Friday

Thank You

I started blogging around six months ago.  It was a whim.  It was a selfish act.  As a matter of fact, I didn't even open it to comments for the first 4 months. 


I wrote.  For me.  

It was out of defiance, really.  I filed away another rejection letter from a Publisher, turned on my computer and rebelled.  Every post I wrote was an act of revenge, "Well, then, fine.  I'll just publish myself."

I've written about my kids and their fiasco's.  My bad mommy moments have been on display.  

One word comes to mind:  selfish.  

I didn't plan to allow comments.  I didn't plan to meet other people.  I didn't plan to be moved with compassion.  

I'm glad I didn't plan.

And that's why I want to say thank you.

In the past six months, I have traveled to Africa with Shannon and Sophie.  Tears have puddled on my keyboard as I have watched these two ladies struggle with their emotions and closely watched how they fit Africa into their everyday lives.  My family sponsored Bereket, a five year old Ethiopian child who lives in extreme poverty.  I think about this precious child every time I eat. Which is all day long. A giant lump forms in my throat each time my kids pray for him at bedtime.

Between loads of laundry and dishes, I have met and grown to love courageous women who are fighting cancer, like Heather J.  She makes me laugh everyday.  I glean from her strength.  And she has reminded me that I still believe God can heal.  

Reading through the grieving heart of a woman who lost her twins in utero has touched a place in me I didn't want to visit.  Journeying with Lisa as she mourns the loss of a three year old cousin has moved me.  For days, I couldn't wipe away the image of a tiny white casket from my mind or of a childless mother.  Thinking of her, I have whispered prayers over my own children and sat by their sleeping bodies and wept- from love, sorrow, guilt and thankfulness.

Following Happy Mommy's chronicles of her desire to have another child after her husband's vasectomy reversal have been inspiring.  I love watching her life unravel and I can't help but root for this lady who longs to grow a new life, again.  As I did last week, when Baby Mama, pushed out her sixth baby, at home.

I have dreaded the deployment of Kim's husband that has left her a Situationally Single Mom. She is a hero and I can't help but think of her empty bed when I snuggle up against my husband.

And these are just a few . . . 

My perspective has changed.  In just a few short months, my world has grown.  Blinders have been lifted from these shallow eyes.  

God has renewed my compassion for parts of the world I will never visit.  He has used the challenges of others to remind me that I have much to be thankful for.  In His Sovereignty, He is teaching me to blindly trust in Him, even when I can't trace His hand, I can always trust His heart.

So, thank you.  Thank you for blogging.  You are making a difference.  

And, thank you for reading.  It's my desire to remind moms they aren't alone.  I pray through my silly, nonsense writing, you can see my heart and know that I am just a simple mom who has been changed by this bloggy world.  

And, by a very BIG God.

46 comments:

Andrea said...

You made me cry. Thank you. If it hadn't been for Kara mentioning your blog to me I would have never read, nor ever entered this world that has meant so much to me in these few short weeks. These last few months I have been almost depressed, fighting God, in a pit. When I started reading, God was pulling me out and you made me laugh. In these last few weeks I too have entered a world so much bigger than my own and have read stories that have ministered to me. Blogging has been therapeutic and almost renewing. I wouldn't have even thought about it if I hadn't started here. Thanks.

MT said...

I'm with you 100% of the way (and, BTW, noted you as one of my fave brave bloggers here.

Mommying is so isolating; frightened of admitting our fears and shortcomings, we hide those anxieties behind fake smiles and tell ourselves it will get better. It mustget better...right?

Blogging erases that need for the fake smile; if you want to gripe, go ahead. Need to cry? Plenty of room. Just want to be heard? Type as fast as you can.

And then there's the many folks sharing information just because they want to help someone else.

I totally *heart* blogging!

And I'm so glad I stumbled you!

Anonymous said...

Thank YOU for reminding me that there is a God bigger than any pain or darkness this time of year brings me, and for managing to put a smile on my face whilst doing so.

The Fritz Facts said...

You are such a fabulous blogger, one of my favorites. Thank you for blogging, and giving us a glimpes of your life and family, the good and the bad. I love reading your posts, and love the comments you leave back to me.

Thank you

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Thank you for writing this post and for your many others. Your blog is fabulous and those publishers, well they just don't know what they're talking about!

Marcy Massura said...

"We plan and God laughs"...so so glad to know you. I read your 'sincere' post to my mom and kids today. Man o man did we laugh. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. I am new to blogging as well....and I find my whole world changing. I had no idea so many people out there had my sense of humor. I feel like I belong.......

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

You put into words what I have felt since starting this new endevor, I see Him our DHF in allot of those lives and I'm reminded just how BIG HE IS!

Thank you for adding to it~
Dawn :0)

Jules said...

You know, I was just thinking, the other day, that there are so many good blogs out there. So many of them are like delving into a really good book. Actually a lot of really great books!
Thank you so much for your generous sharing. :)

Paula said...

GREAT post. Blogging is a whole new world, isn't it?

But don't pack away your publishing dreams, okay?

Heather J. said...

Will you stop making me friggin cry, Woman.

I absolutely love scrolling on over here, it's one of the first things I do in the morning (after tinkling, of course..and kissing my kids) and one of the last (computer) things I do each night.

I am thankful that I found you here in the great BIG blogoshere. I believe I did, because I needed too. Because he has a plan, and your part of it.

Gosh, now I'm making myself cry. I'm going to bed.

Crying, again. For crying out loud!

Liza on Maui said...

Very well said. I feel the same.

And I want to thank you for blogging because I do love coming to your blog. I really do (in fact I added you to my blogroll after two visits :)

Monica said...

And THANK YOU for taking the time to blog your life story as well. I never imagined the community and openness this would bring. I feel like I know so many through the words that they write.

Vintage Dutch Girl said...

You are SO right. Mama's rarely get out and really connect with the outside world. Blogging helps us all connect and stay sane again!

Praise the Lord!

Anonymous said...

You have eloquently expressed exactly how I feel about blogging. I am a homeschooling mom who doesn't get out much so many of my friends are from the blogs I read! I am so thankful for discovering blogging a few months ago myself! God really is good--all the time!

Little Mama said...

Oh my goodness! I have been reading your blog for a week or so now. I love it, love it, love it! Your house seems as about as crazy as mine and my sister's! I have five kids, and she has three. My house is a zoo, and hers is a circus! LOL . . .

Thanks for reminding us that there is a great big world out there aside from our little one.

Love,

Julia Lynne

Lydia said...

Thank you for this post. I too have been overwhelmed at the lives of others and the sacrifices that have been made. We do serve a BIG God and it's wonderful to see His plan at work in us and others around the globe! One thing I love about meeting others in waiting rooms and on blogs, etc. is that it puts everything in perspective and I realize how GOOD I have it!

Amanda said...

Great post -- and thank you for blogging. I love reading what you have to write.

Mama Smurf said...

Beautiful post. You have a gifted way with words.

Suzie said...

That is a very sweet and moving post

Tracy DeLuca said...

No! Thank YOU! Your writing has shown me that I am not alone in being THAT family! LOL

You have written exactly what we all feel. Blogging has allowed us all to be who we need to be to get through the day. Thank you for saying this so eloquently!

Sister Honey Bunch/Judi maloney said...

I just wanted to say what a great post this is. Thanks.

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Beautifully written. There's nothing more I need to say!

Valarie Lea said...

Thank You for making me and others laugh. God has given you a gift of words, and your doing a good job. :)

Robin said...

Thank you Kristen! I have really enjoyed feeling connected to you again through your blog.

Love you!

Happy Mommy said...

I'm so glad you didn't plan! I Love reading you, Kristen, I feel like you are my friend! And thank you for rooting for us! Although I wish I could write and tell you I am pregnant I can't this month but God is good, and having friends and family praying for us means the world to me. Thank you!

Kendra said...

What a great post.
Hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Anonymous said...

I, for one, then am thrilled you were rejected. Someone else's loss was my gain for sure. You are a fabulous writer and I can only imagine how many lives you now touch on a daily basis. Doesn't get much sweeter or powerful than that!

lori said...

Ah POOH....I had to teach classes today...AND as a result I dropped out of the TOP 20!! ah, well....there's always tomorrow!!

Seriously....THANK you for OPENING yourself up to comments...I have to agree with you..I began for ME and I have found so many encouraging and inspiring and FUNNY women out there...THANK you for the HUMOR and the honesty that I find every single time I stop by, which is daily now!!

He is a VERY big God who if we allow Him to USE out gifts for His glory can do amazing things with us...imagine THAT!?:)

BLOG on girl...YOU are making a difference...and in SUCH a short time...pshaw to those PUBLISHERS!!!
you have NO idea....but it'll be BIG!!

blessings tonight...
a top 10 wannabe!!:)
lori

Marni's Organized Mess said...

I thought I already left you a comment on this, but I just scrolled and didn't see me... SO.... I am very glad you opened your blog for comments. I don't know what I'd do without my daily laugh from you. :)

Psssttt... I gave you an award today too! Come and check it out!

boomama said...

Love this. :-)

Anonymous said...

Second try here - I guess I didn't hit post - if I did and this is the 2nd post - my apologies; its been a long night.
What a great post - it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for thinking and praying for us - it is soooo appreciated. And never give up your dream to be published - you are a great writer! It will happen - I feel it!

Blessings From Above said...

Great post!

I am so glad I discovered your blog!

LifeAtTheCircus.com said...

I was shocked to hear that you have only been blogging for 6 mths. I truly see you as a super star blogger. You were my big inspiration for starting my own blog. And I must tell you that when you leave a comment on my blog my husband and I are like, "Did you see? THAT family left a comment!!" It is BIG deal. SO, thanks for being a part of my world. You wrote about all those bloggers who have made an impact on your life and I just want you to know that I feel that way about you. Thanks for writing! Keep it up girlie!!!

Anonymous said...

Now I come over here expecting a laugh and you made me cry.

When I started blogging I never expeced it to be what it is either. It really has changed my life. It has opened my eyes in a way I never thought possible.

I love your blog- it's one of my favorites- keep it up!!

Anonymous said...

I'm speechless.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Jessica said...

Your writing, encouragement, and friendship have been a blessing to me. Thank You!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for blogging!

I look forward to reading about you and your family daily.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post. Thank you for such a fun and great blog with honest posts. I just started blogging in January and I feel like I have discovered a whole new world, a great mom community. Blogging is a great way to connect with others and it makes me realize that as a mom there are so many other women out there experiencing the same day-to-day things that I do.
I love your blog title by the way. Keep up the great work! ;)

Jamie said...

Just recently found your blog, and I'm oh so glad I did. I absolutely love it here. I'll be coming back often.

Anonymous said...

And thank YOU for all the wonderful stories that make me laugh until I think I will burst. I enjoy every one of them and only wish I didn't miss so many. I need time to catch up!

Anonymous said...

Well said.

Becca M. said...

Great post! How truly you can actually connect to someone from so far away, simply just by reading the emotions from the words they chose to write down and bare to all!

Thanks for doing this everyday! :)

And... I cried, and now will probably visit all those sites and offer up encouragement to the ladies you mentioned!

Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry said...

What a beautiful, well written post. You are a wonderful addition to this blog world.

Thank you.

Bethany said...

This was a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing it. I have often felt that way in my blogging world...just never had the words to express it. You did it beautifully!

Wanda said...

Very sweet post.
I love what you write....and hope you keep-on-a-writing!

His Doorkeeper said...

No one could have expressed it better!

Blessings to you!