Writing a blog is a labor of love; though going through and dealing with the spam is more often just like labor!

It is humbling when I read the comments many have taken the time to make on this site.  The vast majority are exceptionally encouraging, the ones not in the “vast majority” fall under the headings of either “spam” or they are just annoying . . . .

First, let me get the “business” part of this post out of the way!

Writing is a difficult task!

I am writing using WordPress as my blogging platform.  I have received nothing less than excellent support and help from the WordPress staff.  They have sent me not just the answers to my immediate questions, but they have also included helpful hints on site management and dealing with the dreaded scourge called “spam!”  I have yet to figure out a way to minimize the amount of spam which accumulates in my spam filter.  Unfortunately, there are far too many legitimate and good comments which may often get thrown out with the spam.

I pay a very nominal fee for a custom URL (“jimgrieme.com”).  If my web traffic continues to increase, I may invest in their “Premium” services which add to the cost, but the value is worth the expense.  There are other blogging platforms available, yet since I am very pleased with the service and flexibility I receive from WordPress, I am not motivated to look for another service.

Second, to those of you who take the time to read my posts: I have been getting a significant number of Polish readers and allow me to say (using Google translate here; I’m good but not that good!)

Poland

Jestem bardzo wdzięczny za tych z Państwa w Polska, którzy czytają mojego bloga. Moim pragnieniem jest, aby jasno komunikować swoje pomysły i fakt, czytasz to pozwala mi wiedzieć, to jest realizowane! Pokornie dziękuję za czytanie! Jestem Pastor i modlę się Pan nadal będzie chronić Ciebie i Twój kraj w tych czasach niepokojów politycznych na kontynencie. Bożego błogosławieństwa na was!

To my Italian readers:

Italy

Grazie per aver letto il mio blog! Ho amato il suo paese da quando ero bambino e il mio desiderio è quello di presentare le idee chiare, Dio onorare in un modo che farà la gente a pensare con la mente e il loro cuore. Sono molto grato per il vostro tempo e attenzione! Molte grazie! Benedizioni di Dio!

And of course there have been a few Russian visitors as well!

Russia

Добрый день! Пусть наш Господь продолжать покрывать вас Своей благодатью! Спасибо вам большое за прочитав мои мысли я написал здесь! Я возжелал посетить вашу землю с моих дней в колледже – Я изучал Россию, ее земля и ее народ и лелеяли все это! Время, которое вы потратили читаете этот блог отрадно и унизительно. Спасибо вам большое! Джеймс melvinovich.

In my world, I must struggle to find time to write.  Many times I will begin with an idea, write as many as two or three pages then end up deleting all I have written!  Yet even when I follow this process, I may end up enunciating an idea which will eventually become the main idea of what I finally write.  The very act of putting “words on paper” often allows me to solidify my “final” idea!

Now remember, I am a pastor (No, no, I really am a pastor!  I realize very well I do not “act” like most pastors act and I’m good with that!)  When someone says to me, “You’re not like most pastors!” I interpret this as a compliment!  My desire is not to be either crude or rude or even to act like some “unholy teenager with an attitude problem!”  My desire is to be real!  I struggle with the same things every other person struggles with: money, politics, thoughts and ideas.  I sin, I do not break into a Christian hymn when I hit my finger with a hammer and I get frustrated at the number of proverbial “morons” I encounter while driving!

I really am a pastor!

So what’s the difference?  Years ago I encountered a person who has demonstrated He truly loves me.  He knows all of my weaknesses and my issues.  He has given me the ability to be better than who I am.  He has forgiven me, changed me, and if there is anything good in me at all, it is because of the person Jesus Christ!

My desire is to write in a manner which is real and fully human.  I would like those who take the time to read to actually enjoy yourself and understand the ideas I am communicating.  It is my prayer the Lord will use who I am and what I’ve written in such a way as to draw people to Him.

Grace to all of you!