New Year’s Eve. We’ve been there before. Done that.

After a fun early evening with friends, we’re back at Noble World HQ, with the TV and housepants on.

Daughter and wifey are on the couch watching old episodes of Monk on the Roku. I’m on the couch with a Macbook and a mindful of musing. Tomorrow is 2011. It’s just another day, yet because of our calendaring system, we treat it as sacred. Interestingly enough, it is a powerful opportunity to practice valuable introspection. Resolutions will come and go over the next 90 days, and this entry may prove personally meaningless as well. Yet, on the last night of 2010, some of brain energy is directed to the past five years of blogging here at journeyguy.com.

Bluntly, my blog is not where I’d hoped it would be. Five years ago when I began blogging, I envisioned my blog creating ongoing conversations and dialogue with a worldwide audience. Narcissistically, I thought Notes from the Trail would become a preferred destination and bookmarked stop for thousands. It hasn’t.

With great appreciation to the 150-200 folks a day that stop in (according to Google Analytics), I certainly don’t want to discourage your traffic. I’ve enjoyed the friendships and comments that this blog has generated, but I wonder… Is it a good mental investment? Should I direct my energies elsewhere? Or should I work harder to focus journeyguy.com in order to generate a larger audience?

I love writing. I do. It’s cathartic. It’s a catalyst. It’s community. But my end goal is not necessarily random entries about random life happenings. Problem is… I don’t know what my end goal is.

I have dreams about getting a book published. But then I question my motives. Every church planter/pastor that is worth their salt (you detect any sarcasm?) wants or has a book published. Do I really want to toss in a trite contribution to the cesspool of contemporary churchianity? Do I really have anything to say that is real, beneficial and ultimately and truly God-exalting?

And so I ponder on the Eve of 2011.

To blog? To book? I still have hopes that one may lead to another. Consider the story of the Pioneer Woman whose blogging has led beyond books to a movie. It’s enough to depress aspiring, consistent writers such as yours truly.

And then there’s the counsel of Ecclesiastes 12.12:

“But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.”

I’ve got a book project or two on the burner. Maybe 2011 will be the year of focused, intentional effort for publication. We’ll see. Right now… I think I’ll go watch some Monk. It’s New Year’s Eve, after all.

On this day...

6 Comments

Marylee Noble January 1, 2011 at 1:47 am

You know that I’ve always supported your dream of writing and getting published!!! But even if you never get officially published, I love to read what’s on your mind and in your heart – zany, weird, or serious! (No great surprise coming from your mom!) So, I vote for continuing to blog. Consider using yours and Carolyn’s blogs as a springboard. You two have quite a story to tell of God’s love, provision, and grace on both
the mountaintops and in the valleys.

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Mandy January 1, 2011 at 11:34 am

I vote.. do both! ;) I understand where you are coming from. When you have a passion, whatever that may be, AND you’re a writer, you just want to set the world on fire with it! I think you would be amazed at what your blog does for people, even if they never tell you. I stopped blogging (because life got CRAZY) for a month or so, and I started getting random emails and facebook inboxes from people I don’t even know, asking if I could please start again. I’d feel that way if you stopped blogging. I love reading your insights.. and you often write something in a way that reaches me.. and you know how hard it is to get through my thick skull.

Oh, and of course.. PRAY ABOUT IT. God will definitely not want you to waste your time – I have no doubt that he will lead your creativity where it will best glorify him.
Mandy´s last [type] ..2011 is Going to Kick 2010s Butt

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Jeff January 1, 2011 at 8:01 pm

Thanks, Mom! As always, you’re a huge encouragement! I still attribute my love for reading and writing to you. Of course, seeing both of my parents with books in their hands all time time while growing up had to play a huge part. Thanks for letting me read and collect comics. They were the precursor to greater adventures in reading for me.

Mandy, that’s such a wonderful affirmation coming from someone who is such a great writer and wonderfully articulate. I spent the other day catching up on you guys through your blog. I love how God gives you courage and inspiration through the lives of friends. You and Clayton and your pursuit of faith and obedience are awesome! (even if your husband choked in the fantasy football playoffs).

I’ll keep praying and seeking direction and wisdom!

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Nan Graham January 2, 2011 at 6:11 am

I found it interesting to read your New Years Eve post in light of the fact that I’ve recently been thinking about your writing. I even mentioned it to someone last week who is unfamliar with your interest and talent in writing. I also thought it funny that after reading your post about getting a book published, I watched an episode of “Everyone Loves Raymond” where he was bummed about his book not getting published.
Anyway, I wanted to tell you some things that came to mind. One is that there is no question that you are a gifted writer. Another thing is that there is no doubt that you are on the right track when you are searching your heart and motivation. I appreciate your honesty and transparency.
I was thinking about my pastor the other day. I was thinking about how he has never written a book (that I know of)and not too many people outside of Hood County Texas know his name, but he has served humbly and faithfully as a pastor for over 40 years, 35+ of those years in the church he is currently pastoring. I’m thinking there is a good chance that his eternal rewards are going to be as great or greater as some whose names are known within Christian circles worldwide. God knows his name and that is what matters.
I would advise you to write when you have a message that is like fire shut up in your bones. When your writing talent/gift is joined with the power of the Holy Spirit, it will be explosive.
I too have been taught by verses in Ecclesiastes recently. As I was pondering what seemed like paradoxes; working with all our might, but being still and knowing that He is God, etc., the familiar verses of “a time for everything” came to mind. But after that comes a statement that stood out to me, “God set eternity in their hearts.” An eternal perspective is what is needed. A simple statement we hear quite often, but is so full of meaning.
So, there are my thoughts during this “night watch.” I wonder if they will make any sense in the morning light.
Stay on the narrow “trail” and keep “noting” the thoughts from which others can learn. And also know that you have prayers being offered on your behalf as you journey.

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- Jeff January 3, 2011 at 9:39 pm
  
  Nan,
  Thanks so much for your profound, loving insights. They mean so much. I love the thought of “fire in your bones.” I hope and pray that at some point, I’ll have the responsibility and joy of creating a work in response to such inflammation! Simultaneously, I am deeply appreciate for faithful men such as your pastor (and so many others in our lives) who have lives worth writing, but whose letters are inscribed in hearts rather than on paper.
  
  So many stories need to be told. For me, much of my desire is ember-centered rather than an inferno at present. I guess I’m at a point of wondering if I should practice discipline, diligence and focus to do what Paul urged Timothy in his second letter to the young pastor (1.6-7):
  
  For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
  
  Thanks for your confidence and encouragement! We love you guys, and hope you head this way soon for a visit!
  
  Reply
whimzie January 6, 2011 at 12:11 pm

Selfishly, I hope the blog stays.

But I get this. I really think I do.
whimzie´s last [type] ..Red Velvet MGO

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About

Notes from the Trail
The Personal Blog of Jeff Noble
Info: From the misty hills of Virginia, "Notes from the Trail" seeks to encourage you on your journey. Written by a graphic designer-pastor, this blog is a blend of humor, insight, and faith discovery.