After taking some much needed time off during this past summer, I wanted to share and to also say thank you to everyone who sent notes and emails to let me know you were thinking of me and wanting to know when you could expect new articles to be released. I always knew God was using our website and other social media to connect with so many wonderful people, but I guess I didn't realize just how much these connections serve to be a life line to some. Knowing this now more than ever has fueled me even more to continue on my journey that I know is set before me. Thanks again for making this "country girl" feel loved!
This past summer was so relaxing and reflective for me, and I was able to accomplish all my personal summer goals even though I have a very active teenager who has more plans than I do and keeps me grounded. I not only got a chance to vacation in some great states, but I also met some really interesting people. I love seeing new things and taking time to hear people's stories when I meet someone for the first time. For example during a road trip this past summer, we stopped at a rest area near Massachusetts and I ended up meeting this guy who was outside expressing and proclaiming his passion for recycling only to strike up a conversation with him to find out he was born and raised in New Jersey. He was a really nice guy, and to hear his amazing story of how he and his family ended up in Massachusetts was quite amazing. My unexpected encounter with him made me think of just how much God is at work in all our lives, and how God desires to use us if we are willingly to let go of the control.
As you noticed, we changed the website a little to emphasize more of a blogging style for now, because I feel strongly about expanding and folding in some new writers to not only help but to get a chance to sharpen their writing talents. I am all about staying relevant and creative to continue to reach people for Christ. Also, during this blogging time, you will begin to notice that we will be sharing some of the questions and stories that I get from people who reach out to us. I think this is another great way to encourage others, so they will know they are not alone in what they feel or are facing. Despite popular demand, I am not the kind of person who is all about growing our website community and other social media connections just to say, "Hey look at how many people want to hear what I have to say." People like this often times do okay behind a computer screen and cell phone postings, but often times do not have the talent, skills, and abilities to sustain themselves on a larger scale if God provided them the opportunity to speak to the masses. There is a huge difference between an individual who has been proven vs. someone who spends countless hours posting online to be noticed.
Lastly, I want to encourage all you singles to keep moving forward. Whether you are single, single again, single parenting, or all the singles rolled into one, this is the only life that God has given you and you need to finish strong. Don't waste your time on people and things that you believe God has not divinely connected you too for either a brief moment, a season of time, or for a lifetime. When you connect yourself to people who should not be a part of your life, you just hold yourself up and others from their journey as well. As you continue moving forward, don't forget to extend an olive branch to others--forgive and be forgiven. Always remember faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Be intentional about decision making, put action behind your words, make spending time with God your first priority, and whatever your are doing for Jesus do it with a spirit of EXCELLENCE.