Why I Blog

There’s a “Blogging story” meme going around, but I don’t feel like I’ve been blogging long enough to answer those questions, so this is my own attempt to answer the “Why I Blog” question.

I read various blogs for about a year before deciding to start my own. It all started with Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. I don’t even remember exactly how I found her. But once I did, I was hooked. Then came Owlhaven, so gentle and wise. All the while, I was reading my own friend Megan‘s online diaries and trying to understand the blogging mystique. Those are really the only blogs I read before I started my own, and I rarely commented. When I did comment, it was only on Megan’s blog; but I often felt conversation screech to a halt once I chimed in with my two cents. I always felt like a blogless outsider.

I blog because I like the community of funny and insightful Christian Mommy bloggers that exists on the Internet, and I would like to be a part of it. Stay at home mothering is often a solitary and lonely experience. Blogging is one way I create those moments of “chatting around the water cooler” with my co-workers that I so need during the day. I blog for the support, advice, encouragement, and the laughs.

“But I thought you were a private-type person,” declares my friend A. Well, yes, I am. Thus, it will take you longer to get to know me in the blogosphere, just like it does in real life. I won’t comment on your blog, unless I really have something to say. But if you make the effort to get to know me, I think you will be rewarded with an authentic and faithful friend.

It does creep me out a little that some p*rv might find my blog, just like it creeps me out that a s*x offender might live next door. Although, I’m careful about what I reveal about myself and my family, I don’t want to live my life in fear of something or someone else. But, you will not see many pictures of us on this blog.

It’s more about the intellectual life for me. Blogging is a great intellectual outlet. Stay at home mothering is not always the most intellectually scintillating pursuit. (I’s smart, y’know) I love having things that I think about that are mine to think. I love writing again. I love documenting and preserving stories that are important to me and my family. I love chewing over a post for a few days in my head before finally writing it out on the computer.

If you are A., you are asking, “Why don’t you just write in a journal?” I think there is more motivation for me to write here and to write well here precisely because other people will see it. When I write in a journal, it becomes more about what the journal looks like on the outside. And then there’s this strange need not to screw up the white page. And if I just write in an old spiral notebook, then it ends up filling up with my shopping lists and my to-do lists. Word processing and accountability are definitely two things I need in the equation.

I also blog for Jesus. That’s right, you heard me. Blogging is a part of my spiritual life. I’ve definitely felt led since we moved to the Midwest to document some parts of my faith journey in some form. I want to be part of what’s good on the Internet. The opportunity to influence someone else for the better is one I do not take lightly; and one I am aware I can not do in my own strength. I think my spiritual gifts lend themselves to the written word. I think God is teaching me things about myself through blogging (ain’t all of it pretty, people). Blogging inherently involves a lot of navel gazing. And I don’t want it to be navel gazing for navel gazing’s sake. Thus, the name Blog in my eye. I know I’m going to be spending a lot of time examining the log in my own eye in this blog. But my prayer is that it will teach you something about yourself and point you back towards your creator. So…me and Jesus…we’re blogging buddies. (Sorry, Jules. Really sorry)

So, it is with mixed feelings that I announce my coronation as…a blogging princess, people.

My dear friend, Megan, who started it all, had the joy of bestowing this award upon me.

I’m thinking I would like you all to read Psalm 45 at my coronation ceremony.

1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.

4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;
let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.

6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.

9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house.

11 The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.

12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, ^[b]
men of wealth will seek your favor.

13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber ;
her gown is interwoven with gold.

14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her
and are brought to you.

15 They are led in with joy and gladness;
they enter the palace of the king.

16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.

17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

I would like to share the love with SincerelyAnna and MamaLady, my first two bloggity friends

Rejoice ladies:

The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord. ~Ps. 45:11