Inspirational Christian Writer-Poet-Artist
residing in South Carolina
UPDATE – NOTICE! My new ebook of inspirational poetry is VERY nearly completed and will very soon be off to the publisher! Stay tuned!
Greetings! My name is Martha L Shaw. I am a freelance writer, poet, fiber artist and substitute teacher. I have also taught a Creative Writing class to K-5th grade students in an after school cultural arts program.
In addition to these activities I am currently in the finishing stages of preparing a manuscript for a soon to be published ebook of Christian poetry,, am a columnist with Technorati, a contributing writer with Cry of Worship Ministries and God’s Love Offers Victory Eternal and many other print and epublications such as the Boston Globe and the Charleston Post and Courier. I also have several other books in the pipeline.
When I am not writing, and sometimes when I am, I am blessed to be active in lay ministry at my church, St. George’s Episcopal Church in Summerville South Carolina. http://www.stgeorge-sc.org/ I am also a Cursillista, and a self-taught artist and quilt designer/quilter. My visual art paintings, photography, and quilts are in many public and personal collections.
I am very active in social media including Twitter, Facebook, OpenSalon, Tumblr, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Reddit, WetCanvas, and more. I have written several small chapbooks, and my poetry and prose have been included in a number of literary journals and anthologies. I have written several children’s stories suitable for picture books. These projects are in varying degrees of completion, editing, seeking the right publishing house, etc., at this time.
I was raised in MA and now live in beautiful Charleston South Carolina. My personal relationship with the Lord is incredibly important to me. I can’t imagine getting through a single day without His Holy Spirit to guide and guard me. Nothing fills me with more joy than knowing His love and sharing it!
So, in brief WHERE’ IS MARTHA? Here is a sampling of a few places where my work can be found:
- WWW.inlovewiththelord.com My website!
- Writer for Technorati.com
- FiberArts Guide on WetCanvas.com
- Formerly a columnist for the Chelsea Weekly Newspaper
- Has written for the Boston Globe Newspaper
- Has written for the Charleston Post and Courier Newspaper
- Freelance writer for many publications across the globe both print and e-publications
- Blogger at OpenSalon http://open.salon.com/blog/marthalshaw
- Teacher of Creative Writing to children in the public school system
- Completing her first children’s book
- Completing a book on the Christian Journey
- writing a book of original quilted wall hanging designs
- writing a book of original purse and tote designs
- Self-taught visual artist
- Award winning quilter
- Award winning toy and doll maker
- Writing a book of original poetry
This is just a small sampling – pop back for updates to the list!
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Here are a few of the awards my blog has received!
Most Influential Blog 2012 Award
Candle Lighter Award
King of Kings Friendship Award
Award Received
Martha L Shaw - Poet, Writer, Author, Artist 
Martha, I love your writing style. Your posts could easily be entries in “Daily Guideposts”, “Day By Day”, or another daily devotional. If this is the caliber of submissions you’ve submitted for publishing, I foresee the day I can say “I knew her back before the Oprah interview”…
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Thanks Carrie. Your lips to God’s ears. As this is Oprah’s last season, we’ll have to watch and see what new show she starts on her new network! Maybe when my book is finished and God reveals the publisher for it, she can make it an Oprah’s book club selection!
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I had no clue my special buddy Martha was such a prolific writer. Fortunately she writes in a style that this little fat boy from Ohio can comprehend. Keep up the great work.
Bruce
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Congratulations Martha!
I’m sure we will see many of your writings in print with gorgeous art work within the pages. Best wishes for much success…….you deserve it!
I agree with Carrie, I can see some of your writings in magazines like “Guidepost”…….send them in, they are always looking for new stuff. I love that magazine, Betty Anne turned me on to it!
Hugs & kisses for you and Mom! Love, Carol
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Thank you Carol! Financial worries are still a reality as they are with most people in this economy, but the Lord is so amazingly present in my life and so I know that all will be well.
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Nice to explore your blog, Martha. Thanks for visiting me, too. Lots of good messages here. The world needs inspirational messages these days. Hugs, pat
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You are so welcome, Pat! I enjoyed yours as well and thanks for coming to mine. I very much agree – we are rather more prone to the spread of negative versus positive messages, but we can change that!
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Thank you Martha for joining up with me, it was very kind of you, I’m looking forward to knowing more about your heart focus perhaps as we share we will have real Unity as part of the Body of Christ, how very important that we be of one mind.
Yes the Scriptures have some wonderful uplifting and powerful messages that are very positive, but there are also warnings and this is where we need God’s balance or what we share won’t be true to life and it is in knowing the dangers that we appreciate the comfort and protection the Lord gives us as His redeemed Children, we never have to fear.
Martha I will indeed look forward to reading more of your blog, I noticed a few posts that looked very interesting …I will be in touch soon.
Christian Love Anne, Ron sends blessings also.
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You are very welcome! I look forward to sharing Christ with you. Blessings, Martha
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Hello Martha so nice of you to follow me,my you have a lot going on and that is good we never know who we may reach and that’s why I love to write. You’re not far from me in Charleston,I too love Charleston filled with much beauty,well I’ll drop in from time to time.
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So true. We never know what lives we touch. Words can destroy a life or can give life! Blessings, Martha
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Martha, I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. God bless you.
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Wow, thank you so much!
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Hi Martha–always glad to meet another sister in the Lord! I got a notice that you’re following my blog–wonder where/how you heard about me? I’m really glad you have a wordpress blog–I about had a heart attack when I went over to salon, and thought that was the only way I’d be able to reach you.
Anyway, thanks for joining me–and a very happy birthday to you!!
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Well, it was much of the way you described the delightful things that bless us through the award process in your comment on Anne’s blog when you nominated her for a . . . . I forget the award. One I hadn’t seen yet. I’m also thrilled to find another sister in Christ. I have the Salon blog because a more established writer (she’s making a living doing it) recommended it. I do get a lot of hits, but find it hard to find believers there. It seems from what I’ve found that shock value gets discussion while His word does not. Here, while the “numbers” don’t always seem as high, the relationships are amazing and isn’t that what being one body in Christ is all about? So, yes I do love to find new friends here and the awards have really made this happen for me. I feel like I have a big new family in the Lord here and I love it! Blessings!!! Thanks for the Happy Birthday!
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Martha, Thank you for stopping by My Hmmm Collection and deciding to tag along.
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You are welcome! My pleasure!
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Martha you are one busy lady. I can barely write my one little blog. You are amazing! God has truly blessed you. I pray that you will continue be a blessing to those who need to see Christ through your life.
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Wow, thank you! I appreciate your prayers. I’m trusting Him for provision which is a pressing need. I am so amazed by His love and hunger to reflect Him to those He chooses to set in my path. In His Amazing Love, Martha
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Father in Heaven…You know what Martha’s needs are and I’m asking for a special blessing. She needs provisional needs met. She loves you so much and and is so faithful. She has trusted you so much in the past and you have always been there so we are agreeing in prayer together with anyone else who reads this and prays too. Father we are thanking you for all you’ve done for Martha and we thank you for the victory and answered prayer. In Jesus name …amen.
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Wow! Amen! I am amazed, humbled, and blessed beyond measure that you would pray this and here for me. Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me. God bless you! Martha
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Dear Martha I’m praying for you too but in a very selfish way… I would love to share with you face to face, give you a real hug, not a paper one and cook you a nice Aussie meal and not pie and peas or barbuced snake. I’m asking God to make it possiable perhaps also for Caddo and Camery, Pat and isaiah and anyone else who would like to come, my arms are big enough! ..do you think that is too much to pray for.
Keeping you in Prayer -Christian Love Anne.
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You are such a treasure. That request would mean that I would have to have my provision problem solved in a major and “abundant blessings and grace” sort of way and since the Bible assures us that this is His promise, I don’t think you’re asking for much, sister! We’ll start with receiving enough to pay my mortgage bill in the coming time, and go from there, but I have no problem asking for His abundance because He loves us so abundantly. I don’t think for a moment He’d deny us hugs. I am fine with His denying me peas and snakes. How does one express “ewww” politely though? lol Love you, no love peas and snakes. lol
Thanks so much! Big hugs via cyberspace!
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Hello Martha…thank you for following my blog at Faith1st Ministry. My hope it has and will continue to be a major blessing in your life. May God richly bless you as you continue to write and blog. Please continue with us on this journey and remember to have Faith 1st. — Sebastian
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Thank you for following my blog….
Blessings..
Excited to read your posts….
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Thanks, i feel the same way about yours! Glad to meet a new sister in Christ!
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I am a Christian, a member of the Church of Christ. I’ve noticed that you bear a striking resemblance to me. I have Crouzon’s Syndrome. Have you ever heard of it? It’s been my “thorn in the flesh” ever since I was first in school, 1st grade. I was teased and tormented which made school a bitter-sweet necessity of life. Have you had similar hassles? Vicki
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Hi, Vicki. Thanks for reading my blog. Yes, i know of the syndrome and did have a lot of teasing in schoool. It was a painful time during some years and less so in others and think in part because at some points i let the teasing keep me from being and doing what I was meant to do to avoid being hurt. I think, in part, maybe it had some part in inspiring me to write, for you and I know that words can hurt and c an kill the spirit . . . but words can also be life giving. How blessed are we to know the Lord and to know that we are not “mistakes” but are His beautiful children? Bless you, Vicki.
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Wow Martha! You are an amazing woman and quite an inspiration! I am thankful the Lord led me to your blog and for the willingness He has given you to share such encouraging words with others. I am fairly new to blogging, still in the learning process. But I am seeing the many ways it can used for God’s purposes and it is exciting. I have just recently begun my journey in writing for God, and I am thrilled to meet others like you who are doing the same. I pray that you are richly blessed in His great love, your heart be filled with joy, and all of your daily needs are met! God bless! – Amber
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Wow, Amber, thank you so much for your blessing and kind words. I seek to serve Him as He wishes to use me. I’m trying not to insist on my own way. Wow, even when we know better it is hard. Your prayer for my needs to be met is especially timely as my financial provision needs are a pressing need. I am without income at this time and having some challenges healthwise and financially. I know He has a plan, but prayer for my confidence, faith, and trust is very much appreciated. The human doesn’t seek how this current situation is going to work out, but He knows and His way will be best. I need to get out of His way. I have no doubt that He loves me, especially when He brings me new sisters and brothers in Christ like you!
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Hi Martha, it is great to see that you have been using your talent to praise the Lord. God bless you! 🙂
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Thank you so much. To Him be the glory!
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Hi Martha,
I enjoyed reading about you and your accomplishments, Wow! How wonderful and doing it all on a faith filled path! I’m going to peruse your posts now and thank you for all of your visits to my blog. I’m finding it difficult to visit everyone and I know others are in the same dilemma, so please bear with me! Have a wonderful weekend and blessings to you, my friend~
Lauren
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Martha, wondering if you’d be interested in writing a devotional/reflection or two for our blog at http://www.cryofworship.com? Will you email us, cryofworship@gmail.com? Thank you!
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I would be honored, thank you. I will pray and see what the Lord leads me to write. Thanks for blessing me with this request. I’m also on Twitter and have a Facebook page. On Twitter I use my full name, and on FB my page is In Love With The Lord. I’ve clicked to follow you in both of these places. Bless you and your ministry.
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Thank you! What a blessing to us. If you have time to write two that would be great because we like to familiarize our readers with our guest bloggers. Whatever God puts on your heart! We’ll spread them out a little. God bless you:)
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I will do that. Thanks! Be in touch soon!
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Hi Martha , I just want to thank you for the Blessing that your Blogging friendship has been to me and I look forward to sharing with you more in the future, thank you for your flowers of Love.
Blog Post – http://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2012/08/04/friendship-flower-blessings/
Christian Love Anne.
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Thanks, Anne
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I really love how you have all of your blog awards here on one page. I guess I need to change all of mine for display. I admire your blog and that you follow Christ. So do I. It’s so hard as I work in the corporate world doing security. Low pay. I am in the wilderness waiting for God to give me something.
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I’ve found myself in the wilderness too but He’s here with me. I know the financial concern. I relocated nearly 5 years ago and have had a few temporary paid positions but my provision needs seem, to the human, to be critical. However, He is with me, the work – unpaid in money – has blessed my soul, and my relationship with Him continues to grow minute by minute. If He had blessed me with what I prayed for, none of the gifts He’s given me may have come my way and I cherish them, for they bring me closer to Him. His plan is best. Now I pray for eyes to see, ears to listen . . . waiting upon Him. He’s the lover of my soul and I hunger to serve Him. He uses it all for good – even our mistakes. I read an analogy recently of “compost.” Our lives are like that. He takes all of our stuff, transforms it like our refuse when we compost it, and look at the AMAZING NEW GROWTH THAT GOOD COMPOST BRINGS!
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Hello Martha.
I just wanted you to know that I nominated you for some awards. I hope you don’t mind. I don’t get to read regularly but I always enjoy the posts that you share. Peace and Blessings
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Martha, message me on facebook so I can send you info about a writing opportunity. Carlene
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Hello, Martha. I just created a blog on WordPress. I was looking at some blogs by others that talk about Christianity. I’ve been struggling a great deal with forgiveness for the last few years. Acceptance is the other big issue with me. I’m trying my best to pick up the pieces and trust God again, but I admit I’m struggling with that quest. They say forgiveness is a choice, but it’s also a process. I’m not exactly as far along in that process as I would like to be. I just hope I’m not in the ‘stuck’ mode.
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Thanks for the comment and welcome to WordPress! Forgiveness is tough especially since we, or I anyway, tend to think it’s benefiting the other person. In my life what was holding me back wasn’t the guy who cut me off on the way up the street today or the recent things but things from so long ago that kept eating at me or consuming too much of my attention. Actually in some cases these things were influencing me in situations now even though the issue I’d not forgiven was often many years ago with someone long gone from my life or even passed away. For me, this meant releasing the situation in prayer to God. It was only, from my position, hurting me. I felt free the moment I let go of the situation. I think, just from the things you wrote here that you are moving forward. We make God smaller than He is, I think. Talk to Him about your anger, your unbelief, your struggles. Ask Him to speak to you, to help you to hear His voice. You will, Scott. It’s a relationship. It takes time, but it’s worth it. A great book I read in a discussion group was one by Peter Scazzero called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Pretty powerful book, for me. One many of my friends also worked with. I would call it a life giving book. You might want to check it out. Blessings!
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Martha, wow…God has really filled you with many blessings!! I am looking forward to reading about more of them. Please come over to mine and I’d love your participation. Love it!
Jenny
http://www.aroundeverycornerat.blogspot.com
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Thanks and nice to meet you! Just popped in at your blog and will for sure be visiting again soon! So glad to have someone new to share faith back and forth with!
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Martha, I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award because you are so gifted and talented, and you tell it like it is. You aren’t afraid to be open and vulnerable, which is part of what makes your poetry and your prose so inspiring.
Here is a link to the award, and the rules:
http://burningfireshutinmybones.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/very-inspiring-blogger-award-nomination/
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Wow, what a blessing you are! Thank you so very much! Your words so touch my heart! Your gift of encouragement is so very much appreciated! I am honored!
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I just spoke the truth. 🙂 Many blessings to you!
Love,
Cheryl
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my very late thank you for the award you gave in 2012…*sigh*
http://wp.me/p1RzUf-1M2
peace+love!
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🙂
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Hi Martha, I’m visiting from Adrienne’s “Six Word Friday.” Nice to meet you and learn more about you and your writing career, hobbies (fibers!) and know you are from a city I visited a little over a year ago. What an inspiring place to write. May the Lord continue to bless all you do and send those words to the masses.
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Oh, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words and for visiting my blog! God bless you!
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Hi Martha !
We would like to award you with mydearbakes’ I’m a Baking Enthusiast” Award! You can check out more details here!
http://mydearbakes.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/mydearbakes-im-a-baking-enthusiast-award-feb-2013-winners/
Congrats! =D
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Wow, thank you so much!
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Hi Martha – I’ve nominated you for the Shine On Award, Beautiful Mama Blog Award, and Super Sweet Blogging Award. Please don’t feel pressured to accept any of them. I simply chose you because I felt that your blog was worthy of those awards. If you would like to accept any or all of the awards, you may do so by clicking onto this link:
http://burningfireshutinmybones.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/shine-on-award-beautiful-mama-blog-award-super-sweet-blogging-award/
As I said before, please don’t feel any pressure to accept. I just wanted to bless you, because your blog blesses me.
Much love,
Cheryl
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Wow, thank you Cheryl, I am blessed and honored. As soon as I have a moment, I will check out the requirements and if I can meet them, I’ll happily accept. Again, thanks, so much and many blessings to you!
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Wow, what a wealth of blessings! Praise the Lord!
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Thank you so much for this lovely and encouraging blessing to begin my day with! Thank you as well for reading my blog! I just visited yours and have become a follower! In His Amazing Love, Martha
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You’re welcome lady Martha. Father God not only knows the perfect time to lead His children, but He places in their hearts *treasures of blessings* and all sorts of gifts for moments and days like this day. Hallelujah!! And thank you for perusing, liking and connecting with my blog site. 😊
God’s grace and peace be multiplied to you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
~Joanna
a/k/a Yahobahne
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Amen and thank you so much Joanna!
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Greetings, my beloved friend. This is to notify you that I have awarded you 7 Lovely Awards just because you’re worthy. May God bless you abundantly, my friend, and you may find out more information on the awards here… http://burningfireshutinmybones.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/7-lovely-awards/
Love,
Cheryl
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Wow, thanks! You just made a blessed and wonderful day 7 times moreso! I will for sure find time to write up my acceptance! Hugs, Martha
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I will be sure to check out those ebooks, I too have four on amazon.com the links are in my side bar of my blog. I am certain I am going to enjoy your writing. Ann
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Thank you so much,Ann!
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Thank you, Martha, for visiting my blog! God sure has blessed you with many gifts and talents! We have a few things in common; I’ve published an ebook, am an artist, worked with children, did two Hawaiian quilts, like to write, etc. I’ll be back to peruse your blog!
God bless you, keep you in health and meet your needs! \o/
‘God’s Enduring Love’ http://heulu.wordpress.com
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Thank you! I am eager to see more of your blog as well! Blessings!
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Thank you so much for the follow Martha. It means a lot to me 🙂
Thanks again
~Ankush
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So glad to have found you on Blog of the Year Award. God Bless from The Hurt Healer 🙂
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Thanks! I was just checking out your blog and I love it! I’m following for sure!
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Martha, thanks for the sweet inspiring poetry. As a fellow poet and prayer enthusiast for our Heavenly Father, I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Instructions for sharing this award are at disciplesthoughts.com. May the Father heap abundant blessings on you.
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Thank you so much! I am honored! It blesses me to be the pen in the hand of my Lord.
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Hi Martha, looking forward to seeing more of your art and writings. I’ve been on a blogging hiatus and am contemplating resuming with significant “rebranding,” as I’m getting more clarity about the direction I wanted all along. I want to have a heavy emphasis on “thought life” for women (particularly busy moms), and I’m always looking for things that get me thinking about faith and reflecting on the beauty in God’s world.
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Hi Martha, Thank you for following my blog. I look forward to reading your posts and poetry and to our virtual walk together. Blessings on you and your work,
Mary Adrienne
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Nice and inspiring blog, Martha! Thanks for following “Known is a drop, Unknown is an Ocean”. 🙂
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Hi Martha,
I have nominated you for versatile blogger award please click this link for what you need to do.
http://readywriterps451.org/
God bless
Deborah Esther
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Thank you!
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Thank you for the follow, Martha! I will have to return for a walk with you.
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Thank you Martha. I am looking forward to reading more.
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It sounds pretty amazing to be able to teach kids about creative writing.
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AWESOME! 3 TO 10 YEAR OLDS!
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Thank you for following my blog, Martha!! It’s an honor having your presence. 🙂 Love your poetry focus — it’s funny, because I was just looking at getting into more poetry myself. Blessings.
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Thank you kindly or following my blog and I hope you find a blessing there.
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Oh, so kind of you to say that and likewise thank you for following mine! Blessings!
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Hi Martha! I happened upon your link at Jacqueline’s party. You’ve been a busy young lady…very impressive! I look forward to reading your work.
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Thank you! Great way to make new friends!
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Agreed.
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Martha, I discovered you at Senior Salon from Haddon Musings. I look forward to reading more of your poetry.
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THANKS SO MUCH! I am new to her blog and loving all the new friends I am making.
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What a busy bee you are! I found a new word/craft/skill I have never heard of. What is a cursillista? I am delighted to welcome you to my blogging family !
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Hi Martha, such a joy to meet you. Thanks for stopping by and the follow. May God be with you and Bless you in all you do.
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My pleasure! Blessings to you and your family!
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Hi Martha
Thanks for the follow! How have you been and how’s your blog doing?
I created a blogger tips group to connect with all my long last WordPress blogger friends, and to help all of us to learn from each other. I would love for you to share your knowledge in the group and connect with other bloggers. Here’s the link:
Blogger Tips Group
Finally, here’s a blog I thought you may find interesting:
The Ripple Effect of Blogging
Best regards,
Greta
Founder of Healthy Living
http://www.healthyliving894.com
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Thanks for the follow!
You have a very interesting blog, and lots of nice blogger award, too!
Blessings~
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Thank you! Blessings to you as well!
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Thank you!
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Thank you for following my blog, I appreciate it!
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Of all the people I’ve met recently in blogworld, you stand out, your pure spirit and love for the Divine, it covers all your words like a hug, so glad I found your blog… my miracle of the day.
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Thanks so much! Blessings to you!
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