Anniversary Reader Reflections!

Greetings, Readers! You will notice that today’s article looks a little different from my usual musings. This is the eighth anniversary of this work in progress. It all started in August of 2018 when I asked our tech savvy son, Marc, to help me set up a blog on my personal website (www.mjkministries.com). At the time, I was not sure how long this effort would last or that anyone would even read what I was writing. But to my surprise, God has blessed in an incredible way!

Blogger At Work!

As of this writing, Serve by Design has logged over one million and ninety-one thousand pageviews since its inception. The site regularly averages 45,000 pageviews each month. This issue represents the 400th article! I have repeated this maxim a few times over the years, “Writers need readers!” I am grateful to each of you who take the time each week to open this devotional blog, read or scan through it, and then share your reflections. You are a blessing to me! Your verbal and written interactions are motivation for me to continue this journey for as long as the Lord leads!

I have distilled down some of the many weekly reflections that you have sent my way by email or text message. I hope you can feel how these blog articles and messages have impacted a few of the readers who keep up with what is happening in my life. After all, this humble offering is mostly autobiographical and nothing more than one person sharing a story or information with another. My hope and prayer is that someone might connect and find inspiration in it!

The following are some recent reflections from special friends of this website…

“Thanks for your blog on Numbers, Pastor Keppler. I'm actually forwarding this to my oldest grandson who is in his third year of college majoring in statistics and mathematics at Northern Illinois University. He has always had a great love and fascination for numbers ever since he was about two years old. (Truly) So it didn't surprise me he chose this discipline to pursue (in fact I'm gonna say he takes that after my side of the family). I know he will enjoy your story. God bless you greatly, and Google's statistics on your blog hits do not surprise me. It's about time for that devotional composite (a book!) of your blogs, isn't it?” (VL)

“I just wanted you to know that I have been sitting on the front porch drinking a cup of coffee and waiting for your devotional. Boy, it did not disappoint!! It was great!! Our family has been discussing ‘screen time’ since our granddaughter continues to fight sleep. I suggested to her parents that they turn off the TV, even if it’s just playing music, at least 2 hours before bedtime. They tried it and it seemed to help. I seriously pray our schools will cut way down on-screen time with all the research coming out! Thanks again for a great devotional!!” (PB)

“You are amazing. I love how you tied this all together. Beautiful! I sent this to a teacher at Smithville HS, whose daughter just graduated, and is going to Mary Harden Baylor on a full volleyball scholarship. Thx for sharing. Great thots!” (AL)

“Love the KitKat story. Jokes abound. I hear there hasn't been a ‘break’ in the case. There wasn't a break in the case of Jesus' disappearance either. Gee I wonder what happened to him?? A few folks said what they saw. I believe them. And the rest is history! HAPPY EASTER, Mike!” (TM)

“Enjoyed the ‘very relevant’ article, Mike. I really love the closing point made in this one! Keep up the Lord’s good work!” (BM)

“Enjoyed this read. My daughter accidentally pitched her cellphone out the car window trying to shoo a moth out of the car. We were on interstate 10 headed to Florida with her and her two boys. The blunder remains the subject of many retorts: ‘at least I don’t throw my phone out the window!’” (DC)

“I’ve been out walking Aero catching up on my Mr. Keppler readings! I know I’ve said this before, but I always love reading your accounts of real-life stories, and they’re so easy to relate to, and how you tie them into a story about faith. It’s so cool!” (AH)

“I enjoyed the meditation! I would love to continue receiving it.” (SB)

“This article really connected with me Mike. It wasn’t until after I retired that I came to an understanding and appreciation of my spiritual gift, and how God had wired me in a way that He could use it; if I yielded it to Him to use in accordance with His timing and appointment.” (BM)

“Wow... You took me through a lot of emotions in the Meltdown blog. Laughed out loud at your father's words (loose nut behind the wheel) then recognized my occasional self in Elijah's despair. Your writing is amazing!” (TH)

“Great article, and that book is at the front of my library, fantastic read. I love your transitions from funny experiences this week to the work of Christ, so proud of you Poppi!” (KD)

As you can see, friends, there are several ways you can read this blog and reflect. Some reader reactions are personally applied, and others choose to share the articles with family and friends. Some reflections are long and some are short. You can ruminate any way you choose! 😊

Thank you to my new readers and thanks again to those of you who have followed me these past eight years! I am humbled by your support! You are an incredible blessing to this aspiring writer! Pray for me that I might live and write as this Scripture instructs: "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Ephesians 4:29, NLT).

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2026 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com


 

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