One Year!

One year ago today, I dipped my toe tentatively in the water and started this blog.

What a novice I was! (And still am, in many ways!)

The credit (or blame, depending on how you view it!) goes to The Preacher's Wife and to Vicki Courtney. I had been reading Vicki's blog for a while, and occasionally commenting on it. I kept seeing several folks whose comments I related to, and I'd go visit their blogs. One was Lisa's. I emailed her a time or two, she was gracious enough to respond, and a friendship was born. As I commented on the blogs, I became weary of being Anonymous or just using my first name, and I wanted an identity.

(The end of that sentence could make a sermon!)

So barely knowing what it was, I announced to a community who didn't even know that I existed that I was going to give it a try. Kinda like walking up to a bunch of kids at recess and saying "Can I play?" when I didn't know the kids or how to play the game!

I had no idea what I was in for.

Bless Lisa's heart, she gave me a shout-out on her blog and some folks hopped over to welcome me, most of whom have become dear friends!

I had no idea the community of Christian women that I would "meet" through this. The sharing that occurs. The bonding. The encouragement. The iron sharpening iron. Not to mention just the absolute FUN that I have. It surely can't be normal to think about these unseen friends when I wake up in the night or as I go about my day!

So in honor of my 1-year-blogiversary, here's a look back.

• My very first post, which was really just an intro, but the first time I "met" some of you.
  
• My first "real" post. It's ironic that I began and ended the year talking about my aging body!
  
• My first meme.
  
• A warning. Which will be timely again in a few short weeks.
  
• An honor that knocked my socks off.
  
• An exciting recognition in an online magazine.
  
• My first mission trip.
  
• The Siesta Fiesta in San Antonio!
  
• 5 of my favorite words in the Bible
  
• The poem I wrote 2 days before my mom died.
  
• One of my favorite posts.
  
• And another.
  
• An old Sunday School lesson.
  
• A day I wasn't sure I would survive!
  
• A song I posted in honor of all of YOU!

And of course, what would an anniversary be without a gift? Because I would love to have a real-life cup of mocha (or tea, if you prefer) with you, I'm giving away 3 Starbucks gift cards. Just leave a comment here to enter. There will also be one bonus giveaway that's a secret. (Don't get too excited. It's not a cruise or anything!) Comments must be received by Sunday night (Jan. 4) at 8:00 PM CST and I'll draw 4 names. Be sure you include a way for me to contact you if you don't have a blog!

Thanks for making this a great first blog year. I don't know how I would have made it through the upheaval my life experienced in 2008 without the friendship, support, and prayers I received from all of you.