Tuesday, January 10, 2012

2 Year Old Blog, Amazing!

2 years, almost 500 posts, and encouraging comments from friends and strangers, and a closer walk with Jesus is my blog.

2 years ago I started this blog with an amazing teenage friend. 500 posts later I have learned so much and grown in ways I never would have imagined. Writing on a consistent basis has brought me discipline and joy. I have read my writing to my husband who prefers to listen to me read my words and often I am amazed at how God has guided my fingers and my words.

It seems the blog is a gift from God to me. It began while my son, Ryan, was living and I so often called him up to share a funny posting about him and his brothers and sister. Clown suits and cowboy boots is one of my all time favorite.  After we lost Ryan in April 2010, my blog was my way of pouring my heart out and working through my emotions. It also served as a time where I saw clearly God's arms around me and truly knew I was not alone. The day after Ryan died I was on t his computer pouring my thoughts and feelings out. Rereading those posts is bittersweet. Reliving my sorrow and pain is healing as I recognize how far I have come in the healing of my heart. A month after Ryan died I posted, 'Amputation of the Heart' which is still one of my most powerful. God has walked beside me through my grief and through the writing.

There have been few things that I have stuck with in my life. Diets, exercise, so many activities that I start I just don't stick with or commit to. This blog has proved that I can do it, commit and continue. 2 years is a record for me to sustain an activity. When I reflect on why this has been the one thing I have stuck with I know the answer. It is Christ centered. It is a gift to myself, my family, and hopefully others.

What started as a tool to help a teen have an alternative to self mutilation, cutting, became a treasure that is here for me to write and to go back and read. God truly does bless us when we reach out to bless others.

My blog may not have the most followers or the most hits (nearing 20,000) but it is one of the greatest gifts I have given myself. The writing and the stepping out of the way for God to speak through me. At times when I reread a previous blog I smile and think that I wish I had thought of that. That is my proof that I let God guide my writing. With him at the center of my life I can get through anything. Even the tragic suicide of a much loved son.

In Him I live, in Him I thrive, in Him I will be whole, healed, and joyful.

In Him,
Joyful
1-10-12

5 comments:

  1. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and creating your sweet blog. I just recently became a follower, so don't know all the history you mention. I pray as you go forward after the death of your son, you will find joy often. You have a great attitude.

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  2. Barb,
    You are a awesome woman.....I can't tell you how you have blessed my life.
    I pray that God continues to bless you and Ron and your family!
    Thank you,
    Barbara Romero
    Flagstaff Az

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  3. Dear Joyful, I read this with an aching heart. How brave you have been and how faithful to have done this to help yourself. God is so good all the time; all the time God is good. Easier said than believed sometimes. Blessings to you and your family.
    QMM

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  4. Your blog has been a gift to many. Amputation Of The Heart is something I still think about daily and try to teach others - to be aware of others' invisible wounds. I also still think a lot about your blog about your micromanaging wand. You also have great visuals that help me "see" more clearly.
    the biggest gift your blog has given to me was the courage to blog myself.
    I love you. Keep writing. And remember, comments are no indications of who or how people are being touched by God through your blog.

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  5. Greetings to you this evening, What a wonderful post this was, congrat's on your blog and the posts. I, like you, can hardly believe how much blogging has added to my life and how it joins us together with others in Christ. Your writing is all about the Lord, and I know many are touched. Sometimes I wonder about whether my writing helps others but that is up to the Lord. Hugs to you tonight.
    Noreen

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