Blog Birthday Blessings

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Image courtesy of KROMKRATHOG / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

On the evening of July 26, 2011, my 48th birthday, I registered my domain name for this website and signed up with a host.

At the time, I really had only a very vague idea of what I wanted to do with a website.  Mostly, I just knew that all the experts said anyone publishing or marketing a book needed a website and social media involvement.

I spent the next couple of weeks trying to figure out how to set up a website, and looking at websites by other authors.  I decided that I definitely wanted a blog, though I wasn’t real sure what to do with it.

So, I loaded WordPress and started playing around with banners and menus.  On August 11, 2011, I posted my very first blog post.

That same day, I started FaceBook and Twitter accounts.

I had no idea what sort of ride I was signing up for!  🙂

Although I’ve learned a lot over the last year, in many respects I still feel like I’m finding my way in the dark, one week at a time.  I’ve come to really enjoy blogging and FaceBooking…though I still feel a little lost on Twitter…

I’ve greatly enjoyed the increased interaction with friends and family.  I have loved getting reacquainted with old friends I had lost track of over the years.

The real surprise, though, has been the on-line community I have come to know and love.  I’m not sure what I expected, but I really had not considered the possibility of actually becoming real friends with people I have never met face-to-face.

Although I’ve seen very little evidence, thus far, that social media is a good marketing venue, it is definitely a good means of meeting new people, making new friends, getting acquainted and staying in touch.

Who knew blogging could be so much fun?  I’m so glad that God’s plans supercede my own!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

All of you with whom I interact on blogs and FaceBook are truly an unexpected suprise blessing!

I have been amazed and humbled by the level of transparency and vulnerability shown in so many blog posts.  I have smiled at people’s willingness to address tough issues with grace and truth.  I have been warmed by the many kind words and abundant encouragement.  I have been blessed by both prayers and prayer requests.

Thank you, all, for becoming a part of my life, over this last year.  I look forward to getting to know all of you better!

What surprise blessings or disappointments have you encountered with Social Media?

[Linked to God Bumps , Scribing , WIP , Beholding Glory , Graceful , Seedlings , Wellspring ]