While I was on bloggy break, I thought alot about blogging, blah, blah, blah. (Oh no! Not another one of those posts!) Fear not! This is not going to be about why I blog, but instead what I blog. And not just what I blog, but how I try to live my Christian life.
Oswald Chambers on May 6 (bold mine):
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.
Galatians 5:1A spiritually minded man will never come to you with the demand–“Believe this and that;” but with the demand that you square your life with the standards of Jesus. We are not asked to believe the Bible, but to believe the One Whom the Bible reveals. (cf. John 5:39-40). We are called to present liberty of conscience, not liberty of view. If we are free with the liberty of Christ, others will be brought into that same liberty–the liberty of realizing the dominance of Jesus Christ.
Always keep your life measured by the standards of Jesus. Bow your neck to His yoke alone, and to no other yoke whatsoever; and be careful to see that you never bind a yoke on others that is not placed by Jesus Christ. It takes God a long time to get us out of the way of thinking that unless everyone sees as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God’s view. There is only one liberty, the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right.
Don’t get impatient, remember how God dealt with you–with patience and with gentleness; but never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” not “make converts to your opinions.”
My purpose in blogging is not to put forth a detailed ten step, twenty-five step, fifty step or one hundred step plan of how Christians, especially women, should live their lives. And I hope my blogging reflects that. I’ve got opinions – LOTS of them (just ask David!). But my goal in writing here isn’t to try to win as many converts to “Sallie’s way of thinking” as possible.
Instead, I hope people often feel encouraged and refreshed when they leave here. I hope sometimes they feel a little unsettled because that means they are being exposed to something new! And new can be good! And I hope to provoke others to prayer, study, discussion, and change – WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS.
But I truly, TRULY hope no one ever leaves here and feels that I have tried to burden them with a yoke of my making. I would be grieved indeed if that were the case. There are plenty of other women’s blogs and websites out there already doing that. I don’t want to be numbered among them. Make people think? Yes. Make people burdened? A resounding no.
So you might have noticed that I’ve been putting up a list of interesting links (almost) daily. That is something I plan on continuing. I know that all my readers won’t be interested in all of the links I post. But I anticipate most readers will find a few each week that will bless and/or challenge them. In putting up these lists of links, I’m just sharing what I find interesting. I’m not trying to necessarily promote everything that I link to. But I do hope to promote good comments here, further study, and lively supper conversations in people’s homes.
A Tribute To Old-Fashioned Girls
Sallie,
I think you do a wonderful job of making me think but not burdening or condemning. I have come across several Christian women’s blogs that I no longer read because I felt judged for having differing convictions (on things not specifically addressed by the Word of God) than the authors. But your blog is truly full of grace. Thank you so much for your faithfulness! I am reminded of the quote, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity,†which I think originated with Thomas a Kempis. Your blog truly exemplifies this attitude.
Hello, Sallie! I never could put my finger on what “it” is that I like so much about the tone of your blog, but what you just posted is “it” exactly. Thank you so much for what you write and share.
I do not have any older sisters to go to for advice. I consider you one of my Titus women. If my Annabelle looks as happy and content as your Caroline in another few months…I will consider myself blessed!
Sallie, thank you for your blog. I came across it last week, and I truly do leave refreshed every time. I have felt for a while that women don’t encourage and support each other like we should, but you certainly do!
Wow, Sallie, that is very wise. Thank you for sharing this quote…you articulated well what draws me to some blogs (and people in general) vs. others. This is something for me to strive for in my own life too…not putting burdens on others that Christ has not put on them.
I always enjoy your blog. I am a new mother too and it seems that you are always posting about something that is relevant to my life. Thank you for being real with your struggles, and using your gift of writing to His glory.
Great post–thank you! I enjoy reading your blog and always come away refreshed and/or challenged. I have enjoyed reading the links you’ve posted and look forward to more.
Sallie, I think your blog lives up to its name — “A Gracious Home.” You have a gracious blog. 🙂 I appreciate the tone and that is why I keep returning.
And I’ve really enjoyed your recent link lists.
Best wishes,
Laura
Ladies – Thank you so much. Every one of your comments blessed me (and David). My attitude and tone here did not come naturally. It is the result of many years of circumstances and learning. I’m glad I’ve learned enough so far to bless others. Cyber hugs to each of you! 🙂
Dear Sallie, yours was the first blog that made me feel unburdened, back when you called it “Two Talent Living”. I love the tone of your blog. “A Gracious Home” is the perfect name. I am even more impressed to learn that your attitude and tone did not come naturally.
Sallie…
You put in such clear words what I believe about blogging as well. I hope that when people visit my blog, they leave encouraged, maybe even refreshed. And I love your blog for that very reason! The links are great- some of them I have already seen, but they always stretch me. Thanks again for the lovely blog.