I was doing some blog maintenance last week when I made a fun discovery: The next time I hit “publish” (today, in other words), I would be sending my 400th post out into the world.
When I started blogging in September 2014, I had no plans to keep going until I hit 400. I had no plans at all, really, other than to post something every Tuesday and hope somebody besides my mom would read it.
One post led to another, though, and here we are—on the brink of a new century, at least when it comes to blog-post quantities.
Much has changed—in the world and in my life—since I started blogging.
You live in the world same as me, so we don’t have to rehash all that. On a personal level, though, my girls were in fourth and seventh grades when I started. Now, one is a high-school senior and the other, a college junior.
I had bangs back then; now I don’t (although I seriously reconsider this look every time I visit the hair shop).
I’m physically stronger, and also visibly older.
Perhaps most significant, at least as far as my writing goes, is that my parents were alive and well when I ventured out into the blogosphere, and now they are not. I don’t know how many blog posts I’ve devoted to various aspects of their long (and sometimes heartbreaking) journeys to heaven, but it’s been a lot.
Three years after my parents died, I still write about them, but it feels different. It’s less therapeutic and more hopeful, less for me and more for others. That might change tomorrow, but for today, it seems good and right.
• • •
After all that life, growth and decline (not to mention those 400 blog posts), I find myself wondering what comes next. And I can’t help thinking about my word for 2022—dawn.
When we went to Idaho a few weeks ago, I expected we’d see some glorious sunrises. How could we not, given the huge sky and regal mountain backdrop? But the two times I woke up early enough (by 5:45 a.m., to be exact) to see the dawn, it was sort of unremarkable.
With so much beauty and majesty in the landscape, I’m guessing that there are days when the sunrises near Kilgore, Idaho, are absolutely gorgeous. That’s not what I experienced while we were there, though.
And yet, here in plain old boring Kansas, with nary a mountain in sight, I have seen sunrises that literally took my breath away. I’ve witnessed dawns splashed across the early morning sky in such vivid color I had to stop running on the trail and take a photo.
So what does this have to do with me and my blog, moving forward, and maybe with you too?
Perhaps just this: That beauty can be found when and where we’re not expecting it. That, upon closer examination, plain isn’t always plain. That we all have gifts and talents—some more obvious than others, but each one good and God-given and meant to be used for His glory.
As I think about my first 400 posts, I don’t have an impressive blog growth story to share with you. Part of me wishes I did, but a larger part is comfortable with the reality that smaller is often better, for a variety of reasons. (That said, new readers are always welcome and appreciated, so if you know of people who might enjoy this blog, please share it with them.)
It’s hard to know, this side of heaven, the true value of what we do, day in and day out. It may not seem all that important or consequential, especially when compared to what others may be doing.
In the end, though, our job is not to keep up with anyone else; it’s simply to do what God has called us to do today, with as much grace and love as possible. Here, that means telling stories that offer what I think we’re all seeking these days—”Strength for today and hope for tomorrow.”
• • •
While I don’t pay much attention to blog stats, I was curious to see which topics have resonated the most with readers over the years. In ascending order, here are the three posts (out of 400) that have garnered the most views since 2014.
No. 3: The Writing Feedback that Changed My Life
No. 2: Do You Feel Like the Wrong Person for the Job?
No. 1: Why Faith is not the Opposite of Fear
If you have a few spare moments, I’d love for you to check out these posts and let me know what you think. While you’re at it, feel free to suggest a topic or two you’d like to see covered here (or covered more often). I have a few plans for the immediate future, but I’ve also learned that sometimes, the words that flow from the day-to-day sharing of lives and hearts are the ones that have the most impact.
Finally, I want to say thank you. If you’ve recently joined us, I’m so glad you’re here. Given all the other reading, listening and viewing options out there, I appreciate your presence very much.
If you’ve been here for the long haul, you’ve walked with me through some deep valleys. Your encouragement has helped me keep writing, and I could not be more grateful.
Onward and upward!
♥ Lois
Beauty can be found when and where we’re not expecting it. Upon closer examination, plain isn’t always plain. Share on X It's hard to know the true value of what we do, day in and day out. In the end, though, our job is not to keep up with anyone else. It's simply to do what God has called us to do today, with as much grace and love as possible. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with OneWord2022, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
36 comments
Congratulations. Even though I’m from Europe, I recognize something of the blogging process you describe. We are growing. Sometimes first in depth, through difficult things. Mourning. Everyone in his or her place.
What beautiful fotos. Oooh, and because I was curious I also checked how many posts I wrote myself. I had completely forgotten what year I started. Soli Deo Gloria, that He helped us to blog, to reach out to ourselves and our readers.
So good to hear from you, Aritha! I would love to know when you started blogging, and how many posts you’re up to now. It’s amazing how the count stacks up without us even realizing it, sort of like growth in other areas of life too. 🙂
400?!?! Wow, Lois! Congratulations and praise the Lord! I’m so grateful for you and what you share here. I remember those 3 posts, and am blessed to have read and prayed along with you through the story God’s given you over these years. Can’t wait to see what dawns going forward!
Thanks so much, Bethany. You have been a faithful encourager over the long haul, and I’m so grateful for your friendship.
Yay, Wonderful! Your writing has touched me time and again.
Visiting today from Let’s Have Coffee #17&18
Aw, Paula … thank you so much. I appreciate your faithful encouragement, my friend.
Your 400th post! That’s awesome, Lois! You have put some amazing material out here into the blogosphere. I’m so glad our paths crossed somewhere along the way and stayed connected. You’re a blessing.
Thanks, Lisa. The feeling is mutual, my friend.
Wow-congratulations!
Thanks, Jan!
Congrats on the milestone Lois! And thank you for the encouragement to look for the beauty around us.
Thanks, Amber! 🙂
Congratulations on 400 posts – one of the most priceless gifts of our blogging community is the relationships built. God didn’t call us for big growth – I think he called us to connect, to encourage others in the journey to Him – and that is what you do! Thankful to be in the same community as yoU!
Oh Maryleigh … you have expressed this so well. The connecting, the encouraging—in both directions? That has been the biggest blessing for me as well. I’m grateful to be on the journey with you as well!
Stopping by from the June One Word Linkup.
Circling back to my last comment. I’m so glad you included the links to your all-time-top-three posts. I got a lot out of them. I hope you don’t mind if I do the same, the next time I hit a blog milestone.
I don’t mind at all, Barb. 🙂 I’m happy you took the time to read all those posts and share your thoughts about them … you’ve encouraged me this week for sure!
Grateful for our connection here and elsewhere. You spoke of modest growth. I was doing my exercises (PT) this morning and thinking about how slow my progress is, and then realized it’s been the same with my writing! And yet we persevere!
Amen, Michele … One step at a time, one motion at a time, one word at a time. Slowly but surely, it all makes a difference.
I discovered your writing through your infertility book. My kids are adopted and are 17 and 14 now. Thank you for sharing your heart all these years. I enjoy sharing your posts and always feel uplifted. Well done!
Aw, Dayna … your comment has made my day! Thanks so much … I’m very glad you’re here! The age difference between your kids and mine is the same, although mine are now 17 and 20. ❤️
Congratulations, Lois on this fabulous milestone! What I love most about it is, you never knew it was coming. You just stayed faithful to what you started and God led the way. That is the beauty; when we trust Him, laying our labors at His feet from a heart of love, He always returns something beautiful from our work. Can’t wait to read your most viewed posts!
Oh Donna, your words are encouraging me in ways that go far beyond blogging! (They often do, now that I think about it!) Thanks for your faithful presence here, my friend.
Wow! A fun milestone indeed! I plan to come back and read through these posts.
I’m glad you’re here, Lauren. ❤️
Congratulations on 400 posts! I so agree that “words that flow from the day-to-day sharing of lives and hearts are the ones that have the most impact.”
My husband is from Idaho! (Twin Falls, in the southern part of the state.) I thought it was a little barren at first, at least compared with the lush greenness I’m used to in the southeast. But over time, I saw it had its charms. I don’t remember anything about the sunsets, though. 😀 But I can amen the thought “That beauty can be found when and where we’re not expecting it. That, upon closer examination, plain isn’t always plain. ”
I don’t remember how or when I found you, either–maybe through a comment or a link-up that caught my eye. But I am glad I did. Here’s to the next 400!
Thank you so much, Barbara! I’m glad our blogging paths have crossed too. I know you’ve been at this a lot longer than I have … how many posts have you published so far? 🙂 And of course I have to ask—how did you meet your husband from Idaho? 💙
5, 143 posts in almost 16 years of blogging. :-0 I was from TX and met my husband from ID at the college we both attended in SC. 🙂
A cross-country romance! And wow! That is a LOT of posts!
I’m not sure when God connected me with you, Lois, but I am grateful! You have been and are a blessing in my life. Congratulations on 400 posts! Your posts often resonate in my heart, strengthen me for today, and fill me with hope for tomorrow. Thank you! Concerning this post – How true it is that beauty can be found when and where we don’t expect it. And it is encouraging that our “job is not to keep up with anyone else; it’s simply to do what God has called us to do today, with as much grace and love as possible.” Thank you for this needed reminder. Love and blessings to you, my friend!
Aw, Trudy … you are a blessing in my life too. I’m so glad we’ve had the chance to meet in person as well—you and your sweet husband. Thank you for your faithful encouragement, my friend.
I don’t know how or when, but somewhere along the way God connected us. I am grateful, enriched because of that. You’re good company, friend. Wise and thoughtful and true. Here’s to many more years traveling together. God is good!
Yes, Linda … He truly is! My first recollection of your blog is a post your wrote about moving after 40(?) years in one place. To say much has happened since then is putting it mildly, I think. 🙂 It’s been a joy to be on this journey with you, my friend.
All of this made me smile. I have no idea how to check most of the stats, even the posts which had the most views. Like you, I started blogging to leave my children (and now grandchildren) a way to know what their mom was thinking. Your posts resonate with me for that very reason – you write as life unfolds. I think it may be the way God intended – it may be the reason each day ushers in His new mercies. May I just say, congratulations on your 400th post! And keep writing as long as He keeps bringing the thoughts and words. Thank you, for always encouraging me with your gentleness. You are a blessing, Lois!
Thanks so much, Joanne! I’m so glad our blogging paths have crossed and, along the way, have shown shown us how much else we have in common! ❤️
Sometimes it takes a walk around the reflecting pool to remember what is really important and to gain perspective on where we are.
I ❤️ your blog BTW and I will be checking out your top-three
That’s a good way of putting it, Barb. I’m so glad you’re here, my friend!