1. Getting in touch with old friends. When I started blogging, the only people I knew with blogs were Sarah and G-Knee. I started talking to them on a regular basis, and pretty quickly the number of college friends who blogged grew and grew (reference G-Knee's blog). I
have so enjoyed using this avenue to dialog with people about growth in Christ, books we've read, and our spiritual odysseys. Today I met up with Donette, since she was in L-ville for the New Attitude conference (I live here, and I couldn't even go!). If Nettie and I did not talk via the blogosphere, I would never have known she was coming to my city, and she never would have known I lived here. I am so thankful for the encouragement I've received from my brothers and sisters in Christ because our world is that much smaller thanks to our blogging.2. Staying in contact with family and friends in Illinois (and Brazil!). When we first moved in January, I was just gasping for air, because I missed everyone so much. I've written many times on how much I adored the children I ministered to, and how hard it was to leave. It is precious to
read my friend's blogs, see their kids, and send them messages any time I want. My dad and my sister Emily regularly read my blog, and I'm always thrilled to get messages from them! It is not uncommon to have someone from our home church in Illinois say "now, I read on your blog that you and Josh found a new church", and I'm so surprised that we've been able to keep current like that!3. Meeting new people! I have been so blessed in the friendships the Lord has given me because of my blog. Some, like Grace, I have actually met and become real life friends with. Others, like Karen and Morning Rose, the blogosphere has remained the only sphere of our relationship. Yet the Lord has used these people to be sources of His grace in my life.
I read back through my old posts, and chose my favorites -- if you have not been reading all year, please read and enjoy!
Time for Valens
Homes"cool"
Lifesong
My Isaac
Unveiling the Motives
Happy Birthday to Me!
The Honey that Drips
10 comments:
While I have had a blog for a longer period of time, you still seem to be a much more seasoned writer as you provide more frequent posts for your readers. I still go back and forth at times with how much I want to disclose in a blog post, as compared (or contrasted) to those things which are written in my personal journal. I sometimes go for longer periods of time between posts because I'll have a few I want to write about, but can't contain in one entry. Yes, you're a much more seasoned writer, and that is largely the way in which I am encouraged by you. How exciting that it's been a year - it's like going back through a journal and reflecting in where the Lord has brought you!
Happy Anniversary to your blog! Cute picture of you and Donette. :) I started blogging through Sarah and then found a few others that I knew. Even though we attended the same church while you were in college, we did not know each other. After reading your blog for a while, I realized I had seen you before. I enjoy your writing and think my favorite post is the one you wrote on homes"cool."
Happy anniversary! You've hit upon some of the greatest reasons there are to blog.
Looking forward to reading many years to come!
Happy Anniversary! I am hoping one day to connect w/you in person instead of only knowing you b/c of technology. The internet really is amazing. It can be a destructive tool and used for evil. Just the same,it can be a tremendous means to be built up in the faith. I'for one have been built up in my faith and challenged from your blog and dialog that I've read or had with you.
Thank you...and one day I hope to share a cup of Joe w/you and just talk.
Karen
Gret,
I do have both chargers. Sorry. I found one in my bag and unwittingly tossed the other in as well. What's worse is that everyone here uses the same exact charger we do, so I didn't even need to bring one!
I miss you, miss you, miss you! Ugh! I'll gladly be home in time to take you to your meeting.
Joshy
I am so glad you became a blogger. I never would have started had you not introduced me to the blogosphere and even helped me set up the original blog.
I have enjoyed staying in touch as well. Looking forward to many more years!!
Grace -- you are too kind. I am certainly not a better writer -- you are much more careful with your words, and able to state things "just so". I have enjoyed looking back on the "journal" I'd kept.
MR -- I thought of the fact that we'd met before after I wrote this, but we really are strangers except on here -- you know? Thanks for all your encouraging comments! I always know you're reading my new posts!
Mup -- gosh, you're so nice! I know there are much better and more profound reasons to blog, but I guess these are the ones I really appreciate!
Karen -- I hope that, too! :) Thanks for being such a sweet friend!
Joshy -- that's okay. I'm not mad. It's kind of cool to be a little isolated. I've been running!
Christen -- so good to talk to you last night. I sent out your package today. Thanks for reading my posts! You are a great friend -- in real life, too! :)
Gret, I am so glad you are a faithful fellow blogger. I love reading your thoughts and missing your fun and unique ways (in a good way--some people take the word "unique" wrong!) It is so great to know that we can encourage brothers and sisters in Christ, even through the internet, as Karen stated so well. Thank you for keeping us posted on the thoughts of Gret! Happy 1st Anniv.!
P.S. I am a little envious that Donette got to see you. :-)
Happy Birthday to your blog!
My favorite post was probably the one about Cede and I, I mean, who wouldn't want to be in the same catagory as she is?...also I really liked the Camp Outt one, because it made me so excited. I always look forward to your new posts because you are such a great writer. Maybe next fall when I'm down there with you I'll be able to keep in touch better with the Illinois peeps too.
Well I love you muy mucho!
-emma
Sar -- you are sweet, thank you. I remember when the idea of a blog was SO NEW to me, and Josh called me at work and gave me your blog address. I just couldn't believe it! I could see pictures of your cute girls and hear what was going on with you! Thanks for being a friend and reading. :) I did have so very much fun with Donette -- we both said we'd try to make it for alumni weekend this year!
Emma -- I blush . . .
The post about Cede's birthday is actually in my top 2 or 3 favorites, but I tried to pick older ones that my newer readers might not have read. Seriously, I wish you'd remember the password for your blog so you could be posting pictures of all the cuteness of you and . . . Abby and Nancy! (and anyone else who sneaks into your pictures). :) Love YOU muy mucho!!! xxxooo
Post a Comment