Once again it's been a while. I think that's an on brand thing for me these days.

College and the senior year of high school combined is something else so I'll continue to be absent around here but I will try to post once a month and remind everyone that I'm still alive! ;) But this month I'm super excited to be presenting to y'all a collaboration with WONDERFUL

*Drumrolllllllllllllllllllllllllll*

IVIE

So what's the collab? We spent September reading Ecclesiastes together and discussing it (when our busy schedules would allow xD) but I would a 100% do it again. There's nothing like having that motivation and partnership to read the Bible. There were so many moments when the devil attacked me and told me I was too busy and then by some wild sort of coincidence (not really) Ivie would text me something i really needed to hear. God sure knew what he was saying about there being strength in numbers.

ANYWAY RAMBLE OVER…

On to the collab!

IVIE'S PERSPECTIVE

Hello, everyone! Thanks, Anna, for having me here. <3

So, Ecclesiastes is a very deep book, filled with a lot of knowledge and wisdom. Upon first glance, you might think it to be depressing. It starts off with someone known as The Preacher or The Teacher depending on what translation you use. The Preacher is often known for saying everything is vanity. That can be a huge downer. But, if you look a little closer and a little deeper, you’ll find this book can impart just as much wisdom as Proverbs can.

As I went through my reading, I took some notes of things that really stuck out to me.

“...all is vanity and grasping for the wind.”

This stuck out to me a lot. The Preacher kept saying everything was done in vain because we all die in the end. This was depressing to see at first, but the deeper you dive into the book, the more knowledgeable it becomes.

As the book goes on, the Preacher goes on to say that there is a time for everything under Heaven and purpose behind all that happens on this Earth.

This meant a lot to me. In the season of life I’m in right now, there’s a lot of chaos going on, things that I wish I could change, but I can’t right now. And it’s hard. But I know that this is a season of growth and change for me, that I’m learning something and all these battles I’m facing are for a greater purpose. This brings me encouragement

I could go on and on about the knowledge of this book, but here are some key things I took from my time reading it:

- Everything has a purpose.

-Being wise is better than being popular.

-Selfish labor of the hands is in vain. Nothing done selfishly will bring any good.

-Never make vows because you never want to give your word and not keep it.

-Be slow to anger and be patient.

-Obey authority. (This is a big one since many don’t seem to do that)

-Enjoy life because we all have the same outcome.

-Be diligent in seeking God early in life.

-Having God in our lives will help us withstand the storms that will be thrown at us.

This study brought me lots of joy and it taught me a lot about wisdom and life. I fail everyday to seek God first, but that is something I choose to work on. God doesn’t make me seek Him. I have to actively pursue Him.

And I fail, but He is there, waiting for me as I run to Him. He has my life in His hands and I trust Him.

To me, God is everything. Yet, I often neglect my time with Him, something I really want to improve on.

Guess what? It’s okay to not be perfect. That was Jesus. We are not Jesus.

We are God’s children and we fail everyday. But He loves us anyway and He watches out for us all the time.

And I can have peace knowing that.  

ANNA'S PERSPECTIVE

Nothing makes sense

How many times in your life have you been at that point?

When nothing makes ANY more sense.

I know I have been, and so when I opened the book of Ecclesiastes maybe for the millionth time for some reason I chose to see it with new eyes. Not eyes that had read this all before. And boy it hit home.

The story of a person who has tried it all and yet is still lacking all.

Actually not of any person, the story of one of the wisest persons. I don’t know about you but that never fails to bring me some comfort. That Solomon, one of the wisest persons in the entire bible was asking himself these questions just like all of us.

In no way could i possibly cover the mine of gold I reaped from Ecclesiastes but I will try to recount some of those eye openers for you.

“The more you know

The more you hurt

The more you understand

The more you suffer”

Boy something about this verse hit so close to home. Yet I came to a big realization during this verse. Remember that quote in Divergent? “Fear doesn’t shut you down, it wakes you up.” I think it’s a lot like that. Yes, pain can shut you down but if used in the right way it can wake you up.

I feel like as a whole society we appreciate distraction from our pain and in fact we have developed these mechanisms to numb us and distract us from all the brokeness in our world.

There is a time for everything,

   and a season for every activity under the heavens:

 a time to be born and a time to die,

   a time to plant and a time to uproot,

   a time to kill and a time to heal,

   a time to tear down and a time to build,

 a time to weep and a time to laugh,

   a time to mourn and a time to dance,

   a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

   a time to search and a time to give up,

   a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

   a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

   a time for war and a time for peace.

I love this chapter so much because number one it’s sheer poetry.(as a poet stuff like that excite me irrationally) And also that no matter how bad everything is now there will be a different time under the sun.

And because I don’t want to make this too long, I'll cut to the end.

The MOST important part of all

That after all that life is. The sensible, the insensible. The big loop of confusion it can be...only one thing really matters.

Now all has been heard;

   here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

   for this is the duty of all mankind.

For God will bring every deed into judgment,

   including every hidden thing,

   whether it is good or evil.

And this is what it really means. Despite the changing times, the difference of the lives we live, our comparable judgements. To enjoy life while we are here but most importantly follow in the steps of Jesus.

Powered by her love of creating new realities, Ivie Brooks began writing at the age of fifteen. Armed with a love of words and the joy of escaping reality for a little while, she pens stories of all lengths on her purple laptop. When she's not writing (because, unfortunately, she can't write all the time) she's most likely dreaming about her next novel or chasing plot bunnies in her head.

You can find her at Ivie Writes, her blog, or Ivie Brooks, Author, her website.

 

What do y’all think? Any lessons you have learned from Ecclesiastes and any thoughts about our observations?

Also could you do me a huge favor and comment your blog links down below because my blogger app is wacky and I’d read your posts on my phone so PLEASE SHARE!

Today we're going to visit the MindsetSpacecraft™

(it's gonna be a long visit but please...PLEASE hang on until the end. It's super important!!!) 

"What in the world is the MindsetSpacecraft™?" you ask

As weird and unknown as it sounds, you've probably been on it one time or the other. It has countless rooms and divisions...in fact MindsetSpacecraft™ is so attractive and desirous you probably got on without even knowing. It's shiny and beautiful and it only takes a glance to see this spaceship contains everything you've ever wished for. 

But let me break your illustrious illusion for a nitty gritty behind the scenes tour. Squint a bit and you'll notice that MindsetSpacecraft™ seems to flicker from it's beauty to a junkpile. It's one of the most confusing phenomenons, how this being seems to change under different lights and perspectives. It's almost dangerous and daunting and I don't blame you for denying what you've just seen. Because that's exactly how tempting & hopeful the MindsetSpacecraft™ is.

Now meet the owner of the ship:Captain Expectation, He is tall and handsome. Beware as we speak to him, he has bewitched thousands to attachment. I don't know if it's something in his dazzling dark eyes or if it is his enveloping presence. How he places his hand ever so gently on yours at the right time, binding you to adoration for eternity. Even I, who has known him since forever, struggle to resist his draw.

 Here, let us follow him through the rooms his spaceship contains, meet the passengers of this famed utopia. 



"Hello Kass!" I hail a girl with long brown hair, her eyes strangely glazed...her smile faint. She stands in the hallway carrying a large phone. We all can't help notice how perfect she is, from her almond eyes to her straight white teeth, her makeup is minimal and impeccable. Her clothing are in the latest style, a smooth white body skimming dress that seems to sparkle against her smooth light brown skin. Kass has been here for a very long time. Not many people can undergo the stress of the MindsetSpacecraft™ the way she has. 


"She seems to have made it!" you whisper to me as we follow her and the Captain down the hallway. 
"Ahh..." I look at Kass with pity. "But for all her beauty and poise she is fake. Her skin bleached, her eyes operated on, her eyelashes glued on, her body a product of decades of work and injections. She looks perfect doesn't she? Almost unreal, yet she can't stop, can't accept that even at this level she is perfect."
You seem shocked, amazed that this could even be possible. 
"Would our guest care to visit the cafeteria?" Captain swivels around.
We both nod and follow his quickening steps. I know that there is no possible resistance to any of Captain's requests, especially not one so easy.

Passing by a bustle of noise in Cafeteria #1: Yellow Zone...I notice your eyes widen and you smile. Everyone in that room seems to be attired in cozy sweaters, someone wears a dress with winking kitties all over it. People bury their noses in thick books while sipping steaming mugs. "Trying to catch up with my TBR!" A blonde guy yells as he serves his meal. He's explaining his double tasking to a curious visiting girl from the Blue Zone.

But Cafeteria #1: Yellow Zone is not our destination, Captain hurries us over to Cafeteria #3:Green Zone. Kass sucks her breath in before she enters, you grimace noticing the sparse company and contents of the cafeteria.Captain notices "Dear guest, we must be careful to respect our goals and expectations, green zone is where Kass belongs." 

Kass' hand quivers, she slides her phone into her Kate Spade purse and picks up the salad tongs gingerly. For the abundance of healthy green things in this cafeteria she makes a salad that looks incredibly delicious. Arugula greens scattered with roasted pecans, chickpeas, cranberries and the tiniest drizzle of hazelnut oil. 

We sit down at one of the tables. You try not to laugh because Kass is practically shooting her meal with her phone camera. I on the other hand bite my lip. I know what follows. 
"Would you care to follow me on Instagram?" she says brushing a tiny crumb of her lap."My username is Kass_Herschlifestyle"

 "Sure!" You smile thinking of your own tiny instagram page. 

Many hours later, after watching Kass blog, photoshoot, order new products, fix a minor online shop problem with a specialist, and a gym visit. It is already 2 o'clock. Our day has flown by.

"(your name in this blank), you seemed to enjoy the Yellow Zone...how about we spend the remainder of our visit there?" Captain suggests, smiling at you. I can only imagine how your heart floats in your chest right now. 


"Of course." You barely breathe. The Yellow zone is my favorite too for it is the home of the most low ranking, under appreciated artists. Artists that are just like me. 

"Hey cap!" We recognize the same blonde haired guy that was reading his book in the cafeteria earlier. He has a dimpled smile, messy hair and freckles span his gaunt face. Most wouldn't consider him attractive but I find him charming enough. He sits at the table his fingers hammering even while we stand around him. "Trying to finish this first draft..." He explains apologetically glancing at Captain Expectation. 

"Does he ever go outside? He looks so pale! When it's nice out, i work on my book outside!" You whisper loudly to me.

"Not part of my aesthetic." He grins at the screen, because you whispered a little too loud. "I go to get enough vitamin D, but it's not my thing. I can always see what things look like on Pinterest, plus the world looks better that way."

Your jaw drops in shock and I give you a knowing look. After all, the MindsetSpacecraft™ is a strange place, while you refused to see the flicker to a junkpile in the beginning you will learn the hard way what a deceiving and horrible place this is.

"I needdd chocolate but I wanna finish this!" He whines. Most of the afternoon is spent this way, I read one of the books on his physically towering TBR. Captain scrolls his tablet for new recruits and you bring Boswell chocolate and whatever else he demands while trying to make small talk. I can tell you are deeply disappointing because one of his published books is your favorite but he simply cannot peel his eyes of his own work to appreciate one of his fans. It ruins all the charm he could have.



"Well my dear guests, unless you choose to stay...it's time to say farewell." Captain interrupts me in the middle of my book. 

I sigh looking at the setting sun outside of the spacecraft windows. My eyes close for a moment and I breathe a silent prayer for all those stuck here. Boswell has finished his typing and the library is strangely silent. Only a silent buzz plays in the background. I will myself to stand.

"Come on..." I take your hand and we walk out of the large library and into the hallways. 

"What's that!?" you run to one of the wall and press your ear against it. A creak back and forth, back and forth. Peeking into the slightly cracked door we see Boswell, rocking back and forth on his rocking chair. Tears running down his cheeks, his fists clenched as he stares at the setting sun across him. The light floods his face and his voice cracks as he begins to cry. I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH. the words appear all over the walls of his cabin. 
 

You turn to me deeply disturbed. I nod and my chest rises, it hurts me too. 
"You didn't follow Kass..." I try to change the subject while teaching you a different lesson.


Our walking slows and you raise your head from your phone as we walk down the spaceship ramp into the desolate wilderness.

"Here she is...well would you look at that!" You click on her latest instagram post, it is the picture of the salad she took at lunch. It looks so different, yes it looked delicious at lunch but here it looks perfectly irresistible, its colors popping 10 times brighter than before. Your eyes wander down to the caption.

"Feeling empowered today, diet is such a huge part of feeling happy! Eating well helps me feel more beautiful and strong. What does it do for you? Also make sure to enter the latest giveaway on my blog!
#powerday #joysoflife #goodfood #foodphotography #happy #KassHersch"

Your interest turns into confusion, a frown. "She didn't look happy at all! For goodness sake I only saw her smile in the photoshoot and that was as fake as smiles come! But I don't know...maybe-"



"Turn around." I nod towards the MindsetSpacecraft™ which we are yards away from already. 

You gasp. The shiny beautiful craft is a dented, dull, horrid pile of trash. It's beauty has turned into a landfill. Screams fill the landscape, a strange sound rattles...it is the sound of shackles and chains, the cries that come are so heartbroken, the faces that appear from the ruins so destitute that you cannot help but break down.

Your hands fly to your face in horror as helpless tears streak your face.

Because the beauty you imagined was all a lie, and now that this harsh reality has woken you up  
you can see

The kisses you desired from Expectation were hard punches.
The neat divisions, the personalities were empty shells.
The goals and schedules were shackles and chains.
The Mindset was just a huge ugly lie

A huge ugly lie to keep you going
to keep you from finding the life you were meant to live
to chain beauty and enslave humanity 





Dear Generation,
Don't get aboard the MindsetSpacecraft™
It hurts to get on and it hurts even more to get off
We've lost people to it.
We're losing more than ever to
Depression, Anxiety, Mental Disorders
And the even more painful progression to
suicide and crime. 
Captain Expectation doesn't care, his last name is society. He doesn't love you and he never will.
You can work your butt off but it'll never be enough for him. Turn to the Captain that removes chains, His name is Jesus. He'd die for you.

Dear Generation,
Be kind.
We're all scarred here.
We're all working through varying levels of pain. 
We all believe in different things
We all have our own tastes, the things we love to do...
but deep deep down
under this skin, under these bones
we each have a beating heart
the same blood
we're all human here, we're connected
let's stop hurting each other
We all make mistakes, but let's stand up
Understand that we can't always understand

Here is my hand to hold
My ear tries to listen but it fails so often
My heart wants to love but it fears so much
My hands want to heal but they break so many things
My arms are open but I have myself to protect

But under all this
under all my shortcomings
under my image 
under my worn out heart
i care...

{ all pics via pinterest}

In the past almost two weeks, my family lost wifi due to some network issues.  (just regained it yesterday night)

And boy when you don't have internet anymore it hits you. 

Like whabam, truck to a little car hits you.

No more of my normal music, no more checking social media, no more pinterest  :) *gasps*, no more movies, no more youtube videos, no more homework help, no more texting friends, no more beta reading, no more blogging, no more checking stocks for my co-op's stock market game, no more collaboration and working on certain projects .

We are so dependent on the internet it's almost insane.

Seriously!

And during these two weeks without internet I have been deeply reflecting on the internet and how it affects our creativity and generally my realization has been that above anything...

the internet makes us so lazy,

At least for myself...when I'm sick and tired of my math homework, I pull up youtube or get lost on social media.

Currently I am feeling the consequences of that, I'm still at A's but getting to the point where I'm really worried about that test on Monday.

too much internet and your creative juices are just gone

I've only written a few thousand words these weeks but I've not written that much for almost half a year.

 But on a deeper note many of the problems we have from the internet are self inflicted.

It is my own laziness and lack of will that leads me to escape to youtube when I'm tired of dealing with my siblings or homework.

It is my own lack of determination that puts aside writing to dawdle on pinterest.

My own human weakness that will put entertainment above what is good for me.

Now don't get me wrong, the internet has also helped me in many ways.

From all of the awesome people and interactions I've been a part of

to the incredible inspo I have received from reading blogs and browsing pinterest 

There is a very fine balance between dangerous and helpful

Too much internet time will make you severly depressed

will make you lose sense of time and purpose

will dehydrate your creativity

and bring on a fake sense of having to build up this world that honestly doesn't even exist

But just enough and you are helping yourself with

incredible resources

interacting with a community similar to yourself

receiving inspiration

learning new things

Starting today as in picking up from last week, I am continuing my goal to be more purposeful about what I do here on the world wide web.

I would suggest you pull up the sticky note application on your computer before you even pull up google chrome (or whatever other browser you use :P) and write down everything you are hoping to accomplish in this session. Look at the time and be purposeful about when you are going to get off.

Even better, start the day by writing up a little schedule instead of searching your brain and thinking "Oh what do I have to do again??? Was it really that important??" You'll head off to your next task knowing what you have to do and your brain will feel SO refreshed from the switch of activity.

Honestly I really recommend the post Abiee published today: 5 Things You Should Be Doing EVERY DAY To Stay Creative + Focused!  She put all the gold in one post and I couldn't agree more with all of her statements. In fact I almost feel like she was the muse for my post today so please do check her post out!

A few more nuggets of advice? 

- Follow your inner clock. For example my creative flow always comes at night/evening for some weird reason. The evening/nighttime has always been the best writing time for me, so I generally try to make time for it then.

- Use modern tech to your advantage, download audiobooks for free on overdrive and listen to them on the road or while you are doing chores.

- Carry around your journal or a notebook so you can jot down thoughts when they come to you. So many of my poems would not exist today if it wasn't for recording an amazing line that just popped into my head.

- Don't procrastinate, answer emails as soon as you can. Complete your homework the soonest possible etc. You will make much better use of your time that way!

How does the internet help you? How does the internet bother you? Share your thoughts!

 And how are you all doing? How's life :)? 

I have a little cold that's mixing with allergies *sigh*  Also I finished Cress and azbxdhzk THE SHIPS, it's so good!!! I can't wait to start Winter. *squeals*

“‘I will take away their harvest,
declares the Lord.
    There will be no grapes on the vine.
There will be no figs on the tree,
    and their leaves will wither.
What I have given them
    will be taken from them.’”

(Jeremiah 8:13)