Blog

The Importance of Being Intentional

Intentional. It’s a word we don’t hear very often. It means that we choose to act deliberately, purposefully, and consciously.

Of course, like most serious writers, I’m deliberate and purposeful with my writing. I give myself goals whether I’m researching, writing, editing. I make deadlines for myself ahead of the ones my publisher gives me. I consciously challenge myself to read new writing craft books, to keep learning, to improve my writing skill.

As a mama-writer with five children, I’ve had to learn to be intentional in my parenting too. When people ask me, “How do you manage 5 children AND find time to write,” I can point out that developing creativity in my children has helped (See post: Fostering Creativity in Kids). But I must also add, that being intentional with my children is a big component of my parenting as well.

What exactly does it mean to parent with intentionality? How can intentional parenting help us manage better?

What exactly does it mean to parent with intentionality?

Simply this: We chose to be purposeful with our children instead of leaving things up to chance.

While my husband and I are far from perfect, there are several main areas where we've worked to be intentional:

*Developing character. We’ve done character studies together as a family where we focus on learning about different traits—truthfulness, diligence, patience, punctuality, self-control, etc. When we see a particular characteristic one of our children needs to grow in, we give them plenty of practice in developing it. Sometimes we provide incentives for working on specific traits. And we try to praise them when we see them growing in that character.

*Teaching our children to work. We view childhood as the training ground for adulthood. And since we want our children to grow up to be successful in whatever jobs or calling they pursue, we want to equip them with helpful work habits. Besides, we also have the motto, “Whoever lives in the house has to help with the housework.” So, we expect and teach our children to take responsibilities around the house. (See post How to Get Children to Do Chores for more ideas.)

*Setting aside family time. We know that in the rush of daily activities, family time can get relegated to the back burner. We do several things to protect time together. We guard family meal time and we all eat together around the kitchen table. We set aside one evening a week for “family night.” And then on Sunday afternoons, I do an activity with my daughters and my husband does likewise with our sons.

How can intentional parenting help us manage better?

Simply this: When our children are growing in character, when they’re pitching in around the house, and when they know they’re important to us, then our children THRIVE. And when our children thrive, we as parents can too. We’ll have more confidence, time, and energy.

Yes, being purposeful with our children requires an upfront investment. It takes effort to train our children to clean their rooms or unload the dishwasher. It’s not always convenient to help our children practice sharing or show kindness. In fact, it's less work for us to let little misbehaviors slide than to stop and address the issues of the heart that are driving them. And it's not easy to give up a Sunday afternoon nap to have tea parties with our daughters.

However, when we invest in our children, eventually they begin to mature and require less supervision. This summer we gave our 13 year old son the responsibility of mowing our big back yard. We told him we didn’t want to nag him with, “The grass is getting long. Don’t you think it’s time to mow?” We wanted him to see that it needed to be done, plan ahead around his activities, and just do it.

And you know what? That’s what he’s done. But it’s taken years of intentional parenting to get him to that point. The process required an investment of time and energy on our part, but it’s paid off—he’s developing into a mature young man who will hopefully be ready for adulthood.

~Summary: Intentional parenting equips our children with the skills they’ll need to succeed in life. And it also benefits us as parents—at least it does me. When my children are growing in character, it makes my job as a parent easier. When my children share the household work, it frees my time for other things. And when I know that I’ll have specific family time, it allows me to work hard during other parts of the week.

How intentional are you with your writing? And how important do you think it is to be intentional with children? Do you agree that in the long run, intentional parenting pays off?

88 comments:

  1. I think intentional parenting should just be called parenting. Unintentional isn't parenting, it's babysitting. Just my opinion.
    That said, character studies are an awesome idea! But it overwhelms to think about. How would I even start that? I'm not a detailed or intentional person. I hate schedules. The thought of planning something like that makes me feel nervous, but I know it's SO important and even though I'm always trying to teach my kids Godly values, I've never even thought about intentionally setting up a time for them to practice those values.
    I'd love if you post some more tips on this sometime. :-)

    Thanks for stopping by today! Job's great, finger is getting better and no ACFW for me this year. Maybe next!?!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my goodness, this post is inspirational. I love the idea of intentional parenting. Reminds me of how I want to parent and challenges me to stick to those things I believe in as a parent. Which is training my child in character. It reminds me to set aside intentional family time too. Hubby and I BOTH need to get better at this!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm thinking parenting book in your future.

    My sister is always blown away about how disciplined I am. I'll tell her how many pages I need to edit by a certain date and she can't understand why or how I go about it w/out anyone cracking the whip. She simply doesn't see my characters huddled behind me with lots more than just a whip. ;)

    I really hope intentionality pays off w/ kids and writing, but even if my fruit isn't as shiny or juicy as I want it to be, I'll keep at it w/ that intentional attitude.
    ~ Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  4. So many bits of life would be better if we attacked them with intention, would they?

    I appreciate your focus in this post, Jody, because the balance between writing and motherhood has been what's most important to me. It's less elusive than it used to be, but it's on my mind (as well it should!).

    I love the character study idea. Thanks for the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow. I mean: WOW. Have you considered writing a book about this, Jody? In your spare time, of course. I've often wondered how you manage to get everything done without going nuts. You are so wise.

    Thanks for sharing your secrets with us. Can you send 13-year-old over to mow our lawn?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Intentional parenting better pay off. I'm trying to teach my daughter to put herself to sleep; lay her in bed when she's still awake. The first night was AWFUL, second not much better. She's starting not to fuss now when I lie her down and walk off, which almost breaks my heart even more. She's learning not to need me.

    Still, I know this will be better for everyone in the long run. But it's hard not to go to her every time she cries, and I kinda miss that time I used to spend with her trying to put her to sleep, even though I've been getting more sleep myself lately.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes living an intentional life is much more organized and efficient than peettering away empty hours. IN fact, I'm more of a participating parent now that I'm a writer than I was before.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful post, Jody! I just drafted some blog posts for the next couple months and wrote one on a similar topic. I'm learning just how important it is to set a solid foundation with my children while they're young.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You are so wise, Jody. I have bookmarked and printed your post on getting kids to do chores and this one as well. I think I may need to start a folder just for Jody posts! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very timely blog. I make it a point never to tell my kids I'm too busy to talk to them when they approach me while writing. I give them a hug, let them know I hear them, and assure them I'll take care of things as soon as I find a breaking point. Of course, its important to follow through too.

    Stephen Tremp

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wonderful post Jodi. I love your ideas on intentional parenting. I think that we have to be this way to help prepare our children. I have to remember this when I'm tempted to just let things go, because in the end that doesn't benefit anyone:)

    ReplyDelete
  12. CONGRATULATIONS, Jody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This isn't directly related to your great post, but I'm sooo excited I have to share this BIG news with you and your blog's followers. I subscribe to the Romantic Times Book Review magazine, which allows me to see the reviews online several weeks before they appear in print. I've been waiting for them to post the review of The Preacher's Bride, which they did today.

    Your "remarkable debut" novel got 4-1/2 stars, the highest rating they give. I'm beyond thrilled for you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Jody... this is to congratulate you for finishing your rewrites. I know that you were anxious about it, so its great you are through with it. I read about your rewrites on T.Anne's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, yes! I agree! Intentional parenting takes more work up front but gives back time when our kids catch on. And I'm impressed with your son! Good for him (and you!).

    ReplyDelete
  15. I like the term intentional LIVING (to teach us old dogs with grown kids.)Have a plan for what we do.
    God is so good to provide a framework...

    Blessings, dear one.
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jody, RT Book Reviews generously granted me permission to share their 4-1/2 star review of your debut novel, The Preacher's Bride. Here's the link to my post:
    http://snipurl.com/jodyrtnews

    I've been doing such a wild happy dance for you this morning that I'm getting dizzy. Not that I mind in the least. I'm sooo happy for you. =)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good post. This is true and timely no matter what your age or situation. I agree, I think intentional parenting pays off. My kids are proof - not to sound boastful at all. We made plenty of mistakes, but they lived to tell about it:)

    Thanks for the reminder. I need to be more intentional with my writing.
    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you, Keli!!! You're awesome!! I'm having fun doing the wild and crazy happy-dance with you!

    And for anyone interested in seeing the Romantic Times review on my book, head over to Keli Gywn's blog (her link is in the above comment).

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is a great post, Jody, Being intentional in everything you do is the key to succeeding. We can't just stumble into writing, parenting or living. We must do it intentionally.
    (I don't have kids yet, but I can guarantee you that us, strangers, can tell when a mother is doing intentional parenting. The kids become more pleasant and more likely to thrive in the outside world.)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've learned parenting is the most important job I have, it never stops, and the payoff is incredible:)

    Now if I can infuse this into my writing life I will be able to exhale!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I agree with Jessica.

    You know my affirmation is "Stay Focused. Be deliberate. Believe". I was saying it before I was doing it. Now that I'm doing it, I could fly to the moon! Why let life happen to you when you can live life instead?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jody, this is an excellent post. We're also intentional with our children, and they feel as if they're a part of something bigger than themselves. They are also expected to do work, and they also see the rewards that come from hard work. It's nice to see this at a young age.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Jody -

    The word, "intentional," speaks volumes to me. God is certainly intentional in what He does. He had a plan from before creation because He knew we were going to blow it big time.

    I'm intentional with my writing. I set goals and then go after them.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great post Jody. Intentional is very important. I am learning to balance my goals and measures of success with what life brings my way. Sometimes, despite my 'intentionalness' I must be flexible and opened to change. That is life with kids I guess and life as a writer too :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yes! It's so important, and this fast paced society tries to pull us away from intentional parenting.

    ReplyDelete
  26. oh crap, why weren't you writing this kind of stuff 18 years ago when I had my first child? Oh yeah, you were probably in college or something... ;) I haven't raised my kids to be as responsible as I could have, and it's kicking me in my butt now. They're good kids, just not very proactive... they don't see and do like you raised your son to.

    Maybe I can do better with my five-year-old. :)

    p.s. I'm working hard to be more intentional with my writing!

    ReplyDelete
  27. PHENOMINAL, Jody. And I spelled phenominal wrong, but that's okay. I did it with intention.

    I will be bookmarking your thoughts so I can be intentional as I invest in Chloe's upbringing. Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Jody,
    I have to say...this is one of the best posts I've ever read.

    I LOVE this one.

    It made me want to go home, be with my kids all day and not worry about our finances!

    I just wanted to BE with them -okay, so I still do, with a PASSION as always, but I gotta do what I gotta do, and that includes working 50 hrs a week at our family business.

    BUT praise the LORD! I still have time with my babies!

    My oldest is 5, and the intentionality starts now.


    (and Jessica, I totally agree, but I KNOW w/o a doubt that I can be much better with my intentions)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Intentional parenting--I really like this term, Jody. As a single parent of three intentionality would sometimes slide away when I was just too tired juggling a full-time job, and being fully responsible for my house. But help from books and child rearing conferences (as well as a supportive ex-husband) helped my now 17 and up kids to be pretty good! Use the tools out there, I always say! Great post.

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a great post, Jody! Lots of great ideas. I really admire that you take the time to do character studies.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yes, being purposeful with our children requires an upfront investment. It takes effort to train our children to clean their rooms or unload the dishwasher. bed sheet set online , queen bed sheet sets , premium bed sheets , bridal bed sheets online shopping , all seasons duvet , vicky razai , sofa covers canada , velvet quilt , razai cover design It’s not always convenient to help our children practice sharing or show kindness. In fact, it's less work for us to let little misbehaviors slide than to stop and address the issues of the heart that are driving them. And it's not easy to give up a Sunday afternoon nap to have tea parties with our daughters.

    ReplyDelete
  32. It's really nice and meaningful. it's really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing. you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them useful information.

    카지노사이트
    먹튀검증
    스포츠토토
    토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  33. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. However, I recommend this:

    사설토토
    온라인카지노
    파워볼사이트

    ReplyDelete
  34. That's a Great Source of information. I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it:

    사설토토
    바카라사이트
    파워볼

    ReplyDelete
  35. However, when we invest in our children, eventually they begin to mature and require less supervision. This summer we gave our 13 year old son the responsibility of mowing our big back yard. We told him we didn’t want to nag him with, “The grass is getting long. Don’t you think it’s time to mow?” We wanted him to see that it needed to be done, plan ahead around his activities, and just do it. locket necklace canada , locket necklace australia

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi, constantly i used to check web site posts here early in the dawn, since i like to learn more and more. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  37. thank you for giving the opportunity to read your writing. I always follow your writing, I wish you a long life and good spirit바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  38. I really enjoy your web’s topic. Very creative and friendly for users. Definitely bookmark this바카라사이트 and follow it everyday.

    ReplyDelete
  39. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  40. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
    I don't know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren't already ;) Cheers!대구오피

    ReplyDelete
  41. I’m now not positive the place you are getting your info, however great topic. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  42. I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.온라인바둑이

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi there mates, how is all, and what you would like to say concerning this
    article, in my view its truly awesome in favor of me.

    Look at my web-site;
    부산오피

    ReplyDelete
  44. On my website you'll see similar texts, write what you think..Thank you so much for the post you do. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  45. Wow, incredible blog format! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your site is fantastic, as smartly the content material!..hi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the thme you picked is super. I will be back 메이저놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have a hard time describing my thoughts on content, but I really felt I should here. Your article is really great. I like the way you wrote this information ..Great post and amazing facts right here.Keep it up the wonderful work 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  47. Wow, incredible blog format! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your site is fantastic, as smartly the content material!..hi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the thme you picked is super. I will be back 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi there! This post couldn?t be written much better! Reading through this article..reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this...I’ll send this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read...Thanks for sharing! 먹튀폴리스

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you so much for the post you do. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job..I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  50. That’s the reason concentrate on you have to particular footwork ahead of when writing. Is going to be feasible in order to much more appealing article in this way..I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  51. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info.  I appreciate this article because it is full of information I seek. I may visit the website regularly to update the latest information. 우리카지노

    ReplyDelete
  52. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. I found this content is very useful. Your article will be very beneficial for everyone. It is exceptionally disaster emergency kit useful and extremely useful and I extremely took in a great deal from it. Thanks for sharing. I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting. 꽁머니토토

    ReplyDelete
  53. Normally I do not read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a fantastic job with this. Also, the blog loads super quick for me on Opera. Outstanding Blog! I just wish to give a large thumbs up for your wonderful data you’ve got right here on this publish. I’ll be coming back again for your website for a lot more quickly. 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  54. This article is really contains lot more information about This Topic. We have read your all the information some points are also good and some usually are awesome. Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts . Thanks for sharing this best stuff with us! Keep sharing! I am new in the blog writing.All types blogs and posts are not helpful for the readers.Here the author is giving good thoughts and suggestions to each and every readers through this article. I wish more writers of this sort of substance would take the time you did to explore and compose so well. I am exceptionally awed with your vision and knowledge. 피망머니상

    ReplyDelete
  55. "I think this is an informative post and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article

    " 파워볼사이트

    ReplyDelete
  56. This article is very detailed And i am happy reading this!. 온라인카지노
    cheers

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing.

    사설토토
    카지노사이트
    파워볼

    ReplyDelete
  58. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.!

    토토
    스포츠토토
    토토사이트
    먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for writing such a good article, I stumbled onto your blog and read a few post. I like your style of writing...

    사설토토
    바카라사이트
    파워볼사이트
    온라인바카라

    ReplyDelete
  60. It is very rare these days to find sites that provide information someone is watching for. I am glad to see that your site share valued information that can help to many readers. nice one and keep writing! 한국야동

    ReplyDelete
  61. Admiring the time and energy you put into your site and in depth information you offer. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Excellent read! 일본야동

    ReplyDelete

  62. Excellent site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate individuals like you! Take care!! 야동

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my own blogroll. 야설

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi there! This article could not be written much better Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I’ll forward this information to him. 한국야동

    ReplyDelete
  65. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice. 온라인카지노

    ReplyDelete
  66. I’m impressed, I must say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve got hit the nail on the head. 파워볼게임

    ReplyDelete
  67. We absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? 카지노

    ReplyDelete
  68. I was looking for another article by chance and found your article슬롯사이트 I am writing on this topic, so I think it will help a lot. I leave my blog address below. Please visit once.


    ReplyDelete
  69. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this just before. So nice to seek out somebody by original applying for grants this subject. realy i appreciate you for starting this up. this site can be something that is needed over the internet, a person with a bit of originality. beneficial task for bringing new things towards world wide web! Im now not certain where you’re getting your information, however great topic. I must spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission. Have you tried twitterfeed on your blog, i think it would be cool. 검증사이트

    ReplyDelete
  70. Oh my goodness! an excellent article dude. Thank you However I'm experiencing problem with ur rss. Do not know why Cannot register for it. Could there be any person getting identical rss difficulty? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx . Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. I have read your excellent post. This is a great job. I have enjoyed reading your post first time. I want to say thanks for this post. Thank you... Thanks so much for the blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged . Thank you for giving me useful information. Please keep posting good information in the future I will visit you often. Thank you.I am also running the site. 먹튀지구대

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute, Good post. I was very interested in the article, it's quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards . This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here. Thank you so much. Keep up the good works . Thanks a bunch for one more valuable post. Ive been checking this website frequently for the past number of months, and its currently one of my favorite sites! . I work on an internet site that has very similar content, would you’ve got any interest write a guest post on it? Shoot me an email if you are interested! 메이저사이트

    ReplyDelete
  72. Great post! I?m just starting out in community management/marketing media and trying to learn how to do it well – resources like this article are incredibly helpful. As our company is based in the US, it?s all a bit new to us. The example above is something that I worry about as well, how to show your own genuine enthusiasm and share the fact that your product is useful in that case . This is a excellent weblog and very engaging too. Nice paintings! That’s not in point of fact much coming from an novice publisher like me, but it surely’s all I may say after diving into your posts. Nice grammar and vocabulary. No longer like other blogs. i think that i saw you visited my site so i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!! 온카맨

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hello, I am one of the most impressed people in your article. 슬롯사이트 If possible, please visit my website as well. Thank you.


    ReplyDelete
  74. 파워볼사이트December 15, 2021 11:39 PM

    Your posts are always informative. This post was a very interesting topic for me too. 파워볼사이트 I wish I could visit the site I run and exchange opinions with each other. So have a nice day.


    ReplyDelete
  75. 메리트카지노December 18, 2021 2:56 AM

    I'm writing on this topic these days, 메리트카지노, but I have stopped writing because there is no reference material. Then I accidentally found your article. I can refer to a variety of materials, so I think the work I was preparing will work! Thank you for your efforts.


    ReplyDelete
  76. Your explanation is organized very easy to understand!!! I understood at once. Could you please post about 우리카지노?? Please!!


    ReplyDelete
  77. Major Private Toto refers to companies that share high cost sharing and events where there are a few restrictions when using the Toto site. Companies that participate in the work of the best oz's manufacturers and are responsible for real-time safety as a so-called safe playground or large sports venue at Totosite.
    cragro

    ReplyDelete
  78. Major private Toto refers to a company that shares high dividend rates and various events while having few restrictions while using the Toto site. Companies that participate in the operation of excellent ozmakers and manage site security in real time are called safety playgrounds or major playgrounds in the Totosite industry.
    mujuru

    ReplyDelete
  79. Thank you for sharing such a good and useful information here in the blog for everywhere. 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  80. Actually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written. Judi slot

    ReplyDelete
  81. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. 먹튀

    ReplyDelete



  82. Have fun' is my message.
    슬롯사이트

    Nice work!I’ve read most of your articles and I love to read them
    슬롯사이트


    ReplyDelete
  83. I read an interesting article well. It was an article that stimulated my desire to learn. I will visit often and read various articles well. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

© All the articles in this blog are copyrighted and may not be used without prior written consent from the author. You may quote without permission if you give proper credit and links. Thank you!