Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Jesus.Woman.Words' 1st Birthday and News

One year ago, I was sitting on my back porch, bundled up in my robe, praying for direction. I had graduated from seminary and was teaching a little here and there, but on this day I realized that there was something else that I was being asked to do.

I knew that I needed to write down what the Spirit was teaching me. He was asking me to discipline myself through committed times of writing. I assured Him that this was an uninformed idea, although I was willing. My writing had been limited to research papers and silly creative writing awards when I was a kid. In spite of my disappointing resume, I said yes.

This was a moment that I will remember. Sometimes you know when you are stepping into a gateway ministry. It is a stepping stone to the next part of ministry. I knew this to be true that morning. I was beginning a journey.

I was drawn to blogging. I was drawn to it out of daily discipline and community. There is a permanence to blogging that does not exist in the journals tucked away in my cabinet. I knew that my commitment could be tenuous considering I had spurned our family blog. Sorry, Babe.

I knew that my primary function on a blog would be retelling the lessons that I learn in my time alone with Him. In my mind, He is the only thing worth writing about. I am not that interesting. Really.

This was my very first post, written one year ago today. My husband did the artwork for the first few posts. How precious is that! He is so supportive.

At first I blogged like it was a part-time job. I had to post six days a week or I was not being disciplined. Clearly, I have gotten over that. I am so grateful that I have. Blogging can take over like a virus. Balance and stretching are crucial to this sport.

Here is some trivia for you,

Initially, this blog was called “Bridling”. As I said, the need for direction was heavy on me. Someone came up to me one day and asked, what does that mean?

Exactly.

What in the world does that mean? That is when I changed the name. The one thing that is consistent here is Jesus, one Woman, and the Words that tell the story of this life together.

I used to see this blog as a billboard for my writings. I now see it as a living room. People drop in, say fun things, I go over to their house and say fun things back. It is a comfy dwelling for this part of my life.

I would have all of you over to my living room if it were possible, so this is the next best thing.

This year has brought so many changes that it is time to rearrange the furniture. Just like I am not the same, this blog is not the same. Darcy, from Graphically Designed and Life With My 3 Boybarians, and I are going to give her a remodel in May. I am really looking forward to this. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I will.

Also, April will bring my first column in Exemplify Online’s Magazine. I was thrilled when Kristen asked me to join the team. This does mean that this will be my last month on Exemplify Online's Devotional Channel. I am so privileged to work with this group of women. They are set on bringing glory to the Father, and that makes me giddy. The March issue is out so you will want to see that.

Thank you for reading this on any day. I hope that it has encouraged you. Please continue to come over and say fun things.

Happy 1st Birthday, Jesus.Woman.Words!

7 comments:

  1. Wow, has it been only a year/already a year? I remember when you first talked about it. So much happens in a year, which is why it feels like so long ago and yet so recent. I love your blogging, and I love that God allows me to be a part of your life and what He's doing in it and through it! Here's to 20 more years...!! (or is that a curse, not a blessing?!)

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  2. Happy birthday! I love everything you said here. Just everything. A living room...word. Can't wait to see the new do and the column! Love you!

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  3. Happy blogging birthday! You know I love your blog keep it coming!

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  4. Happy Blog BIrthday.
    Love your description of the blog virus and finding balance!
    I am so glad to have recently joined you in your living room as I am blessed by everything you write! And the title ... I simply love!
    Love & Blessings from Hong Kong,
    Kim

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  5. Happy Bloggy Birthday!!


    And this?

    I used to see this blog as a billboard for my writings. I now see it as a living room. People drop in, say fun things, I go over to their house and say fun things back. It is a comfy dwelling for this part of my life.
    I would have all of you over to my living room if it were possible, so this is the next best thing.

    I love it! We should start calling them something like our blog-a-living room!

    A new design how fun. That is my favorite thing today over at my living room. I got the bug over the weekend. It's addicting :)

    I am so excited you are going to be a columnist!! I cannot wait to read your column next month. It will be great.

    And your title? Fabulous. I love the meaning behind it.

    <3

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  6. And what a wonderful decision that I am quite thankful you made! Congratulations on celebrating one year of blogging! You have a great one and I love reading the wonderful things that you write.

    I am just learning about Exemplify so I will be anxious to follow your work there as well.

    Exciting things coming your way, Tracy! Jeremiah 29:11

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  7. congrats to you my friend-so glad I happened to stumble upon your blog a few weeks back. Looking forward to seeing where GOD leads you

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Your comments mean so much to me. Thank you for taking the time to share what is on your mind.
-TJK

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