Mission accomplished!
Originally, I set out to blog for one year and try to write 100 posts within that time period. Well, as of two weeks ago (April 12 to be exact), I crossed both. There were actually only 98 posts up by that day, but I also wrote eight articles for other sites during the year, so I am content.
Thank you so much for going on this journey together with me!
I began this blog for several reasons, as spelled out in some of my first posts, Maniacal self-absorption, loneliness. . . and Intentional Processing (what will this blog look like?).
As you can see from these initial articles, my original motivations for starting this blog were centered on connecting with others, processing life in a new way, and having a healthy hobby in the midst of my sometimes lonely life in Asia.
I am grateful to say that all of these goals have been met and exceeded. Honestly, as I think back over this year of blogging on this site, it would not have happened without people like you taking the time to read and interact with my very amateurish attempts to write something meaningful.
Though I would like to think I would write even if no one read this blog, I don’t know if this is the case. One thing I do know is that as more and more people read this blog, I am tremendously encouraged and highly motivated to continue to grow in my writing. Thank you for being so encouraging in this way!
Finally, as I did at the six month mark, I thought I would mark this occasion by listing my most read posts over the past year. It is fun and helpful for me to see what people seem to most enjoy reading.
These are the most read post from the past year:
- Three perspectives on singleness (what has kept me sane)
- Death at 22 (but a life-long impact of friendship
- A letter to a friend (girl) regarding dating Christian men
- Let me tell you about my friend, Tracey . . . and her current journey
- Mom’s laugh and sacrificial heart
- The 5 types of people you see on LONG airplane flights
- The inevitable pain of loneliness
- My worst travel day ever!!!
- 7 reasons why l love weddings
- Contentment . . . my on-going struggle
- Times when I hate being single!
- My two Asian earthquakes (and what I’ve learned)
At the beginning, I honestly only mentally committed to one year of doing this blog. However, I see no reason to stop this anytime soon, so I’ll keep posting away.
Any feedback you have on this blog is greatly appreciated!
John,
I have really enjoyed your blogs! Two of my recent favorites are the one about your dad and the epic surprise! You were blessed greatly by having Wyman for your dad. I heard the birthday story from all sides , Kay and Wyman. I enjoyed your perspective. Keep on blessing us with your blogs!
Much love,
Carol
Thank Mrs. Boggs! Yeah, it was too fun not to write up for the blog. Thanks for reading!
Good stuff! Keep it up!
Thanks brother! Well, you have been on here several times since Thailand, so I hope you feel good about it!
It’s really been nice reading your blog and learning a great deal from you. Keep writing.
Happy 1st Anniversary johngunter.com!
Thanks Tatuu. . . great meeting and interacting with you through this blog!
It’s been a pleasure!
Congrats on fulfilling a goal! Hope you will be encouraged by the growing mass of readers/respondents (even those whom you’ve never met!) and will keep it up. Am so grateful to have been passed along one of your posts. It’s fun hearing the perspective/musings of a man who deeply loves God, life and the communities in which you belong. Have a great weekend! Grace & peace…
Thanks Alexis! Thanks for always a having great input on these posts. Grateful to your friend for the introduction!
Hey John! how awesome… am grateful I was introduced to you blog by Tatuu in the 11th Month (11th hour, ha!) I have loved the insights, very informative and to keep one waiting for next. Not been able to read all the post yet but with time I will. Happy 1st anniversary johngunter.com! still looking forward to some great reads 🙂
Be blessed
Jessie, I honestly blushed when I read your comment here! Though you are definitely overstating things here, I’m really encouraged by your words. Thanks!
Jess, glad to know that you have been reading! Welcome on board! John, I’m sure she is not overstating, we are always looking forward to reading your blog posts and it sure is a treat when there is a post mid week when we are not expecting.
I was told I shouldn’t say ‘Anniversary’ but ‘Blogversary’, so happy blogversary. 🙂
Bless you!
so glad to have come across your blog! great combination of lighthearted and deeper things God is doing in you. i’m always left encouraged and at times seriously challenged. cheers to the next year!
Thanks a ton Amy! I appreciate your enthusiasm and thoughtful comments on so many of the posts. Thanks and have a great weekend!
John, I have enjoyed each and every one of your blogs, however my favorite two are Death at 22 and the Surprise Birthday Paarty. You definitely have a talent for writing and with that you bring us into your world, and that part I definitely enjoy. I am so grateful that I was introduced to you by my friend Carol, I have learned so much from reading all of your blogs. Thank You my Dear Friend!!! Keep up the good work that you are doing in Asia and keep those blogs coming. Hugs!!
Thanks much, Jane! Your really do have the gift of encouragement! Very grateful you and you kind words…
Happy Anniversary for your blog! Mine is a little over 2 years old, but of less impact as I cannot write as you do.
I am glad you’ll go on writing, I’ll go on reading… and commenting.
Thanks Ilulia…have a great weekend!
To add to the other comments above…I too have enjoyed your blog soooo very much! I think you have a lot of wisdom to share. When I open my email and see the dozens of emails load in and I see “johngunter.com” pop in I truly get excited and look forward to getting a little break from work to read your stories and thoughts for the day. I think about your “my worst travel day ever!” post often and always have a private laugh to my self. On the flip side I also enjoy the more serious subjects you process and share like singleness, loneliness, and contentment. I relate to those things very much…I mean we all do. Good work John Gunter! Happy 1 year to you!
Thanks a ton, Ashley! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you the past few years. You are great at what you do and we are blessed through all of your diligent and hard work. . . thanks!
Thanks, also, for being such a vocal advocate of this blog. As you know, life over here can be a bit rough. It’s been wonderful to have a healthy outlet to share heart issues in a way that draws me into community. Thanks!
Keep up the excellent blogging dude!
Thanks, brother. . . thanks for cheering me on so much.