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.
Continue reading “Celebrating 18 Years of Blogging: A Reflection of the Journey”Category: Blog info
Celebrating RefreshHer’s 15th Anniversary!
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 –
Two Celebrations!
I love celebrations and today I’m enjoying two!
The first one is my daughter, Alli; it’s her 29th birthday! God gave us Alli, our third daughter, during our tenth year of marriage; a special gift we didn’t think we would be able to have. But God in His grace and kindness to us, sent us a daughter to fill our home with music and laughter (lots and lots!) through Alli!
She was the child who was sure life was a stage. She enjoyed nothing more than entertaining Whitney and making her laugh!
From a very early age, Alli showed a love and a gift for music. She was denied the joy of learning to play drums (!), but started taking piano lessons when she was five. After that, she went to violin when she was around ten. Every instrument she’d see, (especially strings) she would want to try to play. She took cello lessons and then taught herself guitar. Her keen ear and natural ability were God-given gifts, and we sought to give her every chance to develop those talents.
One precious memory was the day during home school that she began asking questions about salvation. As we talked, I could see that she had a clear understanding of her sin and her need for a Savior. After excusing herself from my presence, she came back a little while later and announced to me that she had gone off on her own to ask Jesus to save her! Though she had some difficult days in her late teens, that decision to trust Christ kept her tethered to Him, even when she struggled personally. How thankful I am for the Spirit of God that lives inside His children! She responded to His conviction and made things right with the Lord after a brief time of straying away.
Since then she has been resolute in following the Lord and living for Him. Perfect? No, she has her parents’ old sin nature! But like all sinners, she gets it right and moves towards Christ.
What a joy to watch her serve with her husband in our church, and also as she is training her sons. I truly have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. III John 4.
Happy 29th Birthday, sweet Alli!
The second celebration today is regarding my blog! This week marks my 12th blogging anniversary! It was started 2,750 posts ago! What? Thank you to each of you who read, comment, follow and encourage my heart here.
This has been such a joy to me. I have met the sweetest women around the globe through this simple blog. I’ve been blessed to have some of you come to Tennessee and visit our church! Some I’ve gotten to know just through messages, and some have continued our relationships that began in person.
This blog was started for my church ladies, and is still my focus. I wanted a way to reach out to you, BCBC, ladies on a weekly basis. I pray I’ve ministered and encouraged you through the years by this means. I love each of you and long to serve you and point you to our Savior!
Would you give me a gift today? I’d just love to hear from you! Tell me how long you’ve been reading and where you’re from, would you? You might also add what content you enjoy when you stop by.
Also, how about sharing my blog with a friend? That would be a great gift to me! Thank you!
I hope you get to celebrate something or someone this weekend! Again, don’t forget to leave a comment before you go!
Time for cake!
A Little More About Denise
I’m left-handed. I hoard chocolate. My dresser drawers are usually a mess. I have an identical twin. I have a reputation as a prankster. I’m dangerous around fire. I crave Mexican food. I’m dreaming about writing a book.
You will find the words above in the “Meet Denise” page of my blog. Go  here for more of the facts about my life. I thought it was really important in this section of my blog to really let ladies know who is behind the computer. By knowing a little about me, you’ll know better whether my posts would benefit you.
Today I thought I’d give you a few more details and be a little more personal about myself and my blog. Continue reading “A Little More About Denise”
Celebrating 10 Years of Blogging!
I’m celebrating!!
Ten years ago yesterday, August 19, 2008, RefreshHer began its existence! This week is RefreshHer’s 10th Birthday!
Wow. It’s hard to believe.
I have written 2,463 blog posts, posting five days a week most of the time. The exception was the last two summers, when I’ve taken a little break and posted three times a week.
When I hit “Publish” on that first post, I had little idea about what I was doing. I also had Continue reading “Celebrating 10 Years of Blogging!”
RefreshHer 