Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. Proverbs 17:17 MSG
October marks four years that I have been “officially” blogging. I’ve always written, from my childhood diary with lock and key, to high school journals, to prayer journaling. I’ve never NOT written. But blogging? That’s a huge commitment of time for anyone, much less someone who works full time outside the home – like me. So why do I continue?
Well, like I said. I can’t NOT write. I love putting pictures with words. I love that God led me to this hobby, in this season. Most of all, I love the friends He has brought along the way. Let me introduce you to some of them:
Carmen. Carmen and I met via Compel Training for writers. Turns out, we live in the same state, Carmen in the north, me in the south! We got to know each other online, and finally we arranged an in person meeting in the middle of the state. Her daughter was a tad bit concerned about Carmen meeting a total stranger for lunch, as was my hubby (What’s her name? What’s her phone number? What does she look like? She could be a mass murderer!). As it turns out, we are two peas in a pod. We became fast friends, “talking” almost daily via e-mail, and an occasional Skype call. Although Skype is a bit technical for us. Carmen is a women’s hope coach, and you can get to know her here.
Sabra. Sweet Sabra and her hubby write a blog about living married life following the principles of the Bible. She has a heart for Jesus and for people. I also met Sabra via Compel. Finally, in 2016, we met in person. Sabra is beautiful inside and out! You will love her insights and her online home, Simply One in Marriage.
Betsy. Another Compel friend, Betsy encouraged me to begin blogging weekly. When I first started, every other week was all I could handle. Or so I thought. Thanks to Betsy’s encouragement, y’all get to read a post every week. Betsy encourages her reader’s to get God’s Word in, so their faith can spill out. Look for her here .
Melanie. Mel Mel (as I like to call her) and I met at my very first She Speaks conference. I fell in love with her instantly. Melanie is not afraid to look hard truths in the eye, and share them with us. She is hysterically funny, honest to a fault, and you will love her. Hop on over here and get to know her.
There are oh, so many other writer friends that I have fallen in love with and who encourage me beyond measure. Here is just a sampling:
Kristie, Encouraging Women to Walk Deeper with God
Abby, Finding the Hope of Christ in a Messy Life
Christa, Do A New Thing
Susan, Helping Other Find Calm in the Chaos of Life
These ladies are not only friends, they have become my family. I love them dearly, and I think you will too!
Grace be with you,
Friends are so needed! And online friends are a new and special joy! I still remember my sweet lunch last summer with you and Carmen. It was such a blessing to meet you both in person. Keep writing, Ellen. You’re such an encourager!
Sabra, I would have to say that YOU are the encourager! It was indeed a blessing to meet you and see you in the flesh. What a wonderful afternoon we had! Did I ever tell you? My hubby LOVED the sticky toffee pudding cake from the mix I bought over there 🙂
I love that picture of you with Carmen and Sabra:) Beautiful! Wow, I remember that first She Speaks conference so well. It doesn’t seem like it’s already been 4 years! Congratulations on the 4-year milestone, and blessings for many more years to come.
Ah, Kristine, I remember the first She Speaks also! And meeting you, visiting with you over dinner. Be on the lookout for the 10/19 post – it’s about book launches! You may recognize one in particular 🙂