You matter.

You've probably seen the Miss America running gag in movies or TV.  A cheesy host asks the contestant, "If you could have one wish, what would it be?" The young woman simpers and answers in a sugary voice, "World peace."         
                     

                                                                                      
I'm not bashing Miss America. I cheer for those young women...even with my cellulite showing, and my triceps flapping. The contestants are intelligent, talented, and beautiful.

What about when we don't feel intelligent, or talented, or beautiful? Or worthwhile? Or loved?
Hold onto your Kraft American singles because this may sound as cheesy as the mock Miss America host.
If I could have one wish, I'd want everyone, young and old, to know this: You are special. You are loved. You matter.
Since the Miss America Fairy won't be swooping by to grant my wish, I'll remind you, starting now.

You matter so much that God says to you, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!" Jeremiah 31:3 The Message.
May that truth bring peace to your world.

Photo of Mitzi Strother, Miss Florida 1941 from http://www.flickr.com

Enter the (Virtual) Dragon...

I belong to an amazing writer's group-Wordsowers.
At last Thursday's meeting Angela D. Meyer, author of Where Hope Starts, was our guest speaker. She handed out this homework assignment:

What will I do in the next month to start growing my platform?

What's a platform?
Platform shoes? I'll do a retro walk in those babies.
A treehouse platform? Fire up my power tools and I can build it.
A Social media platform? (Gulp.)
                                                                

Evidently I'll need to create a blog, a website, get a domain name, a twitter account, an author's Facebook page....
I'm guessing these things are child's play for you. For me, it's a challenge.
My biggest problem? Staying focused.
I start researching one area, but follow innumerable links in to the depths of the cyber-forest until, like Little Red Riding Hood, I've strayed from the path. 
I hope you'll join me in this attempt to survive the Big Bad Blogging Wolf.
Blessings,
Jeanie

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles @ http://www.freedigitalphotos.net