In the Spotlight
at CWO:
A Closer Look at Bloggers
"In the Spotlight" gives us an opportunity to get an intimate look at various bloggers on the CWO blogroll. It gives us a chance to meet everyday women like ourselves, to share both in their faith and in their passion for blogging.
We hope you enjoy getting to know these women as much as we have!
If you are a member of CWO's blogroll and are interested in stepping into our spotlight, please email us regarding your interview at:
editor @ christianwomenonline.net (remove spaces)
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"Asia Braggs"
 Asia Braggs was born in Missouri but now lives in New York, where she is in her second year at a Christian college and majoring in social work. She hopes to be able to help children who have been abused and show them the love of Christ.
Asia loves to read, take black and white pictures with her camera, and watch movies. She knows that it was God that drew her nearer to Himself, came into her life and change it. She loves the Lord with her whole heart and continues to pray that God will mold and shape her into the woman of God, He called her to be. She is a young lady that wants to bring glory, honor, and blessing to Jesus and torment to the devil.
What is the title of, and where can we find your blog?
The title of the blog is Ambassador for Christ.
What is the topic or topics that you find yourself writing about the most?
I find myself writing about what the Lord is showing me and what is going on in my life as the Lord continues to grow me. Being a young woman I find myself being surrounded by temptation, worries, and media among other things. I love to write about what I have just read and the books I read are usually on biblical womanhood. It is truly amazing what the Lord shows me and that is why I put my thoughts and feelings in my blog.
What or who prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I saw a blog when I was in high school and I just became in love with most of the blogs that I came across. I'm not the best writer, but I felt blogging could be a way of expressing myself as a young woman of God. From then on in the year of 2005 I blogged, and in doing that I find other women of God blogs and other websites that have encourage me in my Christian walk with the Lord and now with my blog I want to encourage other women.
Are there any other women that you've connected with through blogging?
I have connected with one encouraging woman named Terry. Though I don't know her personally, I love to read her blog and see what the Lord has been doing in her life. I also love Mrs. Lisa's post she is truly a lovely wife, mother and child of God. I have not connected with too many women through blogging but I hope to meet more beautiful women of God.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
I like to write my post ahead of time so I can come back and check them and then schedule them to be posted. I like to spend the good amount of hard work in my writing. I want all my posts to come from the heart.
Are there any other websites or blogs that you write for?
I would have to say no--there are no other websites and blogs I write for.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
When I was in high school I took a lot of photo classes and from then on I loved to take pictures in black and white. I love to watch comedy movies and scary movies. Since I was a little girl I loved to read books, I had a pink bookcase of more then 100 books that I read. I absolutely love to help people who need help; I think it is important to be there for people because sometimes people just need someone to listen and care for them. And I want to be that someone.
When I am in college I go to Manhattan to pass out food to the homeless, talk to them and pray for them. I also go to Bible studies with students I go to college with. I have joined many organizations in school that help people around the community.
What struggle if any have you experienced with keeping your blog up?
The only struggle when keeping up with my blog is college and all the assignments I get.
What are some of your favorite blogs? (keep it to a few, and include the URL if possible)
The blogs I read are:
Ornaments of Grace
Lisa
Domestic Felicity
Can you leave us with a Bible verse that God has placed on your
heart?
I would have to say Isaiah 12:2:
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." This verse I keep in mind when I have worries.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
I just want to say that our God is Faithful, True, Wise, and Provider. Let the Lord, take control over your life, He won't hurt you.
Visit Asia's blog: Ambassador for Christ
Find over 3,000 Christian Women at the CWO Blogroll
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"MyCup2Yours"
 Genny lives in California with her husband and two children, ages 7 and 9. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, take Pilates and Piloga classes, dance, read good books, and write. She’s had work published in magazines and newsletters, and some of her articles have appeared on various websites. She's also a regular contributor at Faith Lifts. In addition, Genny is an aspiring children's writer and some of her children's manuscripts have received awards.
What is the title of, and where can we find your blog?
MyCup2Yours
What is the topic or topics that you find yourself writing about most often?
I typically write articles focused on encouragement and inspiration, as well as parenting stories and various tips. I also have a place on my blog sidebar where I share "green" products and ideas that I’ve discovered.
What or who prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
A couple of months ago, as I was reading a local parenting magazine, I became so inspired by the stories I read that I felt compelled to start writing in this genre, too. I’d been thinking about doing some writing on-line for a while, and I have a few writer friends who have blogs, so I decided to start my own. I’ve learned a lot from the insights and experiences of others, and I hope my blog can become a place where encouragement is exchanged.
Are there any other women that you've connected with through blogging?
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Shera at A Frog in My Soup. I originally met her by submitting a post to 5MinuteForMom’s Sampler feature. Shera also does design work at Sweet n Simple Design, and I appreciate the beautiful work she’s done designing MyCup2Yours. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know Angela at Becoming Me, who originally gave me a resource for creating a button on my site. We’ve been corresponding since and are both regular contributors at Faith Lifts.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
The ideas for my articles come to me randomly. I keep a notebook with me wherever I go and am constantly jotting things down. Some days I pull the notebook out a lot, and some days not at all. It usually takes me an hour or two to write each article, depending on how long it is, and then sometimes I’ll “sit on it” for a day. Inevitably, when I come back to it, I make changes, then post.
I know you mentioned 5 minutes for mom, are there any other websites or blogs that you write for as well?
Yes, some of my writing has appeared on 5MinutesforMom.com (The Sampler), Blogged-In (Family Friendly Network), and HybridMoms.com. I also write devotionals every Friday at Faith Lifts (5MinutesforMom).
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Outside of blogging, I do a lot of other writing, primarily focused in the children’s genre. I’m currently finishing a revision of my middle-grade novel manuscript, which has received Honorary Mention in the Smartwriters.com W.I.N. contest, as well as Honorary Mention in the California Focus on Writers Contest. One of my picture book manuscripts received 1st Place in the Children’s Literature Category of the California Focus on Writers Contest. I also volunteer as an Assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and I’m an editor for a regular section of our chapter’s newsletter.
What struggle if any have you experienced with keeping your blog up?
Because I’m a stay-at-home-mom and I do other writing outside of my blog, balancing my time is always a challenge. To help with this, I don’t post on my blog every day. Instead, I typically post one to three times a week.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
A Frog in My Soup
Rocks In My Dryer
Scribbit
5MinutesforMom
Can you leave us with a Bible verse that God has placed on your
heart?
“Two are better than one… for if they fall, one will lift up the other.” Ecclesiastes 4:9
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
The verse above is on my blog, and it’s one of my favorite verses of all time because it speaks to the importance of supporting each other. This is something I appreciate so much about my family and friends, and it’s something I like to encourage. I think as friends, as sisters, as moms, and as women in general, it’s so important to lift each other up. And that’s something I’ve seen a lot of through blogging. I’m glad to be a part of it.
Visit Genny's blog: MyCup2Yours
Find over 3,000 Christian Women at the CWO Blogroll
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"Cindy Beall"
 Christ follower. Husband lover. Children raiser. Cindy lives smack dab in the middle of Oklahoma but spent the first 27 years of her life in Texas. She has been married to her husband, Chris, for over 15 years and they have three sons between them. Her passion is writing, her calling is mentoring women and her primary gifting is exhortation. Her mission is to help women make Jesus more than just a part of their life but to help make Him their life. (Col. 3:4)
What is the title of, and where can we find your blog?
My title is my name Cindy Beall
What is the topic or topics that you find yourself writing about the most?
I write about marriage, motherhood, mentoring and miscellaneous things that may have no spiritual significance whatsoever. (This is my tagline on my blog.)
What or who prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I've been writing for years but my pastor encouraged people to start a blog last October and it dawned on me that I should since writing is my passion. My 1-year blogiversary will be on October 31, 2008.
Are there any other women that you've connected with through blogging?
Absolutely. Some women I knew and have become closer to and some women have become my friends and I haven't ever heard their voices or hugged their necks. But I hope to one day!
I am actually going to meet one of my "friends" in August. She's flying from California to meet a bunch of us Oklahoma bloggers. So excited!
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
It really depends. I've been known to finish a post in ten minutes but have also taken the better part of a week to perfect the content of another. This is my primary ministry tool. I take it very seriously and sometimes probably edit too much! I'm a stickler for good writing, continuity and appropriate grammar. I'm the daughter of two school teachers so I think that's why :)
Are there any other websites or blogs that you write for?
I contribute here at CWO's Internet Cafe, A single mothers blog, and Titus 2 Blogroll.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I taught school for four years before I became a mother. Even though my children are in public school, I am very involved in their education. My husband and I love to do so many hobbies together. We are crazy about gardening and love to get our hands dirty! One of our favorite things to do is sip coffee on our back porch on his mornings off. So soothing and relaxing.
What struggle if any have you experienced with keeping your blog up?
I want my readers to know that I am invested in them. I make an effort to respond to their comments on a weekly basis by replying to them in an email. As my readership has increased, I have struggled to keep this up. But I still try. It's who I am.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Well, I would say that my three absolute favorite blogs are: Boomama, Tales From The Running Mama, and Just A Girl.
Can you leave us with a Bible verse that God has placed on your
heart?
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 I love how God takes our tumultuous situations and comforts us ever so gently so that we can bring Him glory through them but also use that same comfort to help others. He is so good.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
God has done a remarkable work in my marriage. It was literally hanging on by a thread just over six years ago as I learned about my husband's unfaithfulness due to his pornography addiction. My Redeemer came in a did what He does best. He made all things new. I've written a book about our journey and placed it on my blog to be read for those who are interested. I pray that it gets into the hands of women all over the world who need to know that there is hope.
Visit Cindy's blog: Cindy Beall
Find over 3,000 Christian Women at the CWO Blogroll
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"Absolute Truth"
 Carmen Schroeder married her high school sweetheart and the ensuing years quickly brought along four wonderful blessings (ages 4 - 10). But a less than praiseworthy past and a losing battle with anxiety and depression kept her bound and unable to enjoy her gifts from God. Having not been raised in church, she began to search out this Christ in the depth of His Word, where she found the One Who would not only set her free from her past and fill her with hope for her future, but also enable her to enjoy her present by the Power and Love of His abiding Presence!
Carmen is now is a prolific writer residing in Missouri with her family. She passionately shares God's wonder-filled Word with women in conferences, workshops, and her online W.O.W. (Women Of the Word) Lifestyle Devotionals. The LORD has given her a great love and growing passion for studying and teaching Scripture from the foundational Hebraic roots' perspective.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
Early in my 'new life', the LORD showed me something. I am very visual...so the picture meant a tremendous amount to me! I saw the word 'Absolute Truth' and within it, I saw the three t's as Crosses--the larger cross in the middle. I understood it to mean that His Word Is Absolute Truth...and when we know It...and abide in It, It sets us really and unquestionably free. My blog can be found at: jesusyourwordistruth.blogspot.com/
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
Because I struggled so many years with anxiety and depression (and the LORD showed me that when I focus on His Word and abide in His Presence...I forget about 'me'), I find myself writing about and expositing on the original Hebrew and Greek word meanings and explaining the Hebrew thought behind it. When I began to study in this manner, the Word of God opened up in a way like I'd never known.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I have been writing and/or teaching for years and publishing W.O.W. (Women Of the Word) Lifestyle devotionals. My sister in bloggy-blog land told me about it a few months back and I was very familiar with the idea. But, I never seemed to have time to begin the process. I finally sat down (and for a couple of days the kids wondered where their clean underwear had gone...they didn't think 'turning them inside out' was a good idea) and put something together. I have been blogging since late June '08.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
I am constantly mulling around some Scripture and its application in my mind just because I'm such a Recovering Pharisee. Generally, as I'm doing the things He's purposed for me each day....His Word begins to flow from my life and onto paper. I gave up trying to sit down and 'think up' something...that never helps me. It's only as I'm abiding does anything fruitful and useful come forth.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I love to read and study the Hebrew thought behind the Scriptures....love, love, love to learn more! I LOVE watching my beautiful Caleb, Bethany, Kaitlyn and Kierstyn play (and actually get along). I love spending time with my family. And I LOVE singing praises to the LORD. Worship music/singing has brought and continues to bring much healing into my life.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
None really...I figure if I don't have anything to write, it's because He's not given me anything!?
Good point! :)
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Lori's All You Have to Give, Van Walton's 'Created in the Garden, but lost in the Jungle' to name just a couple. I have more listed on my 'bomb-diggity blogresses' page...and I'm finding more every day that encourage and inspire me.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
Not so much a single verse...but rather, an entire concept which is that 'A faithful life is a fruitful life.' When I am faithful to continue His work as HE is faithful to me everyday, I get to eat of the fruit of the fig tree, too! Proverbs 27:18 says: "Whoever tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who is attentive to his Master will be honored."
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
I suppose the last thing I would add would have to be the GREATEST COMMANDMENT Christ revealed and taught (many times through various passages). Truly when we love the LORD God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (really), then we will find ourselves LOVING as CHRIST loves - generously and past all performances.
Visit Carmen's blog: Absolute Truth
Find over 3,000 Christian Women at the CWO Blogroll
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"Jessica Keys"
 Jessica Keys is a child of the Most High God, first and foremost. Every day brings new insights from the Lord and new opportunities to grow in Him. God has blessed Jessica and her husband, Jason, with (almost) four beautiful children ages, 4, 2 , and one. They are expecting their fourth child in October.
Jessica believes that God has called her to pour all of her talents and giftings into her Motherhood Ministry. She spends her days singing, worshiping, writing and reading--bringing it all into her calling.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
My blog is named 'Intense Blessings' and can be found at jandjkeys.blogspot.com. I believe children are a blessing from the Lord, but they are truly the most intense blessings God has placed on this earth. My blog centers around my Motherhood Ministry, thus 'Intense Blessings'.
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
Whatever is on my heart. In the early days (last month) I wrote about my search for God's will in my life concerning birth control and fertility management. It's a unique topic, but one that is not addressed often in Christian circles. Now that I believe my husband and I have reached a conclusion in this area (it's all on the blog), I have moved on to other things God brings up inside my heart.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I launched my site June 2, 2008. It's a young site. I was prompted to start blogging because of the heaviness of my heart concerning what God would have me do with my obvious blessing of fertility. My husband and I have been married five years, and have managed to produce four children in that short time frame. I started researching Christian articles concerning birth control versus the QuiverFull movement and wanted to share my findings. So, my blog was born!
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
Most of the posts are thoughts that have been running through my head for a day or so and are insisting on being put on paper, er, online. Some posts are the result of days of research. It just depends on what I'm blogging about.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
My kids! Ha! Being a mother really does take the bulk of my accomplishments and time. I am also madly in love with my amazing husband. He keeps me grounded and is incredibly encouraging in every area of my life. I have to admit I also consider it an accomplishment that I have had all three of my babies 100% naturally, and the girls were both born at home. (Yes, I'm one of those women!) On a smaller scale, I like to read, write letters, grow tomatoes, sing and talk.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
I have only been blogging for a few months, so it is still new and refreshing to me. Obviously, finding time to blog with the demands of three small children is always difficult. But, I love blogging! Right now, it's fun. Ask me again in a year. :)
What are some of your favorite blogs?
The blog I read the most often is my friend's blog at:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/ajwalton. My friend lost her baby to Trisomy 18 about three months ago and she uses this blog to remember AJ and to write about their journey through loss and grief.
Aside from that, I read my mother's blog at:
www.joybentch.blogspot.com. I love my mom! She is a great encouragement to me in my Motherhood Ministry. She's 'been there, done that'.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
The verses God is challenging me with right now are found in Matthew 11:28-30. In the Message version it reads, 'Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.'
Isn't that great? Ah. I love it! I'm trying to learn the 'unforced rhythms of grace'. Good stuff.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
My heart is that God would be glorified through me and everything I am involved in. I am just a jar of clay that He has chosen to pour himself into. Praise God! I pray that everyone who reads my blog is motivated to surrender more of themselves to the Lord. I want to point my readers in the direction of their Maker. This is my heart.
Visit Jessica's blog: Intense Blessings
Find over 3,000 Christian Women at the CWO Blogroll
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