If you would have told me a little more than a year ago I’d be jumping into the blogging arena, I would have laughed.

With enough to do on my plate between family and work, I had no inclination to add one more thing to my weekly tasks.   Besides, the world had enough voices speaking into it, didn’t it?

But, here we are, friends, one year later!  Yes, this week marks the anniversary of one whole year of verbal nuggets of blogging wisdom and inspiration from yours truly!

(Throw the confetti!  Blow the horns!  Cut the celebratory cake!)

Like anything else that God will use to grow us, this step for me was not an easy one. 

I wrestled with doubts – Will I have something worthwhile to say each week? 

I battled with fear – What if people don’t like what I write?

I had to face some internal insecurities – Am I really hearing God right on this one?

It was a small beginning.  A step taken by faith into a trepidatious arena and each time I clicked “publish” those first few weeks, I wondered if the man-eating lions would be released into that arena, too! 

Thankfully, no lions emerged.  To my complete delight, you showed up!  Every, single one of you! 

Week after week you read, you subscribed, you shared and you commented.  Your faithful support, gracious feedback, and kind encouragement has absolutely made this first year of blogging incredible!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The verse from Zechariah 4:10 has been my anchor this past year – “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”

I pray this verse would breathe life and speak peace into your soul today, too.

Anytime God calls us to step out in faith and begin something new, it can feel daunting.  Whether it’s a diet and exercise change for better health, a move that uproots you from everything you’ve known, or a job change that has you in unchartered territory, stepping out in faith and obeying God can tend to feel scary.

Yet, He promises to be there with us every step of the way and “rejoices to see the work begin”.

Just take that step.  Then, tomorrow, take another step.  Don’t despise that small beginning.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!

P.S.  To help celebrate this blogging anniversary month, I’ll be spotlighting the top 3 reader’s favorites from this last year.  For the next three weeks, we’ll revisit the Grace and Glory posts that you have enjoyed the most!  Next week, number 3!