Splashing around on the Net
Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take" (Joshua 1:9 MSG).
Like a lot of bloggers, I wonder if anyone reads my posts. Oh, I get plenty of spam comments, which I have to delete daily. But I hope that I make contact with "real live" people. Oh, I know I have some readers—like my husband or my children (because I ask them regularly). And I do get some "likes" when I post on Facebook. But honestly, I’ve been a little discouraged lately. So, I decided to take a little break.
Bad idea! When I called my website provider for some help with the spam, I mentioned my lack of “real live” comments to a guy named Andy on the other end of the line. After a slight pause, Andy asked, “Well, do you post more than once a month?”
“Well, uh … I kinda got discouraged."
Andy didn't respond to my whining.
"Oh, I know I need to post weekly. Actually, a few times a week would be best, right?"
Andy politely agreed. Then, he continued to ask me more diagnostic questions about my other website and blog problems. I appreciated his gracious professional courtesy. But I knew Andy pointed me toward an important fact. I needed to step back into the muddy waters of the internet. Maybe I’ll catch a few fish this time.
Splashing around on the net. Why do I let my technical difficulties and discouragement get me off-track on my journey as a writer?
I love what Joshua told the Israelites, right before they crossed over the Jordan to their promised land. They had become discouraged after forty years in the wilderness. They knew they had even more battles to fight in the promised land. But Joshua, their leader, encouraged them, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
Stepping into the water again. I’ve only been blogging a few years—not forty! And I know I don’t need to get discouraged just because of a few spammers and even fewer “real-live” comments. In fact, after my conversation with Andy, who works for my internet provider, my spam decreased immediately. I don't know what he did, but I'm grateful. Thanks, Andy!
So, whether or not I see “success” from my blog, I choose to go forward. What is "success" anyway? A few more readers or obedience to my "call" as a writer? But if you ever want to contribute your “two cents” on my blog, I would welcome your comments. I’ve stepped into the “Jordan,” and I’m not looking back!
Photo/KarenJordan
Can you relate to my discouragement? What scriptures promises have helped you when you’ve been down?
Posted by Karen Jordan at 30 Mar 2011 
Categories: Equipping Disiples
Tags: blogging consistency confidence discipline encouragement Karen Jordan writing and healing writing prompt
Categories: Equipping Disiples
Tags: blogging consistency confidence discipline encouragement Karen Jordan writing and healing writing prompt
Karen, I always enjoy reading your posts! We all get discouraged at times. One favorite Scripture that helps me is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
My tendency is to want to lean on my own understanding. That's when I can easily get discouraged. The reality is that often I just don't have the ability to understand. I just need to trust that God will direct my paths--the crooked ones and all.
-- Mary
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Thanks, Mary. As a writer and a blogger, I know you understand my struggle here, right? Thanks for the encouraging word. You are SO right--we can't depend upon our own understanding or our emotions, can we? Write on ... kj
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Glad you've "stepped into the 'Jordan!" ; )--CUTE!! Reminded me of a song one of my grandchildren likes to hear her daddy sing, "Step out into the water, walk out a little bit deeper..." Your "stepping out" is a blessing! Just because you don't get those "real livecomments" doesn't necessarily mean you don't have "real live" readers! So...step on out into that "Jordan!!" I'm reading your blog! I'm sure others are as well.
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Thanks, Bibbie! I appreciate your encouragement. Sometimes I think I'm a little too honest online. Sorry! But I think it's important to be real every now and then. I am gonna walk out a little bit deeper, too. Just watch and see! Blessings! kj
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Hi Karen,
Please do not stop writing, and I selfishly ask you to please do it often. I'm a programmer, and therefore have been on the net for many years, and you're the first person I've ever wanted to follow. I just found you on cbn, and I read 3 of your pieces immediately (this one included) and all felt relevant to me. You support your words with scriptures that makes more sense to me because of the way YOU connect them with human experiences.
Thank you for these writings. I appreciate them, and hope to read much more from you.
Blessings,
Kapila
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Thanks for your words of encouragement, Kapila! I do not plan to stop writing! But I do plan to post here more often. Thanks so much for your comment. I look forward to hearing from you again. Blessings, Karen
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This is great Karen. I love the scripture you shared and your word picture of splashing around the internet and stepping into the water again. Good analogy.
I can relate to the discouragement of writing and not hearing back from people. Sometimes I want to shout, "Is anyone out there?"
Sometimes I pray for God to encourage and motivate me. And He does.
I too like your use of scripture and every day examples. Keep up the good writing!
Sharon Gibson
www15minutewritercom
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Thanks, Sharon! I really do appreciate your comments. I'm about to jump back into the water. So, watch out for the waves! Blessings, kj
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Good for you!
I am sure those waves will be refreshing to others!
Showers of Blessings on you,
Sharon
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Sharon, I found your blog! http://www.15minutewriter.com/blog Thanks for all the helpful writing tips! I'll post a link to it on my twitter and facebook.
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