One year. 

It’s been one year since I took a giant leap of faith and started a blog. 

I remember my first post. I was terrified. New to writing. Tech un-savvy. Insecure about my idea. 

I hit the “publish” button and cried because I was so scared it would flop. 

It feels like a lifetime ago. 

Since then, I’ve been transparent about what I have experienced in the course of a year: the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

IT HAS BEEN A YEAR, Y’ALL. 

It hasn’t been easy. But I’ve been BLOWN AWAY by what God has done with my simple and very humble offering of words. 

I want to testify to God’s goodness, because in one year, I’ve seen him: 

• answer countless prayers for my readers for healing, restored relationships, freedom, health, wisdom, and more. It’s been nothing short of miraculous. When I say at the end of every post that I will be on my knees for you, I mean it. God is moving like I have never seen in response to our prayers. Lives are being changed as we walk forward together. Don’t stop sending me your requests! If you need prayer, send me a message here. 

 

• provide financing to start a nonprofit ministry. Money started showing up at my house before I even asked for it. No joke. I have been able to launch a nonprofit because of the impact of the blog – people believe in the message and want to be a part of what God is doing. I have a whole team of people, and a board of directors, that are committed to helping in the fight against youth experiencing homelessness. Learn more about R.A.M. here. 

 

• open the doors for a podcast. God provided podcast equipment and a team to help me before I even had the desire to launch the MINT. Podcast.  Now, we are 9 episodes deep into MINT. and having a blast. Don’t forget to listen and glean practical tips for walking forward in your faith. (here’s my podcast team: Logan and Annie)

 

• build the blog. By God’s grace, I achieved my goal of writing two blog posts a week for an entire year. It took discipline, sacrifice and lots of tears, but I did it. God provided an amazing editor who has faithfully checked for errors on pretty much every single post I have done. Thanks Sheri! I appreciate you and I know that you don’t get enough credit for all the time you have spent on my writing. (here we are meeting and clearly working hard)

 

• grow a community of people who are on the faith journey with me. I have met, reconnected with, and messaged so many amazing people this year. My readers are wonderful and I have been blessed beyond measure. My R.A.M. team is dedicated, hard-working and a huge gift. I can’t believe all they continue to do for me, unpaid, week in and week out. Thank you to everyone for supporting me! Here is a picture of the RAM Board of Directors: (from left) Sheri, Annie, Minta, Letta, Steve, Tara, and Lori

• change me through the power of his word. Spending 30-60 minutes a day reading the bible, researching what it means, and writing about it has transformed me from the inside out. It’s helped me develop grace, patience, love, kindness, gratitude and faith- that’s what my family says anyway. Writing has forced me to apply what I read in God’s Word and I’m so thankful.

 

I’m sharing this because I want to make sure that I give glory to God for all that he has done, is doing and will continue to do. He gets the credit and all of the praise for everything, because it is the work of his masterful hands. 

I also want to encourage and challenge you! If you feel a nudge from God, listen to it. Have the courage to walk where he is prompting you to go. Ignore the voice of fear and take the first step on HIS path. It’s worth it!

A year ago, I had ZERO idea that any of this was in my future… and I wouldn’t have believed it if you told me. Now, I’m sitting at the airport, waiting to board a plane for a Writer’s / Speaker’s conference in North Carolina, and working on my ministry. 

 

Unbelievable. 

 

Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” 

 

Amen. 

 

One last thing: a HUGE thank you to my best friend and better half, Ben, for your unfailing support. I would have quit at least 10 times without you…so thanks for putting up with me and cheering for me.

As always, I love hearing from you. Email me or comment on the blog and I will get on my knees for you. Let’s do this faith journey together.