For some, this is a no-brainer, but for anyone who might wonder why I'm so sold on blogging, social networking, and twittering, here are just a few of my reasons.

1. The group of blogs in my feed reader (which seems to grow weekly) is like having a live, intuitive internet filter. I just don't have the time—nor the interest I once had—in ceaselessly browsing the internet for news and other cool tidbits. Following a group of bloggers is like having my own personal army who's job is to search for important news, the newest cool gadgets, the best innovations, and relevant applications from tech and culture.

2. I have formed real, genuine relationship with like minded bloggers and tweeters. I now have a group of people I've never met face to face that I can contact at any time with a prayer need, or feedback for an idea.

3. I am constantly and consistently inspired by my blogging/tweeting circle. When my well of creativity is dry, I am often given just the spark I need by reading what one of my blog peers have written. There have been numerous times I've tweeted for song ideas and received input within seconds.

4. I have been privileged to help other bloggers/tweeters with ideas they have actually implemented. I have also been able to pray for them in their times of need.

5. I have been invited to numerous opportunities I otherwise would never have know about. Beta testing new websites or software has been a treat. Sometimes I'm sent music to listen to for free, or gear to try out. I've even been able to feed my book addiction by becoming a book reviewer (which I'm behind on).

6. I have actually been able to help facilitate connections between others who have never met one another. Worship leaders and other ministry people have been introduced to one another through my association with them as individuals. That's a pretty cool thing to watch happen.

7. My blogging/tweeting circle has often pointed me in the right direction technology wise in ways that has helped my creativity and workflow. Things like migrating ALL of my email to Gmail, moving ALL my calendars and to-do lists to online services (Gcal/Ta-Da List), the beauty of keeping documents and notes online and accessible from anywhere with a connection (GDocs/Evernote), and being able to do my daily Bible reading and journaling online (YouVersion).

8. I am constantly challenged in my walk with Christ by reading what my fellow Christ-following bloggers are going through. Their struggles and victories, their innovations and failures, all these and more work to sharpen me.

9. My wife has started blogging. This may not sound like such a big thing until you realize I've been blogging a LOT longer than she has, and her blogs (three and counting) nearly always surpass my traffic and interaction on a daily basis. She too has formed relationship with other like-minded bloggers and our household has been changed for the better because of things she has learned from others to implemente in our home. (Look her up at: FiveJs, Homeschooling for the Realworld, and Happy2B@Home.)

10. I feel more connected and encouraged than I ever have before. Not only have I made the aforementioned friends who are such encouragements to me, but I have also been able to find old friends, colleagues and students across the world and renew relationships with them. Everyone from mentors, to old classmates, to former students have been a part of my online life, and whether they realize it or not, have had a part in shaping who I am and how I do things. (I even had lunch with a really close friend from college on Wednesday who I haven't spoken to in years. Come to find out, he pastors a church less than 20 miles away!)

11. Online relationships actually can build accountability. Myself, and many others have often entered into dieting and weightloss as a group. What a way to build not only accountability, but also foster encouragement.

12. I know I'm repeating myself somewhat here, but another great aspect is the sharing of resources. There are so many worship resources, graphic design resources, ministry related materials, and tech resources I might otherwise have never known about if not for my blogging buds.

There are a whole bunch more I could probably write up, but I'll stop with an even 12.

What are the benefits you have gain from blogging/networking? Share.

photo credit: jordigraells

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