Five Joyful Reflections on Twenty-five Blog Posts!
I have been excited to write this blog post … since January. Since I admire blogs such as “30 Things I have Learned in 30 Years of Ministry” or “10 Reflections on 10 Months of Praying a New Way,” I decided that if I achieved writing 25 blogs (as many bloggers quit after a few blogs), I could celebrate with a reflective blog of my own. Here are five appreciative insights from writing these 25 blog posts, so I begin the Thanksgiving season early with this article.
1. Thankful for the Extent of Interest!
I hoped for some readers beyond friends and family to read the blog posts. Still, I did not anticipate my large number of readers because spiritual disciplines typically are not a high interest among believers. Many are interested in reading books about their immediate life needs and situations, such as books on politics, parenting, finances, cultural topics, etc. Yet pursuing deeper communion with God leads to wisdom that guides Christians in these other areas. That is generally not widely recognized. Just glance at the bestselling Christian books in October 2024. When was the last time that a member at your church raved about a great new Christian book on Scripture memorization? Or what was the last great sermon you heard preached on biblical meditation?
Oh, my “little faith!” With every blog, I saw that God stirred in many people a desire to read about seeking him by his means of grace. For example, blog post # 23, “Soup, Soap, and Salvation!” has been read by 262 people. Additionally, I am thankful to see the number of readers increasing each month with no drop-off. But more astonishing is that people in 23 other countries have read the blog.
Lithuania, Ireland, and Guatemala are the top three for international readers, and several times, my blog posts have been read by Christians in what we would consider “restricted countries” that ought not to be named. Perhaps Trevin Wax is right to foresee a “renewed emphasis on spiritual formation—an allegiance to Jesus as Lord of all of life that requires a total reworking of personal habits and spiritual disciplines.”1
2. Thankful for the Humbling Challenge of Writing Blogs!
It is good standard advice for aspiring writers to blog. The challenge of trying to communicate helpful thoughts in a limited space with an unknown audience is a crucible for refining your writing. What a different format than even writing and preaching a sermon! I naively assumed that being able to preach would translate into easy blogging. It does not! I have found that writing each post is a bit daunting, especially knowing that when you post it, you will not know how it is received. You will know how many read it, but not if they liked it. Wherever you are as a writer, you may want to try blogging. It will improve your skills. I am currently writing my second book, and I am thankful that God has used blogging to quicken the speed of my writing and improve its precision.
3. Thankful for the Power of Pictures and Stories to Capture Attention!
When I could find a great picture to match a great story, then wide-spread interest was ensured.2 Captivating professional pictures captured the attention of the readers of the most popular blogs. Likewise, I discovered that the best blogs tell stories. Many of my readers were attracted to the memorizing Oregon lumberjack, and many readers were inspired by the story of the senior adult whose last coherent words were a childhood memorized verse.
Our attraction to stories makes sense. God is the Master Storyteller, and we are hardwired to love stories and to seek to interpret our lives as stories. The Gospel, the greatest story ever told, reaches us and offers us a chance to trade the sad storyline of our rebellious lives for the grand sweeping redemptive family storyline stretching from Eden to Eternity.
4. Thankful for the Advice to Blog for the Sake of Publishers!
I knew that attempting to be a first-time author was a formidable feat. A study in 2021 found that about 3 million books were published in the US, of which 2.3 were self-published. Take those numbers and increase them to account for the three years has increased since then and you get an idea of how many authors are seeking to publish their books! Publishers are overwhelmed with submissions of manuscripts! If you are thinking about publishing a book, this article on that topic is worth reading, if a bit sobering (https://ideas.bkconnection.com/10-awful-truths-about-publishing.)
As I read advice from Christian authors about writing and publishing, it became clear that publishers are very interested in whether you can write online and how many people read your writing. I did start my blog to be helpful for believers, but I also knew that I would not get my books published without a blog and links to social media accounts. That advice about blogging was valuable. Every time I submitted my book proposal to a publisher or literary agent, I was asked some variant of the questions: “Where do you write, and what is your number of readers and followers on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, etc?
I thank God and God alone for the upcoming publication of my first book, Transformative Time Travel: Deepening Discipleship through Meditation on the Future, Past, and Present. I also recognize that blogging helped open the door with my publisher when they received my unsolicited manuscript and read some of my writing online.
5. Thankful that Many Christians Should Write!
Before you backpedal from this claim, here are two reasons to write!
1. All Christians are to teach, as required by the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them…” (Matthew 28:28-29). Further, Paul wanted teaching to be part of Christian fellowship: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). This does not mean just formal teaching. At least informally, all of us are to teach each other. Writing is such a powerful way to teach, and it can take many different forms, as mentioned below.
2. Writing about God’s truths can be a show of appreciation for the education God has given you. Many in the world cannot receive such a fine education, but you were given that blessing. Bless others through that blessing!
So, you should consider writing, but how? Among many options, if the Lord leads you, here are some ideas:
1. Testimony: Write out your testimony so that you can share it with others, and then your family can have it for generations to come. In addition to writing down how you were saved, you can write down some of the amazing things God has done for you. I know of a family in whom the grandfather has written down pearls of wisdom from his life for his grandchildren. There are many precious memories and truths of life contained in just five pages! Even if only your family reads what you write, you bring them joy and give glory to God: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
2. Notes: When was the last time that you handwrote a note of appreciation for someone and actually physically mailed it? You likely remember receiving an encouraging note in the mail! Who can you encourage with a thoughtful note handwritten by you?
3. Church Communication: If you are gifted in writing, your church leadership will probably be thrilled if you offer to write short articles or blog/social media posts for the church.
4. Blogging: Of course, you knew I was going to mention this one. Blogging can be done without any expenses, or you can pay reasonably small fees for blogging with a company that offers more features. But either way, if God is prompting you to try it, go for it. And let me know that you have started a blog, so that I can become a reader of your blog!
5. Books: God provided a traditional publisher for my first book, but there are many great self-publishing options, ranging from free to more expensive. Just write a book that honors God and let him determine how and how far it gets distributed.
Speaking of books, have you subscribed to the MailChimp Newsletter for the Study Practice Teach Ministry? It is only sent out every few months, so it will not over up your inbox. When my book is printed, Wipf and Stock will let me give you a promo code for a 40% discount on the book. We will only put that code in the newsletter or share it in person. If you purchase directly from Wipf and Stock instead of through Amazon, this saves them money that they pass along to you. Sign up for the mailing here (https://mailchi.mp/0037a20f78c7/spt) or by emailing me directly: Studypracticeteach@gmail.com
Here is the link to the cited article by Tim Challies
Trevin Wax, “3 Waves That Have Shaped Evangelical Churches (and a 4th on the Way)” https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/waves-shaped-evangelical-churches,” Gospel Coalition, 4 Jun. 4, 2024.
Be sure to post pictures without infringing on copyrights. I pay for an affordable annual Canva Pro license that allows me to use their stock photos without having to seek out and pay for the right photo licenses.
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