Blogs that Make You Go Hmmm

Donutbuzz was kind enough to nominate me for a Thinking Blogger Award recently. I appreciate the nomination very much, especially coming from a man who I respect so much as a father and as a blogger.  Hoyt is definitely a deserving recipient of the Thinking Blogger Award himself.

Now as an honored recipient of this prestigious award, I have the privilege of tagging 5 other blogs that "make me think". According to the Thinking Blog, which originated the meme, the participation rules are simple:

1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote.

It's hard to narrow my list to 5 blogs that make me think, and like Donutbuzz, many of the blogs that I read every day have already been recognized and deservedly so.

Without further ado, here are 5 blogs written by bloggers who are not related to me (sorry Mom and Carol - you're both great too) that make me think.

• The Goat Rope -- Written by one of my personal heros, "El Cabrero", Rick Wilson, the Goat Rope is the merger between philosophic discussion and real-life application -- particularly as it relates to social justice in my home state of West Virginia. Also, it is the blogosphere's definitive source of political commentary and advice offered by turtles, peacocks and goats. Thanks, Rick!


• Sandpiper's Thoughts -- Although not as well-known in the WV blogger circles, Kim is another outstanding blogger from Huntington, WV. I'm not sure if there's something in the water here or if it's a lack of recreational opportunities, but it seems like Huntington has more than our fare share of bloggers. Kim has a great way of sharing her insights as a mom and articulately writing about her faith through poetry and thought provoking posts. Thanks, Kim!


• YSMarko -- Another one of my favorite blogs is written by Mark Oestreicher who works for the Christian youth ministry publishing house, Youth Specialties. Marko blogs a lot about youth ministry and the Emerging Church issues, but I think it's his bizarre sense of humor and posts about the angst of fatherhood, that I enjoy most. Thanks, Mark!


• Notes from Under the Fig Tree -- Although not updated very frequently (more please), WV's leading Patriot for Peace, Rev. Jim Lewis' blog (and actions) reminds me of another progressive Christian leader, Rev. Jim Wallis, whose Sojourners organization, and his own blog, God's Politics, has helped change the national dialogue about the role of faith and politics. Despite repeated attacks, insults, and even arrest, Rev. Lewis continues to be a strong voice for peace. Thanks, Jim!


• Vintage Faith -- With well-written thought provoking posts, Dan Kimball's Vintage Faith blog provides great food for thought about the role of organized religion in today's society. Dan is not afraid to ask hard questions and challenge our existing perceptions about what it means to live as a person of faith. Also, where else would a discussion of core beliefs and theology include commentary regarding Apple vs. PC and DLR vs SH (as in Van Halen)? Thanks, Dan!

Whew!  That was harder than I thought. There are many other deserving blogs that I appreciate and deserve recognition as well. West Virginia Blue, Film Geek, raging red, Fifth Column, Locusts & Honey, Lincoln Walks at Midnight, Fried Rice Thoughts, Hit the Back Button to Move Fwd, Only Wonder Understands, and many others are greatly appreciated.  Thanks to you all.