Tänia is a wife, mother of two, and grandmother of four little granddaughters.  She grew up on the plains of West Texas and has been serving God since the tender age of 8 years old. Tänia is the Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor at her church. 

The road was not always easy for Tänia and her family.  In 2001, her 20-year-old son was involved in a DUI accident that killed a friend.  His court process and subsequent imprisonment became a daily walk of faith for the family.  Tänia says, “The sustaining prayers and support of so many online friends and the Lord’s blessings upon our life allowed us to walk by faith and not by sight.  We stepped out each and every day not knowing where God was taking us, but reveling in the fact that He knew what was best for us.”  Though the road was rough, God blessed this family and today, her son is serving the Lord, along with his wife and two children. 

How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?  
The name of my blog is Faith Prints.  As I have journeyed through life, I can look back and see where faith sustained me through every turn.  I praise the Lord that I don’t have to worry, but only to believe!  You can visit me at www.weirblessed.com/faithprints.

What do you find yourself writing about most often?  
I write about my sweet family and how God has used each one of them to help grow my faith in different ways.  My sweet mother has been my mentor as I have watched her walk through two bouts of cancer and with such grace!  I have learned to find joy in all things… to trust God for all things… and to rely upon Him at all times!

What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?  
I came online in October of 2000 and met a wonderful group of ladies.  We were in different groups together and before long, I knew a few of them better than I knew some of my own family members!  We prayed together, laughed & cried together… we walked through marriages, births, divorces and deaths together.  When blogging first began to catch on, we decided to try it and today, I can say we have been blogging together for about 7 years now.

How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?  
It depends.  I am very honest with my posts.  So most of what I write is just spilled right from the eart. Sometimes, I have to read my own posts to realize what God has been doing in my life.  What is that saying?  ”Can’t see the forest for the trees.”  Yes… that’s it!  Sometimes I can’t see the blessings for the multitude of them!  So I have to stand back and evaluate!

What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?   
My hobbies are reading, crafting, and decorating.  My accomplishments?  Well… I believe they are God’s accomplishments, but my marriage and family.  My husband and I are so in love and I think I love him more today than yesterday, everyday!  I believe that loving someone and sticking with them through it all, that is an accomplishment!

What struggle, if any, have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?  
Sometimes fearful of what others might think.  I have been afraid to voice the truth of a situation, but I knew that I needed my praying friends more than ever. Somewhere along the way I decided to let it all hang out.  Some posts that are just too personal, I will password for certain eyes only.

What are some of your favorite blogs?
I think my all time favorite is  Notes From the Farm.  Diane is genuine and has blessed me through her honesty and love for Jesus.  I love Tip Junkie… because of obvious reasons!  Wonderful tips!  And another is Beloved Mama. She has such a heart for prayer and I am happy to be a part of her prayer team!

Is there a Bible verse that has God recently placed on your heart? 
One  that I recently blogged about is actually a chapter… Psalm 39.  And I think the whole thing speaks to me all the time.  But the verses that really bless me are 15 & 16…

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?  I am so thankful for a place on the web for Christian women to gather and learn from one another.  We are blessed to live in a country where we have this privilege and even more blessed to have so many Christian sisters from all walks of life!

Shanda Brabec lives near Washington D.C. with her wonderful husband of 10 years and their three precious children. She is the youngest of four children but is often guessed as a first born child.  A former 1st grade teacher and corporate recruiter, she is now a stay at home mom, a Co-Coordinater for her local MOPS group, and she enjoys speaking at ladies events. She is passionate about women reaching their full potential through Jesus Christ.  It is important to her that Christian women are real and open with one another as we walk through this life day by day. Shanda is a Proverbs 31 Ministries “She Speaks” Graduate.  

How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
Through the years I have increasingly realized the value of having a teachable heart.

Esther 2:15 beautifully summarizes the blessings of that to me: “When the time came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.” Because Esther was willing to receive and heed council, she not only won favor, but became a queen who God used to save His people.  When we are open to what the Lord is teaching us, there are no limits to what He can do through each of us.

My blog can be found at http://ateachableheart.blogspot.com

What do you find yourself writing about most often?
My blog is a compilation of thoughts, lessons, and ideas that the Lord is giving and teaching me.  I have experienced a lot of loss and pain in my life with the loss of my mother, father, and all of my grandparents.  My husband has a chronic disease (Crohn’s Disease) and I have learned many lessons while experiencing difficult seasons of life.  I share openly what I am learning each day and some things that the Lord has revealed to my heart in the past.  Monday posts are dedicated as “Marital Moments.”  Thoughts, ideas and humor to enrich our marriages.  Having been through a tremendous amount of joy, laughter, tears, and sorrow with my husband, we have experienced first hand how essential it is to focus on building our marriage and family.

What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I was prompted to start blogging after attending the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference. I attended a break out session on blogging and felt the Lord prompting me that this was an area that I needed to go out of my comfort zone of familiarity and become a part of.  Lysa Terkeurst said that there are usually 3-5 things worthy of blogging about every day.  After going home and watching my 3 beautiful children, creative husband and active cat, I realized it was something I really could do!  I launched my blog in July of this year.  (2008)

How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
The thought and time I put into each post varies from post to post.  Some pour out in minutes.  Other times, the post is developed deep within my mind and heart for several days before I write and post what the Lord is revealing to my heart.  It is important to me to keep my posts worthy of the readers time, so I do put a lot of thought into the words that I share.

What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
We have an active family!  Skiing, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, walking/talking/eating with my family or girlfriends.  I am also honored to be a co-coordinator for my local MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) group so I stay busy planning and running our bi-weekly meetings.  I will be published for the first official time in February of 2009 in the P31 Magazine.

What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
I have a very busy two year old who is constantly pulling letters off of my laptop!  Outside of that, there are very busy days that sometimes limit me from posting.  I have to evaluate my priorities regularly to keep things in balance.  I love the ability to schedule posts for later dates when I know that I will have a busy week ahead.

What are some of your favorite blogs?
It is very difficult to choose…

http://www.profoundlyseth.com
Grace Talk With Daveda: http://gracetalkwithdaveda.blogspot.com
Bring the Rain:
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com
My Charming Kids:
http://www.mycharmingkids.net

What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
I Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”

Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
I am who I am by the grace of Jesus Christ.  I am not a perfect person and I don’t expect other Christian women to be either.  It is in being real with each other and the Lord that we can become who it is that God has designed us to be.  It is my hope and joy to offer what I can to encourage and bless you along the journey of your hearts.  Thank you so much CWO for all that you do to connect us as Christian Women!

Denise Duncan is a wife and stay-at-home mom of 4 young children residing in Texas.  She has spent the last 20 years as a technical writer and trainer in the international logistics industry.   She feels exponentially blessed with a life that did not start out as rosy as it is today.  She acknowledges God’s hand of protection, discipline, mercy, and abounding grace in her life.  From the severity of childhood domestic violence to the more recent tragic suicide of her sister, she does not dwell on the darkness that could have been.  Instead, she basks in the glorious sparkle of God as he has given her the desires of her heart and more. 

Denise and her husband of 13 years are active in their local church, school, and happily busy raising their 4 children Noah, Simon, Elizabeth, and Rachel.  Three are biological and their youngest, Rachel, was just adopted from China this year.   It is the experience of international adoption that has catapulted Denise and her family into more kingdom opportunities of orphan care and ministry.  Denise now spends her time raising her children, raising awareness of orphan care and adoption, and writing about it.  For now her writing focuses on keeping up on Rachel’s milestones, but she is also committed to writing a young adult fiction work focused around adoption.

How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
I decided on Really Rachel simply because I’m a big fan of alliteration and whimsy   Plus it’s the chronology of Rachel’s first year home.  We waited for 3 years, so by saying she’s “really” here meant something to us. The current blog can be found at : www.really-rachel.blogspot.com. 

What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I recently heard Joyce Meyer indicate that the “present” is a “present”.  That is, today is a gift.  Marvel at the ordinary.  And that’s what my blog may embrace.  I write about daily, everyday, family life of a family of six.  I concentrate on Rachel’s journey for now.  Adoption seems so foreign or impossible to many people, so they don’t consider it.  But by attending one class or reading a few blogs, people can see that adoption is very possible, personal.  It is truly miraculous; a snippet of God’s love for us in tangible form.  When you embrace that child…it’s supernatural; they’re yours. 

I am also starting a book in the young adult fiction genre with adoption as a key element.

What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I avoided blogging for a long time!  It seemed so self-serving to begin with, but I soon learnd there was more to blogging than pontificating!  It’s my supplement to scrapbooking.  Blogging allows me to record milestones, events, precious moments, and antics anytime with ease.  Our adoption journey was the catalyst for starting a real blog.  I launched our first blog on April 14, 2007 titled Waiting For Rachel which chronicles our waiting and journey to get Rachel!

How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
For me it’s not so much thought as it is inspiration.  I’m a firm believer in writing when so moved to.  For me it just happens and cannot be forced.  In my technical writing career, however, it takes hours of thought and days, weeks of research.

What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Hobbies: Volunteer work in women’s ministry, pre-school special needs ministry; Digital designing, reading, walking, movies, discovering new places with family & friends

Accomplishments: I consider my family a daily accomplishment!  Routine and structure mixed with a child’s imagination and/or uncanny timing qualify as accomplishment.   Other accomplishments include my Bachelor’s Degree from University of North Texas, PTA president, and multiple past career endorsements.

What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
My primary struggle has been putting it off until I have the perfect thing to say or the perfect time to do it!  Which is silly considering I believe writing when inspired.   That said, even when inspiried, I might put off writing until a more convenient time presents itself.   The other struggle may be that I haven’t downloaded my photos yet.  So marrying up photos with inspiration means struggle to keep up sometimes.

What are some of your favorite blogs?
Kerry Hasenbalg:            http://kerryhasenbalg.typepad.com/blog/
Hope’s Song:                 http://www.melodyzhangorphans.blogspot.com/
Java With Jennifer:
http://jennroth.typepad.com/
Confident Christianity    http://confidentchristianity.blogspot.com/

What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
Very recently I was drawn to Malachi 3:2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like launderers’ soap.  One of my favorite blog authors shared this.  Launderers’ soap?  Wow, not only did this speak to me as a mom and “laundress,” but it also spoke volumes on God’s refinement and His infinite ability to cleanse us, our souls.

Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
In closing, there are thousands of other blogs out there that are way more dynamic and inspiring than my little, simple one. I am just an ordinary woman; an everyday mom living each day knowing I take so much for granted.  Like most women, I see my flaws a lot more easily than any gifts the LORD may bestow.  Yet I am learning to listen and accept those opportunities to be a vessel, because our adoption journey is a living-eternal miracle; a modern day parable personifying God’s love creation.

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?

bunchofscrap.blogspot.com/

zachandjules.blogspot.com/

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)

Faith Imagined

Granola Bar Devotional

Positively Alene 

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.

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. 

Shera is the mom of 6 sons, ages 12, 10, 9, 5 & 2 year old twins. She and her husband have been married for 15 years. With three in school, three at hom

e and a variety of sports for the boys, her life is pretty crazy. Amidst the chaos, Shera strives to find peace and an ever closer walk with Christ.  Encouraging and supporting moms through writing, blogging and devotions are a daily part of her life.  Although she looks forward to a day when the perpetual mountain of laundry turns into a molehill, she tries to treasure each day with her sons as they grow.

What is the title of, and where can we find your blog?  My blog is called A Frog In My Soup and it’s atAFrogInMySoup.com.

What is the topic or topics that you find yourself writing about the most?  
Hmmm,  there are many subjects, but the most frequent is a combination motherhood and faith.  Supporting moms through life, reality checks, devotions, and more.  I even write occasionally about great products, books and shops, offering reviews and contests.

What or who prompted you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I started blogging 3 years ago when I found it increasingly difficult to scrapbook and journal memories for my children after the birth of my twins.  I was desperate to get these memories written somehow and discovered blogging. Through the course of documenting these memories, I rediscovered my lifelong love of writing!  The amazing platform of blogging and the equally incredible mom blogging community were a wonderful discovery.

Are there any other women that you’ve connected with through blogging? And if so, how did you meet them?   
Wow, I’ve met so many wonderful women, there’s absolutely no way to list them all. I feel so very blessed to have met them, and built relationships with some of them outside of blogging.

Hosting various columns for some blogs or blogging groups is one way, another way is through mutual blogs visited, Christian blogging and Mom blogging groups.

How much thought and time do you generally put into each post? 
Depends on the post.  Devotions are written as I feel led, these can be fairly quickly constructed or occasionally written over time.  Memories and life events are fairly quick, but I’d say that I spend an average of a half hour to an hour writing each post.

What are some of the other websites or blogs that you write for?
I write for, and am administrator of, Faith Lifts, which is a daily devotional site for moms, I also host “The Sampler,” a weekly column at 5 Minutes for Mom. Occasionally I write other articles for 5 Minutes for Mom as well.  Oh, and I also have a blog that is solely for reviews atFroggyReviews.com.

What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?  
I love to scrapbook and as I mentioned earlier I had to pretty much give that up when the twins were born.  I recently have discovered digi-scrapping though and I’m very excited about the possibilities that offers me.  I also design blogs and shops for women through my companySweet ‘n Simple Design. I guess you could say that I found a creative way to incorporate blogging and scrapbooking into most aspects of my life.  I love creating very personal blog designs for moms and my motto is “every blog should be as unique as the mom behind it.”

What struggle if any have you experienced with keeping your blog up? 
There are times when I go through a “dry” spell and don’t feel as inspired.  I find that when this is the case it’s typically because I’m not scheduling my time well.

What are some of your favorite blogs? 
In all honesty, between my posting schedule, designing and writing I don’t have nearly enough time to visit blogs like I used to!  A couple of my best bloggy friends though are My Cup 2 Yours and Becoming Me.  There are definitely a few others I try to visit, but these are the most regular ones.

Can you leave us with a Bible verse that God has placed on your heart? 
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
–2 Timothy 1:7 KJV  

As a mom it is very easy to forget verses like this, and instead, to live in fear and chaos.  It is so important that we remember and claim the promises of God each day for our lives!

Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing? 
I believe that every mom has been given a great gift.  Not just their children, but the lessons, love and purpose that can be found through motherhood. I also understand how challenging and overwhelming motherhood can be for some moms, and through my blog I hope to reach out to them and offer tangible, Christ-centered encouragement.

Visit Shera at her blog: AFrogInMySoup.com

Visit CWO’s Blogroll page for fun and fellowship.

Marci and her high school sweetheart, Chuck, have been married for 24 years. She has three young adult children ages 18-22 who she is very thankful for. In August 2005, she began a new life as a disabled mom after she suffered a spinal cord injury during a car accident.

Though the journey following the accident has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical challenges, she has found that God has held on tight. The prayers of fellow Christians have so touched her. She has been healed miraculously beyond all expectations–a walking quadriplegic.

Marci also was a labor/delivery nurse for 20 years. She misses ministering to those women, but God has been faithful to give her new dreams and new areas of service.

How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
I named my blog “Life Reframed” because I began seeing my life through a different lens, an eternal perspective. It’s at www.lifereframed.blogspot.com

What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I write mostly about the lessons I’ve learned from living with a disability, of God’s faithfulness through my trials, of the grief of my losses. I’ve realized that utter dependence on God is a real blessing. When all pride is gone, you can see things properly. I had been depending on myself and compartmentalizing God. I was not even aware of the blessings I was missing. I try to get these truths across and stir in the reader a desire to see their life and heart as God sees it.

What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
A few of my younger girlfriends, had blogs so I tried it in May never really thinking I would keep it up. God gave me a heart to encourage those going through challenges in life, to let them know that God is there in the “middle of the muddle.” I wanted to encourage them to hang on and not give up.

How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
It depends, I don’t post everything I write. At least 2 hours. I want it to be different and relevant. I want to let people know what God has done and continues to do for me. It does seem I think about it constantly.

What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Obviously, these have changed as my abilities changed. I love to swim and play with my dogs. I spend way too much time in Bible study because I just love the word of God. Prayer has become a passion and I am the prayer team coordinator for my women?s ministry. I also started a prayer blog for us. Love reading books, planting flowers, and eating out with Chuck. I just planned my class reunion and I stay in touch with”old” friends. I did have my testimony published in Epitome magazine in February 2007.

What struggle, if any, have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
The crazy thing is I don’t really know the rules of blogs, how to do tags, how often I’m supposed to write. I am winging it with Jesus as the wingman! It’s fun. Give me a little grace when you look at it!

What are some of your favorite blogs?
I peruse through the CWO blogroll often, and just love the insight of Christian women. I’m actually glad I didn’t know about all these great blogs because I never would have had the guts to try one! I like Tales from the Running Mama, a friends blog, and Internet Cafe.

What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
I love them all. This one instills confidence in me: Zeph 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” What a beautiful picture from a merciful God.

Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
What I’d like to get across is that I am so thankful for this chance to finish well. At one point after my accident, I really thought there was no reason for me to live. Now I’m not only taking care of myself, but living a joy-filled life thanks to the grace of God alone. I’m so grateful for each day. I don’t want to take my life or the gifts God has given me for granted ever again! I pray He’ll use me in whatever way He sees fit.

Visit Marci at: Live Reframed