I’ve been reflecting on words this week – how they lift us up or tear us down. Almost two years ago, I took a brave step and all those words that I had been saving up came tumbling out on this page. Words that were handwritten in journals were now displayed on this page for all to see.
God’s whispers to me that words were part of my journey and He was going to walk by my side through ups and downs became real the first time I hit “publish”. A quivering stomach, shaky hands and a heart full of questions accompanied that first post as it left my computer and entered the world. Oh my! I still experience some of the same symptoms except now I have community. When I published for the first time, I joined a beautiful community of writers. For this I am so grateful! Their words teach me and show the way to the path of brave. Their words bless me, encourage me and show me that God-focused words are the key to fearless writing.
Several years ago I picked up a book called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Every page was full of real and messy, but in the midst was a stepping back and reflecting on the ordinary blessings that God had provided and thanking Him for those gifts. Our lives so many times mirror what is seen in the world, but our hearts should mirror God’s love, which is multiplied by counting our blessings. So for the last two years, I take a few moments daily to reflect on my day and look for at least three blessings from God that I lift back to Him in thanks and praise. She has a beautiful community over a A Holy Experience that I know you are going to want to visit.
Today I am overflowing with a deep gratitude for this wonderful community that has grown around me and walks with me each day with encouragement, love and knowledge. I would love to acknowledge a few of these beautiful women who inspire, lead the way and encourage!
Two friends that have mentored me almost since the beginning of this blog are Rachel and Beth. Rachel is a writer, author and all around real person who has such a heart for the Lord and where God is leading, plus she is the mother of seven children. Yes, it is true! Please go visit her at Rachel Wojo. You will be blessed!
Beth is a writer and she writes at Messy Marriage about all things to do with marriage, but writes from a heart that listens carefully to God’s promptings. She’s currently on a little blogging break but still hosts a weekly link up on Wednesdays. Her sweet encouragement has carried me through many a time when my writing doubts came rushing out.
Some of my newer friends that are my biggest cheerleaders are Holly at Reclaiming a Redeemed Life, Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Life, and Linda at Creekside Ministries. They are my biggest encouragers and are so willing to answer silly questions that a newbie might ask. They truly are an amazing group. Please stop by and say “hi”!
And so without further adieu, I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for everything-stopping by my place, joining in the conversation, or for just praying that my words will encourage and honor God. I gathered three of my favorite things and would like to share these with one of you. All you need to do is enter below to join the fun!
Here are three of my favorite things – a Blessed mug for your favorite coffee or tea, Ann Voskamp’s book – One Thousand Gifts and of course a $10 Starbucks gift card for a coffee treat or any of the other goodies at Starbucks.
Counting blessings each day comes back to you a hundred-fold because your focus shifts from the world to the Creator of the world.
With gratefulness and prayer, I thank you for being part of this little piece of my world!
Mary
Blessed to be linking with some of my beautiful community. Come on by and be blessed!
Words are very powerful: weapons or tools, blessings or curses, we choose them based on the impact we want to make… or do we? Most of us do, but I think about many (or most) of our students as we get ready to return to school and I realize that they do not yet have the words that we do as adults and educated, experienced people. Often they are unable to communicate what they need, or what hurts them or pleases them. They struggle to make themselves understood and many give up because the challenge is so great. Thank goodness God knows. I am not always sure if I reach the students with whom I work, but I try to let them know I will not ever give up on them. Nice to know that God will not give up, either. Bless all! And thank you Mary!
I love that you stopped by Terri and joined me here. Words can make or break a person and trying to reach students is not always successful. I pray my words bless and uplift rather than harm and tear down. Praying we both have a wonderful school year!
I share your sentiments…this writing community we’re all a part of is such a blessing. I am so thankful to have women like you and others (several in the comments above!) encouraging me on my journey. Today I’m grateful for you all! 🙂
Thank you LeeAnn! We are blessed that when sharing our stories and writing brave we join many others doing the same. This community comes together to tell each other that our words matter. Blessed to be in community with you!
What a sweet, sweet post, Mary. I’ve only been visiting for a short time now but have been so encouraged from what you share here and so grateful we’ve connected. And those three friends you listed . . . no surprise at all. They are quite the encouragers!! Love this online community we are in. It’s a beautiful thing. Praise God!!
Much love.
xoxo
I love that you are part of this community! Connecting with you has been such a blessing for me! Love you!
Love your words and love your heart, Mary! Thanks for honoring those who have helped you along the path and for blessing others along the way. Appreciate you linking up to Testimony Tuesday too!
Holly-you are a true encourager and friend! I love your openness and willingness to help others who are walking behind you in this journey. Thank you for being one of those mentors for me! Hugs!
Lovely post, Mary and what a sweet giveaway! I’ve heard much about Anne’s book, but have never read it. I’m so thankful you have found so much love and encouragement from these sweet women! Bless you!
June-the writing community is such a blessing in my life. We share our stories and send it out for all to see and pray that the people that needed to hear those particular words do and are encouraged. Then you develop such sweet friendships because story can be vulnerable and scary but other writers understand. Blessed you stopped by!
just saw your old site…wow this new blog is such an improvement… light, open, inviting and Spirit filled …makes me see the benefits of this rather than a free blog
Thanks for stopping by Melanie! I love meeting new people! Have a great weekend!
Mary, I am so glad you are stepping out and sharing your words. You are such an encouragement to me. Love you!
Thanks sweet friend! I have learned from some wonderful people what encouragement is all about. Thank you for being one of those people. Love you!
Im thankful for my wonderful family!
Me too! Glad you stopped by!
Hi Mary – it’s a blessing to share how many ways your blog inspires me! I have used your posts as personal devotions, devotions at my women’s group at church and have also shared many of your heartfelt messages with family and friends. You have a magical way of expressing thoughts that all or most of us possess, but don’t always have the words to pair with our thoughts. God is using you to spread His love. Wow! God is good!
Sending a warm embrace
Your sweet words mean so much to me! I am humbled that my words were used to encourage others. I pray that my words continue to encourage and honor God. So blessed you are in my life! Hugs friend!
Awe Mary, I simply adore you. You have been there for me, and I am so thankful God brought us together through blogging. Keep writing my friend, you are impacting lives with your words.
Blessed to call you friend! Your willingness to stop and help me and encourage me means the world to me. Can’t wait until we meet someday! love you!
I am so thankful for my family and friends, and also for this great giveaway! Thanks! <3
You’re welcome! So glad you stopped by today!
Such a wonderful gift: to say “thank you” and acknowledge those brave women who are leading us in the online world. I’m so glad I’ve found you through the #fmfparty community and I look forward to growing together in this blogging experience! Keep hitting “publish!”
Your encouragement means the world to me. I love getting to know you and of course that we are Ohio girls. Blessed to be in community together and that you stopped by to visit my humble home!
What beautiful words! Sometimes, I don’t think we stop to thank each other enough. And so I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ for all of the times you stop by my place and leave encouraging words!
Awwww! We live in a world that isn’t very good at saying “thank you”. My momma raised me right because letting people know you appreciate them si so important. So glad we are in community together. Blessed you stopped by friend!
A lovely thing to do, Mary. 🙂
Community is Koinonia to me and that what it’s all about!
I know about you and community and love your heart for opening up your community to all. Love you friend!
❤️
Love your traveling book idea and you! Blessed by your presence!
Wow, girl! What a surprise to see me here!
And what can I say except keep dreaming big … and don’t stop hitting that PUBLISH button!
Hugs.
No surprise! I so appreciate you! Thank you for feeling like my home makes you feel welcome. Keep coming back!!!