Thursday, December 29, 2005

"Not many of you should be bloggers..."

Actually here is the real quote: "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (James 3:1; TNIV).

In this brave new world of blogdom, I am coming quickly to realize, as one who has started their first blog, a number of things. (Pardon this post, as I am going autobiographical, something I'm not very comfortable doing.)

One, it takes quite alot of time to offer a posting, especially when I am trying to do so daily. As long as I have access to a computer, I do intend to get something out daily. I had to go back to work yesterday, and I'm quickly realizing the time element. Time with family, time asleep, other matters, all press in, and are important. I'm sure as one goes on in this endeavor they learn alot and in the long run can make better use of their time. I remember Dr. Ted Rendall (of my Prairie Bible Institute days), a wonderful teacher, pastor and man of God, tell us that the thing that marked out those who really seemed fruitful in the work of the Lord from all his reading (which is immense) is their use of time. They made the most of it, and used it wisely. Though wisdom certainly includes fun times and times doing nothing, I believe.

Second, I'm not Scot McKnight, which everyone knows anyhow. I love his blog "Jesus Creed" and I love how he writes and interacts with people on the blog and in person. I have something of the teacher in my own bones. So that's what I do. I've had to learn to hold myself back from doing that so as not to be a nuisance to people around me, which I am doing much better now. I don't begin to have Scot's knowledge or skill, or people like him. Of course I don't have John Frye's wit and wisdom or Jamie Arpin-Ricci's experience and fine way of putting his thoughts into words, etc., etc. But that's part of the beauty of fellowshipping with each other in blogdom.

Third, I do appreciate the rich interaction I've already received, including from those who disagree (one so far- though I don't consider it negative since we're conversing in a good spirit I think; but I'm sure more are coming). I think of a good man with a good spirit in his blogging, with whom I've had some friendly debate. Brad Huston at "the Broken Messenger" http://www.brokenmessenger.com/. I can tell that he too is one who works hard at getting down the right words (Ecclesiastes 12:10). And though I find myself in disagreement with him in some ways theological, I know the "iron sharpens iron" metaphor in Proverbs (27:17) at least on me has worked in our exchanges for my good. So what I'm saying here is I welcome critique and correction. I can adjust my posts if I think it well to do so. Of course our perspectives and convictions will differ at times, as in the case of Brad and myself. Though I will add here that I find much I agree with, in his offerings and comments.

One other thing I'd like to add: The title in this blog is not meant to discourage anyone from blogging or starting a blog. It's meant to give one take of what one is getting themselves into in so doing (besides trying to have a "catchy" title).

Thanks so much for reading and for your comments. It's already been fun. "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:14; TNIV) Amen.

10 comments:

Ted M. Gossard said...

Janet, thanks for your good thoughts and encouragement.

I know this is a limited medium. I think we need, therefore, in it, we need to be all the more careful not to unnecessarily offend. That can become nearly an art. But that too may spill over into our actual conversations we have with people (face to face), it seems to me. Of course from the heart we speak and tone is missing in these blogs, unless we can bring tone out in words, which I think to some extent we can.

Ted

Jamie said...

I look forward to much community here. Thanks for the shout out!

Peace,
Jamie

Ted M. Gossard said...

Jamie, thanks brother!

Ted

Susan said...

Ted,
Don't discount yourself so! There are some people who blog several times a day who would probably be doing a better service to the readers to boil it down to just one post! Volume doth not make veracity.

Ecc 5:2-3 Do not be quick with your mouth,do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.3 A dream comes when there are many cares,and many words mark the speech of a fool.

If you faithfully compile the thoughts you have, and present them with authenticity and humility as you exercise good stewardship of your time you will have a wonderful blog! You're off to a great start already!

I look forward to the new year of reading your blog!

-Susan

Ted M. Gossard said...

Thanks so much Susan for your words of good counsel and encouragement.

Ted

Anonymous said...

Ted,
I think this is wonderful and I plan to use your blog for my devotional time. You are so gifted and you need to ackowledge this and thank God!!!!
I love you brother!
Maxine

Ted M. Gossard said...

Maxine,

As always you're a great sister and friend. Thanks so much.

Now don't be afraid to critique and ask challenging questions on comments! :)

blessings,

Ted

Brad Huston said...

Ted,

The feeling is very much mutual. We have our differences but we seem concerned at arriving at the same end: glorifying in Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Brad

Ted M. Gossard said...

Brad, you're so right brother.

Thanks so much. And I enjoy reading your blog, even if I don't make a commment.

blessings in the new year,

Ted

Desert Pilgrim said...

Great discussion. Blogging is so very different from what I imagined. I don't think I will be able to post daily as you are thinking of doing. I just get blocks and have to wait. The comments here are encouraging, and I agree with what they have said about how inspiring your blog is.
Thanks,
Desert Pilgrim~