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.