All About Blogging
Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 kept up in her memory.
This week the questions were supplied by Pamela Steiner...(Hey! that's ME!) Here we go, let's talk about Blogging!
1. Tell us about your blog. When did you start blogging? My very first blog post was on February 24, 2010. It was something totally new to me. I had no clue what I was doing, or even how to begin, but I was sitting at home, out of work, frustrated that I couldn't find a job, and also frustrated about being a writer. Somehow I saw something about blogging on the computer and thought I would check it out.
2. What prompted you to begin blogging? I really wanted to write a book, but I had been to a Christian Writer's Conference and got totally discouraged about trying to write a book. I was a nobody. I wasn't even sure I had anything worthwhile to say. Everything I had thought about writing seemed out of date and unimportant at that time. But one of the sessions I attended at that conference was about blogging. That perked my ears up. I thought, "Well, if I can't write a book, I can at least write a blog and maybe that will someday lead to a book, or at least it will help me work on my writing skills and make some connections." Here is something I wrote at that time:https://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2010/02/psalm-2714-wait-on-lord-be-of-good.html
3. What was your first blog about and why did you choose that subject/title? This blog right here, "Closed Doors, Open Windows", is my first blog. I chose that title because of what I was going through at that time...lots of "Closed Doors" as I was searching for a job, and then as God encouraged me in different directions, I saw the "Open Windows" of opportunity He brought my way. I also hoped that my blog would be a place where others would find encouragement in their lives as they faced Closed Doors. Another link Back to the Beginning... that better explains this...
I have dabbled in other side blogs, like one for my son's business several years ago: https://benscountrywoodshop.blogspot.com/, which was all about his woodworking/sign business. But then he got married and he and his wife have a totally new business and they really didn't need me to keep writing that blog. The original posts are still there...it just hasn't been updated in a long time.
And now I also have a new side blog, "The Adventures of Lily Grace", which, if you've been following along, you probably have already met Lily Grace and know all about her. She's the product of the consequences of making friends here in blogland with dear people who want to bless me with special gifts..."Lily Grace" is an unexpected blessing, hence the name "Grace"... and I believe she has become a blessing to others in the process.
4. How has your blog changed over time, and has it done for you what you hoped it would do in the first place?
4. How has your blog changed over time, and has it done for you what you hoped it would do in the first place?
In these past eleven years of blogging so much has changed in my life. There have been many more "Closed Doors", but also many new "Open Windows". My blog has kind of become a photo journal of life's adventures as well as a place of prayer, meditation, sharing my joys and sorrows. This blog has given me an outlet for sharing my faith and also a place where I hope others have found hope and encouragement. I've met so many wonderful people along the way that I never dreamed I could meet. Some have come and gone over the years...some have even entered heaven's gates...but my life is so much richer for having had this opportunity to meet them and share in their own life's struggles and joys.
I don't have a huge following, and I don't follow a long list of others, but I've kind of narrowed it down to those with whom there is a kindred spirit, a kind of bond that transcends time and space. It's a place where God has enriched my life by knowing you, my friends and "followers"...you've become an integral part of my life here in "blogland", and it goes way beyond. We pray for one another and we laugh together and we cry together. It is a place of mutual love and respect for each other...we may not always agree on everything, but we have learned to look beyond the superficial to what is really going on under the surface. I dare say blogging has changed my life, and definitely for the better.
If you've ever read my "profile", you will see the "question" at the end of the page that asks, "What do YOU see outside your open window today?" That's kind of been my theme throughout the years...looking outside our windows to see what God has for us to see. Not just the physical things outside your window, but the opportunities He has for us, just waiting to be explored. However, today, as I looked outside my open window, this is what I saw:
Mrs. Bluebird looking outside HER open window!! I asked her what she could see outside her open window, and I think I heard her say, "A whole new world for my babies to explore! And I can't wait to show it to them!" Bless her sweet heart...she is a wonderful example to us of never giving up hope. Her first clutch of eggs of the season was destroyed by a predator. We don't know exactly what, but something dragged out the tiny babies and destroyed them before they had a chance to even totally develop. So we moved the birdhouse away from that tree to make it safer, and the next batch of babies came along a couple of months later. We had the great joy of watching the parents coax the fully grown beautiful babies out of the nest and letting them fly away to their new life in the treetops. Not long after, Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird came back and started building another new nest, and here she is, faithfully sitting on her nest and waiting for her third brood of babies to develop for this year! She is amazing! Such patience and love and trust in Her Creator, fulfilling her purpose in life with the utmost faith and devotion. She could have given up hope after the first batch was destroyed...but she didn't let that "closed door" stop her from pursuing another "open window"...and she has been blessed as a result.
I, too, have been blessed by not allowing closed doors to hold me back from following God's plan and purpose in my life. I am so thankful for this wonderful open window of opportunity to meet you here. Thank you for being a part of my world outside my open window.
Good Night.
(the current view outside my open window)
I hope you will go and visit with our other dear friends over at http://tuesdaysplace.blogspot.com/2021/07/blogging.html. Thank you, Annie, for setting this up for us each week. Happy Blogging!
What a fascinating post! i won't begin to answer your questions here, but it gives me an idea for a post of my own. I may need to go back to the beginning and share a little about how I got started and where I am now with the blog. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to link up over at the Tuesday 4 linkup. See the link above in my closing paragraph. It is open to anyone who would like to join in the fun! Than you for being one of my special friends here. Who would have imagined 11 years ago that I would be talking to a wonderful lady in Manitoba Canada today? God brings us together, and that's what I love about blogging.
DeleteHi Pam, I always enjoy the beautiful pictures you share along with scripture verses!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. And I love getting to know you and seeing and hearing all about your life and family adventures. This is the best part of blogging!!
DeleteSo many closed doors here...and seemingly closed doors moving down south as well--simply can't afford it. The good Lord has something planned, what---remains to be seen, grin. All on HIS timing, not ours. Smiles
ReplyDeleteYes, "In HIS time, He makes all things beautiful, In His Time..." words from a favorite old song...and I believe it is so true. In His time, He will show us exactly what His plans are, and we just have to be patient and trust Him to do what is best for us. It's not always easy, especially the waiting, but when it all comes together we will be able to say, Thank you, Lord, for working this out for my best. I keep praying for you. I can't wait to see how God is going to pull all this together for you. Hang in there. It will be worth it all...
DeleteI always enjoy reading your blog, Pam! Always a breath of fresh air. My blog is sitting idle at the moment until I decide what to do with it. Keep yours going! I'd miss is.
ReplyDeleteI miss seeing your blog! I do hope you will be able to get back to it sometime soon. But in the meantime I hope you are doing well and that God is blessing you right where you are. (((hugs)))
DeleteI am so honored to be one of your friends in Blogland, Pamela. Your words always give me encouragement and your photos are always uplifting. I'm so glad you are continuing to write your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you, Martha, and I am SO glad that we have met here and that we continue to be friends. You are a very special person, and I've learned a lot from you. Been praying for you and for your mother too. (((hugs)))
DeleteEnjoyed your answers. It's interesting to read how we all began this journey of internet journaling. Many of us have made lasting on-line friendships. Isn't it wonderful how we can see Christ knit us all together with a common goal of sharing our lives, His Gospel and His pure love and to have fun along the way.
ReplyDeleteBlessings. xx
Yes, it is wonderful! I am very grateful for this special place of friendship and fellowship. Even if we never all get to meet in person, one day I believe we will be able to meet in heaven and have a great big "blog party" there. God has used each of us in special ways to encourage one another in our journey here. I am so glad I got to meet you, another fellow "Pamela"!!!
DeleteLoved the post. I left my laptop charger in Auburn so I am on the phone until Thursday night with so much to say. I loved this post and will revisit it Thursday night:)
ReplyDeleteOh Sandy, I do hope Elsa is going to bypass you folks (and us too). Maybe you will be escaping the storm by going back to Auburn? Praying for you all. Always a joy to hear from you. Stay safe!
DeleteFantastic post Pam and of course I always love seeing your beautiful photos. I enjoyed reading your blogging story and history, thank you for sharing it with us and thank you for providing the great questions for today. Stay safe during the storm!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martha, and I hope that you are staying safe as well. The storm is probably coming closer to you than it will to us, so I pray you will be safe and high and dry. I am glad you took the time to visit, no matter what the storm may be doing. God bless you all!
DeleteThank you for the Tuesday4Meme questions!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed all of your answers.
Have a great Tuesday my blogging friend.
https://gloriasretiredlife.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Gloria. I am so happy you joined in. I now need to get around to visiting everyone else to see what they've had to say. It is always fun to learn more about each other what makes each of us "tick". Praying you are having a great day too.
DeleteI was intrigued by the questions asked over at Linda's. This was an interesting read. It is always fun to learn more about a fellow blogger.
ReplyDeleteHi Vee, I love hearing from you, and wish you'd let us comment on your blog! I miss visiting with you!! I hope you are having a good summer. How's the weather up there in Maine? I still am hopeful we may get up there this fall, but we will see how things go with the doctor on Thursday and then we will make some decisions. I hate to keep putting it off. Take care and have a blessed week.
DeleteThese were great questions Pam. I enjoyed hearing how you started blogging. Mrs. Bluebird is so adorable peeking out her window. Love it. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Bluebird has been spending a lot of time looking out her window these days. I think it must be pretty warm inside her house and she needs a breath of fresh air and a break from just sitting on those eggs. She likes to see what's going on outside and keep up with the local gossip. She's a typical lady in waiting! LOL. Have a blessed day too!
DeletePam: 1.) I started blogging around 2007, I was in discussion with our former pastor. I said something like, "I would like to have my writing where more people could read it" He said, "You need to write a blog!" 2.) I investigated different cites online and started one on another cite. I changed to Blogger and have been here ever since. 3.) The title of my first blog was: Quiet Spirit- He's My King. I googled the main part of the title and found so many people/groups using that phrase. I altered it to: Following My King. 4.) My blog has changed slightly. I used to post three times a week; now I try to post twice a week. Since I have had some health issues, I post on that schedule when I can (when I feel like it.) My posts are mainly about the scriptures, with a book review every now and then and a monthly reflection on the previous month. The reflections usually have a personal section to them. I love those who blog here and those who have chosen to move to another cite. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad we have met and stayed in touch through the years. You are a "quiet spirit" of wisdom and truth, and I always appreciate your thoughts shared on your blog. And I thank you so much for your thoughtfulness in sending that beautiful card. What a blessing it was to receive that in the mail. It truly brightened my day/week!!! God bless you, and I hope you will keep writing. Lily Grace loves to hear from you too!
DeleteYou are right, it is like a little movie God has playing if we just look outside our window. The birds and little animals playing.
ReplyDeleteI understand the closed door. I have had a lot of those in my life too. We are entering a season of open windows now. We will still have doors close, but God has a plan. I am just along for the ride.
I am so glad I met you. Loved your answers! Have a nice week.
https://lorisbusylife.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Lori! You are right, it is like a "movie" outside...with real people living real life...and we are more than spectators. We are privileged to have a part in each other's lives by sharing some of our most personal victories and trials. I believe we gain strength from each other as we encourage one another in our daily walk. I pray for your new open windows and trust that God will bless you in this new season. Yes, He always has a plan...and it is always for our good. Hope your week is good too.
DeleteI knew nothing about it either but it was certainly fun starting out and then meeting people along the way. I enjoyed reading your first post. I haven't changed my blot either. I do have two others but I haven't kept up with the Christmas one and I'm letting my For Your Tears just fade away. I didn't even talk about that one which I should have. I've been mailing out handkerchiefs to woman who lost their babies. Your journey has been very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat ministry of mailing out handkerchiefs is so precious. What a wonderful thing to do. I never lost a "baby", but I lost one of my babies as an adult, and it will always be an empty place in my arms. I had a friend, who is now also deceased, who used to send vintage handkerchiefs just because. She was also with me the day my son passed away, and she encouraged me to keep a small stone from a fountain in the chapel at the hospice house where he was. We were supposed to put a stone in the fountain in memory of our loved one, but she encouraged me to keep my stone, and I am so glad she did. It is now a constant reminder of a very precious friend who was there with me at a very critical moment in my life, and now she is in heaven too, and I'm sure she has told my son all about it. So those little gestures of kindness mean a lot to a grieving mother. Thank you for doing that. God bless you dear friend.
DeleteEvery blog serves a purpose and those that encourage with wholesome content are the very best. Your blog most definitely occupies that description!
ReplyDeleteAs for what we see through our windows this afternoon (Tues. July 6), many of us here in Florida (you 'n me included!!) are wondering and waiting to see if Tropical Storm/Hurricane Elsa is going to be naughty or nice. My prayer is that she will lose her strength and just bring us healthy rain but no destruction or dangerous flooding.
Thank you, Barbara. And yours is also one that encourages and blesses others with your words of love and thoughtfulness. It is amazing to see the journeys we each have been on...with all their unexpected twists and turns, and to see how God has led us in times of grief as well as in times of joy. Yes, there is great purpose here in this space, and I thank God for bringing us together. I am so very glad that you and your Beloved are two very special people that God brought to us in a very sweet way. What a blessing! Yes, we are also waiting to see what Elsa will do next. I trust you are back home and not up in the panhandle. Praying for your family there as well as for you. Trusting this Elsa will be a "non-event". Please stay safe.
DeleteA whole new world, indeed! I'm so glad you posted these questions -- it seems lots of other folks think so, too. 😀 (I hope to have mine up a little later this afternoon.) Oh, I love getting to know more about my like-minded 'cyber' sisters' backstories. I'm coming back tonight to check all your links. Sometimes I get to thinking, "Oh well, I've already talked about that." Then I realize "that" was back in 2010 or 2012 ... before I met most of you. Keep safe in the storm!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Myra. You are one of the newer bright spots in my day...I know I didn't know you back in the 2010 or 2012, so I am still getting to know you, and I like what I know!! It's so much fun meeting new friends here and learning about what makes us all "tick". I will look forward to reading your post later!! Thank you for the kind words. I am praying Elsa goes "elsa-where". LOL.
DeleteJust finding you thanks to the link-up. I think you have a lovely blog! I've also felt like you have many times...like I have nothing to say, but I sure did appreciate that post you wrote about having something to say. We all have a story, even when we think we don't.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mandy, and welcome! One of the nicest parts of blogging is meeting new friends here, and discovering so many wonderful people out there with similar interests and interesting lives! Yes, you are right..."We all have a story, even when we think we don't." And we never know that what we are going through and how God is helping us cope just might be what another person needs to hear to help them cope in a difficult situation. It's a lovely place to be, and I'm happy you came for a visit today. Now I must go see "where you live". Thanks for popping in.
DeleteThis was a very fun Tuesday 4, Pam, and even more fun because they were your questions!! I enjoyed your answers and love the meaning of your blog's title. I have been so blessed by your friendship!! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Terri, for being one of my best "friends from Florida". I have to be careful now, because there are so many of us in Florida...but you and Barbara are the only ones I have actually met in person. I love that we have this community of friends, and that we are like old school chums reuniting every week (or in some cases, every day), telling our tales and sharing our lives. It is a joy and a blessing to me...and yes, I have been very blessed by YOU!!!
DeleteThese were great questions, Pam! Thanks for suggesting them. It's been fun learning about everyone's blogging past and how they've evolved to be the bloggers we know now. You just never know about that book. The only blogging conference I went to was populated by Christian authors and several bloggers who had book deals...even a couple who secured a deal at the conference. It sure wasn't what I had expected when I signed up for a Christian women's blogging conference, but it was interesting. It's crazy that our paths crossed back on Dawn's Random Journal Days, but we don't remember each other. I would suspect you are also among those she dedicated her book to. Such a cool honor! Anyway, I'm glad our paths have recrossed, too, and count you among the bloggers I want to meet in person if we are ever in sort of the same vicinity at the same time. Wouldn't it be neat if we could have our own "conference" of several of our community meet up somewhere sort of central to everyone for a weekend? *click* (lightbulb clicking on signifying a good idea!)
ReplyDeleteI've often wanted to have some kind of blogging retreat so we could all meet, but I lack the wherewithal and drive to organize such an event. But yes, it would be wonderful to meet you and so many others whom I have grown to love and enjoy reading. And yes, I just rechecked Dawn's book and see that you and I are both listed in the dedication! It was a sweet time, sharing our hidden thoughts and dreams from our journals of long ago. I always looked forward to Random Journal Day, but I kind of ran out of journals to share (or that I was WILLING to share publicly) and I think maybe we all were getting to be in the same boat, so it kind of died a natural death, but it was wonderful while it lasted. Regarding writing a book, you can check my response below to "Joyful". This blog is my "book", and it's free!! Have a blessed day. I'm watching out my open window for Elsa to fly by.
DeleteHi Pamela, you are one of the special people I've met through this Blogger platform. I always enjoy your writing and I believe you have a gift for it. I didn't realize you wanted to be a writer though. I do believe you can be! These days you can even self publish on Amazon. Other people with far less to say and less skill have done it so please don't sell yourself short. I'm glad you found Blogger and I'm glad you suggested the questions this week. I've been surprised to discover a community of women who have been at this blogging gig for much longer than I have :-) Blessings to you.
ReplyDeletethank you SO much, Penny, for your kind and encouraging words. I do appreciate you so much. I truly gave the writing a book a long look, and have seen several of our blogging friends write their own books and self-publish, but it seems as though they don't get the full support that is needed to promote their books, and it is rather expensive to do on your own. I just decided that this blog is my book, and it is free for all to enjoy, and that's good enough for me. If God has other ideas or plans, He will have to show me because I am no longer so anxious to do that. Blogging has satisfied my yearning for writing, and I love how I get instant (almost) responses from sincere friends like you! Thank you for being a part of this community!!
DeleteYour blog is a blessing to me, and to many others. I hope that you will also work on that book, perhaps a series of essays taken from some of your posts. My father wrote an autobiography, with vignettes that he felt summed up hallmarks of each era he lived through. I would so love to see such a book from you, mixed with your thoughts in these modern times! His book was picked up and published by a university press, an often-overlooked group of publishers. Of course, with so many universities being negative places now, perhaps that isn't as good a place as it used to be to get wholesome works published. Anyway, I'll just sum it up: I love your blog, as it is a reflection of a true-hearted, generous, interesting person!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Holly! You are such an encourager, and I truly appreciate that about you! I would love to see a copy of your father's book. Is it still available/in print? What was the name of it? I truly have thought about writing that book so many times, but just haven't felt the go ahead from God yet. Maybe my story isn't finished yet...there's still more adventures ahead that I would hate to leave out! Besides...this blog is a free book to everyone who wishes to read it. I've pretty much said everything here that I would write in a book. You are a very kind and thoughtful person, and I am so happy you became my friend here! God bless you dear Holly! (BTW, the Holly is my favorite tree!)
DeleteEnjoyed reading this today on this VERY RAINY day. But I rather have the rain than the high damaging winds. Hope you all are doing well with this weather as we are fine and praising the Lord that it's not any worse. Happy rest of week dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy...yes, it is very rainy here today too, but thankfully no high winds as of yet and I hope not. We are pretty far inland, but I know they can still happen so we won't let our guard down just yet. We are very thankful that it is what it is so far. I know you are getting ready for your big beach trip. I hope this storm won't spoil any of that for you. I hope you are going to the Atlantic beaches...and not in the Carolinas I hope? They may still get some of this storm. Anyway, let us just praise the Lord for His mercy and grace. Take care dear friend and enjoy your family.
DeleteHi Pamela, I came from Myra's blog. I love hearing about why you started writing started blogging so will come join the fun as soon as I leave here. I am new following you too. Your blog is lovely, filled with all things I enjoy. I hope to see you soon. " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility hold others above yourself." Philippians 2:3
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you so much for visiting! I LOVE making new friends, and I look forward to getting better acquainted with you soon. And if you are a friend of Myra, then I am sure you will be a wonderful friend. God bless you...and please come back again soon!
DeleteHi! I found you via the Tuesday 4 website. I like your story of how and why you started blogging. It's been a good thing for me and for you too, obviously.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ally! I am so glad you joined in and visited here today. It is always so wonderful to make new friends here. I must go and visit you now and get better acquainted! Have a blessed day!
Delete