I’m turning a new leaf. \u00a0Here comes a year of shorter newsletters! \u00a0Whoohoo!<\/p>\n
What inspired this change? \u00a0It all came about from a thank-you party.<\/p>\n
My dear friend and coworker, Debbie Burgett<\/a>, decided to have a monthly thank-you writing party at her house and invited everyone to come. \u00a0We talked about how community with friends is built more around “doing life together” and doing the things we need to do with others, instead of going to “social events” that just add to our already busy schedule. \u00a0So the party serves a two-fold purpose!<\/p>\n But, Debbie did mention that she didn’t read my last newsletter<\/a> because it was so long, and she usually does read it. \u00a0And I think it was the longest I have written! \u00a0 Due to travels, I had three months of things to report about. \u00a0I really didn’t know how to condense it all, so I rediscovered my blog and wrote about each topic. \u00a0Then I wrote the normal September update<\/a>, and then included blog links to all my previous topics about the previous two months below. \u00a0Yes, it was a long letter.<\/p>\n I did note however, that I always read my friend Naomi’s letters because they are so short. \u00a0Always. \u00a0And that got me thinking… \u00a0 I looked at her letter length and then also remembered the one-minute radio stories we write are about 9 sentences, plus intro. \u00a0That’s about the same length as her newsletter. \u00a0And I usually want to know more! \u00a0Sometimes I even email her with questions.<\/p>\n So, I am going to try this year to write shorter newsletters to bless people with fewer words. \u00a0And maybe I’ll hear back from a few people too.<\/p>\n I’ll use my blog to get out all my ideas in full-out writing form. \u00a0Then just pick a few things to include in my newsletter.<\/p>\n I’m so glad Debbie is having a monthly thank-you party. \u00a0I thought I had everything together, but I’m learning that doing life with people is so much better. \u00a0We can really be a blessing to each other by bringing what we have to table and encouraging one another.<\/p>\n