I love to read and I love the internet. Combine the two together, and it’s a non-stop information fest where great authors share great ideas for building great communities. Check out my go-to places for inspiration:

Blogs I’m tracking now 

Rachel Held Evans Normally I gravitate toward the men when looking for useful and compelling blogs but lately, the ladies have been rising to the top. Rachel is one of those women who is completely immersed in the culture but manages to step aside just a bit to offer biting criticism and reflection for today’s “modern woman.” I appreciate her bold steps to address hot topic issues without ranting and yelling. Rachelheldevans.com

Ann Voskamp is a terrific writer and speaker. Her website is thoughtful and includes fabulous photography of simple life on a farm. Warning: she is a proud homeschooling mom, but she’s Canadian; so give her some slack. aholyexperience.com

Jen Hatmaker, is the author of 7 as well as the popular A Modern Girl’s Guide to Bible Study. She is flat-out funny and has great insights gleaned from living as a pastor’s wife. Jenhatmaker.com

Talking about Religion

The Gospel Coalition includes current editorials on world events and mixes in a little entertainment and media news to keep it relevant to a new generation of church leaders.   thegospelcoalition.org

Global Leadership Summit Hands down, the number one conference for Christian leaders, both in the church and the workplace. Bill Hybels and his team at Willow Creek continue to offer the most stimulating presentations by top buisness leaders. The Leadership Summit

Aaron Niequest, has taught me tons about the meaning of worship and ways to incorporate all kinds of music into daily life Aaronniequist.com

Home decor and eating well

Shauna Niequist It only seemed natural to gravitate toward a woman who has found a voice for eating well, entertaining and discussing philosphy with her girlfriends. Her books, Bittersweet and Bread and Wine are filled with short essays on doing life well. Shaunaniequist.com

The Pioneer Woman I don’t confess to being a great cook but when I read this cooking blog, I start thinking like a woman on the ranch. Full of easy recipes that are heavy on the fat and good feelings, Reed Drummond has lassoed a consistently good vibe. thepioneerwoman.com

Catalog Living A glimpse into the fabulous life of the people who live in your catalogs. Sarcasm at its best. Catalogliving.net

Vacation and Travel

My melange a beautifully crafted website with a strong emphasis on French travel. Ooo la la. mymelange.net

Peter Greenberg The go-to travel guru featured on NBC news, Peter has given me valuable tips when booking travel, researching destinations and fixing problems. Petergreenberg.com

Rick Steves There isn’t one European adventure that we took where I didn’t consult my trusty travel-mate, Rick Steves. His books practically served as our inexpensive, on-the-ground travel agent and we were rarely disappointed. Easy to read and follow his recommendations for touring a city. I would skip his lists of hotels and restaurants only because MANY people are using his books. Ricksteves.com