Back from a fun filled vacation. Loved seeing my parents and brother. Loved the muddy rodeo on the 4th. Loved seeing the beautiful, depths of the Grand Canyon again. Took hundreds of pictures, as usual. I was going to post some of them today but when I saw this post was my 500th entry I changed my mind. I will post them soon.
I'm not sure what to share today in honor of 500. But I'll say something that's still on my mind.
On the drive home yesterday, my husband and I were talking about the Internet and my relationships here. I felt defensive. He wasn't trying to upset me. He was just asking questions. I didn't respond well because I felt like he was discrediting my online ministry. But he really wasn't.
Here's what is true about me and blogging.
I believe strongly in being a voice online. I feel like God made me for this. I enjoy learning about technology, even though it also drives me crazy. I love listening to online sermons and watching short inspirational videos. I'm amazed by the whole thing actually. How can the web hold all of this information and it's all up to date? I don't get it.
I hope to always be writing online. Why?
* To leave something written about God for my kids and the generations after them. A dusty trail of faith for those coming up behind me.
* To share with anyone who visits my blog about what matters most to me. GOD.
* Because much of what's on the web is garbage. The porn industry for one is stealing lives left and right with the simple click of a mouse. I hate the thought. To combat the dark side of the web, I am determined to post some light. As long as I have freedom to do so, I will shine my faith candle for all to see. May GOD alone get the spotlight.
* I love what I've found from blogging four and a half years. Relationships. Blogging allows me to connect with a few new friends on the phone. We feast as we share our common connection: our love for Christ. And to think, I get to meet many of them in person in October at the
Free To Be Me Bloggers Retreat. I can't wait! It's amazing to know God has strategically connected all of us over time. I find sweet support here. Not to replace my in-person friendships of course, but in addition to them. It's a beautiful thing to know there are sisters and brothers of faith all across the US and beyond. That's so much fun. The world seems smaller, more friendly.
* Your blogs spur me on. I love reading your perspectives. So many of you write with depth and insight. Some write with rare humor. Others raw with honesty. Others so poetic. Thank you for your words. Please keep writing as God leads. Don't stop His voice from going out to the web. The world needs more light. You never know who is reading and why. Thank you for your ministry to the online readers. Shine on!
Okay, that's enough. I could ramble on and on, but I won't.
Thank you, Jesus, for giving me the desire to blog. Thank you for 500 posts. My words belong to you. Continue to guide me online. Show me if I am out of balance with my time. I don't want to miss your call. Lead the way with my ministry. I want to be in the center of your will. Blogging or not, I will follow You. Amen.Now to YOU: I'd love to know why you blog.