most solid man you could ever find.
His counsel holds fast to God’s Word and he continually holds
up God’s Word as the guidelines for our thinking and way of life at home.
Both of my parents are my role models and I hope to, one day,
somehow reach at least a half of what they are!<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q12. Where do you store
the pins? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A. In Ziplock bags and in
cardboard boxes in our sunroom. My brothers help me count the
pins that are not sent in counted. (But, we do ask people to send in
their pins counted.)<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Q13.
What is the final goal for displaying them? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A. I have not fully created a final display.
But I want to create some sort of large container that looks like a large
baby bottle. Hopefully the container will be somewhat clear so that
people can see the pins inside. I hope to place the display in a public
area. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much, Alyson, for taking the time to do this Q&A and especially for dedicating 9 months of your year to this cause. God bless you in the last month of your collection and in your future endeavors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>All Alyson needs is ten people to send in 2,000 pins each by Thanksgiving and she will reach her goal. </b>Through Amazon Prime, 2,000 safety pins can cost as little as $10, 1,000 at $5 and so on. Go to opinyoureyes.com to learn where to send the pins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To learn more about oPIN, visit https://opinyoureyes.blogspot.com/ and follow the project on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/opinyoureyes/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and Instagram. Alyson shares easy links to Amazon to show your support with pins, pins, and more pins.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-79189673116608499842017-10-28T22:32:00.003-05:002018-01-13T17:11:36.048-06:00OctoberWe kicked off this beautiful month with an outreach at the University of Minnesota. I got to know the interns and my bosses better as we explored Minneapolis and made important decisions about the best place to find ice cream. Paul is my supervisor in the office, and Steve is the director of JFA, so I have two bosses. The outreach itself was a different experience for each of us, but we all saw God's hand at work. For more details on that, see <a href="http://cheerytype.blogspot.com/2017/10/outreach-at-university-of-minnesota.html" target="_blank">my blog post for Minnesota.</a><br />
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When we got back, Grace hosted a party for her friends who were visiting her from Louisiana. At this party which featured gumbo and good company, Grace surprised me with an early birthday present: a cheesecake. If my future were decided on a balance between "Stay with JFA Forever" and "Go Back to College", Grace is stacking the first side expertly.<br />
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This fun evening was followed by 24 hours in Oklahoma where I met some wonderful Pokes and shared the gospel alongside Tammy, Jon, and David. OSU was a peaceful campus with many questions for us. "What is the point of the poll?" "Are you selling something?" "How do you think the world began?" You never know what you're going to get, but every conversation is an opportunity to build relationship, find common ground, and respect every person.<br />
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Nearly two whole office weeks filled the middle of my month. I turned 22 and used that day to start reading The Hiding Place and explore Wichita a bit more. In the office, David and I have been replying to poll emails from the various campuses we visit, sorting through old files of JFA history, and helping out with random tasks which help the organization to run smoothly. I am unofficially the temporary librarian in the office because I put all the books in order and will dragon-like keep them orderly for the next month.<br />
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I've been attending my host family's small group as faithfully as possible with my busy travel schedule. We discussed the 5 Solas of the faith this month and I greatly enjoyed bouncing Scripture references off the other members of the group. They are a delightful collection of young parents and singles. Lord willing, I will be able to meet with them three more times before going home in December.<br />
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Random October adventures include a corn maze with new church friends, ice cream with Grace, walking on THE Yellow Brick Road, and riding a roller coaster in the Mall of America! There has been more dancing, and if I haven't been working, I've probably been crocheting, knitting, or cross-stitching.<br />
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Grace on the Yellow Brick Road in Liberal, KS</div>
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This past week in New Mexico was filled with answered prayers and unexpected laughter. Another 10 hours in the car to and from Albuquerque meant fun word games, riddle puzzles, and lots of jokes. This outreach was peacefully protested by a group from the university who stood a few yards away from us holding signs. They had chalked our area the day before with sayings. They were nice enough to engage a few of our staff in conversation about abortion before leaving. When people are expecting a fight, our organization is a disappointment. In contrast to this mindset, those in need of help are welcomed and provided for. Hundreds of conversations were held at UNM, some of those continuing in email form.<br />
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The space for our exhibit was covered in chalk-slogans from the Student Alliance for Reproductive Justice when we arrived on Monday morning (10/23/17)</div>
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On Sunday, Grace and I leave for Atlanta, GA where we will join other members of the staff to hold a seminar and outreach at Kennesaw State University. That event will close out October and welcome November. The last event of the internship will be Oklahoma in the middle of November.<br />
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Thank you for your continued prayers. I experienced only one nightmare this month and my health has remained strong. The training program is so helpful, teaching me all sorts of pro-life details that have been invaluable in conversation, especially at UNM. I'm two-thirds of the way through my internship and the idea of leaving to go home is hard to grasp. Please pray that my mind will stay engaged in my work through this final month and that my friendships here will grow stronger in their reflection of the Savior.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-29445872663460304792017-10-27T09:09:00.000-05:002019-08-08T09:53:53.638-05:00Real Conversation at UNM: "Will it end?""Will it end?"<br />
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I've been asked this question before. Not frequently, and usually not by people who describe themselves as pro-choice, but it has caused me to wonder for years. Will abortion ever end? Will it become illegal? Will Roe vs. Wade ever be reversed? For those of us who are fighting to this end, questions like these are ones which we struggle with commonly. A less-frequent question for me is this: "What next?"<br />
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I was asked both of these big questions at the University of New Mexico this week. One student on campus, William, saw Justice For All's exhibit from a window and thought, "This'll be fun." He wasn't wrong, but he didn't get the fight he was hoping for. William and I dialogued for two hours on Monday about abortion, justice, and the Christian worldview. He introduced me to his ideas about how the world works, the exceptions he found to be crucial for the justice of the women in hard situations, and there may have been some references to Star Wars. The next day, Tuesday, he came back to the exhibit. And he had questions. Between questions about JFA, aliens, and fears, he looked me right in the eye and asked, "Will it end?" He was asking if I thought abortion would ever be a thing of the past.<br />
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I sighed and prayed aloud, "Lord God... I hope so." Previous conversations where I've answered this question came to mind and recent conversations with Justice For All staff also spoke to my thoughts in that moment. Abortion really could end. Per JFA's mission statement, abortion really could become "unthinkable." I pray for a day where Roe vs. Wade will be reversed. It could be that I see a day where the millions who would have been surgically and chemically exterminated are safely entering the world and living their lives. I long for that day.<br />
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Explaining my hopes and dreams for the end of abortion over the course of the next few minutes was not enough. William listened patiently as I compared abortion to the United States slavery epidemic from 150 years ago and how the consequences of that time are affecting our nation today. Slavery may be over in that sense, but we experience the effects of it still. It will be the same for abortion, I said. When it is over... <i>when it is finally done</i>, our job will not be done. This world is forever changed by the way we have treated the weakest of our species over the past 45 years. Myself and pro-life advocates everywhere are ready to help people who are suffering the effects of a society which is embracing abortion. We know that our job will never be done in that sense and, more personally, Christians never expect our job to be over.<br />
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Knowing God helps us discover what we're meant to do in the time we're given on this earth. As Christians learn about God, we learn to care about what He cares about. He cares about His creation, so when it's being destroyed, it grieves Him and it has to grieve us. When abortion is over, the grief will still be there. We have to be ready to turn our care to the area of need. Today, there are so many areas of need. Right now, I'm concentrating on one of those areas in one college campus at a time, one person at a time. I told William that when this area is settled, with God's help, I will move to help whomever needs me. That's just how it goes. I can live my life no other way. Because if I believe God has the end of abortion in His plan, I have to believe He has a plan for what comes after.<br />
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I'm crying now as I write this. I want it to end. There are approximately 2,500 abortions every day in the U.S. alone. On the days I spent in New Mexico, around 7,500 lives were lost. At this rate, by the time Christmas rolls around, the U.S. will reach 60 million killed in 45 years. I have to believe it could stop.<br />
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Father God, please let there be an end to abortion. Give your people the humility, the strength, the grace, the compassion to extend Your love to every human being. Today, tomorrow, and after abortion is gone. Because the work will never be done, but Your faithfulness endures to all generations.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-67332417415356072192017-10-25T20:38:00.002-05:002017-10-25T20:38:41.415-05:00Outreach at the University of MinnesotaThere was a lot of rain in the forecast. We had been praying all week in advance that God would move the rain to a time that wouldn't interfere our outreach. We planned to spend Monday and Tuesday in conversations with the students at "the U" as they call it. We got to the campus early Monday morning after it had rained all night. Set-up was a breeze as we assembled the a-frame exhibit pictured here.<br />
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The weather remained cooperative all day. I arrived on campus with four other JFA team members. We were ready to start conversations at 9 am and would be there until 3 or 4 in the afternoon, depending on the weather. Throughout the day, we were joined by volunteers who had attended our training workshop the previous day.<br />
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Outreach moved slowly for the first two hours. I had a few short interactions with students who were willing to stop and chat before their classes. One student followed me to the side of the exhibit pictured above, where we discussed the nature of the unborn. He and I talked for a long time about human development.<br />
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Right at 11, the action started. One young lady wearing pink walked up to our sign and quietly wrote her objections on the Free Speech Board. On the side not pictured in the above photo, there are two contrasting realities: the care that people give wanted babies, and what happens to babies who are unwanted. One is a story of a Spina Bifida baby on whom a doctor performed a very precise surgery to repair the problem. It's a powerful example of the lengths people go to in order to protect and nurture wanted babies. Next to this story on the exhibit is a picture of a fetus aborted at 9 weeks. It's very difficult to look at and represents what happens to thousands of unwanted babies. The lady in pink said calmly that these examples were faked and used for propaganda. Steve, our director, did his best to meet her objections and respect her. She stated over and over again, "the ribs aren't developed by 9 weeks. I don't know [when they do develop], but it isn't then." After a few minutes of her trying to look up sources on her smart phone, but not finding any, and disregarding our sources, she finally said, "I don't know why I'm talking to you about ribs. It doesn't make a difference. In the end, a woman should still have control of her own body." She walked away.<br />
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During the time she had been there, she drew a crowd from how vocal she became. Those four or five people stayed to lecture Paul, our Chief of Operations, on the basis that his opinions and facts were invalid simply because he was a man and not a woman. He patiently listened and tried to understand them. After a long time, one lady in that crowd, who did most of the talking, looked at him and her demeanor relaxed. She said something to the effect of "you've been <i>listening</i> to me this whole time." She asked him for a hug before she walked away with a completely different attitude than she arrived with.<br />
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The rain came barreling in at 3pm on Monday. It was perfect. We wrapped up our conversations and took down the exhibit. That night, it rained again and caused us to delay our outreach by one hour on Tuesday. Nevertheless, we were back for our second and final day of conversations.<br />
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We bring a poll table to almost every event we host. "Should Abortion Remain Legal?" is the most common question we ask college students to weigh in on with their opinion. Sometimes we bring pads of paper for them to sign, but on rainy days, we use Popsicle sticks instead. Students can write their two cents on a stick and poke it into the foam on the YES or NO side. This picture with the poll table was taken on Tuesday, the next day. Grace is talking to a young man and I'm talking to a girl named Sierra*.<br />
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Sierra was one of the crowd who gathered around Paul on Monday, the day before. Her complaint at the time was that "only men were here trying to shove this offensive topic down women's throats." She was so concentrated on Paul that she didn't notice Grace or I standing around the exhibit, even though we were there the whole time. She left our exhibit unwilling to engage in conversation. On Tuesday, Sierra came back to add a Popsicle on the YES side. She addressed one of our volunteers saying, "did you bring any girls with you this time?" I was standing directly behind her, so I opened up conversation with her and watched in amazement as her combative spirit disintegrated during our conversation. We listened to each other, raised questions for each other, and found common ground all throughout the conversation. She heard our purpose and appreciated our gentleness and compassion in how we address the issue of abortion. In the above picture, we're laughing together. I didn't think that would have been possible 24 hours previously when I first saw her. After we talked, she, too, walked away with a completely different perspective.<br />
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Both days of outreach were difficult. It was hard to get students to stop and dialogue with us. And yet, God knew exactly what He was doing. The stories I told here are just a handful of the beautiful, challenging, and inspiring interactions we experienced. God took care of us with the weather and He blessed our outreach incredibly, teaching us to trust and be still as we watched Him work in Minnesota.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-13981134157753314682017-09-27T21:11:00.000-05:002017-10-17T11:43:07.765-05:00SeptemberI've officially been in Wichita for one whole month, a third of my internship. That blows me away. I feel as though I just got here maybe two weeks ago. The month has flown by. And it's been better than I hoped.<br />
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Here are some of the highlights of September:<br />
My host family, the DeJongs, are wonderful. They've welcomed me in with amazing hospitality. I attend their church, Heartland, and their small group has also made me feel at home here.<br />
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My first campus experience, complete with training workshop and one of the big exhibits, was extraordinary. The drive to and from Indiana and Kansas with my new team was hysterical and heart-warming. Getting to meet and work alongside Stephanie Gray was a huge blessing. The training is invaluable, and I'm running out of adjectives to describe the outreach. My favorite conversations from those two days on the Purdue campus are already in blog form, but the other 27 conversations have been running through my mind ever since, reminding me to pray for the people I talked to there.<br />
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Grace! Grace Fontenot took me under her wing immediately. We have bonded over cats, flowers, St. Peter, colors, dancing in every open space, and spontaneity. She is in JFA's 2-year internship after completing the 3-month internship last fall.<br />
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When I found out I would be coming to Wichita, I googled "Swing dance Wichita" and found the Wichita Swing Dance Society, which has been an incredible joy. I've made new friends, danced my feet off, and laughed freely most Sunday nights. I needed this and I appreciate it so much.<br />
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Random adventures: David (the other three-month intern) and I explored the Kansas State Fair (so very Kansan) two weeks ago; Grace introduced me to coffee shops and amazing bacon; we visited the Wichita Art Museum and the Gateway Arch; attended two concerts; even successfully navigated an escape room and laser tagging with Swing friends. So many adventures.<br />
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Looking forward:<br />
October holds exciting opportunities in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and New Mexico among others. I can't wait to experience the full 5-hour training seminar and meet dozens of students.<br />
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The hard conversations ahead are daunting. The topics of abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and infanticide are often raised and discussed as we attempt to understand and help those we come in contact with. The certification training program is preparing me for all kinds of conversations with all kinds of people.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me. I've experienced good health, peace, and unending learning opportunities. God has been protecting me so much, from nightmares as well. I'm surrounded by men and women who share my passion and are guiding me graciously in this journey.<br />
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God led me with a strong hand through this first month and I can't wait to see Him work through these next two months.<br />
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<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-43851720988318419172017-09-15T17:20:00.004-05:002017-10-01T21:32:47.974-05:00Real Conversation at Purdue University: Owl City and DNAI was standing off to one side, inside the barricade of the exhibit. I had just finished one conversation and asked God to let me have a few minutes before the next one. I was zapped and not sure when I would have enough energy for the next conversation. I could hear "Unbelievable" by Owl City wafting through the air. "That's so cool," I thought to myself, "there must be someone on a bicycle riding by playing that song." After a minute or so of zoning out, I tuned back into the song and realized it wasn't going anywhere. (You can tell I was tired.) The song was getting me excited, so I looked to my right and saw the bike that my brain had told me about!<br />
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Standing by his bike and writing something on the Free Speech board was Nick*. I ran over to him, leaned over the barricade and said, "Owl City!" Looking up from his writing, Nick said, "Yeah?" And went back to writing. Undeterred by his lack of enthusiasm, I read aloud what he had written, "Everyone is born equal. You can add or subtract to that value later." When I asked what he meant by that, he wrote, "All people are equal. Some people are more equal than others. -Orwell"<br />
<br />
I've read Animal Farm, but he had not, so I asked, "what are things that people do that you would say detract from their personal value?" He mentioned things like harming, demeaning, and killing people. We agreed together that abortion is included in his definition of killing. Instead of assuming we were on the same page, I directed the conversation to one of the fundamental points I've been taught to cover with people: "Is there a particular point in pregnancy where you would say abortions should not be done?" He considered this and said, "Around six or seven weeks when the heartbeat starts. It's not a person until then."<br />
<br />
We had built a good base for a friendship by this point, so I let some more of my sudden energy channel into my next question: "Would you believe me if I told you the heartbeat starts at <a href="https://www.justthefacts.org/get-the-facts/babys-heartbeat/" target="_blank">3 weeks</a>?" He seemed unfazed by this and just bumped his statement up to the line I had redrawn for him: "Then they shouldn't abort after three weeks." We talked for a while about why he thought heartbeat was the one thing essential to define the start of value in a person's life.<br />
<br />
Instead of debating this with him like I would have done before JFA, I called to mind a fact that I had learned the previous week. "Do you mind if I geek out for a minute?" (As if I hadn't been doing that this whole time.) "Go ahead," he said kindly. So I launched into an explanation of DNA, describing it as a box that is completely human, completely unique, and houses everything we as people can call our body. "The only things that change from conception to you and me are time and food."<br />
<br />
He considered that for a while and asked me to draw out the meaning. "Your heartbeat, the one you insist has to be present for value, is already present inside the box of DNA. It just needs time and food to turn into the beating heart and everything else. It's all right there from the very beginning." He thought about it, explained it back to me, and said, "then all abortion is wrong no matter when it happens."<br />
<br />
I did a happy dance and we talked on and off for<i> two more hours</i> about Christianity, Buddhism, feminism, and what it means to respect life. At one point, a Christian student joined our conversation and shared her testimony! Afterwards, my energy was waning and his was only increasing. It was 2 o'clock when I said, "Nick, I've loved talking with you. Do you mind if I go eat lunch now?" We exchanged numbers, and he cheerfully biked away.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-74973372198035012482017-09-13T22:59:00.000-05:002017-09-13T22:59:35.501-05:00Real Conversation at Purdue University: Overcoming StereotypesI barely had time to ask, "what do you think about abortion?" before she launched. For a few minutes, she unloaded on me with a constant stream of accusations. She was livid and she wanted me to know about the injustices that "people like [me]" were committing against unsuspecting pro-choicers.<br />
<br />
At first, there seemed to be very little space for me to use the three skills I had been taught in the Justice For All seminar before outreach: 1) Ask questions with an open heart. 2) Listen to understand. 3) Find common ground where possible.<br />
<br />
I employed the listening skill first. In her view, the pro-life movement was abusing women's health institutions, "demanding they close their doors because 'the hallways aren't wide enough.'" She had a list of complaints, but eventually she began to slow her tirade, realizing that I wasn't getting angry or contradicting her.<br />
<br />
Finding common ground was difficult, but there were opportunities. "I agree that there have been injustices committed by both sides." When she described the attacks on clinics, I could freely say, "Our organization does not condone any violence. We respect all life, especially yours." That caught her off guard and I think that was the first time she caught her breath in minutes. Her tone became more gentle, turning sad. She connected to this issue on a personal level.<br />
<br />
She had a friend who helped to calm her down. If Kylie* was the pro-choice representative, and I was the pro-life rep, then Sarah was the middle ground. She didn't really know what she believed.<br />
<br />
Since we had established that I didn't hate them, I asked a few questions. What would be a good solution to the problems they saw with certain laws? We talked about the adoption system and found more common ground there. What should be done to help women through their pregnancies? We thought through the difficulties of hypothetical pregnancies and I listened as they came up with good alternatives all on their own. I looked back over the past few minutes and noted aloud that we were having a civilized discussion even though we believed different things. Sarah excitedly agreed with me and Kylie frowned, but thanked me for listening to her.<br />
<br />
"I hope I gave you something to think about," Kylie said as she walked away. "You did," I said, "And I hope I did the same for you."<br />
<br />
Sarah smiled back at me as they left.<br />
<br />
*Names changedSusanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-74849512052794588242017-09-13T22:24:00.000-05:002017-09-13T22:24:19.258-05:00Real Conversation at Purdue University: PersuasionHe was standing off to the side, studying the exhibit. I walked up and asked what he thought.<br />
<br />
"I can't tell you what I think about abortion. My class is right over there. I'm about to do a lecture on persuasion. I don't want them to know what I think."<br />
<br />
I asked his name and realized I was talking to a professor. We talked about his PhD program and the culture's general perception of abortion. I deeply wanted to discuss this controversial topic with him, but I couldn't see an open door. I asked, "Do you have any questions?" To my surprise, he did.<br />
<br />
"What would you say is the strongest case against abortion?"<br />
<br />
It was one of the widest doors I have ever been shown, so I entered without planning my next words.<br />
<br />
"I believe the strongest case against abortion is science. Science says that life begins at conception, which makes abortion murder. We stand with science.<br />
"But I also believe that you cannot be 'against' something without being 'for' something else. I am for women. I believe that the strongest case for life is the women who experience pregnancy. They are scared, they need help, and abortion does not provide that help. I have never met a post-abortive woman who did not eventually regret her abortion. My goal is to prevent that pain by offering her a loving alternative, supporting her through her pregnancy and the life of her child as far as she lets me help.<br />
"The strongest case against abortion is science, but the strongest case for life is women. You can't have one without the other."<br />
<br />
He accepted my answer, thanked me for my time, and walked away.Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-30604969398082838512017-09-13T22:08:00.001-05:002019-08-23T14:04:20.919-05:00Real Conversation at Purdue University: "I'm a miracle!"I turned around after finishing one conversation and noticed her standing there, looking at the exhibit. I waved and smiled, "Can I ask you what you think about abortion?"<br />
<br />
Typically, when I ask that question, people stand there and ponder the question for a moment before answering, but she was ready. After smiling back, she answered with another question. "Say there's a terminally ill woman who is passing on her illness to her unborn child, shouldn't we give the woman the opportunity to end her pregnancy so that she doesn't have to watch her child suffer?"<br />
<br />
The question took me by surprise, but it reminded me of something I had learned from Stephanie Gray, a Canadian pro-life apologist. I asked this student if I could ask her another question and she said yes. "You have a friend on the other side of the world who calls you up and says, 'I just found out I have cancer and have only four months to live.' Do you wait until about month three and say 'I guess I should visit them?" Or do you take the next plane out?"<br />
<br />
She didn't hesitate at all. "The next plane! Absolutely!" This was very encouraging to me, so I followed up, "Of course! Now apply that to the mother in the hypothetical situation you gave me a moment ago."<br />
<br />
Her eyes lit up. "My mom did that!" She explained that her little brother had only been alive three days after he was born. Her mom stayed by his side every moment until he died. "I only wish I would have met him. I've never thought of him in relation to this before. I cannot stand by my question with that in mind."<br />
<br />
We exchanged some stories and I got her name. Then she came up with a new question. "Say there's someone with a terminal illness who doesn't want to live anymore because they are tired of knowing they're going to die. Should we give them the chance to choose assisted suicide?"<br />
<br />
Again, the question seemed to come from left field, but it brought to mind a question I find very important. I just asked, "Do you believe in miracles?"<br />
<br />
Immediately a light turned on in her mind and she burst out, "I'm a miracle!" Diving into her personal story, she explained that she was born with what her doctors described as a terminal illness. Defying the odds, she turned her few month diagnosis into the young woman standing in front of me. "I'm only here because of a miracle! I cannot stand by my question any more."<br />
<br />
We shared more stories about miracles we had witnessed in our lives. She wasn't a Christian, but she let me talk about the amazing things I have seen God do in my life and the lives of others. The last thing she told me was, "I would absolutely make every opportunity for a miracle to happen. I hope I get the chance to do that one day."<br />
<br />
And she walked away.<br />
<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-67391445306760137542017-09-13T21:40:00.000-05:002018-05-16T10:39:39.229-05:00Many Roads: From Desperation to WichitaAlmost exactly two years ago, I started asking God to let me go on an adventure. I wanted to be thrown out of my comfort zone, into a strange new land (like Michigan or Pennsylvania), and I wanted to help the pro-life cause while I was at it. I had no plan, so I put my feelers out. I sent job applications to crisis pregnancy centers in seven different states. Anyone could have told you I was desperate. One by one, phone call after email, God shut every one of those doors which had seemed so open and inviting. I couldn't understand why God didn't like my idea. "Anywhere, God, please, but here," was my prayer. He was asking me to stay home, and like the God He is, He gave me opportunities to face a few fears:<br />
<br />
-For a long time, I've been afraid that little kids don't like me. It always took them a while to warm up to me. So when I was asked to be a mother's helper for a wonderful family, I said yes. I learned so much letting a three-year-old drag me all over my hometown. She tore apart my fear and replaced it with hope.<br />
-Summer 2015 at the Chapel was hard for me and I was afraid it would only get harder. So when the director asked me to create a counselor position in the Chapel in 2016, I said yes. And I experienced the best summer yet. God let me train as a pro-life counselor and gave me hope to continue my cause.<br />
-During my nightmares, I developed a fear of dogs. So, every time over that year I was asked to watch dogs, I said yes. It was hard at times, but it was incredibly healing. God knew what He was doing.<br />
<br />
These roads through fears and hopes were not what I was asking for. Slowly, though, He taught me to be content. I stopped asking to leave. "Show me what you want me to do and I'll do it."<br />
So He sent me down more little roads that I didn't understand at the time:<br />
<br />
-I never technically signed up to help at Bible Day Camp, but I showed up and they put me to work. At the end of that week, our kids knew how to spell "Christian", put on several skits all by themselves, and were hugging me goodbye.<br />
-I didn't go back on Staff at the Chapel this summer, but I did visit my sisters several times. I was blessed over and over again by the camaraderie of 2017 Staff and was given the gift of leaving with peace each time.<br />
-I'm not good at dancing and it used to make me very self-conscious, but I attended nine dances this year. And loved every minute of those swing dances, contra dances, and Civil War balls. They were thoroughly unexpected adventures.<br />
<br />
On July 30th, I was offered an internship with Justice For All, a pro-life organization that does campus outreach all over the States. I applied and was accepted in two weeks. Two weeks later I packed my life into my car and drove to Kansas. I've been here for two weeks now. That blows my mind. After two years, God sent me on a road trip I never expected. "Would you ever have thought you'd end up in Wichita, Kansas?" One friend asked me when I got the news. "No," I answered, "never."<br />
<br />
So here I am, and I will be using this blog to keep people posted on what God is doing in this place I didn't know to ask for after He filled my days with one small road after another.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Chorus of "Many Roads" by Andrew Peterson</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Could it be that the many roads</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
You took to get here</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Were just for me to tell this story</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And for you to hear this song</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And your many hopes</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
And your many fears</div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Were meant to bring you here all along"</div>
</span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-70313412158619769292017-02-11T08:59:00.000-06:002017-08-22T22:20:22.529-05:00They Are Not RealFor a blog titled "Cheery"type, I've written a lot of things that haven't been cheery. I'm an optimist, so I thought it would be easier when I started this blog to write about happy things. Since then, I've realized that happiness isn't the core idea behind optimism. Keeping faith in the midst of hard things is more of the idea, and I want to share a story with you from the past couple years where I learned something new about faith. If you have or are experiencing a battle against your own mind, I hope my own battle can help you. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kShaHGgCARg/WJuERMSomxI/AAAAAAAABSw/VKU-rRlopdgwjNztfCJpGwoN9UBtMvrNwCLcB/s1600/Not%2BReal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kShaHGgCARg/WJuERMSomxI/AAAAAAAABSw/VKU-rRlopdgwjNztfCJpGwoN9UBtMvrNwCLcB/s320/Not%2BReal.JPG" width="273" /></a><br />
<br />
Tacked to a corkboard in my room is this black square of construction paper with the words "They are not real" written in chalk. It's right where I can see it when I wake up from a nightmare to remind me that the nightmares do not reflect reality in any way. I needed the reminder because, for a long time, I couldn't tell the difference between nightmare and truth.<br />
<br />
I haven't always struggled with nightmares. I never got them as a kid and I didn't understand what the big deal was. When mine started in 2013, I did some research on dreams and found very little for my effort. Nobody really understands what goes on in our brains while we sleep. That's why I'm writing this. Because there are those who defy the statistic that says that only children have nightmares. If those people are anything like me, they have felt alone and, frankly, crazy.<br />
<br />
They started gradually. A few scattered nightmares in 2012, followed by two months of consistent nightmares in summer of 2013. There were more in 2014, but it got bad in February of 2015 where I had one nightmare a week for four months. That spell clearly ended by the grace of God. A couple months later though, they came back... and that's where it got crazy.<br />
<br />
That August, the nightmares came back with a vengeance. They followed a terribly difficult summer. Confused by what God was doing in my life, I tried to get rid of these nightmares on my own. I relentlessly researched solutions, stayed up late and woke up early, tried new eating habits; I thought I tried everything. Nothing worked. On average, I had a nightmare every two days. Sometimes I could go a whole two weeks without getting one, and sometimes I would get four in one night. They just kept coming month after month after month.<br />
<br />
All this I was virtually silent about. By spring of 2016, three people knew how bad things were and they were praying for me. The problem was, I had given up praying for me. I accepted that I didn't understand what God was doing and just let it happen. I stopped trying to cover up the circles under my eyes. I forgot what rest felt like. That year, I accepted the fact that at least once a week I would wake up screaming, sweating, or afraid of whoever I had dreamt about. My understanding of what a nightmare was deepened painfully. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Some of my nightmares took people that I loved and changed them. Tweaked them. Gave them new personalities and replaced my memories of them with these new memories that were fake, but oh so real in my head. Because of the frequency and intensity of my dreams, I had forgotten who certain friends really were. Some nightmares involved the deaths of loved ones. Others, recurring ones, gave me new fears like a fear of big dogs and bad men. You see, when I woke up from a nightmare, it stayed in my head. That was the greatest struggle. I couldn't shake them. Images from what I had seen during the night followed me all throughout the day. They bothered me and dragged me down to the point where I was afraid to sleep. <br />
<br />
I didn't know how to tell others what I was experiencing. To me, it sounded crazy, dumb, as though I should know better than to be influenced by what I was seeing. It was embarrassing. Because there's nothing "actually wrong." Because it's inexplicable. I couldn't trust my brain to tell me the difference between a real memory and a memory fabricated by a dream. Sproul said one time, "At times, I myself am vexed by thorny questions about memory. I have had dreams so vivid and intense that years later I am not sure if I am remembering a dream or a real experience." <i>Real </i>seemed so far away. I was lost and defeated. When a year passed, I wrote in my diary, "I don't know how to hope that this trend will go away." <i>But it did.</i> After 13 months, it ended. <br />
<br />
The fears have faded. I've already forgotten most of the content of my 100+ nightmares, though there are some I may never forget. It's been three months since I had a nightmare. (I had a freak nightmare in late November. That was a big deal, and I'll explain in a minute.) That's the longest peaceful streak I've experienced in two years. <br />
<br />
What I've realized is that God doesn't always increase our faith by answering our prayers. "At other times, He leaves our problems but gives us His strength so that we can have victory over them on a day to day basis, thus revealing His sustaining grace." -Sande. Lots of times, He calls us to trust Him in the midst of hard things.
"Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child."
-Krippayne. I'm only beginning to understand the depths of this faith thing. I've failed many times and I know that failing is human and common and a battle that I will fight for the rest of my life. But God is gracious and faithful. "He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night. . . When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble..." Psalm 91: 4-5; 15.<br />
<br />
When the nightmares stopped in September, I started to seek advice for what I should do if they came back. I firmly believe that the nightmares stopped because of a conversation I had with my mother. I finally opened up to her about what I had been going through and she listened and helped me. This is the advice that she gave me for if the nightmares ever came back: to write down the details. To tell someone I trust. To pray immediately for faith, trust, peace. Then, one night in late November, I was given a chance to use this advice. I woke up screaming from the worst nightmare I've ever had and I immediately prayed. I wrote down the dream. I kept praying. I listened to music, prayed for the people in my dream, and was able to fall back asleep. Later that week, I told my best friend about my nightmare and she helped me get past it. I haven't had a nightmare since. There's no guarantee they won't come back, but I'm ready this time because I'm surrounded by people who love me and a God who understands.<br />
<br />
Moral of the story: <span style="font-size: large;">you're not alone. <span style="font-size: small;">You feel alone, you think it's better that way, but it's not. Seek out help. Talk to God. Don't stop talking to God. Tell people you trust and ask them to pray for you and with you. They won't understand. Your battle is different from theirs, different from mine, but just because we don't understand doesn't mean we can't help. People wanted to help me, but I didn't ask them. When I finally did, they responded lovingly. Reach out and let people reach out to you. It makes a difference. It might not make the trouble go away, but you will have help. God gives strength to those who ask. </span></span><br />
<br />
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
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<![endif]-->Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-25500131042724088912015-10-06T08:04:00.001-05:002018-02-23T12:11:52.035-06:00My Doctor Who Scarf ProjectsA few years ago, one of my best friends introduced me to Doctor Who and the 4th
Doctor's scarf, one of the show's iconic accessories. In the autumn of 2013, I
decided to learn how to knit, and my friend kindly pestered me about
knitting the 12 foot long scarf for him. In January of 2015, I finally
did. Since then, I have made a test scarf for myself, an improved one for him, two commissions for friends, a custom blue version for my crazy uncle, an Etsy commission, a custom edition for my
little sister (the width is two stitches narrower than the original), and the season 18 "red" scarf.<br />
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Each scarf took between twelve days and four weeks to complete. I was ridiculously excited for the first one. I basically only stopped to eat and sleep between Christmas Eve and mid January. The fastest was the most recent original.<br />
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The first day the scarf on the left was delivered, it weathered snow, twigs, sawdust, and sweat. Since then it has stretched to 14 feet and visited several states. The scarf on the right is mine. It has gone from 10 feet to 10 and a half feet and has seen less travel. Another difference between the scarves is that my scarf used a green yarn that was discontinued before I was able to stock up for the other scarves. The latter green was worsted, which assisted in most of the second scarf's expansion.<br />
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My first commission! I met the recipient of my third scarf and nerded out with her about the show and all the places this scarf would visit. Her's also sports the later, more vibrant green.<br />
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The blue version was my favorite challenge. I searched craft stores including JoAnn fabrics, Michael's, A.C.Moore, and Hobby Lobby for weeks before finding the perfect combination of six blues and one complimentary gray. The pattern is the same as the original except with eight tassels instead of the recommended ten.<br />
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This was taken the day I completed the first project, before I even put the tassels on. It measured ten and a half feet, shorter than expected because I accidentally used the wrong gauge needles.<br />
The scarf project has been the theme of my year, so far taking up about six months. I've learned a lot about patience and dedication in the process. Investing in the yarn, tools, and time was a commitment almost as big as my part-time job earlier this year.<br />
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My last project this year was the "red" scarf from season 18.
Before stretching, it measured 13'6'' long, 10'' wide. I knitted it in 2
and a half weeks using acrylic yarn. It took another week and a half to
put the ends in, crochet the edging, and put all 42 tassels on. My
sister looks like the Doctor's companion, Tegan, so she did the modeling
for me.<br />
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<br />Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5244755413900394695.post-81924478873452368592015-05-05T17:04:00.001-05:002015-05-05T17:18:02.555-05:00The Friendship Poet - InterviewRecently, Ophelia-Marie Flowers (who I've mentioned before) published her third book of poetry! Entitled "Colored Highlights and Drifting Shadows ~ Friendship's Moments", Ophelia's book covers many aspects of the wonderful and changing world of friends that she inhabits. I had the honor of being included in this book and now I'd like to return the favor and showcase Ophelia and her work here for all of you.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">1. What is your book about?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />"This book is about friendship, in its varies forms and changes.<br />'Friendship is full of highlights and shadows. Sometimes it is bright and joyful as we learn, build trust, grow, and laugh together. Other times it is dark and confusing as we get hurt, question, change and sometimes even break apart.<br />In many ways, friendship changes who we are - the way we view the world, how we live, what we reach for, and who we trust. It is a reminder of our fallen nature - It is an even greater reminder that we are not meant to walk alone.<br />This book of poetry, quotes, and scripture explores both the joys and pains bound in friendship, and seeks to share many of the lessons we learn from each other.'"<br /><br />2. Who inspired you to publish your works?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /> "<a href="http://jgracepennington.com/" target="_blank">J. Grace Pennington</a> inspired me when I was about sixteen years old to publish my writing. She was and is a big encouragement to me, and having her faith in me really pushed me to pursue publishing. You know those type of people you just right-off- the-bat look up to? Grace was that to me... She has been a precious friend and inspiration for several years now. She also taught me to appreciate, and then love, free-verse poetry."<br /><br />3. Of the poems in your most recent book, which is your favorite and why?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />"The poem, "A Day With You" was written to my best friend. It chronicles a normal weekend at her home, and captures to me the love and joy I feel with her family. When I read it, I remember the wonderful times spent with her. We've been friends since I was about 8, and I have many fond memories of our times together over the years."<br /><br />4. Does music help or harm your creative process? If it helps, what music?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />"If it is free-verse, music can help me get in the mood. I actually have created a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PL0ciW4Mp-x92LJtcDkU67e9eua3872" target="_blank">Youtube</a> playlist with a few songs about friendship.<br />When I write poetry that rhymes I often end up with tunes in my head that help me with the rhythm. If that is the case, listening to outside source music can be distracting and make me lose my beat."<br /><br />5. Where can people find out more about your writing and books?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />"I am hosting a giveaway on my <a href="http://in-which-i-talk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, and more details are there. :)"<br />Here is a picture of the giveaway prizes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am so thankful for my friendship with this talented young lady. Her passion for God, writing, and dragons have brought us close and I pray we remain so throughout our lives. You rock, ZA! <3</span></div>
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Susanna Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01997306845334244398noreply@blogger.com0