It has been one year since I first began to blog. It was not something I had ever planned to do...my days are never long enough for the projects I have on the go, so I wasn't looking for anything else that would consume huge amounts of time! It was purely by accident that I found a few blogs which were a source of encouragement to me. Before long I began to consider that a blog might be a way for me to be a positive influence in the life of others as I record the happenings (however mundane) of my life. It took a lot lot of courage to publish that very first post...and I had no idea where that would lead.Blogging has been an amazing experience! I have met the most wonderful people this past year...some who will likely remain cyber friends and others whom I have had the opportunity to meet in person. I have re-connected with old friends...and been introduced to new ones. They have encouraged me to try things I have never done...to cook dishes that were not on my menu...to read books I wouldn't have known about...and to truly appreciate the blessings of my everyday life!
I will also be publishing my 300th post this week. I had no idea I would have that much to say...and maybe one of these days I will be out of words. But there will always be another picture to share! I've always enjoyed taking pictures...and a blog is the perfect way to share them. My friends and family are no longer deluged with e-mailed photos of our latest celebration or adventure...they now check into My Front Porch for the latest updates.
Over the past few years I have been collecting stones from many of the places I have visited...stones from the Grand Canyon, and from Yellowstone, and from Death Valley. They are souvenirs of my visit. I think of my blog in much the same way...the posts are 'stone markers' of sorts...to remind me where I have been. So many things have happened this past year...some I would rather not have blogged about...but God has always been faithful! My desire is to encourage others as I share my experiences.
As for vistors to "My Front Porch"...I will be welcoming my 30,000th guest this week. How incredible is that? A few months after I began to blog, I added a sitemeter...thinking I would see if anyone actually read my blog...and have been constantly amazed that so many would stop by. I have had vistors from around the globe (India, Korea, Slovenia, Paraguay, Finland, Dubais...to name a few) and from next door. Unlike some blogs out there...mine has never been a secret! If my friends and family are interested in reading it, they are more than welcome. Some do on occasion leave me a comment...some send me an e-mail...and others have told me in person that they read my blog, and encouraged me to keep writing. Then there are all those who have become my friends...who come back on a regular basis.
Thanks to all of you who have who have made my first year of blogging such a great experience. In honour of this milestone, I would love to send a little something from "My Front Porch" to your front porch. I will be drawing a name at random from all those who leave me a comment this week...draw to be made on Friday afternoon.Tomorrow, I'll be back to tell you all about our fun end-of-summer camping weekend. And now I must go clean out the motorhome once again.
Aww..that is such a neat post, Judy! I have been one of the privileged ones to meet you in person. It was such a wonderful evening! I truly am enjoying your blog, you have encouraged me and I have laughed and cried with you..Congratulations Judy on your milestone! Please continue on..
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, I just begun mine and I would be happy if it turns out half as good as yours.....I also pick up stones from where I visit....
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your blog, Judy. It helps me feel connected with the Baergs and the Lower Mainland (which is like my second home). I am glad to see that the Baerg gift for story telling has been passed on to a woman! I have also enjoyed the verses that you include. Keep going, you encourage a lot of people and I believe it is your ministry.
ReplyDeleteJudy, I am so glad you started this journey. I feel that your blog more than any other is similar in it's feel to mine. I often smile and think .. .now why didn't I think to post that. .
ReplyDeleteI love that you can put pictures on of your grandbabies because it really is wonderful for family and friends to see them recorded here.
You really do have a gift of telling stories and you have a creative touch to your photography that I so enjoy.
Congratulations to finishing a year of blogging and also to the readership that you have so easily captured. Anyone can start a blog but not everyone can touch peoples hearts as you have done.
I'll happily come back everyday of the week . .even without the prize tease.
Judy, you are always an inspiration to me. Your thoughts, your words, your pictures and your travels are always welcome. You share your experiences with an open heart, and I am grateful.
ReplyDeleteWow! Judy, 300 means that you hardly miss any days! Your stories, verses, and pictures are truly inspiring. This is much nicer thatn reading the daily newspaper. Dairymary
ReplyDeleteJudy, what a delight you and your blog are! I can NOT imagine Blogdom without you in it. Hearty congratulations on your one-year anniversary and on your 300th post. It's been a great year in so many ways even amidst the challenges. Here's to another fantastic/funtastic year!
ReplyDelete(Oh, the mosquito story? Well, after eight weeks of rain, we've got more bugs than I've ever seen. Most of them bite, too. ;.)
I first stopped by your blog at the recommendation of a friend. I read with interest to see if we had any connections as we live so near to each other. I kept coming back because of your wonderful stories, beautiful photograghs, holiday and family ideas I can gleen from and I enjoyed your style of blogging. Kind of like reading a magazine. Judy, the neatest thing I have sensed about you is that it is not about you. It is clear that Jesus is number one in your life. Your tenderness in heart to the Lord is evident. Your love for your family, its heritage and the memories you are building with them are rich. You are genuine. I sense a servant heart in you,a maturity and a humbleness that does not draw attention to you but yet speaks well of you. I will come back often to enjoy and also to learn from your posts. Keep collecting stones, and posting...such a neat reminder of your journeys. I'm glad we have met on line and in person. Kathy
ReplyDeleteI happened upon your blog a few weeks ago when I did a search for a Bumbleberry Crisp. I made the crisp and it was delicious! I enjoyed reading your blog and recipes so much that I have now logged on daily. Your pictures are beautiful and your writing is an inspiration and so meaningful! The picture of the sunflower and the "surprised by joy" blog made me smile all day! Thank you for sharing your life.
ReplyDeleteDear Judy, I'm so glad to have found you along the blogging way. I enjoy your family stories and your travels to places I only dream of visiting. I return to your blog again and again. It is such a blessing.Congratulations on your first year! And many more! ~Kathy
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on blogging for a year...how quickly it has gone! I visit often and very much enjoy the variety and inspiration of regular (and not so regular) living that you share so openly. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing and photography ...truly you have achieved your goal of enriching the lives of your readership. It is my privilege to have come to know you in this way.
ReplyDeletejudy, i do so enjoy reading your blog and sharing in just a touch of your life that way. it was a privelage to meet you in person this summer, and i hope that this blogging world will keep us connected and a source of encouragement for one another.
ReplyDeleteWow, I can still remember that visit last August.I think I started at the end of Sept. You were a real encouragement to me..
ReplyDeleteYou share and bring life and happiness to many always honoring your Maker.
You've made many new friends and renewed old acquaintances.
I always feel at home when I read your blog.
Judy, Congrats on your anniversary! I always enjoy your blog and appreciate your kind comments. You are encouraging and your love for the Lord is always evident. I look forward to reading your blog for years to come!
ReplyDeleteOh Judy...I am so glad that you have a blog. You are an amazing woman...I love checking in with you and you do have such a wonderful way with words...everyone enjoys stopping by. I am glad to include you as a friend though we have never met...and I am still singing 'by the river' on my way to work. I hope that someday our paths will indeed cross dear friend.
ReplyDeleteJudy this is such a neat way to keep in touch, to know what is going on in your life and family, to "see" all of you and to travel with you!
ReplyDeleteThe ocean between Canada and Europe gets so much smaller:-)
Keep going, Ute+Pierre+Marc
Well, Judy, congratulations on your first year completed...I had no idea you are also a newcomer to the blog land. I always enjoy reading what you have to share...yes, isn't it amazing that we find more and more to talk about. It's wonderful how encouraging others are, and how new friendships are formed, recipes cooked, books discovered....thank YOU for your blog. It's always a pleasure to stop by for a visit.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Judy, on reaching your one year blog anniversary! This was such a wonderful post to read, and it gave me chills to read it, as I feel the exact same way about blogging and I even collect stones from all my journeys too! (mine are small ones though, as they have to be able to fit in my pocket, but I have them all labeled in a glass bowl and I love to look at them and remember when I picked them up)
ReplyDeleteI know sometimes blogging seems to take up so much of the day, but I'm always so excited to hear from soemone and learn something new froma blog, and I feel as if I have pen pals from around the world now.
I'm so glad to have found your blog, and I look forward to many more posts from " My Front Porch"!
Hugs, Pat in NY
Like you, I have been blogging for a year now. I agree, it is good to have a forum to record my thoughts, daily happenings and some of those countless digital pictures we are collecting. Unlike you, I have no idea if anyone reads my blog. How do you do the sitemeter thing?
ReplyDeleteHappy First Birthday! I enjoy reading your blog - and I agree with the others, it's a lovely record of who you are and the pictures are terrific!
The camping trip looks real fun. Of course as you say, it's the grand children that make the difference.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 300th post and all in a year. I have just today posted my 300th but I have been going 1 year and 8 months.
I agree though, it is amazing what blogging opens up to us. Who would have believed it.
Wow, I can't believe it's been a year! I love having this connection back to home, since people tend to forget that I am so far away, and don't seem to think I want to see all the little things they are doing day to day. I really enjoy reading!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog. I love the recipes and look forward to trying them. Keep up the good work. Doylene
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