There should be something called “The Phases of Blogdom.” It seems that most (at least the blogs I read) go through these phases. There are many phases, but the one I would like to focus on is the phase I will call “self-reflection.” Fitting topic for Friday Reflections, huh? Keep in mind that I read a lot of Christian blogs….pastors, worship leaders, etc.
It is during this phase, it seems, that bloggers, particularly those who have a significant following, realize their blogs have become too much about THEM and not enough about God. These bloggers say they start to care “too much” for what the readers think of them. Then, like dust in the wind, they disappear for awhile…..if not for good.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I have a great deal of respect for a lot of these guys and gals. On the surface, they are using their sites to expand the Kingdom of Christ and, for me, that’s what it is all about. Where I have a problem is how it gets from there to being about yourself or caring what readers think of you personally.
I have went from blogger, to Vox, to a dot wordpress blog, to this one. Many designs and themes, but the initial purpose was to keep family in the loop with pics, videos and info about how we’re doing. I was a rookie in the truest since. I hadn’t even heard of a stat program until I moved everything to whatsthislifefor dot org. I hadn’t heard of it cuz I didn’t care. But when I started the blog you see today, I started learning. I had Woopra and Google Analytics and Statpress and Sitemeter and I checked them all every day; sometimes several times a day. Some days I would sit with Woopra open and watch people, LIVE, come here, notice how long they stayed and what they read.
I watched as this site went from 5 or 6 hits a day to 500 hits a day. Here’s the deal though: I realized very quickly that this concern with the stats was not going to be good. I got rid of all but one of the stat programs and, right now, I couldn’t tell you the last time I looked at it. I really have no idea if we’re still at 500 or back to the 5 or 6, but ya know what?
I just don’t give a rip!
This blog serves two purposes.
- Still in line with my initial thoughts: Keep family that is a million miles away updated daily about how and what we’re doing in Germany. It helps me to communicate with them and makes it hurt a bit less that we’re so far away. I hope it helps in the same way for them.
- My calling! To reach the lost! Those who don’t know Christ, who refuse to acknowledge Him, who deny Him. There are so many points in my life where God’s light has been all around me. I didn’t notice it then, but I do now and should someone else be going through some things that I have been through, hopefully they will see His light.
At some point, you may see a post saying I’m going away for a bit, but trust that it will be because of a vacation. I may post something about taking a break, but trust it’s because I have hit a wall and have nothing to write. I will never shut this thing down because I care too much of what you think of me. I love you all, but I also realize most of you who come here are Christians. You have probably figured this out already, but this blog is NOT FOR YOU.
Any time I have ever thought of giving this thing up, God gives me a reason not to. Whether it’s an email from someone who was hurting and read something that really hit home for them or someone who comments for the first time, saying that they come here every day, but never comment. I have faith that God will use this tool to His benefit and I DON’T HAVE TO SEE THESE BENEFITS. I just need to know He is in control and there are no accidents. I’m here, just as all of you are, for a reason. I reach people and although I might have it, I don’t NEED proof. I just know. I don’t need a million of ya to comment and tell me how great I am. Again, it’s not about me. Someone, somewhere will read it and even if it pisses them off, God is working in them. THAT answers the question in the title of this blog. What’s my life for? Not for you! It’s for Him and whatever I can do to bring those who don’t know Him, to Him. I’m a gardener; I plant seeds. The Creator makes them grow.
We all have the opportunity to reach people. I’m far away from anyone I have ever known and I’m surrounded by a bunch of people who speak a different language. THIS is ONE tool that God has given me to reach His children.
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Have you planted any seeds lately?
