Dear Self-Condemning

I have to work to receive God's love… At least in this season I’ve come to believe that.

The thing is, I know how to share the gospel like the back of my hand. But I’ve come to realize that every time I was preaching God’s grace there was a whisper saying, “Yeah but you’re the exception."

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Something About Nature

There’s just something about nature, isn’t there? I’m not sure if there is anything I enjoy more than being surrounded by mountains and lakes and rivers and rocks and trees and dirt and moss. I know I’m not alone in this sentiment; vistas and scenic spots are sought and visited by people in all corners of the globe. Just the fact that we have national parks tells us something about how much we value these beautiful places, not only because they’re pretty, but because we want to preserve and enjoy them for generations to come.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Inspiration vs. Insecurity (for the artists)

WORDS // KATEY LEE

This is one is for the artists.

Have you ever looked at someone else’s art and been so awestruck with inspiration that it kinda almost made you angry? That little voice in the back of your mind that says, “why didn’t I think of that?” or “I could never make something that good.” Well, my fellow artist, I’ve got some news for you. That’s not inspiration. That’s insecurity. It’s jealousy. It might even be bitterness or resentment. There is often a fine line between these, at least for us artists when it comes to our art, and I don’t think it’s something that we talk about very often.

 

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Sincerely KindredComment
Spring Break!

BY JESSICA BILLS

Our LORD created everything in this physical world in six days. Yet the creation story is quantified as seven days. But what did the Creator do on the seventh day if His work was already done?

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Sincerely KindredComment
Planner Turned Wanderer

BY MARISS EANES

I used to be the biggest planner around. I used to enjoy structure and certainty. I  used to like knowing specifics of where? What time? How many people will be there?

The worst part is that I would be let down if plans did not play out the way I pictured and I would feel even worse if they fell through.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Dear Rejecter of Truth

BY JESSICA PITZEK

You are hurting yourself more than you know. You might say, I can’t love or accept love unless I know WHO is giving it. 
But listen here, that is doing you no good.

For some time, I stayed clear of God. I rejected the notion when people told me that He loves me.

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Tips For Freelancers Part 2

BY SONYA SINGH & TIM KOTHLOW

Say yes with confidence, then Google with abandon.

It’s the 21st century’s version of “Fake it till you make it.” Not only should you always take jobs you’re qualified to do (we don’t get to be choosy at this stage of our careers), but also agree to opportunities that are just outside your comfort zone. Then, Google your way through it at home. Of course, I can’t Google my way through your kidney transplant (but thank you for asking me to do it — so thoughtful), but I can certainly spend all evening on industry blogs and YouTube to learn how to assist you while shooting a wedding, for example, even though it’s not quite like my usual assignments within live music.

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Cheers to You: Desktop Download

Dear Kindreds,
We hope your art has been inspired and your spiritual growth is  perpetually blooming. 
We pray your relationships give your opportunities to be stretched and encourage others.
And we ask you to enjoy the quiet beauty of God's creation whether in a bird chirping, a flower reaching for light or the peace of tonight's sunset.

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Dear Doer,

BY MARIE KING

You’re killin’ it. That to do list. Boom. Done.

Those days are awesome, aren’t they? Wake up at 6, put the hot water on the stove. Read, pray. Remind yourself who you belong to and what He has given you for the day. Get your butt to the gym. Work hard. Go to work, and handle each task with care. Lunch. Wow, that was really encouraging. More work. Home. Class. Pay attention. Put your freaking phone away. Hurry home so you can see the roomies before everyone goes to bed and you have to go to bed and do it all over again.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Love Languages: Words of Affirmation

BY SAM PALENCIA

Words can be undervalued. Often a greater attention is put towards action. However, for those whose love language is words of affirmation, words hold such importance and are essential. 

For me, that means that words stick and I value them above most other things.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Dear Performer

BY SARA THOMAS

Bright white lights kick on, the stage curtains sweep off to the sides and the show begins. You’re center stage and the hammering in your chest feels all consuming; you feel it in the shaking of your hands, the pounding in your head, and the pitter-patter of your being. But you breathe out that first line, or take that first pirouette and suddenly it comes back to you. The show goes on, the audience laughs, cries, and sighs and. End scene.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Love Languages: Acts of Service

BY SIENNA NAGGAR

My primary love language is Acts of Service. To me, this sounds like the most narcissistic of all the love languages. “Hey, I feel super loved because you just served me. Thanks.”

If this is your love language, it can be a tough pill to swallow. Often times it can be misunderstood as a demanding love language or an ungrateful one. I think I have played to both of those sides. Oops.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Me Shell Designs

BY JESSY BAUGH

Whenever people ask me about myself and what I like to do one of my first answers is that I love the beach.  Honestly, I feel like I was made to live by the beach, which is perfect since I grew up in a home that is filled with shell and driftwood art handmade by my parents and myself.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Love Languages: Quality Time

BY JESSICA BILLS
 

The people I feel closest to are the people I spend the most time with.


I mean, that makes complete sense. No poetry here. That’s just logic. But is there more to loving someone who feels the most loved from quality time?

See, the need for quality time (or any of the other love languages) is something ALL people need at different times.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Tips for Freelancers

BY EMILY POULIN & JESSICA BILLS

Be honest with clients and yourself about timelines. Don't over promise or put yourself in a difficult spot. No one wins in that situation.

Say no! There are other designers besides you in the world -- if you're not a good fit or don't have time/ interest it is perfectly okay to bow out. This is really hard at first but gets easier, giving more time for projects you really want.

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Sincerely KindredComment
Love Languages: Gifts

BY KATEY LEE

Gifts is probably the most misunderstood love language out of the five. It is pretty easy to understand how spending quality time with someone, saying kind words, serving someone, or hugging someone would show them love. But gifts? So what, they just want people to buy them presents all the time? That just sounds selfish and materialistic. At least on the surface it does because people just see the gift without understanding the significance behind it.

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