Despite the lack of any posts of real substance in recent months, there has been plenty going around in my head. Stepping away from blogging does different things for me. It makes me evaluate what I do here and why I do it. It makes me wonder if I want to continue. It makes me think about the focus of my blog. Sometimes I want to make it all spiritual and biblical (as in more teaching and theology oriented) and consist of real meat. I’ve thought about taking it commercial and moving into only simple living topics (with a Christian viewpoint). I’ve wanted to rant about government and the president and the entire mess our country is in so many times, but there is so much depressing news out there that I decide that I really don’t need to add to it.
I’ve got lots of stories to tell, things to share, insights to write about… I’ve done a lot of thinking these past six months. It has been a growing time spiritually with many hard moments as well as moments of light streaming into my mind and heart. I’m still trying to sort it all out.
There are things I want to write about that I’m sure will alienate some of the people who read here. If you’ve been here a long time and are part of the faithful remnant of Sallie’s blog, you’ve seen me alienate plenty of people when I’ve been honest about certain taboo subjects. Not sure I want to go there again. But I suspect God wants me to and so it may happen.
Part of the reason I haven’t written any posts of real substance is that they usually take a lot out of me. It is emotionally and physically draining for me to tackle hard topics. That is why I don’t do it very often as of late. I haven’t had much energy in recent years and so I’ve mostly avoided taking on anything that will wear me out, so to speak. And I truly abhor debate online. Difficult topics in person with people you have relationships with are hard enough. But online without vocal inflections and non-verbal cues with people you really don’t know? Not really for me.
So all that to say that even though I may not be doing a lot of blogging while I’m still recovering my strength, I am thinking about blogging and what to write. I suspect at some point it will all start trickling (or gushing?) out. 
Before I say anything else: Nice touch with the autumn leaves.
I am still praying for you, and I look forward to your controversial posts.
Just. Kidding.
But seriously, though, I always learn something from your thoughts.
I hope that you are better soon, for your own sake and the sake of your dear family.
Take care!
Brandy
Sallie,
I haven’t been doing much blogging (writing or reading) lately. Just too busy with teaching the kids. But I think of you often, and am praying for your health and for fun times with Caroline.
Deb
Dear Sallie,
While I can understand your reasons for shying away from controversial topics, I do want to say that I always find your writing interesting and refreshing. If you don’t want to debate, maybe you could just post your thoughts and state that you do not wish to engage in a debate on those topics. I think people worth keeping as friends would understand.
I would be sad if your blog just got all spiritual with nothing personal because I can find devotions and sermons aplenty on the internet. I’m interested in what you have to say because of what you have shared about yourself in past blog posts. I might not agree with everything you believe but I still like to read about your ideas.
I suffer with a chronic illness for which there is currently no cure and very little research (dysautonomia). I have read a lot on the topic of Christians with chronic illnesses or pain. I know from experience that it does lead to spiritual growth, even though some Christians persist in the opinion that there is something wrong with you spiritually if you are not cured.
I really feel for you, with your many responsibilities. It must be so hard.
I have chronic back pain, too, and just cannot imagine looking after a small child.
Hi Sallie,
As the other commenters have mentionned, I really appreciate your voice in the blogosphere. We don’t always agree, but you always prompt me to think and seek God in whatever situation is at hand.
In particular, I appreciate your wisdom. You have a good grasp on what issues are critical to the Christian faith and which ones are areas of liberty. Voices like yours, which promote unity, not division, are desperately needed in the church today. It’s high time we Christians stop majoring in the minors…
Blessings,
Jen in Canada
Thank you, ladies, for your kind comments. I truly do appreciate them and each one of you.
One of the things I’ve missed is just seeing the familiar names of people who comment. It is strange that most of the women who comment here I know almost nothing about them. Unless someone blogs or has a picture on an avatar or has written about themselves in a specific way, I don’t know the age, race, location or anything of the people who come here. But the way I do “know” people is from what they write in comments and I develop kind of a little picture of them in my mind based on how they communicate here.
You’re right, Sallie – I do know more about you than you do about me.
So….. I’m 5′ 8”, white, and I have brown eyes and blonde, curly, shoulder-length hair. I’m in my late twenties, and live in Ontario, Canada. I was raised in the Lutheran church but now attend an evangelical church that’s pretty middle-of-the-road.
I say “oot” and “aboot” and apparently I say “God” in a funny way too, although I don’t know how. :S I tend to use “eh” as well, and I do like poutine. But I don’t live in an igloo.
So, should we ever meet this side of heaven, you’ll probably laugh at my accent and I will ask you to bring me rotel tomatoes and Chex cereal (because we can’t get them here in Canada).
How’s that for knowing more about me?
I wrote a comment here and it doesn’t show up.
Weird. It wasn’t controversial or anything.
Another tall (5’8″ as well), white Canadian here.
But I live in British Columbia and my hair is brown and white and mostly straight (also shoulder length) and I have blue-grey eyes. I am blogging currently but am not showing my face on the blog (if you want to see my 54-year old face, just e-mail me through the link on my profile and I’ll be happy to send you a picture, lol). My family emigrated from Germany when I was 3. I grew up in Toronto. Moved west and married when I was almost 19. Two grown daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law and six adorable grandchildren.
I don’t go to church anymore because it hurts to sit. My beliefs lean towards Calvinism now but I’ve been a member of or active in Pentecostal, Lutheran, United, Mennonite, Southern Baptist and non-denominational churches in my life.
I’ve always been a homebody. I like to sew, knit, crochet and bake. I am a very good cook but I love to have a break from cooking dinner.
I don’t say “eh” very often (seems to be an Eastern thing) and I’d never heard of poutine until my daughter’s then-fiance told me about it (he couldn’t believe I’d never heard of it!). I don’t live in an igloo, either.
I can only imagine how writing on controversial topics could take a lot of you.
Honestly, I’ve wanted to walk away from the internet entirely many times. Just walk away and never log on again. And I don’t even blog! I’m just talking about reading blogs and commenting and other internet stuff (Facebook, message boards, etc).
I don’t really know if the internet is a good thing or not. Not sure if I’ve recommended this book before to you or not, but David Siegel’s book on this is fascinating (Against the Machine).
And with all that being said, I hope you keep blogging.
Oh yes, and I have long red hair and young children and I’m Catholic. And I love coffee.
Sallie, I live in Texas. I have a master’s in English and currently teach freshman composition at a local university. I wish I could remember how I came across your blog the first time. I do remember that your blog stood out as memorable in a sea of blogs. Your writing is clear, and I appreciate your depth of thought. Even if I don’t agree with everything you write, I appreciate that you leave me with something to think about!
I was raised as a Baptist but must admit that the current climate of most churches leaves me cold.
I encourage you to write about whatever you wish. People who aren’t afraid of discussion will partake and respond with their own comments!
Sallie, I always enjoy what you write, from the serious to the sublime.
Lindsey
I love reading your posts! I like when you tackle the tough topics. I agree that writing those posts takes a lot out of you. Lately I’ve been lucky to post pictures on my blog. (Not that I ever had a ton of deep thought on there!).
I also love your links. They are always fun, entertaining, or thought provoking.
I can’t believe that Caroline is 3 and that I have been reading your blog that long.
I’ll be here to read whatever you write!
Okay, we really must be living in each others’ heads because I so could have written this!
Amazing how much INFJs are kindred spirits.