Without reading the first part of this post, the conclusion probably won’t make much sense. Please click the link or scroll down a few :). An invitation awaits those of you who read to the end!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And show ’em how to dance to a new rhythm,
Whistle a new song,
Toast with a new vintage,
The fizz doesn’t fizz too long.
In May, without fully knowing what I was getting into, I wrote to Megan, author of Velveteen Mind, about editing a channel for her new baby, Blog Nosh Magazine. We exchanged a few emails with her asking which channels were of interest to me, and me responding with a half-mile-long list. 
Ultimately she asked me to edit for Religion/Philosphy, which surprised me. Though I’m an unashamed, publicly- professing Jesus Freak, I don’t regularly blog about my faith. I’ve often said I’m a Christian who blogs, not a Christian blogger.
Right about the same time, I read about SheSpeaks, a conference for women designed to provide "the tools and the confidence to answer God’s call on your life." As I shared back then, the attraction was "Three tracks–for speakers, women’s ministry leaders and writers…iced with sessions specifically for bloggers. The cherries on t
hat
icing? Bloggers whom I’d been reading for years, Shannon (Rocks in My Dryer), Sophie (BooMama) and Melanie (Big Mama), were leading these sessions. I was compelled to register."
I thought attending might provide direction for my new intentions and that I’d gain wisdom from the camaraderie of like-minded blog enthusiasts. It accomplished that and so much more–meeting dozens of bloggers (and speakers) in real life was delightful–stimulating, encouraging and impressive, too.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when Alli aka Mrs. Fussypants approached me about writing/editing for Blissfully Domestic, an established ezine she founded with an already loyal following. I had met the managing editor and creative director, Karla (Looking Towards Heaven) at SheSpeaks. They explained Blissfully Domestic was under-going a huge re-design, it would be re-launched after Labor Day, they were adding several new columns…and would I be interested in joining their editorial staff?
Specifically, they courted me to shape Inspired Bliss, the magazine’s new faith channel.
Again, the not-a-Christian-blogger being offered a role in editing and writing for a Christian ezine…definitely God’s sense of humor (and grace!) showing.
It was then it finally occurred to me God was giving me a fabulous opportunity to incarnate Him through a medium I love: the written word. My love language is "words of encouragement" and both these ventures allow me to share my voice to honor this amazing King o’ mine, while simultaneously encouraging and challenging others in their faith.
HOW COOL IS THAT??
My concern was being typecast as a GodBlogger or Holy Roller, but really…all you have to do is read a few of my posts, and suddenly that concern vanishes :).
Throughout all this, the song referenced in this post has consistently played as ambient music, right over "there" in my mind’s ear. As each stanza bellowed out its bawdy lines inside my head, I heard them as God "speaking" to me, initiating a way for me to join Him in a work already in progress. My blog…. No, I might not be a "Christian blogger", but I cannot divorce myself from my faith; "who" I am is centered in "Whose" I am.
There’s only one way to make the bubbles stay,
Simply travel a new high way,
Dance to a new rhythm,
Open a new window ev’ry day!
Isn’t that a wonderful way to characterize stepping outside your comfort zone? Seizing opportunity??
What about you? Would you like to "dance to a new rhythm"? "Open a new window"? I’m looking for regular columnists and guest contributors for Inspired Bliss (launching shortly after the BIG debut of Blissfully Domestic next week). If you’d like more information, would you email me (link top left corner of my sidebar) asap?
It sure would be more fun having a few friends join in this sing-a-long ;).
I’ve gone back and forth in my mind about contacting you about being a contributor. I love to write and I (humbly) think I’m a fairly decent communicator. So can I play?
Oh how exciting! Congrats!
I’d put myself in the same boat as you talked about — a Christian-who-blogs as opposed to a Christian-blogger. I just got back from the Lifeway event in San Antonio (where I was privileged to meet Big Mama and BooMama), and God and I are talking about my calling. I’m feeling that particularly in my writing life; I just got a new job that I’m very happy with but that is not all-consuming.
Coincidence?
So stinkin’ cool. I’ve already emailed you and I’m pretty stoked about the whole thing.
This is so exciting, Robin! I really do think that God speaks to us in ways we don’t know about. I absolutely believe there was a destined path for me too – I just never know where it might lead.
Good for you to take the step. Congratulations!
Yeehaw!
This: but I cannot divorce myself from my faith; “who” I am is centered in “Whose” I am…is brilliant.
🙂
Just a quick pop in to comments to let y’all know I’ll be emailing those of you interested on Thursday…
The Family? They need me for now :).
Wahoooo!! Thanks for your enthusiasm, though! I love it!!
🙂
How totally cool, Robin. He has big plans, no doubt. It will be exciting to see them unfold!
That’s very exciting!!
I thoroughly enjoy your blog and look forward to your words of encouragement. =)
Hi Robin, Thats awesome to hear what Gods been doing. Thanks for letting us know, Ill definitely be following you on your new journey! 🙂
Oh my, I resonate with so much of what you are saying . . . it’s a little scary. I’m off to send an email.
Robin, congratulations–that’s all really exciting news. Good things are happening for you, my friend!
Robin, I’ve already emailed you and all that, but I wanted to pop in here because as I was reading this post I was marvelling at the amazing way God works. If you take a moment (whenever you can find one in your crazy schedule) to read my latest post, you’ll see that I too am in the process of learning and answering my “calling”, and in the midst of figuring it all out, I received your “tweets” about Inspired Bliss. It is what it is, isn’t it?
I’m very excited to hopefully be a part of this new venture with you.
I’m sorry I’m so late to the table on this one. I kept it in my reader until I had the time to really READ it.
Congrats! I also would love to be considered or help out in any way I can.