A few more details

Here are a few more details regarding the Asbury Women's Conference to be held Friday evening, October 21, 6:00 - 11:00 PM.

The conference is titled FOR IT IS TIME... to seek the Lord, based on Hosea 10:12. I will be speaking twice that evening. Both talks will be on Hosea and the seriousness of our day, our time, and the need to return to our God. Starting next week, I will post weekly on Coffee Tea and Thee to help prepare for the teachings from Hosea.

Tickets are $5.00 and you can get yours by going by the The Dwelling Place (Asbury's Bookstore in the Hope Building) or online here. You sure get a lot for you money - great worship and fellowship and we'll practically have a slumber party together. I hope to see you there!

Blog Exercise #5 and #6

Email a blog reader. And a few must-read tips and tutorials for bloggers.

It will strengthen your blog to comment to a commenter. When you pay personal attention to a reader it significantly increases the chances of them not only returning to your blog, but also spreading the news of your blog through their network. Email them or respond to the comment ON your blog. Sending the email is great for making an impression on the individual person, but leaving a comment in your own comment section shows other readers that you’ll engage in conversation. It also helps build comment numbers, which can build social proof and show your blog is active.

One day when you need mindless information to accumulate in your brain for future reference, have fun with these blog experts.

Seth Godin's blog - How to get traffic for your blog

Skelliewag's A Complete Guide to Finding and Using Incredible Flickr Images
and 25 Paths to an Insanely Popular Blog

Liz Strauss from Successful Blog 10 Reasons Readers Don't Leave Comments

Jeremy Schoemaker from ShoeMoney My Top Ten Worst Ideas to Make Money

Blog Exercise #4

Analyze a top blog in your niche.

As little as 15 minutes and the questions below can help shape your own blogging strategy. Strong strategy lends to blog success.
First, select a successful blog on the same subject as yours or a related subject. Analyze, using these questions:
What topics are they covering?
What topics are they ignoring?
What voice/style do they post in?
How often are they posting?
What topics generate the most conversation?
What styles of post seem to connect with readers best?
What questions are readers asking in the Comments?
What complaints do you see readers making in the Comments?
What’s your first impression from their design?
What have they done well? What have they done poorly?
What options do they give readers to subscribe?

Two quick words of warning:
1. Maintain the Focus on Your Own Blog.A trap some bloggers fall into is spending so much time watching their “competitors” that they spend less time actually building their own blog. This analysis is useful to do every now and again, but don’t let it be at the expense of other core activities on your own blog.
2. Be Unique.Another trap some bloggers fall into is virtually replicating every aspect of another blog. While there’s a lot we can learn from others and lessons we can take from what others are doing, if you simply copy everything another
blog does you fail to differentiate yourself and potential readers have no real reason to read you instead of others.

Blog Exercise #3

Promote a blog post.

The Premise: If you select one of your best blog posts and promote it, your blog will take an upward bump in readership. And, some of those readers will stick around.

The Promotion: 11 Ways to Promote a Blog Post
Note: please be careful in using these techniques. Don’t use them all with every post you write. Choose your best posts and promote them selectively, in ways that are helpful to other people.
1. Pitching to Other Bloggers—ask another blogger to consider linking to your post.
2. Social Messaging-like Twitter and Facebook.
3. Social Bookmarking
4. Internal Links—rather than just promote your post on other people’s sites, think about where you can link to it from within your own site. Perhaps you’ve written on the topic before and can add a link for further reading, or maybe adding a section in your sidebar for “Latest posts” could work.
5. Newsletters
6. Other Blogs’ Comments Sections and Forums
7. Email Signatures
8. Follow-up Posts—write a new post on your blog that picks up where your last one left off. This builds momentum and if you inter-link the posts, drives more page views.
9. Advertise Your Post
10.Pitch Mainstream Media
11.Article Marketing—if you do this do not submit exactly the same article you’ve posted on your blog to article marketing sites (this can get you into trouble with Google where you could face penalties for duplicate content).

Hands down the best post I've ever written is Peanut Butter Balls in June of this year. I'm not comfortable with very many of the above suggestions, but I did create an email signature with my blog address, as well as an internal link. If you missed the post, settle in for a good read!

Mark Your Calendar

Hold on to Friday night, October 21st and more details to follow...

My List Post

Gifts: Top Five Faves

I love gift giving. It is one of my love languages. Better than receiving, I like to give gifts... especially little gifts, treats and surprises, in fabulously wrapped packages. Yet, sometimes I draw a total blank, run out of ideas, run out of time (or money), or simply do not know the recipient very well. That is when I default to my trusty list of best gifts ever. Here are favorites in no particular order to give you ideas for your next occasion.

Wedding Gifts

1. Michael Aram - any piece at all; Harpeth Gallery in Nashville, The Registry in Franklin
2. An oil painting - especially for the kitchen
3. McCarty Pottery - worth a trip to The Gallery in Monteagle, Tennessee
4. Monogrammed pillowcases - Sarah got two sets, I was so envious!
5. Southern My Way by Gena Knox - my new favorite cookbook, tie a Rosti spoon or two on top

Birthday Gifts

1. Tin birthday cake carrier by Department 56; on ebay, everywhere I take mine I get compliments!
2. Tea towels - by Le Jacquard Francais; Lawren's
3. Leather jewelry roll - from Pottery Barn; find someone who does leather stamping to add a monogram
4. Lafco candles - the best! Named for rooms in the house - try Master Bedroom, Power Room or Den
5. Tervis tumbler - everyone needs one!

Baby Gifts

1. Sleep Sheep - babies love the sounds and it's cuddly
2. Bla Bla knit stuffed animals - whimsical, fun, and for lots of babies I know this is their favorite hold-onto
3. Little Giraffe blanket - the softest there is
4. Sleep sack - I've bought several and they come in three weights and 2 sizes; Helen's in Nashville
5. Judy Toles' taggies and burp pads - adorable!

Sympathy Gifts
This is where I use my list often... when I am always caught off guard and always in a hurry!

1. Apricot pound cake - I keep a yellow box cake mix and apricot nectar on hand just for this recipe
2. Books - you can't go wrong with these - Good Grief; A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis; A Year with C.C. Lewis, devotional; The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion; Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire, Recovering from Losses in Life
3. Roses - take a clay pot you already have, put in a big cube of soaked oasis, buy roses and galax leaves, cut roses short, overlap galax leaves around the edge, stick roses in side by side starting in center(use an odd number), and there you go!
4. Paper plates & napkins - always appreciated and needed
5. Handkerchief - include a verse about tears... The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces Isaiah 25:8

... and finally Things that fit in a card
Sometimes you just want to send a card with a little extra.
1. Bookmark
2. Cross - there are lots of little ones that fit in an envelope
3. Starbucks gift card - $5 treats your friend to a cup of coffee or tea on you
4. Thymes bath salts - they come in an envelope that easily fits ion an envelope
5. Gigi’s Cupcakes gift card - $3 and delicious

Blog Exercise #2

Write a list post.

A what? A post with some kind of list in it.

If you would like to see how effective lists are, take a look at the Hotlist on Delicious. People are as attracted to reading lists as they are to reading bulleted points. It is a great blog style. And it sure is nice to know that I'm not the only one addicted to lists!

So, here's an example of a good list...
List posts are popular because:
1. Lists are scannable.
2. Lists keep posts succinct—there is something about a list that keeps you as a blogger from rambling.
3. Lists look neat.
4. Lists can be comprehensive.
5. Lists are persuasive.
6. Lists can add to the ease of writing.
7. Lists go viral—lists can start epidemics of ideas. For the above reasons and more, bloggers and social media aficionados seem to love sharing lists and, as a result, they spread quickly throughout the web (and beyond).
8. Lists break down the complicated.

Warning: limit your list posts. They can be incredibly powerful but readers can become frustrated with them if that is all you do.

I took the author's advice and started by writing down as many different kinds of lists that I could think of. I was surprised - they all would be pretty good topics, but one stood out above all the rest. It is a list I have been writing, adding to, and actually using for years. My list post tomorrow...

Blog Exercise #1

Write an elevator pitch for your blog.

A what? “An elevator pitch is an overview of an idea for a product, service, or project. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride.” —Wikipedia

Lesson 1 says that as a blogger I need to have thought through and crystallized in my mind what my blog is about. If I am fuzzy on what it's about, it’s unlikely that anyone else will have a clear idea either.

Well, I have been fuzzy about what it's about. Coffee Tea and Thee started in March 2010 as a place to post additional commentary to a Bible study I was writing. It grew into a hodge-podge of family events, prayer needs, inspirational stories, and a relay of information. But mostly it is written for and about our Lord. Coffee Tea and Thee... the name just came to me one day and I love it. I like to think of having a cup of coffee and conversation with Him.

Further, the blog experiment suggests keeping the elevator pitch short, clear, intriguing and energetic. Once you've got your elevator pitch you can use it elsewhere... in your tag line, on your 'about' page, in real life conversations, on business cards and in email signatures.

I finally decided that my blog is about whatever you and I would talk about, with Jesus joining us, over a good cup of coffee or tea. All the subjects of life are under His great big umbrella. Well now I have it - it's on my sidebar.

Blog Challenge Begins

I am going to try it. 31 Days to Build a Better Blog began when author Darren Rowse asked on Twitter how many people were interested in a month of concentrated teaching and practical exercises on improving blogs. Over 13,000 bloggers signed up!

The idea is simple. Almost all bloggers want to improve their blogs but many never quite get around to it. That would be me. I read several blogs almost daily. I skim lots of other blogs. I recommend blogs and talk about blogs. I have entertained the idea of going to a blog conference. Yet when it comes to actually writing and being intentional about the focus of my blog, nah...

By the end of this challenge I hope to have learned and relayed to you 31 aspects of blogging and put them into practice. This challenge is designed not only to fill our heads with knowledge ABOUT blogging but also give us some concrete things to actually DO.

I am sure I will take more than 31 days, but interspersed with my main blog topics, there will be a blog building exercise. Fire up your blogs and help me with mine! Starts tomorrow...

Getting Ready for 9.11.11

I've been waiting months for this!
Anne Graham Lotz and Joel Rosenberg will be simulcasting A Wake up Call for God's People on 9.11.11 at 6:00 PM CDT. Go to Anne's website, AnGeL Ministries, for all the details.

We will be able to watch the simulcast from our home computers and Anne's website has very detailed instructions, even for download dummies like me. Also I discovered that if you are a DIRECTV HD Access subscriber, you will have the opportunity to view the Simulcast LIVE on GOD TV, which is channel 365 on DIRECTV.

A Wake Up Call will consider the times in which we live, refocus on Jesus as our Hope for the future, and ask God to re-ignite such an intense longing for His return that we live the rest of our lives with no regrets. This is already speaking to my heart! Joel Rosenberg will deliver an informative opening message - a 50-minute teaching on biblical prophecy and current events that point to Jesus' return. Anne Graham Lotz will give a stirring, 50-minute challenge from Isaiah, urging the church to get ready for the return of Jesus by repenting of sin, returning to the Cross, and recommitting to the proclamation of the Gospel. Selah will lead in worship throughout the program. A DVD-based, 9-week follow-up Bible study, which supports the Simulcast message is available.

A Beautiful Bargain

These are the days for great bargains and this is no exception! Next week I am traveling to Chattanooga to Northgate Gallery to pick up my grandmother's mahogany corner cupboard. It has been in two of their auctions, both right about the time the bottom fell out of things. The price was high (appraised at 5K) and it did not sell.

I am taking it to Railroad Station Antiques and have drastically lowered the price. The only reason I cannot keep it is because of the size. It simply will not fit in my house - my ceilings are not high enough. For one week only the price for the corner cupboard is $1,750; once it gets to Railraod Station the price jumps to $2,250.

Note Northgate Gallery's description below. Please send this link to anyone you know who might be interested. Thanks, friends!

American Chippendale mahogany bow front corner cupboard, c. 1840.
58 inches wide
27 inches deep
93 inches high
36 inches from corner edge to the center back

Completely authentic
Gorgeous finish and most unusual shape and design
Beautifully designed antique glass cabinet doors
Original locks on drawer and upper and lower cabinets
One felt-lined drawer and two-shelf bottom cabinet
4 scalloped gold leaf edged upper shelves

Holds everything! A stunning piece for a dining room. The corner cupboard is in two pieces; the top glass cabinet fits securely onto the bottom cabinet with an additional center foot for sturdiness.

Last Days of Summer

Hey, I am preparing for fall and I have found a cool blog experiment that I am dying to try. Trouble is, I would have to write almost every day. Yikes! Don't know if I'm up to that, but just in case I take it on, what would you like me to write about? Do you like Bible studies, recipes, paintings, family events, the grandchildren, prayer requests, other ministries, inspirational stories, random stuff, pretty pictures... in general what I'm interested in? All of the above or something else entirely? I need a little feedback here, so please direct my fingers!

A Mama's Heart

Okay, I just have to say it - I am carrying around a lot of mamas in my heart this week. Lots of goodbyes, lots of tears, lots of angst... whether it be off to college or off to kindergarten. Did I do enough, was there time enough, do they have faith enough, do they know enough? I am praying for you all. Empty nests as well as the first fledgling out. I'll never forget those days with each of my children - my goodness, I'll never forget those days my very own self! When I went to first grade I left my best childhood friend sitting in her driveway. When I went to college my dad cried and told me I was getting what he never had. He said if he could have his way about one thing it would be to go with me. Memories. See what I mean? Some things, lots of things, they will never forget.

Jesus is enough. He is supremely sufficient. He is holding your child and carrying them to the next step. Many mama prayers this week and next.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." Luke 12: 22, 29-32 NLT

STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST.

For those of you who know about my painting blog, Blessings in Brushstrokes, I am saying goodbye. Not to painting, but to a blog about painting. I have had 8-10 dedicated weekly readers, and I want to thank them for following a blog with a new post every four months or so!

I simply cannot write two blogs, and my heart is in this one. I plan to increase posts as well as broaden the scope of Coffee Tea and Thee. I will cover my painting news when I have it, right alongside Bible studies, family events, and God things that bring refreshment and restoration.

Painting news... as you might imagine, I've taken at least a six month break due to Sarah's wedding. Yet with a little time on my hands my brain has started pumping and I'm yearning for that creative voice. Today I dug in my old closet and pulled out paints, palette, a big box of photographs for ideas, and clean, white, blank canvasses. I'm back.

While searching the internet looking over some of my favorite artists and what they have been doing while I've had the lead in planning a wedding, I found this. I am such a list person. August is the month for lists - school supply lists, clothes lists, last days of summer lists, reading lists, fall trips lists and more. I can get so wound up trying to find a fresh look - something that has never been done. This reminds me there is nothing new under the sun. Just get going and give it to God!Btw... In keeping with #6 on the list, I'm looking for a tiny inexpensive studio space downtown or near. Someplace to paint, someplace to have you over for coffee, someplace to light in between things. If you know of anything please email.