Blogging is My Journal
Posted by Wade on July 9th, 2006
There are a lot of perks about blogging! The Blogger of Jared was initiated as a means whereby a few friends could continue our philosophical and doctrinal musings even though we have since moved apart.
Furthermore, I feel as though I have gained at least a couple new friends (even though I don’t even know what they look like). Specifically, I thoroughly enjoy hearing what Eric has to say every Monday evening or Tuesday morning. And I always enjoy reading Tyler’s remarkable writing.
But there are other perks too — this blog serves as an automatic compilation of my thoughts, or in other words, as my journal.
There have been a few times in my life in which I was pretty good about keeping a journal. While on my mission, I was fairly consistent: I filled about 150 pages or so during my two years. After my mission I wasn’t as consistent. And during the past few years, I’ve been terrible. But a few months ago a thought came to me: why can’t my blog posts be considered my journal?
Well, I’ve since thought that they can be; and indeed, in today’s Elders Quorum lesson (on journal writing) some of the brethren in my quorum agreed with me.
The truth is, I continue to blog primarily because I have a desire to keep a record of my thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy writing and having an ongoing discussion about various topics with really smart people like you guys and gals. But honestly, the concept of having a continuous record of my thoughts is what keeps me posting. In fact, I had a dry-spell in May and June wherein I didn’t post anything because I was really busy with trying to find a job etc. I seriously considered giving up blogging for good. But the thought of refining my writing skills and preserving my thoughts made me decide against giving it up.
So yes, I consider my contributions to this blog as my journal (just think of that, you guys get to read my diary whenever you want). Another perk: I have learned I can have this blog bound/published for only a few dollars. There is a web-site called blog-binders that can publish blogs run off of blogger (and many other programs). I plan on getting this blog bound every year in October; and I’m sure some day I’ll be glad I never quit blogging.
There is also Blog Book (coming soon) for binding your entries.
I’m sensing that this post was spurred by today’s lesson out of the Wilford Woodruff manual? I thought a lot about this too, in relation to journal writing, since I tend to write on my blog many things that I normally wouldn’t write in my own journal, and so it becomes that much more valuable to me in the future.
Comment # 1 left by Connor Boyack on July 9th, 2006
Hey,
Great site guys! I can see myself cruising by here all of the time. I have a blogger/ blogspot account, I just dont use it as I perfer another site. But good, honest discussion? I’m all over that.
- Mike T.
Comment # 2 left by OKIE on July 9th, 2006
Connor:
Yes, my post was definitely spurred by today’s priesthood lesson. In fact, Mr. Okie (in comment two) was the teacher in my Elders Quorum lesson today and he mentioned how easy it is to produce some sort of record somewhat similar to a journal. Really, there isn’t an excuse for us now that we have these nifty computer thingys and we can just type an entry every now and again.
Okie/Mike:
Thanks for stoppin’ in man! We’ll be glad to have you visit us as often as you can.
Comment # 3 left by Wade on July 9th, 2006
Thanks Wade.
I have often thought of this. I have never kept much of a journal. THis area is one of the things that keeps me going.
At this point in my life I would have loved to have read what my father would have put into a blog. He has made a couple of guest posts at small and simple, and I value them very much. Perhaps my kids will get to know me at a deeper level some day by reading my old posts.
Comment # 4 left by Eric Nielson on July 10th, 2006
Perhaps my kids will get to know me at a deeper level some day by reading my old posts.
My thoughts exactly.
Comment # 5 left by Wade on July 10th, 2006
Lets go already,
I’ve been waiting all day for someone to post something intriguing, thought provoking or at least interesting enough to comment on. I’ve got baited breath here…. blog away. -
Comment # 6 left by OKIE on July 10th, 2006
Patience my friend, patience.
Since you’re so eager to comment, maybe you should join us as a guest blogger for a while? If you’re interested, just respond to this comment and I’d be glad to add you as a guest blogger after we initiate you into the BoJ policies.
In the meantime, you’ll just have to wait . . . good things come to those who wait (good posts don’t just float out of thin air you know)
Comment # 7 left by Wade on July 10th, 2006
sign me up boi!
Comment # 8 left by OKIE on July 10th, 2006
Mike:
Okay bigshot, you got the green-light from the powers that be! So, in order for you to be properly hazed, er initiated, go to this post and read up on our policies etc.
Meanwhile, I’ll need some information from you in order to extend the official invite to our blog. E-mail me at wpoulson@gmail.com; you’ll need to send me the e-mail address you want me to send the invitation to. Once you get the e-mail, just follow the instructions and you should be in.
Comment # 9 left by Wade on July 10th, 2006