Sunflower and Butterfly Bush
Since I’m approaching the one year anniversary of my blog, and this month’s theme for the ChristianWriters.com blogchain is “Discovery”, I’m taking the opportunity to note a few things I’ve discovered along the way. They’re in no particular order, and presented as relating to life, not just blogging.
One blogging tip often given is to include a photograph. Over time, I noticed that blogs with photos do tend to get your attention quickly. Although I don’t think I have a special talent, I adopted the advice. When I did, I discovered I paid more attention to the intricacies and wonders of God’s creation. So, don’t just follow the cliche and stop and smell the roses:
1. We should stop and view the world around us as if looking for a great photograph that says: “Look what our God created and blessed me with!”
“Views” are good – meaning someone at least stopped by your blog – but, you don’t know if they read it or just moved on. “Likes” are better and actually pretty neat. I take all that I get (naively, for a few I realize) as meaning someone did read the post, liked it and took the time to click the button.
But, I’ve discovered that the best of all are the real (non-spam) comments. The commenter read the post and thought about it enough to reply with an additional aspect, a word of thanks or a question. It also means they opened themselves up to possibly get a reply back – ie: open communication.
2. We build relationships by communicating. We should take the time and effort to do just that – with others around us and with God – that’s the best of all.
Some blogs have thousands of followers, and get thousands of “likes”. I’m nowhere near that level. At times, the low numbers of views, likes and comments can be discouraging and make me wonder if it’s worth it. Then, I get a comment to the effect of “Thank you, Bill. That’s just what I needed to read today”. And, then I can thank God, and rediscover that He has a purpose for me, and that day it was to write those specific words.
3. We should look for opportunities God gives us to write or say just the right words for someone each day. And, on the other side, when someone writes or says the right words for us, we need to let them know and encourage them.
4. In most things in life, especially relationships, it’s not how much or how many, but how deep.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 ESV
Please check out the other “discovery” blogs on the appropriate dates in the list on the right.
I Was Thinking the Other Day About... 
Just to let you know, Bill. Your words encouraged me this morning. Thank you. Great post!
Wonderful! Thanks, Stephanie
Happy Anniversary Bill… and many more to come!!
I “like” it here 🙂
Thanks Chris – glad you like it here!
Great post, Bill. Excellent points, all. I agree with every one of them. Happy anniversary!
Thanks Traci – glad you enjoyed it (and agreed!)
These were some wonderful discoveries. I really like the beautiful photo, too.
Thank you very much Tracy.
I really appreciated this blogging summary, Bill. I too sometimes wonder if anyone out there ever reads a word of what I write. Then one day I’ll run into someone who will say, “I love your blog, especially your series on XYZ. I just wish I knew how to comment.”
We take the encouragement when it comes and know that–even without a like or a comment–we’re being faithful to praising God with our words. He’s the bestest best audience of all.
Happy anniversary! Well done, good and faithful servant!
Thanks Carol – we do need to focus on God and He’ll use it to His purpose.
Happy anniversary!!! I think we all need to remember that we don’t need to reach thousands of people to be effective—maybe God used us to speak to one and each one matters. Thanks for being a voice of encouragement!
Thanks Heather and you’re welcome. And you’re correct – each one matters.
I’m with you the photos draw me in, but few will I actually read. Lately, my time only covers a short list of friends. Thanks, friend. 🙂 I enjoy your God based blog.
God Bless You, Bill!
Thanks to you, too, friend. God Bless
Thanks for posting this. I’m about three months shy of posting in my blog for a year. There are times I get really frustrated and feel I have nothing to blog about. I appreciate what you had to say in this post. It was encouraging. Thanks Bill and have a blessed week! From Debra at gardengateproject.
Thank you very much, Debra. I’m glad it was encouraging. You continue to be encouraged and have a blessed week too!
good post, being part of the chain is fun and as you say as long as someone is encouraged that is enough reason to blog. whatever we do in Jesus name will benefit others and ourselves too. when God blesses us it spills over to those around us. give Him some praise
biiiiiiiiiig hug brother.
happy annivrsary
be encouraged
Thanks, Jack, for the comments and encouragement. Great point on doing it all in Jesus’ name.
Thank you for a walk down memory lane – I can’t believe that this month it has been 3 years since the Lord called me to blog! Wow. I have felt all the things you mentioned – the highs, lows, if anyone is out there in hyperspace. Then I will get a comment from someone and all the weary feelings disappear. I am thrilled someone found my little spot in the tangled mess called the world wide web. It has been quite an adventure! Peace and blessings
Thanks Terrie – glad it took you down memory lane. Peace and blessings to you too
That first one really hit me. I needed that today as it was very frustrating and I needed to be reminded of my blessngs
Thanks Chris – glad it was meaningful to you today.
What a wonderful summnation of Blogging. I too struggle with who reads my blogs and are my blogs helping usher in the kingdom. Thank you for good words
Thank you Jo – glad you enjoyed it. And I read your blogs and receive a blessing (and some good “thought-provoking”)
Happy (belated) Anniversary, Bill. I loved this post, especially #2 and #3. Those were my favorites. It doesn’t matter about the quantity of numbers, the quality is what counts. And I’m happy to say that I see those qualities in you. Glad to have you as my friend, brother, and fellow Blog Chain writer.
Wow, Deborah, thanks – I’m humbled by your comments. And thankful I have you as a friend, sister, and fellow Blog Chain Writer too.