Gratitude

Last month marked my first year blogging on WordPress. I started this blog because I had been pondering writing a book and needed a venue to process my thoughts about the transformation that took place in me from the deep encounters I’ve had with the Father’s love. Also, to talk about the shift I see taking place in the body of Christ.

For I see the Church moving into a very glorious time of reformation. I see Jesus’ bride–Sleeping Beauty–being kissed awake by her Beloved Prince after being lulled to sleep by the toxic poison of religion and traditions of men. And I see her like an eagle mounting up on the foundation of what has come before, soaring into greater freedom as she receives a better understanding of her identity as fully affirmed and authorized sons and daughters of the Most High God. Yet, becoming more childlike, less afraid, and more intimately related to our heavenly Papa and to each other.

I went into this knowing almost nothing about blogging. I’ve written a lot in the past, but mostly for teaching and training purposes. My goal here was and is to write from my heart to your heart.

But what I didn’t anticipate is how blessed I would be to be part of the WordPress blogging community. I feel like I’ve gained some wonderful new friends from around the world and received so much encouragement.  For that I am truly grateful.

I’ve also been honored by being considered for various blogging awards by my peers. The first was the Liebster Award from Michael at “A ‘Mike’ for Christ” here.  The second was the Versatile Blogger Award from Pastor Chris Jordan at “New Life” here. And also the Excellence Award from Lauralee at “Beautiful Courageous You” here.  If you haven’t done  so already, you really need to check out their blogs and follow them. I read their posts regularly and they have great things to say and have been an encouragement to me personally. And for being considered by them for these awards I am truly grateful.

I believe these blogging awards are a great way to recognize and appreciate our peers and connect one another to a bigger audience. It’s all good. But like most of us, blogging isn’t the only thing on my plate, so I don’t have a lot of time to do more than post, respond and read blogs I follow. For this reason I’ve decided to officially make my blog award free.

I really do appreciate your comments and I would rather spend what time I have reading your blogs. 🙂

Getting back to my original purpose for this blog, in January of 2014 I felt the go-ahead to actually write the book. I also felt I would start in earnest after I had blogged for one year (July).  That time has come so I’m devoting more time to writing my book and won’t have as much time to blog. Of course, this is relative. I have been writing a lot! For me, “pulling back” is posting something once or twice a week (as opposed to the 3-4 post/week clip I was on). And I do intend on reading and commenting when I can on the blogs I follow.

To be clear, I don’t intend on stopping blogging because I’ve come to really love the community I’m part of here–you all are such a blessing to me. I love you all! I will continue writing on the Father’s love and doing my bit to help us all walk in grace so there are no hindrances to fully receiving that love. I will also continue to enjoy interacting with you and reading what you have to say.

Finally, according to the dictionary, gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Again, I am truly thankful for you all. You have truly enlarged my heart in gratitude for the body of Christ. I cherish your comments and the kindness you’ve shown me and I have learned so much from your insights. God is doing awesome things in you.

I will close by echoing Paul’s prayer to Philemon…

“I thank my God,
making mention of you always in my prayers,
hearing of your love and faith
which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and toward all the saints” Philemon 1:4