I would like to announce that as of yesterday, December 5, 2016, this blog surpassed its 2014 record of 21,979 views.
We broke the 22,000 mark for the first time!
Thanks for stopping by, everyone. I appreciate it.
Tag Archives: blogging
Share a Post for Christmas
Gift Ideas
Every year I’m asked for a list of things I would like to have for Christmas. Each time I respond with: “I have no idea.” But when it comes to writing and blogging, I know EXACTLY what I want! And what’s more, it’s something EVERY blogger would enjoy!
Share a favorite post with others on your blog and/or social media!
It cost’s nothing, and all you’d need to do is wrap it in syrupilly-sweet words of praise as you ask others to check out the post of the year…or at least one of your favorites 😉
The Challenge
So, this is the challenge AND the request:
Share (a post), and share a “like.”
This is time of year when many bloggers see lower-than-normal visits to their sites. Why not take just a moment and share some posts you’ve liked with others? By doing so you will help some blogs keep up their views (“hits”) and maybe even gain a few new followers.
Then, the next time you read a decent blog post, take just an extra second and “like” it. Even better, why not leave a comment? Sometimes a nice comment could mean the difference between a bad day and a great day – you just never know the power of an encouraging word.
Now, if you do have access to a P-51 Mustang I could ride in, or if you want to treat me to an expensive steak dinner, then who am I to refuse? But if you can’t, a simple “like” and share will make my day!
Sharing is caring :-)
Filed under blogging
Christian Blogging
We plant and water seeds of hope, love, joy, and grace. We sow these seeds all over the world! Rarely will we see a harvest, but the Holy Spirit knows how to take that divinely inspired “click” and turn it into new life.
It will be interesting, and wonderful, to one day see what God was able to do with the crazy medium of Christian blogging. To HIM be the glory!
Photo credit: Katie Marie Baker
Filed under blogging, Christianity, Uncategorized
10 Things Christian Bloggers Wished the Rest of the Universe Could Understand
This list first appeared back in May of this year, but I thought it was worth re-posting… sorta like “the best of The Recovering Legalist.” Bloggers unite 😉
The Audience
If you are reading this – evidently you are – it is probably because you are on some form of social media, like Facebook or Twitter. it is also possible you received an email notification as a subscriber, or you were forwarded a message from a friend who said, “You’ve GOT to read this!”
On the other hand, you may be a blogger who was surfing recent posts from followed sites or “suggestions”form WordPress (or some other inferior blogging platform). Those of you in this group – the bloggers – will understand what I’m about to write; the rest need help.
The following list will be less of a shocker than an affirmation of what Christian (and some pagan) bloggers already believe about themselves or others within their “community.” Therefore, the following list is meant more for the casual Facebook reader, the neglected child with a school project due, and the wife or husband whose eyes roll more often than a bowling ball.
10 Things Christian Bloggers Wished the Rest of the Universe Could Understand
1. The ability to write is a gift from God; the ability to write well takes work. Every post, if it’s worth posting, should be well-written. A poorly-written post is a poor reflection on the message we have to share. Therefore, don’t get upset if we spend 3 hours crafting a 500-word work of art.
2. Blogging is a form of worship. I know, it may sound crazy, but blogging can be a very legitimate means of giving praise and honor to God. Christian bloggers regularly speak of the goodness of God, praise Him in the midst of struggles, and challenge others to trust Jesus. Christian bloggers LOVE to praise God through computer screens all over the world!
3. Christian bloggers are internet missionaries! You don’t have to travel the world to teach people with the Good News; you can do it from your kitchen! That’s right with a simple blog piece one person can instantly share relevant Truth in over 100 countries! Last time I counted, I’ve had readers in 126.
4. Everything is fodder for a blog post. That’s right, everything from one’s recent trip to the mall to one’s battle with cancer – it’s all worth writing about, especially to the one who sees God’s hand working everywhere.
5. Household chores will take care of themselves. Families of bloggers are usually the most stressed of housekeepers, but this need not be. Worse come to worse, dirty dishes, un-walked pets, and un-made meals can be used as writing topics (see point 4).
6. Blogging is reporting. All bloggers wish the world would give us more respect. I mean, seriously, we deserve Press credentials! If you write a well-written blog you should be allowed into all political events, meetings, and all concerts for free. As for me, I think every blogger is a potential food and restaurant critic – we should eat for free.
7. Christian bloggers don’t have selective hearing; we have selected focus. When I’m at the computer, don’t assume I hear anything you say. When I’m writing I’m in the “zone,” so voices outside the “zone” are muted. If you want my attention, offer food or show legitimate interest in what I’m writing. Otherwise, don’t assume I heard you tell me to pay that bill.
8. Donations are always welcome. Just because we Christian bloggers love doing what we do, that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t accept money. Money buys better computers, custom themes, and comfortable desk chairs.
9. The Christian blogging “community” is a real thing with real people. Honestly, some of my best friends are bloggers I’ve met online. Several of us have met in person, prayed with each other, and shared in genuine Christian fellowship and worship. Bloggers love bloggers 🙂
10. Christian bloggers come in all virtual shapes and sizes. Not every Christian is alike, and neither are our blogs. We are all unique and bring our own perspectives to the discussion of life. Don’t read just one.
So, what are your thoughts? Any points you’d like to share with the universe?
Kicked out of the house and in need of wifi, the Christian blogger will do anything to maintain his habit: changing the world one post at a time.
Filed under blogging, Christian Unity, Christianity, Humor
A Post Made the Paper
For those of you who don’t live in Chattanooga, and for those of you who don’t have Facebook, here is some fun news from the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Pastors in the area are sometimes asked to contribute so a section of the paper called “Voices of Faith.” Today’s Saturday edition featured a slightly re-written post I wrote for this blog a little while back. It was the third of three entries I submitted – the first two made my stomach upset the more I thought of them.
So, check it out, forward it, or do whatever. I hope it’s a blessing to someone 🙂
Filed under blogging
Another Face-to-Face
Let me think for just a moment… How many bloggers has it been that have come through and visited with my family and me?
Let’s see, there was the cute couple of the century, Daniel and Caitlin Klem, who came through before Christmas a couple of years ago. There’s been James and Lydia Neff who’s been by a few times, which was always an encouragement. The Fry’s (Wally & Heather) and their daughter came through while on vacation last year, and that was fun. And how can I forget Heather, Everette, and Emerson?
Myself and Jessie Jeanine. Photo by: My wife, Valerie.
Well, this last week another long-time blogging friend paid a visit. Last Tuesday Jessie Jeanine decided to swerve through on her cross-country (and half-way back again) search for a place to re-settle (that’s a long story in its own right). She loved it so much here that she stayed over a week! How cool is that?
I will never get over how bloggers can be a part of a community without ever meeting in person. But it is awesome when people who are friends online can meet face-to-face, confirming the reality that there has always been a genuine person on the other side of the computer screen.
Jessie was one of the first bloggers who really encouraged me to keep writing – because she actually replied to my comments and then followed my blog! For a new blogger that was a big deal, especially considering her story (one of horrendous abuse, working with the FBI, and even being a friend to Hollywood stars). To me Jessie Jeanine was a blogging celebrity, and a celebrity I highly respected. That was like 5 or 6 years ago.
However, this past week Jessie ate with us, worshiped with us, and even asked me to work on her car. What’s more, she got to spend enough time with us to see a few of our bad sides. Yet, real friends stay friends even when they are transparent and vulnerable. Real friends being real, that’s all.
We had a great time just hanging out, watching TV, doing dishes, playing board games, talking church, faith and religion, and dealing with a little bit of family drama.
But every good thing must come to an end. My wife and daughters and I will always be grateful for the time we got to spend with her. Needless to say, there were a few tears shed when it came time for her to leave.
May God bless her, protect her, and provide for her needs during this huge cross-country transition in life.
Oh, and eventually we’re all going to pay David Welford a visit in England! Woo Hoo!
So, any more of you guys coming through Chattanooga any time soon? I know a great coffee shop 🙂
Filed under blogging, Christian Unity
I’ll Whine If I Want To
All I know of the lyrics to the old song is, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, CRY if I want to. You would cry too if it happened to you.”
Well, it’s my birthday, and I wan’t to cry…sorta.
Maybe more like whine.
The Negatives
First, I had been planning to attend a preaching conference today. It is sponsored by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is being held just outside of Atlanta. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed on a Saturday – on my birthday – at 5:30 a.m. and then drive. I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep in the last few days and I have a knee that’s really hurting, so it wasn’t a good morning to be hitting the road dark and early. So, I’m missing out on something I really wanted to attend. That’s sad.
Secondly, my dadgum knee is killing me! Well, maybe killing is a little extreme, but it hurts to go up stairs, down stairs, use the gas peddle or brake, move it, etc. What did I do to it to make it hurt? Nothing that I know of – other than get older.
Third, after I had regretfully resigned not to go to the conference and sleep in, Jack the dog – which my wife so mercifully let into our room during the night – made it very clear he needed to go outside. So much for sleeping in.
Everyone else is still in bed. Wait, did I hear movement upstairs?
The Positives
First, I woke up, was able to get out of bed with one good knee, and made it outside where the air was fresh. I was able to make it down stairs, make my own coffee, and see and hear the falling leaves that are finally ushering in the fall season.
Second, a dear blogging friend (Jessie Jeanine) is here visiting with us! Because of having to do several other things, including drive a school bus for a football game last night, I’ve been unable to take her to my favorite coffee shop here in Chattanooga, Rembrandt’s. But now that I’m not going to the conference in Atlanta, we can go get some coffee!
Third, I get to spend a little more time in study for tomorrow’s sermons. And really, that’s a good thing; I’ve been a little stressed with finding the time to just sit and meditate on the passage I’m going to be covering…
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. – Luke 12:32
And, you know, I have to make a good impression tomorrow, too. I asked Jessie to tell me if there were any differences between the real me and the person I convey over the internet. She replied, “Wait till after I hear you preach on Sunday.” Pressure!
Incidentally, I want to thank our exchange-student-daughter, Vivian, for giving up her room for a few days and sleeping with Haley so that our guest could have a bed. However, I don’t know what German kids think about southern hospitality at this point – I think they think we’re crazy.
Fourth and finally, “This [is] the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psa 118:24 NKJV
God has been good to me, far more than I deserve – ’cause I don’t deserve anything, really. He even gave me this wonderful day at home to answer the phone, read emails and Facebook, study, drink coffee, and feed off the sympathy of others as my knee aches.
So, forgive me if I whine just a little…but it IS my birthday, after all 😉
Filed under current events, General Observations, Life/Death, Thanksgiving
Fun and Quirky Me
In a recent email from Tishia at Faithful Bloggers I was asked to list some fun and quirky things about myself. She said…
“When is the last time you shared something fun or a little quirky about you? I encourage you to create a post like this. Your readers will love it! It’ll let them connect with you on a more personal level as you give them a ‘glimpse’ into who you are by sharing some of those silly things.
Therefore, in the second post I’ve written in just one day, I will share with you 10 fun and quirky things: things to love; things to use as a connector; and things to give you a “glimpse” into what makes me the quirky, funny, unusual, and almost-committed person that I am.
- I don’t have a clean desk, either around my computer in the kitchen or in my office. A clean desk is an invitation to break out books and paper and clutter. A messy desk is a reminder I have too much to do, so I don’t do too much more.
- The main reason I love iPhones more than any other kind of phone is iMovie. I will be getting the iPhone 7 this year, and I don’t care about the haters; it’s the first phone I’ve gotten in 5 years – and Saturday is my birthday.
- I shave in the shower – and I never cut myself (which is good for several reasons).
- I like candy corn, even in the summer.
- Sometimes I eat dry Capt’n Crunch Cereal when I study. I’ll put it in a bowl and munch on it. It’s what I call “brain food.”
- I stop by the Mapco gas station every day and make my own iced coffee. It only cost me $.99 instead of $2 billion at Starbucks (which I can’t stand, anyway).
- I sneeze every time I eat anything (at least 90% of the time)…anything at all… at least three times in a row. No, I don’t know why I do it. It doesn’t matter what I eat, and it varies when the sneezing happens.
- I get emotional in the butterfly exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium.
- I weigh 215 pounds.
- One of my greatest wishes is that the Pop Tart people would make a pop tart that had no filling… because I enjoy the edges of pop tarts more than the inside.
So, there you have it… fun and quirky things you probably never knew about me. Do you feel closer? More connected? I hope so 😉
I also have a pet puppet monkey who thinks he is real – he even has a pet banana.
Filed under blogging, General Observations, Monday Monkey
Perfect Timing for a Late Post
A Little Late
As many of you may know, I have another blog called ProverbialThough.com. If you are unaware of it, I hope before today is over you will check it out.
Anyway, I was one of several who would regularly write devotional commentary on proverbs in the book of Proverbs. Looking at a list each one of us would select passages which we would be responsible for addressing, then write and post it at the appropriate time. Unfortunately, because I was also in seminary at the time, I was often overwhelmed and sometimes missed a verse (rarely, but it happened). Proverbs 22:14 was one of those verses, however.
I was supposed to have written a post for Proverbs 22:14 in July of 2013! Better late than never, right?
Perfect Timing
Now, even though the post for Proverbs 22:14 was just written, it couldn’t have been written at a better time. You see, the whole idea behind the writing of Proverbial Thought was to look at the wisdom of each proverb and apply personal application based on how we as the writers had seen the wisdom played out in real life. And because each one of the writers came from different walks of life and different parts of the world, there was a more diverse pool of experience to draw from.
The reason this post was timely is because had I written it back in 2013 I would have had no idea what a real pit meant for killing looked like. I don’t know what I would have used from my experience to try to relate the truth of this particular passage, but I certainly would not have been able to compare it to an actual place in Africa.
So, just like so many other things in life, it was no coincidence that I did not write a post for Proverbs 22:14 until now – God knew what was best.
Check It Out
So, why not click on the link below and go check out this brand new post – 3 years late – on Proverbial Thought? And while you are there make sure you subscribe and leave a comment or two.
Oh, and share it 🙂
Click here to read “Sleeping In the Pit”
Filed under Bible Study, blogging, places, wisdom
More Guest Posts Needed
Greetings, fellow bloggers!
Here’s the deal, folks. God has used His people to bless me with the funds to go to Zimbabwe in just a week and a half. You don’t know how excited I am!
AND THANKFUL!!
The only problem – if it’s a problem – is that I will not be doing any blogging while I’m gone. So, like when I was on vacation a while back, I need you – YES, YOU – to fill in the gap. I’d hate to have nothing post but re-runs.
My actual keyboard 🙂
I would like to have between 8-10 posts edited and ready to schedule by August 6th. Is that doable? Of course it is! You guys are awesome! Surely you can stir up that gift inside of you and pound out 400-500 words of brilliance, can’t you?
For those of you who have done this before, you know the drill. For those of you who’ve never posted as a guest, just let me know you have the desire and we’ll get it worked out.
So, let me know as soon as you can, folks, and I’d appreciated it.
In the meantime, please keep me in your prayers; I’m expecting God to do great things, both here and in Africa 🙂
Filed under blogging
The Recovering Legalist 