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Writing Your Ethical Will Share Your Experience
Writing your spiritual-ethical will is a way of leaving your values, beliefs, and family stories for future generations to enjoy. Your ethical will is a legacy filled wisdom and love that will live forever.
The purpose of the Spiritual Ethical Will blog is to create a forum so you can share your ethical will and the benefits you received from writing your personal legacy.
Today we reach the end of our video project. Today’s blog will cover part four of our project, editing your video biblical ethical wills. This process will include watching what you have filmed, removing parts, adding parts and adding special effects like music.
The first step when editing an ethical will video is to watch everything that you filmed. You will want to keep a notepad nearby so you can jot down changes you want to make. For example, you may want to add a photomontage or slide show of family photographs while you talk about some of your memories or when you focus your discussion on a specific person.
Next you will want to make sure that you covered everything that you wanted to and that you provided at least one ethical example per topic that you discussed. If you noticed that there is something missing, you will need to film something to cover the issues you missed. You can then cut the new information into your finished project.
When you have everything filmed, you will want to use your editing software to cut out dead air, make transitions smoother and to add background music (if you want to). Once you are happy with what you have you can burn your video ethical will to a DVD and put it in a safe spot. A good place to store your ethical will is with the hard copy of your regular will, preferably in a fire safe lock box.
What would you like me to talk about on this blog? Post your requests below.
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Today we will be covering the steps for the third part of our video spiritual ethical will project, filming. To complete this part of the project you will need a place to film, a camera, film or a memory card, lighting and sound equipment. You may also need to enlist the help of a friend.
The first step in filming your ethical will is to set up the filming area. You need to make sure that there is enough light for the camera, but no glares. You will also need to make sure you select a filming area that does not have a lot of background noises. Finally, set up your filming area so that you aren’t interrupted by foot traffic or other interferences.
After your set is prepped you will want to run through each scene without the camera on. This is your rehearsal. Your rehearsal will help you to time out each scene and it will help you to become comfortable with the material you will be reading or reciting. If you are filming yourself without the use of a helper, then practice in front of a mirror so you can see how you look as you deliver your video ethical will.
When you are ready you can begin filming. Remember to allow yourself a few seconds before you talk and after you finish talking while the film is running so you have space to edit later on. You may want to begin by filming a segment on what is an ethical will, so your heirs understand what the video will contain and how they should use the information.
Post your ideas on this project below.
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Last week we started working on our video spiritual ethical will project. This week we will be talking about the second step in this project, writing your script. To complete this step you will need mementos, journals, dairies and anything else you can think of to help you remember important events in your life.
After you have gathered all of your resource, you will want to read through or watch you materials to get ideas for your script. Next you will want to establish how long you want your video ethical will to be. For example, you can make a short film that lasts about 15 minutes, or you can go all out and create a feature length film. Keep in mind that you can always add on to your film later.
Next you will want to use the normal steps listed on the how to write an ethical will page to create your script outline. You can select any elements that you want for your ethical will. You also have the option of freestyling your presentation if you want to. In this case you would forgo the script.
From your outline you will want to start writing your script. To help with timing, layout out pictures and video clips that you plan on using for the visual elements of your vide ethical will and write captions for each. Keep in mind, that if you use the standard screenplay format, that one page of text will equal about one minute of film time.
Do you have questions or recommendations for this project? Post them below.
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This week I would like to start a four part series on creating a video ethical will. This week’s installment is going to focus on what you need to learn about before you start filming your ethical will. The remaining three parts will deal with screenwriting, filming and editing.
This week’s lesson is going to be on what you need to know to create a video spiritual ethical will. To start with you need to understand what an ethical will is. Ethical wills are statements, letters or creative expressions about your moral philosophies on life. They are typically addressed to specific people who are important to you, like your children, siblings or colleagues. These wills are not legal documents as they do not address legal issues related to your estate. However, they can be attached to your last will and testament.
The second thing that you need to know about before you can start filming is the process of filmmaking. To start with you will need a video camera, a tripod, lighting equipment, a microphone, editing software, a computer and an assistant. Next you will need to learn how to operate your video equipment. To do this you will probably want to play around with your equipment to learn about the proper focal length for your camera, the amount of extra lighting that you will need and how to use the editing and special effects features of your video equipment.
Workshops on ethical wills can be a great place to start when you are ready to write your ethical will script. Do you know of a workshop that you would like to recommend? Post the information below.
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One of the most important skills that your kids can develop while in high school is their ability to express themselves in writing. One way that you can help nurture the development of this skill is to help them write their own spiritual ethical will. The following information will help you to structure a writing exercise that will not only help them to develop the writing and expression skills that they will need in college, but that will also help you to pass on your ethical values to your kids.
The first step is to explain what the ethical will writing project is and what it is intended to do. You will want to talk to your teens about the importance of self reflection and the identification of personal values and philosophies by which they live their lives. Provide them with examples of what you feel is important in life and what values you have and hope that they embrace as well. Next, explain what the writing project is all about. If you aren’t familiar with ethical wills then you can use an ethical will workbook or find an example online to use as a guide.
Step two is the actual writing process. Teenagers and ethical wills are two things that may not naturally fit together, but if you work as a family on your ethical wills then your kids will have an easier time coming up with ideas. You may want to start the writing process with a group brainstorming sessions, or you may simply want to tell family stories to inspire ideas. To make this writing project manageable, consider setting a time limit, such as 20 minutes. This sprint writing sessions will help inspire impromptu creativity, which is another valuable skill for teens to have.
Do you have ideas for ways to jump start an ethical will project? Post your ideas below.
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Last week we found inspiration for our ethical letters in newspapers. This week we are going to search the Internet for inspiration. This activity will require a notebook, internet access, a web browser and a basic understanding of how to use the Internet.
The first step in using the Internet to find ethical issues to write about is to create a list of issues you want to use. To start with, select issues that mean the most to you right now, and then back track to earlier phases of your life. You may want to use a time line to help you organize your thoughts and issues.
The next step is to search the Internet for information about your issues. You can look for news stories, articles and photographs that provide information about your issue. You can print out this information and use it to help you write your spiritual ethical will.
Another great online source you can use are video clips. Video clips can now easily be found online. You can find clips from archived television news reels, private video collections and from movie studios. Use these multimedia sources to refresh your memory about an event, or to gain new insight into your event or issue.
Do you have a topic that you would like me to cover in a future blog posting? Post your topic request or comment below in the comment box. I’ll try to respond as quickly as possible to questions and topic requests that are posted.
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This week’s brainstorming activity is going to use newspapers as the source of inspiration. To start with you will need access to newspapers, both current issues and archived issues. If you can’t find a good free newspaper archive online, then you will most likely need to go to your local public library. You will also need a notebook and a writing instrument.
Start your research online. Check out current events and print out articles that strike an emotional chord with you, that related to a value that you hold or that provide some sort of ethical example. For example, you can print out articles about human rights, environment problems or political campaigns and platforms.
Next, go to your local public library and go through their archives. Look for ethical examples that mean something to you. You can search by date, event or by person. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask the librarian to show you how to use the equipment, how to find a story or where to find more information about the information you are interested in. Write down notes about the news items that you are interested in or use the library’s photocopier or printer to create a copy of the story. You can use these examples to create entries for your ethical will.
Do you have a tip for people trying to write a spiritual ethical will? If you do, post it below. You can also post a question about writing an ethical will. I’ll try to answer questions in future blogs.
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Last week we started a series on brainstorming for your spiritual ethical will. Today I’d like to continue the series. This blog will be on how you can use your family videos to come up with ideas for your ethical essay.
To start this brainstorming activity you will need to gather family videos. Don’t just rely on your collection, ask your relatives if they have movies you can watch. You can even make it a family event, where you all gather together, have a good meal and watch old family films. This is a great way to generate ideas and conversations when you are writing an ethical will.
The next step is to take notes about what you are watching. Jot down notes about funny moments, sad moments, memories you have about the people in the films you watched and any other thoughts that came to mind while watching the films. You can even ask people at your movie party if they have memories about the films they brought. They can provide you with background information that can help you with your ethical will.
To turn your notes into an entry you will want to link the note with lessons that you have learned about life, or about a moral that you would like your family and friends to live by after you are gone. If you are having a hard time doing this, start by simply recapping the film sequence that you made a note about. Then talk about why you selected this clip to talk about, what you were doing during this period in your life and what you have learned since. You can even talk about the mistakes that you have made.
Are you interested in learning more about biblical ethical wills? Do you have questions that need to be answered? If yes, post your questions and comments below in the comment box.
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Today I would like to start a brand new series. This series is going to be on brainstorming ideas for creating an ethical will. Today’s brainstorming idea discussion is going to be based on the strategy of using a value survey. A value survey is basically just a list of values that you want to address in your ethical will. This list is then expanded and linked to specific events in your life.
The first step in creating a value survey is to create a simple list of values you live by. These values can relate to your spirituality, your morals or your professional philosophies. The list doesn’t have to be extensive, but it should be more than two or three entries. If you are having a hard time coming up with values to address in your ethical essay, then break down your list into areas of your life. For example, you can have a section on your professional values, your family values and your environmental values.
Step step is to expand your value list. To expand your list you will start linking values to specific examples, secondary values, memories and events in your life. You can even link them to world events or local events that had an impact on your life. Remember that your spiritual ethical will is personal, so the events that you feel are important don’t have to be earth shaking world news. They can be small events that maybe only you were aware of.
Do you have ideas for brainstorming for your spiritual ethical will? If so share it with us. Fill out the comment box below.
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I’d like to start off the May blog with a discussion about the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. This is a holiday that most of us get off, and it is a great time to get together with your family and loved ones. This is also a great time to gather material for your spiritual ethical will.
Memorial Day is one of the few times of year when the whole family tries to get together. The weather is usually perfect for a trip to the lake, a BBQ or other outdoor activity. If you are trying to write an ethical essay then take advantage of this annual gathering of the clan. Listen to the stories that are people are telling and pay attention to the activities of the day, as these could make a great entry in your ethical will.
If you don’t want to take physical notes of what is going on, bring your video camera with you. Interview family members about how their year has gone, what news they have and what they plan on doing during the summer. This can also be a great time to document stories from older members of your family. Ask them for ethical examples that they have learned during their lifetime. Also talk with the young members of the family. Get to know them and learn what is going on in their lives, how they feel about what is going on in the world and what they enjoy doing.
Are you planning a family gathering this Memorial Day? Let us here about it. Post reports about what you plan to do this Memorial Day.
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