Saturday, August 10, 2013

FIVE Years! Happy Anniversary, Clare's Contemplations!




I had no idea, when my aunt first started her blog, and told me I should start one, that it would still be going. It has been crazy, and I have covered so many things, and so much of my life has been documented for the world to see. My first blog post was only five sentences long and didn't really say much of anything! And now, today, it has been FIVE years!

 In some ways, I feel that the age of my blog is appropriate-I can do so much more now than I did originally (Pinterest! Better photos! Text on photos! Link-within! Link parties!Stats!) but I still have a loooong way to go-anyone know how to put those nifty Pinterest/Facebook/email buttons on the sidebar? I do really feel like a 5 year-old, I can do a lot more than I used to, but I ain't ready for a full-time job just yet!;)

But I have to say, I am really proud of myself. I have fought, and tried, and given up, and tried again with this blog. It has taught me so much about myself, my pride and my fears, my loves and my needs, that I don't regret it. I know that 40,000 pageviews over the lifetime of a 5 year-old blog is literally nothing. But like I said in this post , I have to remind myself over and over that I am just trying my hardest to let God lead. There are always lots of ideas that swirl around that I would love to try-hosting my own link party, giveaways, a weekly blog feature, but it just hasn't been the right time.

However, after a lot of prayer and consideration, Clare's Contemplations has its own Facebook page! I would love, love, love it if you would "like" it on Facebook! You can either click through here www.facebook/clarescontemplations, or use the link at the top of the sidebar. It is really nerve-wracking, because I know there are people out there looking at my blog, but they aren't commenting, and I am hoping Facebook will be a less stressful place for us all to interact. It is hard for me to put myself out there like that, but I just felt like the Lord was saying the timing was right.

If you're curious though, here is my blog by the numbers:

Followers:10. Just being honest here-that is really, really, sad. But whatever.
Most viewed post: Superhero Baby Shower with close to 5,000 pageviews. Thank you, Pinterest!
Most commented on post: The Hand of God with a grand total of 8!

However, I have seen some things I never expected-I know that the Lord is working, and He is doing it in a way that will bring the most glory to Himself. So, I just keep praying about it and trucking along, and I know that He will bless it as He sees fit.

On of my biggest discoveries has been the recent addition of my tagline: "Making the most of every opportunity...". That is taken straight from Ephesians 5:

"...Find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:10-20

I truly can't think of any other passage that sums up my life's goals and purposes more than this one. I want to use this blog as a reflection of my life: one that pleases the Lord, and draws others to Him. I truly want to honor Him. Thanks for being part of my journey-I know there are more of you out there than I can see, and even if the number is small, I hope you know how important you are to me. Here's to as many more years of blogging as the Lord sees fit...

4 comments:

  1. Happy 5 years!! How cool is that?? =) It's been fun "keeping in touch" and watching your life unfold. =)

    ~ Jen

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  4. Congrats - I have gotten much better at joining linkys and etc. too. {I am considering using a blog designer for my teacher blog...which BTW has 33 followers}. I think the key is photos & links, networking your blog on FB via a page is a GREAT idea! I for sure am encouraged & blessed by your friendship & insights shared via this blog.

    Great work!

    {sorry to delete my previous posts, they had errors...should proofread before publishing :0)!!}

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