Good Reads

Happy long weekend!

Here are a few links that I've enjoyed this week (or last). Maybe they will fill a few quiet moments as you enjoy some time off.

5 Ways We're Making Parenting Harder :: wellcommons.com. Amen and amen! Would everyone just settle down already?

Saying Goodbye to My Child, the Youngster :: by Michael Gerson. For those of you sending kids off to college or those of you who might someday send you kid off to college. Get the kleenex handy!

And then, speaking of parenting, there's Miley. Obviously you don't have to click on these links, but just in case you're interested in what I think are some good perspectives on the situation. . . .

Dear daughter, let Miley Cyrus be a lesson to you :: Roadkill Goldfish. "Dear Daughter, I am going to fight or die trying to keep you from being like Miley Cyrus."

And then this for the sons:

Dear son, don't let Robin Thicke be a lesson to you :: The Matt Walsh blog. Such a great perspective.

That's it for this week. Enjoy your weekend!

Good Reads

In honor of Mother's Day today, I've collected a few of my favorite parenting posts as of late. Enjoy!

Parenting is Kingdom Work || (in)Courage. Such a good reminder!

Intention in the Morning || Clover Lane. Get your head ready for the game. Every day.

Weary of Sin || The Good Enough Mom. I could so relate to what my friend, Nancy, wrote here.

The Gift of a Long Life || A Deeper Story. This really spoke to me, and it might speak to you if you're (ahem) older.

It Matters Whom You Marry || The Christian Pundit. And if you're younger, or if you haven't yet married, this is absolutely wonderful. To the young women I know: read this.

20 Things Every Parent Should Hear || Five Kids is a Lot of Kids. Funny, wise, and true. One of those posts I wish I had written.

Parents: A Word About Instagram || Life as of Late. Someone posted this on Facebook, and it was so good I thought I should share.

OK, this last one isn't about parenting, but since today is graduation at the place where I teach, I thought I would also post this one for the grads. Some great advice here, even if you've already graduated.

12 Things to Do After Graduating || The Gospel Coalition blog.

Happy reading!!

Good Reads

I realized recently that I've been hoarding blog posts lately. Keeping them to myself. Reading, savoring, delighting in them, but not sharing.

And these need to be shared.

So, grab a cup of tea, curl up by a fire, and enjoy some of my favorite posts from recent weeks.

14 wonderful words with no English equivalent :: The Week. Yes! As someone who loves words and can't stand when I can't pronounce them, this one was tricky, but I loved it.

25 reasons we're taking our kids around the world :: Entre Family Travels. I'm fascinated by this family. They are taking their four YOUNG kids around the world in a year. I'm following their progress (they just started in January), and it's so fun to travel vicariously with them.

17 Parenting Lessons from Downton Abbey :: Huffington Post. Because I just couldn't resist.

5 Things Every Daughter Needs to Hear from Her Dad :: Daniel Darling. *tears*

A Weak Mother is a Good Mother :: Desiring God blog. Oh why couldn't I have read this when my girls were younger?

A Letter to My Children :: Clover Lane. Yep. This pretty much covers it. Beautifully.

Raising a Pure Son in a Sex-Crazed World :: We Are THAT Family. Awesome, awesome post for moms of boys.

The Good News: This is Only the Beginning :: Christy Purifoy. This is a new blog to me, but one I have already fallen in love with. In this post, I got such a new perspective when she writes: "But here is the Good News: it is finished. Revelation is simply the Cross from the point of view of heaven." Yes! Love that.

And finally, True Beauty :: Privet and Holly. My friend, Suzanne. Always so full of wisdom, that one. I think I need to read this every day for a month.

There. That should keep you going for a while. I realized as I wrote this list that there is an abundance of parenting posts. Sorry if that's not your thing--it's kind of where I'm sitting right now.

Enjoy your weekend!

Good Reads

A few favorites from recently.

Secret Somethings: 10 Gift Ideas for Cultivating a New Tradition :: MODsquad blog. This is where I post once a month--great blog that you should definitely have on your reading list! I loved Elisa's idea here--it's such a practical way to look at gift-giving.

No pictures allowed :: It's Almost Naptime. Missy and her family are in Africa, in the process of adopting a daughter. This post is about the pictures that the government WON'T let you take, but Missy paints the picture for you. All I can say is, wow.

At Last :: The Gospel-Driven Church (at the Gospel Coalition blog). Such fun photos of grooms seeing their brides for the first time. And great advice from the writer's dad about what happens if you fall out of love with your spouse.

Cheddar Tailgating Bread :: Tasty Kitchen blog. Oh my. Yes!

Don't Undersell Your Commute :: Desiring God blog. Sometimes my "commute" is walking the dog. Other times I'm in the car, waiting to pick up kids. Here's a great post challenging all of us to spend our commuting time differently this week. I'm in. Are you?

Now tell me . . . what were some of your favorite posts from this week? Feel free to share a link in the Comments!

Good Reads

Seems like all I can do these days is pass along other people's good writing rather than my own. Oh well. Life.

But I'm working on a bit of an explanation post as to what's been occupying much of my time and, sadly, my thoughts this fall. Next week. Maybe.

I promise I'll get my act together around here. I want to. I really do. I love you all and your kind words and your I-miss-you's. Thanks for those. Until then, here are some posts I have loved this week.

My blogging-turned-real-life-friend, Glenda, spent a day just planning for the busy season ahead. I have never thought of doing such a thing, but I sure would love it. In fact, I probably NEED a day like this. Preparing for the fast approaching train called . . . THE HOLIDAYS!!

Richard Stearns, author of The Hole in our Gospel, challenges the Christian church (well, me really) to put aside our worry about symbols and just start doing the gospel. "While symbols can be important, we have focused perhaps too much on them instead of the underlying reality they reflect. Instead, we need to go back to the basics of living as disciples of Christ, living missionally for Christ and demonstrating the Gospel in tangible ways within our schools, workplaces and communities."  Wow, what a challenge. Goodbye, Christian America; Hello, True Christianity.

Got an extra $14 a month? Sector 30 -- Breaks me.

Oh, I have so much to say about this, but Ann always says it so much better than me. Read it, please. You may need some Kleenex. How to Not Miss Your Real Life Calling.

There you have it. A few of my faves from this week. I'm off to church and then to the city with B and Julia to see Les Miserables today. Enjoy your Sunday!

Good Reads

O.K., this will have to be quick because 1) I can't find my glasses, and my computer screen is juuusst about as far from me as it can be, and 2) B and I are headed out to a football game. Maybe. If the rain stops.

But I just can't let the weekend pass without giving you some good reading. I mean, just in case you actually can find your glasses or, better yet, you don't NEED glasses to read that itty bitty computer screen, or you're stuck in your house for some reason.

So here goes.

The Main Problem with Giving Our Kids the Easy Life :: We Are THAT Family. So much wisdom from Kristen. So much.

Evil Turned to Good :: Music From My Heart. Linda was my bff in high school. Little did we know then the road that God would have her travel. This is just a bit of her amazing story.

How to pray for the college-age kids in your life :: Pensieve. Yep. I'll be using this one. A lot.

November Book Club - Breakfast at Tiffany's :: Southern Vogue. This post is written ABOUT, not BY, my niece, Kira. Isn't she cute?! Boy, can than girl throw a party!

And while we're on the subject of parties and fun and all things frivolous . . . have you seen this blog?? What Kate Wore is all about the beautiful clothes that Kate Middleton wore for various occasions. So much fun!!

Finally, you must read this: Life . . . Lived by Privet and Holly. Suzanne has written a beautiful tribute for Veteran's Day. Definitely go here.

Have a great weekend!

Good Reads

Some recent posts that I've liked, loved, or that have made me think.

The Gift of Time :: Privet and Holly. Suzanne really hits close to home with this post, writing about things that really matter. I love her heart.

Exhaustion is not a status symbol :: The Washington Post. An interview with Brene Brown about her newest book, Daring Greatly, which is on my reading list . . . if I could ever get it in my local library. This message isn't just for people in the workplace; it's just as useful for moms at home.

My Drug & My Defense :: Shana Nyquist. And another post on busyness. (Are you sensing a theme here?)

Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You To Chill Out :: The Blazing Center. This post was criticized a bit this week, but I get what the author was trying to say. It's what I've been trying to say to moms, too.

Dear Moms, Jesus Wants You to Run :: The Gospel Coalition. Another take on the above post. I get this one too.

The Key to Good Meetings, Marriages, and Probably Kung-Fu :: Jon Acuff. Be available. Yes. That.

And finally, not having anything to do with the theme of the week, but a post that made me laugh:

America's Slippery Slope into Britishisms :: The New York Times. I'm guilty of a few of these, and so are some people I know.

Happy Sunday!

Good Reads

Some of my favorite blog posts from the past couple of weeks. I'd love to know your favorite!

Encounter God in the Wal-Mart Checkout Line? Say What? :: Internet Cafe Devotions. What a great story! You'll remember this one for a while.

Miley Cyrus was wrong :: Jon Acuff. Want to change your life and the world? Here's one way.

What Women Need to Say to Each Other . . . because it's what every woman needs to hear :: Ann VosKamp. You are so beautiful.

Designer Babies, Designer God :: It's Almost Naptime! Missy pulled this one out of her archives this week, but oh my! what a powerful post. Reader, beware.

Oh Behave! Conduct Worthy of the Gospel in Corporate Worship :: The Gospel Coalition blog. Interesting thoughts about preparing for worship. Not what you might think.

Most of the Work of Ministry is done by Christians Who Work Secular Jobs :: Desiring God blog. Something I've been thinking about A LOT over the past couple of months. The "secular" workplace is not any less sacred than, well, the sacred. (More to come on this topic, I have a feeling.)

And finally, my absolutely MOST favorite blog post of the past week or two.

True Love Obeys: Why We Abstain from Premarital Sex :: her.menutics. "Although it certainly encourages me in the hard times to believe that God as my creator knows what’s best and is therefore a trustworthy master, I ultimately must obey because he is my master, period." Can I get a hearty "Amen" here? YES! Please share this with any young, single Christian person you know.

Now share. What was one of your favorite posts this week? Feel free to link up one of your own or someone else's in the Comments section.

Have a great weekend! 

Good Reads

A few of my favorite posts as of late.

Why people think Christians are fake :: Stuff Christians Like. Yes. This.

Church and the College Years :: The Gospel Coalition blog. Our friend and the college pastor of our church, Jon Nielson, writes about the importance of being involved in a local church while in college. If you have a college student or know someone who does, send this one on to them.

The Talk :: Momastery. If you've got kids going to school, this is one important talk to have with them. No, it's not "the" talk, but it's just as important.

Fleeing to Paris :: A Deeper Story. Beautifully written story of growing toward grace.

10 Things You've Got to Know About Fear :: (in)Courage. Ann Voskamp. What can I say?

Are You a Mother First? Hmmmm :: Off the Beaten Path. Kay brings such great perspective and wisdom to every post she writes, and this one is no exception. Is mothering our first and foremost job? This post will make you think.

The Truth About Pain in Childbearing :: The Gospel Coalition blog. And then there's this one that literally brought tears to my eyes. The pain of childbearing is hitting me pretty hard right now.

Good Reads . . . and an announcement!

A few posts I have enjoyed lately:

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Bank Fraud :: Imparting Grace. My friend, Richella, recently went through a horrific ordeal and shares her experience. You really need to read this and protect yourself from identity theft. [edited to add: I totally forgot to link to Richella's follow up to this story! It is amazing!]

Are You Mom Enough? (Mommy Wars) :: Desiring God Blog. Anyone else sick to death of the mommy wars? This puts an end to it for me.

If You've Ever Been Wounded by Women :: Ann VosKamp. Speaking of women treating each other badly. Ann again says so eloquently what I feel. "Who can bear living the whole of their lives and never learn what it means to really be a friend? I long to learn." Me too.

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes :: Modern Country Style. On a lighter note . . . Fall is coming, and along with it comes scarves! Ever wonder how to really tie a scarf? Here is a cute, cute video showing you 25 creative ways to tie one on. :)

Now for the announcement. Be sure to come back on Monday when I'll introduce a new series on my blog. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time, and I'm really excited about it. I hope you'll follow along!

Now tell me, what's the best post you've read or written this week? Link up in the comments!

Good Reads

So many great posts lately! Here are some that just MUST be shared.

"How to Really Protect Your Children" : Flower Patch Farm Girl. Shannan knows how to live . . . and how to write . . . and how to parent. I love this girl's heart.

"Dear Body" : To Think is to Create. I wish, I wish, I wish I could get to this point. I'm working on it, but I need to read this a few more times to let the lesson really sink in.

"Self, Doubt, and Writing" : Desiring God blog. As long as we're on the subject of my insecurities . . .

"The 1 Thing You Really Have to Know About Your Family" : Ann VosKamp. Warning: this one will wreck you. In a good way.

"The Fight for Glory" : The Gospel Coalition blog. Beautiful grace.

"Why We Need to Struggle" : We are THAT Family. Seems like Kristin and Ann are struggling with the same things. And passing it on for us to wrestle with. Hmmmm.

"Lessons from those We Walk Behind" : Off the Beaten Path. We really DO have something to learn from the generations who went before us. Kay reminds us of some of those lessons that seem to be getting lost today. Excellent!

"5 Things I want my freshman daughter to remember" : Such the Spot by Darcy. As a mom to TWO freshmen this year (one high school, one college) I could NOT have said this better myself. In fact, all three of my girls should read this, because no matter what their stage in life, the advice still rings true. So good!

So these were some of my favorites lately. What were some of your favorite posts this week? Share the link in the comments.

Good Reads

I know what you're thinking . . . "Good Reads . . . on a Wednesday?"

I like to keep you on your toes.

Anyway, I've found so many great posts lately that I just had to share, so today's the day. Deal with it.

First up, Shannan. I've been stalking following Shannan for a while now, and I have to say that, although I don't do favorites, she's one of mine. This girl is an absolute gem. And I'm so sad to say that I missed her by thiiiss much at Blissdom last year. *insert sad face here* One of these days I will meet Shannan. I just know it. And I will hug her dearly for the way she makes me laugh and for the three precious babies she has adopted and for knowing just how to turn a phrase. Like this one in the post I'm highlighting today: "Life is just so much better since I learned to hunt down goodness and put the dang thing on." Don't you just love that??!! Anyway, head over there and read "Goodness is a Sweater."

I know you're not as forgetful as I am (hush, my daughters!), so you probably don't need this handy-dandy little tip, but just in case your passwords are out of control, you might want to check out this post from Life . . . Your Way. Very cool.

Have you heard all the kerfuffle about the Oxford comma? Personally, I've been kerfuffling about it for years in my class, but finally . . . FINALLY . . . somebody has listened. (Truthfully though? I didn't know there was a name for my punctuational pet peeve.)

Oh boy, did I ever resonate with this article from Relevant magazine (aside, of course, from the "s" the author put on the end of the word "mission" but that's just me): "The Missions Field of Suburbia." If you've ever felt guilty about living the suburban life or have ever felt like you're wasting your time here when you could be overseas, you have to read this one. It's also the very reason we chose to put our kids in public school--there's a lot of work to be done everywhere.

"How to Live Your Best Life" by Ann Voskamp (it wouldn't be a Good Reads post without her, would it?). This one got to me for so many reasons, but mostly because it's just. so. true.

Suzanne writes Privet and Holly, which I love. Just yesterday she posted "Behind the Scenes" that I thought was so tender and sweet. It's about loving all the people who quietly serve us day in and day out. Go read it.

Oh, and Life . . . Your Way may or may not have run a post highlighting yours truly last week. *insert big grin here*

That is all.

Good Reads

Happy Saturday!

Looks like we'll finally see the sun for the first time in about a week, so I'm going to go soak it up today. But first I thought I'd share some of my favorite posts of the past couple of weeks.

I could SO relate to this post, "Motherhood as a Mission Field" on the "Desiring God" website. If you have young children, you MUST read this. And even if your kids are grown up, go read it too.

Rachelle Gardner is a literary agent who writes a fantastic blog for writers. In this post, "Write Your Truth" she gives fantastic advice about being real.

Oh my goodness, I love rhubarb. Rhubarb reminds me of my Grandpa Earl's huge garden that was full of rhubarb, among other things. Tasty Kitchen did an entire post of rhubarb recipes last week, so go check it out . . . if you have any rhubarb left, that is.

Donald Miller encouraged us to be "Secretly Incredible" this week. I've been thinking about that post a lot. Rather than talk about being great, just be great by doing something. Hmmmmm.

Glenda asked a great question this week: are you "Honest to Blog"?

That's it for me. Have a great weekend. I'm just hoping the power stays on!

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Good Reads

I love sharing all the goodness that I come across every week. Here are some recent favorites.

This first post is for the seamstresses out there (anyone? anyone?). I just thought this guest post on Gussy's blog (such a sweetheart, that Gussy) was beautiful.

Lysa shares a whole lotta wishes for the young people of our world on this post. I think it's pretty special.

Lemon Cream Granola Parfaits? Um, yes please. I think I'll be making these soon.

The writing teacher (that is now being resurrected) in me really resonated with Jon's post, "Three Letters That Will Radically Improve Every Blog and Tweet You Ever Write." It reminds me of the most important question I always tell my students to ask: "So what?"

I was reading back on some old posts by Tullian Tchividjian, the grandson of Billy Graham and pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida. He wrote an excellent post back in 2009 titled "How to Identify a Reliable Preacher" that I thought was spot on. What do you think?

Finally, I was going to do a separate post about Kristin Welch, but I think I'll just add it here. Kristen writes "We are THAT Family" and was one of the Compassion bloggers a year or so ago. She was so influenced by what she saw in Africa, that she and her husband have started a home for pregnant women called The Mercy House in Kenya. Kristen is taking her entire family (husband, three kids, and mom) to Africa with her for three weeks to open The Mercy House. Here is a post about how you can pray for her family. Today, Kristen is sick, and they are supposed to be getting on a plane. Please pray for them.

Edited to add: Unbelievable. Kristen posted this today to ask for further prayers. She is in the hospital with kidney failure. I know she would appreciate your prayers.

Good Reads

Oh, the good stuff is just piling up so I thought I'd better share them. 31 Days Closer to Your Kids will resume again tomorrow, but today I'm enjoying having my husband home after a two-week business trip (definitely long enough) and spending time with my kids. It's been a great day!

Kim is an ex-pat living in Hong Kong. She has a beautiful family and a fun little blog, but I love that she shared this story about a homeless man (from Chicago, no less!) with a purpose. It's totally cool.

My pal, Lysa, is bringing the truth about generosity. This one really hit home with me because she sounds like me and her husband sounds like mine. Hmmmm.

It's graduation time, and if you're anything like me and gifts are NOT at the top of your Love Language list, you might be scrambling for some good ideas. Another IRL (that's "in real life," Mom) friend of mine, Robin, created this amazing list of 15 Good and (almost Perfect Gifts for High School Graduates.

Honestly, I can't remember where I got the link to this one, but I loved this Weekly Blog Planner. If you need a little help in the organizational department like me (*ahem*), print one or twenty of these lovelies out.

O.K. Boo Mama? Do you read her? You should. She totally makes me laugh with that sweet, Southern sense of humor. But this week she outdid herself on this post about creating a scrapbook page for her son's teacher. Probably because I could SOOOOO relate to not having the crafty gene either. Go have yourself a laugh.

Finally, I just have to share this post from Jeanne, another IRL friend (there's a little bit of a theme here) whose husband just happens to be our high school pastor at church. (Love them!) Anyway, Jeanne shares more parenting insight here than some parents I know who have been at it for a whole lot longer than six months. Absolutely beautiful. And funny, too! Plus, she's got that cute little baby to boot.

Happy reading!

Good Reads

I've been collecting blog posts to share for the past couple of weeks, so I thought I'd just link up this afternoon. Hope you enjoy these posts as much as I did.

Oh that Kate Middleton. She's gorgeous. And stylish, as Sarah at Modern Country Style points out.

I thought these printable alphabet letters were really cute from The Handmade Home. If you're crafty, head over there and get printing.

Jo-Lynne made this asparagus frittata this week. I'm sure I'll be making it soon as well. Mmmmmm.

It wouldn't be a "Good Reads" post without a link to Jon Acuff. I so resonated with this one titled "The Miserable God."

Oh-so-beautiful post from Kristin Welch's husband: "How [A Dad] Really Loves a Daughter." Yes! Go read it. Now.

And then there's this one from Ann VosKamp. Not your typical Mother's Day post, but such a great reminder that relationships cost . . . and sometimes they cost a lot.

Happy reading!

Good Reads

It's still the weekend, so I feel justified in slipping in a few good reads for you all.

"Confessions of a Working Mom" was a guest post last week at my friend, Sandy's blog. I could relate to a lot of what is in this article--not because I'm a doctor or anything--but because I felt a lot of what Meredith describes when I was teaching. Excellent post for working moms.

Michael Hyatt: "Be the Friend You Wish You Had." Need I say more?

Life . . . {Your Way}: "Taking Your Family from Okay to Awesome." Loved these really practical ideas.

I know I link to Jon Acuff almost every week, but what can I say? He speaks to me. This week we've suffered a couple of disappointments around here. "Hiding the Things that Hurt" is one I should read over and over again.

Why I've started reading a blog called "The Handmade Home" is way beyond me. It almost makes me laugh. Except that the photos on this blog are beautiful. And this little Easter craft is just precious. If you're crafty you might want to try it.

Any good links you want to share? Even from your own blog? Link up in the comments!

Good Reads

Well, my friends, it's been another great week of blog reading. And since I'm in the car all day today . . . and since I've been freezing my little tushy off all week (and reading lots of blogs because of it) . . . and since you probably need something to read in between basketball games this weekend . . . here are a few of my favorite blog posts from this week.

Oh that Jon Acuff. Every week I get some new little insight, some new way of looking at things, some new check on my behavior. And this week was no different. On his "new" blog (which I am loving, by the way) Jon encourages us dreamers to pursue our dreams, but not at the expense of the people we love.

Amy, over at Amy's Finer Things, linked to my "How Your Daughter Dresses Matters" post last week, and, whoo boy, did she drive the traffic over here! And I didn't even know her before! But this week Amy wrote a post that I really loved and which explains why I rarely use coupons. Sorry, but I totally agree with her premise in "The Best Way to Save Money."

I love, love, LOVED this tutorial from Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy on "How to Make a Pillow from a Tea Towel." Almost makes me want to sit down at my poor, neglected sewing machine. Almost.

Have you heard about the huge controversy surrounding the new book, "Love Wins"? No? Are you living under a rock? I'm not going to get into it here--plenty of people have done that already--but Donald Miller gives his own little "review" of "Love Wins" on his blog this week. Hilarious.

Finally, don't forget to head over to 5 Minutes for Mom this week to get in on the Ultimate Blog Party. Lots of great giveaways going on this week! And don't forget that I'm giving away a $25 gift card to Anthropologie . . . if I make it to 150 followers. So follow me now and leave a comment over on that post . . . and tell your friends to follow me too. I'll love you forever!

Have a great weekend!

Good Reads

Well, it's sure been an eventful week full of really great blog posts. Here are some of my favorites from this week.

Donald Miller wrote a fantastic piece titled "How NOT to Read the Bible." This resonated with me so much because it's very similar to some of what I learned at the Women of the Word seminar a few weeks back. (I know, I know, I promised a post about that. It's coming one of these days. Just trying to keep you all on your toes.)

Speaking of Women of the Word . . . the Gospel Coalition blog gave a nice recap of that seminar, written by my friend, Kathleen Nielson. I'll give mine over here . . . soon.

This post over at Life . . . {your way} gave some really helpful and practical tips for simplifying your life. Tips like "just stay home" might seem a little obvious, but they really do bear repeating. For those of us who don't always get it the first time around.

And then there's this place that my mom found--The Vintage Rose. Her stuff is just so beautiful. Only problem? She's in Tasmania. Free whatnot to whoever can tell me where Tasmania is.

And then there was the WSJ article titled "Why Do We Let Girls Dress Like That?" which caused all kinds of internet ruckus and mayhem. My own post, "How Your Daughter Dresses Matters," brought more traffic to this little corner of the internet than this little corner has ever seen before. I guess a lot more people than just me feel pretty passionate about this topic.

Finally, have you seen the video about Denver, the guilty dog? Oh my goodness, if you haven't seen it yet, please watch it. I think I've seen it about 4,372 times so far and I never get tired of it.

How about you? What was one of your favorite posts this week? Feel free to link up in the comments.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Good Reads

{photo credit}

It's Saturday. Time for another edition of "Good Reads" where I give you some weekend reading assignments from across the blogosphere.

First up: Amanda. Amanda is a new blog friend who actually knows someone I know! Small world, huh? I love this post about simplifying your life because, well, I read it and realized that I'm pretty good at it. My life (aside from the crazy travel I've been doing this year) has always been fairly simple and organized. I can't handle chaos.

Next, Jon Acuff. The Stuff Christians Like guy has a new blog, and this is his first post. About perfectionism. And getting things done. This kind of convicted me:

"90% perfect and published always changes more lives than 100% perfect and stuck in your head.

The things you create and actually share will always out perform the things that stay stuck in your head or your desk or your laptop. You might love the ideas you have inside you. You might be blown away by how awesome they are, but if you don’t share them, it doesn’t matter."

*gulp*

Finally, my friend, Mary, is hosting a series called "Remarkable Faith." Each week she'll write about one aspect of faith, and she's inviting you to join in too. This week was "baptism" which I missed because I was out of town, but there are lots of interesting topics on her list. I'll probably join in for some of those weeks, and I think you should too (if you have a blog, that is).

The list is short this week because when I got home and opened up my reader I had over 200 blog posts on my list to read. And because I like to keep things simple, I simply (get it?!) deleted them and started over. There's just no way I could catch up on all that reading and do all the other stuff I had to do (like laundry).

Anyway, I'm back in business now, and I'll be back to posting again on Monday, so I hope you'll join me. Lots of fun to be had next week!

Have a great weekend!