On Wednesday of this week, August 19th, I marked my 18th blogging anniversary. Wow. I’ve written 3,533 posts in those 18 years. That’s a lot of words! There have been times in the recent couple of years that I’ve been tempted to throw in the blogging towel, but there are a few things that keep me blogging.
- My love for writing. I started this blog because it is a good outlet for me. I can keep this place as a spot to write out my thoughts that come from what God is teaching me as I read the Bible, what I’m learning in marriage, parenting/grandparenting, aging and also to share things I love, like cooking, art, and decorating.
- It’s a place to keep record of my meanderings. I can go back and pull up my own recipes right here, like the Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread I made this summer is right here on my own blog. I love that!
I can also see the progress I’ve made in decorating my home. Like when we lived in the parsonage to when I updated my family room and my living room.
Then I can watch all the wonderful things my family has done over the years! Like two weddings, adoptions, and home–goings. There are vacation memories, hosting memories and precious friends who have entered our lives. - I desire to be a bright spot on the Internet. With so much negativity, violence and sin in this world, I long to be a light for Christ. I want this to be a place women can come and truly be refreshed, either through trying a new recipe, reading an encouraging word from God’s Word, truth about marriage or family life, or a new idea for their home. I want women to know that there’s something worth living for, and His name is Jesus!
I’ve known some great bloggers who have set aside their computer journey, and I respect them for knowing it was time to let it go. I’ll be here until the Lord says it’s time to stop.
So…here’s to year 19 of RefreshHer! I’d love to know how long you’ve been reading, and where you are reading from! I’d also love to know what kind of posts are your favorite to read? What would you like to see more of here on RefreshHer?
Thanks for being a part of my little corner of the Internet!
RefreshHer 
I had issues posting a comment but wanted you to know what a blessing your blog has been over the past 18 years. I believe I have read almost every one. They have been encouraging, convicting and a true blessing. I look forward to each one. Thank you so much for your faithfulness.
Vicki Watson
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You have been here since the beginning and I’m so grateful, Vickie!! Thank you for your faithful reading and responding. You are always a blessing.
Sorry for the issues when trying to comment – not sure what’s going on there!
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Good morning Denise, congratulations on a wonderful milestone. I guess I have been reading your blog for about 8 years, which as you know, I found through Whitney’s blog, and that of course led to our discovery of our church home for the last 4 1/2 years, BCBC. What a blessing the Lord led me to your blogs and then us to our church family 🙂 I enjoy the different types of posts you include and wouldn’t change a thing! May the Lord lead you in wisdom and encouragement for many more years of uplifting posts. Have a wonderful weekend! Andrea
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Thank you, Andrea! The best part of my blog has been the connections with people, and that certainly includes people like you who the Lord brought to BCBC! What a an unexpected joy!! Thank you for reading and for taking the time to comment. ❤️
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I am a frequent reader! Not sure exactly how long, but pretty near your beginning! I make a lot of your recipes regularly, and I appreciate your spiritual heart as well! Thank you!
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Beth, thank you for trusting this content with your time. I’m also so glad it’s provide recipes for you to try! Thanks for hanging in there with me! 💕
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Congratulations on 18 years of blogging! Thank you for your commitment. I found your blog only, oh 6 or 7 years ago, although I have read almost all of them. To pick a favorite, well, too many kind and encouraging and yes even convicting subjects. Although, the recent on raising Godly children compelled me to comment. Your blog has been a blessing to this Alabama girl. I have 5 beautiful homeschooled grandchildren to help encourage and point to Jesus. Your posts, whether recipes, decor or devotional always gives me encouragement for my life. We all need that. Again, thank you and Bless you!!
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Dear “Alabama Girl,” I love that a grandmother like yourself is so teachable. I’m truly honored that you would read and apply things from my blog to your family life. I’m sure you are a rich blessing to your grandchildren! Thank you for taking the time to step out of your norm to leave yet another encouraging comment! 😊
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Wow, 19 years! Denise, I think I first found your blog around ten-ish years ago when I was looking for some information about Nancy Wolgemuth and the internet took me to a post you had written about meeting her. After reading that post, I read another and another and I’ve been reading ever since. I’ve been “refreshed” each time I’ve visited here. Happy Bloggiversary!
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Alinda, your faithful encouragement has been like having an Internet friend. Thank you for always reading and also encouraging me here. Perhaps one day we’ll get to meet in person! That would be a sweet joy to my heart!
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Wow, 18 years!! I just checked and it looks like I’ve been reading since last October. Love your blog and I like that idea of blogging “until the Lord says it’s time to stop.” Reading from Virginia. I read a variety of posts so yours fits perfectly. I hear from time to time about focusing on one theme and I suppose that can be a good thing. Life is not one theme so I can’t ask something from others that I’m not prepared to do myself. Whatever you feel led to write, I’ll read. Happy Sunday to you ~ Rosie
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Rosie, you’ve been another one of those new and faithful readers that has been a blessing and encouragement to keep writing. Thank you for that!! 💕
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