What to Do...
When I first started my blog, my 15 year old son read a few posts, and asked, "Who in the world is going to want to read that? " Instead of being hurt and outraged, I laughed and said, "Maybe no one, but that's okay. I'm not trying to see how many people I can get to read my blog."
That being said, I HAVE enjoyed each new reader and the comments that they leave. The Lord made us to need other people. I have enjoyed my world map, and being able to visually take in where each of you are. I'm tickled that I now have "friends" all over the world! Isn't technology amazing?
Beach Girl (Vanessa) from Yahweh's Retreat has named me a recipient of the Thinking Blogger Award. Thank you, Vanessa, for your kindness. My heart is touched at the thought that my humble writings would actually make anyone *think*. This is certainly not what Mac expected!
I hope that this does not offend anyone, but I am choosing not to pass this award along as the instructions say to do. You see, in the instructions the recipient is to choose five other blogs that make them think. Five? How could I ever narrow down my blog roll to five? It would be impossible to do. That's like asking a mother which one of her children she would save from a sinking ship! How would you choose?
I am not trying to live in a Utopian society. I think of the line from The Incredibles when Dash comments, "If everyone is special than nobody is!" I think that there is a real danger of feeling like we need to be mindful of other's self-esteem. Real life is full of disappointments. I don't believe that every team in the league should receive a trophy, but that the honor should be reserved for the winners.
In this case though, I'm thinking about God's word. James 2:8-9 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (ESV) I do not write this to convict any of you whom have chosen people for this award, but to explain why I feel that I must not.
Is blogging a competition? That's not how I view it. I love to read the posts that each of you write. I laugh, I cry, I feel the need to pray. I feel encouragement, motivation, and love. To me, this is what blogging is. If I read your blog and comment, please know that you have touched me in some way.
14 comments:
What a beautiful post and very heartfelt.
Blessings,
Trella
Hey Tracy! Well ... congrats on the thinker thing.
About the drop down menu ... I can help with that. If you go into your "Customize" section (where you add and take away elements from your page) and choose to "add an element" you can add an archive list. It will give you a choice of how to put it in your blog. Just choose the "drop down" menu. If you already have an archive, just go in at customize and "edit" it to do the same. It is very simple.
Have fun! I am looking foward to summer when I can waste even more time playing around with my site. It is so addicting.
That was a beautiful post.
You are so kind.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog and your blogging friendship.
I agree with you I don't look at blogging as a competition, but rather a fun way to keep in touch with family and friends.
Hugs, Lori
Amen. <><
I agree completely with you, Tracy. I don't think that it should be a competition, either. That said, I have no problem with others who wish to participate. That is their choice, as this is mine.
Excellent post!!!
Well, I felt the same way, but being so new to the blog world, I was really unsure what to do. Fortunately, most everyone on my blog list had already been tagged and so for me to find 5 was not a difficult task.
I agree about it not being a competition. My blog started out for friends and family so they could read about our new adventures living on a sandbar 30 miles out to sea. LOL
But I think the one good thing that did come from me being named a "Thinker" is that others have now found my blog and I am meeting even more wonderful new friends. So, in that way it was a blessing.
It was for that reason that I included MaryBeth's picture diary. I know she would love to have others send her some pictures of churches in their area so she can post them.
And as time goes on, I am looking forward to meeting even more new bloggers out there. The ones I have met so far are great!
Vanessa
I checked out your archive list. Looks great. I am glad it worked out. I appreciate your help too. Together, we'll get this thing done right!
Well said!
Lol, my husband asked me the other day "why do you 'blog'? who reads it?" ~ it's merely my own thoughts about God, life, the good, the bad, the ugly, and the smelly :o)
Keep up the good work!
Congrats on the award, but you are very sweet to consider everyone's feelings. I'm so glad I've gotten to know you through blogger:)
I do agree with trella - such a beautiful post.
Blessings
Dear Tracy,
Thank you for writing this. I've tagged some lovely blogs (yours too, by the way!), but there are so many more I enjoy reading.
This is such a great post! It really made me think about why I blog. I love when people comment on my blog, but if it ever becomes about getting the most comment then I know It's gone off course. Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
Welcome, Samantha!
I don't think that you have been here before, or at least this is your first comment. I hope that you enjoyed your visit and that you will come back soon!
Beautifully expressed and well explained, Tracy. I must say, I very much agree with you. And know that your blog has made me think and that I enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the good work!
In His care, Emily
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