I want to stay a small blog.
I love the community, getting to know my readers, not feeling like I have to choose between family and my blog.
I see it around me. Those bloggers who used to comment back. Used to make you feel welcome, a part of their family.
Of course, there are others who never did, and never will. I wonder what brings people back? Perhaps someone sees something other than what I see.
Don’t get me wrong-comments are always a welcome site. I love knowing that I have something in common with you, or helped you in some way. I just don’t ever want to lose the community, or forget to tell you *thank you*.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for coming back to read again.
Thank you for commenting, or just nodding silently at home.
Bigger isn’t always better.
© 2012, Sam. All rights reserved.
I love this statement! I am going through that same thing right now as I realize that i don’t really like the big sites that much. I am all for a small community where everyone knows each other. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you, Jennifer!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Wednesday in The Word-Romans One
Hi there friend,
I don’t comment a lot, but I do read most of your posts. I’m grateful for you!
I love your honesty and your desire to do what is right.
Thank you, Stacy. Honesty is good, but sometimes gets me in trouble. ;)
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Eleven More
I am also a silent nodder, but thoroughly enjoy your blog. I found your blog when I was trying to decide about homeschooling and it was such an encouragement! I have continued faithfully following it in this first year of homeschooling. I know you are a blessing to many just like me!
Thank you for silently nodding. If you ever need anything, just let me know. Congratulations on year one!!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Eleven More
Always enjoy reading your blog. I especially enjoy the genuine quality that your posts have.
Janet latest thoughts..Amsterdam in a day…
Thank you, Janet. That means a lot. <3
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Eleven More
And thank you for posting! I always enjoy seeing seeing what you have going on even if I don’t get around to commenting always!!
Melissa latest thoughts..Update on Us – April
Thank you, Melissa! <3
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Eleven More
I am a silent nodder but faithful reader of your blog, Sam. I feel like we have so much in common and I look forward to your posts each day. You are authentic, and I appreciate that you share your ideas and convictions to encourage and challenge us as readers and friends on this homeschooling journey. God is using this blog in big ways!
: )
Thank you for silently nodding, Mindi! I am glad I come across in my writing the way I intend to! I appreciate your support so much. <3
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Amazing Science!
I am happy with whatever God wants to do with my blog- He has provided some amazing opportunities through my little blog- and He’s blessed me with some wonderful “friends” through it – you included- He’s even made it possible to translate some of those into RL friendships- meeting up with another of our sweet homeschool mamma friends tomorrow. He’s blessing others through your blog for sure. I always enjoy it! thanks friend :)
kelli- AdventurezInChildRearing latest thoughts..Kids in the Kitchen – 10th Linky
Thank you, Kelli. I don’t know if we will ever get to head your way, but know if we do a meeting with you is on my list!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, friend.
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I had to smile as I don’t see your blog as a small blog!
now my blog, however…. ;)
I get your posts emailed to me. And I read every one. why? because you tell it like it is. you’re real. you can’t fake that… and you encourage me to keep on keeping on. you help me realize I’m not the only one. and when I have time I come over and say howdy. and when I remember to tweet, and see you there, I’ll give you a cyber hug. because I love that you’re real. you’re you and willing to allow me into your li’l blogging community. It is me that needs to thank YOU!!!
Nikki latest thoughts..April 17th ~ Our Day
You made me get all teary-thank you so much sweet Nikki-I hope we can meet one day on this side of eternity.
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I love you. That’s what it all boils down to.
I am inspired to put my family first, and to teach and train my sons in the things that are important.
I am inspired to get my butt off the couch and start taking control of my health and fitness.
I am inspired to bake things that really delicious, but not really good for me.
I have absolutely loved getting to know you this year, and I treasure your friendship!!
*hugs*
Yes, workout, eat right and then bake. You are following my advice perfectly! :D
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Sam ~ I am a faithful reader of your blog. I always enjoy what you have to offer.
Every blogger out there is in a different boat. Some bloggers publicly reply to comments. Others send emails or other forms of communication. I was shocked a few months ago to get heartfelt emails from a “big” blogger in response to my commenting on her site.
In many ways, I don’t think “big” bloggers see themselves as “big”, just as themselves – does this make sense?
I’ve also come to see recently that there is money to be made from doing what you love (blogging) and that is a tough balancing act ~ because making money from a blog requires numbers. That is just a fact.
Keep on doing what you’re doing – and if you’re happy and have good relationships with your readers then nothing else matters. I think it’s important we use our blogs as platforms for helping others and sharing with others, which is exactly what you do.
Comparisons are evil, because either we put ourselves above others (pride) or beneath them (which leaves us feeling inadequate and sad).
Blessings!
I try to never do either-I just feel like this is an extension of my home-and I share what I share with my IRL friends.
Thank you for such a supportive comment. :)
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I so wish you were coming to 2:1, I want to hug you in real life!
Lisa W. latest thoughts..Top 10 Tuesday (2:1 edition)…
I guess it isn’t in the plan right now, or I would be going. Maybe one day!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I do understand that and I know you are obediently seeking Him first and He honors that! I’m just thankful that you share your heart with us.
I just come here because I think your kids are cute :)
Rick Kelley (@rickkelley365) latest thoughts..Jesus takes it personally
You are so sweet, honey. Of course they are; they get it from me!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Rest assured, people are reading, they just don’t always comment. My own blog has only 10 registered followers, yet when I check my blog’s stats I have discovered that over the past 10 months since its inception I’ve had readers from 45 countries (which includes the USA). Readers from several of these countries seem to be regulars each week. Check your stats and be encouraged!
hillbillywoman latest thoughts..Traditional (government-run) schools separate the family…
I’m not discouraged. ;) I really am glad to stay small- in the scope of blog world small that is. I have followers and subscribers, but those numbers never reflect friendships made.
My stats are great, but I try not to look. I never want that to be my motivation. Just the community.
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I agree one hundred and ten percent!! That is the same thought I walked away from Blissdom the first time I attended with. I was able to personally connect and hug and really appreciate every single person that read my blog that was there. The bigger bloggers could never do that…it just would not be possible. I’m not always the best at commenting back and thanking my readers for their comments just because I get busy, but they are always so appreciated. Thanks for reminding me not to let my own busyness get in the way of creating relationships!
You were stuck in spam-land!!! Thank you so much for your thoughts and encouragement!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Eleven More
As someone who is trying to develop a blog readership, I really appreciate this. I value relationships, too. I will add your blog to my list of those to check often!
Melanie Wilson latest thoughts..The Easiest Way to Stay Motivated All Year
Relationships are much better than numbers! Good luck!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
LOVE THIS!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! :) I come back b/c I love ya and I love learning from you! :) God is using you.
Stephanie@Bowmania latest thoughts..Top Ten Tuesday ~ for 2:1 conf~
Thank you, friend. :D
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I love your honesty and the genuine words you speak. I’ve been, not just a follower, but someone who admires your spirit and what you bring to the blog world that has turned into a mere competition, for some. Keep speaking from your heart and blessing others.
Thank you so much, Robin! <3
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Hey you…. I know i haven’t been around…I know I haven’t been commenting….I know what it’s like to leave comment after comment…and never receive a comment back…and never have a person visit and/or leave a comment. I know….. But, there’s something else i know…while I haven’t been around some or left comments in others…it’s not because my love or my heart is not with that person….it’s just God takes me through various seasons. Some I share…others, I do not. Right now, we are in a season of change…some serious, good change in our home… and while there are some who never respond to my comments or comment on my blog or other places…I try not to let it bother me….’try’ being key word…and I reach out through other mediums. I find my life, homeschool, friendships and blog go through various seasons….and I pray that when I go through a silent season in one area…those friends will continue loving me…..loving you dearly and sorry if my silence or absence has caused you any hurt. It was never meant to…it’s a season for me…a season for my home…and I hope you will forgive me.
Sweet friend, that was not directed at you! I have missed you being around, but I haven’t been as good at visiting my friends who aren’t here because I still haven’t gotten used to not having my blog feed on the side that was on Blogger. That is one feature I really miss a lot. I stink at using a reader to catch up!
No forgiveness needed!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Bigger is not always better. I really enjoy reading your blog–and I have fun posting on my own blog. But when we get to the nitty gritty of things, blog posting is not your job nor mine. Our families are. Blogging can be fun, it can be a neat way to share. But it does not deserve my first priority. I share when I can, and I would only want you to share when you are able to as well–not have it take you away from your beautiful children that God gave you.
Have a great day! :)
I agree-and have adjusted my writing to come when the children are busy. It’s also another reason why my posts don’t usually go on and on, other than not wanting to bore you to tears. ;)
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Thank you for always commenting!
Taunya R latest thoughts..I Stand Firm
You’re welcome. :)
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I am not sure how small or large your blog is. I know one thing, you post a lot! :) I love it, I love reading your updates. Sometimes I actually feel like I am on this journey with you. Sometimes I learn from you, actually very often I learn from you. Thank you for sharing!
Anna latest thoughts..Random Things
I post most days of the week just because I can. ;) I have a lot of things to talk about in my head, so I just spill them here! See you soon I hope!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I’m the silent nodder! :) Seriously, I read quite a few blogs but don’t always have a lot of time to comment on what I’ve read. Yours is one of the few I do comment on, not only because I enjoy what I’ve read but also because you do take the time to read and reply to comments. It feels friendly here. :)
Stephanie latest thoughts..nudges
Thank you, Stephanie. That means a lot.
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
This is so very true. I enjoy reading your blog because it seems so real. Our journey to homeschooling was a scary one. I had no idea where to start or what to use. I only knew that it’s what God wanted/wants for our family. I found your blog to be so helpful and honest.. I love that you’re not afraid to talk about the things that haven’t worked and why that may be.
Nadara latest thoughts..Crunch Time
Thank you. I try to be very transparent, and I am so thankful you see that.
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Well … you are just awesome so even if you don’t say hi, I’d come back :D.
and I am HUMAN. … I swear.
Priscilla – The Wheelchair Mommy latest thoughts..Only 3 were real
Are you human? Maybe my blog is trying to tell you something… ;)
I am not awesome, I am just me. So much less than awesome, just ask my hubby! I don’t know how he has put up with me all of these years!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Amen, small is good. I love your blog and the way you share so honestly.
From one small blogger to another ~~~ Kathy =)
Thank you, Kathy. <3
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I love your blog! And I agree…bigger isn’t always better. I have a few blogs that I use to love. I loved how personal they were. They talked about family, homeschooling, tips….but as they got bigger it seemed every time I turned around they were doing product review after product review and it seems like they are into blogging now just for the money. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind someone making a couple of bucks, but we are talking about multiply products a week! One of my favorite blogs, she doesn’t even do much of the writing anymore.
So please-please-please stay small. Love ya that way!!!
Well, I will do that-just for you! My reviews are for homeschooling products {from which I make no money}, but I understand what you are saying. I think reviews are helpful, if they are genuine, and not writing your own content isn’t a good sign. :(
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
I do agree with you. I try to answer all the comments I get even if its just a “thank you for reading” reply. :) I believe community is important.
Dianna @ Aspiring to be latest thoughts..3 Lessons Learned from Eve’s Story Part 1
Me too. Community is what got me through year one of homeschooling!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Me too, as well as all the consecutive years after that. lol 7 years later and I am still doing it.
Dianna @ Aspiring to be latest thoughts..Connect with Me
You’re absolutely right!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
Totally agree with you. I like the lack of pressure to write and everything else. I can produce or not produce content as I like. I think the pressure of being a big time blog must be horrific.
Beth latest thoughts..Long Days, Little Rest
Yes, I don’t feel like I have to post-I post because I want to. :)
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good
AMEN!!! AMEN!!! I agree wholeheartedly. :) Your blog is one of the few (and I follow a lot of them) that I actually try to read each entry and reply because I sense such a kindheartedness about you! Blessings…Shannon
Shannon latest thoughts..Tuck His Word in Your Heart Tuesdays
P.S.: I totally love the scripture and picture you chose to include on your post! I am going to memorize and meditate on that scripture, because I NEED it. :)
Shannon latest thoughts..Tuck His Word in Your Heart Tuesdays
Thank you, so much Shannon. That really means a lot.
P.S. We all should meditate on that Scripture!
Sam Kelley latest thoughts..Small Is Good