Hello, my name is blog.

A new friend of mine was talking to an old friend of mine about me recently. My old friend was liberal with his generosity as he described his perception of who I am and the friendship we shared (he has selective memory issues). The most interesting point he made, though? He stated that he has gotten to know me best through...you ready for this?...my blog. This weekend when my father-in-law was discussing our blogs with Allan and I, he pointed out how he is often surprised at the level of personal revelation I make. And, just this evening, another friend revealed that his wife is "lurker" of this site, enjoying the opportunity to get to know more about my life.

I find those comments interesting. Is it okay that someone feels like the best way to know me is through their computer? There are many discussions online about this topic. I'm curious what you think. Can you get to know someone through a blog or do you have to have face to face interactions for it to be an authentic relationship? Do you find it easier or more difficult to express yourself in this format? What about it is so appealing to some - the perceived anonymity? the opportunity for a stage without interruption? the ability to make a false front?

Talk amongst yourselves.

Think Christian

I recently told you about We The Church, a website of only prayers and praises. There are some other good Christian websites that I have been following for a while that some of you might enjoy as well.

Deadly Viper is an website dedicated to conversations on "the issues of radical integrity and radical grace". Their focus is to develop leaders through intentional, transparent, and honest conversations about key character issues. Oh, and they love Chuck Norris, if that makes any difference to you.

At Think Christian there are a lot of lively discussions by a panel of Christian writers about Christ, culture, and the ways that faith plays out in everyday life. I will be writing book reviews for this site in the near future, so keep a look out for that!

Flowerdust, aka Anne Jackson, Ragamuffin Soul, aka Carlos Whittaker, and his wife Heather at Whittaker Woman are three of the most popular Christian personal blogs in the nation. They're popular for a reason - good writing, great humor, and tough topics all to the glory of Jesus.

Christianity Today has two areas to which I return again and again. Gifted For Leadership is dedicated to discussions for women who are "capable, called, and gifted leaders". CT's movie section has some of the best written, unbiased reviews out there.

What sites or blogs do you recommend?
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Life In Six Words

Ernest Hemmingway was once asked to write a story in just six words. This is what he penned: “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” Wow - that's just sad. So I thought I'd try this exercise, but I'm making it autobiographical.

She birthed three times. She's tired.

Raised in faith. Passing it on.

True Oregonian, she loves the rain.

Thirty-six and counting. Hotter than ever.

Rich past. Pleasant present. Hopeful future.

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Now, how about you? How would you describe your life in six words?

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Time For Another Story

Okay, let's write a story together again! This time let's try this: no more than ten words per comment. Don't worry if you end in the middle of a sentence - that can make it more fun. Add as many comments as you'd like! I'll wrap it up when it seems like a good stopping point, I need to write about something else, or it gets lame. Whichever comes first.
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Getting a monkey seemed like a good idea when...
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Get Your Blog On!

People seem to primarily fall in one of two camps - they either love blogging without reservation or they respond with something like, "Why would anyone want to hear about my boring life?" I think that everyone has something interesting to say; some have just figured out more creative ways to say it. But now there is one more reason you should stop lurking and start writing. It's good for you!

From Newsweek:

Why do people write confessional blogs? It's a creative outlet. It's a forum to vent. It's an exercise in exhibitionism. To mental-health experts, though, it's more than that: a blog is medicine. Psychiatrists are starting to tout the therapeutic power of blogging, and many have begun incorporating it into patient treatment. A forthcoming study in the journal CyberPsychology & Behavior even suggests that bloggers might be happier than nonbloggers.

Prayer Cloud

Allan introduced us to Wordle, a site that allows one to create beautiful word clouds. It is cool how random words can be used to make an artistic and interesting creation. These were some of the topics that I took to God in prayer this week.

Miscellaneous

Hey! Thanks to everyone who helped write our little story this weekend. It took on a deep, mysterious mood right from the get-go. Hmmm...I wonder what it was that she was holding??

News Updates:

* PSP starts oh-so-very soon! Our summer Coordinators, Josh & Katina, are here from New Mexico and are being put to work. Our six interns will be arriving from New Mexico, Texas, California, and the Great Northwest to begin their summer fun this weekend. We are in high gear and I'm hopeful that this conductor doesn't fall off the train. If you are in the Portland area and want to serve as a reading volunteer, contact us here.

* My Uganda family is making their way to their Oregon home and should here Friday. Welcome home, Jeff & Cheryl, Kinley, Alex, Isaac, & Silas!

* A ton of people I know right now are on health kicks. I feel super-inspired to set some goals, but I'm fearful. I hate disappointing myself.

* I'm not going to tell all of you that I have now lost my wallet. That would be too humiliating. Seriously. Is this a permanent state or do I ever have hope of being the organized and logical person I once was?

* Nothing makes the whole family laugh more thanthis site.

Let's have a little weekend fun, shall we?

I've been in a writing mode lately, the latest which has been some groovy kids' stories. You know, the types with dragons and giants and kingdoms and heroes. So let's write a story! I'll start us off and you add one sentence at a time to the story in the comments (you remember this game, right?). Come back as often as you'd like this weekend. If you don't, it will be a lame (and very short) story.

You know, there's nothing as interesting as a locked door.

Website Redesign

I was looking at this blog the other day and my reaction? Blah. Blah. Blah. I have commissioned the best of the best to make me look better than I deserve. He's asking for feedback, so for my sake, let him know what you think!

NaBloPoMo

November is National Blog Posting Month. Who knew? I have accepted the challenge to write a post each day this month. Why? you ask? Good question. I guess I like a challenge. Have I ever told you about how my dad said that if I chose to go to school in Europe for a semester that there's no way I would be able to pay for it and he'd end up having to bail me out? His lack of trust in my assurances (or was he just being clever?), angered me enough to get two jobs the summer prior and work myself silly to have enough money. Granted, I didn't eat most of semester (one of the professors wives insisted I take her jar of peanut butter in order to get some protein while traveling) and I got to bring home very few souvenirs. I spent my very last $3 for an ice cream cone in LAX on the return trip home. Dad gave me not a nickel for that journey of a lifetime. HA! Challenge me, will you? Shoot - it's already November 2nd, so I've already failed. But that takes the pressure off, right? On your mark. Get set. Blog!