My blog has been lonely for awhile now. At first it was because I had a lack of time, then it somehow morphed into a lack of words. Now I am feeling like maybe I just need a break. I am tossing around the idea of moving my blog. Making it a little more personal, a little more protected. I hate to leave xanga, but I would like a blog that can be printed and bound, and xanga doesn't let me do that either. I will keep mulling it over and will let you know if I decide to move it and how, if you want the new address, you can get it.
In the meantime, life has been pretty normal and mundane, which has been quite a treat. I like normal. This past week was beautiful outside and we spent a lot of time on our bikes, walking, playing at the park, grilling turkey burgers, and playing with the neighbors. The birds are back and I love to wake up in the morning to the sound of birds chirping and go to sleep at night to the sound of frogs croaking in the field out back. I can't wait until we can go to sleep with the windows open...the sounds tend to keep Jonathan awake, but I am calmed by the nighttime noises.
I read Safely Home by Randy Alcorn a few weeks back. This was a very moving fiction book, but it was based on the reality of the persecuted church. My eyes were opened in a big way. The safe, easy Christianity that we have here in America is not the Christianity lived by the Apostles. We tend to view suffering as the enemy whereas the apostles saw it as a messenger of refinement and joy. In countries where it is not "cool" to be a Christian they actually have to sacrifice for their faith, but it seems so much more real and deep and true and life-encompassing instead of just a small piece of life. Anyway, I highly recommend this book. It was extremely interesting (couldn't put it down) and extremely informative and challenging.
I have a lot of thoughts swirling through my head...but they are conflicting and personal and this blog is just starting to feel too big. I love connecting and sharing, but when you put yourself out there you are open to criticism and attack and judgement as well as encouragement and friendship. For the most part, this has been an outlet for the latter. I have made real-life friends through this blog. I found encouragement that I desperately needed. I have been challenged and "sharpened" gently through the advice and occasional admonishment of people who genuinely cared about me. I have cherished your friendships, and whether I move or not, I hope that we can continue to share life in some ways. Social networking, when used properly can be a wonderful tool for growth. When used improperly, however, can become a source of contention and discord and stress...and narcissism. Distracting us from real life and pulling us into a world where we start envying the lives of others, or worse yet, criticizing them to make ourselves feel better. I have been victim (and fallen prey) to all of the above...and have been on both sides of the line...with my life being enhanced by social networking and my life being complicated by it. I don't need complicated right now. I don't want complicated. Life is complicated enough...
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