Contend for Joy - by Mary Folkerts

 

 

Do you know your personality type?

There are many tests available that help us understand ourselves better. However, even if you’ve never done one, you may still grasp the concept if I ask which character in Winnie the Pooh you feel most closely represents your personality. Are you like Tigger, constantly (annoyingly to some) upbeat? Nothing seems to get you down. Or are you an Eeyore, melancholy and introspective, the glass-half-empty kind of person?

I don’t believe one personality is necessarily better than the other, but there are benefits and struggles to whichever personality we have. The seemingly “happy” person may be hiding behind a facade to mask a deeply troubled spirit. The melancholic might have empathy and understanding of the hard things of life because of how contemplative they are. 

How can I write about joy 

when my own joy seems elusive at times?

What we cannot do is pigeonhole ourselves into a type, thinking, “Oh, that’s just who I am, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” Whatever personality we have, we always need to fight against the negative tendencies within it. 

Many variables form our personalities, such as upbringing, genetics and past experiences. I have lived with myself long enough to know that I tend to be introspective and pensive. I think deeply and sometimes have to fight to see the good in circumstances. I need to be aware of where I focus my thoughts because focusing on the negative comes too easily and is often the beginning of spiralling pessimism.

With this in mind, how can I write about joy? When my own joy seems elusive at times, how can I encourage others to run after the joy of the Lord? Or is it because I must resolutely chase down my own joy that I can confidently share my struggle? 

Suzie Eller, the author of “Joy Keeper,” said in a recent podcast,  "Biblical joy is not a feeling. It’s intentionally walking into the goodness of God right where you’re at. Choose to trust in the source of joy.”

What freeing insight for those who struggle with an Eeyore complex! Joy is not a feeling, but it’s something we choose! Instead of focusing on the difficult feelings at hand, I can choose to place my trust in an infinitely loving God who is above and beyond my struggle.

Do you see beautiful? 

Are you a glass-half-full girl 

or a glass-half-empty girl? 

Some of us need to work 

that little bit harder 

to find the beautiful.

Maybe it’s how we were wired

maybe it’s our past 

that fogs our lenses.

Maybe it’s the habit of negative thinking 

that seems a rut 

way too deep to ever 

climb out of.

And maybe we’re going through hard things 

and beautiful 

is just not even on our radar.

For some of us, it’s the demands 

of the day that stand 

before the beautiful 

blocking our view,

and others of us, 

we just can’t take the time 

because time is of the essence,

we’re running way too fast 

to smell the roses, let alone 

see them. 

If we don’t train our eyes 

to see beauty,

ugly will take its place 

turning our day 

on its head. 

What if we dared to stare down 

the ugly

determined to unearth beautiful 

like an archeologist 

that knows 

it’s buried here somewhere.

Using our five senses 

to investigate the day 

for when we truly look and listen, 

we notice beauty 

all around us;

in the cloud formations 

in the giggle of the little one 

in the chatter of the early morning birds 

in the sweep of the prairie grasses 

in the steam off of your first morning cup 

of coffee 

in the expanse of the ripening yellow 

canola fields 

the cluster of cows grazing.

The more we look for beautiful, 

the more our eyes 

will be trained to see it

our ears will be tuned to listen for it. 

When we focus on beautiful,

when we recognize how God 

has provided for us in the past, 

and how he provides 

the beautiful for us today, 

pointing us to Him,

to the Creator of the beautiful,

to His love 

His provision, 

His enough-ness

maybe just maybe 

we can begin to turn our eyes 

from all that is wrong 

all that is messy 

all that is hard 

all that is ugly

and begin noticing 

the beautiful.

Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a Proverbs 31 ministries COMPEL Writers Training member and is involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s personal blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the Small Things https://maryfolkerts.com/  

‘J’ is for Genius ~ by Michelle Strutzenberger

When her older brother teasingly asked my seven-year-old daughter how she could possibly know some fact she had just proclaimed, Megan flicked her hair expertly over one shoulder and confidently retorted, “Because my middle initial is j – j for genius.”

Over guffaws of laughter from her brother and between my own bursts of chuckling, I corrected her spelling. A grin split her face as she finally understood the irony of the statement she had just made.

For me, writing has been one of the most humbling facets of my life. I have cringed through not just one or a few but many instances of rejection, judgement, correction, insinuation, inscrutable silence, and my own slicing awareness. It seems nearly every time I pick up a pen or click on my computer, something happens to remind me that I am certainly not the cat’s meow when it comes to my writing endeavours.

I have presented different responses to that humbling: Grit-teethed determination to “just keep on;” bewilderment; pain; discouragement; near despair (when I decided I would symbolically bury the corpse of my writing dream and never return to it again. Obviously, I dug said corpse up again.)

But I hope my responses are becoming more consistently like the one my daughter gave to the correction about her “jenius” remark. Sheepishly grinning in realization as I sincerely consider what I need to change, I then bravely take another step forward – until the next time.

 

Michelle and her family enjoy hiking mountains and trails together. She is currently sharing a series called, What Growing Up in a Mennonite Family of 10 Taught Me About Survival.

Jars of Clay ~ Valerie Ronald

                                                                                                                             credit: Petr Kratochvil  needpix.com

The park blossoms with bright tents and booths displaying the richly diverse talents of artisans and craftspeople. My favorites are the potter’s works ˗˗ earthenware, stoneware, ceramic and porcelain, each one-of-a-kind. I carefully handle the pieces that interest me, feeling where the potter pressed his thumb into the wet clay on a mug handle, or used her hands to narrow the neck of a vase formed on a potter’s wheel. Functional as well as beautiful, these vessels are designed to hold something important.

Just as we are, according to the Apostle Paul’s metaphor in 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV).

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

What a vivid contrast! The treasure is the incomparably glorious message of the gospel; the jars of clay, our frail human bodies created from dust. God chose us to bear this treasure so that the transcendent character of His power will be clearly seen as coming from Him and not from us. A vessel is open at the top to receive the contents intended for it. When God saves us He fills us with His Spirit. Our posture needs to be open and receptive to His indwelling Spirit so we can pour out the goodness of who He is to others. God does not want the focus to be on the human vessel but rather on the precious gift it contains ˗˗ the message about His Son, given for them. Committed to fragile, common human beings, the gospel treasure shines all the brighter.

As Christian writers, we are not only entrusted with this treasure, we are empowered by it to enlighten others about its transforming truth. Think of yourself as a common clay jar filled to the brim with words ˗˗ words placed there by Jesus Himself. He knew before you were formed in your mother’s womb you would be a writer. He gifted you to put these words together in a unique, appealing way for others to read. The words spilling out of your clay jar are destined to be read by individuals Jesus desires to reach. He wants His treasure wrapped in your voice, in your way of telling a story, in your poetic verses. What we write should draw the reader’s attention to Jesus Himself, not to ourselves. He who is The Word has given us the supreme honor of conveying His gospel through our written words.

Made of clay, we are prone to breakage, often knocked around by the hard hits of life. God knew our fragility when He chose us to bear His message. Writing about our own trials and heartaches gives us opportunity to tell of God’s healing presence and love patching us up again. He knows the cracks and broken clay allow His light to shine out all the brighter.

This treasure we bear is precious beyond measure. We carry the personal and life-giving knowledge of Jesus Christ in our own lives and the good news to share with others. This shows how surpassing is the strength and power of God. Who would want to look at a dusty jar of clay when they need only see beyond it to the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ? (2 Cor. 4:6)

Valerie Ronald is a pastor's wife, mother and grandmother 

who enjoys reading, writing and taking photos of the

 beautiful prairies where she lives.

Just Do It - Lorrie Orr

 

Anne of Green Gables' bedroom - Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables and numerous other novels battled depression, ill health, loneliness, her husband's mental illness, along with the challenges of being a minister's wife and a mother. She fought self-doubt and fear, and yet, she wrote and wrote, sending stories and novels to publishers who often rejected them. Anne of Green Gables was rejected numerous times before finding a willing publisher. 

Montgomery exemplifies the 1988 advertising campaign Just Do It that lifted Nike's image around the globe for many years. She wrote in spite of, and because of her circumstances. 

Just Do It is something we writers must tell ourselves. Having others tell us to sit down and write can cause resistance. Using the words to challenge and motivate ourselves has a different effect. I acknowledge that there are things holding me back from writing - often self-doubt and questioning my ability. Taking the time to analyze why I am reluctant to write and then releasing them to my loving Lord frees me to tell myself to get on to the job at hand. 

Elisabeth Elliot used similar words to encourage herself and others through uncertain, anxious times. She quoted part of an old poem, 

Do the next thing

Do it immediately

Do it with prayer

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing Christ's hand

Who placed it before you with earnest command.

I pray that each of us will do the work of writing God has called us to. He is ever faithful in his love and encouragement. We must fulfill his call upon hearts. 

Lorrie Orr writes from Vancouver Island. She is glad to be home again after an 11-week road trip from her island in the west to the island of Newfoundland in the east. Doing the next thing currently involves getting back into a routine with writing - easier said than done.

Just Write - Again! Tracy Krauss

 Just write. I know it's already been used, but I just had to use it again! 

This was the phrase I chose one year as my motivation to help keep me on track. The message is so simple, yet so very profound. 

At times authors need a little shot of writerly adrenaline – a way to rediscover the wonder of writing. The admonition to ‘just write’ might be the simplest and best way to do that. Be it rants, prayers, observations, or actual story ideas; in a journal, blog, on a fancy software program, or even on a napkin, there is something about transferring words from one’s brain into written form that stirs the creative juices and inspires the soul.  All the prompts, ‘how-to’ books, and motivational gimmicks still depend on ACTION.  It’s the difference between thinking about something and actually doing it. 

Establishing good habits takes willpower and discipline. Setting daily word counts or scheduling uninterrupted writing times are just a couple of ways to make sure writing becomes a habit. It has been my experience that forcing myself to start on a writing project is often all I need to ‘feel’ inspired again.

For those of us who love to journal, writing daily is a no-brainer. Whether we call it ‘morning pages’, journaling, or prayer writing, it amounts to the same thing – a way to process thoughts, express emotions, or generate ideas. Later, my own words, sometimes written in haste, have provided fertile seeds for more words - the law of multiplication at its most basic level. 

It’s why the advice to ‘just write’ remains so powerful, despite its simplicity. Set aside time for writing – with or without deadlines. Nothing else will help to recapture the joy of putting words to paper like actually doing it. 

Tracy Krauss is a long-time member of inScribe who loves to write from her home in northern BC. As the current BC rep and the new acquisitions editor for FellowScript, reach out! Visit her website for more: fiction on the edge without crossing the line. tracykrauss.com

Juxtaposition in Life as a Writer by Alan Anderson

 

Juxtaposition = “the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side often to compare or contrast or to create an interesting effect.’https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juxtaposition

 

Juxtaposition in Life

 

Five minutes from my home there is a highway and a dike. They both serve a purpose in my life. When my wife and I travel by car anywhere we use the highway. The highway offers no inspiration for me as a writer. To me, this highway is just a road.

 

The dike is another matter. All through the year, every season, and every day, the dike is a welcome friend. The dike brims forth with life. The area around it is home to all sorts of birds as well as the occasional bear and coyotes. When one goes for a walk on the dike there is the highway on one side and the beauty of nature on the other side. This dike is a world of inspiration for me as a writer. The nature side welcomes me as a true friend.

 

In this stage of my life there is a juxtaposition. While I prepare and write this post, I await specialist appointments and a brain scan. The juxtaposition is, at the same time, I recently developed a new lay pastoral care ministry for my church. I cannot neglect my health, yet my heart beats as a servant of God.

 

Juxtaposition can go deep as one tries to make sense out of life.

 

Juxtaposition as a Writer

 

A juxtaposition I often find myself in as a writer might resonate with you as you read these words. When I write I like to be on my own. As one who is introverted by nature I embrace solace, stillness, and silence like I embrace the love of my wife.

 

I also, at times, make my way into the world of family and friends for company. There are other times when I feel a need to chat with another writer. I am not a complete loner and love the company of people I trust and love.

 

When I hide away to write, however, I do so with the joy I sense when going for a walk on the dike. My wife and I share a small home with our poodle, Charlie. When I go to our spare bedroom to write, Charlie comes with me. He curls up on his little bed and snoozes or looks out the window. When my energy to write runs out I open the bedroom door and we carry on with our day. This is my main habit as a writer.

 

There are times where I long for the company of other writers. I prefer face to face meetings. Due to where I live, I must use the highway to drive to meet another writer. I don’t know of many too close to me, so driving is necessary. The travel to share with or listen to a fellow writer is always worth the drive.

 

A Shared Juxtaposition and an Invitation

I hope this isn't an overreach, but I see a juxtaposition we share as writers, readers, and friends. We are scattered all over the country and many of us have never met each other in person. Despite this reality, we have an eternal bond. We are in, but not of the world.

 

Dear friends, I invite you to join me on the dike. We can walk together and breathe in the sights and sounds of God’s message to us. A message where we turn our faces away from the busy highway and its hard asphalt surface. Instead, we take time to watch an eagle enjoy his flight or a little finch chirp a happy song from a wild apple tree.

 

Life seems to pass by so quick. Take time to hug the inspiration and walk without hurry through the beauty of a dike or other nature path near you. Enjoy the friendly stares and giggles of trees as they welcome you to their world. Hear the crunch of gravel and grass beneath your feet. Feel the caress of a gentle breeze across your cheek. Lay aside the loudness of life noises and listen to God’s still small, beautiful voice.

 

 Perhaps some day, if God allows, we will walk together and share writer thoughts and the voice He has given us to write with.

Alan lives in Deroche, B.C. with his wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. He contributed stories to Good Grief People by Angel Hope Publishing, 2017; Story by Story: The Power of a Writer, Unstoppable Writers Publishing, 2018; Easter Stories & More by InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship, 2021. He is currently working on a book expressing the grief of grieving grandparents entitled “Hidden Poetic Voices: A Reflective Work of Grief, Faith, and Poetry.” Alan periodically writes articles for FellowScript Magazine and the online magazine for Compassionate Friends. He has written posts for our InScribe blog since 2015. Blog: https://scarredjoy.ca.

 

J is for Jewel by Lorilee Guenter

 

An eagle soars overhead. A lone pansy blooms among fallen autumn leaves. A sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and red. Tiny snippets found in ordinary days can be treasures, when we pause to acknowledge  them. These are opportunities to express gratitude for the gifts God has given us.

As writers, honing our observational skills allows us to mine gems from the everyday. These pieces of life add layers and description to our writing. Poetry may weave a list of observations into a word painting. Devotionals may pair them with scripture. A characters response to the flower tells us a bit about who they are. The list of ways we use our daily observations is limited only by our imaginations.

I have an unopened geode. It is a rough, nondescript brown. It could be mistaken for a bumpy lump of dried clay. I have not yet opened it to reveal its contents. I do not know the pattern or beauty that resides within. It will remain that way unless I actively work with it. I have seen gems, newly dug, with bits of dirt and rock clinging to them. You know there is something beautiful there. It takes polishing to see the jewels contained within.

Our observations, our words, and our daily activities hold unprocessed gems. As we weave our words together, rearranging, rewriting and revising, the dirt and debris fall away revealing the jewel held inside. Just as a master craftsman knows just where to cut to catch the light so the jewel shines, we strive to find just the right words to bring our writing to life so it shines.

As I work at my craft, I find myself reflecting. I too am an unpolished gem. I have debris from life marring my surface. There are scratches and dents that dim the light. Thankfully I am not left in this state. The Master Craftsman is cutting and polishing. He is restoring and revealing the shine that He sees within, and knows exactly what is necessary to make us sparkle with His light. As He polishes, He teaches. He hones our gift of words He has given us. We have been placed within a community to strengthen us. Together we shine brighter because we reflect more of Him.

It is my hope and prayer that not only do I continue to learn to polish my words but also that I continue to let God polish my life. May our lives and our writing be jewels offered to God and to others.

J is for Junk Journals by Carol Harrison

 

 

 

Store aisles filled with journals and pens grab my attention. It is hard to resist the call of a pretty journal even when I have a shelf full at home, waiting to be used. I ask myself, at times, if I really love to record parts of my life journey in these books or do I just like the idea of it and the prettiness of the covers? Actually the answer is a bit of both.                  

 

I don't journal every day even though I feel like writing thoughts, stories, and life events should happen more frequently. When I wrote Amee's Story, I had lots of notes of bits of paper, old calendars, and journal entries that helped relive the events of her life that needed to be captured in the book. It brought memories to the surface, gave me specific incidents to write about in detail recorded at the time, and what I felt as well.                 

 

But what about these things called junk journals? They have become a new hobby which helps with my mental health and creativity too. I can take bits and pieces that would normally end up in the recycle bin, add in some odds and ends of scrapbook papers, and find decorations in stickers, stamps, old buttons, beads, or dollar store finds. But making these handmade journal books is only part of the process.                                                 

 

There are lots of blank pages waiting to be filled with writing, drawing, or photos. There are pockets and tuck spots waiting to hold memorabilia and other paper ephemera. I often make the closures to enable me to add many pieces of paper, pictures, and other bits and pieces that add to the story, growing the journal fatter and fatter, yet still able to be held together in a pretty way.                                                                                                       

But the best thing about these handmade junk journals is that they are one more method of recording story. We all know the value of a story and we all have a story or many stories to tell. These stories can be preserved for future generations. But writing in a journal of any kind also gives you that option of going back and seeing where you have been and comparing it to where you are now and God's leading over the course of time. It offers research opportunities for creative non-fiction or even a fiction book or short story which can then be shared with a wider audience.                                                                       

 

As I pull out all the supplies to make a new junk journal, creativity takes hold. Choosing the colours, types of covers, and finally what to add into each book offers the opportunity to get lost in the process. I've given some as gifts to bless others and allow them to begin to jot down their own life journey, thoughts, and story. Others I have sold with the same intention of giving others an opportunity to use them for whatever purposes they choose including recording stories, collecting quotes or recipes, hiding away an encouraging note from a friend, or coming up with ways to use it I've never ever though of.  I've kept several for myself to use. One contains Bible verses that mean a lot to me, encouraging notes, and ephemera I want to keep. My one daughter uses hers as a gratitude journal.                        

 

The possibilities extend as far as the imagination takes us for using these journals. But whether we wander the aisles looking for a new journal or take the time to make one, one thing I know is that they need to be used to record moments to remember, questions you're searching an answer for, or simply being grateful for something today. Do you enjoy journaling? Have you ever made, been given, bought or used a junk journal? What might you put in one? Enjoy the process of keeping a journal whether daily or sporadically. It might surprise us all with the benefits it brings.                                                              

 

 

Carol Harrison loves to tell stories, read them, and share them with others so they can be encouraged and inspired to tell their own. She enjoys the creative endeavor of making the junk journals as well.                                                                     

 

 

 

 

Jib Sail by Sharon Heagy

 

            Wind swept across the lake giving the surface the appearance of a starling murmuration. Tickling the diamonds of sunlight, the breeze hurried across the hull of the Snipe sailboat and huffed into the jib sail, billowing it out. It swirled around the mast and filled the mainsail, snapping it to attention. 

            Off we went, the boat cutting through the rippling blue water. The pearl white sails caught sudden gusts, causing the boat to lean sharply away from the wind. Quickly we stretched the weight of our bodies windward over the other side for balance, trying to remember everything we had learned so we didn’t end up in the drink.

            This was my first experience sailing. But many lessons were learned before we boarded the boat and left the dock. 

            A Snipe sailboat has two sails, a jib sail in the front and a larger mainsail behind. Though the jib is not necessary to sail the boat, there are an abundance of reasons why sailing with both is better.

            Without getting too technical and because I don’t quite grasp all the science, the lessons revealed that sailing with a jib increases speed, as it adds more sail surface to catch more wind. It improves handling, as balance is gained when there is one sail ahead and one behind of a specific place called the pivot point. This small but mighty sail increases the efficiency of the mainsail as it redirects the wind to a better angle. Even tall ships have jib sails which function in the similar ways.

            In Newfoundland they have a ceremony where a resident of the Rock will bestow on you the title of ‘Honorary Newfoundlander.’ Part of the formalities requires you to repeat the phrase ‘And long may your big jib draw.’ In other words, ‘may the wind always be in your forward sails.’ Or, may things go well for you. If your jib is drawing it’s filled with wind, making the journey easy and swift.

            Being a Christian writer is like sailing a boat with two sails. Many writers can write, and write well, without even acknowledging the One who has given them their gift. Just like a sailor can sail a boat with just the mainsail. But relying on the guidance and inspiration of our Holy triune God is like adding a jib sail to our writing. He is out front, leading, guiding, making our writing into a craft and an artform as the wind of the Holy Spirit redirects our thinking for God’s purposes, and for His glory. This realignment of our sense of what we are doing and why makes the process sacred.

            Even though writing is hard work that can sometimes lead to frustration, drawing on His strength and resting in His hands lends an easiness and gentleness that takes away the stressful edge and makes the labour a joy.   

As writers of faith, we must never forget our jib sail, the Lord. My prayer is that I will remember this lesson of not what but Who the wind is in my sails, and maybe you will too. 

“And long may your big jib draw.”

Note: The picture above is the front of a greeting card my husband gave me for our anniversary the other day. What perfect timing. Thanks, Lord. Really wonderful as we rarely give each other cards or celebrate our anniversary.

 

Just Write by Steph Beth Nickel

 

i have no time to write

i say

my work is piling up

i have no time to write

i say

life overflows my cup

Just write!

i have no time to write

i say

with family, friends, and more

i have no time to write

i say

with all that is instore

Just write!

i have no time to write

i say

the days are marching on

i have no time to write

i say

another week is gone

Just write!

i have no time to write

i say

so much else to do

i have no time to write

i say

but is it really true

Just write!

i do have time to write

i say

i'll focus day or night

i do have time to write

i say

and tell myself...

Just write!

Junie B. Jones Inspires by Joylene M Bailey

 

~~~~~

I was introduced to Junie B. Jones when my daughters were in elementary school. She was precocious and brave. Endearing, despite her hilarious escapades. I thought her creator, Barbara Park, was ingenious.

I love to read books written for children and young adults. I admire authors who can enter the world of a child and bring us with them. Keep us engaged. And certainly, not every writer can do it.

Park's brilliance was that she could get into a kid's brain. She could tell a story with a five-year-old's voice, from their point of view, and still give a glimpse into what the adults in the scenes were thinking and feeling. 

Barbara Park did something else: she inspired and encouraged me. She showed me, through Junie B. Jones, that writing for children--from their point of view--was doable. More than that, it was publishable!

But it wasn't easy. For example, the chapter book Junie B. Jones and some Sneaky Peeky Spying is 66 pages long. That blows my mind. A children's writer must say everything needed in the fewest possible strong and interesting and just-right words. No, it's not easy. But I do enjoy trying.

I too love to get into the head of a kid. I love the unpredictability, the unique words that come out of their mouths. Their fresh perspectives. It's the most fun I have writing.

I got to wondering as I prepared this post ... did Junie B. Jones inspire me to write for children, or was I drawn to Junie B. Jones because I was innately drawn to writing for children? I still don't have an answer to that one.

Do you find yourself drawn to read the genre in which you write? When you're working on a manuscript, do you purposely read only the genre you're writing in, or do you find it more beneficial to read other genres as well? Does your reading in those genres inspire and encourage you as a writer?

Margaret Atwood's most famous advice for writers is, "Read, Read, Read. Write, Write, Write." Makes perfect sense. I write better when I read. Not just because I'm reading words that are well put together, but because I'm also gleaning from the author how they've formatted their work, how they've used foreshadowing, how best to write dialogue, etc. And for me - when I read books like Junie B. Jones, I'm taken into a child's world. It helps me to get into my own character's head, to bring me into their perspective.

And then the fun begins.

    After that I behaved myself very good. I sat up real straight. And I did all my work. Work is when you use your brain and a pencil." 

Junie B. Jones

~~~~~

Feature image by HANSUAN FABREGAS from Pixabay.

Joy loves creating stories for children from her home in lake country Alberta where she lives with The Cowboy and an Entlebucher Mountain Dog named Chara. She recently won first place for her children's story, Willard, in InScribe's Fall Contest. Find more of her joy-infused perspective at Scraps of Joy.