Looking for some inspiration?

I thought I would post here some links to a few excellent, professional blogs.

1. Betsy Wells Stokes, Editor A blog all about editing that a friend of mine in Texas writes. I think you'll find her humor and her insight helpful as you write.

2. Stuff Christians Like - a funny, satirical blog about all things Christian.

3. Pioneer Woman - an interesting blog with lots of different links.

4. Boo Mama - a funny, lighthearted blog.

5. Matthew Paul Turner - a deep, thought-provoking website.

One thing you'll notice about these blogs is that the author posts almost every day. Consistency is one thing that makes a good blog great. I am only requiring you to post twice a week, but please don't feel that is all you can do. I also encourage you to include pictures and any other media you'd like to link to your space.

Please remember that everything you write is visible to anyone on the web. Write cautiously.

Please take a look at these blogs and feel free to add any blogs you like to read in the comment section.

Some Ideas

Some topics you may want to journal about. These are just springboard ideas. You will want to take these ideas and develop them into an entry that is at least 100 words in length. You are NOT required to write on these topics. You may write about anything you like. This is simply a place for you to go when you are out of ideas.
I may occasionally write blog entries myself that will present other ideas. Keep checking back.
1. Reflect on one of your first experiences at NGU. This may be your first chapel service, your first meal in the cafeteria, your first night in your dorm room, etc.
2. Discuss God’s love. What does it mean to experience unconditional, sacrificial love? How do we as Christians mirror this love in the world?
3. It has been said that your generation is the most connected generation in history. You are connected through the internet, cell phones, television, etc. If it is true that yours is a technologically connected generation, why do so many teenagers today feel isolated? Discuss your thoughts.
4. Discuss the book you are currently reading. Is it interesting, boring? Would you recommend it?
5. Psalm 77 says for us to remember the wonderful things God has done. What miracles has God worked in your life thus far? How does this change your view of the future?
6. Discuss dating.
7. What is the funniest prank you have ever played on someone?
8. Discuss your first encounter with the police. I stole this idea from Dr. Washick.
9. Discuss the character traits you inherited from your parents.
10. What is the most annoying thing your sibling(s) do? Why do you find this so irritating?
11. What was your favorite television show as a child? Why was it your favorite?
12. How have you changed since you came to NGU? Has it been a good change or a bad change?
13. What do you want to be when you grow up?
14. Discuss your favorite movie?
15. What is your favorite snack?
16. Describe your dorm room or your room at home?
17. What is your favorite getaway?
18. Of all the sermons you have ever heard, which one was most influential or memorable? Why was it so memorable?
19. What does your grandparents’ house smell like?
20. Think of a smell that you often associate with a person. What smell is it? Who do you associate it with and why?
21. When you go home for the weekend, what is the one dish you beg your mother to cook? Why this dish?
22. What do you miss most about home?
23. What is the farthest you have ever been from home? Tell the backstory.
24. If you could live anywhere on earth, where would you live and why?
25. What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?
26. If you could be doing anything right now, what would it be?
27. What is the most exotic thing you have ever eaten?
28. What is God teaching you right now, at this moment?
29. How many churches have you been a member of? Briefly describe them.
30. What is the one journal topic you wish were on this list? Write that journal
31. Describe your favorite teacher. It doesn’t have to be me. 
32. Which do you prefer coffee or hot chocolate. Why?
33. Which is better Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts?
34. Which subject is your favorite and why.
35. Discuss the first time you went to the hospital for something.
36. How do you feel about dentists?
37. What is the thing you are most afraid of?
38. Tell about your favorite Bible verse. Why is it your favorite?
39. If you could tell the students at your high school one thing, what would it be?
40. What do you like least about college life?
41. What was the most important thing your grandparents ever taught you?
42. How did you end up at NGU.

Your Journal Assignment

First, you need to set up a blog account if you don't already have one. You may use any blogging website that you prefer. The only stipulation is that you may NOT use Facebook or MySpace as your means of blogging. I recommend blogspot or wordpress. Both of these site are free and are remarkably easy to use.

Next, you will need to customize your page. Most of you are computer savvy enough to do this with little trouble. If you do have trouble, you may see me after class or e-mail me at the address on your syllabus to get direction.

The journal assignment is worth 100 points or 10% of your total grade. This may seem trivial to some of you, but it is actually the difference between an A or a B. Please take this assignment seriously.

Every week, you will need to post at least 2 blogs. A week will run from Sunday to Saturday. These blogs need to be at least 100 words each. You may incorporate pictures and/or links to webpages in these posts. All blogs need to be written in complete sentences and with correct grammar. Resist the temptation to use "texting grammar" on your blog.

Please remember that each post is time-stamped and dated; therefore, I will be able to see when you posted.

You will want to bookmark this blog because each week I will post a link to a student's blog. It's kind of like an employee of the week incentive. Keep checking to see if your blog is recognized as exceptional.

Welcome

Welcome to English 1310.

It is my hope that you will find your time in this class to be exciting and informative. One of the key assignments is to keep a journal. I've posted the specifics of that assignment in the following post.

Please know that I will be checking your blogs on a regular basis, so be diligent.