Ten Questions with Hopeful Spirit of On the Horizon

1. Describe your blog in five sentences or less.
On the Horizon is an interactive exploration of what it means to be a faithful, Spirit-led person in the twenty-first century outside the confines of the patriarchal, institutional church. Having spent my entire life as an active participant in organized religion, I broke free and am striving to gain a deeper understanding of the Gospels and closer relationship with the Divine Creator.

2. Link us to one post from your blog that best defines who you are.
Thursday Thirteen #9: Eight Thirteen Things About Me

3. What sets you apart from other bloggers?
Radical inclusiveness is the rule at “On the Horizon”. EVERYONE is welcome and ALL viewpoints can be safely expressed. I am open to new ideas, new ways of understanding belief and faith, and am unconstrained by traditional interpretations of Scripture or ways of worshiping.

4. When and how did you first discover blogging?
I just began blogging in January 2007, although I’ve been aware of the phenomenon for a few years through friends who have been blogging a lot longer.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve related to blogging or the internet?
The competition to be the most popular, the most visited, the one with the most comments…it reminds me of high school cliques and popularity contests.

I’m just interested in researching and writing valuable articles and learning
not only from that exercise, but also my fellow bloggers. There are many
talented writers with intriguing insights on the ‘Net.

6. Name one plugin, blogging widget, or service that you can’t live without.
WordPress. I recently switched from Blogger and I don’t know what took me so long because the software and all that goes with it is FAR superior to Blogger.

7. If you could choose anyone, living or dead, to write a guest post for your blog,who would it be and why?
The Rev. Billy Graham. I think he is not just brilliant, but an outstanding role model of faith, dedication and humility!

8. How has blogging made you a better person?
I’m more introspective and reflective about my own life and beliefs, as well as others’. The best, i.e., healthiest, thing I ever did in my entire life was walk out the door of that church and never look back. The second best was beginning to blog.

9. What are your tips for becoming a better blogger?
Forget about competing, as discussed above. Focus on reading, thinking about what you read and writing with authority and authenticity.

10. Name one great blog that you read on a regular basis. What makes it unique?
Writing in Faith by Sandy Carlson. Sandy is an extremely talented, thoughtful writer with a unique perspective and voice. I am always spellbound by her articles.

Categories: Religion, Ten Questions