Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
What is the point of this website?
One of my readers is wondering how this variety of posts is related to the idea of “Let the nations be glad.” It’s a good question. So here’s some history that might help.
I ventured into the blog world with a mission trip in February 2008. Over the next year, I blogged mainly when I was part of a short-term mission or ministry so that family, friends, and supporters could know some of what God was doing in that place with those people. Therefore the name of the original blog–Let the Nations Be Glad.
Eventually, I began posting more frequently and with a wider range of topics. In December 2009, I welcomed you to this new website. (And I hope you do notice that it is more than just a blog. Click on the links above to explore the site).
So, back to the original question. I hope that everything you read here has something to do with our prayer that the nations be glad in the Lord. I pray that whatever I do, whether I eat or drink or whatever I do, that it be to the glory of God, for the sake of the nations, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Whatever includes intensity, somberness, suffering, contemplation, prayer, and biblical insight. It also includes moments of lightheartedness, relaxation, and even sometimes silliness. It includes travel to the ends of the earth and taking note of my own neighborhood. It includes people of other cultures and my own family. It includes my struggles (and yours?) against the sins (like living in chaos and overeating) that hinder me from seeing God clearly and following him wholeheartedly.
So, as I promised in my post welcoming you to this new website: “You never can tell what I’ll be thinking about when you come back.”
I pray that you will find authenticity and real life seen through what’s mundane and what’s eternal. And though the website no longer bears the name “Let the Nations Be Glad,” I hope you will still be able to see here God working in the nations.
8 Responses to “What is the point of this website?”
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Thank you Noel,
During the Christmas holiday for the end of year campaign at desiring God I was led to give a large amount during a period of unemployment. For a moment I had doubts and even a momentary crisis of sadness and insecurity. Your sincerity in providing us a glimpse of your lifestyle was a huge catalyst in allowing me to give with joy and freedom. Interestingly enough it was not your words but the pictures of your house which spoke to my heart.
Noel-
I like your variety!
Blessings as our God authenticates real life!
In Him,
Laurie
Psalm 67 (NASB)
God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us — Selah.
That Thy way may be known on the earth,
Thy salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise Thee, O God;
Let all the peoples praise Thee.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For Thou will judge the peoples with uprightness
And guide the nations on the earth. Selah.
Let the peoples praise Thee, O God;
Let all the peoples praise Thee.
The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.
God blesses us,
That all the ends of the earth may fear Him.
The Lord has used you in numerous ways to show himself and his many blessings. More importantly my eyes have been opened up to the entire world and to my own corner. I find it very refreshing, convicting and encouraging. Thank you
I thank you , Noel, for doing a piece I click on to every morning upon getting out of bed. I appreciate the light-heartedness and find you a joy. To allow strangers to enjoy clips of you and John’s life is a comfort and good to know we can share the joys and grace God brings to us all. Please continue the uplifting posts.
Your sister in Christ.
Noel,
This was a refreshing post to read. I’m continually encourages (and hope I can be an encouragement to others) to be real in life and to show ways that living for God and having Him be a part of our everyday is a testimony to His nearness to us.
Blessings to you and your readers today~
Thanks for this post Noel. It has made me think about why I have a blog, which I started 18 months ago. My goals are the same as yours, whatever I’m doing, whatever role God has for me today, I want to glorify Him in everything I do. Always look forward to your posts. I’m a pastor’s wife too here in the northeast.
Your realness is a breath of fresh air! I’m a relatively new follower of your blog and I look forward to continuing with you. Thanks for being real :)
Noel,
I lve this blog/site. Your posts on conquering chaos were especially helpful. I’m still in the battle!