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¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ The Twelve Days of Blogging ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸
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On the first day of blogging WordPress gave to me… a social media platform for free.
Seriously, though, I’d love to share with you some of the reasons I love blogging.
( Do you think there’s any chance I’ll get Freshly Pressed for mentioning their name? )
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1st Day. I love blogging because it’s free to start a site on WordPress.
That’s important when you’re a stay-at-home mom in a double-income world.
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2nd Day. Blogging has enabled me to meet so many nice people from so many different places.
I’m not comfortable in crowds unless I have a specific job to do such as greeting.
Blogging makes it easy to spontaneously mingle,
and I’ve noticed it’s helped me be more comfortable mingling in my local world too.
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3rd Day. I’ve learned so much about writing from reading blogs.
And I’ve met some wonderful writers and authors.
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4th Day. My blog helps me have a creative space separate from my mommy life.
When I log onto to my blog, everything is right where I left it.
No toast crumbs ever show up on greenlightlady.
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5th Day. I’ve learned a ton about traditional and self-publishing from several blogs I love to follow.
But it will still be a while before I get something out there.
And it will be done as best as I can thanks to all the wonderful help on the internet.
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6th Day. Poetry, photography, and art blogs have inspired me to be more adventurous in my own creativity.
I absolutely recommend following a blog on something you’re curious about.
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7th Day. I have personally benefited from recovery blogs that have encouraged me to be alert and not fall back into unhealthy patterns.
I admire anyone who has admitted their need for help, reached out for it, and then turned around to help others.
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8th Day. Marriage blogs are wonderful reminders to tend to ones own garden of love.
Love and respect are as crucial to a healthy relationship as sun and water are to flowers.
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9th Day. I’ve discovered important pieces of information on blogs that have answered some of my longstanding questions.
Browsing through the WordPress Reader is like walking through a library… including the self-help section.
Knowledge can be empowering, comforting, and transforming.
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10th Day. Laugh therapy is abundant in Bloggerville too.
If you make me laugh, I’ll be back.
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11th Day. Spiritual inspiration in a fresh and genuine way is a huge draw for me.
My favorite inspiration is anything that encourages me to walk closer with our Creator and his creation.
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12th Day. I love blogging because that’s how I met each one of you.
Sometimes I’m so touched by your blog posts or your comments here on my blog that I’m speechless.
If I’ve clicked the like button on your blog, it’s because there was something about that post that blessed me.
And nothing about blogging blesses me more than when I’ve touched you with encouragement or peace.
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13th Day? A baker’s dozen__________________.
( It’s your turn to tell me what you love about blogging. )
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Twelve Days of Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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I can agree with all of that, Wendy. Though substitute ‘ahalf chewed bones’ for toast crumbs 🙂
Sue, your dog, Ani, is so sweet. ❀
You wouldn’t say that if you could see her right this minute, Wendy… upside down, dangling off the sofa and doing a great impression of a mad dog 🙂
She’s in the perfect position to get a belly rub. 😉
She knows 🙂
I love blogging because I can enjoy seasons of just reading and pondering, as well as seasons of constant writing. I love the community, the encouragement, and the inspiration. Thank you for sharing your writing!
Thank you, dear Alison. I like how you described the seasons of a writer. I’ve always admired how Mary “treasured and pondered things in her heart.” Wise example. ❀
I love blogging because it is the one sure way I can encourage people. Period. The end.
Jane, that’s definitely the biggest honor to strive for. ❀ Amen.
Wonderful idea for a post near Christmas, Wendy. 🙂 I loved it.
I love blogging because I was able to have a writing buddy for Nano who was already a friend. <3
Jennifer xo
Thank you. dear Jennifer. xo I really loved your notes of encouragement. Too bad we weren’t allowed to cut and paste those as part of our word count. 😉 There were a couple of days I had to force myself to keep writing.
You rock as a Nano buddy. ❀
Yes, that would have helped out the word count immensely! I managed to add 2141 words to the conclusion yesterday.
Way to go, Jennifer. My nano novel draft is “resting” until January. But I entered a small writing contest in the Harlequin community for a short story inspirational romantic suspense. Yikes, I’ve discovered I love writing romance. ♥ Now I want to keep writing that one on the side.
Good for you. Short story writing is a skill I need to hone. I adore writing romance too. Hopeless romantic to a fault!
Short stories have made a comeback thanks to the internet and e-books. I’d like to learn more about writing them too. ❀
Hear, hear! You’ve said it perfectly 🙂
Thank you, dear Linda. Your blog is one of those helpful ones I love to read. ❀
Excellent post, my blogging friend. I began blogging to encourage people, but bloggers like you encourage me. Thank you, Wendy.
Bill, your writing most definitely encourages me. Thank you for your kindnesses here and at your inspiring blog. I consider you my brother and my friend. Blessings to you and Mary. ❀ If you decide to publish a book, I want several.
What fun this was to read . Have a fabulous weekend and happy holidays.😇
Thanks, dear Geraldine. It was a fun and easy post to create. ❀ Blessings on your weekend.
Love your wonderful photos and your thoughtful musings…
Thank you, Charlie. I enjoy your gardening posts and videos. I learn something new each time I visit. ❀
What I love is the blessing of ‘meeting’ some of my dear brothers and sisters in Christ whom I would never have the opportunity to meet in the natural. Being drawn into the hugs from deep within others’ hearts. The pain shared, the love given, the hope restored … the sweet fragrance of blogging and oh! the wonderful friendships that have formed along the way. Thank you so much Wendy for your encouragement given me and all of your beautifully inspiring words and photos xxx
Liana, I had always wanted a sister I could talk to. My sweet, late sister had autism and Down’s, so we couldn’t “talk”. But I loved her none-the-less. Blogging has given me sisters from all over the world. I often pray for you dear ladies like I did for my sister. xo Hugs & thank you.
Hugs dear Wendy. So sorry for your loss.
Thanks, dear Liana. I’m anticipating being able to really talk with her in heaven. ❀
I think about it all the time; blogging has connected me to people around the world – truly amazing – or even across this great Canada! I am inspired by others, get a chance to encourage and even follow the personal/family life of people I have never met, and probably won’t in this earth-time. While the devil uses modern technology to destroy people, it is satisfying to be part of the movement that seeks to share hope instead. By the way, I like the little garden stone in your photo, “delight reigns…” I thought, it also “rains”. Be blessed, and your family.
Peace
It has certainly rained in our garden these past two weeks… we’ve had flooding in our town. Our house was safe as it’s on a hillside. I agree that it’s nice to see the good that can be spread on the internet. It’s also nice to read about how others think and why. I love it when people agree to disagree with gentleness and respect. Blessings, dear brother. ❀
This is SO MARV-elous, Wendy!!! I’ll be laughing about the toast crumbs all night–and I needed a good laugh! You’re so right about blogging–God has blessed it to be a blessing. Thank you for being here–I love you. God bless you and your family. caddo
❀ Thank you & love to you, dear poet friend and sister. xo I have been blessed abundantly over the past two years getting to know you and reading your poetry. So many of my own poems were inspired by the different forms you’ve taught us all. And I’ve always appreciated your focus on grace and a relationship with Christ rather than religious performance. Another thing I love about blogging is that I can “visit” with you here and not pass on the flu bug I’m battling. 😉 Hugs.
Oh NO, not the flu! Sending up fervent prayers right now, Sister. The greatest gift I’ve received from the Lord–after salvation–was the teachings about “relationship” rather than “religion”. It’s impossible to “worship” a doctrine with list of rules and conditions–we can only worship the Person we’ve come to know and love. Take care, hon–you’ll feel better soon! Caddo xxoo
Thank you, dear Caddo. xo I’m getting doted on, and I’m hanging out on my den sofa guilt-free. I’ll gain the weight back by eating Christmas chocolate later this month. 😉
Sounds perfect!!
I love blogging because I’ve gotten to meet YOU, and be inspired by your words.
Hey, it just started snowing here at Word Press! How do you do that?
Next year, I hope to convert from Blogger to Word Press… if they can transfer my 414 posts.
I sincerely hope we can meet up next summer. ~ Richard
Richard, I wish I was as close to my blood brothers as I feel towards bloggers like you. But God… and so I continue to pray.
Yes, you and Mary must let us know if you want us to drive to the place you’re staying at or vice versa. I’d love to show you around our beautiful valley. It’s about an hour away.
I think you’d love WordPress. Both have their benefits. I tried Blogger and rarely use it. Not sure why–but I took to WordPress so easily that I didn’t look back. The snow is an option on the settings page and stays until Jan.4. I stumbled upon it accidentally and was thrilled to click on it. (Did you get the e-mail with our phone number?)
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
I love blogging for many of the same reasons you do. I especially love the platform it gives me to praise the Lord and bring glory and attention to Him. I do adore the community it affords as well and the lovely people I’ve met like you! Hugs and love, N 🙂 <3
Natalie, I love your reasons. ❀ My reasons for starting weren’t as honorable as yours since I wanted to start a platform for a small home business I have. Yet, once I started, I realized the very things you’ve mentioned are so much more important and eternal. I even tried not to bring God onto my blog–but couldn’t help it. He’s my all in all. xo I love your blog.
What a fabulous post Wendy! i began blogging as therapy after my MS diagnosis but it has turned into something beyond my wildest dreams, including coming across your blog! 😊 xx
Thank you, so much, dear Christine. xo Writing and reading poetry is therapeutic. I began writing it again, in earnest, when I started my faith walk. Then I began to write prose in my journal while I was recovering from eating disorders (I’ve kept journals for over 30 years now).
Is your poetry book available for purchase yet? I’d love a link if it is. ❀
It’s not quite ready yet Wendy, some hold up with a tax information number I need apparently otherwise 30% will be grabbed off me! And as all profits are going to an MS charity I want it to make as much as possible. I will share it on my blog as soon as it is out. xx
Thanks for letting me know, Christine. ❀ I will keep a lookout.
Ditto on all those reasons Wendy! And I’d like to add my reason–through blogs of those living in countries far and wide I get to savor the flavor, traditions, the landscapes of places I probably will not be able to travel to myself. I treasure the international connections I’ve made through blogging. Keep on inspiring us with your beautiful photos and thoughts dear friend! Love and hugs ~ Laura
Dear Laura, yes, I agree that traveling through blogs is wonderful. I’m loving your nature pictures on http://laurajostes2012.wordpress.com I recently bookmarked it so I can catch up on your photography easily. The quotes you select always bless me. Love & hugs. ❀
Thanks Wendy! 🙂
Wow lovely and interesting here
Thank you, dear Marylou.❀ I’m always impressed with the variety of pictures you post. Your photography is wonderful.
Great post Wendy it is such a wonderful experience this blogging life. I do not know many local people around me that do it. I would be lost without all the information and inspiration I receive from you and many others. Thank you.
Thank you, Kath. I know what you mean about learning so much. And the encouragement and inspiration I receive from bloggers, such as yourself, is precious. I love your art. ❀
Lovely rhymes and great pictures! 🙂 I thank God for blogging, it has afforded me the privilege of visiting places I wouldn’t have gone and made me meet great new friends. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Blessings and love to you my friend. 🙂
Thank you, dear Seyi. I agree it’s wonderful to travel the world via a click of the mouse. And we learn so much from all those visits with cyber friends. Hugs. ❀
I definitely love blogging for the friends I’ve met … and you, my friend, are one of those gorgeous flowers in the arrangement. I’m grateful for you.
Shelli, you are a graceful (full of grace) butterfly sprinkling the gold dust of encouragement over the writing community. Thank you so much for reaching out to me. The sample I’ve been reading of your book has already inspired a poem. ❀
Wendy, you’ll have to let me know when you finish the poem. I’ll use it when I speak, if you’ll allow me to. My next speaking engagement is in October!! Women’s retreat. And if you’ll give me your address through FB, I’ll mail you a copy!! 🙂
Shelli, I was sent some Christmas money yesterday and so I bought some of my Amazon wishlist books for my Kindle (Including your book) so I can carry it around in my purse. I was craving to read an inspirational book as a break from novels and writing craft. I love alternating what I read. You are so sweet. The poem I wrote is only a micropoem and I posted it on Dec.11 on FB. It was the one with the fading rose & verse. I suspect I’ll write a longer one when I’m done reading. If I do, I’ll let you know. Hugs.
Wendy, I can’t believe you bought my book. That is so sweet of you. And I found the poem … I remembered it. Lovely!
Shelli, I was hooked once I started reading the sample. Reading samples on Amazon is a great way to discover if a book is the right fit. I’m blessed to have met you this year. ❀
What a delightful and witty Christmas blog post you have blessed us with. Your blog and friendship has become so important to me. Yes, like you, I love the internet as it has fired my creative juices and brought me so many wonderful friends. A joyful Christmas to you and yours.
Thank you, dear Mary. This post had been brewing in the back of my mind for a long time. Your blog inspires me to dig deeper into the history and meanings behind places and plants. And reading your short stories has inspired me to begin writing some. Blessings as you write and blog into the New Year and beyond. ❀
I love blogging because I meet wonderful people like you! Your photos and prose are so uplifting! Merry Christmas Wendy. Thanks for your many wonderful comments on my blog and for reposting my art on FB! Many Blessings to you and your family in the New Year! Hugs ~ Rhonda
Thank you, dear Rhonda. You’re so welcome when I share your paintings. I grew up in the home of an artist and learned early what a treasure and joy art is. Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy ❀
Blogging allows me to share what I love to do and to be inspired by others to do even more. In effect my readers become my muses. Thank you for inspiring me, Wendy. – Mollie
❀ Dear Mollie, thank you for encouraging and inspiring me too.
What a creative post you did for the christmas season. A lot to be grateful for that is sure! My favorite part of blogging is the learning I have attained. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks, dear Laurie. Being a lifelong learner makes living more fulfilling. Blessings on your Christmas with your loved ones. ❀
Enjoyed this deeper and broader glimpse into your blogging journey, Wendy. And yes, I’ve discovered there is nothing quite like laugh therapy.
Take care.
Xx
Diana
Laughter. It’s our family’s favorite pastime. Blessings on you and your loved ones as you celebrate, dear Diana. ❀
Thank you, dear Jennifer. Blessings for 2015. May all your writer dreams come true. ❀ Hugs.
I love blogging because it creates a community and I love building community Wendy! By the way, I come here via Jennifer and am so glad she led me here this morning. <3
Diana xo
So nice to meet you, Diana. xo Jennifer is one of those sweet blogger friends I hope to meet in person one day. Yes, “blogging creates a community”. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a blog family reunion somewhere central to all of us? ❀
Yes Wendy – that would be amazing. I’m ok with meeting on Jennifer’s deck for coffee – what an amazing view!
I agree, Diana. I adore the pictures she posts. ❀
Yep, OK, me too. Jennifer sent me – I admit it! Why do I blog? I guess I’m just a writer, and writing spills out everywhere: it gets messy, but its too fulfilling ever to closet away. As for learning, and for ‘meeting’ new poeple from every corner of the world, well…how can you beat that?
Frederick, I also love to meet people from all over the globe. And, yes, writers must write. Blogging gives us one more place to “spill out” those necessary words. So nice to meet you. ❀