October 23rd, 2014 
dsisler
I don’t know how I missed it, but since the beginning of Full Measure of Joy in January of 2012, I have posted 1,003 blog posts (before today’s post)! I am amazed that God has blessed me with this much stuff to talk about. But what it really tells me is that I can write about God’s Word, His blessings and promises and His grace a lot. And I’m not nearly done.
I wrote a special blog post when I reached my 60th posting. So in reading through it, I wanted to share my thoughts from “back in the day.” You’ll notice that not much has changed since March of 2012, except that I’m a little older and a little closer to my own 60th.
I have learned a lot about blogging and social media through the years, but what I have continued to learn is that God really does want to be in relationship with me and that He wants to spend time with me. I pray that you have come to this realization. If not, why not make the day you enter that relationship with Him?
My 60th!
This is my 60th blog post. I’ve learned quite a bit about this process. I’ve even made some mistakes! I’m not certain that you will see any real change in my writing style or what my message continues to be, but you might notice the difference in the way the blog looks.
Apparently, most people don’t like a color background while reading. They like white with black print. My previous design went against that completely. Also, most people don’t like longer paragraphs. Short paragraphs, and even single sentences will gain attention more than a traditional paragraph.
But some things are not any different than the way we’ve been writing for centuries. People still like to get hooked into a blog. That first line or paragraph is the catcher. If you get their attention there, they will probably read the post.
And then there is the title. It must be short, unique, and one that will grab the reader’s attention.
So much to remember as my fingers swiftly fly across the keyboard!
I don’t exactly know what my audience is seeking. What those who stop by my little blog hope to find. But as I’ve said, my message will not change. The message that God loves us and He desires to be part, or all of our lives.
Yes, God desires and invites us into His presence. He draws us to Himself, so that we might be called His children. So that we might know that we are loved.
Psalm 91:1 (NIV) says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” By dwelling with God, it is understood that we are to linger, to remain for a while. He doesn’t want us to show up occasionally. He wants us to stay!
We also find in Psalm 16:11 (NIV) that God wants to give us joy in His presence. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” We know that God is a gift-giver. This is just one more gift He desires for us. And joy can be found in His presence.
And in 1 John 3:18-19 (NIV) we find these words. “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongues but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.” Yet another gift found in God’s presence is rest. Rest for our hearts.
As we remain in God, we have Jesus’ promise. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 – NIV) We remain in God’s presence and Jesus is with us…always.
Many years ago I directed the choirs in several local congregations. At each location, the choir performed cantatas for Easter and Christmas each year. These were some of my favorite memories of those times. I still can recall much of the music we sang.
One of my favorite cantatas was “Into His Presence.” The chorus to the opening song says:
“We come into His presence through the mercy of His grace;
To worship at His feet and gaze upon His face.
Christ has torn the veil of sin;
Was crucified but rose again.
Justified we enter in to His presence;
The holy presence of the Lord.”[i]
Once I understood the idea that God desired a relationship with me and wants me to be in His presence, my world changed. Knowing that God wants me to be in His presence on a daily basis is such a blessing to me. The world may not want me, but my God does. What a privilege to worship at His feet and gaze upon His face!
So, happy 60th to me…blog that is.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
[i] Into His Presence, Copyright 1989 Brentwood Music, Brentwood, TN
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