Great Posts from Around the High Calling Network

Each month I have the pleasure of highlighting just a few of the 1,800 bloggers in our network. I would encourage you to visit each of these blogs and leave a note of encouragement and then read a few others. There’s a rich treasure of thought and inspiration in our network.

Cameron Dezen Hammond who blogs at the creatively named,  Hipster Christian Housewife, has tremendous wit and insight into the world around her.  She recently wrote a post about her parental role, I accidently made a Resolution to be a Better Parent.  “As parents, we can comfort each other in our imperfections,” she writes. “But the truth is we are the greatest single influence over our children. How do we not screw that up?” And I enjoyed her post a few weeks earlier, Path in the Wilderness.

Kathleen Overby had a father who’s figure wasn’t always kind to others. But to her, she remembers his simple sharing of cornbread soaked in milk. Writing Tears in my Cornbread, she finds the good in a heart that didn’t always know how to express it. “Being with him was the only part I relished.”

Despite the economic downturn -- resulting in the loss of jobs, homes, and retirement savings -- most of us live in a world of abundance. But according to New Zealand blogger Mike McArthur, abundance isn’t really a good place either. “Unfortunately, when we have an abundance of anything we can become complacent.” With the New Year, he is evaluating the opportunities all that is before him. “Will I recognize them and make good use of such opportunities or will complacency cause me to lazily waste such gifts?” Read, Opportunities.

We have a number of members in our network who write of their battles with pervasive illnesses. We share in their sufferings, even from afar. High Calling Photography Editor Kelly Sauer admits that her story isn’t easy. “Some clean up better than others, but mine has always been messier than even the most well-meaning people know how to handle,” she writes. “Between my broken heart, my health issues, and my depression, I haven’t had a ‘best-foot forward  for years.” Her online revelation was also a challenge to herself. “There’s no excuse to shut down and walk away from life.”  And judging by the comments she received, she’s not alone. The uncomfortable title, You’ve Got to Rip Your Skin Off, is all about shaking comfort levels. Yet, it’s reassuring that we can be honest and real – even with virtual strangers.

Fear is a part of our existence.  We fear both the known and the unknown. There are some natural physical and emotional reactions to circumstances. But we worship a God who conquers fear because He is in control.

Susie Newday,  who blogs from Israel at  New Day Lessons, believes that we should speak open about our fears, to call it’s name out loud so we can better hand it over. “I think that putting a name to your fear helps you understand what’s feeding your fear,” she writes. “I also think that once you’ve put a name to it, it makes it easier for you to talk about it with others. That’s exactly the time that you need the love, support and insight from people you love and trust.” Read, Name Your Fear.

I am surprised at how little I notice the wonder that is all around me. I just take things for granted. Amazing people, rich emotions, and thoughts of eternity blanket my world – and yet I often do not see. Sandra Heska King, the Deep See Diver, reminded me recently about colors. There are some 16 million colors in color palette. That’s a lot of variety and it speaks of a God who is all about surprising us. Look around, she implores. “The vibrant red of a cardinal on a pure white snow blanket. The deep blue of a dew-dropped berry or an azure overturned china bowl. Consider the fireworks or softness of a field of wildflowers.”  It’s poetically piercing to the soul that is sure to bring a smile. Read The Color of Choices.

Amy Hunt blogs at A Graceful Life and recently wrote about her son’s piano tutorials. The teacher is sensing hesitation. The boy is holding back. But with love and warm encouragement, she encourages him to pound out the notes. Her smile says it all. We all need someone to believe in us. Read a Challenge to See.

Jodi Hill wrote a post on why she likes blue jeans, and how this relates to her faith.

She remembers her first pair, slipped on at the age of 12. And now, 30 years later, they still give her comfort. She’s worn blue jeans through “every turning point, heartache and joy in my life… I’ve prayed, sung, wept, laughed and screamed in blue jeans. They’ve been there all the way,”

And she relates that faithful comfort to that of God, “who has been present through all those times and more. ‘He never leaves, or forsakes.’” Read, Why I Like Blue Jeans.

While High Calling Culture Editor Sam Van Eman’s professional football team is out of contention, he’s still preparing for the upcoming Super Bowl commercials. At more than $3.5 million for just 30-seconds, companies are vying for millions of eyeballs and for a hearty return on their investment. He writes, “At the very least, with Ash Wednesday only weeks behind America's favorite game, it's as if they hope this will be the Mardi Gras of consumption until Black Friday resurrects their sales again.”

For Sam, it literally is a last hurrah. He turns off the game and turns off his television for a season, resting his eyes, his mind and his heart. Read his clever and interesting post, Super Bowl Commercials and My Spiritual Tipping Point at New Breed of Advertisers.

I encourage you to find your own gems in the network. You can always send your suggestions to me here. Until next month, keep reading and keep writing. 

Image by Bill Vriesma. Post by High Calling Newsletter writer David Rupert.

December Featured Favorites

Cameron Dezen Hammond -- I accidently made a Resolution to be a Better Parent

Kathleen Overby -- Tears in my Cornbread

Mike McArthur -- Opportunities

Kelly Sauer  -- You’ve Got to Rip Your Skin Off

Susie Newday -- Name Your Fear

Sandra Heska King -- The Color of Choices

Amy Hunt -- Challenge to See

Sam Van Eman’s -- Super Bowl Commercials and My Spiritual Tipping Point

Jodi Hill -- Why I Like Blue Jeans

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