What I Learned From …
I mean, let’s face it. It’s like journaling out loud. Like opening up your diary to strangers — or scarier still — blood relatives.
In Blogger-ville, if we’re Keepin’ It Real, we’re letting people peek inside our thoughts, twisted as they may be. We’re inviting others to walk alongside us as we discover joy, or feel the sting of guilt, or experience the peace of forgiveness. We let people enter into our lives — then open wide the door for folks to comment.
My oh my, what were we thinking?
This makes blogging, all at once, frightening and exhiliarating.
I am new to blogging — having just started in July — and I’ve felt a mix of emotions and questions each time I click the button that reads: PUBLISH POST.
Will anyone read this? Do I even want them to? What will think of me now? Did I just hear an echo?
As it turns out, this experience has introduced me to a whole new community of characters. They have encouraged me, blessed me and prayed for me. I have enjoyed drinking deeply the widsom of Billy Coffey, the beauty of L.L. Barkat’s writing, the raw honesty from Janelle. And there are so many other inspired bloggers that you’ll find over on My Rockin’ Bloggin’ List, and on the blogs I follow.
Hold on to your ten-gallon hats: We’re invited to participate! It’s called the Middle Zone Musings BLOGAPALOOZA. Even if you’re new to blogging, like me, you’re welcome to participate. Just mosey on over to Middle Zone Musings, and the cowboy will tell you all about it.
To whet your appetite, here are a few details:
BLOGAPALOOZA is a variation of Robert’s regular monthly “What I Learned From …” groupwrite projects (collectively known as “WILF”).
BLOGAPALOOZA works like this: First, look back over your blog archives. Choose one post from every month you’ve been blogging in 2008. Second, send him the links and a bio, according to his instructions at Middle Zone Musings.
It sounds like a lot of fun. Plus, it’s a great way to open up your diary to even more strangers (EEK!) and to enjoy the Blessings of Community found in Blogger-ville. Now, doesn’t that sound nice?
See you in the Middle Zone.
Hi,
I have moved back to a free blog. If you’re not sick of me and want to follow me, i’m at:
http://www.handsbuiltformercy.wordpress.com
Love and blessings!
Gabi
Aww that touched my heart! Well please drop by any time. I won’t be changing my blog anytime soon! I ever transferred my old blogs to this one 🙂
I know EXACTLY what you mean and how you feel, especially when I have photo’s of my family up. It’s very risky business, however for the most part (and I say this in prayer) most of the online bloggers I fellowship with I sense are genuine, but I still never FULLY allow my guard down, if you know what I mean. I don’t think God would want us to be unwise like that.
Anywho, so back to this BLOGAPALOOZA…so what am I supposed to do? I do what? I don’t get it. I recon I should go visit Middle Zone, who I’ve never heard of either, to read the directions. TTYL
Hi Sarah, Head on over to the Middle Zone for the details. Merry Christmas, friend!
I know how you feel. I haven’t told anybody in my immediate family (my mom/dad, sister and brother) about my blog. I figured one day I might need to vent freely about them.
Blogapalooza sounds fun. And one post from each month, hmm… which TWO shall I choose?
Merry Christmas!
I echo your feelings about blogging. On one hand there is an excitement about hitting that publish button, yet at the same time I’m aware that I’m setting up myself to be disagreed with and misunderstood! And of course, it would bother me the most if family disagreed with me.
I suppose if bloggers want to completely avoid any risk of being misunderstood, we could abandon blogging.
Or we could all have blogs that only have photos of flowers.
Howdy, Jennifer! Hey, thanks for the nod.
You’re absolutely right about that “exposed” feeling. Sometimes it’s a little weird talkin’ out loud like that. But it’s OK, as long as we use discretion and tact.
Always remember the Rule of the Internet: What you write stays “out there” pretty much forever!