It's a Blog's Life for Me!

I am an avid blog reader. I can't quite help it. I adore blogs, which is perhaps why I found myself compelled to start my own!

And on this rather snowy Saturday in late Spring - at this rate, it will be snowing well into Summer! - I couldn't quite find anything I would rather do than curl up in Dad's armchair with a steaming mug of coffee, a notebook, a pen, and my favorite blogs!

So, for your reading enjoyment, should any of you care to join me in my pasttime, here's what I'm browsing today.

*Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following blogs are those of the respective parties which write them, and do not necessarily reflect my views or opinions. Read with discretion.


A Deeper Story: I first came across this blog due to Sarah Bessey's 'Damaged Goods' article, while researching for a paper I happened to be writing on courtship / emotional purity for an ethics class I was taking at the time. Her message of grace blew my mind, and between it and some of the other articles, I found myself soon hooked.

Homeschooler's Anonymous : While I realize that this blog happens to have some rather controversial material, not all of which I agree with, not only have I written for them, but I have consistently been amazed to discover that I am not alone in my experiences, struggles, and background. The stories are incredible. Some are incredibly sad, and some incredibly liberating, but all incredible.

The Heffington Post: Funny story: I finished reading The Importance of Being Earnest, and upon falling in love with the idea of a 'bunburyist', decided to search the word and came across this beyond hilarious blog!

Darcy's Heart Strings: I happened upon this blog after discovering her article on how she believes the teachings of emotional purity and the courtship movement damage healthy relationships (link). It astounded me, and I found myself agreeing with almost all of her conclusions..plus, she quoted C. S. Lewis! I've found her posts to be well worth the read.

Wife Mom Superwoman: Thanks to Pinterest, I found this amazing woman's blog post on depression.. and she is spot on! The rest of her blog is pretty great too :) Not only does she have an incredibly sarcastic sense of humor, but she knows how to make a point without making an enemy.

The Salt Collective: So, remember the Bible verse on being the 'salt of the world'? ;) Well this blog is anything but boring! And their opinions on modesty? My favorite sarcastic modesty post in the entire world. Easily.

The Art of Manliness: Yes, I do realize that I am a girl..but by the same token, some of my favorite books ever have been written to and for men. Therefore...this rather appealed to me. Plus, the humor is priceless. It's the perfect mix of seriousness and sarcasm, while attempting to 'teach' men 'the art of manliness'

Adam4d: If your thing is comics.. and Christian comics, at that, this is perfect. He hits some painful truths about the church without offending, and is able to make a point without coming off as arrogant.

What My Mind Does: This is a fairly new blog to me,but I feel like the author and I would be good friends in real life....they easily have my taste in poetry! Say Not The Struggle Nought Availeth, anyone? :) Plus, it's a strange feeling to read your mind on someone else's blog. This was a strange deja vu blog for me, as the author and I are far too alike! And that dog is ridiculously gorgeous. I'm jealous.

Recovering Grace: This one, written by ex - IBLP/ATI adherents, is able to debunk much of Bill Gothard's myths firsthand, and prove them unbiblical. Their insights are quite profound, and I found them to be helpful in conversations I've had with my dad in order to explain to him why I no longer believe much of what Bill Gothard says.

No Longer Quivering: This blog is basically just what it says it is.. for those who no longer adhere to the Christian Patriarchy/Quiverful movement...if you don't know what that is, be glad, and skip this. If you do know what it is, however, this is well worth the time it takes to browse.

Elizabeth Esther: I ran into this blog about six months ago, while researching the Pearls, attempting to decide whether or not to read their books. Her viewpoint is quite well founded, and if you have read the Pearls' books, then this is definitely a must-read as well!

Beggar's Daughter: Her post on 'Kissing is not Sex' grabbed my attention pretty quickly, and dispelled some of the myths I had believed due to excessive screwy purity books! But, overall, she is an engaging and interesting blogger, and I loved most of what she had to say!

Love, Joy, Feminism: If you know anything at all about ex-fundamentalist bloggers, the name Libby Anne must have popped up somewhere! I am not sure I am completely on board with some of her opinions, since she has left Christ altogether, but in the main, her childraising posts, and her relationships posts are fairly spot on.

Phylicia Delta: Her views on purity are the main reason I started reading her blog, but after a little while, I couldn't tear myself away! She blogs on what it's like to live as an imperfect, real Christian woman in this day and age, and I love it.

Defeating the Dragons: What can I say? I happen to read a lot of ex-fundamentalist blogs. They're far more real, vulnerable, and open. Plus, she's doing a series on depression soon.. Which I can't wait for!

Wintry Knight: If you are ever surrounded by idiots, this blog will remind you that there are greater idiots by far than those which you may encounter on a day to day basis. The self- styled "Greatest Christian Apologist" is quite frankly, ridiculous. His views on women are incredibly funny and idiotic. Good for a laugh.

Kate Schell: And yet another ex-fundamentalist, who blogs on leaving purity culture, guarding your heart, and how she lives life as a young woman in the freedom of God's love. Amazing. This particular post on depression put a smile on my face this afternoon, and I highly recommend it!

Heresy In The Heartland: Alright, so my family wasn't as conservative as this one, growing up, but I can still relate to a good many of her points. It's totally worth perusing for the sympathetic cringes, and memories it provokes which make me laugh.

John Pavlovitz; I am not sure just what sort of creature he is, but in the main I agree with his stance on most issues, especially those pertaining to Godly womanhood and manhood. This post in particular, on teenage beauty pageants, struck me with its painful accuracy. Read it.

Can You Stay For Dinner: And, of course, I wouldn't be the oldest daughter of seven children without following at least one recipe blog (hint: I follow several) ;) This one is particularly good, though, as she discusses her struggles with an eating disorder, and her recipes happen to be delicious as well!

But, that's about the gist of my afternoon! ;) I can only hope yours was as pleasant!

<3 Tirzah