Sunday, November 23, 2014

Celebrate my 200th Blog Post


I have something to Celebrate... This is my 200th Blog Post!! (Click to Tweet this) 




Where were you four years ago?

In all honesty, I was in a difficult place struggling with severe writer’s block. Due to circumstances and stress, I hadn’t written anything in four long years. I was beginning to think my desire to write was gone forever – and wondered whether the call I felt several years earlier was gone for good.

I prayed a desperate prayer asking God to either take away the desire to write or to show me clearly if I needed to press forward.
Then I saw a scholarship offer for a writer’s conference and I knew this could be my fleece prayer. So, I applied. I put everything on the altar; whether or not I got this scholarship would be my answer.
I got the scholarship.
And, at the conference, I won first place for my article called, Going Tandem. God is so Good! I often wonder if He shakes His head at my lack of belief.
Both of these were huge answers to my prayer and such a testimony to me that God both sees and hears my heart. I knew what I needed to do next.
Taking it Seriously
My blogging journey began after getting home from that conference. I remember saying, maybe I should try writing a blog. But I wasn’t so sure I could keep it up – would I be able to come up with something to write about every week – something readers would want to read? Talk about a step of faith...

And, the online version of The Stream's Edge was born.

Well, here I am four years later publishing my 200th post. Who knew?

God did.

(My mom probably did too)

The Posts Readers Like the Most at The Stream’s Edge 
 
Do you ever wonder what posts at The Stream's Edge received the most reader traffic? With over 70,000 views there have been a few that stood out as most popular to curious visitors.

 
The #1 post is one I just recently wrote to review the Jesus Daily Devotional. It created quite a stir with record numbers signing up to receive my blog by email, traffic on the FaithWords page and other social media. Jesus Daily is a VERY popular facebook page that attracts over 27 million LIKES. This is one of those open doors that turned out to be a wonderful opportunity.

The #2 most popular post is Do Not Be Afraid...Only Believe. I find that extremely encouraging. We all struggle with believing in a culture that throws so many options at us. I take the popularity of this post as a sign that people are searching and sorting for Truth. Wow!

Then #3 is my review of The Son of God movie. 

And #4 Spiritual Skeet Shooting. While speaking at the Monadnock Bible Conference Women's retreat, I got the opportunity to try skeet shooting. And, you know how it is--I got a spiritual application out of it.

My blogging journey has been an awesome experience. I’m still learning.
About myself.
About God and His Word.
And about the skill and discipline of blogging.
Four years ago I had no idea what a gadget was or how to write a tweetable. It's been like learning a new language. But, I have enjoyed the challenge.

Now I am teaching Hands-On Blogging workshops at writer's retreats, adult education centers and one-on-one. I enjoy equipping others to believe they too can start a blog and make it work.

Going Forward

You are the reason I write The Stream’s Edge. My hope is that it will encourage you along the journey of faith and enable you to be bold in your next step, whatever it may be.

So, I would like to learn more about you!

I am incredibly thankful for you, that you take time out of your busy day to stop in and read each post. I'd love your feedback so I can partner with you on the journey.

Is there something you would like to see addressed here at The Stream’s Edge? 

In past posts I have included stories, Bible study passages, guest bloggers, book reviews, stories of overcomes and suggested resources…

What have you enjoyed?

What would you like to see more of?

How has The Stream’s Edge impacted you? Click to Tweet This

Has The Stream's Edge blessed you? Will you share it with others?

I’d love to hear your thoughts so I can include them in my future blogging plans.

Also, please share my 200th Blog Post button on your social media, blogs and website to tell others about The Stream’s Edge? 


Thanks for celebrating my 200th blog post with me.

I'll meet you next time by The Stream,

Jeanne


Copy and paste this code into your blog or website to share my button.

grab button for The Stream's Edge

<div class="the-streams-edge-button" style="width: 200px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://streams-edge.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q2oWQFbKJMjd8VsNNj53AJj9BwlULtvneShXHzxJw8=s259-p-no" alt="The Stream's Edge" width="200" height="200" /> </a> </div>

12 comments:

  1. Hi, congrats on your 200th post. I love the joyous picture too. :)

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  2. Thank you, Mary. Yes, that photo reminds me of when I was young? Or when my kids were small and displayed unreserved joy while playing.
    I want that joy :)
    I appreciate you stopping in and sharing the celebration.

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  3. Your post is such an encouragement to me! Congratulations and THANK YOU for sharing!

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  4. Congratulations, Jeanne. You have given us His instruction, encouragement, and love. I love the picture, it reminds me of Jean Yanuss..........

    Bless you Mom

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  5. Thank you, Shelly. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by and read my posts.
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  6. Thanks, Mom. I sent Jean a message to tell her what you said about the picture. She asked me to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving--and said it was fun being neighbors :)
    Thanks for always being my Barnabas!

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  7. Congratulations, Jeanne! Your story is similar to mine - I've been blogging about 6 months shy of you and it's been a HUGE learning experience filled with lots of highs and some frustrating lows. Through it all, the Lord has been faithful to use everything to equip me for the next post. And the next uptick on blog quality and purpose. Loved hearing about your "fleece" experience. Yes - test Him and He will make plain His path for you. Glad to see we're running parallel in our writing - meeting years ago, both on fire for writing; falling into a desert time; coming back strong and with renewed strength and vision. May you continue to be blessed in your calling. Drop by my place this week and link up your best and brightest post from this past month at my All Things Bright and Beautiful Linkup. Celebrating your 200th post is a worthy post to share with our growing community. Hope to see you there at http://www.thewritersreverie.com/2014/11/all-things-bright-beautiful-link-up-7.html

    Joy!
    Kathy

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  8. Miss Kathy,
    I remember our meeting well. I will be sure to check out your linkup.
    Thanks for catching up with me after all these years and for sharing your comments in celebration.
    I am excited to see what's ahead.

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  9. OMGosh!!!!!! You described my frustration these days. I haven't written a post in a month. I have a draft sitting in my draft box collecting dust because it doesn't "feel" right so I got stuck. I told my mother, "How stupid is this, I'm never short of words, I start a blog and all of a sudden I can't find a thing to say!!!". She laughed at me and said, "Welcome to the world of writing. NOW you are a real writer! Don't worry, this too shall pass." Thank you for letting me know I am more normal then I think I am. And Congratulations!!!

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  10. Hi there!! Enjoyed this post, Jeanne, and I'm very encouraged to keep going. I started one year ago, and sometimes get frustrated that I don't have everything implemented that I've learned. I'm looking forward to reading more, and sharing this blogging journey with you...and our other CCC sisters.
    Blessings!
    Mary
    PS - I also have a Barnabas Mom - where would we be without them???

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  11. As they say, Tammy Sue: Normal is just a setting on the dryer. We all need help doing what we are called to do.
    Glad you are encouraged :)
    200 posts are merely done one at a time LOL

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  12. Ah, the blessings of a Barnabas-Mom. Love it!
    Thanks, Mary for sharing your blogging journey too. A year is something to celebrate - Woo!

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