A year ago today I kicked off our e-zine on my birthday! (Keep reading for the fabulous giveaway) I was 36 years old. I regularly typed articles with a baby in my arms. I had one person following our e-zine. I was bright-eyed bushy-tailed, filled with excitement for what the future held.
Even though I had researched it for a year, prayed about it for over a year and thought about it for twenty-two months. I was scared out of my wits. Seriously, I had no idea what I was getting into when I kicked off our e-zine but God gave me the courage to move forward and so I did.
Twelve months later, I am so thankful that I did. This journey has stretched me beyond belief. I have crossed paths with many beautiful and creative bloggers. It has blessed me to read your comments on how something you saw here encouraged you. I have also had many challenges along the way. Computer problems that have made me want to throw my laptop out the window with frustration (I am not computer savvy). I have had the challenge to learn how to juggle life: family time, me time, God time and writing time. Learning how to rejoice with other bloggers in their accomplishments and not to be overcome with envy. Learning about working with brands and get noticed by them. Trying to figure out all the social networks out there, which there are too many for this old lady to keep up with. Also, trying to figure out magazine page layouts, photography, website design and so much more. All of this has stretched me in ways beyond my imagination and I have grown in leaps and bounds as a person, a mother, a wife, a friend, a counselor, a missionary, an entrepeneur, a photographer…. So I am thankful for this journey I have embarked on and I am mostly thankful that I don’t walk it alone!
I encourage you to dream and live out your hearts passion that honor your family, God and yourself. Sometimes our dreams are put on hold because the phase of life we are in and the responsibilities we have but whatever you do, don’t let that keep you from dreaming. Instead baby step towards your dream and find small ways for your creative outlets.
If you can’t tell from all of my rambling, my cup runs over! As many of you know, we have been doing 21 Days of Contagious Gratitude and the response has been overwhelmingly beautiful. As I write this morning, this is what my heart is filled with, Gratitude.
It overflows with thanksgiving for the wonderful people and readers God has brought into my life to cheer me along in this journey. My man has watched me work away at my desk, literally all day until 2 a.m. trying to put together magazine page layouts. Not only has he watched but he has walked alongside of me. Our contributors have been a blessing to me, every article that I have posted from them has made me want to be a better cook, a better child of God, a better mom…. they encourage and challenge me because they are all that and more. I could not have done this without each one of you and my biggest encourager and adviser, my sweet Heavenly Father.
Now onto the celebrations!
To celebrate our 1 year anniversary, I want to share TWO things with you:
1. Our Holiday Issue: The Spirit of Christmas. It’s our online flip-page magazine and it’s filled with recipes, kid crafts, home decor, fashion tips, inspirational articles, Holiday gift guide, handmade gifts and so much more. The handmade gift items above are featured here. All FREE for your viewing pleasure, Winter Issue.
2. Giveaway! Our fabulous Melissa & Doug Giveaway! You can choose from any of their top 20 toys if you win. Stop by here and peruse their wonderful collection. You can also stop by their Facebook page and enter to win daily.
There are 2 ways you can enter to win!
You can leave a comment below and tell us: 1. Why you enjoy our e-zine or what article was helpful to you or if you are new here you can tell us what your favorite article is from our Winter Issue . 2. If you would like lots of opportunities to enter to win enter here or below using Rafflecopter.
On November 27th we will announce the winner. Please leave a legit email so we can contact you. The email from us will say: Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty . You must have a U.S. shipping address to qualify.
Click here to go to the a Rafflecopter giveaway
