tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post6974638380382937068..comments2023-10-03T06:25:41.357-05:00Comments on Grace Roots Blog: Why I blog - Part 2Joel Bruesekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395847887953875757noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-61861577597469781772008-03-28T16:59:00.000-05:002008-03-28T16:59:00.000-05:00I agree with what you said about tact having its p...I agree with what you said about tact having its place although I really don't think it's tact so much as wisdom. <BR/><BR/>I believe if you hit people with too much before they're ready, it could discourage them from wanting more. It's wise to give them what they can handle at that point and then, if they're interested, you can give them more. Not everybody is ready for solid food right away. Sometimes you just have to give them milk for a while.<BR/><BR/>AidaAidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09885702269506142727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-8624239016243715042008-03-26T20:51:00.000-05:002008-03-26T20:51:00.000-05:00I, too, wish there would be a lot more people who ...I, too, wish there would be a lot more people who were established in grace, writing about grace!<BR/><BR/>My previous experience in not being completely free to write about everything I wanted to write about was essentially my own fault, although I have a feeling that if I had cut loose (as I do on this blog), my writings wouldn't have been welcome for too long at my church. I never want to be controversial for the sake of being controversial, but if the truth is controversial (which really means that it's simply not what is taught in churches), then I want to be free to write about the truth.<BR/><BR/>In the case of those church writings perhaps it was a good thing that I was trying to be tactful and that I didn't just cut loose. I wrote about stuff in a way that most people would be able to digest. Stuff that perhaps they already 'wanted' to believe and truly accept, but that their religious minds hadn't allowed to get deep into their system. Had I gone too far in my writings, perhaps I would have cut off the flow right then and there.<BR/><BR/>So, I think tact had its place there, but yet I soooo much longed to be able to be free to write about what was truly on my heart, and blogging has really provided that outlet for me. I'm not trying to please the majority and I'm not needing to tip toe around issues. I just blog about what's on my heart and if people like it, fine. If not, that's ok too!<BR/><BR/>It's really about mutual encouragement in a rock solid message of grace, and Christ in us, our hope of glory.Joel Bruesekehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10395847887953875757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-50634889732138294022008-03-26T06:16:00.000-05:002008-03-26T06:16:00.000-05:00Two great posts, Joel. I'm glad you've shared. I...Two great posts, Joel. I'm glad you've shared. I can relate to so much that you said.<BR/><BR/>"When faced with opposition, the temptation is to build walls and to defend your beliefs to the core. But walls keep people out, when really your whole purpose in engaging with others is because you're wanting to invite them in."<BR/><BR/>That's really good. I still can get defensive or not know what to say when challenged. Sunday morning, we left "church" early and, on the way out, met a member who asked where we were going so I told him we were going home. He started to say, "Why did you bother coming if you weren't going to stay for the whole thing." Fortunately, he stopped in mid-sentence because it was on the tip of my tongue to tell him it was none of his business. <BR/><BR/>I'm glad Father stopped me because I'm sure that would have built some really BIG walls. Instead of trying to defend my position, I want to get to the place where I just live it and can give an account of my freedom to those who are attracted by it. Who knows? That guy might some day be one of them. I'm glad I didn't shut him out.<BR/><BR/>I love what you wrote about having the freedom to write whatever you want in your blog. I can sure relate to that. The freedom to express Christ in our own unique way has been taken from us by religion and I'm glad Father is using the internet to restore that freedom.<BR/><BR/>Iron does sharpen iron but, if the voice of the mass majority of believers is being silenced, that sharpening can't take place.<BR/><BR/>I've only been involved in blogging a few months. I found all of you in late summer or early fall and started my own blog in January. Although we gather as believers online and not face to face, I've found that this community of believers has provided me with a wonderful source of fellowship which I really haven't experienced much in the relgious world. It's wonderful having a place where I can share freely without worrying about what others may be thinking about me. <BR/><BR/>Also, the wisdom that is in this group is refreshing and each day I'm challenged and strengthened. Joel, I'm glad you're blogging since you've been a great source of encouragement for me.<BR/><BR/>I've heard Bino say that he wishes everyone would blog about Father's grace. I echo that desire and hope that more people will being willing to take the plunge and blog about this wonderful exchanged life that we've been given.<BR/><BR/>AidaAidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09885702269506142727noreply@blogger.com