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Holy Cow, 5 years already!!

Holy cow, it's been 5 years! 

When I decided to begin writing a blog I wasn’t really sure what it would look like. I sent several possible “this is what/how I am going to do with this blog” to some friends to get their opinions. They all responded with “these all sound good, just pick one”.  I guess I never really picked one. For a while I tried to write every day but something always came up that didn’t allow me the time I needed to get it done. So then I tried once a week, that didn’t always work either. Over the past 5 years I have written very sporadically mostly when something significant happened in my life(important anniversaries, ridiculous or ironic conversations in grocery store lines, unexpected death or change) Never consistent and never what any of my original plans looked like.

I decided to look at the stats. There are at least 15 people who read this blog every.single.time something is posted. That is awesome, thanks for coming back! As I looked at the stats and reread some of my posts I was reminded that even if only one person reads this and it offers them something to think about or encourages them to come up with their own “Hope for the Week” then it has served its purpose. I will keep writing if you will keep reading(if you like it and want to share it with others I wouldn’t be upset if more than 15 people read it on a regular basis).

A lot has happened in 5 years. I’ve gained many new friends and have lost a few as well. I have gained 2 nieces (one by blood and one by friendship) who are both 4 years old now. I have, in my opinion, gained confidence in myself as a pastor and preacher.  I have earned thousands of frequent flyer miles and Amtrak points and put 70,000+ miles on my car. I have moved from one house to another and have rearranged my current place more times than I can count. I have laughed and cried and sat in silence with some of the greatest individuals God’s ever created. I have had countless deep and crazy conversations over cups of coffee, pints of beer, and glasses of wine. I have done a great deal of living in the past 5 years.

So to those of you who have been reading and following from the beginning, thank you for always being here! For those of you who have more recently joined the party, thank you for joining me!

I plan to keep braving the waters far into the future, who knows maybe someday enough people will read this that blogger will send me a check for $0.50!!! Either way, I hope you’ll keep braving the waters of life and love and following Christ!

Blessing to you and yours,

                                                Andrea J
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