Wow…number 200 is here…hard to believe.
I began this blogging adventure on May 4, 2006. At that time I was mostly excited about having a "web site" for people to read. I really didn’t have a real focus or purpose and that would eventually bite me in the butt.
I had grand plans, though, that people from the congregation I serve would take breaks at work to read the beautiful devotions I would provide for them. I had visions of people reading something I wrote and then responding — engaging in a faith conversation with me. I was excited. For the first three months I wrote an average of 21 posts per month. But as the months went by it became clear that the only regular readers of my blog were my mom and sister. I began to doubt MY ability and started to lose interest. August’s total was 12 posts and then it dropped to 6 in September and down to 4 in December. I began to comtemplate ending my blog and moving on.
But in March of 2007 something happened. I had just finished a two weekend evangelism trainging school in the NW Iowa synod. When I returned home I started processing the evangelism school in relation to my call and ministry and how I could be a better evangelist. I then started to realize what I had been doing wrong with my blog. I didn’t have a real focus, but more importantly…I was being selfish. I was writting this blog for me and definitely not for the glory of God (even though I gave that outward impression). So I started some re-tooling and re-focusing. This blog needed to be an evangelism tool. And things began to change. I found a new energy in blogging because for the first time I realized that I am no gifted writer (I know, I know…hard to believe), but I am not. Now…instead of trying to impress people with my so-called ability I began writing for God…to glorify him. Now I post an average of 15 times per month with no signs of slowing down. Now…instead of searching my brain for something to write, it comes from the heart. Hence the title of this blog (ironic isn’t…that I start writing from my brain and not the heart).
Anyway, 200 posts down and hopefully many, many more to go. I feel I have grown in my faith and in how I reflect upon the world around me. I hope I have been faithful in sharing the Gospel in the best way I can. I hope I have not been selfish. I have met new people through this strange world we call the blogosphere. And I feel I have developed relationships with people I haven’t even met face to face. Two hundren posts ago I had no idea any of this would happen. But our God is ever so amazing and faithful…and for that I am thankful.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Thank you for challenging me and encouraging me. And if you are reading this blog for the first time…welcome and I so glad to "meet" you.
God bless!
-edh-
The Heart of a Pastor 
I for one love your blog. Like so many other blogs, it gives me a chance to hear the gospel in an entirely different way. Thanks for your posts and for your ministry to so many people whom you will never meet.
I have enjoyed your thoughtful and heartfelt comments in the last few months that I have been reading. As someone who started a blog to see if I could, I am still in the formative stages of where to go and what to say. Thank you for your support and the guidance I get from Lutheran Bloggers. And I echo what David shares-blogs give us all a chance to experience different facets of God’s word and the intersection of faith and life. Congrats and keep the faith!
Eric
I for one am honered to read your words. You truely have a sevents heart
Thanks and Blessings
RIck
Thank you for your kinds words and encouragement. I have been truly blessed through blogging and reading all of yours. Praise God!
yes, I am so glad I was surfing around and found you down in Jackson. I enjoy your blog, and it really is “to the glory of God.”
I think I’ll do some reflection and post about my “focus” soon.
You are inspiring me! (and others, I’m sure).
Congrats from me too. And, blessings on your ministry, here in Blogsphere, and with your congregation there in SW MN.
Once again thanks to everyone for the encouraging words. I think God is doing something special through our blogs and the many, many other Christian blogs out there. In a world where there is a lot of crap out there on the internet, it is important to have a Gospel presence…because who knows who will stumble across something we write. Therefore…let everything be to the glory of God.
I have enjoyed your entries ever since you started. And yes, as you said, I have read every single one and am a devoted “fan”. I look forward to every one and like how they inspire me. You have been a great influence on me, not only as a great brother, but as a wonderful pastor.