So I just wasn't going to link up this week...and then God told me otherwise! While I have only had my own blog for a short time, I have been reading blogs for years now. And the blogs that I go back to are the ones that keep it real. The good and the bad all with a side of grace.
In the short time that I have been blogging here, I have been so encouraged and felt openly accepted by many. I think that love and acceptance allows us to be ourselves. It is only in the past couple years that I have truly been open and real about the ups and downs of my own life. I was just always a very private person; shy and reserved. But the thing is, this life is not my own. The story I want to tell is HIS...
Shortly after buying our first home and having our first son, my husband lost his construction job. It was at the beginning of the downward spiral of the economy. For the past four years we have been struggling to find His place for us and there have been many, many downs, but there have also been ups. I know that I would not be who I am right now if I hadn't gone through what we have gone through. And to be able to openly share our story is in itself a breakthrough for me. When I first started writing here I decided that I wouldn't tell people that I know "in real life" about my blog because it just felt too personal. Sometimes it's easier to share with people that you don't have to see day to day. But, God convicted me...He asked me to be myself in all areas of my life...to be an open book for Him to use. And that is my desire.
We are currently living in a studio in my parent's garage (we share my parent's kitchen) while my husband tries to finish his bachelors degree. And on my 30th birthday in a couple weeks, they are auctioning off our home. Our first home. The place that we brought both of our boys after they were born. I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt. But I'm no longer ashamed of any of it. I don't know what's going to happen or where we're going, but I know He has a plan for our lives. For each of our lives.
There is still more of our story to tell. In time. But, I want you to know that there is so much freedom in just being yourself. I desire for this to be a happy place, but I still want to be raw and true to the journey that we are on.... His journey.
I know this probably isn't going to look like anyone else's link up today, but I felt led to link it up anyway....
12 comments:
My favorite blogs are the ones in which the blogger is "real" as well. I can spot a fake a mile away! Well, that may not be true, but the bloggers whose lives are always peaches and cream have got to have something to hide, right?? :0) I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to share your story. Real life is full of ups and downs.. It's encouraging to read stories where people like you look to God no matter whether things are "high" or "low." He is always on the throne! :0) Nice to meet you, I'm Jamie! :0)
I admire you for this...and get it...and you are so right, because I believe with you that God does have "this" and He has a plan for you and your family.
You have so much courage and strength to put this here. It was extremely touching and you and your family will be in my prayers tonight. It's corny to say, but I know that things will get better for you. They always do. It's in these times that we grow the most. :)
I love this! I know what you mean about feeling like your blog is too personal for "real life" people to read. I feel the same way.
Your transpancy and obedience are beautiful. God loves his children and your praise, trust, and faith throughout these times create such an intimacy in your relationship with God and the release of blessings He has in store for your family. Thankful for your honesty.
XoXo
Ashley
Http://laluceimagery.blogspot.com
oh i love this. your words were perfectly written. i feel the exact same way...by being real, the Lord opens up friendships that might have never happened. that's why i love the blogging world so much. love your heart. and i'll keep you in my prayers :)
Glad I stumbled across your blog today (from Gussy) it was an encouragement. :)
I love everything about this post. I had to stop and think a little bit about it .. being real is a daunting task in life, especially in one's blog where tons of people can stop by and judge away without ever having meeting you. It's so liberating and refreshing to encounter a blog that is genuine and encourages me spiritually as well.
New follower, please stop on by..
http://penelopeblue.blogspot.com/
Oh, sweet sister - thank you for your honesty and vulnerability today. I haven't linked up because I've been discouraged by my day-to-day as well. Your faithfulness to obey His voice has been the final push I need. My hubby and I have only been married for 1 year 8 months and we have an almost 5 month old. After getting married, we moved into my old bedroom at my parents house and lived there until our son was 2 months old. We've been out on our own for 3 months now and I'm not sure it's going to last. I'm ridiculously scared, but your post has given me encouragement that we're not alone. I will be praying for you and would love to discuss the possibility of you guest posting at my blog for an upcoming series I'm hosting on "The Journey." If you're interested, email me - allemccloskey(at)gmail(dot)com
Blessings!
So encouraging and brave of you to share. I struggle with sharing somethings of myself as well and I am trying to be myself more, be the person that God made me, not just trying to fit in with everyone else. I sometimes don't share my blog with the people I know as well because of fear of rejection. Thank you for sharing. New follower stopping by via The Wiegand's. Come visit me sometime?
www.blessedmommamusings.blogspot.com
Beautiful post friend! Your faith is inspiring and God's plans are always bigger and greater than ours. Romans 8:28 has always helped me with that!
xoxo
Thank you all for your kind words!! It means more than I can express.... The blogging community really is a wonderful thing :)
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