The A-list: Friends and encouragers

To conclude this week's third-anniversary list of blogs that most influence this one, I want to list a few friends and encouragers. Some of their blogs may focus on issues that don't get linked here very often, but to varying degrees they are all friends and encouragers to me. Several of the bloggers listed here, by the way, even put their money where their keyboards were in the days when a congregation I preached for couldn't afford to pay me themselves. Most of these folks are not only find bloggers; they're kind human beings.

The Bluefish Project. Dave Bish has been reading my blog for years, and he really seems to be paying attention. In preparing this list, by the way, I was surprised to see that somewhere along the line BF had fallen off my blogroll; it's fixed now.

Blogotional. John Schroeder is not reluctant to express his opinion. And praise God for it.

Danno's Dangerous Mind. It's hard to say what I like most about Dan Horwedel's blog. It may our similar beliefs, temperaments, musical tastes, occupations, hobbies, and life stages. Other than that, we have practically nothing in common.

Eternal Perspectives/The Lord of the Kingdom. Mike Russell has been fairly quiet online lately, but when he has something to say, it's worth reading. Mike's a Christian, a thinker, and he loves Tolkien's work. What more could you ask for?

Floydville. Doug Floyd first introduced me to blogging. He's a gifted writer who's had a lot to write about the past couple of years.

Pastor Jon's Blog/Laboring in the Lord. Jon has been one of my most faithful readers at Milton's (not so) Daily Dose and a frequent commenter both here and there.

The Pastor's Buzz. Journalist and minister Buzz Trexler helped give me the confidence to become a professional writer 20 years ago. It's encouraging to keep in touch with him through blogging.

RazorsKiss. Joshua's was one of the first blogs I discovered, and one of the first to link back to TS.

Scotwise. To quote him as little as I do, I greatly appreciate John's kindness and encouragement. His blog, by the way, is exactly two days younger than mine. Please stop by and wish John a happy blogiversary.

Sublime Transition. Nancy is a faithful reader and commenter.

Swap Blog/Blogwatch. The anonymous SWAP Blog admin is as dear a friend as I can imagine having online. Of course, we've also had the pleasure of breaking bread together face-to-face, and he put his back where his modem was by helping me move furniture from Tennessee to Virginia. He's as kind and encouraging in person as he is on the web.

Sycamore. Brian Colmery hasn't written much lately. I suppose the rigors of real-life ministry are keeping him away. I've always enjoyed his writing.

Timeless Text Messages. Carla is another one of my most faithful readers and commenters, especially at MDD.

Windows to My Soul. Vicki Gaines and her husband have faced severe medical issues lately, but Vicki's writing is full of love and grace.

I've left off several, like Peter Bogert, who haven't posted in a while, and I fear that here and on earlier lists I've overlooked others whose work I've long enjoyed, like Chris Meirose, Terry Pruitt, and Keith Plummer. And I haven't re-mentioned those blogging friends and supporters who already appeared on earlier lists.

I appreciate all of you for the work you do on your own sites and the encouragement you've given me here over the past three years.