I'm always amazed that the Lord allows me to do anything for Him. I'm so undeserving of all the blessings He showers over me. Before I get to that, let me share something with you.
I was reading Shannon at Rocksinmydryer.net and she wrote about blogging and pulling back ,,…. well, take a look at what she has to say here's her post . The post made me take account of my life. I do struggle to keep it all in check, but I'm at a place in my life where I have more time for fun things. And I gave up housework, cooking and laundry…. none of which I miss.
The post challenged me, but it was a comment that struck me right in the heart. One reader (or is it commenter… oh whatever) wrote that she'd heard (whew, this is third of forth hand information) it said that the bloggy world is just like high school all over again with the popular girls getting all the hits.
I was shocked. Not because I didn't believe, but because I did. I had to take a moment and take stock of my life. Why do I do this whole blogging thing? Is it for my glory or for His?
When I started on this journey I committed it to Him. I asked the Lord for direction and for guidance. I wanted to make sure that while I was having fun, I was also honoring Him.
I'm not the most popular blogger — hey, I'm not even in the top 100. I have some faithful friends who read my blog and I ADORE them! Most are dear friends! I have readers who never post, but I would love to hear from because I could add them to my friend roster. Can you tell I'm overwhelming to people? I just adore friends and friendships!
I tell you all of this — about the popular bloggers and how I'm not one of them– to share something.
I'm the new official blogger for Extraordinary Women Conferences! How cool is this God we serve! I'm so humbled and blown away by this opportunity. There are amazing speakers, musicians and all manner of talented folk who are connected with this group. Me? Whoa God! are you sure? Maybe you have the wrong blog? But He doesn't make mistakes, so here I am.
Most of you know that I blog for the Girls' Get Away Cruise and was able to go on the cruise in February and I'm Cruisin' Again in 2010. I don't know why the Lord chooses to use me in this way, but I'm awestruck that He does. And humbled to serve Him in any way that I can.
I tell you this not to brag on myself. It's nothing of me. I'm not the blogger with the most hits or the best photographer. I'm not the most awe-inspiring wordsmith. I'm just me, a sinner save by grace who's blessed to serve the Lord through this blogging medium. I tell you this to encourage you.
Trust God. He's got a plan for everything in your life — and that even includes that blog. Commit it to Him. He will take you where you need to be. Some He will give huge readerships. Some will go on Compassion International Blogging Trips. Some will continue to write for Him in their personal blogs. It's not about the number of hits or the places you go, it's about serving the Lord.
I'm blown away by His grace and I'm awestruck that this little blog is allowing me to serve my sisters across the country. To God be the Glory!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will guide your heart. Proverbs 3:5-6
AMEN Mary about doing it all for God’s glory!
I am so happy and excited for you! I cannot wait to see what God has planned for you!
Congrats! A wonderful opportunity for a wonderful gal! May you serve His purpose wholeheartedly dear sister!
Congratulations!! That’s wonderful!
I love following your bloggy life!!! & Congrats!!!!
I mainly blog for sanity/therapy!!:) I still want my somewhat frazzled and “all over the place” blogging to bring glory to God though. I have determined to be real but to always bring it back to the main thing – His hand in my life is what keeps me going and His grace is so much more than I deserve!!!
Love you lady!!
Awesome!!!!!
Interesting post….the thing about blogville is the “control” that the readers and poster have. Unlike high school we can choose with whom we socialize and with whome we don’t; so I see the connection but I think it is a bit more selective in a good way. I think the bloggers I read and get read by are truly nice people who are trying to live for Christ, do better each day, memorize His word, etc. and I’m sure I can’t say that about the HS crowd. Plus, I think it’s really difficult for women to maintain relationships with our busy-ness and this is one way we can. I get the comment but to me the good, the blessings far outweigh the negatives.
Plus (how many pluses have I put) my blog let’s me put things out there so in case I forget to share things with my mother she can read it. I’ve gotten in trouble a few times for forgetting to tell her key things. Plus my cousin in North Carolina loves to read my blog, and on and on and on.
Plus I love to read your blog! (((hugs)))
Those were great thoughts. It is funny how we do watch for comments. When I started my blog I did it not really wanting this particular blog to be seen. When first comment came I was shocked as tho someone had read my diary. But when I posted yesterday a part of me just wanted to be a part of something much bigger than myself. A tool, an encouragement. I did want to be seen because the message I felt was important. To me anyway. My comment box has a big zero today lol. So I guess the Holy Spirit’s leading was to me, myself and I. To walk out in person what my heart heard Him say.
Hugs
Becky
AWESOME! I’m so happy for you!!
I love that you get to do all these things because it means I can live vicariously through your writing! I feel like I’m there too :-)!
If it helps at all, and I’m SURE it does, you’re in my top 100! (Shoot you’re in my top 10!) (The bloggy world can be reminiscent of HS days if we let it. I’m chosing to not let it and just enjoy it. After all, I’ve ‘met’ some great people from the bloggy world :-)!)
This morning I kept sensing Him say to me, “You’re are beautifully and wonderfully made. I know the plans I have for you. Trust Me.” The verse you posted is very fitting. Thank you.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Girl we have so talked about this
When you blog for God and not popularity He will bless you greatly!
I am so excited about your opportunity to blog about the Women’s Conference
That is AWESOME
If I lived in the “ham I would be there in a heartbeat
Love you
Kim
I’m so proud of what God is accomplishing through you, I could just BUST. Extraordinary Women?! Girlfriend! Isn’t He just SOMEthing???!!!
I love you Mary R. Snyder. I so stinkin’ do.
XO Melinda
Mary I came across your blog when I visited the National Day of Prayer (Beth Moore). I know that God directed me here when I read your post about not having alot of people visiting and leaving comments on your blog,i have been feeling the same way. I was really blown away when I saw that you had quoted my favorite scripture. Have a long story about how that came to be. May the Lord continue to bless you in your ministry and continued Favor from Him.