Asher Daniel Chappell

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.5)

Why Blog?   

(adapted slightly from Abraham Piper's Desiring God Blog article Why Pastors should Blog ) 

To Write: through writing you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving

to think well.

To Preserve: face it ladies, pregnancy and child raising leaves our memories a bit impaired. Blogging is a great way to remember

those special moments or the state of mind you were in at a certain stage of your child’s life. It’s also a great way to look back and see how you’ve grown as well as your child. Men, many of you are wonderful story tellers and humor us and 

To Teach: Your experiences are ones that you are learning from daily. So can others. You have a great opportunity to teach your

peers tricks of the trade in parenting or crafting or anything really. A blog is a great non-threatening way to help teach your parents about the way you are choosing to parent your kids. Trust me, your parents will be your top readers, especially if you post pics of the kids! They read what you write too, and what a great way to explain and show the results of your hard work and convictions in child  raising without it being a discussion in the moment but rather a thought out explanation. You are also teaching your children in the future;  as they read your posts when they get older and they see how you are living your life week by week they can see the challenges you faced, and adventures they went on, and the thought put into your parenting them, and your life lived out by your convictions, and your faith flushed out in every day life. 

To Interact: online interaction will never and shouldn’t ever replace personal interaction, however in the life of a busy mom blogging helps you tell a story or show off some photos to all your friends and family at once. You have to keep up with so many schedules at home and this lets you schedule your story telling and lets others read and see them on their schedule. Sometimes just a few sentences from a friend lets you know that she is thinking about you and keeping up with your life. That way when you do finally get to grab that cup of coffee you can pick up right there and not have to try to filter through your life the past few weeks trying to figure out what to share and what not to.

To develop an eye for what is meaningful: For good or bad, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? This could become a bad habit, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane. If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.

To be known: Now this may sound selfish or egotistical, but hear me out. This aspect of blogging makes fellowship so much

sweeter between family members, especially extended ones who normally you wouldn’t share with regularly, church family, (sundays  can be a hurried time to talk but when you know what’s going on from monday to monday then it’s a lot easier to talk about meaningful things), and people you’ve never met. (there are new friends that you will make only because you took the time to blog) This also is important as life changes and you want everyone to know. As well as calling on prayer warriors and encouragers for when you are going through a hard time!

Edited to Add:  

***I posted and then forgot to include the link to the original article. So I really apologize to those who think I came up with this and to Abraham Piper who did write the bulk of this.  Dan always is saying how between the two of us we never come up with an original thought but that we are sponges for others wisdom, ideas, deep thought, etc... I'm so grateful for writers like the Pipers and many other blog and book writers that we glean wonderful information from. 

*Source  (some adaptations)  http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1156_6_reasons_pastors_should_blog/ 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.4)

• Twitter is self-selecting. I find the people I Twitter with most are sharp theological thinkers, committed Christians with a tendency towards Reformed theology, yet are very different from me – and therefore challenge my assumptions, broaden my understanding and bring humor and joy to Christian life. A little bit of heaven here on earth.
• Twitter broadens my social world. I twitter with Christians who are Baptists, Emergent, Presbyterian/Reformed, young, old, single, married, scattered across the globe. I find out about missions and missional living. I’m learning good things about Emergents, pro-life Catholics, reformed Baptists and southern Presbyterians. I’m finding common ground. To God be the glory for leading his invisible and visible church with Christ at the head.
• Twitter brings us down to day-to-day living as Christians. I hear that Al Mohler, Ed Stetzer, R.C. Sproul – like eggnog. I find out that people whose books I read and theological contributions I value get tired, sick, like movies and play with their kids. In other words they don’t just read theology or dialog with the great books and great minds 24/7. This I find encouraging. The Incarnate Christ in his humanity and divinity is modeled in his saints.                                                           ~ source; mineandthine.com

Seven Tweeting Tips

(1) You are what you tweet. Are you an

encourager, a humorist, a businessperson,

a pastor - a complainer? People will

know.

(2) Craft your words. This may be

instant publishing, but it's still publishing.

Your words will last longer than you will.

(3) No cheating. Say it all in 140

characters. Don't use a second tweet to

continue your point.

(4) Don't answer Twitter's standard

question, "what are you doing?" Rather

than your flight plan, nap schedule, or

lunch menu, say something that will

benefit others.

(5)Don't over-tweet. If people quit

replying to you, it may be because they

can't keep up.

(6)Share Pictures On Twitter

Bet you weren’t aware of this, were you?

Using services such as twitpic.com you

can upload and share pictures on your

twitter account in your tweets.

Sometimes, the pictures speak better than

140 characters would. Not to forget that

they also add variety to your tweets every

once in a while

(7). Re-Tweet… With Thanks To

Original Tweeter

Sure you can copy others’ tweets. But be

ethical and credit them for it. So when

you decide to copy someone’s tweet, do it

with a @name (where ‘name’ is their

twitter username) preceding the tweet.

~ source/her.meneutics blog

Six ways to make the best use of your

140 Characters:

1)Use shorthand codes. LOL, RT, TYL, etc.

Some may call it tech speak or leet speak.

Acronyms and abbreviations for commonly

used words and phrases.

2) Be clear and concise. Make sure you are

not being redundant. Remove any words

that might be irrelevant to what you are

trying to convey.

3) Use URL shortening. This one is pretty

obvious and is even built in to Twitter.

However, there are some URL shortening

services that can save you a few more

characters than http://tinyurl.com/. I use

http://is.gd/ and another popular one is

XR.COM which even allows you to

customize the URL.

4) Use special symbol characters. You may

not know it, but Twitter accepts more than

just normal characters. You can actually

create hearts, stars, smilies and other symbols

that can represent words or ideas in just 1

character. TheNextWeb has created a great

tool called TwitterKeys which allows you to

have all these symbols at your fingertips.

5)Use Hashtags. A hashtag # is like a tag at

the end of your tweet. Your followers will

have an understanding of what subject you

are sharing right away and it may even

increase your chances of being re-tweeted.

You can also look up other tweets that have

the same hashtag. Here are some

examples… (#Reading:, #Motherhood:,

#lovemychurch #wedgewoodbapt,

#pleasepray, #vacation, etc.)

 Essentially,using hashtags in a twitter post creates a

grouping around some specific subject that

other tweeters can access, thereby viewing

all of the tweets from around the world that

have that particular hashtag in

them. 

Hashtags were first made popular in

2007 when Twitter user Nate Ritter tweeted

the following message: "#sandiegofire

300,000 people evacuated in San Diego

county now."

6) Be simple. This is a writing tip from

Copyblogger, “…simple words work better

than big ones. Write ‘get’ instead of

‘procure.’ Write ‘use’ rather than ‘utilize.’ Use

the longer words only if your meaning is so

precise there is no simpler word to use.”

~source twitip.com

 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.3)

{ Facebook on the Missionfield:  from a missionary's perspective. } 

 I think she said it all beautifully so I'll just let her share and hopefully you'll love missionaries you know by connecting with them almost instantly today 

  SO SO MUCH has changed in the last 14 years I’ve been on the mission field.  When I first came, I could only look forward to hand written notes and typed newsletters being delivered in the mail.  There are still days I wish we could go back to that a bit and write more letters, but the benefit of the extreme progress in internet access, social networking and overall communication is massive!  It’s a huge blessing to read blogs where folks are just keeping you uptodate on what’s going on.  It is easy to feel alone and disconnected from your best friends and it helps so much to hear and see what is going on people’s lives.  I think another blessing in blogging is connected to those blogs that are more ministry directed, the ones that share the struggles, the highs and lows o f d ay to day ministry (whether it’s in the USA or overseas)…it’s an encouragement to know think “man, that person is dealing with something similar to what I’m dealing with in this relationship I’m ministering in.”  you’re immediately not completely alone, somebody else out there is experiencing the challenges you are.   Another area of blogging that enhances my ministry would be those blogs which are teaching or sharing resources or ideas…and the blogs which are basically sharing biblical truth.  We now live in a time in history where the most gifted biblical teachers are right at our fingertips…we just need to push ‘play’.  How great it is to be able to have access to a pool of teaching in order to be filled back up when you’re trying to be intentional in pouring out with your life.  I’m so grateful for all of you bloggers!

 Facebook has allowed an opportunity that we’ve never had before to connect with so many people instantly.  Prayer requests, what I’m doing, struggles, something funny that happened…instantly that information is out there…that’s a blessing.  And I think the even greater blessing with facebook (and email) is that people there can connect with me over here instantly.  You know, there are times that I don’t need a long email detailing everything going on in life or a sermon pointing me to biblical truth (all of those things are helpful and wonderful), sometimes what I need is just one line from my dearest friends letting me know they’re there…so many times a one liner like “I’m thinking about you today and I love you” has changed my whole day, has given me the little boost I needed.  Obviously, I depend on Christ and his truth…he’s my ultimate foundation…but it’s a blessing to be encouraged by the body of Christ…again, it reminds us that we’re not alone and we’re not forgotten.  

*emphasis mine

 

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.2)

Think through your status updates!!

• Start a conversation. Ask a question.. what do you think? Anyone know a good chinese food place in fort worth? What books have you found to be helpful in raising toddlers?  This connects you with others who may know a lot more on a certain subject you are interested in. And you might never have known you had that connection with someone unless you asked a question. And if your friend posts a update that asks a question or begs input... take a moment and comment, even if you don't know the answer you may know of someone who does or a website that has been useful to you for answers. 
• Share Experiences:  “going to see Alice in Wonderland” "Heading to NYC!" "Training for a 5K in June…can't wait"  Connects you to others  and Makes you a resource. Many times I've commented about a movie we were wanting to see and several people inquired about how it was and asked me to let them know if it was worth watching. So, not only does it help others in decisions they make but also has made me a better movie watcher...city experiencer... etc.. Because I know I have others that want me to put into words my thoughts about what we're doing. Also connects you with people who may be going to or about to do the same thing you are... and what a great way to add further depth into your facebook relationships is to find opportunities to see them face to face or talk about an actual upcoming event. 
• Share Information:  Equips minds and hearts & Motivates People  This type of update isn't one that's personal facts or opinions but just the facts! Jason Kovacs, who is head of the Abba fund that supports and helps fund adoptions, is great at doing this. i.e.  "Last yr 14% of ATX kids in fostercare were reunited w families, 26% were adopted & 57% aged out w no support. 57 PERCENT!"  "414 children in fostercare in Travis Co, TX....174 children r legally free & waiting to be adopted // Let's rise up church!"     I don't know about you, but that motivates me... and moves my heart!!

  

 

Avoid Sharing Too Much Information:  (just a few examples:) 

“just discovered such and such cleaner is great for cleaning puke off my minivan seats”  Okay, this might be great information for a mommy forum... but I guess my rule of thumb would be if you wouldn't share this information at the dinner table maybe it might be too gross to share on FB. (just my opinion) 

“fully effaced and  I’m at 7cc… ready for my epidural. Shouldn’t be long now.”  I'm all about knowing about when a good friend is going into labor and having a baby come into this world. It's beautiful. However,  Love your brothers! Certain information may be uncomfortable for them, yes, they can choose not to read your updates.. BUT, I think there may just be better ways of letting the online world know your progress without too many details. Again... this is just my opinion. if you're the type to give a play by play of the birth.. I actually enjoy reading them, just know that not everyone will. 

Having the worst day of my entire life... Very FEW people who have written this update really WERE having the worst day of their life so far.  It may be a really bad day but you might get more specific and I think you'd be surprised that people will pray for you and often that can change a really bad day into a day that contains hope and joy. 

Avoid Sharing not enough Information:

“Tomorrow!!!”  What's tomorrow? Please tell us. 

“ughhhhhhhhhh”  I use this a lot at the end of an update where I'm talking about what is frustrating me... but unless you just REALLY want to get a good ugh off your chest give us something more concrete we can pray and encourage you in. 

I just can’t take this anymore”  ....we don't know if you're talking about class or Life?? 

 Discussions of Theology as Tweets or FB Posts:

 Pros:

 -       It’s part of our daily lives. We live, breathe theology!!! There's really not an action in our lives that doesn't display our theology. How we understand God is crucial to everyday living. Thus, it should be a part of our facebook posts and comments. 

-       You have access to hundreds of people on Facebook. Believers and Unbelievers and Searchers. You have to be faithful to make much of Christ in all that you do and He will use your life to show others Himself. 

-       Provides a Venue for controlled discussion. MOST of the time. Some people just can't control themselves and thus should probably not comment or post things of this nature. I myself have had to hide certain people because I get too worked up over things that they say and am tempted to comment back in frustration or anger. So, I just hide them. But when I'm walking in grace then I can look at most posts with an understanding that not everyone thinks the same things I do or believes the same way I do... so can I learn from them? can I join in to the conversation respectfully and be okay if they don't agree. 

-       Can encourage someone who needed to hear truth that day. I'm thankful for those who post great quotes or verses on a daily/weekly basis. Because I need to be reminded of truth all the time. What I love even more is when someone connects those truths to something they are going through in life and how it's changed them or encouraged them. It really brings encouragement to life and so many will be able to understand and apply it to their own struggles and joys and daily walk. 

 

Potential Cons:

-       Does it edify others? Your Church? A certain group? People? The President? I know in the name of being a Christian many people have criticized other groups, aspects of culture, Lost people, and our President. Now, I'm not saying it's not okay to disagree with those mentioned, in fact we will disagree with them in BIG ways. But I've found there is a way to challenge the things we want to see change and there is a way to lovingly make others aware of possible dangers or policies. Challenge a way of thinking... not a person's being. 

-      Is it Loving????  Does it meet the 1 Corinthians 13 challenge? Is it gentle, kind, patient, seeks not it’s own. So many times facebook statuses can be about theology but reflect someone's impatience with others or seeks it's own...attention, pride,etc.. 

-       Does your life match up with what you’re saying? Is it practically lived out? Family members are often ones who will keep you honest about things like this. I know with having so many siblings, we're all the time reading what we post on facebook... and several times have had to challenge what someone might have written because it's not in sync with their daily life.   

-       Can be confusing. we have to remember that all kinds of people in all kinds of places in life are reading what we write. So, not everyone will come to your page with the same background or presuppositions that you have. And that's okay. But when you can try to be as simple as you are detailed, as Big picture as you are specific.  Just ask yourself before you post, will someone who wasn't raised in church or someone who doesn't attend seminary understand what I'm saying.. or have I given at least the resources to find out what I'm saying if they don't. 

1 Corinthians 10:33, "I try to please all men in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved" (RSV). 

-     Gives ground for discord. I can't tell you how many times I've posted something  with good intentions and it really opened up a can of worms. I feel that I'm not only responsible for my updates but also the comments others have following those posts. And most of the times I can usually jot a quick note to explain myself or clarify things. Sometimes I've just had to delete what I wrote and the comments too because I realize it wasn't encouraging and it provided too much opportunity for discord among friends... and among people who don't even know each other. I want to be one who encourages and brings people together. Just like in person to person... I need to know just who I can let my hair down around and talk about some things with and who I just shouldn't.   

Facebook,Twittering, and Blogging to the Glory of God (pt.1)

I had the honor of going to a women's conference this weekend and leading a breakout session on how to use online social networking sites to the Glory of God. I learned a lot by preparing for it and I knew I was coming to them as one who struggles to use it properly and lovingly and have a balance in my daily life.  But I thought I'd put my notes on here in a series of posts.  That way I can go back and reread them to remember often.   

* my first class was 8 elderly women who really just wanted to know more information about this www. world that was all around them. So we camped out on Emailing to the Glory of God. (I had assumed everyone wouldn't want to talk about email so I really didn't feel prepared... but it ended great and hopefully there are 8 more people who are committed to NOT resending long forwards of photos of cats hanging in trees, thinking they are going to get blessed that day because they sent it to 20 friends.  :o) No, seriously, it was encouraging to see them want to strive to better love those in their lives. 

Joshua Harris got me thinking how a certain passages of scripture, (with a few added phrases for our new electronic forms of

communication), could be useful to inform our e-mailing, blogging and tweeting. Here are a few suggestions of his with new

words in italics: Note: he is not re-writing scripture here, just imagining how a biblical principle would have an effect on these modern forms

of communication by applying what it says about communication in general.

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my keyboard; keep watch over the door of my send button!

Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the Twitter feed of fools proclaims folly.

James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to read, slow to reply all, slow to click send.

Proverbs 14:7 Don't follow the status updates of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 10:19 When blogging is abundant, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains hiskeyboard is wise.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose comments on blogs are like sword thrusts, but the comments of the wise brings healing.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome words be written by your fingers but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who read it.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion.

Proverbs 18:21 Words kill, Words give life; they’re either poison or fruit -- you choose.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

* 1 Timothy 4:5 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer."

* 1 Corinthians 10:23 "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

* helpful verses to keep in mind as we seek to have a balance in life, striving for disciplined loving and effective lives that display the gospel to those around us. 

10 ways to Use Facebook to ENCOURAGE

others and Point others to Christ

1. Be Real. You’re more likely to impact

someone’s life by applying the truth of God in

your own personal situations vs. posting a

random verse or quote. showing others that you

have struggles brings the Gospel to life.

2. Be Purposeful. When you get on facebook have

a system or a pattern you follow that keeps you

using that time wisely. i.e. have friend lists that

you check and have those as priorities. Have a

time limit as well.

3. Be Rejoicing. Birthdays, Announcements, are

just some of many reasons you can be happy for

those in your life. look at those types of updates

as not just the 411 on others but as an

opportunity to take the time to speak

encouragement into the situation. (and

sometimes those are great times to speak truth

and wisdom into others lives as well, without it

appearing random) Avoid just saying "congrats" or just "happy birthday"

and say something that means more and is more

personal.

4. Be Cautious. Many times those you write to

will get your words within minutes and you can

write back and forth without a lot of time to

think over your words. This can be dangerous,

especially if you’re discussing something that

you might not agree with or that you feel

strongly about. Also tone is hard to convey over

typed words.

5. Be Kind. Even when speaking wisdom or

correction to others. Make it clear... Go

overboard with kindness and gentleness. The

person’s wall you may be writing on may be

able to handle a certain tone or way of

communicating may be fine, but other readers

may not. We have to take responsibility for all

possible aspects of how we’ll be understood.

6. Be productive. And I don’t mean by baking 100

too many “pies” or harvesting 100 too many

acres of “farmland”. Those can be mindless

activities that are relaxing to engage in but there

are so many more ways to make use of your time

on facebook. We as women have to fight against

idleness and some of you may truly have time for

online farming ... but if we’re really honest I

don’t know if that is the best use of our time

online.

7. Be Redemptive. Many people won’t embrace a

lot culture has to offer and you’ll hear often that

facebook isn’t for real relationships. I think

instead of joining the critique, even if facebook

isn’t your thing is to remind others that with all

things in our culture it’s the sinfulness of man

that corrupts our world around us, and that

Christ came to redeem us from that sin and to

redeem this world. Thus we can avoid that

“sacred vs. secular” debate. “do all things to the

Glory of God” turns drinking OJ into a very

sacred thing.

8. Be Current. Again, facebook may not be your

thing. But it will be your kids thing, or your

neighbors thing or a friends thing. Sometimes

being missional in our living means stepping up

and learning about something that seems

complicated and takes time in order to impact

the lives of those around us and those far away.

9. Be Close. Facebook is great for connecting with

old friends or classmates, but it’s also a great

public way to dote on those in your own family.

I know my husband comes home every

afternoon and checks FB, it makes his day when

I write on his wall and declare my affections for

him for everyone to see. Kids are no different! it

might seem dorky! But it’s a concrete way of

saying I Love You to teens and kids.

10. Be Amused. Often I have to laugh at what I see

on FB. People will say dumb things, People will

throw sheep at you, People will post unflattering

photos of you, People will tell you way more

than you ever wanted to know. So, in those

moments it’s really important to keep a sense of

humor and also to take things with a grain of salt

and have a big picture mentality.

"Make new friends but keep the old..."

  helpful tips in managing friends and friend requests.

 ·      BE wise.  Facebook can redefine the term friend a little and now we have access to people we'd like to be friends with or have things in common. But we still need to be wise with who we allow into that realm of information. As a photographer, I have friends on facebook that I'm friends with because I learn from their work, but their friends sometimes request me to be their friend and many times I don't accept because I don't know what photos they'll be posting and what their facebook posts may contain. Past flames (boyfriend/girlfriend) can be ones that you may want to use caution with. The enemy has a way of luring us into deceptive and lustful thoughts.  The enemy hates marriage and purity and will work hard but cunningly to attack it. Be Cautious. 

·      Use Lists. Organize your friends into manageable lists that you can check daily, weekly, monthly.  Before family get togethers…. Before Small Groups. Etc… Being a part of a small group at church I'm committed to loving and understanding and praying for this group of people. So, weekly, if not daily I need to be checking up on them, striving to encourage them. I do that mainly by having a list with all their updates in one place that I can access with a click.  Same with family members... facebook doesn't know who to put on your info. feed/home page. So take action and make a few lists and you'll find that you'll be a lot more effective in loving others in your life.   

·      Do you have mutual friends? I can't tell you how many times having mutual friends with a new friend has helped us bond and often instantly adds a much deeper level of understanding and trust. It's amazing the people God brings into your life, even if it's just for a time... He has great purposes. And through facebook I have see some of those purposes and have been blessed through those connections.  

·      Do NOT invite them to play games, answer questions, accept applications. It’s a fast way to lose friends. If you KNOW they like a certain game or WANT to answer questions about you or know what you think about them... then I think that's fine and can be fun. But A LOT of people don't and they don't want to be intended with those posts and invites. 

·      Find out if their on facebook much. To avoid frustrations at lack of response or interest. Especially if you’re a last minute planner/inviter. I've had this happen many times since I have access to online every day many times a day. Some do not. Some can't use it at work and you'll find they are on mostly on the weekends. Some just forget and don't use it hardly at all.  Knowing their level of interaction via facebook or twitter really helps with expectations. 

·      DO they have a blog or twitter mostly? what way do they share more intimately what their life entails.  Do they mostly just use email or twitter. I have friends that I'll email my blog posts to, or know that when I have information that I share on facebook messages that I just need to email that information to them in order to know they received it.  I have friends that they follow when I tweet and would get my tweet in moments but forget to check their facebook messages. So it just helps to know how best to love and communicate with your friends. It may seem like more work but relationships take work... and really, it's just a few minutes. 

.... hope these tips help. Lots more to come. :o)