Top 10 Posts of 2011

Here at the close of 2011, I’d like to thank you, my readers, for following along at SWYW. I love writing and would even if no one read me, but it’s much more enjoyable knowing there’s a few of you out there.

Two years ago I started blogging once a week. Then a little over a year ago, I started posting 2-3 times per week. I got the crazy notion last winter to post every day, which worked for a little while. Now I’m posting 4-5 times per week, with some “easy” posts in there, like quick articles about what music I’m listening to.

In 2012, keep looking for posts about family and my Notes from a First Century Pastor series, as well as music recommendations and book reviews. Sunday Setlists will also be a mainstay on Tuesdays. I’ll be working to better organize the site and clean it up a bit.

I’ll keep at it with the podcast, because it’s pretty easy, and I’ve received some encouraging comments. Be sure to check out the audio if you haven’t already.

Occasionally, I review the stats at SWYW, just to see what kind of posts are popular. I’m sure there is a much more scientific way of looking at the numbers to see why particular posts received more reviews. For instance, many hits come from my Facebook teasers. So many SWYW readers are people who “know” me on Facebook. But there are also a lot of hits coming from search engines, which explains the top post of the year.

1. That little girl in the Subaru commercial

Posted Aug 21

A review of a book called Daddy Dates. Lots of search engine hits here. I guess I’m not the only one who gets weepy at that commercial.

2. Yuma, Ariz. or Bust

Posted Jul 20

This was a live blog during our vacation back west, with micro posts throughout our drive and early parts of the trip. The follow-up live blog “Return Trip” was also viewed a lot. I may try more live blogging in 2012.

3. Needing more time to revamp my image

Posted Jun 1

I was a little surprised about this one, a candid post about wanting to be remembered for my love rather than my talents and accomplishments. I guess you like it when I rip open my chest and expose my heart.

4. Fig Leaves … Again

Posted Aug 10

This also surprised me, especially since I recycled it from a post in my Alabaster Tears series in Fall 2010. I realize I’ve been thinking a lot about recovering innocence. I must be guilty of something.

5. Seeing God as a Scary Monster

Posted Feb 16

This may have surged due to search engine directs, people looking for pictures/posts about Monsters, Inc. But it’s one of my favorites of the year, a post about how God is comforting and gentle and yet can be ferocious toward his enemies.

6. Stuff Boys Say about Osama bin Laden

Posted May 4

I wrote this shortly after learning of bin Laden’s capture and death. Nothing in the world changed that day. Evil will still remain until Christ returns.

7. How not to feel guilty for being rich

Posted May 6

This was actually one of my favorites. I think I like writing about money. What God gives is meant for us to bless others.

8. Hot Mic

Posted Jan 21

This received a surge from my young readers. I should say, those who read me that one day, because they liked my Facebook tease about the youth band.

9. Stuff Boys Say in a Locker Room

Posted Mar 21

Maybe I should start a “Stuff Boys Say” series. This one was about cursing and how in my head I curse like John McEnroe when I’m trying to nail down a guitar riff.

10. Dunking My Baby

Posted Aug 15

Last on the top ten, but perhaps my favorite. A post about baptizing our younger daughter and not drowning her.

Again, thanks for reading. See you in 2012!