Of Things to Come

Exciting things are happening here in blog world! As our week comes to a close I'd like to take today's post to let you in on a few fun changes coming up.

New Design
Soon and very soon Off the Beaten Path will have a brand new look.The Design Diva is working me up a spanking new blog design even now and has already sent me some very promising mock-ups. I'm thrilled with what I've seen so far and I know you will be too. 

Because my ministry is mostly to women and obviously by a woman, I wanted my blog to have a decidedly feminine look. Still, Off the Beaten Path just lends itself to a woodsy, natural feel. So I asked the Design Diva if she could combine feminine, clean, fresh, natural, and woodsy elements to come up with the perfect look for Off the Beaten Path. She admitted that she had felt stumped for a while there, but came through with flying colors.  The new design includes beautiful fonts, an arresting photo, and some of my new favorite colors - red and brown. I really think you'll like it.

By the way, I'm thrilled that a number of discerning men also read Off the Beaten Path. You are always welcome here! And that's why I wanted the blog to have a slightly feminine look, but still convey the ruggedness of the ancient paths that we are all on together. This blog is not so much about women on a chick hike as it is believers encouraging one another as we follow the ancient paths mapped out by God's Word.

You'll also notice when the new design is up and running that I have a tool bar just below the header of the blog where you can find additional information about my ministry. It may take some time for me to get this section of the site complete, but soon you will be able to find out more about me ('cause I know you want to!), how to purchase my book(s) (I have another one coming out soon!), where you can read some of my published articles, where I'll be speaking, and what types of topics I usually speak on. Hopefully you can tell others about this website and encourage them to check it out and maybe invite me to speak at their (or your) next event. :)

New Weekly Posts
Beginning next week I will introduce two new weekly blog posts. I'm excited about these new regular posts because they will help me focus on something at least a couple of days each week instead of just rambling! Also, you'll be able to know what's coming up a little better.

On Wednesday I'll be posting Not So Wordy Wednesday. This post will be akin to a Foto Friday or Wordless Wednesday and will feature one or more photos and fewer words. I need to do this post on Wednesdays because those are my busiest days of the week and I have less time to post those mornings. But I couldn't bring myself to go wordless because, well, I'm not a photographer. I'm a ... wordsmith of sorts. I just can't promise no words. But I will try so very hard to post more photos and less blah, blah, blah on those days. I bet Wednesdays will become a favorite for many - just don't tell me, ok?

I'm especially looking forward to Tuesdays. On this day each week I'll be posting a new series called Trailblazer Tuesdays. These posts will be based on the charge in Hebrews 12:1 that says:

Therefore, since we have so great
a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance,
and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us.

Each Tuesday we will look at a person from the pages of the Bible who has gone before us, one of the heroes of the faith. These are the men and women with whom God forged the ancient paths we now follow. The ones from the Old Testament had to blaze the trails with faith in the promises God had made concerning the coming Messiah. The heroes in the New Testament had to choose to walk on those ancient paths in a culture that did not recognize the Christ. We have much to gain from knowing their stories and examining their choices.

So, I'm not sure when the new design will be up and running, but watch for it! And join me next Tuesday for the story of one of our Trailblazers from God's Word and on Wednesday for a photo or two and not so many words. Meanwhile, I'll just keep rambling along on the other days of the week! 

I'd love to know what heroes from the Bible you'd like for us to meet. Would you take a few minutes to share with me one or two of your favorite trailblazers?