This Friday, I find myself sick to my stomach on Halloween candy–candy that I have stealthily stolen from my children’s stash, mind you. A person can only eat so many mini Twix before things start to fall apart.
But here’s the good news: It is November, which means it finally feels like fall here in Arizona. Now, I’m not one of those people who get all kooky and start pulling out the Chirstmas decorations on November 1st (please forgive me for calling you kooky if you are one of those folks), but I do find myself feeling extra excited for this holiday season. What about you?
Well, one thing that got me smiling is this list of 20 Awesome Geek Gifts. Are you a geek, like me, or do you know a geek? Would they love a gift decked out in <html>, comic book heroes, or Pac man? Then this list is for you. So fun.
Now, I know I’m jumping the gun since we are still months from January and all of those resolutions we like to make and then not keep. But have you ever dreamed of living a life free of worry, limitations, and restrictions? Have you ever dreamed of quitting a job and traveling? Or having your dream job that allows you to wake up and enjoy each and every day? Yes? Okay, then you should check out my friend Breanna Chanson’s new blog Rare Existence: The Art of Extraordinary Living. (How great is that name by the way…)
Breanna is a talented photographer, alongside her equally talented husband, and they are (without sounding totally cheesy) living the dream. They are free. She is now writing to help guide and encourage others to do the same. It is good stuff.
Lastly, how much of a difference do Christian bloggers make? Have Christian blogs influenced you or helped you in any way? Has this blog done that? Well, my blogging homie Moe, of Beta Christian, is asking just that in his post The Christian Blogger’s Influence. He offers some great encouragement and reasons why people should blog for Jesus, so to speak.
Alright, what has caught your eye this week? Got anything new and exciting to share with me? Read anything thought-provoking, challenging, or weird this week?
Yes, there have been a lot of Christian bloggers that have made a deep impact on me: Rachel Held Evans, Renee Fisher (nee Johnson), Brian McLaren, Joy Wilson . . . and, yes, you.
Speaking Joy Wilson, you have got to check this woman out! Here’s the link to her blog: http://joyleewilson.org/wordpress/
Travis, holy crap, I just checked out Joy Wilson and I am HOOKED! Without sounding like a snob, I don’t like many Christian blogs. Eek. Is that okay for a Christian blogger to say? Hmm…
At any rate, she is amazing. So honest, so raw, so authentic and candid. Thank you friend for sharing her with me.
PS I’m still working on that post we emailed about. It’s in the works for next week.
Most of the Christian blogs I read are autobiographical stories. I read a few theological ones, too, but there’s something about reading some one’s story that feels more real to me.
I blast Christmas music from Nov 1 – 25, it’s sweeter cause it annoys everyone.
I think blogging makes a big difference. Most people against blogging or think it’s pointless always sound very traditional when they speak. I’m personally very picky when it comes to consistently following bloggers, so I don’t follow many. Not because their posts aren’t good, I just don’t relate as well. Your blog’s made a difference in my life Nicole, whether it’s your post or the comments left by other readers. Thanks for that, I always look forward to your posts.
Things I’ve found… I came across two quotes this week that I felt the need to save:
1. “Sometimes I want to ask God why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world when He could do something about it, but I’m afraid He might just ask me the same question.”
2. “Why then, did God give them free will? Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only only thing that makes possible any love of goodness or joy worth having.” – C.S. Lewis
Chris, I am so like you. I find it hard to relate to many bloggers, even if their content is solid. I guess it’s just a personality thing. I don’t know, but either way thank you for the kind words.
As for your quotes…I read that first one just yesterday and I love it. It could serve as a great post actually. My family members heard Francis Chan speak a few weeks ago and he gave an answer very similar to the whole “Why is there suffering in the world” question. Very powerful.
The C.S. Lewis quote is a favorite of mine. It makes perfect sense. Lewis had such a gift for taking big, lofty, theological ideas and putting them into easy to digest nuggets.
Thanks for sharing!
Moe’s Post was really great…
and You are rising to becoming one of my faves to Nicole…
God bless you!
Arny, hey thanks {sniffle, tear..} that is so kind of you.
Are you a regular reader of Moe’s? Love him. He was one of my first blogging buddies back in the day on Tumblr. We have even had the fortune of meeting in person.
Man, Tumblr. Good old days!
I missed seeing you at Catalyst. I mean, yeah you were like 9.9 months pregnant. But is that really an excuse? :)
I’ve stalked Moe’s blog for about 6 months now! lol…He was one of the first guys to really believe in my blog and inspired me to keep going…and like he likes to say…i’m his long lost brotha! lol…
Thanks for the shoutout Homie! :)
I have a secret love for photography blogs. I always wanted to be a photographer. I don’t have the money to spend on a really super duper SLR, but I do manage to get my Canon Rebel out from time to time. I also post lots of photos on Instagram. Anyway, all that to say that I love link you provided above. Oh, and Jasmine Star is one of my favorite photogs. She also has a fantastic personality.
I love photo blogs too. I could lose hours drooling over beautiful photos. I, like you, wish I could get some fancy schmancy camera. I’ve been saving up, but I think my money is gonna go towards a Mac first and then I’ll get a camera later.
Okay, I’m gonna check out Jasmine Star. Thanks for sharing that.
Missed seeing you at Catalyst too. I wasn’t preggo. Beckett was like 7 weeks old. However, I was speaking at Pepperdine like 5 days before hand. I just couldn’t swing both with a newborn. I’m so looking forward to next year though! Thanks for stopping over and thanks for continually churning out quality posts!
Now who’s saying fun size Tiny Twix? They lure you in with the small one size so you eat 61 and can’t figure why you puked. I am more of the sarcastic type so many of the Christian blogs fall in that vein. However I am also a missionary and the daily life adventures in foreign lands appeals to me too.
There is that very small group of Christian blogs that aren’t satire or foreign missionary that just have GREAT content regularly. These I can’t resist. Modern Reject is a leader among these. You are respectful and insightful. Thanks.