Gratitude is a powerful emotion that has the ability to transform our lives and relationships for the better. It can help us to appreciate the people, experiences, and things that bring joy and meaning to our lives. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of cultivating gratitude, and provide tips for how to make it a daily practice. By learning to express gratitude regularly, we can improve our mental and physical well-being, strengthen our relationships, and lead more fulfilling lives.
How to show gratitude online
One way to show gratitude to people online is to simply say “thank you” when they do something that you appreciate. This can be as simple as thanking someone for answering a question or providing a helpful suggestion. It’s important to be sincere and specific when expressing gratitude, so be sure to mention what you are thanking the person for and why you appreciate it.
Another way to show gratitude is to express your appreciation for someone’s character or actions. For example, you might say something like “I really appreciate your kindness and generosity” or “I’m so grateful for your support and encouragement.” By focusing on the person’s positive qualities, you can show that you value them as an individual and not just for what they have done for you.
A third way to show gratitude is to offer a small gesture of appreciation, such as sending a virtual gift or sending a handwritten note. These gestures can be especially meaningful if you are unable to be physically present with the person.
A fourth way to show gratitude is to simply be there for someone when they need it. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or providing practical assistance, being a supportive presence can mean a lot to someone who is going through a difficult time.
A fifth way to show gratitude is to make an effort to stay in touch with people, even when you are busy or live far apart. A simple message or phone call can go a long way in letting someone know that you care about them and value their friendship.
A sixth way to show gratitude is to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the people in your life. Whether it’s a big accomplishment or a small win, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate someone’s success can mean a lot to them.
Finally, a seventh way to show gratitude is to simply be grateful and express your appreciation for the people in your life on a regular basis. This can be as simple as telling someone “I’m so glad to have you in my life” or sending a message to let them know that you are thinking of them. By expressing your gratitude frequently and consistently, you can strengthen your relationships and build deeper connections with the people in your life.
So let’s break it down…
“Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it.”
“I can’t thank you enough for your advice and guidance.”
“I’m grateful to you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.”
“I appreciate your willingness to lend a helping hand.”
“Thank you for being such a great support and encouragement.”
“I’m grateful for your kind words and encouragement.”
“Thank you for always being there for me and for your ongoing support.”
There you go, copy and paste these into a few chats…
Let’s have an attitude of gratitude, together, online.
“Google SEO” and Google Business isn’t something that should scare us off the bat, I’m going to try and simplify as much of it as possible as we go here.
“Google SEO” is important for a local community church in South Africa (or really any organization) because it helps to increase the visibility of their website in search engine results. This can be especially important for a small, local church because it can help more people in the community discover their church and learn about the services and events they offer. Additionally, having a strong online presence can help to establish credibility and make it easier for people to get in touch with the church or learn more about it. Overall, Google SEO can be a useful tool for helping a local community church in South Africa reach a wider audience and connect with more people in their community.
Why is “Google Business” important for my local church?
Having a Google My Business listing can be beneficial for your local church in several ways:
Increased visibility: Having a listing on Google My Business can help your church’s website show up higher in search results when people search for churches in your area.
Connect with your community: Google My Business allows you to share information about your church, such as your service times, location, and contact information, making it easier for people in your community to find and connect with you.
Online presence: Having a listing on Google My Business can help to establish your church’s online presence and make it easier for people to learn about your church and the services you offer.
Customer reviews: Google My Business allows customers to leave reviews of your church, which can help to build credibility and establish your church as a trusted place of worship in your community.
Insights: The Google My Business dashboard provides insights about how people are interacting with your listing, such as how many people have viewed your listing and how they found it. This can help you understand the effectiveness of your online presence and make any necessary adjustments.
How to setup Google Business for my local church
To set up your church’s Google My Business listing, follow these steps:
Go to the Google My Business website (https://www.google.com/business/) and click “Start now” to begin the process of creating a listing.
Enter your church’s name and address. If your church has a physical location that is open to the public, you can also add your phone number and website.
Choose the category that best describes your church (e.g., “church,” “place of worship,” etc.) and add any additional information about your church that you would like to include (e.g., services offered, mission statement, etc.).
Verify your listing by choosing the option that is most convenient for you. This may involve receiving a postcard in the mail with a verification code, or verifying by phone or email.
Once your listing has been verified, you can begin to manage it by logging in to the Google My Business dashboard. From here, you can add photos, update your hours of operation, and respond to customer reviews.
I hope this help answer some of your questions around some “Google SEO” and how it links up with setting up your “Google Business”. Here is another article related to why SEO is so key in more depth.
The waves are bigger than the boat I’m in This all seems too much, I’m about to give in The water’s rough and the wind is fierce I grip the sides, my knuckles white with fear
I close my eyes and take a deep breath I try to calm my racing heart, to find some rest But the boat is tossed, it’s hard to stay upright I open my eyes, my future feels so bright
I think of all I have, the love and support I can’t let fear control me, I must resort To the strength within, the courage I possess I won’t let these waves bring me to distress
I will stand tall, I face the sea I will not let it defeat me I am a fighter, I won’t give up I’ll weather this storm, I’ll rise above
You ask anyone who has run a race, hit the gym or finished an event, you wanna do that again? They will say “absolutely”, but if you ask them, you wanna do that again right now? They’ll say, “No thanks, gotta get some rest first…”
At its most basic level, resting for an activity refers to the idea of preparing oneself for an upcoming task or challenge. This might involve physical preparation, such as stretching or warming up before a workout or game, or it might involve mental or emotional preparation, such as taking a few deep breaths before a big presentation or calming oneself before a stressful meeting. Essentially, resting for an activity is about getting ourselves ready to take on whatever lies ahead.
In contrast, resting from an activity refers to the idea of taking a break after we have completed a task or challenge. This might involve physically resting our bodies after a workout or mentally decompressing after a long day at work. Resting from an activity is about allowing ourselves time to recharge and recover, both physically and mentally, so that we can be ready to tackle the next thing that comes our way.
So why is it important to differentiate between these two forms of rest as we start 2023?
For one thing, it helps us to be more mindful of our own needs and to be more intentional about how we care for ourselves. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and to push ourselves too hard without taking adequate time to rest and recharge. By recognizing the importance of both resting for an activity and resting from an activity, we can be more intentional about building rest into our lives in a way that allows us to be more resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way.
This is an idea that Brené Brown has explored in her work on vulnerability and wholehearted living. In her TED Talk on “The Power of Vulnerability,” Brown discusses the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging and connection in our lives, and how this requires us to be vulnerable and open to the ups and downs of life. But being vulnerable and open also requires us to take care of ourselves, to be mindful of our own needs and to practice self-compassion. This means taking the time to rest and recharge, both before and after the challenges that we face.
For Brown, resting is not just a matter of physical or mental recovery, but also a way to connect with ourselves and with the people around us. She writes, “Rest is not the absence of work. Rest is not the absence of striving. Rest is the presence of worth. It’s the presence of love and connection.” In other words, resting is about taking time to be present with ourselves and with others, and to recognize the inherent worth and value that we bring to the world. This requires us to be intentional about building rest into our lives, and to be mindful of when we need to rest for an activity and when we need to rest from an activity.
Here are a few ways to incorporate both resting for an activity and resting from an activity into your daily routine:
Take breaks between tasks: It’s important to allow yourself time to rest and recharge between tasks, particularly if you are working on something mentally or emotionally demanding. Taking breaks can help you to refocus and feel rejuvenated, rather than burnt out.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental recovery, so it’s important to prioritize getting enough sleep every night. This means establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and taking steps to create a sleep-friendly environment (such as keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet).
Engage in relaxation techniques: There are many different techniques that can help you to relax and recharge, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness practices. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and make time for relaxation on a daily basis.
Connect with others: Building connections with others is an important part of wholehearted living, and it can also be an important form of rest and recharge. Whether it’s spending quality time with friends and family, joining a social group, or participating in a hobby or activity that you enjoy, taking time to connect with others can be a great way to restore your sense of balance and well-being.
Prioritize self-care: Finally, it’s important to prioritize self-care in your daily routine. This might mean setting aside time for a hobby or activity that you enjoy, taking a relaxing bath or shower, or indulging in a favorite treat. Whatever it is that helps you to feel cared for and nourished, make sure to make time for it in your schedule.
Balance is so important in all of the ideas above, find your rhythm, find your pace, rest for and rest from various activities. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can be more intentional about resting for an activity and resting from an activity, and build more resilience and well-being into your life. Remember, rest is not just about physical or mental recovery, but also about cultivating a sense of connection and worth, and taking time to be present with yourself and those around you. By taking the time to rest, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges ahead and live a more wholehearted and fulfilling life.
The raw real life meaning of Christmas can be found by examining the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and the reality of their lives and His Birth. Similar to ours, I mean otherwise what’s the point of some dude who was born 2000 years ago?
According to the Gospels, Mary was a young woman living in the small town of Nazareth (Sources suggest around 400 people) in the Roman-occupied region of Palestine. She was engaged to be married to man by the name of Joseph, a carpenter. However, before they were married, Mary was visited by an angel who told her that she would give birth to a son who would be the Son of God. Mary, who was a virgin, was understandably shocked and confused by this news. Despite her doubts and fears, Mary eventually agreed to become the mother of Jesus.
Joseph, meanwhile, was faced with a difficult decision. When he learned that Mary was pregnant, he knew that he could not marry her without facing disgrace and shame. However, he also did not want to abandon Mary and their unborn child. In the end, Joseph decided to marry Mary and support her through the pregnancy.
As the time of Jesus’ birth approached, Mary and Joseph were forced to travel to Bethlehem (around 600 people in population) to be counted in a census ordered by the Roman Empire. It was during this journey that Mary went into labor and gave birth to Jesus in a stable, as there was no room for them at the inn.
The birth of Jesus was a simple and humble one, far from the glamorous and luxurious celebrations that Christmas has become today. It was a raw and real life event, marked by hardship and struggle, but also by faith and hope.
The family and I love hiking and walking on the beaches and forests in our surrounding local spots and the other incredible parts of our country. South Africa honestly wins. It just does. Beaches. Mountains. Forests. We got them. So this morning it was raining, “cold” – by South African standards and so misty. But the kids were up at 05:30 and game for a hike with dad… S
So what do I do? I gear UP! I get all the boots, jackets and beanies in the world for everyone. Daniel really quite content, long pants and jacket with shoes. He’s ready to run and get going… Lizzy on the other hand. NOPE. Would have none of it. Red dress. No shoes. Let’s go. She fought me, challenged me, wanted none of it and so what do I do? I let her obviously. I mean. I’m not gonna fight a toddler.
AND OFF WE WENT.
I WANT TO SAY THIS AGAIN… The birth of Jesus was a simple and humble one, far from the glamorous and luxurious celebrations that Christmas has become today. It was a raw and real life event, marked by hardship and struggle, but also by faith and hope. Our Christmas’s have become sanitised by the malls and Christmas lights we have put up. Excuse the commentary on the times, but everything has been sanitised, am I right? Everything in our lives exists to “protect” and keep us “comfortable”.
Cold outside, what we do?
Warm outside, what we do?
Raining, what we do?
Going for a run, what you do?
Going to the mall, what you do?
Going hiking, WHAT DO WE DO?
We wear shoes ALL THE TIME, when was the last time you felt grass, sand or stones under your feet? Stood on a thorn? When was the last time you felt rain on your skin? Not on your rain jacket? When was the last time you got your hands dirty, in the sand and the soil of the earth?
Throughout his life, Jesus would continue to challenge the social, political, and religious norms of his time. He preached a message of love and compassion, and taught his followers to be humble and to serve others. He also faced persecution and ultimately suffered a cruel and brutal death on the cross, but his message and teachings have endured for centuries and continue to inspire and guide people around the world.
See I think Jesus gets it: that kids get it. In Luke we read…
“People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. “Let these children alone. Don’t get between them and me. These children are the kingdom’s pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.”
The raw real life meaning of Christmas, then, is about more than just presents and holiday cheer. It is about the birth of Jesus, a man who would go on to change the world with his message of love and compassion. I wonder if Moses got into the same kinda “rut” we do, same road, same, path, same trees, same river, same road to and from work, and what does God say to him when He get his attention? Take your shoes off, FEEL the earth, feel the sand, FEEL the dust of the earth, FEEL the soft gentle tickle of the grass. This ground here, in THIS moment, IS HOLY it always has been and you just need to take your shoes off more… It is about the humble beginnings of a life that would inspire and transform countless people. It is about the raw and real struggles of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, and the enduring message of hope and redemption that they bring to us all and let’s see if this Christmas, we can learn something from a small child.
As the year comes to a close and we look towards the new year, it is natural to start thinking about the goals and resolutions we want to set for ourselves. However, it is unfortunate that for many people, the time and effort put into setting these goals often goes to waste. Studies have shown that up to 92% of New Year’s resolutions fail, leading some to wonder if it is even worth the effort. But before we give up on goal setting entirely, it is important to understand why resolutions and goals often fail, and what we can do to increase our chances of success.
Do more than just write it down…
One of the main reasons why resolutions and goals fail is that people often don’t go beyond just writing them down. The act of writing down a goal or resolution is certainly a good first step, but it is not enough on its own. Without a plan or a process in place to actually achieve the goal, it becomes nothing more than an intention. For example, hoping to see your church grow without a plan for how to make that happen is simply a hope, and intending to lose weight without a plan for how to do so is just an intention. In both cases, the goal remains nothing more than a wish. Tell some friends, make yourself accountable, post it online and ask your friends to CHECK-IN on you…
Clear, simple, GOALS?
STOP for a second here, what’s on the LIST for January? Just January…
Another reason that resolutions and goals often fail is that people don’t have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve. It is important to be specific and realistic when setting goals. Vague or overly ambitious goals are much less likely to be achieved than specific, achievable goals. For example, a goal of “losing weight” is vague and doesn’t provide any direction or motivation. On the other hand, a goal of “losing 10 pounds in three months by exercising three times a week and eating a healthier diet” is specific and provides a clear plan for how to achieve it.
So go month by month, then term by term, then year by year.
Are your goals “YOUR” goals?
In addition to being specific and having a plan, it is important to consider whether a goal is actually important to you. If a goal is not something that you truly care about, it is much less likely that you will have the motivation and dedication to see it through. It is important to set goals that are meaningful and align with your values and priorities.
Outcome-driven goals, or goals that are focused on the end result, can be motivating in the short term. However, in the long run, process-driven goals, or goals that focus on the steps and actions required to achieve a goal, tend to produce better results. For example, a financial goal of saving R500 per month is a better goal than hoping to see your investments grow by 15%. See goals like planting trees, allow the growth to happen, water the soil, a couple years pass and then you’re actually eating the fruit of those trees, your children are sitting under the shade of those trees and your grand children are now running the farms selling the fruit to neighbouring towns. My goals definitely have my kids in mind, and my kids’ kids.
I started in the Methodist Church as a bight eyes bushy tailed 19 year old, for 9 years being a youth, young adults and worship pastor in Johannesburg and then here in Port Elizabeth (South Africa). I then changed jobs a little and then found myself in a non-denominational church for 5 years being the Online Church Pastor. (A video for another day – LOL). One church had 1000 members a service, other services we were hoping for 20 people to arrive, yes, 20! and then pre pandemic we had 2000 people per service 3 times a Sunday…
It doesn’t matter if you’re a large church or a small church—if your website isn’t getting traffic, it’s not going to be successful. And unfortunately, getting people to visit your website is not as easy as it used to be. Search engine optimization (SEO) has become more important than ever in order for churches to get the attention of their target audiences. That’s why I’ve put together this list of five reasons why SEO is essential for churches and online churches today:
SEO is important for increasing traffic to your church website
Search engine optimization is important because it helps you to rank higher in search engines, like Google. This will increase the amount of traffic your website gets, which is the most effective way to drive more sales and leads. Having a high ranking on Google can also help you get more exposure through organic traffic and social media channels.
If you want to grow your church and online church, SEO is one of the best ways to achieve this goal. Because it takes time for results, it’s an ideal long term strategy for any church pastor and creative team who doesn’t want their success dependent on short term gains from promotions or paid advertising campaigns. (So much money spent on Facebook Ads, and sometimes even more now port pandemic)
SEO provides a higher ROI than traditional marketing
SEO is a long-term strategy, so it’s more cost effective. SEO provides better ROI than traditional marketing. Printing 5000 flyers at the robots or local mall will only go so far. There are only 5000 of them, we don’t know who actually sees these flyers and it ends there. We have all had that one post that goes a little viral, and it just goes much further than we ever thought it could’ve.
SEO is more targeted than traditional marketing: When you use SEO to target your audience, you can reach them when they are ready to buy and convert on your website. This is not possible with other forms of advertising, which means that the people who see your ad are much more likely to visit your church or event in the future.
Local Church SEO is more measurable than traditional marketing: Because Google Analytics tracks all of the information about how users interact with websites, it makes sense for us to know if our efforts are paying off or not! and here we can then innovate and pivot if we need to.
SEO builds trust and credibility
Search engines are known for their good taste. If a website is well-known and respected, it’ll rank higher in search results. This means that you will be rewarded for the time and effort you’ve put into building trust with your audience.
After all, if you’re an established church that built a good reputation online, why would people not trust you and your team?
SEO helps build credibility among potential congregation or community members and helps them see that you’re trustworthy—a church they can rely on.
SEO increases your market share
So terrible to think like this but, Jesus has called us to go fishing, and let’s catch so much fish that the nets break… Search engine optimization is a long-term strategy. You can’t expect to see results overnight. That said, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, SEO can increase your market share—and the amount of fish you catch. Peter, Paul and John spent many nights on the water… How many nights you spending online?
It helps you reach new members through organic search engine placement. Not only do unique visitors come from local searches, but those who visit your website will be more likely to actually check you out online for a church service or visit you in person.
Search engines help drive traffic back to your site so that visitors stay on it longer—which means they’ll get more value out of their experience with you and are more likely to return again later on down the road, online or in person.
SEO has the best ROI over time
SEO has the best ROI over time. We in ministry for the long run, yeah?
While PPC can be a great short-term strategy, it’s important to understand that with SEO, you’re investing in your church online presence for the long term. In other words, as you grow and invest in your church online, so too will your investment in SEO grow and pay off over time. So if you’re looking for a quick win that’ll help you get started on this journey, look elsewhere—SEO is a long game that requires patience and dedication but will eventually reap rewards if you stick with it.
There are many benefits to using search engine optimization (SEO) in your church.
Search engine optimization is an essential part of every churches marketing strategy. It is the best return on investment (ROI) and has many long-term benefits to your church.
SEO is a low cost marketing strategy that increases your “market” share, which will lead to more people attending church and getting connected to community in the long run.
Conclusion
As you can see, SEO is an essential part of any local churches’ marketing strategy. It provides many benefits that other types of marketing don’t have—including higher returns on investment and greater trust in your “brand”. If you still aren’t convinced that SEO is right for your church, then consider the fact that it has the best ROI over time because there are no upfront costs involved! That means you can start seeing results right away without having to spend big bucks first. So what are you waiting for? Start implementing these strategies today!
Church leaders (and maybe even business owners), I hope this helps…
Contact me if you have any questions about SEO and other online presence management things.
