3 hours ago
Do you ever notice that light, easy-read type posts generate alot more comments than the posts that are more thought-provoking or professional pieces?
I recently read a post by another blogger about how serious posts are far less popular than light posts on her blog, if you are judging popularity by the amount of comments received.
I've noticed the same thing on my blog. If you've been blogging for any length of time, and have written both serious and light-hearted posts, I'm sure you have noticed the same thing.
Why is that, do you think?
The writer of the post I read suggested that it's much easier to "skim" those light, easy-to-read posts. You can't quickly skim through a really in-depth post and make an intelligent comment.
I agree with that - it's all about time. It takes much less time to comment on a "fluffy" post than a "heavy" post.
But then I wonder, why don't we take the time to really read the posts that might change our view point, or encourage us, or make us think? Why don't we take the time to think of an intelligent response to challenge or encourage the person who wrote the post?
Sometimes it's easier not to think. Sometimes it's easier just to "skim" those easy-read posts and be entertained, rather than to read and evaluate deeper posts and possibly be challenged.
I'm guilty of reading posts that way. It's so much easier to choose the entertainment route when reading blogs. And when writing them.
Honestly though, the posts that really matter and make a difference are not the ones about how amazing my dessert was, or what I bought at the mall this week, or what I'm wearing for Easter (though I will still be writing those posts - because they are fun to read and write!).
But the posts that really make a difference in my little corner of the blog world are the ones that took thought and effort and time for me to write.
The posts that I read on other blogs that really make a difference to me are the ones that take thought and effort and time to read.
And it's worth the thought and effort, if we'll just take the time.
I recently read a post by another blogger about how serious posts are far less popular than light posts on her blog, if you are judging popularity by the amount of comments received.
I've noticed the same thing on my blog. If you've been blogging for any length of time, and have written both serious and light-hearted posts, I'm sure you have noticed the same thing.
Why is that, do you think?
The writer of the post I read suggested that it's much easier to "skim" those light, easy-to-read posts. You can't quickly skim through a really in-depth post and make an intelligent comment.
I agree with that - it's all about time. It takes much less time to comment on a "fluffy" post than a "heavy" post.
But then I wonder, why don't we take the time to really read the posts that might change our view point, or encourage us, or make us think? Why don't we take the time to think of an intelligent response to challenge or encourage the person who wrote the post?
Sometimes it's easier not to think. Sometimes it's easier just to "skim" those easy-read posts and be entertained, rather than to read and evaluate deeper posts and possibly be challenged.
I'm guilty of reading posts that way. It's so much easier to choose the entertainment route when reading blogs. And when writing them.
Honestly though, the posts that really matter and make a difference are not the ones about how amazing my dessert was, or what I bought at the mall this week, or what I'm wearing for Easter (though I will still be writing those posts - because they are fun to read and write!).
But the posts that really make a difference in my little corner of the blog world are the ones that took thought and effort and time for me to write.
The posts that I read on other blogs that really make a difference to me are the ones that take thought and effort and time to read.
And it's worth the thought and effort, if we'll just take the time.
Sometimes I just don't understand.
I've asked myself this question a million times - first from a broken heart because of my own fertility problems, and now from a breaking heart for dear friends who have been going through the same thing.
Why do some people who don't want their babies, and who won't love their babies, get pregnant at the drop of a hat, while godly, Christian couples who have prayed and longed for a baby can't get pregnant?
In theory, I know the answer. God can use these situations to reach others for Him, He can teach us lessons we never would have learned otherwise, He sees the big picture, we can see only a part of it. I know all this with my head. And in my heart I know and I believe that God is good and just, even though it may not seem fair.
But I think there will always be a little part of my heart that doesn't understand. Because I see so many friends who are trying for a baby, and they can't have one. And I don't understand why the Lord doesn't grant them that blessing, when they've done everything His way, and are continuing to try to do things right.
My heart breaks for those I know who are trying for their little blessings. And it's especially hard to see, because really there is nothing I can do.
Nothing except pray. When I mentioned to my mom my heartache because there is nothing I can do except pray for these dear friends, she responded by saying "Praying is the most powerful thing you can do, Callie."
I replied that sometimes prayer doesn't feel powerful. I've been praying for months and months, and nothing seems to change.
Of course I know with my head that prayer is the most powerful thing. But my deceptive heart doesn't always believe it.
You know what's amazing? When I start to lose heart in my prayer life, the Lord always finds a way to give me a glimmer of hope. That's what happened this past week as I found out that two ladies who were on my baby prayer list are pregnant.
I know prayer is powerful.
I know God is just and good.
I know there is always a reason.
I know that I may not always understand, but I'll continue to trust Him and believe that He has a plan that is so much better than what I can understand.
That, after all, is what faith is.
P.S. I seriously do have a prayer list of lovely ladies who are trying to get pregnant. If I know you are trying, rest assured that you are on it, and I'm praying for you - and I'll continue to pray for you until I hear the happy news! If I don't know you are trying, I would love to pray for you as well - just shoot me an e-mail saying you want to be on the list, and I'll know what you're talking about. It gives me a thrill when I can write a P.T.L. after one of your names!
Have you ever been wronged by someone? Oh, I'm sure most of you have. Or if you haven't been personally wronged by someone, someone could have wronged someone you love. Either circumstance will suffice for my point.
It's really easy for me to hold grudges. It's really hard for me to let something go.
Now, I don't think it's unreasonable to guard your heart after someone has broken it once already. Someone can hurt you, and you can fully forgive them, but that doesn't mean you have to fully trust them again - in fact in some instances, it might be foolish to trust that person again.
But I'm not talking about simply withholding trust or guarding your heart, which I don't see anything wrong with - I'm talking about grudges.
You know you're holding a grudge when everything that person does annoys you, because of the way they treated you in the past.
You know you're holding a grudge when you compare that person's current actions, good or bad, with the way they treated you in the past.
You know you're holding a grudge when you immediately think the worst of that person in any given circumstance, because if they could treat you in such a way, then how could their motivation for anything else be good?
Yes, I can hold a pretty mean grudge.
And it's so, so wrong.
It doesn't matter if I was completely blameless in the situation where someone may have hurt me. It doesn't matter if they were completely in the wrong. It doesn't matter if they won't apologize.
If I don't forgive them, and let go of my grudge, then I'm the one who's wrong. I'm the one who's going to have to explain my bad attitude to the Lord someday.
You know what else I've learned? Grudges build walls. Obviously between you and the other person, but also between you and the Lord.
Sometimes when I wonder why I'm going through such a dry period, I look at my life and realize that something in my attitude is hindering me from fellowshipping with my Heavenly Father in the way that I want to.
And very often it's a grudge. Accompanied by pride, a self-righteous attitude, and unforgiveness.
This is a very ugly part of my heart. I wish it would go away. But the only way it will is through alot of prayer, and a conscious effort to change my attitude. Both of which take time.
But in the end it's worth all the time and effort - because I want to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles". I want to "run the race marked out for [me], fixing my eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Your eyes can't be fixed on Jesus when your holding a grudge in front of your face.
It's really easy for me to hold grudges. It's really hard for me to let something go.
Now, I don't think it's unreasonable to guard your heart after someone has broken it once already. Someone can hurt you, and you can fully forgive them, but that doesn't mean you have to fully trust them again - in fact in some instances, it might be foolish to trust that person again.
But I'm not talking about simply withholding trust or guarding your heart, which I don't see anything wrong with - I'm talking about grudges.
You know you're holding a grudge when everything that person does annoys you, because of the way they treated you in the past.
You know you're holding a grudge when you compare that person's current actions, good or bad, with the way they treated you in the past.
You know you're holding a grudge when you immediately think the worst of that person in any given circumstance, because if they could treat you in such a way, then how could their motivation for anything else be good?
Yes, I can hold a pretty mean grudge.
And it's so, so wrong.
It doesn't matter if I was completely blameless in the situation where someone may have hurt me. It doesn't matter if they were completely in the wrong. It doesn't matter if they won't apologize.
If I don't forgive them, and let go of my grudge, then I'm the one who's wrong. I'm the one who's going to have to explain my bad attitude to the Lord someday.
You know what else I've learned? Grudges build walls. Obviously between you and the other person, but also between you and the Lord.
Sometimes when I wonder why I'm going through such a dry period, I look at my life and realize that something in my attitude is hindering me from fellowshipping with my Heavenly Father in the way that I want to.
And very often it's a grudge. Accompanied by pride, a self-righteous attitude, and unforgiveness.
This is a very ugly part of my heart. I wish it would go away. But the only way it will is through alot of prayer, and a conscious effort to change my attitude. Both of which take time.
But in the end it's worth all the time and effort - because I want to "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles". I want to "run the race marked out for [me], fixing my eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Your eyes can't be fixed on Jesus when your holding a grudge in front of your face.
Little Star by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Mark Elliot, is a children's book that tells the story of the Christmas star. The story opens with a little boy asking his father which star in the sky is the Christmas star, and the father goes on to tell him the story of a tiny star, Little Star, who understood the meaning of Jesus' birth when all the other stars did not.
I thought the story was well written and entertaining. The illustrations were beautiful and captured the imaginative nature of the story.
The only concern that I might have (spoiler) is that in the end Little Star herald's the King's birth by burning as brightly as he can to keep the baby Jesus warm, but he ends up burning himself out and dying. That fact might be disturbing to younger children. However, there is a positive spin on the end of the story as the father points out that the Lord rewarded Little Star for his sacrifice by letting us remember him every year by placing a star on top of our Christmas trees.
Overall, I thought Little Star was a sweet stroy, and I look forward to reading it to my children in the future.
Note: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review as part of their Blogging For Books program. It is my honest opinion.
Image from Barnes and Noble.
Since I very well might be in the hospital again within the next week or so, I thought I'd post my hospital bag packing list. Plus I had a "dry run" at the hospital last weekend, so I know some of the things to bring that I forgot the first time.
What To Bring To The Hospital
Toiletries (makeup, toothbrush, facial cleanser, etc.)
Curling iron
Shampoo and soap
Chapstick
Hand lotion/body lotion
Undergarments
Nursing clothes
Pads (nursing and regular)
Comfy pajamas
Lounge set and pretty pajamas (for when I have visitors)
Socks
Outfit to wear home
Books to read
Bible
Movies
iPod
Video Camera
Camera
Gum (I just feel like I'll want some gum)
Baby blanket
Going home outfit for baby
Baby hat
Baby booties/shoes
Baby book (so they can put his footprints in it)
Phone charger
Cell Phone
Laptop
For Your Husband:
Toiletries
Snacks (Derek only gets one free meal in our hospital)
Change of clothes
Books/Stuff to do
I'd recommend packing all these things, even though you may not need all of it if it's just a straight-forward delivery. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that you could be put in the hospital anytime in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and you may not be going home with your baby on the outside, or you may be staying several days before you deliver your baby. It's best to be prepared.
For those of you who have had a baby, anything else you'd recommend? Or if you haven't had a baby yet, is there anything else that you think you would bring that I missed?
I've been debating over the past few months about whether to get a baby hat for our newborn pictures.
I think baby boys are especially adorable in hats, but honestly it is so hard to find a cute hat. I found a ton on Etsy, but the prices ranged from 15-30 dollars, plus shipping, and I guess I'm just a bit stingy with my money. I couldn't decide whether to drop the money on a cute hat for our little guy's pictures, so I just did nothing.
Then before I knew it, it was too late to order a hat from Etsy before he was born anyway, because there would need to be more time to make one. So I just figured I wouldn't do the hat thing at all.
But last week I had an extra long lunch break, so I decided to take a trip to GAP to see if I could get these jeans that I saw on sale there.
I didn't find the jeans, but I decided to take a quick look at the clearance baby items. And guess what I found?
Only the cutest little hat I've ever seen! It's a leather, aviator-style earflap hat, with furriness on the inside and little teddy bear ears on top.
Oh my, I just melted. It pretty much combines everything I liked about all the different hats I saw on Etsy in the cutest way possible.
And it was on clearance, with an additional 30% off, so it only cost about $5.50.
How could I say no to that?
A few hours later I was headed into the hospital, and I stashed the hat in my hospital bag. It was kind of fun during my stay to think about how cute he'd look in the little hat if he had to be born over the weekend, and I was glad to have found it before everything happened.
We've got a going home outfit, and we've got an adorable hat.
All ready for him to be born now.
I think baby boys are especially adorable in hats, but honestly it is so hard to find a cute hat. I found a ton on Etsy, but the prices ranged from 15-30 dollars, plus shipping, and I guess I'm just a bit stingy with my money. I couldn't decide whether to drop the money on a cute hat for our little guy's pictures, so I just did nothing.
Then before I knew it, it was too late to order a hat from Etsy before he was born anyway, because there would need to be more time to make one. So I just figured I wouldn't do the hat thing at all.
But last week I had an extra long lunch break, so I decided to take a trip to GAP to see if I could get these jeans that I saw on sale there.
I didn't find the jeans, but I decided to take a quick look at the clearance baby items. And guess what I found?
Only the cutest little hat I've ever seen! It's a leather, aviator-style earflap hat, with furriness on the inside and little teddy bear ears on top.
Oh my, I just melted. It pretty much combines everything I liked about all the different hats I saw on Etsy in the cutest way possible.
And it was on clearance, with an additional 30% off, so it only cost about $5.50.
How could I say no to that?
A few hours later I was headed into the hospital, and I stashed the hat in my hospital bag. It was kind of fun during my stay to think about how cute he'd look in the little hat if he had to be born over the weekend, and I was glad to have found it before everything happened.
We've got a going home outfit, and we've got an adorable hat.
All ready for him to be born now.
When I first found out we were having a boy, one of the first things I did was buy Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. I was pretty overwhelmed at the thought of raising a boy. Mostly because I'm a girl - I've never been a little boy, so I don't know how they think, and I decided any insight into little boys would be pretty valuable.
I'm almost done with it now - it has taken me forever to finish it, because we've been so busy. There are a couple of things that Dr. Dobson says in the book that I don't completely agree with, but I've found the majority of the book to be interesting and helpful.
I was reading a chapter last night about building meaningful relationships with your kids, and something was mentioned that I never thought of before. It said "the first five minutes occurring between people sets the tone for everything that is to follow".
When I read that, I realized how true it really is. My interactions with Derek in the first five minutes of the day, or in the first five minutes after he gets home, does set the tone for the rest of our time together. If we're cheerful and greet each other with a smile, we typically have a lovely day or evening. But if one or the other of us is grouchy or distracted, our time together is usually less than enjoyable.
I've written before of my conviction about my words, including this verse:
"But I say to you that for every idle word that men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement."
Matthew 12:36
Not only will I have to give an account for my careless words someday, but they also have an immediate effect on a relationship. I knew that, but I never thought about the fact that one careless word could affect the rest of my interaction with that person, whether for the rest of the day, or even the rest of the relationship. It's a sobering thought.
I'm going to attempt keep the effect of "the first five minutes" in mind in my interactions with those I love - because if I can control my own attitude in those first few minutes, alot of conflicts and tension could be avoided, and my relationships with my family and Derek could be much more peaceful and satisfying.
I wonder if this principle applies to dogs too? Harvey has been driving me nuts lately . . .
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