Change

I'm sensing a need for change.

As I have grown over the last year, I am realizing a need to re-prioritize. We have seen a lot of changes in our lives (my wife, I and our kids), both inside of us, and outside. The changes, and I believe by God's grace - ongoing changes, are causing me to reevaluate and adjust my blogging habits.

I've posted about 500 times since last September (2011), being for the very most part faithful to jot daily as I originally committed to myself to do. Now, I feel the need to let that go, focusing on some other things, and post as I am inspired, as things happen in our family, and, you know, whenever I am feeling like it!

Though I may post less, I am hoping the posts will be more meaningful and from my heart. That is when I enjoy blogging the most. And, I anticipate the random and fun jots too.

So, on to the next phase of life (and blogging)!

Late Night Jots

Blogging at night just isn't going to cut it. I'm hanging onto awake-ness by a thread. I've already dozed off and am running on the remaining fumes from the day, frantically trying to post.

Thankfully life, at least for now, is a little more scheduled. Hopefully that translates to scheduled posting... we'll see :P

Believe it or not, the more scheduled my posts, the more real and heartfelt the things I write. And that is when I enjoy blogging the most. Hopefully you do too ;)

Closer Emotion

Is it true that when you find something you love, and truly enjoy it, to a point of deep satisfaction, that you are brought closer to your Creator?

What about that favorite instrumental song, or that picture that invokes such emotion, or that hobby that brings an un-orchestrated smile to your face...

Is it possible that somehow when we stay true to our innermost desires and satisfactions, that we are actually drawn closer to the One who has created us and all good things that we enjoy?

When done right, blogging is therapy for me. It helps me to identify and bring out emotions and desires that otherwise I may not even realize are stirring within me. Blogging has helped me to get in touch with my "feminine" side so to speak. As a man we have a rap of being tough and bigger than our emotions, but come on guys, we got feelings too!

Though I'm not sure blogging helped me in pondering the things I'm writing on today, it has helped me to recognize, articulate, and sort through these very real emotions inside of me.

Anyway, the other day I was struck by a group of pictures that spoke to my soul. I don't know how else to put it except that the views that were in these pictures struck a deep cord in me. And somehow, I felt closer to the Lord through allowing myself to be so moved by the photos. Normally, I don't think I would have allowed myself to feel what I did, maybe because normally my subconscious wouldn't let me. Maybe it was because I felt the Lord was closer to me than usual during that time.

Either way, I felt it.

Maybe this is old news to some who are well-versed in recognizing and enjoying their passions and emotions.

Or, maybe I'm just crazy.

Not quite sure myself yet. But, I felt what I felt. And something tells me, I'm not the only one who has felt that way before...

Nor do I want it to be my last time.

On Track

Its been a busy month with a lot of celebrations, time with family, and living out of suitcases. We are so blessed as a family.

I am excited to get into a writing routine for the new year. I thoroughly love writing - specifically from what's deep in my heart, and I feel that is what has the best chance to add value to someone's life. We are all living real life and so "real" posts are more desirable than packaged ones, at least from my perspective.

So hopefully the posts will become more consistent in terms of time of day - and hopefully that time isn't after midnight anymore.

Heart Words

One thing I am learning about blogging is that for me, I get the most enjoyment when I am able to put into words the passions, convictions, and thoughts that reside deep inside of me. That's what makes the time and effort well spent.

I am realizing the commitment level needed to be able to write on things near and dear to my heart is high. It takes time, reflection, energy and effort to recognize what is in my heart and then put those concepts, emotions and passions into written form. At least that is how it is for me.

I also believe that if I am neglecting my time with the Lord, my inspiration runs dry in many ways. He is my source of inspiration, He is my greatest and innermost desire. The Holy Spirit is the one who even helps me formulate words that accurately express the things in my heart. He is the fountain of my inspiration and desires so to speak, and when I am not drinking from that fountain, my inspiration runs dry.

Jesus is the source of life for me, and He is for all of humanity, though some recognize it while others don't. It is in God we find truth, Jesus being that Truth. He holds the answers for life, both in this life and life eternal. In Christ, we can see through the deceptions of the age, grow in holiness, and renew our minds to think according to truth.

And so, He is my ultimate inspiration. Without Him, I have nothing to write, nothing meaningful to me. Now sure, I could write on things important to me separate from Christ such as my family, my struggles, and convictions, but ever since I found life in Him, He is the river of life that gives even greater meaning to things that are already important to me.

I am new to this. Sharing my thoughts on a regular basis. Each blog is different and each blogger writes for different reasons. For me, my writing is closely connected to my heart. And as a Christian, I believe you would find Christ at the center of my heart. I don't think I say that in pride, but for the simple fact that He is everything to me! He is the only one that helps me make sense of the world around me, and breathes life into my very existence.

And so, I write.