Ten years ago, on August 13, 2012, I wrote the first post on this blog. It is really hard for me to realize it has been ten years. Goodness. If I wasn’t doing a little blog archiving, I wouldn’t have even known the anniversary was here.
Some of you reading this have been with me from the very beginning. Thank you. Some of you are newer followers. Thank you.
Whether you’ve been with me from the very first blog post, which by the way, those early posts are evidence of a novice blogger learning as she went, or just joining I want you to know how deeply I appreciate each of you who takes the time out of your day to open my blog and read what I believe God gives me to share.
I especially appreciate all of you who stuck with me in the early days when my blog was hacked, and later when it was shut down completely.
There is no way for me to tell you what your encouragement and sticking with me meant at a time when I wanted to just quit. If it hadn’t been for the help from an amazing Wordfence support member, the blog probably would not have ever restarted.
Because of the hack, shut down, and changing blog hosts, I’ve lost some of my early subscribers’ email addresses and names. I didn’t know enough to make a list when I first started out in all of this.
When I first started this blog, I wasn’t really sure I had anything of value to share, but I kept at it. As I kept writing, I discovered what I want to share with readers is encouragement, along with the hope that lies in a relationship with Jesus. I pray that comes through each post I write.
Along with posts of encouragement, I added gluten-free recipes, guest-written poetry, book reviews, and have hosted three guest posters once a month.
From statistics recorded after the blog came back following the shut down, as of August 10, 2022, there have been 1,376 posts, 1,836 comments, 71,390 views, and 35,169 visitors.
My numbers are insignificant compared to most blogs, but for this girl who is absolutely terrified of technology, they are a testimony of what God can do when we say yes to him.
People from all over the world have read this blog. That, my friends, is indeed humbling. What is more humbling, is to hear from readers who tell me what God led me to write arrived at just the right moment to speak into their pain. Only God can do that.
My prayer is that you have been blessed in some small way through what you read on my blog. I love it when you comment. It helps me connect with those reading what I write.
I also love it when you share what I write with others. That gives God the opportunity to bless more people through what he’s given me to write.
Thank you so very much for reading my blog. I appreciate you more than you know.
Leave a comment below to share your thoughts on the subject. If you think others would appreciate reading this, please share it through the social media buttons.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT
You can find my August Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.
I wish you well.
Sandy
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Congratulations! And keep going! This has been such a blessing!
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Thanks so much, Carla. I appreciate you sticking with the blog and commenting!
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Wow, I can’t believe your blog is 10 years old! Thank you for your words of encouragement and insight over the years. I also appreciate being introduced to some devotional books you’ve recommended such as Streams in the Desert and God is My Hiding Place. Thank you, Sandy, for your “yes” to God.
May God bless you and all your future writing endeavors!
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I know, Alyce. 10 years! Awww, thanks so much for your sweet words. I appreciate you being one of my very first reader when I had no idea what I was doing. And continuing to stick with me.
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hoping to join your email list.
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Laurie, I believe you will receive a post every Tuesday and Thursday now that you have signed up. Thanks for following the blog!
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That is so wonderful. Congratulations and keep going.
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Thanks so much for the encouragement, Yvonne.
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Congratulations! I enjoy your posts very much, Sandy!
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Thank you, Kathy. I appreciate you reading and commenting!
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Thank you for your faithfulness and congratulations! I started my blog last year, and hope to keep it going for a long time. Prayers for all of us who see our words as a way to help and love others.
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Thanks so much, Joni. Praying for your blog as you write what God places on your heart to reach others for him.
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This is my first visit to your blog, but I will come again. I enjoyed your message and admire your perseverance. Wishing you continued blessings for your ministry.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Katherine. And thank you for signing up for my blog. Appreciate you doing that.
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Sandy, I have been one of your long-time followers and have shared your posts with several people. I always enjoy reading each new blog and look forward to the next. Thank you for continuing to inspire folks like myself and give us hope for the future. God is good!!!!
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Polly, I think you’ve been with me pretty much from the start. I so appreciate you reading and sharing my posts. God is indeed, good!
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