I have a strong autopilot default. The routines in our day provide necessary security for which I’m grateful, but they also bring a predictability that masquerades as mundane. Really, there’s only so many ways to make emptying the dishwasher or folding the laundry inspiring. And when 8 or 9 pm rolls around and I’m checking kids’ math homework and English papers, I have to fight this lie that threatens to steal my joy. Because hello?
Real life can feel like a string of just-get-it-done moments and here-we-go-again same ol’ same ol’.
That’s why I love this little out of the blue shindig. It’s a place for you to open the door – and your eyes – to a fun, poignant, relatable, delightful, or even restful surprise God arranges just for *you*. And in doing so, you see how God’s tailor-designed blessings are anything but mundane. Maybe it’s a brand new surprise or the memory of a long cherished one. Either way, opening our eyes to God’s out of the blue surprises shows us how much God adores us and how much we have to be thankful for.
What should I write about to take part in the Out of the Blue link-up?
The idea is to write about something that *surprised* you in a post. You can write about a big surprise, a tiny surprise, or in-between one. Show us with words how God used something right out of the blue to build your faith, give you joy, or encourage your heart in the midst of your day.
Can I link up a post I’ve already written or published?
Sure can!
How does one link-up?
Go to the inlinkz at the end of the post and add your name with the permalink to your out of the blue post. Then choose a photo to go with your link. In your own post, be sure to link back to Chasing Blue Skies so your readers can join in the fun. That way, we can all easily find each other.
What if I don’t have a blog but want to participate?
No worries! Blog or no blog, you are always welcome to share your surprises with us in the comments.
What is a permalink?
{I borrowed this answer straight from Emily’s because her description is perfection. And because she said I could.} A permalink is the URL to a specific blog post. In other words, each blog post has an address and the permalink is the street number and the avenue. My blog address is www.chasingblueskies.net. But the permalink to this page right here is https://kristenstrong.com/?
Other important things:
Since we all dig surprises, kindly leave a comment, facebook post or tweet touting another person’s post. When tweeting, use the hashtag #outoftheblue. Also, if you are hunting for your blog post but found it deleted, it’s probably because you linked up your blog address rather than your permalink. When you do this, it makes it hard for folks who peruse the posts weeks or months later to find the one you wrote for that specific week.
I look forward to reading how God is showing up for you right out of the blue!
