Why blog?

With the proliferation of blogs in cyberspace today, one has to wonder why it's worth the bother to take some time out of a busy day and write one's thoughts. After all, you can read blogs on any subject from wellness to politics to gluten-free recipes!

I am in the process of re-reading a puritan volume by Thomas Brooks, called "A Mute Christian Under the Rod". In the "epistle dedicatory" (introductory comments) Mr. Brooks explains why he has written the treatise. I echo his thoughts here:

1. I have learned a thing or two about life, especially during trials and tribulations. I desire to encourage others along the path to glory.

2. As Brooks says, "What is written is permanent; litera scripta manet, and spreads itself further by far, for time, place, and persons, than the voice can reach." I can share my experiences and knowledge world-wide, and impact others even after I have left this world.

3. People forget. They learn to endure, they grow in grace, but they soon forget what they have been taught when the next storm hits. I want to post reminders that God is good, that He is in control, and that there is a silver lining in every cloud if you watch for it.

4. I have been there, done that. I am a mother of 12, a grandmother of soon to be 15, a wife for nearly 35 years. There are things I can share that will help someone, somewhere, should they happen to stumble upon my blog. It's obviously written with a Christian perspective, and I hope it will be an inspiration to others in the spirit of Titus 2.

5. God has used some of my writing to bless others, to exhort them and encourage them on the path to righteousness. My prayer is that my blog will do so in some small measure again.

6. I hope to be able to give right advice (the right salve for the sore), unlike the "lying pen of the Shoferim"- the priests who were unwilling to tell the truth about upcoming judgment. I want to be honest, to call sin, sin, but to give hope.

7. Others have encouraged me to keep writing. I do this in part for them. I especially do it for my family, so they can see my heart for God.

8. There isn't anyone else who has experienced what I have experienced. I am the only one who can tell my story.

So, I blog.

And I hope and pray that it will be a blessing.

Thanks, Thomas Brooks, for the inspiration. Your pen lives on!