Buzzard Blog Begins

This is the first sentence of my first post on my first blog. I'm beginning this blog in hopes that posting some thoughts on the Gospel and culture might be of help to both you and me. I've named this blog "Buzzard Blog" because my last name is Buzzard, I like alliteration, and with this name, I won't forget what my blog is called.

Just six weeks ago I began a new role at Central Peninsula Church and since then I've been thinking that blogging might aid my ministry as well as my own walk with Jesus. I've been thinking through at least 5 reasons why I should start blogging. Here they are:

#1 Blogging Keeps You Sharp. From my perusal of other blogs it appears that the discipline of blogging can, if practiced well, help you to think well and write well. I want to grow as a thinker and as a writer. So, I'm becoming a blogger.

#2 Blogging Benefits Others. Over the course of this last year, I've learned a lot from reading blogs. I'm grateful for this. From regularly reading a few good blogs I've: matured as a man of God, discovered more of the riches of the gospel, learned more about the Scriptures, developed in ministry, been forced to think harder and repent more, grown in my love for the church, beheld new truths, beheld more ways Jesus is expanding his kingdom, and had some good laughs. My hope is that I too might captain a blog that benefits others in such a fashion. Though I will sometimes write random posts from my life, my primary blogging aim is to post musings on the gospel, the church, and culture that will serve others. The audience I envision for this blog is both the larger internet world and my church family and friends.

#3 Blogging Communicates. Blogging is an exciting new form of communication. God created his people to be communicators, I love to communicate, and so I sense a strong call to take part as Christian man in this new communication medium.

#4 Blogging Builds New Relationships. God is all about building new relationships. God is all about having his people build new relationships. Blogging is a proven tool for connecting people, for building new relationships. Therefore, I blog.

#5 Blogging Aids Accountability. When you blog, you provide others with a little window into your head, heart, and habits. With the right readership, this gives me greater accountability. If I gain just one Buzzard Blog reader who regularly reads and interacts with my posts, I've gained a bit more accountability--one more person who can play a small role in helping me live the Christian life with greater integrity.

There are, however, at least 2 reasons I can think of for why I should perhaps be wary of blogging.

First, there's a lot on my plate right now and so I see how blogging could simply become an additional burden or distraction from more important work. If blogging turns out to be a burden rather than a blessing, if it takes me off mission rather than keeping me on mission, I'll need to stop.

Second, I'm a technology idiot. For example, it took me a very long time to figure out how to make my church's name in this post show up as a link so that you can click on it and link to it. It's also taken a while find a good masculine color for this blog. It seems like the majority of blog color options are pink, purple, and sea-green with snowflake backgrounds. I'm feeling marginally masculine with the colors I have going now.

Despite the above, according to my math, 5 good reasons for blogging outweigh 2 reasons for being wary of blogging. So, here I go. Buzzard Blog Begins.

This is my last sentence of my first post on my first blog.

Comments

[Taylor]

Hi there, man of my dreams. I think your blog is great! Good work. I look forward to learning more about you from your online journal.
love, your wife.

[Rob Wilkerson]

Buzz! Welcome to the blogosphere. You've done an outstanding job designing it (pass the pat on the back to someone else if they did it for you!) and your mindset shows much profitability for those who will read it. Thanks for joining in the fun and the ministry!

[reed Jolley]

you are sooooo emergent!

Love the picture.

[Sal D'Amato]

Hi Justin,

Your site has lot's of interesting and educating links, books, etc.

The web layout and design is well conceived. The layout is simple and easy on the eye which makes the links accessible without being bogged down by details vying for one's attention. In other words "getting caught in a web".

I like the color too, good choice. I'm impressed that for one who described himself as not being technically savvy, this site is put together well.

Suggestion: if the links open to their own pages the user can then easliy navigate back to your site by just closing the linked page. This is common.

Your coworker and brother in Christ

[Andy Wass]

I suggest you allow me to enlarge your photo and place it on my desktop as a daily inspiration of a fierce man who fills blue shirts with huge pecs and a blond head with tremendous books.

[James Blair]

Awesome site bro. Diggin the manliness of it all.

[mommaB]

Besides being beneficial,"Buzzard Blog" begins by being boisterous & bold. "Buzzard Blog" blends Bible & book buffet between Buzzard brewings on The Gospel, The Bible, Church,Culture & Twentysomething Ministry. I like it!
By: The one blessed to birth you.

[Danica]

Hi Justin!
Nice to see you're blogging now--keep up the good work!

[Dan Palmer]

Buzzard,

I never thought I would see the day that Justin Buzzard became a techno-nerd!!! I love it. Good job on the page and I definitely look forward to reading about your life. God is evident in your life so keep it up.

Dan

[Paula J.]

I like the Blog... it looks good and is easy to navigate. The picture you have posted of yourself reminds me of a relative of yours. I to am technologically challenged and was able to find my way here (Thank you mommaB) and hopefully will find my way back again. Big hug to you and yours!

[Abby]

I like the blog Justin. I look foward to being able to read what you have been up to. Keep it up!

[christian]

Bro! I really dig this! I can just see you blogging from the third row at the DG conference. I'm really impressed with this. I'll definitely take note of your book recommendations. Looking forward to our time together in Minni.
love, c

[Suzanne]

Well done Justin! Thhis is a wonderful way for me to get to know you better and keep up with your daily doings. What an effort on your part. Your son-to-be-born soon will benefit greatly from your written words as he grows and matures. You continue to amaze me in a wonderful way. Thank you for being such a loving husband to my daughter. Love, Suzanne