In 2008, my sister told me she was considering writing a blog. “What is a blog?,” I asked. The formal definition is:
Blog – regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
That whole idea intrigued and inspired me because I desired to stay connected with the ladies from my church during the week, and a blog seemed like the perfect platform for that. I also had a burden to encourage women, and thought that writing short posts could accomplish that as well. I desired to refresh women’s lives in three areas –
- Their heart – spiritual issues
- Their home – Homemaking, cooking, and home decor
- Their life – Living the Christian life, showing hospitality, dealing with marriage, motherhood. and all other relationships
So, RefreshHer.com was born, and this week marks its anniversary. That all began 15 years ago, come August 19th! That’s 3,147 posts ago! There have been hundreds of recipes, pictures and hours poured into this place I call RefreshHer.com, and I have to say that I still enjoy it! My mind is always thinking of a post I want to write, or an idea I want to share.
As I look at the stats for my blog, it is interesting to see which posts were at the top of the views. Some of the top “heart” posts were
Why Jesus Came to Die – I shared an object lesson and video demonstration that is a beautiful way to share about Christ’s death. How To tell if a Child is Ready to Be Saved is the next most searched “heart” issue. I pray this was helpful in many children coming to Christ! Finally Home was a post about my dad’s recent passing from this earth to heaven. It makes my heart rejoice that so many people read the testimony of his death and the grace we witnessed at that time.
What about recipes my readers have loved? Not surprising Pinto Beans Like Cracker Barrel’s is the top searched recipe! We’re having these for dinner this week! This light version of Blueberry Pound Cake has also been loved, followed by Two-Ingredient Bagels with a Twist.
Our recent news about our life update, Saving Money on Groceries, and this Spring Cleaning list were some of the “life” posts that were at the top of my stats.
Though my blog might not be one of huge numbers, I feel the Lord is keeping it circulating to those that enjoy its content. I am so grateful to each of you who read and leave a comment from time to time. It’s always encouraging to know there really is someone viewing the posts and I pray also being refreshed!
I believe one of the greatest blessings that has come from my blog has been the many friends I have gained from my readers. I have gotten to meet many of you when we’ve been able to connect in some place. What a joy that has been to my heart! Some of you I have not met, yet I feel like I know you, based on comments you share regularly
So thank you to each of you who open up my posts and read its content and share it with others. I’m so very grateful.
I’d love to hear from you this week – How long have you been reading? What is your favorite recipe you make from my blog? Has there been one post that you have read more than once that has encouraged you? I’d love to hear!
Rejoicing and thankful for 15 years of this ministry and for YOU!
RefreshHer 
Happy 15 years of blogging! To many more wonderful years! I originally found you through Whitney’s blog a couple of years ago. 🙂
-Annaliese
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
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Thank you, and thanks for reading and following for a couple years! I am grateful!
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Congratulations Denise!
I am so thankful for you! I have been reading your blog since you did the Ladies Retreat in Nova Scotia. I just wanted you to know that you’ve been an encouragement to me and others that I have shared your podcasts or blog with.
May God continue to lead you and Dale and help you in your new ministry endeavour. To God goes the glory!
Blessings,
Elaine
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Elaine, it’s such a joy to hear from you. Forest Glen Retreats are some very special memories for me! Thank you for reading and for sharing this ministry with others. I appreciate your encouragement regarding our future. We are excited about following the Lord on this new venture. God alone is worthy the praise for anything accomplished. What a joy to serve Him.
I’m thankful our paths have crossed. Thank you for being a blessing to me today!
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Congratulations on 15 years!! You’re always and forever my favorite blogger, and I look forward to your new posts every week! ❤ I use your recipe index so often that it's usually open on my mobile version of Chrome. This is my favorite post – it's personal to me, but it's so beautifully written. https://refreshher.com/2014/08/07/a-baggage-car-of-memories/
I can't wait for the next 3,147 posts! 🙂
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Thanks for always encouraging me and helping me with this journey of blogging. You’ve been a huge blessing as I’ve taken each step forward. I’m glad you brought up that Baggage Car post. I love remembering those sweet days, and I look forward to more memories our family will create as we spend time investing in one another’s lives. Love you, Whitney.
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Congratulations! That is an amazing accomplishment Denise! I enjoy your recipes and tips and look forward to seeing more. 🙂
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Thank you, Allison! To God be the glory. I so appreciate you following and also your encouragement today!
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Congratulations! I have been reading since the first post. It has become part of my routine. Thank you for your faithness.
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Vicki, thank you for reading all these years! You’ve always encouraged me in this ministry and I am grateful. I know you’ve also shared my blog with others. ❤️You’re a dear friend.
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Congratulations, Denise!! I first found you when I was looking up some info on Nancy DeMoss and a blog post of yours came up where you had mentioned meeting her at a conference! How neat! I probably spent the next hour or more reading through your blog and feeling like I’d discovered a treasure!
I appreciate all your different types of posts including spiritual living, homemaking, parenting, marriage, cooking, and seasonal decorating. I kept one of your parenting posts on my phone’s homescreen during one of my hardest seasons of raising my kids and not only read it frequently but also forwarded it to other moms who needed the encouragement. My most used recipes of yours that my family loves are the butterhorn rolls (a holiday tradition now) and the turkey kielbasa veggie pan (on a biweekly rotation in our house).
I also just admire your consistency in posting–and for 15 years, wow! I’m so glad you didn’t stop, and when I start to feel like maybe I should quit blogging, I think of your steadfastness, and it spurs me on to keep going. Thank you and Happy Anniversary!
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Alinda, your encouragement means so much; thank you! As you know, it can get a bit “lonely” behind the computer screen and you wonder if anyone reads or even cares if you post! I’m grateful for readers like you who so often comment and let me know that there IS someone out there! The Lord is so good to allow us to serve Him, and if this blog has helped you in any way, I give Him the glory. There have been many times when I’ve asked Him if it was time to stop writing, and so far He has always pushed me forward. So we will see what the future holds!
Your blog is so lovely and one of few that I take time to check each time you post, so keep on keeping on! Your voice and influence is needed!
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Aww, thank you so much, Denise!! 🥰
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Congratulations Denise! Enjoy your post. I am just a new subscriber about 2 months. I really enjoy it! Haven’t made any recipes yet! They all look so good. God is so Good! May you have many more posts.
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Becky, welcome! I’m thankful you have recently subscribed! I pray that you will always find refreshment when you open a post, and yes, that you’ll try some of the recipes I’ve shared. They’re always tried in my kitchen first, so I only share if we love it! If I can ever serve you, please feel free to contact me via my info page. I consider it an honor to serve the Lord in this little corner of the Internet. Thanks for stopping to encourage me today!
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Hi Denise,
Congratulations on 15 years of blogging! I found you through Whitney’s blog 7-8 years ago. Around that time, I was going through a difficult time, and you wrote a post called “Making Connections.” I emailed you and was so touched by your kindness. Your response was thorough and compassionate. I’ll always be grateful.
I’ve made many of your recipes over the years, from your easy lunches to full meals. They’ve all turned out well and are delicious. My kids love it when I make corn dog muffins.
I thank you for your generosity in sharing Godly wisdom that informs the many areas of a woman’s life. Your words have truly been inspiring and refreshing.
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Sheena, thanks for reminding me of how/when you started following. I remember that email and the brokenness I felt for you. I’m thankful for the blessing of pointing you to Christ. He alone is worthy and is able to bring beauty from ashes.
Thanks for your comment and for encouraging me on this 15th anniversary!❤️ Let’s keep growing together!
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Thank you, Denise! On growing – I’m looking forward to it. Blessings!
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I found your blog a few years ago through Whitney. You have no idea what a blessing your posts have been in my life. I also use so many of your recipes and anytime I’m needing a recipe yours is the first site I go to.
I’ve also enjoyed your daily comments on the Bible in a year we are doing.
I pray God’s continued blessing on your life and ministry. Thanks for being a light in the world.
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Marla, I’m so honored that you would read my blog and also use it for your recipe file! I’m glad we’re both on the Bible Recap journey through the Bible. Hasn’t it been incredible?! Wow.
Thank you for following RefreshHer and for taking the time to comment on this anniversary!❤️
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Congratulations Denise! I am so happy you have stuck with your blog. Indeed you are a refresher and an encouragement. Thanks for all you do.
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Debi, You’ve also refreshed me many times. Thanks for your comments and for so faithfully reading and following along! You are a blessing!
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Denise, praise God for your 15 years of blog ministry! So much of your content has been a blessing to me! I see you as a wise, godly friend with insight from the Lord & His Word, and a mentor in all things homemaking! Thank you for having this blog.!!! The Lord has blessed & encouraged me through you on many occasions. I’m also grateful for your wonderful daughter, Whitney, who “introduced” me to you. God bless you and your family as you continue to love others and serve Him. Love ya!
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Jenny, you’ve become a dear friend to me as I’ve prayed for you over the years. Your name is in my journal and it’s been a joy to lift you before the Throne of God! I’m super grateful that you’re reading Whitney’s blog (such great content!), and that that brought you here! I’m so grateful that you would take the time to read faithfully and also stop to encourage me on this 15 anniversary of RefreshHer! Thank you!
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Hi Denise, congratulations on 15 years!! As you know I started reading your blog through a link on a posting of Whitney’s blog a few years ago, which then led to us visiting and now being members of BCBC. Although I’m not a blogger God certainly blessed Dave and I by leading us to BCBC through blogging. And I have enjoyed so many of your blogs it would be hard to pinpoint a specific one; holiday and seasonal blogs are always my favorite though! Looking forward to the fun and biblical posts you’ll share in the future 🙂 Andrea
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Congratulations !
I have been reading for 5 years anyway and Thank You. I have gotten many ideas from your suggestion and during my daughters brain tumor situation ( which is fine now) your blog was always there as a comfort. Thank you for writing 🌷
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Jane, thank you for reading all those years! I rejoice with you that the Lord has touched your daughter and that the Lord used this simple tool to encourage you during that time. He is so very good and always knows what we need. I’m grateful for you!
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