So You Want to Start a Blog?

Anyone can start a blog online.  It's easy to do and takes virtually no technical knowledge to get started.  But just because you get an inkling to start a blog doesn't mean you should.  Blogging can take up a lot of time and it's not always fun to do. So before you start a blog, or a second blog, etc... keep these things in mind:

1. Time commitment - How much time is it going to take you to write, publish, and promote a blog?  Will it take away time from your family, other commitments, or from the Lord?  If so, you might want to rethink starting a blog.
2. Is it for fun, ministry, or for work - Before you start a blog know from the get go how you are going to run your blog.  Is it something you are doing just for fun, as a ministry to the Lord, or do you plan on making money from your blog?  Of course, it can be all three but you need to know what your goals for the blog are up front in order to make it successful and worthwhile in your eyes.
3. Prayer - Before starting a blog pray about it.  A blog is so much easier to run and keep up with if you are doing the will of God. Remember Philippians 4: 13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

So if after taking the above 3 considerations in mind, you still want to start a blog here are some quick and easy steps on getting started.

1. Decide on your blog's purpose. Before choosing a name, setting up your blog, or anything else, you need to decide on the purpose of your blog.  You blog can be as topic specific as you want or it can cover a wide range of topics.  Just know in advance what you are willing to write about and what you are not will to write about.
2. Choose a blog name. Hopefully with a matching domain name as well.  While it's not necessary to purchase a domain name for a blog, if you plan on using it for a ministry or business purpose, I highly recommend it.  I buy my domain names through Name Cheap.
3. Choose a blogging platform. In my personal opinion there is only one option - WordPress.  But I know this isn't an option for everyone since you have purchase web hosting in order to use WordPress.  Other options, which are free, include, Blogger's Blogspot, WordPress.com, and Tumblr.   In the upcoming weeks I will be discussing the differences between the different blogging platforms available.
4. Start writing and publishing posts. I personally think it is a good idea to have about 10 posts published before you start promoting your blog to others.  You want new readers to be able to get a good sense of what your blog is going to be about and they can't get that with just one post.
5. Promote your blog. Unless you are blogging for just yourself, you want people to visit your blog and leave comments.  With the sheer number of blogs on the Internet today, chances of people just stumbling over to your blog by themselves isn't likely. Especially in the beginning.  Promote your blog by commenting on other similar blogs, tweeting, or by using Facebook.  Just remember your time commitment.  While promoting your blog can be important, you don't want Twitter or Facebook to take over.

These are just 5 basic steps.  I could go on and on but by following the 5 steps outlined above, you can start a blog.  The main thing is to just get started.  Don't get hung up on the design or look of your blog.  While yes, it is nice to have a pretty blog, the content is what is more important.  Don't get hung up on what other people are doing.  Concentrate on what you are doing.  Also don't forget to pray and to make God a part of your blog.

P.S.  Join me on January 13, 2011 at 1:00pm CST in a free webinar for a chance to ask me anything you ever wanted to know about blogging!  Click here to find out more information and to sign up.

Where do you get inspiration?

Where do you get inspiration for posts on your blog?  For me it's from a number of different places but here are a few them:

1. Church services - Almost every Sunday while I'm sitting in church service taking notes on the Preacher's message, I think about how that can also be applied to blogging and life online.  I have a whole notebook filled with post ideas just from past sermons.
2. Personal Bible study - It's the same as church services, many of the studies and devotionals I read can easily be applied to blogging, business, or online life.
3. Other blogs - A lot of my ideas also come from reading other blogs.  They might touch on a topic that I think needs expanding on or if it's not a Christian based blog, I'll write about the same topic but from a Christian point of view.
4. Comments - I always read the comments left on my blog.  Many times I get blog post ideas based on questions or suggestions left in the comments.

Where do you get your inspiration?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Getting Discouraged

I have found it so easy to get discouraged in the blogging world, especially if something happens and you are not able to blog regularly. Whenever I stop blogging, even if just for a day or two, regardless of the reason, I find it hard to start back again.  I'm a routine person and when my routine gets thrown off, I get overwhelmed and discouraged.  Are you like that? I recently found out that we are expecting our 3rd child in July and that has completely thrown me off my normal routine.  The morning sickness and constant sleepiness have been making it hard to follow my regular scheduled activities and routines.  I haven't even posted here since November 18!  That's horrible, please forgive me.

So what do I do when I get discouraged?  I go to the Lord.

Some of my favoriate Bible verses that deal with this issue are:

• "And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight."  Joshua 10:25
• "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
• "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

It's important to remember that whenever you get discouraged, you are not alone.  You have the Lord and the help and support of the Faithful Bloggers community.

How do you deal with discouragement with your blog?

Do You Have a Christian Podcast?

I love listening to podcasts while I exercise and while on long drives. Since I restarted the Faithful Bloggers Podcast I am wondering if anyone in the Faithful Bloggers community has a podcast?

I would love to create a Christian podcast directory or list to help make the podcasts easier to play. If you have a podcast, leave a link to it in the comments. Or, if you have a favorite

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podcast, leave a link to it too.

What Help Do You Need?

Whether you already have started your dream ministry or are still dreaming about starting it, what do you need help with?  I want you to have the best ministry possible that God can provide.  We are all in the business of serving of God and people right?   So how can I help you? Do you need a blog setup?

Just want to brainstorm some ideas?

Need help just coming up with a plan?

Whatever it may be please let us know in the comments.  There just might be a fellow Christian blogger who can help you fill those needs.  Your are not in this alone, lets come together as a community and help each other serve God.

Faithful Bloggers Show #7 - Dream Ministry

The Faithful Bloggers Podcast is back!  WooHoo!  I'm so excited to bringing the podcast back. In show #7 I bring you up-to-date with the happenings at Faithful Bloggers and also talk about what my dream ministry is.

Grab a drink, take a seat, and listen to show #7!

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What is Your Dream Ministry?

If you could start any type of online ministry without the worry of money, tech issues, time commitments, etc.  what type of ministry would you build? You can leave you answer in the comments or even call in to Faithful Bloggers and leave a message with your dream ministry or you can do both!

If you call in to record your dream ministry it may be used in the upcoming podcast here at Faithful Bloggers.  To call in just call (405) 759-0847 and leave a message after the beep with your name, website (if you have one), and what your dream ministry would entail.

You'll find out my answer later this week with the return of the Faithful Bloggers Podcast.

I'm looking forward to hearing and reading everyone's responses!

Blog Memes That Inspire & Motivate

Have you ever participated in a meme?  What is a meme, you may ask? In my own words, it's where one blog writes up a post about a given topic.  Then other bloggers write their own posts similar to the topic and link up to the main blog.  It's usually done on a weekly basis or some other consistency.

I really enjoy memes.  There's a large variety of memes to participate in, including meal planning, giveaways, and spiritual growth.

MEMES THAT INSPIRE AND/OR MOTIVATE THIS MOM:

Making Your Home Sing is my very favorite meme.  Nan always inspires me to make a difference in my home!  To quote Nan:

"Every day you are doing something to make your house into a home for yourself and your family (if you have one). My point with each Monday post is, what are you doing or going to do today? It can be an attitude or an action. Motivation, our attitude, baking, encouraging our husband or children (if we have either one), organization, cleaning, saving money....the opportunities are endless.'

"Whatever you're doing you are blessing your family. I just want people to post what they're doing that day or going to do that day to "make their home sing." Anything we do to bless our families, to make our homes run more smoothly, anything we do to go about our homemaking more joyfully and thankfully will apply."

Wifey Wednesdays is another encouraging meme.  I've related to Sheila in some of her posts.  I've learned from her in many of them.  My marriage is very important to me.  I treasure my husband, mostly because I almost lost him due to my own ignorance.  No, I don't always display just how much I appreciate him.  That's where this meme comes in.  Sheila shows us ways to implement new ways of improving our marriages.

Menu Plan Monday is one I haven't participated in, yet.  However, I will be shortly.  Why?  Simply because I've started cooking meals at home more.  It sickens me to waste money on eating out, when I could cook at home for so much less money.  Plus, hubby makes the kiddos do the dishes!  What better arrangement is there?  Menu Plan Monday is a great resource for finding new recipes and meal ideas, as well as motivating you (oh, me) to make a weekly meal plan.  Meal planning has so many advantages, wouldn't you agree?

Thankful Thursday reminds us to stop long enough to thank God for something or someone in our lives.  I know I can go days without being thankful, often complaining.  That is not what God wants from us.  This meme is a weekly reminder to stop and give thought to what we  have in our lives that is worthy of our gratitude.

This meme is hosted by three bloggers in the following rotation:

• Spiritually Unequal Marriage (Lynn) – January, April, July, October
• Women Taking a Stand (Laurie) – March, May, August, November
• Grace Alone (Iris) – February, June, September, December

You can read some of my blog posts at ThisMomsDelight.com that were based on my favorite memes.

What's your favorite meme? Share your favorite Christian (or clean) memes with your fellow Faithful Bloggers!

~Tami

This Mom’s Thankful Thursday – 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

Today's Thankful Thursday is all about getting to know one another.  That reminds me of all of the  online friendships that I am thankful for.  Yes, I have 'real-life' friendships, but it is so hard to get together with girlfriends, simply because I am a busy working wife and mom.  Lots to do! However, I can sneak in some blogging and online activities when my hubby and children are distracted with their own  interests.

That's where online friendships come in.  What would I do without your encouragement, support and advice!

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me or Maybe You Do:

1. One of my online friendships turned into a real-life friendship.  We text, talk on the phone, and have even discussed visiting one another.  She's a treasure and I am very thankful to have her.
2. I have a scar on my right knee from a cut I received when I was 11 months old.
3. I never ever dreamed I would be overweight as an adult.  I was a skinny girl up until my senior year of high school.  Thanks a lot to all of the fast food restaurants and the vending machines!
4. I'm actually adopted by one of my parents.  I feel special because I was actually chosen!
5. I have a brother who's spent time in prison.  He almost died earlier this year.  Despite his circumstances and choices, I love him with all my heart.
6. I really thought my first child would be a girl.  I was wrong.  Mr. Matthew came first.
7. I really didn't want a girl.  I worried that I wouldn't get along with a girl, simply because my mom and I clashed a lot.  Now, that I'm older, I see things differently with my own mom.  My daughter and I do clash, but I know it's mostly me, because I'm a moody girl that's passing it on to her girl.  However, it's something God and I are working on together!
8. I can't wear fake fingernails and do the laundry.  Pulling the clothes out of the dryer was difficult with them on.  So, give up the nails or doing the laundry?  Sadly, I chose to give up the nails, simply because I didn't want anyone running around naked, especially me!
9. My teeth are crooked.  My mom tried to get me braces before I left home, but I was fine with crooked teeth then.  I now wish I would've gotten the braces.  Oh well!
10. I have a destructive personality.  I have sabotaged relationships in the past with my own jealousy.  Another one that God is helping me change!

Share ten things about yourself! Today's Thankful Thursday is being hosted at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

This Mom's Thankful!

~Tami

Review a Book for BookSneeze

Have you ever heard of Thomas Nelson?  It is a publisher of Christian books.  BookSneeze is a program offered by Thomas Nelson for bloggers to receive free books in exchange for an honest review.

The Pros and Cons

The only downside (a con) to this program is that you can only have one request open at a time.  Once you request a book you can not request another until you've:

• Received the book, which can take a couple weeks;
• Read the book in it's entirety;
• Post your review (see below);
• Submit your review links to BookSneeze.com; then
• Wait for the reviews to be approved (which doesn't take long).

Other review sites allow you to have more than one book requested at a time; however most of them have deadlines for their books.   The books at BookSneeze don't have a specific tour date (a pro, in my opinion).   If a book review doesn't have a deadline, I try to get my review written within 30 days of receipt.   Be sure to read the BookSneeze Reviewer Guidelines for details.

What Must the Review Include?

200 Words - The review must be 200 words in length.  When I wrote my first review, I panicked.  I didn't think I could write 200 words.  If you have this same worry, I'm sure once your fingers start hitting the keyboard, you'll come up with 200 words in no time.  I've actually had to trim down a few of my reviews.

Compliance with the Federal Trade Commission - As with anything you receive as a review item, you must include in your review that you received the item from the publisher in exchange for your review.  I always state '...in exchange for my honest review' in my posts, because I want to make sure my readers know that I don't change my opinion just to get a freebie or help promote the book.  I tell my honest opinion, and so should you! Many of the publishing siter have expressed their desire for an honest opinion of the book, so don't be afraid to write it.  However, be polite if you must write a negative review.

Where Do I Share My Review Once I've Written It?

As a reviewer, you must post the review on your own blog and on any consumer retail website.  The retail sites I share my reviews on include Amazon.com and Christianbook.com.

Join BookSneeze

As with all of the publishers and book reviewing companies I've shared, please see their website for full details and policies on becoming a book reviewer, before joining.   Once you've decided to join, visit BookSneeze to sign up for their blogger program.

Stay tuned for the next featured site to request books to read and review.  If you are interested in reviewing books at no cost to you, check out my previous post So, You Want to Review Books for the 5 steps.

Happy Reviewing!

~Tami

Review a Book for Bethany House Publishers

Bethany House Publishers sends out an email with a selection of books to choose from every few months.

Like most publishers and book tours, they have a limited supply, so you may not receive every book you request. BHP offers Christian fiction and non-fiction. I've read some wonderful stories published by them! I even consider BHP to be my favorite Christian fiction publisher.

The following Christian fiction books are highly recommended! I'm saving the books for my daughter to read when she gets a little bit older.

• Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

• Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

• She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

• Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols

• Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

I've also enjoyed some non-fiction thanks to BHP:

• What Your Son Isn’t Telling You by Michael Ross & Susie Shellenberger

• The Rewards of Simplicity by Pam & Chuck Pierce

BOOK REVIEW EXAMPLES

Check out my reviews listed above and some fellow bloggers' book reviews listed below for examples of how to write book reviews.

• Simply Stacie reviews A Tailor Made Bride and A Hopeful Heart.

• Shawnee's Tangled Tales reviews Beguiled.

• To Love, Honor and Vacuum reviews The Silent Governess.

Be sure to check the publisher's guidelines before requesting a book for review.

Happy Reading!

~Tami

Sign up to become a book reviewer for Bethany House Publishing today!

Review a Book for FIRST Wild Card Tours

FIRST stands for Fiction in Rather Short Takes.  However, FIRST Wild Card Tours offers more than fiction.  I've reviewed books of different genres for FIRST.  So far, I've reviewed the following FIRST books:

Bible Study / Spiritual Growth

• The Sin that No One Talks About by R.T. Kendall

• Be Compassionate by Warren Wiersbe

• Wiersbe Bible Study Series:  John – Get to Know the Living Savior

Biography / Cooking

• Way Back in The Country Garden

Christian Fiction

• Love on a Dime by Cara Lynn James

• Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts

• Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth

Physical Health / Diet

• The Juice Lady’s Turbo Diet | Lose Ten Pounds In Ten Days — The Healthy Way!

Working Women

• Chasing Superwoman by Susan DiMickele

Visit the reviews I've written (see above) or some other bloggers who have reviewed for FIRST to see how book reviews are written:

My Friend Amy reviews The First Escape by GP Taylor

Mom Two Ways reviews Flirting with Faith by Joan Ball and Power PraiseMoves™ DVD by Laurette Willis

A Peek at My Bookshelf review It's All About Us by Shelley Adina and Played: Pure by Rebecca St. James

After you've signed up via FIRST's Yahoo group, you'll receive an email each time they have an upcoming book tour.  Each email contains instructions to sign up to receive the book.  (Basically, you email your request to the given email address within the post.)  Sometimes they offer pdf books, as well as hard copies.   Be sure to read the blog tour site's guidelines and requirements before requesting your first book.

Not everybody is approved, since there are a limited about of books.  However, I have received more than 75% of the books I've requested.

If approved, you're name will be included in the list they send out.  Once you receive the book,  add the tour date to your calendar and begin reading the book.  The day before the tour is to be posted, you'll receive  HTML to include in your blog post.  Add it, then insert your honest review.

Stay tuned for the next featured site to request books to read and review.  If you are interested in reviewing books at no cost to you, check out my previous post So, You Want to Review Books for the 5 steps.

Happy Reading!

~Tami

So, You Want to Review Books?

Huge stack of books from Crestock Creative Images

I've found a way to share my love of books and it not cost me anything! Many publishers will give out new books in exchange for a blogger's honest review.

1. Establish

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a blog. Many publishers require your blog be in existence and regularly updated for three months. I started out with Blogger.com and it is great for beginners. See Lifehacker's Five Best Blogging Platforms for more choices.

• If you have an established blog, then you're ready to proceed to Step 2.

• If not, then start out with reviews of books you've already read to fill in the three month requirement.

2. Send your request to available publishers. Let them know you're interested in reviewing books for them. They'll email you the offer or post it on their website, and you'll get a copy as long as they haven't ran out of copies. (See my next post for details on contacting book publishers.)

3. Put the requests on your calendar. Know how many chapters you can read in a day without overloading yourself. You want to enjoy the books you're reading. A fast read will result in a lousy and not-so-accurate review.

4. Follow the publisher's review posting guidelines. Where to find the guidelines will be available in the next post.

5. Write an honest review. If you didn't like the book, say so. That's what reviewing is all about. Readers want to know if the book is truly worth purchasing. However, do it in a manner that is polite and fair to the author.

Happy Book Reviewing!

~Tami

God has Restored Hope and Creativity on my Blogging Journey

Hope sign from Crestock Royalty Free Photos

As I began my blogging journey in 2007, I had no idea where it would lead. It started off as a personal blog, called Julie’s Journey’s.

My first post was written as I sat in Iraq contemplating my journey home and my next move in my career.

After I returned, I kept up writing in my blog, updating people about the things going on in my life, mostly mundane things, like weekend activities. Nothing terribly deep. As this blogging journey continued, I started to enjoy the writing more and more. But, I wanted readership. I wanted the world to share in my thoughts. I knew I would have to make changes to the format.

I created a niche, changed the name to Inspired to Write, bought my own domain, (inspiredtowrite.com) and decided to focus my writing on helping other writers with tips, resources, and inspiration. Eventually, I put my site on a self-hosted blog.

So, what then? God somehow lead me to this point, and I had no idea where I was going to go. I had a pretty rough year, personally, in 2009 and my creativity was running out of steam. But, I did not want to let my blog go. I began soliciting guest posts to provide me my own inspiration and to keep the blog alive.

The sad and disappointing events in my life affected my inspiration. My writing became stagnant.

For the first time along this writing journey, I lost hope that I would continue a writing career. Sure, everyone gets writer’s block. When our creativity gets stifled, we get stuck. Sometimes, it feels like we are not going to get unstuck.

At this point, I took a break and began looking for answers in the Bible and in other Christian books and authors. I read a lot. I read more books and scripture in a one month period than I had in the whole previous year. I found my inspiration in His word and the words of others who loved him. I felt renewed.

My inspiration was revived. I was back.

But, with a new agenda. Once again, where did I want my writing to go? I put more time into my writing on my blog and my freelance writing.

I began actually thinking about writing a book, a Christian book. But, I had no idea what about or where it would lead to.

As I sit here now, 3.5 years after my first ever blog post, I am contemplating the next move in my career, now my writing career. In the last few months, I have prayed to God about what I should do.

Could I write a book? I never considered the possibility. I mean, a book? But, God has intervened and has opened up my heart to that possibility. He has done this through His words in scripture, the words of other Christian authors, through the lessons in heartache, and through the great authors and writers I have personally met recently. But, mostly He has done this through His love for me. He has restored my hope.

The next chapter begins.

This is my first post on a Christian blog and I am thrilled that I can share this journey with other faithful bloggers.

Psalm 18:28-29: You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop with my God I can scale a wall.

Julie McElroy is a hopeful Christian fumbling her way through life, blessed by grace, seeking the truth in the love of Jesus Christ.  She is a freelance writer and maintains a blog, Inspired to Write (http://www.inspiredtowrite.com), to help inspire and encourage other writers.

Five Top Wordpress Plugins

What is a plugin, anyway?  Plugins are user-friendly coding that can make your blog do almost anything!  Someone puts hard work into creating these wonderful tools, so that you, the blogger, can give your blog what it needs to function or be reader friendly.

Akismet

A spam filter service that puts possible spam in a separate folder.  I can review them all and choose 'delete permantently' or just trust Akismet and delete them all without reviewing them.  Akismet has only placed 9 real comments (or false positives, as they call them -- LOL) in the spam folder.  That's not bad for having had 1,096 spam comments over the past six months.

Broken Link Checker

A link checker for all links on your blog, whether it's the link to one of your blog posts or an outgoing link.  This is good for reporting sites to you that are no longer active.  I usually just 'unlink' and I'm good to go.  Sometimes, if it's a link to a site that is still up and running, but that particular page is no longer active, I remove all but the main part of the link.  For example, if "http://ABlogSiteILinkedTo.com/ThisPageNotWorking' is no longer working, then I reduce it to "http://ABlogSiteILinkedTo.com", so that my readers still have access to the blog or website being referenced.

The only concern I have is that sometimes it reports a link as broken when it's not.  In that case, there is a button to click to tell the checker that the link is not broken.

Fast Secure Contact Form

Put your email address on your website or blog, and you're bound to get lots of spam, guaranteed!  This plugin allows the reader to contact you via a form on your blog.  You receive an email, in return.  Since it's not spammer friendly, I've never received any spam email via the contact form.  It also benefits your reader, because he or she doesn't have to open their email client to contact you.

Follow Me

This feature allows your readers to subscribe to your blog via RSS or email, and connect to you via Twitter, Youtube, Digg, StumbleUpon, and others.  All you have to do is enter those links initially, and they appear as recognizable icons.  (Take a look at my sidebar for an example. It's listed under my customizable heading 'Follow This Mom!')

WordPress Database Backup

Although I've never had to use this one, and I pray that I don't have to, this is a must for any blogger!  Back up your blog!  Things get lost!  This plugin gives you the option of a regularly scheduled back up.  It can be saved to your computer or emailed to you.

~

Do you have any plugins that your blog couldn't do without?  Share them with me, pretty please!

Happy Plugin!

~Tami

Yes, You Can Blog! How To Start Yours Today

I know a few people who have never heard of blogs.  It amazes me, yet I remember when I first discovered the world of blogging.  I found a new world.

I began reading a few blogs, then more blogs, then more blogs.  Then, I decided to give blogging a try for myself.

You may be asking, 'Can I blog?'

YES, YOU CAN BLOG!

There are many reasons to start a blog:

• Journal your progress in your goals.  Your goals may be spiritual, personal, or physical.  I am blogging about my weight loss, or as I like to call it, Healthier Habits on my personal blog.
• Journal your family memories and/or photos.
• Share your hobbies or expertise with others, That knowledge you possess is bound to benefit another person out there, whether it be blogging about your tried-and-true recipes, crafts, hobbies or made-for-sale items.
• Share your love of books. I love to read.  I enjoy telling others about books that I believe will encourage or benefit them in some way.  I have several book reviews listed on my personal blog.
• Share your love for animals. Show off your pets pics and funny stories!
• Express your passion, whatever it may be!

I started out with the intention of sharing my goals, and it has blossomed into more than that!  I blog about personal goals, books I love, freebies and giveaways that I have entered or am hosting via my blog.

Happy Blogging!

~Tami

Blogging Regrets

I have regrets. I have regrets with my choices in the blogging world.

GIVEAWAY GLOOM

One regret I have is entering too many giveaways.  I end up with stuff I really don't even need.  The biggest problem I encounter is not having anywhere to put the free goodies (aka clutter) once I receive them.

The solution to this is to first, only enter a giveaway for something that you will truly use.

Second, have a home ready for it, should you win it. 

WITHOUT A PRAYER

The biggest regret I have is taking on something without prayer.

Choosing to review too many books in a given time can lead to reading 'cram sessions', where I don't enjoy the book's content.   Had I chosen only two books instead of five, I could've read at a much slower pace.

Choosing to participate in a workshop or something of the like.   Had I prayed, maybe I would've said no, because I don't really have the time necessary to complete the workshop's assignments, as required.  Also, had I prayed, maybe the Holy Spirit would've prompted me to ask more questions about the workshop's intent and be able to make a better decision about it.

I tend to take on too much.  I've learned through this that prayer will limit us, but that is a good thing. Taking on too much leads to stress, being cranky to our family, and going to work without any clean underwear on.  (Just kidding about the underwear, but it's gotten close!)

DON'T GET ME WRONG

I love the blogging world and most of what it offers.  There are so many good things!  However, God wants us to choose the best.   There is plenty of good things out there, but we don't have the time for everything good thing,  so we must be selective!

Have a blessed, clutter-free, prayerful blogging day!

~Tami

Introducing Kelly - A Faithful Bloggers Intern

My name is Kelly Mapes and I am a new intern for Faith Bloggers. I am very thankful to be taught by Courtney and to be able to use my gift of writing to bring others closer to the Lord and encourage people of all faiths. I am a happily married, 40 something, with three (almost) grown children. My youngest just left for college and I am faced with a new challenge in my life.... redefining myself. The Lord has been SOOO generous to me and is providing me with work and opportunities, (such as this one) to reach out and share some of the love that Jesus has POURED liberally into my life. I currently blog for the Times-Union in Albany NY but my heart is really about being able to lift people up and give them the courage to REST in their faith and then WATCH what God can do! I will treasure each and every one of your comments (even the negative ones!) I anticipate sharing a piece of myself with you and I pray that it inspires you to possess great faith and walk BOLDLY.

Yours Truly, Kelly Mapes Precious Daughter of the King of Kings :O)

Introducing Tami - A Faithful Bloggers Intern

I'm Tami, a 30-something girl in Oklahoma. I've been married 15 years and my hubby and I have a teen son and a pre-teen daughter.  I'm not sure how they went from babies to this, but it's happened and this mom is in denial!

I am a born-again Christian that is a member of  a local Missionary Baptist church.   I also teach the Beginners class, which consists of 4 and 5 year old kiddos.

I work outside the home, although my heart is definitely at home.  I haven't found a way to bring an income home, so I still report to my 9 to 5 job.

I began blogging a few years ago to have a way to journal my goals.  I like to refer to my goals as God-given desires.  That helps me remember that I should be focusing on Him in my decision-making and listening to Him for what I should be working toward.

Blogging has since turned into a source for freebies and giveaway winnings, which I love receiving both!  I also enjoying sharing these with my fellow blogging friends!  Also, I recently discovered a way to get free books by doing reviews of the books I receive.  I love to read!  Oh, I love to read!!

I have gotten off course with my goals, but I'm working toward them once again!  Here I come weight loss, as well as family and spiritual improvements.

I started out blogging on Blogger.com, but transferred my blog to Wordpress in April of this year.  I am now at ThisMomsDelight.com.

~Tami

I Am Right Because...

Last month when I was reading all of the entries to the Psalms 23 Group Writing Project, I found a quote that I fell in love with.

"I am right because He is right and He lives in me"

Unfortunately I did not keep the link so if it came from your blog, please let me know so I can give you proper credit.

This quote has stayed with me and made me think.  For many when starting a blog the biggest decision is choosing what topic to blog about.  I debated in the beginning.  I started out with a "mommy blog" then started Mom Giveaways, then started other blogs but never really found my niche.

Then one day I started praying.  I started asking the Lord what He wanted me to blog about and that is what started Faithful Bloggers.  I am doing the right thing because it is what God was leading me to do.

"I am right because He is right and He lives in me"

Running a Christian based blog is not always the easiest thing to do, as I am sure most of you realize.  A lot of people online just don't understand and don't want to understand so they leave hurtful demeaning comments or call you out on Twitter.  But if you are doing God's will then you are in the right.

So next time you get a mean or hateful comment or tweet, just remember that you are right because your are doing God's will.  You are doing what you are suppose to be doing and that is all that really matters - doing God's will.