Devotional Daze is giving away a beautiful Bible & some other goodies on her Devotional Daze blog! Contest runs through Tuesday January 13th, 2009. Check it out for your chance to win.
Visit: Devotoional Daze
Each month CWO chooses one blogger from our list of over 3,000 women to be CWO’s blog of the month.
This month’s pick is Leigh Gray from “Speaking Thru Me.”
Leigh describes her blog by saying, “it was birthed through what I feel God does in me and through me each day–Speak. This blog is a journal of my personal time with the Lord each day. I am not a private person for the most part and have always allowed my diary or heart to be read by anyone. This blog is no different. The good, bad, and ugly will be shared for all, but is directed to Him!
Looking for CWO’s post-it board, where bloggers share giveaways and announcements? You can always find it linked in our sidebar under the topic of “blogging,” or click here to find it: Post-it Board
Congratulations to CWO blogroll member, Sherry Woodbridge who won second place in Women of Passion’s third annual Christmas story contest, with her story “Good News in Bethlehem.”
Please show your support to our sister by heading over there to read her story:
Good News In Bethlehem Second Place Winner
Way to go Sherri!
Christy is a 30-year-old chick who lives in the Wild West. She was born a middle child. Christy is married to a hot guy she met at church eight years ago. They’ve been married for six years and are totally in love with their two little boys. Christy has answered the Lord’s call to be a full-time mother and homemaker. Biblical parenting is her top priority. She loves to laugh and make others laugh too. If people aren’t laughing with her; they’re laughing at her!
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
I wanted a name that would encompass everything to do with house, home, and family life. The word domestic just wasn’t “homey” enough. So, in classic Christy fashion, I switched it up and made my own word. And that is how I came up with Homestic Affairs.
http://www.homesticaffairs.blogspot.com/
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I tend to go in streaks. One week I might be dealing with sick kids, so I’ll blog about that. The next few posts may be about my parenting style or a product review. I consistently post a weekly fun fact. During the holidays I usually post seasonal fun facts. But I also come up with totally random facts, such as: hold on to your seats… “The Origins of Velcro”.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
A friend from church has a blog. And that really exposed me to a whole community that I was unaware of. Everyone is so uplifting and supportive. It’s really awesome–I wanted in on that!! So, I launched Homestic Affairs in July 2008. I still consider myself a baby blogger; I’m not even a year old yet. But blogs are such great resources and I hope to be that for others as well.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
That really depends on how my day has gone. Generally, I try to keep my posts fairly short, because I know that every woman is a busy woman. And there are a lot of blogs out there they want to read. I want my blog to feel like a short chat with a friend. Not a loooong drawn out one-sided conversation with someone who can’t get enough of herself.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
My kids are my biggest accomplishment. If there were a Mom Olympics I’d be a medal winner. I know that sounds so egotistical. But, my whole life, I’ve never been outstanding in any particular area. And now that I’m a mom, I feel like I’ve found my secret talent. My house isn’t clean all the time and I’m not very organized, however, I devote myself to caring for my children–body, mind and soul.
God has a way of growing me closer to him via “The Refining Fires of Motherhood,” as I like to call it. I always knew motherhood would reshape my body. But I didn’t know that it would also reshape my soul.
What struggle, if any, have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
One of my sons has some health issues. He has a feeding tube. And sometimes, right when I sit down to blog, his feeding pump alarm will go off. Or his stomach can’t tolerate his feed and we’ve got to clean everything up. And then there’s the typical, “Mommy, I have to ___________ (fill in bodily function here)” or playing around to avoid bedtime. And if it’s not one it’s the other kid ready to party at bedtime.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
livingproofministries.blogspot.com/
Is there a Bible verse that God has recently placed on your heart?
“My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.” Proverbs 6: 20-22
Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
Thanks for the opportunity to share my blog and a little bit about myself.
Formerly a wall muralist, Sophia began to paint a floral series after losing her oldest son in ‘02, to a rare genetic disorder and heart disease. She began to get invitations to share her experience of God’s grace through grief, leading her to women’s conferences, banquets, moms groups and churches. She started Dare2Shine, Inc, to encourage others who are walking through the losses of life to find hope, and shine through their circumstances.
Now having two very active boys, and a family of mild processing challenges, she writes and blogs to share her quest for excellence in nutrition, discipline and spiritual peace.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
Joshua was called “Sunshine Boy,” and we sang “you are my sunshine” to him. My middle name is Dare, from the Outer Banks of NC, and Virginia Dare of the Lost Colony. After raising Joshua, we learned what an impact one little life can have on others, and wanted to encourage others to realize the effect they have when they choose to shine their light. My corporation and my site are Dare2Shine.
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
Raising boys and art
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I began to paint, write and blog to help me focus on my true blessings that shine through all of our challenges. It expanded into a site of resources and HOPE to encourage others. I started my first blog site in 2006.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
Not as much as I’d like. There are stolen moments when I really feel pressed to share something poignant, but most of my day is so filled with mommy duties and I never want my blog to be something that prevents me from being “in the moment” with my boys.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Being a painter, I have to have good reference, which has challenged me to become a good photographer as well. We also had so many health challenges due to anxiety and stress that my husband and I now enjoy cycling (I prefer spinning), weight lifting and teaching classes on healthy aging. I occasionally teach “God in art” classes to homeschoolers and small private schools.
What struggle, if any, have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Time has always been the struggle, and I think, for most moms. Since I learned how important sleep is for my sanity, I have refused to sacrifice my rest for blogging. It will just have to fit somewhere in the waking hours for now.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
agardenofblessings.blogspot.com (inspiring me to garden)
fruitinseason.blogspot.com (comforting)
anotherpieceofthepuzzle.com (autism mom)
themangotimes.com (humorous home school dad)
Is there a Bible verse that God has recently placed on your heart?
Phil. 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Election week was very emotional for me).
Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
Yes. My desire is to share with women how truly significant they are, right where they are planted. Many times we feel so inadequate in our circumstances, or we are going through such consuming challenges that we cannot focus on the good, or see the light in the storm. But even in the heart of our grief at losing my son, we stood on Romans 8:28, and felt confident that regardless of our current pain, (and it has been a rough few years), God would use those circumstances to glorify Him and His kingdom.
He would use us, and even the life of my sweet son, to impact many. When we are able to change our focus, we can see that God does give us so many blessings that are new every morning.
I love to encourage others in the current blessings they already have, whether it be our children, our spouses, friends, family, pets, and all the ways that God shows His beauty in the everyday.
My art, personalized plates, and message are all created to help us keep that focus.
When I do find the time to explore other blog gals out there, I am so inspired and encouraged that hopefully, my time blogging is all worth it, possibly to someone else. They are all so eloquent and knowledgeable and I strive to continue to learn and grow this area of my life.
Visit Sophia at her blog: Dare2Shine
DeeDee’s life is filled with a crazy schedule that she thrives in. She is recently an empty-nester and has found joy in the new freedom of not having to cook dinner! She leads a women’s ministry that has been described as a “gentle revolution,” a description that fits her as well: gentle. Ministry is her passion but it wouldn’t be possible without the family that has long supported her. She has been married to Byron for 22 years and has two sons (Byron and Brennan) and a daughter-in-love (Megan).
DeeDee was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is facing this new challenge with a strong determination to glorify God through it all. She battles fear, just like any other woman, but she is confident in the God that has promised He will never leave her nor forsake her. In a recent post she writes, “I have prayed that I would know Him more, and I have prayed that He would not let me miss a single opportunity to do just that. His character attributes are endless and I will never know them completely, this side of heaven. But this is an opportunity for me to know Him as Jehovah Rophe–the God that heals. I know He is THE Healer, but now I will know Him as MY Healer. I am not afraid. I am not perplexed. I am not struck down. I am on an amazing journey to know my Savior more. And when this battle is over, I will be stronger for it.”
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
Creativity is not my strong suit! So the name of my blog is also the name of my person, which makes it easy for my blog buddies to find me. Come see me at: www.deedeesharon.blogspot.com.
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I love writing about my friends and family. They are precious to me. But as a women’s ministry leader, my heart is to encourage women. Every new lesson I learn and every new discovery of God’s character in my life immediately goes through the filter of “how can I share this with my girls?” Many of my posts are written with these women in mind.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
Peer pressure! As my writing buddies began to blog, they encouraged me to do the same. I took the plunge a little over a year ago and became addicted instantly. It is so much fun to meet sisters in Christ from around the world!
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
It really depends on the post. If it’s a fun post to update what’s going on in my life, it doesn’t take too long to prepare. I can splatter my random thoughts pretty fast and furiously! But if it’s something that God has placed on my heart, that usually comes out of my times spent in prayer and study. One of my recent posts was after an unusual weekend of solitude where I had the opportunity to spend hours and hours just seeking the Lord. Those days are rare…and precious. But they bring beautiful revelations to share!
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I love to sing. I am a vocalist with our worship team at church and the privilege of leading our church family in praise and worship never grows old.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Time. I love doing ministry, but it keeps me very busy, along with a family and full-time job. There are seasons that I just can’t seem to get to it. But even when I am too busy to post, I never fail to check in on my buddies and keep up with what’s going on with them. That is what I love most about blogging. It’s this built-in accountability system that allows you to stay in touch with your girlfriends
What are some of your favorite blogs?
A Pink Carnation in Bloom (www.apinkcarnationinbloom.blogspot.com)
Is there a Bible verse that has God recently placed on your heart?
There are many that are precious to me right now. Psalm 91 is sweet comfort when you are facing great challenges. But my favorite verse is Philippians 3:10 and the Amplified Version says it so well. It reads, “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope].” With all the busyness of life, this verse keeps me grounded and reminds me what my purpose is: to know Him.
Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
Blogging has been a great blessing in my life. When you can journal your thoughts and then receive encouragement from your sisters from around the globe, it is such a gift. I love reading the blogs of the women who have crossed my path and staying in touch with those that inspire me so. Only our Creator could have thought of something this clever and I encourage anyone who has a story to share to be bold enough to proclaim it and bless those of us who want to hear it. Luke 8:47 says, “When the woman realized that she couldn’t remain hidden, she knelt trembling before him. In front of all the people, she blurted out her story—why she touched him and how at that same moment she was healed.” However God is moving in your life, don’t be afraid to blurt it out! You may never know the lives your story will impact!
Visit DeeDee at her blog: www.deedeesharon.blogspot.com
Robin Richards, age 36, from the greater Cleveland OH. Area, has been seeking after God since she was a little girl. Growing up, she always knew that there was a deeper relationship with God that she desired. In her mid 20’s she gave her life to Christ through a local Christian outreach ministry and seemed to be on the right track by following after Christ and serving in the ministry where she was gifted. Life had a way of pulling her awa,y when she took a job that required her to work on Sundays–missing Church and her friends that could keep her on the right track. She found herself far away from God, pregnant, and uncertain about her future.
After much prayer, counseling, and determination to get back her relationship with God again, she returned to Church, learning the true meaning of surrender and finally experiencing the real power and presence of God that He wants all that seek after Him, to experience.
Robin is currently attending a large non-denominational church where she serves as a Bible study leader and patiently waits on The Lord for direction in her life. Being a single mom has been a blessing in disguise for her. It has taught her many life lessons and brought her into a closer and deeper relationship with her savior Jesus Christ.
Robin, how did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
I have a Café Mom group for single moms called: “Blessings and Struggles of Single Moms,” and I thought it would make things easy to keep the forum and the blog under the same name, by both sharing a ministry of reaching out to and encouraging single moms. The name was voted on by my café mom forum members, and honestly it wasn’t my first choice, but I prayed about it and gave it to God, and He really laid it on my heart. I am so glad now. Looking back, it makes so much sense when I find myself writing and sharing with other single moms and what they are going through. http://blessingsandstrugglesofsinglemoms.blogspot.com
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I write mostly about what God is teaching me either through His word during my daily devotion time, or if I am struggling or being blessed in a certain area. This past month has been full of growth and a roller coaster of emotions for me, but all in all, it has consistently brought me back to the feet of Jesus in surrender.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I started blogging out of curiosity of seeing others blog and wondered if it was something I wanted to get involved in as well. I think I launched my site sometime in the early summer of 2008 and just started out with one, which ended up growing out into 3 separate blogs. Most of my spiritual growth though is shown in this one.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
It depends. I really blog more for quality and not quantity. I may go a few days or even a week w/o blogging because I want my content to have true meaning and purpose for not only myself, but also my readers. I want to use it to show others my strengths and weaknesses, to encourage and grow in my relationship with Christ, and get to know my fellow bloggers as well.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I am finishing up a few classes to complete my Bachelors in Business degree from Tiffin University and I am an avid Christian Music fan. I would love to go to more christian music concerts and events, but it’s hard with Olivia at this stage of our lives. A few of my absolute favorite groups are The David Crowder Band, Switchfoot, and Mute Math; but I’ve been listening to CCM since I was a kid back in the 80’s, so I’ve seen a lot of movement within the industry since then, I could talk all day about it, lol.
Right now, I spend a lot of time just being a mom, and trying to keep my life in balance for myself, and my daughter. I attend my church regularly and try and stay involved and volunteer where needed.
What struggle if any have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
I guess sometimes, just coming up with new and exiting content. Because I have 3 separate blogs, I have to divide up my time and give equal posting to the others as well. I’d actually like to merge them all together into one blog, but I haven’t quite figured out how I want to do that and what it would look like. It would make it easier for readership and for me to be able to post in one place all the time.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Wow, that’s a hard question. It kind of changes as I grow and discover more blogs that bring me closer to Jesus, and help to feed my soul. A few of my favs that are always chiming in with encouragement are:
http://tamelasplace.blogspot.com/
http://www.poweruplove.blogspot.com/
http://persevere-lori.blogspot.com/
Is there a Bible verse that God has recently placed on your heart?
That would have to be Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future”.
Right now, God has me in a season of waiting, and so I am learning to place my whole being in who He is and His promises for me as I seek to grow and serve Him here on earth for His Kingdom.
Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
I am blessed that God has allowed me to share my heart in this way, through CWO, blogging, and social networking. I hope that single moms will come by and visit my blog and/or the cafemom forum and know that they are not alone in their journey as parents. We all as human beings need each other to lean on and find support through.
My hope is that we will do more of that online and off line as well in our churches, communities, and families; because we are the body of Christ here on earth, made to serve and love and be Jesus to the world.
Visit Robin at her blog:
http://blessingsandstrugglesofsinglemoms.blogspot.com
Christina had been living a very charmed life raising two beautiful children, Judson and Jessie, with her wonderful husband Drake (married since 1996) in sunny southern California with little hardship or turmoil. That is, until tragedy pierced her heart. At the end of May 2007, their sweet, bright and articulate little boy Jud, began to have his body unexpectedly and rapidly deteriorate. After weeks of testing, misdiagnosis, and a steady decline in Jud’s abilities he was diagnosed with Krabbe leukodystrophy: an extremely rare, genetic, incurable, terminal disease. And in less than five months he went completely paralyzed, blind, mute, and more. Ultimately, the critical functions in Jud’s body shut down and he died in Christina’s arms on November 7, 2007, just shy of age three.
Although Judson has been set free from his affliction, Christina’s life is filled with an intense, pervasive pain. She is committed to walking through her loss and sorrow as openly and honestly as possible, hoping others can grow and learn through her hardship as she writes and speaks publicly about her journey. Most of all, she longs for the day she will be reunited with her beloved son in eternity with her Savior.
How did you go about choosing the title of your blog, and where can we find it?
My blog is titled “No Artificial Colors or Flavors…A Journey Toward Wholeness.” It correlates to my appreciation for natural, whole foods that are not contaminated by synthetic, fake, impure, processed ingredients and additives. But most importantly, the title reflects my desire to live without artificiality.
On my personal journey toward wholeness, which cannot be fully achieved until I am face to face with my Lord, I want genuineness to permeate my life. I long to see my soul purified and become less tainted by the things of this world. Therefore, I hope my blog reflects a real, authentic, look at the deep, heart-wrenching challenges of faith and life without any notion of manufactured, phony, or contrived “faith”.
You can find my blog at http://www.storyofjudson.com/christina
What do you find yourself writing about the most?
I am on a profound journey of grief and loss—it permeates the majority of my writing in one way or another. Though generally speaking, I’d love to categorize my blogs as vulnerable, candid pictures into the struggles of life lived by a grieving woman growing in faith and trust of her Heavenly Father.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I began my blog “No Artificial Colors or Flavors” in June of 2006 on a social networking site—posting very infrequently about life circumstances that grabbed my attention. However, when my son Judson got ill with Krabbe disease, my blogging took on a whole new purpose, form, and frequency. In the wake of his death, and on the anniversary of his diagnosis with Krabbe disease—July 18, 2008, we launched www.StoryOfJudson.com and transferred my blog to the new domain.
How much thought and time does it generally take you to write a post?
I take a lot of time to carefully craft each blog. I would estimate that an average of at least one hour goes into every post, with some requiring far more time than that.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I have a BA in Communications and an MA in Education both from Biola University and prior to having children, enjoyed my work as a college administrator and instructor at a local private college; I oversaw the campus educational enrichment initiatives and taught strategic learning courses. Though I left my work in higher education to stay home and care for my family when Judson was born, which now involves spending time with my sweet 2-year-old daughter Jessie, my love for teaching remains. I am part of the women’s teaching team at our local church and continue to be honored to speak and share about my “journey toward wholeness” in other venues.
Besides writing and teaching, it is also not uncommon to find me enjoying iced tea or coffee at the local coffee shop, riding my bike with Jessie seated behind me, snapping photos of nature and family, working on some sort of graphic design project, enjoying a meal out with family or friends, catching a movie with my hubby Drake on date night, or beating him at all sorts of board and card games.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Sometimes my grief and sorrow keep me from writing and other times I simply do not have the time to post as frequently as I desire. However, I never seem to be at a loss for something to write about—I keep a running list of blog ideas, and it keeps getting longer, not shorter.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
I am hesitant to admit that though I am an avid blog writer, I am not a huge blog reader. That being said, I periodically check in on Leilen’s Tales from the Cribwhich is a very humorous take on the day to day joys of parenting, and Lim(b), a blog about eco/conscious living produced by a friend of mine. Furthermore, I read several “care pages” from other parents of children who are currently afflicted by terminal disease or have recently died.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
I find myself reading most frequently in the Psalms. David’s cries for help in affliction, his honest struggles, but his ultimate trust in the Lord speak significantly to my grieving soul. Most recently, I have connected with Psalm 31:
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am still in distress;
my eyes continue to grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and my body with grief.
My days are consumed by anguish
and my life by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak.
But I trust in You, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in Your hands.
Let your face shine on me, Your servant;
save me in Your unfailing love.
Let me taste of Your great goodness,
which You have stored up for those who fear You,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in You.
Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
Losing my precious Judson is a glaring reminder that this life is only a springboard into the next. I cannot wait to be reunited with my beloved boy and want to live each day with a perspective that keeps eternity in view! Come quickly Lord Jesus, come!!
Visit Christina at her blog:
http://www.storyofjudson.com/christina
Visit CWO’s Blogroll page for fun and fellowship.
Start getting ready and be sure to mark your calendars!
Internet Cafe Devotions will be celebrating the holidays this year with lots of great things for you to participate in! There will be six weeks of celebrating going on and it will happen on Thursdays.
Visit The Internet Cafe for more information
