Dear Santa, I have an unusual request this year. I assume that I'm on the 'nice' list again, but I'm hoping you can leave a single lump of coal in my stocking this Christmas. Lest you think I'm being altruistic or sacrificial, let me assure you this is motivated entirely by self-interest (which should make me a shoe-in for the 'naughty' list next year). ![]() Allow me to explain. I'm a writer and I need a little tension to get the creative juices flowing. That's right. I'm asking for some angst in my life. Some drama or injustice. Nothing too severe, mind you. A lump of coal in a good girl's stocking should do the trick. It's then that I'm at my literary best. When everything is smooth sailing I find my words are utterly vanilla. Boring. Monosyllabic. Uncreative and uninspiring. Photo cred This is not the stereotypical brooding artist syndrome. I'm an optimist. But I love to analyze (some have said over analyze) so I crave an emotional dilemma or spiritual battle. I began blogging in earnest three years ago. My job was in jeopardy and I had 75 days to accomplish a list of objectives in order to have a shot at keeping it. Writing about it saved me. ![]() The words came easy and helped clarify my emotions. Some days they vindicated me. Other days they convicted me. In the end, the job remained mine. I met my goals and proved my worth. Through the process I was changed and my public journal was evidence of God's transforming work. But there was more. A spark had ignited and now I needed to write. Photo cred Only what would I write about with the crisis passed? ![]() Over the next two years I experimented with different styles. I wrote about every day stuff and parenting stuff and spiritual stuff. I tried being descriptive and prescriptive and instructional and theological. But, today as I review my past years' work, I find I have the most joy in my writing when I'm processing pain or searching for clarity in the midst of confusion or exposing my embedded spiritual blind spots and mis-beliefs. I've been told that no one will read my blog if I don't give readers helpful advise or tools they can use. But that's not what God gave me to give. All I have is my story. I rarely have a plan for what I want people to take away from the reading of my blog. I share what I'm learning about myself, what I'm learning about God and how it's impacting my life. That's it. It's not the path of every writer, but for me, it's the only way. In conclusion... So I'm asking for a little help--a writing kick-start to ensure a joy-filled, inspiring year of writing. However, if this request is too far out of character for you, I will accept an iPad 3 as a consolation gift. Merry Christmas, Kelli Merry Christmas to my readers! ![]() I'd love to hear from you! Comment on this blog and include your email address for a chance to win a free Christian yoga DVD from the Peaceful Hymn series at Yahweh Yoga. Three readers will be gifted with the single DVD of their choice. (Sorry, only for my readers living in the United States.) Winners will be announced on Christmas Day. Go to www.yahwehyoga.com to pick your favorite, then comment to enter!
19 Comments
12/13/2012 07:50:59 pm
THe yoga DVDs look great - especially the 1 hour Power! And best of luck on receiving some coal. HOw about a family where the mother sues the son for his interest in the family business? She wants to take his livelihood away from him out of spite. And despite her relationship with her grandchildren.
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12/14/2012 01:15:31 am
So true, Kelli - it is in processing through the pain that we learn about ourselves and also about how God is working in us. Without pain, there is no growth. Without searching, there is no significance in the pain.
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12/14/2012 01:55:31 am
Wow, to ask for angst is quite a courageous feat. But I agree, writing from our pain gives our words fire.
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Kelli Gotthardt
12/14/2012 02:39:47 am
Jennifer, that's probably more angst than I'm looking for! Thanks for checking out my blog.
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Kelli Gotthardt
12/14/2012 02:40:16 am
Well put, RJ!
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Kelli Gotthardt
12/14/2012 02:41:01 am
Courageous...or just plain foolish!
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Jen Heptinstall
12/14/2012 05:16:19 am
I have honestly loved everything that you post about. I like that it's not all just one thing, only good or only bad. Makes you real and I love your honesty. As a mom with toddlers, it gives me a glimpse into what is to come as the years go by and I have find time for more "me" stuff. I would LOVE to win the free Yahweh Yoga dvd. Thank you!
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Megan Parsons
12/14/2012 08:41:19 am
1/2 Hour Stretch, Relax & Restore looks wonderful!!! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
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Kelli Gotthardt
12/14/2012 08:49:59 am
Thanks for the encouragement , Jen. You do need some you time and a yoga DVD would be awesome!!
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Kelli Gotthardt
12/14/2012 08:50:29 am
It IS awesome Megan!
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Linda McFarland
12/14/2012 10:04:48 pm
I would be so excited to win the 3 Christian Yoga DVD's....could use a little destressing getaway.....with the Yoga DVD's
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Linda McFarland
12/14/2012 10:05:56 pm
I forgot to mention that I shared on facebook and twitter too
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Jewel Sample
12/21/2012 12:37:36 pm
Perhaps a new life lesson is what you are asking for...when the student is ready a teacher comes. I am grateful for any Christian Yoga DVD gift that comes my way. Thank you.
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12/23/2012 03:13:51 am
If you need some tension, drama and inspiration-- I'll give you a day in my job-- the pediatric ER. Plenty there for sure. Maybe that's why I write suspense.
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Michelle Prince Morgan
12/23/2012 04:04:02 am
Christian yoga sounds great. Merry Christmas
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12/25/2013 06:02:37 pm
I am so grateful to find your particular post. I have bookmarked this website and I will keep visiting you for further such interesting posts.
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2/18/2014 01:34:36 pm
The article you have shared in your post are really awesome and I must say you have done a great job.I enjoyed your distinguished way of writing the post and also want to appreciate you..Thanks.
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2/19/2014 08:19:54 pm
A good writer is an artist,a musician of words, a painter of passion, a dancer with reckless abandon and thoughtful dynamics.I liked the way you put together everything, there is certainly no need to go any further to look for any additional information.
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11/7/2020 12:17:35 am
I appreciate what you folks are up as well. This sort of shrewd work and inclusion! Keep up the extraordinary works folks I've added you folks to my own blogroll.
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About Kelli
Kelli is a writer, speaker and consultant equipping leaders for a deepening intimacy with Christ, greater impact in ministry and more effective intentionality in all of life. SpeakingBook Kelli for your next event or retreat.
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