Happy Anniversary Flourish readers!!
(Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a book give-away!!)
One year ago, I felt God prompting me to begin this blog. I knew it was His idea, because I have never been a “writer”. I’d rather just have a conversation with you! Nonetheless, I listened and began writing. Some were devotional, some have been about our crazy homeschooling life and many posts celebrate the way that I see an extraordinary God throughout my ordinary days…oh and an occasional recipe, because I can’t help myself.
It’s been such a rich year!
Starting something new is always a little bit scary. Will anyone read my blog? What will I say? All of those types of questions raced through my mind. I also knew that I didn’t have a lot of time. Honestly, I have very little time to write before 9pm, when I’d rather just fall into bed.
My four children demand so much of each day, so I thought my doubts questions were pretty valid. But, the urge to share Jesus with others burned in my heart and I was reminded of how God takes the little that we have and makes beautiful things out of them. Like, the widow who gave her two mites to the Lord; it was just a little, but it was ALL she had.
I started writing very prayerfully and asked the Lord to take the little that I had: little time, little energy, little words. I believe He has done good things and so I just want to praise Him and also say thank you for joining me on this journey! I love your comments and your notes on Facebook, so don’t be shy, keep them coming! Thank you also for sharing me with your friends!
Believe it or not, this little blog has made it to 75 countries since it started one year ago!! I’m blown away by this. I love to think about people around the world falling more in love with Jesus as they receive encouragement through what’s written. I often pray for those countries and trust the Lord to either reveal Himself to that reader or bring great encouragement to their heart. So, I’ll continue to share “the boundless riches of Christ”. (Ephesians 3:8)
Jesus left his disciples with the command to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel”. I desire for Jesus’ name to be praised and for God’s heart to be made known to the nations. He’s changed my heart so much and many of yours as well, so I can’t help but believe in real life change like we celebrate on “Monday’s Life Change”. I’ve asked the Lord if I am to write, if He will “write it on my heart”. So Lord, I lay myself out here again. This is all I have. Please use it for your glory!
Love, Shanna
In celebration of Flourish’s one year anniversary, I am going to give away two copies of Anne Graham Lotz’ new book, Wounded by God’s People. This is such an open and honest book and should be on your “must-read” list. I absolutely loved it and have been telling everyone about it, so what better way to share the content than to share the actual book!?
Here’s how you qualify to win: Leave me a comment and tell me a topic you’d like to read/discuss this next year. You’ll need to leave a comment on my blog in order to qualify. Or if you’re new here, sign up to “Follow Flourish” before the contest ends and you’ll also qualify. Celebrate a year of God’s goodness with me!
Contest ends Tuesday 9/24 at 10pm. So hurry and share!! Winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email.
Flourish 
Can I request you continue your Monday’s life change? Does that count?? 🙂 I love hearing real life stories about how God has worked in others lives, especially prodigals! 😉
Yes you can! So glad you’ve enjoyed them Tonia!!
Me me me!!!!!! I’d like to see a series of the “masks” we wear at/in/through Church–what are some of them, how does it hurt the body of Christ, how does it hurt us reaching lost and brown people (eh hem…broken like us all!) and most importantly, how do we move past it 🙂
Thanks for blogging, you have encouraged me many times through it!
Great idea Amber!! I know that stirs in your heart. Thanks for reading!
I’ve heard about this book and thought it would be good for both Keith & I to read. A topic I like to read is “CRAZY mothering days.” I think it’s tough with one and think about having more babies and about go crazy sometimes. I don’t know how you and Ang still have hair and matching clothes on with 4! 😉 Another one that may be more of a series would be “Sharing your faith.” 🙂 P.S. I use random.org’s free service for my giveaways if you are not yet sure how you’re going to pick randomly. 🙂
Good stuff Tanya! You know Ang and I struggled then and we struggle now. 😉 God stretches you and strengthens you with each child. Love you!
I’d like you to write about Christians getting involved in social media “wars.” Is it proper? How do we properly respond when our faith and Savior is attacked? Obviously we handle it with love and compassion, but do we then leave the conversation? How far do we go, I suppose is what I want to know. Or do we even get involved to begin with?
Not that I EVER do this, I’m just asking for a friend… 😀
“faith and Savior ARE attacked..”
I are off to home teach the kids now.
Good talking with you about this very topic this morning..since you were ahem, asking for a friend. 😉 Thanks for reading Donna!
Shan, I appreciate your everyday life struggles you share so openly! I believe anyone, with all the things in life that keep us busy and sometimes too far away from our foundations of truth, can be slowed and even stopped to ponder the deep truths you share, by your beautiful candor and vulnerability. Thanks doesn’t fit for the heartfelt admiration and appreciation I feel for you and the “putting yourself out there” for the cause of bringing Jesus outside church into our Monday’s thru Saturdays!
Thank you for faithfully encouraging me, Pat. Your words have breathed life into me many times!!
I’d like you to write about walking with The Holy Spirit and the steps and listening needed to better be in tune to hear His leading.
I too would love to see you write about the daily challenges of being a mom of young children and how God does teach us through the little things. I would also love to see you blog on how to keep your marriage a priority through these stages. You always speak truth and are vulnerable with your writing and I can’t tell you how much that encourages me!
May God continue to bless you and those He is reaching through you! Love you, friend!
Shauna, I love that God is currently teaching you about these very things. Your little twins are sooo sweet! Thanks for contributing. I’ll be sure to blog about this. Thank you for reading and for your regular encouragement. It means a lot!
Hey Shanna… I’d love you to write (again?) about how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of relationship status. Single people want to be married, some married people wish they weren’t, but when our focus is on these things it takes us away from the one and only everlasting relationship with the God of the universe; the Creator of it all. He’s the only one who can fill that void. Thanks! Love you!
Yes, great thoughts Michelle! Thank you for sharing!
This looks like a much needed book in our culture. It reminds me of one I read a few years ago called Why do Christians Shoot Their Wounded. As far as topics…any I would request are probably not what I need to hear LOL! I enjoy when you share “God at Work” type stories highlighting various people’s stories.
So glad you’ve enjoyed those blogs Sarah!! Thanks for contributing. And yes, do get the book. It’s so great!
Shan, keep up the good work of being transparent with your ups AND downs. You are doing a wonderful job and I am so proud of you. I would like to see you write maybe a series on our identity in Christ.
Thanks Mama!! I love you and appreciate how you let me bounce ideas off you. You’ve helped me so much!
I’d love for you to write about apologetics! I think we often neglect to grasp the importance of apologetics, until we are faced with real questions and we don’t have real answers, or when we have a child who is struggling with his faith, and we want to offer assurance beyond a subjective testimony.
Anna, yes! This will stretch me in a good way. Thank you!
I love reading your real life changes. God uses all of us to help others and may it continue bringing mush “fruit.”
Amen, Carol. Thank you for reading!!
Being a Godly wife in the midst of young motherhood. You could call it: when hormones want to take the place of Jesus.
That’s hilarious, Lauren. I love it. Just might have to take you up on that one! 😉
I love reading your weekly blog, and I want to read anything that God has laid on your heart😄
Laura, thank you! I appreciate your encouragement!!
Hey Shanna! I’d love to see more on juggling life and ministry. Also, from a married’s perspective how can singles serve families in the local body.
Holly, you really are a Girl on a Mission. Love seeing your heart in action! Thank you for contributing!
Well, happy anniversary! 🙂 I have loved the life-change series and would love to hear more of those stories. Keep it up…glory to God!
Ang, thank you. Love that we’ve both been stretched in this area. Thank you for your honest opinion and feedback. I love you sis!
I love your blog, your writing, your wisdom. You so richly share and bless me. I would like more posts about: being a “real” friend, helping those who are hurting, and keeping your eyes on the Lord despite trouble, mile-high “to do” lists, etc.
Denise, thank you friend. You’ve been a great encourager! And yes, I can certainly write about the “mile-high to do lists”. 😉
Your blog has been such a blessing to me this past year! Please continue to write from the heart, as you have faithfully done. I’m especially encouraged by entries based on marriage/family life and discipling our children.
Tracy, you’re doing a great job. It’s been so fun to hear about your kids growing in the Lord. Thanks for contributing!!
Shanna, I just love your blog! I’m so glad that you are sharing your world, heart, and love for The Lord with us. I find it such an encouragement. Something I would like to see written about—- how you incorporate “devotional time” or sinto your little ones. Tips?
I hit reply before finished… “Devotional time” or special God time (prayer, bible reading, etc) into the busy lives of your little ones.
Erin, thank you for the encouragement! I’ll absolutely write about this topic. It’s so important, so thank you for suggesting!
Shanna, I love to read about how God is working in the lives of others! Also, how do others balance the ministries God has given us along with our responsibilities at home, work or elsewhere. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Hi Krista! Thank you for reading. Great topic!!
I love getting these its always encouraging when i read them. I would like a topic on the fatherless. I have not lost my father per say, but he has been a very distant one. I am now as you no a single parent to an amazing b-e-a-utiful daughter. Under yucky circumstances she is now going to be raised without an earthly father as well. I want to learn and know more on parenting and not jus single parenting bit how to raise her Godly and as Jesus daughter. I saw a plaque the other day that said My father is the king of kings. So true! But a discussion on that would be great.
Tara, I love you girl! Keep checking back. Parenting will be sprinkled all throughout this blog. Bea is blessed to have you as her Mama! Seek the truth and keep loving your girl.
I’d like to hear some tips for organizing with children (whole house, kids’ rooms, rotating clothing, etc). Any ideas to running a happy home?
Amy, great suggestions! Thank you!!
Wow has it really been a year? How time flies when you enjoy reading a blog by someone who is obviously anointed by the Lord! Please keep writing about ANYTHING because what you write always blesses me and others. LOL, I know that’s rather broad, but if you need a topic how about how when we fail or make poor choices/decisions, how God is still there for us, even when the enemy would have you think otherwise. Jeremiah 29:11. God knows the journey we must all take in order to draw closer to him. Thank you again Shanna 🙂
Oh, thank you Carmen! You are so kind. Lies are all around us. Keep the truth before you!!
Happy Anniversary and keep writing!
Thank you Dad. You are always so encouraging!!