I’m sitting in my comfy chair under blankets with my tea watching the first real snowfall of the year with my dog curled up next to me….and remembering.
Today is a special day. For me anyway. Most people won’t think today is any different than yesterday or tomorrow.
And if my husband were sitting here with me right now, and I asked him, “Do you know what today is?”, he would likely say, “Ummm…Monday???”
Today is not a memorable day for most people. But it is for me.
No…it’s not an anniversary or birthday or kids’ birthday or dog’s birthday. Nothing like that. But today is still very special to me.
It’s my blogiversary!
Ever since before I even went to Bible School, I just wanted Him to use me. However He saw fit.
I have always loved His Word. For these past 25+ years it has been my constant companion. He has used it to reveal Himself to me. His nature and His love. His power and miracles. His faithfulness and His character.
It has brought me strength and encouragement and healing and life and comfort. I don’t think there’s a single part of my life that isn’t entwined with His Word.
And at Bible School He put a dream…a desire…in my heart to take what I knew of Him and of His Word and share it with others. I can’t imagine my life without Him, and I just want to share what I know of Him…what I’ve learned of Him…with whoever will listen. I love to teach!
But for years, there weren’t many open doors. And I began to wonder… “My life doesn’t look like my dream at all. Did I miss it? Maybe this isn’t His dream for me. Maybe it’s just me wanting to do it. Lord, I surrender. I give up. I give up what I think it should look like. Show me what it looks like to You. Not my will but Yours.”
And then…..one year ago today, on November 17th, after much prodding (and pushing) from my husband and a couple friends…after much research…after 20 years of praying and studying and waiting – I posted my very first blog.
It might not seem like a big deal to you…but it was a huge step of faith for me.
The name of it was Encouragement from Joseph, which seemed fitting since I’ve related to Joseph more often than not in my own journey, when real life looked nothing like the dream. And it’s still one of my favorite blogs….that very first one.
I have a few other favorites…Oh the drama! was a fun one. Weddings, Wine, and the first miracle was another one. I think Broken Seashells was an all-time favorite of mine. Do you have a favorite?
And I sit here today, watching the snow and remembering. A whole year. Sometimes I didn’t think I’d make it to a year. But today, as I think back, I’m thankful…
Thankful that I didn’t quit…even though I wanted to more than I ever thought I would.
Thankful that it brought out insecurities in me. Insecurities I didn’t even know I had…because I was able to face them. Defeat them.
So thankful for those who read it. And praying it’s a help and encouragement and blessing to you.
Thankful it’s made me feel vulnerable because I’ve been able to kick another comfort zone to the curb. Thankful for those who are vulnerable back. Your comments and encouragements have meant the world to me.
Most of all, I’m thankful for how much more of Him I’ve come to know as I’ve written. I’m thankful for all I’ve learned.
With every blog that I write, before I ever hit the publish button, I pray. Lord, let this be an offering to you. Reveal Yourself to those who read it like You’ve revealed yourself to me. I’ve done my best, which could never do You justice….help it Lord. Let this reach those who need it today. Let it bring strength and life and encouragement.
It’s been my passion to teach, but I think I’ve learned more than anyone. More of who He is. How wonderful He is. My faith has been strengthened and my relationship deepened. And I’m thankful for November 17th.
I never knew November 17th was going to be a big deal day for me. But now it is. Happy blogiversary to me.
And maybe November 17th isn’t a big deal day for you either. Yet. But it could be.
It could be the day that you step out on the dream that He’s put in your heart.
It could be the day that you say, “Lord, I surrender. I give up. I give up what I think it should look like. Show me what You think it should look like.”
I highly recommend stepping out, especially when it doesn’t look like what you pictured. This has been such an exciting ride. And it’s opened doors that seemed shut forever. And my heart is full. And excited. Because it’s really only just the beginning.
It might not look like what I thought it would look like when I pictured it way back in Bible School….but it’s so much better than I could ever have imagined.
What is today to you? Be bold. Step out. It can be a dream come true!