Two Years of This

Christian Gravy turns two years old today.

Many people don't know this, but I started blogging three years ago to get more speaking opportunities. That didn't pan out like I planned. 

Well, there was that one time I spoke center stage at Rupp Areana in front of around 4,500 people. 

Ironically, I was speaking about blogging and not preaching. 

Not only that, but I was on a panel of people who had jobs or hobbies having to do with technology. I gave 30 seconds worth of clues and was questioned by students who had to guess what I did.

However, at the end two teenagers who live on the other side of Kentucky recognized me and said their youth pastor uses some of my posts. That was the first (and only) time that someone recognized me and I almost felt famous.

It's funny but in three years I've learned that I can do without speaking, but couldn't do without writing.

Anyone can create a blog, but few people keep one up. I'm someone who likes to go through phases when it comes to life, so the fact that this has kept my attention for two years has to be from God. 

The second year has proven to be more exciting than the first. 

No, the Gravy hasn't gone viral. The traffic isn't anywhere close to where I want it. (But then again, I've found that I'm never happy with the number.) But there are many things I want to thank you and God for:

1) Reading it! Passing the Gravy! Liking it! Retweeting it! Talking about it! 

2) Thank you to individual people who regularly support, encourage, and share: Jonathan and Jill (I love you two), Trey, Lida, Kay, Kevin, Meredith, Terri, Amber, and Dexter and Donella Bowles. I hate writing lists because I don't want to leave someone off, but I want you to know how much I appreciate you.

Totally forgot to add my wife, Lacey, to this list. (That's why I hate making lists!) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For your love and support. Last night, I looked at you and thanked God that I have a wife that believes in me.

3) Traffic has doubled. For the second straight year, site traffic has more than doubled.

4) Subscribers have quadrupled. If you want to give the Gravy a birthday present, just fill out the "Subscribe to the Gravy" on the right side of your screen. 

5) Catalyst Conference gave a huge shout out to Christian Gravy when they had a blog post about five new bloggers to follow back in the spring. A friend and neighbor, Mike Allen, referred my blog. That was huge confidence boost. Thanks Mike!

6) Some non-believers read my blog. 

7) Don't know what to do with this one, but some serious Christian websites have posted something I created as satire for a resource. I don't know if they get the satire or if they just think it's true.

8) Sunday Trendiest is a post from back in April, but every day quite a few people are still reading it. It's cool to see a post continue to grow. 

Thank you for reading, sharing, and joining in on the conversation. 

I love you guys and pray for you daily.