Exactly two years ago today, with a lot of hope and excitement, I hit publish for the first time. I welcomed you, told you about me and my family, and hoped we could connect in this place.
Because I’m a communicator, a connector, and a relator. And to be honest, the love of writing did not motivate me to write in this place. It was you. All of you beautiful people who were already writing online.
You would write and link-up and connect in one place or another–a myriad of welcoming online communities just waiting to embrace someone new.
And you know what? That’s exactly what happened.
You saw me come.
You read my words.
And you took me in.
And can I just say what a beautiful experience it has been? The beauty of community that exists online has astounded me, overwhelmed me, and added a richness to my life which would not have been possible had I not dared to step out and write.
This second year marked some milestones for me.
I connected in community with the (in)couragers.
I dreamed God-sized dreams with Holley and her team.
And I dared to punch fear in the face, lay it all out there, and tell you my story.
And you didn’t turn me away.
Finally you found out why I was so passionate about mercy and grace and second chances.
You read of my failure and my long restoration back.
And many of you gave me the greatest gift ever: you, in turn, told me your story too. And together we gave thanks and rejoiced in ALL God can do when we surrender our brokenness to Him and allow Him to make us whole.
I’m still amazed at the beautiful way God takes our ugly messes and redeems them in His time. Restoring us and mending our hearts.
And I firmly believe He desires for us to tell of the beautiful things He has done in us, so others may know there is hope for them too.
This year over 3,000 people have read my story, and THAT can only be God!
I’ve received countless emails, Tweets, and Facebook messages from people who’ve been in the mud and are longing for Mercy to find them too.
And they are being found.
They are being wrapped up in His love,
And immersed in His grace.
And this is why I even bother to write in this place at all … because Mercy can find even you.
Thank you for joining me in this place. Your presence and friendship means so much to me.
Thank you for your love and support and your words of encouragement, and for giving a little of yourself away. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than that.
So will you celebrate with me?
Would you to leave me a blog-iversary gift in the comments or in an email?
Some feedback to help me in this coming year?
I’m giving thanks for this journey, for the ways God is working, and for all of you, my beautiful friends!
I can’t wait to see what this year has in store!
And now it’s your turn … I’m all ears …
1. If I were to give you a free e-book, what would you want it to be about?
(ie: How to forgive yourself, How to build intimacy with God, Labor & Delivery stories, How to handle affairs, Devotional letters from God, etc…)
2. How did you find my blog?
3. What topic would you love me to write more about?
4. Do you have any suggestions how I can improve?
Feel free to comment below or send me an email by clicking here…
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 15 minutes flat with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Beautiful…
Happy Blog-iversary! I really appreciate your heart behind this work. Keep it up!
Congratulations on two years! Your honesty here is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story and life.
I’m visiting from FMF Have a great weekend! http://www.anestfullofsquishers.com/2013/07/five-minute-friday-beautiful.html
1. If I were to give you a free e-book, what would you want it to be about?
2. How did you find my blog?
– You’re my cousin. And I’m proud of you.
3. What topic would you love me to write more about?
– I love the everyday walk with the Lord stuff.
4. Do you have any suggestions how I can improve?
– I think a blog is for the writer, not the reader. Personal blogs attract readers when they are authentic. Don’t write for the reader, write for you. Keep sharing your journey with us.
Thank you Justin, so much! I will 🙂
Andi, your words bless me…thank you!
Jeff, thank you for your input and taking the time to read here!! You are so right, writing has become a way for me to process what’s happening in me, and I’m so thankful God is able to use it in the lives of others, and I long to continue to share the journey I’m on. Thank you so much for your encouragement, it means so much to me! xo
Congratulations on your bloggy-anniversary. How wonderful! 🙂 You have a beautiful home here and your words are so encouraging! Looking forward to reading more! Oh and labor and delivery nurses hold a SPECIAL place in my heart. 6 out of eight of my children were delivered in the hospital and I have usually had such wonderful nurses. One of the best and most encouraging one the most precious nurse that held my hand through the delivery of Izabella who died before delivery. She cried with me when she was born and just treated me like a queen. You DO make a difference and I am thankful for nurses like you! 🙂
Congrats on your anniversary!
I cannot remember how I found your blog…..maybe 2 yrs. ago…..but I love, love it and read it consistently.
Just keep sharing your heart…..what you are writing about now…fantastic for me. I don’t have any changes to suggest. Thanks for blessing me~~~~
Jackie Smith
Wow….2 yrs….we started at the same time…your willingness to speak out of your own brokenness is a gift to the blog community….continue to share straight from your honest heart….follow God’s love where ever He leads…don’t measure with the standard of the world ….always remember just a cup of cold water has tremendous value in His Kingdom…whether you reach one or one thousand ….you are loved and treasured by Him….great blessings as you launch into year 3!!!!!
Happy 2 years!!! I actually just started reading your blog, but LOVE your heart already!! I totally agree on the blessing of the online community!! Crazy how we can connect with one another thousands of miles away! Congrats! 🙂
Congrats on two years, my friend! Way to go! I love your beautiful online space…keep sharing your heart. 🙂
Hi Jacque,
I would love a book…maybe a devotional type…of L&D stories/lessons/guidance for first time mommas. There is so much negativity shared between women regarding L&D and it would AWESOME to have a God-centered, encouraging words.
I found your blog after you spoke at CCV’s MUMS group this past year. I think I read it once or twice before but I really started following you after you spoke. You were incredibly encouraging and practical! 🙂
Hard to say what I would like for you write more about…I like that you write about various topics.
I’ve got no advice for improvement. 🙂
Cheers to two years and I’m looking forward to the BIG places God will take you and your story!
-Mindy
Hi, I don’t think I can give you much feedback because today is the first time I’ve been here…but I will be back because you obviously have some great things to say and I’d like to hear them! May God richly bless all those who come by this place where Mercy found you…
Happy Blog-iversary, beautiful friend. Thank you so much for joining this community and sharing your story with us here…
love your blog.. always have. but this past year, you totally blew me away. wow! i stand amazed at your bravery in share your story and giving others hope
Wow, just read your story! Amazing. Thank you for being so vulnerable! Found your from FMF 🙂 Be blessed!
Thank you for your encouragement, Chelsey, and I pray I am making a difference…oh so many I’ve cried with over the years. She would be so touched to know you so fondly remember and appreciate her care. I know I would! We don’t forget you all either!!
Thank you so very much Jackie…you, bless ME! xo
We did start at the same time, and I can’t tell you how life-giving your words have been to me, as you’ve visited me here and chosen to be my friend. And to think I would have never known you without this blogging world. I cherish your wisdom and guidance and am so thankful for your encouragement and support…yes! One cup of cold water at a time…as He leads, may it be so, sweet friend. xoxo
Oh thank you so much…isn’t that the wonderful thing about this community? To connect across the miles. Blessings to you!
Thank you Mel…xoxo
Mindy, thank you for reading and for answering and for the encouragement your words are to me. It was thrilling to visit your blog through fmf and see the beautiful space you have there too. May we write so that hearts may know of His great love!!
Lani! Thank you so much for visiting me here…what a gift! And I am joining you in that prayer…that Mercy may find them too and they may know they are never alone!
Thank you so much Gretchen…you inspire me and I’m so thankful for you!
Your words bless me and are a gift. What a joy it was to randomly meet you that night you spoke. And to think I almost didn’t have the bravery to follow you out, introduce myself, and give you my card. But I’m so glad I did. To read your words in your space and be a witness of how God has been moving in your life too…1,000 gifts and beyond! I am so in love with the goodness of our God…how He works ALL things together for good! Thank you for your support and kindness…it means so much to me.
Yes, but vulnerable so that person who is alone may know there is hope for even them…no. matter. what. That they would be found by mercy too. So very thankful you stopped by. Thank you for reading and for accepting me anyway..
Your blog is so inspirational. Loved coming here and reading. Can’t wait to read more. Bless you!!
Ashley from http://theheartofashley.blogspot.com/
Happy Blogaversary precious, beautiful one. Keep writing, you have a true talent.