So this is where I’m suppose to tell you all these wonderful facts about me in an engaging hospitable fashion to let you know who I am, and make you want to read, like and share this blog.
The thing is, I’ve never really been good at selling things, least of all myself. I’ve read dozens of these pages from Christian bloggers whom I admire, and many of whom I don’t even know, and while many of them were beautifully written – some with a touch of humor others with a dash of wisdom – none of them sounded like me. Every time I’d begin some clever introduction inviting you to have virtual coffee or brunch with me, it always ended up just sounding cheesy.
Maybe it’s because I’ve never been much for small talk, or exchanging trifle pleasantries. Not that I think those are bad things. I greatly admire those who can whip up a conversation out of thin air. It’s just not how I operate. I’d really rather just cut to the chase, and talk about what matters to people.
Maybe it’s because I’ve never really been your stereotypical female. I’m sure you’ve heard the statistic that women speak about 13,000 more words per day than men. Not this chick:
I think way more than I speak.
I hate talking on the phone.
I’ll take Monday Night Football over Dancing with the Stars any day.
I do prefer coffee to tea, but I’d much rather slug back a bottle of Mountain Dew than either of those.
Honestly, the best way to find out about me, is to read my writing. One of my favorite things about writing is that all those thoughts and feelings that churn endlessly around in my head all day come out as clear, concise ideas and opinions when I put them on paper. It’s definitely a gift given to me by God, and I am incredibly thankful for it.
Perhaps that is why the thing I am most passionate to write about is my relationship with the Lord. He has given me so much: a home in heaven, a great life here on earth and amazing friends and family to share it with, many of whom you will read about in my posts. In short, He is the most important thing in my life.
He has taught me many lessons through my almost four decades of being his child, many of which I will share with you. One of the greatest lessons, and what became the brainchild for this blog, is that if I want to live the Christian life successfully, if I want to be the wife, mother, daughter, and friend I’d like to be, if I want to be able to keep my soul at peace as this crazy world rages around me, I need to daily focus my mind on Him.
I, like a lot of us, have had the tendency in the past to coast in my Christian life when things were good. Oh, I would do my devotions and go to church, but as far as really investing in my relationship with Christ, it was hit or miss. The problem with that way of living is, if a valley moment comes while you’re in coast-mode, it’s a whole lot easier for the devil to rattle you. Those are the times when my anxiety would go into overdrive, and I had a hard time getting it under control by myself.
Thankfully, our God is ever-patient, and he has shown me the unlimited benefits of making the effort to daily spend both quality and quantity time in his presence. This blog is an effort to give Him back the praise for all He’s done for me, and to hopefully help others find the joy that comes from living a life that is anchored in Jesus. It brings a peace that calms the soul, even in those troubled, storm-filled times in life. A peace that only comes by having our minds “stayed on thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Professional photos on this page by Nicole Kilian