I recently read an article titled, Is Blogging Dead? that had caught my eye on a feed, it was discussing what some bloggers believe with the declining number of readers, that it may well be dying.
This particular article raised some interesting points as to whether blogging is relevant for today’s readers or not.
As there seems to be a turning towards the more popular social platforms at the moment like Podcasts, Video clips & HD photo platforms.
I had to ask myself as a blogger the same question; is my professional & personal experience I share here still relevant?
The answer & how we can apply this to our lives is our reflection for today. But first let’s grab our cuppa’s, a treat & get comfy.
This morning I’m having a combination I made, in a Caramel Coffee/Chai Latte with a toasted slice of gf Apricot & Coconut loaf.
What’s your Focus?
As writers we have much to share & we love to hear the impact our words have made upon you, our readers.
Your feedback helps us to refine our art & we’re greatly encouraged when our words have bought you encouragement my friend.
The main issue with blogging is that our Host Blogging Platforms provide statistics each day. In fact that’s the first thing that comes to view after logging into our Host.
While this can be helpful in giving us an idea of where our words have reached in the World.
It can be discouraging if Bloggers have certain expectations in numbers that are not being met within the statistical data, which is what the bloggers in the article were finding.
Personally I discovered in the beginning of my blogging journey that if I became distracted by ‘the numbers’ my true focus quickly faded!
Let me make this personal…
I began my writing journey in 2002, after my late husband passed away from Brain Cancer.
My first book was published in 2007, it was a very personal & also a professional insight into the journey of Grief.
Then in 2017 my second writing endeavour of my NDE was published in a Vinaigrette which you can read Here.
You see I love writing, but more then that I enjoy sharing with you to give you encouragement in your journey.
“…continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity]…” Heb 3: 13 AMP
For I believe we all need a little encouragement to keep on keeping on, especially when times get tough.
And sharing what God has or is doing in our lives we can give each other a much needed boost in similar situations.
And Counting…
This morning, as I was hanging a load of washing on the line, I was reminded to ‘Count my Blessings’ when the words of an old hymn started playing through my mind;
‘Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one…
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!’ Ref
It all began with Prayer…
You see God clearly led me to start this blog, in fact He continues to supply the funds, the electronic Tablets to write upon & the inspiration each week.
As I had specifically asked God, in prayer, for a clear direction in 2017 after the above mentioned Vinaigrette had been published & distributed;
“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that he may run (keep on keeping on) that read it.” Hab 2: 2 Ref
So to answer the question; “Numbers, are they important?”
The short answer is Yes & No!
Yes, we can absolutely count the number of our blessings each day.
&
No, we don’t need to look at statistical numbers, whatever they may be, to keep on blogging in faith. We just need to keep our eyes on the Lord & do what He’s calling us to do.
And that my friend is wisdom for living, to keep our eyes fixed upon our Heavenly Father, be true to His calling & count our blessings, naming them one by one.
And you my friend are one of those blessings!
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re also most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2023 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photo by Roman Friptuleac on Pexels.com
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Jennifer, I think I started blogging long after blogging was a thing. So I was slow to join. I felt like once I started, everyone was established and then moving onto other things. For me, it has been the connection and conversations which keep me blogging. I am so grateful the Lord crossed my paths with those who share meaningful and encouraging words. And you, friend, are one of those I am grateful for. May the Lord continue to bless and use your writing!
Aww, thank you Joanne, I’m very grateful for your encouragement & meaningful words too sweet friend (which come at the perfect time!) & I love that you hold our get together online each week 💝
It makes me sad when I hear that “blogging is dead,” but I have never been in style anyway, so why start now? 🤣
Lol!! Me either Michele 😂
Jennifer, this is perfect! You know I rarely look at my stats, okay truthfully, I forget. I love to encourage and be encouraged.
Visiting today from Anita’s
Thank you Paula 😊
I love this and agree on this so much! At the outset when i started in 2015 after retirement, I wondered if anyone would read what I put out there and looked at the numbers and compared myself with other bloggers and how many more followers they had than I did. My purpose also was to encourage, hopefully inspire, and perhaps help the reader to discover something new (hence, my site title, A New Lens). Then one morning, I sensed the Lord nudging me that it didn’t matter how many read what I wrote because sometimes it might be for just one person I would never meet or know. That settled it in a powerful way for me and I am content as I am reminded He is pleased with me to keep Him the focus. I am still curious about the countries that show someone or so visiting and I am always curious how they discovered me.
Blessings on your weekend, Jennifer.
Pam
Thank you Pam 🙂. I love how God told you the following;
“…it didn’t matter how many read what I wrote because sometimes it might be for just one person I would never meet or know.”
I too have sensed this from the Lord, as many who visit don’t leave a comment or like behind.
Blessings to you too my friend! We had a lovely quiet weekend, I hope yours is peaceful.
Amen! The weekend was pleasant with good weather and we were resting up from my hubby being at the hospital all morning on Friday for testing for his upcoming aortic valve replacement (date for that not yet set).
Blessings,
Pam
Glad you both had a good rest. 😊 Praying for a great outcome when surgery happens Pam. 🙏
Thank you so much, my friend 💕
you’re right about those numbers, Jennifer. i used to be obsessed with them. now i glance at them once a week. i’m more interested in the conversations that occur. it’s interesting, too, that people that left blogging behind them for Insta and other platforms are returning to blogging via Substack. maybe everything old is new again!
Wow! I didn’t realise that Linda about those returning to blogging who had previously left for the other social media platforms. You may be right, maybe everything old is new again! 😉
And I love the personal contact & conversations in blogging too!
Love this. Thank you for such an encouragement.
Thank you Manu & you’re most welcome 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Sadly, it took the death of a dream for me to stop caring so much about the numbers. But it’s pretty freeing.
You’re welcome Lauren. I’m saddened to hear your dream died but gladdened in you’re new found freedom from the pressure that statistical data can bring!
Jennifer, as a fellow blogger, your writing has always been an encouragement to me. Today’s post is most relevant as I look at my numbers too often. I must do what God gives me to do and leave all results in His Hands. Keep writing, my friend!
Aww, thank you sweet friend for your encouraging words. I enjoy your beautiful posts too! 😊
This is encouraging! Thank you for sharing it!
You’re most welcome my friend, lovely having you join me here for a cuppa 😊
It is discouraging to look at the statistics. It becomes ‘works’ to approve our writing, rather than the power of the Holy Spirit that changes lives. He will approve His Word and He is not counting views
If one person responds it is worth the time, energy and the financial costs involved. Thank you for that
Yes, you raise some good points Heather, Thank you sweet friend. 😊