Why do you blog?

Authenticity has come up as an issue for me. I don't want to be superficial and fake. I hope I come across as honest. But at the same time, I may choose to leave out certain details because I want to protect people's confidentiality and I don't want to be a downer. One of the things I like about blogging is that it helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life. When I look back through my posts, I feel so blessed because I chose to write about the good things in my life instead of focusing on the negatives (and there are certainly things in my life that are negative...as in everyone's life!) I have tackled some deeper issues in a few posts, but a lot of the struggles I face are often relationship oriented (with certain people in my life). I don't feel comfortable blogging much about that.

Written words are very powerful. Once they're out there, you can't take them back.
So, you won't find me blogging about issues I might have with my extended family, for example, unless it's sharing a valuable lesson that I learned in retrospect. You're more likely to see a poem, or a video, during my times of trial. Know when you see those things...that I DO struggle...and pray for me.

There is a floating complaint that some blogs aren't authentic...that people put a happy, christian face on everything. There is also the floating issue of bloggers needing to be authenticated at every turn about everything (good, bad, sad, etc.) in their lives. Look at my track feed, where are my comments, tell me I'm wonderful...yada yada yada...

I have chosen two verses for the headers of my blogs. I do not promise to never change them...but I do realize and hope that they stand as a sort of purpose statement for those blogs.

My MomE and Loving It blog is for me to write about the good and wonderful...and the hard and horrible aspects of mothering. Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," is a good verse to help me remember that no matter my grumps of the day...my trials or joys...the bottom line is God's Word...and my children are a reward!!!

My Blogging Along blog...is just me...happy, sad, corny, crafty...etc. 2 Corinthians 5:9, "Therefore we also have as our ambition.... to be pleasing to the Lord," is a good verse to help me remember this isn't a competition with fellow bloggers, I'm not out to please men...but God, and whatever I post, the bottom line (again) should be God's Word...and remembering my real ambitions of life.

I love reading all types of blogs! Some are transparent, some are more "how to", some are on home decor, some on cooking/recipes, some on being a christian Mommy, some are on marriage. I find that some blogs I connect with and some I don't. I think we all have different purposes in blogging. Some people want community and friendship. Some people just want "creative ideas". Some people want a laugh! Some read blogs for their godly insights and some write about their faith! I guess blogs vary as deeply as we each do individually!

All that said, I totally understand that some people use their blogs to brag and toot their own horns! They use their blogs to make them feel better about their own lives and draw attention to themselves or become popular and well liked. But, I guess that happens in real life and in the blog realm! We are complicated, selfish and prideful people!

Writing this blog...even today when I'm deciding to post it...I find that I must reexamine my motives. In a flash you can find yourself back in Jr. High with hurt feelings cuz the popular bloggers aren't including you in their group. It hurts to know that you weren't responded to by a "big name blogger" and your friend was...You wonder why they are more interesting to befriend them than yourself....

but then again...

Why do I blog?...

If it is only about popularity and pats on the back I might as well quit now...

If it's something that helps me move forward in my quest to further God's kingdom...and it makes me happy...well, then there...that...is a really good reason to write!

Good Morning...finally!

Finally, I'm feeling like me again. I'm not even currently on drugs...hahahaha! Don't get excited...I know that after my "bong boy" comment of yesterday some of you might wonder. Incidentally, I don't know much on that topic...just figured he looked sort of like the caterpillar on Alice in Wonderland...smoke clouds billowing around his head. Oooo...what a creative way to teach him his letters! As to my aforementioned drugs, I assure you it was only decongestant, Tylenol and antibiotics...with the occasional vitamin C! I've had this little pic saved to share....when I'd had a good morning and wanted to share it with ya'll! I have clean floors ya'll....oooooooooooo the wonderful smoothness...gone is the sticky! Caleb is still clingy and sickly but his fever is lower and his cough looser. Now that I'm feeling better I feel like we'll make it through. Thanks for your continued prayers!

WW--Foam Girl and Bong Boy

Tube Tuesday--O Magnum Mysterium...

I'm trying to select things that let you into my MomE world. As I'm sure you are noticing my musical taste is highly eclectic. This one is so beautiful...it gives me goosebumps. Sometimes...when the kids are sleepy or sick...we slow dance about to such songs.

Translation:

O mágnum mystérium,

et admirábile sacraméntum,

ut animália vidérent Dóminum nátum,

jacéntem in præsépio:

O beáta Vírgo,

cújus víscera meruérunt portáre

Dóminum Jésum Chrístum. Allelúia.

O great mystery,

and wondrous sacrament,

that animals might see the birth of the Lord

as he lay in the manger.

O Blessed Virgin,

Who wast worthy of bearing

our Lord Jesus Christ, Alleluia.

I know, I know...not a sacrament...BUT it wouldn't hurt us to think about Mary being worthy to bear Christ without getting freaked out that we're becoming Catholic-ish. I would have liked to know her! She was blessed among women.

PeeWee to Puny...

Sometimes I wonder if I'm coming or going. All MomE's like to think they can tell when their kids are sick...but as far as this MomE goes...not this week! Next week's not looking good either.

Emma started the week with a HIGH fever. Sort of scary really! It went away (with no other symptoms) and I decided she's fine...and she's so excited...we'll dress up and go to PeeWee Club! Isn't she cute. Yes, Caleb's nose was runny...and he was whiny but well, he's teething and allergic boy! Off we went!

Thursday things seemed okay and I thought "great, that wasn't so bad."

Friday I was just soooo excited about my MTO meeting...I might not have been soooo interested in the signs that were around me. The whining and fussing I just chalked up to being hoisted out the door in the early cold morning.

I was wrong...

So wrong...

By the time we got home...fevers were raging and coughs were barking!!!

So, picture several long nights of barking, barfing babes...and a harried trip to the pediatrician this morning!!! We have a VIRUS...and bronchitis, acute!

Oh, and in case I failed to mention it...Darren's virus revisited early in the week...and then I got the sinus infection to explode all heads this weekend!

Pray!!!! Winter needs to end...yes, it's winter's fault!!! Load up on the Vitamin C people it's icky out there! And don't ask me if your kids are sick...I can't even tell when mine are sick!

Baby Magic

As I wake up in the morning
To begin another day,
A glance into my baby's crib
Melts the tiredness away.

For two eyes are peering at me
Through the bars around the bed!
And a wide and oh-so-happy grin
On baby's face is spread!

Two little arms are waiting
And a kiss is waiting too;
And what can match the charm of this-
To hear him laugh and coo!

My life is much the brighter
And cares are put away
When the magic of my baby's smile
Brings joy to start my day.

Such are the rewards of parenthood;
These blessings we can claim,
And with each precious little one
We enjoy them o'er again.

by Doris Gerrard Aardsma
The author is my Great Aunt--and has written many poems that she's shared with us at various times regarding marriage, children ,etc. A real blessing!

Wordless Wednesday...