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We have rounded another year. I say “another” as if it retains any semblance to the others. It doesn’t. But I have lived (somewhat), written, felt and survived to do it all again. I am so very thankful that the challenges of 2020 pushed me closer and closer to my Heavenly Father, but now I would like them to end (said in jest – sort of).

I want to thank you, bloggy friend, for taking the time to follow my writing and for any amount of time sacrificed to read these words. It means more to me than you could possibly know. And each and every comment left was like a present for me to open. While I know now more than ever that I have no idea what topics the future will provide for this website, I still plan a little, holding it loosely. Proverbs 19:21 says, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. NIV I desire deeply for God’s purpose to be fulfilled here.

So I looked back for research at what posts you all enjoyed most from last year. This information helps me hone in on what is helpful and meaningful to you. So I present to you (in case you missed any of these or would like to revisit) the top 10 most viewed posts from my site in 2020. And thank you again being such an important community for me. (Also, take a gander at my list of the top posts of 2019 here.)

10. The Good Thing V. the God Thing February 7, 2020

Mark 1:40-45 tells the story of a man Jesus cured of leprosy only to command him to keep his miraculous healing to himself. Common sense seems to say that Jesus’ ministry would only be enhanced by the sharing of this good news. But God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so we must seek His guidance in all things and not forge ahead using only our own feeble wisdom.

9. God is Good…but Life is Still Hard March 6, 2020

Certain situations and events from the year past drove me to study Job. Good ol’ Job who lost his wealth, his family and finally his own health. Although he lamented (this can be so healthy), Job never lost his faith in God. In the midst of his heartache – before any earthly blessing was restored to him – Job exclaimed, “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” (19:25) When all else slips away, we can cling to that.

8. I Love… February 14, 2020

This Valentine’s Day post only touched on romantic love. It’s more about the many things and people I love and am thankful for in this life. Even though I wrote this pre-Covid 19, reading the list again encouraged me. So many of my treasures I still enjoy in the midst of it. I hope it encourages you too.

7. Better Late than Never – My Thoughts on Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Others June 5, 2020

As the death of several black Americans set our world on fire last summer, I struggled with whether or not my voice in matters of systemic racism and injustice mattered. But I finally had to speak – with people that I know and with my computer keys. I forced myself to examine my privilege and any biases and prejudices with which I view the world. I don’t pretend to be “woke” to the things I’ve been blind to, but I am determined to keep working on it. All life has value. Genesis 1:27 says God created mankind in His own image. The Bible lists no exceptions to this. Black lives matter.

6. The Pursuit May 8, 2020

Using a different translation of Psalm 23:6 gave me a deepened perspective on God’s vast love for us. He created us, He loves us, and He wants us. In this world that is still so full of uncertainty, I find great comfort in this. In Him.

5. Farewell to February February 28, 2020

This was the only month end review to make the list. Reading again about all my social activities pre-virus almost brought a tear to my eye. May it be again soon, Lord.

4. Today I Cannot…a Coronavirus Lament May 15, 2020

The title of this one explains itself pretty well. It took me a couple of months of lock down to reach this boiling point, but many of these things still grieve me (although some days my will to endure stays stronger than the moment in time I penned this). Maybe you can relate to some of my things. And maybe you just need to read the verse at the end for comfort and hope.

3. A Conversation on Race, Part 1 June 19, 2020

Two fellow bloggers of color, Yvonne Chase and Calvonia Radford agreed to an interview on the issues of racial injustice that news journalists and the everyman with a cell phone brought to the forefront of our consciousness. I will warn those of you that look like me that it’s not easy to read. But I pray you will be prompted to examine your own heart against the feelings and facts they share. We still have a long way to go in the arena of race relations in America. You might just find a good start here. And don’t miss the links to their websites. Read Part II of this conversation as well. “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” – Angela Davis

2. These are a Few of My Favorite Things (100 to Be Exact) November 6, 2020

“If I am losing it beyond the normal parameters of losing it, I write out or say 100 things I am grateful for.” – Jami Amerine. She calls this a gratitude blitz and I tried my hand at it a couple of months ago. That this list landed in the #2 spot tells me a lot about our need for positivity right now. Hopefully something you read here will touch you, encourage you, entertain you or motivate you to make your own list. And maybe we will decide – at least for a moment – that things really aren’t that bad.

1. Dear Teenage Daughter, You Aren’t Entitled February 21, 2020

I suspect from this #1 post that some of you deal with the challenges of an entitled generation. I promise you that this letter, written two days before my teen’s birthday has a happy ending. And she gave me her permission and approval. Part rant, part lesson and confession from me – it is all heart. And I could not love her more.

This concludes a year in the life of this blogger. A year I honestly hope we never see the likes of again. But important lessons for me – and maybe you – reside here. I hope you are informed or encouraged, and I pray God is glorified here. I thank you, again, for being my reader friends and hope this relationship continues into the new year. Also, happy birthday to the best Papa in the world (and Elvis).

And now for this week’s featured post!

In keeping with the theme of my post for this week, I chose Heather Hart’s Top Candid Posts of 2020 on candidlychristian.com. I would love nothing better than for you to hop over and see some well-loved posts from one of my teammates at Grace and Truth (after you read mine of course). 😉

1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.

2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.

MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Now Let’s Link Up!

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To kick off the new year, I want to thank each one of you for helping me live my dream. A friend asked me once how I knew I was called to write. The only answer I could give her is that I HAVE to write. I’m compelled. I get an idea and I can’t rest until I’ve fleshed it out and typed it up. That any of you would take the time to read something from my research and imagination is a gift that I don’t take lightly. Through the miracle of the internet I get to do what I love. And who knows, maybe one day it will be more than just a hobby. But in the meantime I pray that we will continue to connect, laugh together and learn more about our God and King together.

In thinking about what to write about in 2020, I looked at my most viewed posts from last year. The topics ranged from infertility to love letters, from personal struggles to silly stories. So before I launch into new topics, I decided to present to you a roundup of the 10 most popular blogs on my site last year:

10. When Your Busted Flip Flop Speaks to You June 20, 2019

I had a sandal blow up. And it made me think. Walking through a public bathroom in my bare feet is like stepping into a new day in willful disobedience to God. It’s unwise and leaves me vulnerable to more scum and filth than I care to imagine. And while in this human body my obedience won’t be perfect (sometimes it will look more like the busted sandal shuffle than a victory lap), the effort to stand in God’s will and under His protection is worth it.

9. My Favorite Bible Study Tools September 19, 2019

It can be challenging to stay connected and engaged when the most important part of my day is often sliced up into bite sized chunks. But I have a feeling some of you might relate to a harried schedule. So I shared my favorite Bible study tools and where to buy them.

8. One Verse, One Resolution, One Hope January 17, 2019

While lots of my friends and fellow authors picked a word for the year to be their focus and inspiration in 2019, I related to Jami Amerine from Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors when she said, “If I picked a word for the year, it would be obscene, and I try not to cuss.” That’s where I was this time last year.

7. Knight in Polished Armor January 6, 2019

There are many romantic things I could have said about my husband on our 20th wedding anniversary. He is kind, loyal, hardworking, loving, strong, smart, God-honoring and easy on the eyes. But I’d like to highlight his heroism and outstanding service in the battles of life. With him and our Heavenly Father, I don’t fear the enemy, and the skirmishes are conquerable.

6. For the Love of a Cow January 4, 2019

We flew to California for one day passes to Disneyland. We had to. We were on a mission to get my special girl Shelby to see a life-sized Clarabelle Cow. At least that’s what we thought we were doing. We didn’t find her. But we found a lot of joy together as a family.

5. Dumpster Fire Day August 22, 2019

I think we’ve all had days like I describe here. I decided to share mine just in case I have EVER given you the impression here on my blog or in real life that I have all my chili together. I want to assure you that I am just like you. ONLY WORSE. The End.

4. 10 Scriptures on Perseverance: Navigating Life’s Troubles February 22, 2019

I was (and still am) beyond excited to be published in a devotional compilation and hope you will all consider ordering a copy – or many – if you haven’t already! You can find info on the book and ordering details at https://devotableapp.com/perseverance. I’m also got to host the creator and owner of Devotable, Landen Melton, as a guest blogger.

3. Just the Way We Are September 5, 2019

I’ll never get over the fact that God uses someone as messy and faithless as me. And He uses a 14 year old blonde haired beauty with a natural singing talent and a heart to invite. He also uses a retail manager who does EVERYTHING with the utmost integrity. And He uses a 19 year old who thinks like a two year old and wears her heart on her sleeve. It’s the kindest thing I’ve ever witnessed.

2. A Different Kind of Mothering May 9, 2019

I got to share with all of the interwebs about my sister here. And I pray that God will inspire and raise up other women to mentor and “mother” children not born from their bodies. The world needs more believing women loving and nurturing those in their sphere of influence.

1. A Letter to My Parents on The ir 50th Wedding Anniversary June 6, 2019

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV

Dear Mama and Papa,

50 years is quite a legacy. When I saw the scripture verse above, it reminded me of you. I won’t overly romanticize your relationship just because it’s lasted this long. I know that neither of you is COMPLETELY humble, gentle or patient 100% of the time. We are a fully human, fallible family. But as great as I do think you both are, I know it takes lots of “bearing with one another in love” to make it to a 50^th anniversary. If the world took that commandment more seriously, many, many more marriages would go the distance.

Looking back through my blog is a lot like reading a journal of what God has done in and through me. I hope you will click on some of the links and read these words again – or for the first time. And I pray you will continue to be reader friends into the new year. Thank you!

And look up these great writers I link up with every week:

InstaEncouragements, Literacy Musing Mondays, Hello…Monday,

The Good. The Random. The Fun.

BloggerClubUK, Tea and Word Tuesday, Purposeful Faith,

GraceFull Tuesday Link-Up, Hearth and Soul Link Party,

Let’s Have Coffee, Welcome Wednesday, Recharge Wednesday,

Worth Beyond Rubies, #TellHisStory Link Up, Porch Stories,

Encouraging Word Wednesday, Tune In Thursday,

Stories of Hope, Moments of Hope, IHeart Verse Link Party,

Legacy Link Up, Fresh Market Friday, Feature Friday Time,

Friendship Friday Blog Hop, Faith on Fire, Traffic Jam Weekend,

Faith ‘n Friends, Dancing with Jesus, Grace & Truth, Booknificent

Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.