Somehow I missed this post when it first dropped, but goodness it’s full of inspiration! Specifically your list of “Six Valuable Lessons!” I found myself nodding along and saying “amen” to each one. ✨ Thanks for the reminder!
Wow, Linda ... 18 years of blogging is a wonderful milestone! I love your lessons, and the way you live them out with your readers. Your advice about putting your archives to work has been a lifesaver for me this past year when I was out of sorts in many ways but not sensing it was time to stop or pause blogging. The relationships are my favorite and I am SO thankful for you. If I had to add one lesson from my own experience, it would be that God gives the increase, whatever that looks like, in His timing. And that this is different for each of us, depending on what He is doing in our lives, either currently or over the course of many years.
You've summed up rewards and challenges of the online writing of blogging and newsletters so well! I resonated with all of them! All I would add (which you do wonderfully) is to show up authentically. Nothing is more soul-draining than trying to follow the ways of other "popular" bloggers just for the stats. Be confident in who you are, and what God wants you to share. There's just one you that can share that special message.
You have hit the nail on the head - I'm behind you. I will be recognizing 17 years in June. The relationships developed through reading and commenting have been so impactful/meaningful, some even becoming friends outside the world-wide web. I agree that it might even be more important than the writing, though it is the writing that brings us together. Not for numbers - but for the relationships. In a faith-based writing community, loving, encouraging each other does not exploit/use people for numbers. It's not just writing; it is relational ministry. And Yes - giving yourself permission to not write unless the spirit stirs. I've been working the last few years, delving in my archive trying to organize it for my boys, who one day will wonder, "What did Mom do with all her time?" I think I will just need to share your post on my blogaversary - I am so glad to be on this journey with you!
Congrats, Maryleigh. I'm trying to think where and when we first connected but I can't quite place it. This right here is golden -->'In a faith-based writing community, loving, encouraging each other does not exploit/use people for numbers. It's not just writing; it is relational ministry.'
Wow. So beautifully spoken. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us believe.
I'm looking forward to reading your blogaversary post!
I love how peace-filled and calm your lessons are, Linda. No urgency, no pressure, just encouragement to listen to the Spirit on when to write, what to write and where I get my identity from. I feel like I'm sitting in a comfy chair next to you, both of us with a warm drink cradled in our hands, smiling, nodding and basking in the companionship and joy of writing.
Oh, a comfy chair, a warm drink, and enjoying the fellowship of a kindred spirit. Yes, please, Ellen! I'm grateful you find some peace and calm here. As always, anything good is only because of Jesus. Amen.
Encouraging words to remind me to be faithful in what God calls me too. Writing is a beautiful outlet for sharing encouragement, challenge, laughter and blessing. Thank you for your faithful 18 years-God bless you!
Debi, welcome ... and thank you! I love how you put it -->'Writing is a beautiful outlet for sharing encouragement, challenge, laughter and blessing.. So well said.
This is pure gold, Linda, and exactly what I needed at the time I needed it (because that's how our good God works, right?)! Thank you so much for sharing these lessons from your many years of blogging. It's abundantly clear that you delight in writing for and connecting with your readers/community, and it's a blessing to all who participate. Happy blog-iversary, and here's to many more!
Congratulations Linda! Wow 18 years that's fantastic! Nov 5, 2024 was 5 years for me. I am so blessed to be a part of your family here. Isn't it funny how blogging friends feel like family. Your tips are so welcoming.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
These are great blogging tips, especially the one about stats. I've never been able to figure out why some posts seem to go viral and others barely get a view.
congrats and thank you for listening to God's calling to write in your life. You are a blessing to us all. and thank you for this reflection full of wisdom!
And Jean, thank you. I gratefully count you as one of my spiritual mentors from afar. Thank you for drawing me closer to Jesus. I appreciate you so ...
I would love to share you meaningful lessons I've learned on blogging but you nailed all the good ones! I would add (and I might have missed it) that when you are lucky enough to meet fellow bloggers, take the opportunity. If you are like me (and I've met more than a dozen, some of whom I meet up with periodically and/or exchange holiday gifts with) they are exactly who they think you are, no phonies out there. Like you, I write about everything, I write about life, mostly my life and the things I love, the places I visit, the people who enrich it. And while I'll take a peek at some "thematic" blogs, most lose my interest after a bit. I love the diversity of life itself. You do that so well -- thank you for all the posts and congratulations on so many wonderful ones. I'm so glad you not only decided to blog but stuck to it!
Jeanie, that is so cool that you've actually gotten to meet blogging friends in person, face to face! I think I've only met one or two ... and it has been awhile. You've opened my eyes to what an awesome experience that would be. How wonderful to find that they are exactly who you thought they'd be ... with no phonies.
And I'm with you, let's celebrate on all of life's diversity, joys, fears, celebrations, issues, sorrows, and faith in the company of others who 'get it.' I'm so grateful to do this blogging life with you, girl.
Yes to all of this, Linda!
Happy Monday morning to you, Kim!
Somehow I missed this post when it first dropped, but goodness it’s full of inspiration! Specifically your list of “Six Valuable Lessons!” I found myself nodding along and saying “amen” to each one. ✨ Thanks for the reminder!
I know, Cathy, we keep learning as we go along, don't we! I'll be a student forever ....
Congratulations on the 18th anniversary, Linda!
I am grateful that I found your little corner of the internet.
Margie, I have no idea how we first ran into each other, but I sure am glad we keep on connecting! Bless you, girl.
Wow, Linda ... 18 years of blogging is a wonderful milestone! I love your lessons, and the way you live them out with your readers. Your advice about putting your archives to work has been a lifesaver for me this past year when I was out of sorts in many ways but not sensing it was time to stop or pause blogging. The relationships are my favorite and I am SO thankful for you. If I had to add one lesson from my own experience, it would be that God gives the increase, whatever that looks like, in His timing. And that this is different for each of us, depending on what He is doing in our lives, either currently or over the course of many years.
Amen, girl. This is His blog, not mine. His space online, not mine. His community, not mine. His grace, not mine. His timing, not mine.
Happy blogging anniversary! I agree with the lessons learned.
Barbara, thank you.
You've summed up rewards and challenges of the online writing of blogging and newsletters so well! I resonated with all of them! All I would add (which you do wonderfully) is to show up authentically. Nothing is more soul-draining than trying to follow the ways of other "popular" bloggers just for the stats. Be confident in who you are, and what God wants you to share. There's just one you that can share that special message.
Soul-draining we don't need! So wise of you to remind us to be ourselves and not to parrot someone else's work or personality, Lynn.
Remember those years ago when bloggers were writing like Ann Voskamp?
No one writes like she does. Let' s be fully His, and fully ourselves.
You have hit the nail on the head - I'm behind you. I will be recognizing 17 years in June. The relationships developed through reading and commenting have been so impactful/meaningful, some even becoming friends outside the world-wide web. I agree that it might even be more important than the writing, though it is the writing that brings us together. Not for numbers - but for the relationships. In a faith-based writing community, loving, encouraging each other does not exploit/use people for numbers. It's not just writing; it is relational ministry. And Yes - giving yourself permission to not write unless the spirit stirs. I've been working the last few years, delving in my archive trying to organize it for my boys, who one day will wonder, "What did Mom do with all her time?" I think I will just need to share your post on my blogaversary - I am so glad to be on this journey with you!
Congrats, Maryleigh. I'm trying to think where and when we first connected but I can't quite place it. This right here is golden -->'In a faith-based writing community, loving, encouraging each other does not exploit/use people for numbers. It's not just writing; it is relational ministry.'
Wow. So beautifully spoken. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us believe.
I'm looking forward to reading your blogaversary post!
I love how peace-filled and calm your lessons are, Linda. No urgency, no pressure, just encouragement to listen to the Spirit on when to write, what to write and where I get my identity from. I feel like I'm sitting in a comfy chair next to you, both of us with a warm drink cradled in our hands, smiling, nodding and basking in the companionship and joy of writing.
Oh, a comfy chair, a warm drink, and enjoying the fellowship of a kindred spirit. Yes, please, Ellen! I'm grateful you find some peace and calm here. As always, anything good is only because of Jesus. Amen.
Encouraging words to remind me to be faithful in what God calls me too. Writing is a beautiful outlet for sharing encouragement, challenge, laughter and blessing. Thank you for your faithful 18 years-God bless you!
Debi, welcome ... and thank you! I love how you put it -->'Writing is a beautiful outlet for sharing encouragement, challenge, laughter and blessing.. So well said.
This is pure gold, Linda, and exactly what I needed at the time I needed it (because that's how our good God works, right?)! Thank you so much for sharing these lessons from your many years of blogging. It's abundantly clear that you delight in writing for and connecting with your readers/community, and it's a blessing to all who participate. Happy blog-iversary, and here's to many more!
Hey Lauren! I still think about that piece you wrote in November about loving our neighbor despite our differences. It certainly has stayed with me.
I'm hoping you'll be writing in the days ahead. You insight is valued ... and you are missed!
I so appreciate your encouragement, Linda!! 😊💕 The words are coming again, and writing routines are falling back into place, thankfully!
Yay! I can't wait to see how this works out for you. Funny ... you come back from your break even as I leave to take mine.
Congratulations Linda! Wow 18 years that's fantastic! Nov 5, 2024 was 5 years for me. I am so blessed to be a part of your family here. Isn't it funny how blogging friends feel like family. Your tips are so welcoming.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
☕🤗❤️🌹❄️
You're so right! Our blogging friends often end up feeling like family ... and what a surprise blessing that has turned out to be.
These are great blogging tips, especially the one about stats. I've never been able to figure out why some posts seem to go viral and others barely get a view.
I know, right? But when all is said and done, the posts that seem to touch people's hearts are about our deepest needs and most difficult wounds ...
I guess we all want to know we're not alone.
"Write when you can't not write." This is SUCH good advice Linda! Congratulations on 18 years.
Alicia, thanks! I'm glad you're here. I'm looking forward to getting to know you in the days ahead ...
Good stuff, Linda. Thanks for the encouragement!
A pleasure! Thanks for being here.
congrats and thank you for listening to God's calling to write in your life. You are a blessing to us all. and thank you for this reflection full of wisdom!
And Jean, thank you. I gratefully count you as one of my spiritual mentors from afar. Thank you for drawing me closer to Jesus. I appreciate you so ...
I would love to share you meaningful lessons I've learned on blogging but you nailed all the good ones! I would add (and I might have missed it) that when you are lucky enough to meet fellow bloggers, take the opportunity. If you are like me (and I've met more than a dozen, some of whom I meet up with periodically and/or exchange holiday gifts with) they are exactly who they think you are, no phonies out there. Like you, I write about everything, I write about life, mostly my life and the things I love, the places I visit, the people who enrich it. And while I'll take a peek at some "thematic" blogs, most lose my interest after a bit. I love the diversity of life itself. You do that so well -- thank you for all the posts and congratulations on so many wonderful ones. I'm so glad you not only decided to blog but stuck to it!
Jeanie, that is so cool that you've actually gotten to meet blogging friends in person, face to face! I think I've only met one or two ... and it has been awhile. You've opened my eyes to what an awesome experience that would be. How wonderful to find that they are exactly who you thought they'd be ... with no phonies.
And I'm with you, let's celebrate on all of life's diversity, joys, fears, celebrations, issues, sorrows, and faith in the company of others who 'get it.' I'm so grateful to do this blogging life with you, girl.