What a great month October will be on Ordinary, with a splash of flash! I’m celebrating two years – count ‘em – two years of blogging! Who woulda thunk it? Who would’ve ever thought I would do something consistently for two years! I generally get bored, move on, give up. But not with this!
God led me to re-discover my love and passion for writing. I enjoy putting words to paper and rearranging them into something that is (hopefully) beautiful and encouraging. I love to talk on the page, with the written word, with confidence that my introverted personality can’t seem to muster in front of people. I love finding scripture, digging into the meat of it, and sharing what I find with all of you.
This month, I will have three guests posting. I can’t wait for you to meet them. They have encouraged me greatly along the way. And can’t we can all use a little encouragement now and again? They are wonderful Jesus writers and have a heart for women.
Carmen Horne will be my guest on October 8. We met on Compel Training – Writing Words that Move People. She is my north Louisiana writer friend. We are kindred spirits. Carmen and I had the opportunity to travel and room together at She Speaks. We laughed, cried and found out we are more alike than blood relatives. It’s kind of a scary thing. She has a love for Jesus and a heart for the hurting. Her soul bleeds onto the page, and fills it with hope and encouragement. You will love reading Carmen’s writing!
On October15, Boma Somiari from Nigeria will guest post. Boma reached out to me and asked if I would write an article for the newsletter she edits. THE MESSAGE is published by the women’s fellowship of WEGOM (World-wide Evangelism Gospel Outreach Ministries) which is a non-denominational evangelistic organization in Nigeria. The purpose of the magazine is to provide a source of encouragement to women, especially those in the mission fields. The women’s fellowship uses the magazine during meetings as a guide for Bible studies, practical discussions and to equip women in the area to teach others about the love of Jesus. Boma works whole heartedly for the Lord. Please pray for Boma and her ministry.
We’ll have a little flavor of the Middle East on October 22. That’s the week you will meet Betsy deCruz. She and her family just returned from a 3 year stint in Izmir, Turkey, where they planted a church. I met Betsy in 2014 at She Speaks. She is the one who encouraged me to blog weekly, instead of every other week. I’m not sure yet if that’s a good thing! I don’t know if I like or dislike Betsy for that (just kidding!). I took her words of encouragement to heart, and began blogging weekly. It’s been a wonderful practice and I’m thankful that Betsy motivated me to do that. Betsy has wonderful words of inspiration and lots of helpful hints to share with you.
Each week of guest posting, there will be a little give-away to anyone who leaves a comment on the blog. It’s just a small thank you to say how much I appreciate all of you.
And I do appreciate each and every one of you. If you’re a fellow writer and blogger who stops in to say “Hi,” I am thankful for you. I know how hard it is to find time to read others’ posts. Especially when you are so busy writing your own! To my sweet friends and relatives, THANK YOU for all your encouragement. There are many times I’ve been been tempted to give up on this journey, and then one of you would say a kind word that would keep me going! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
A special thank you to my sweet husband John: You have been a rock for me these past two years, and always. Thank you for being my sounding board, and my photographer. Thank you for the meals you’ve cooked when I’ve been writing (John’s a great cook, so I may have to act like I’m writing some nights, just to get his BBQ!). I love you honey!
Finally, on October 29, I will update you on the plans for the coming year. It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to pressing on and sharing God’s word with you all.
All praise, honor and glory to God for the wonderful things He has done in my life. Thank You, Abba Father for your Son Jesus, who gave Himself for me. Through Christ who strengthens me, I can do all things – even write!
Until next week,
Joining with these encouraging writers to know Jesus and make Him known: Suzie Eller at Live Free Thursday Kelly at Purposeful Faith Holly at Testimony Tuesday Crystal at Intentionally Pursuing the Heart of God and Jennifer at Tell His Story
Congratulations on 2 years of blogging, Ellen! That is a great accomplishment. May the Lord lead you concerning future plans! Honored to be guest posting for you.
Thank you sweet Betsy! I am praying for His guidance, and the ears to hear! SO thankful for you, my sweet sister in the Lord!
Congrats on your 2nd anniversary! Time certainly is flying by… So glad you’re using your God-given talent with all of us! It’s truly been a blessing 🙂
Thank you for reading Debbie! You have encouraged me so much along the way! I’m thankful God sent you to South Louisiana!
Happy Anniversary! Excited to see how God will lead you in the coming year friend. I’m glad you kept right on writing. I am blessed by you.
Thank you my sweet writing friend! Couldn’t have done it without all YOUR help! You are a gem! I love you, and am so very thankful the Lord brought you into my life!
I am so excited for you, Ellen! Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! Want to know something cool? I started blogging in October two years ago, too:) So I’m right there with you! So thankful we met via this writing journey, and I have always LOVED your words. Blessings, friend!
Happy anniversary Kristine! And THANK YOU! Can’t wait to see you in December.
Ooh, Happy Anniversary. 🙂 May God richly bless your third year, as you seek His face for His words. Look forward to seeing what He does. <3
Thank you so much Brenda. I appreciate you!
Happy 2 Year Anniversary! Faithfulness is a beautiful trait – I know God is blessing your faithful words. I love your blog title…a touch of flash, sounds so right! God Bless!
Oh, Sandra, how your words bless me! I can’t tell you how often I’ve agonized over the title of my blog…it gets complicated to explain…Thanks for your encouragement today!
Congratulations, Ellen, on your 2-year blogging anniversary. I hit the two-year mark myself just a couple months back … love being on this journey and all of the sweet faces blogging has introduced me to. Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your heart and your celebration on #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
YAY Crystal! Happy Anniversary to you, too! Is has been wonderful, meeting all our writing friends, hasn’t it? I’ve been so blessed by your sweet spirit! Thank you!
Looking forward to read those posts! Congrats! Blessings. I’m visiting you from #RaRalinkup!
Thanks so much for visiting today Tayrina!
Two years and counting! Congratulations, Ellen! It has been a joy to get to know you through your blog and Compel. Your words are a sweet blessing!
Congratulations on 2 years blogging! That’s exciting. I’m excited to hear the words from your guest poster’s this month too.
Thank you Laura! Excited you stopped in today!
YAY Congratulations!!! Blogging really is fun, and hard and everything in between but it is sooo worth it!!! Thankful I stopped in today! I am excited to meet your guests!
Oh you got it, Marissa! Fun and HARD and everything in between, including confusing! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Happy Anniversary. I’m sorry its late!
Congrats my dear friend.
God Bless
Aww, thank you so much!
I’m late to the party but want to say, Happy Blogging Anniversary, Ellen! Congratulations for not giving up. Your words are a blessing, more than you know. God’s blessings as you continue the journey of writing.
Oh, Barbara! Thank you so much for your encouragement! I appreciate you!
Peace and grace to you, my sweet friend!