After sending my kids off to school this morning I glanced at the calendar. September 19^th… hmm… why does the date ring so familiar? I opened up my Bible and studied for awhile and again couldn’t quit thinking about today’s date. It finally hit me. Today marks my two year blogging anniversary.

I still find it hard to believe how much the Lord has worked in my heart and life over the last two years. I wasn’t sure I would be able to keep up the pace of writing a blog consistently, and I surely never thought I would grow a base of readers who would care what I had to say. But the Lord always has a purpose. It’s all about Him and has very little to do with me.

But the Lord.

I’ve used those words before. They are three of my favorite in the whole Bible.

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

-Genesis 39:21

But the Lord was with Joseph…

I like to take scriptures and insert my name into them. I’ve been doing that for years. I’m able to feel loved by this mysterious, all-knowing God I cannot see because I believe He knows my name. I believe He intended His Word to plant truth in my heart and faithfully chip away at my flesh so that I can become who He intended.

But the Lord was with Jennifer…

I love Genesis 39:21 because it highlights the mercy of God in the life of Joseph. The turmoil in Joseph’s world could have easily overtaken him, but the Lord intervened. He will do the same for us, friends.

I’ve recently been taking my name as well as my circumstances and inserting it in the midst of that same scripture…

But the Lord was with Jennifer and showed her mercy, and He gave her favor in her circumstances…

When I’m praying, I usually don’t leave the end vague. I actually list whatever trial I’m working through. However, it’s also important for me to say that when doing this, you need to make sure you are right with the Lord. It’s important to have clean hands and a clean heart in His sight. In good faith, I can’t ask Him for mercy inside circumstances where I’m unwilling to repent. I need to make sure my heart is right before God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

-Psalm 19:14

I always check myself with Psalm 19:14. In fact, it was the scripture I marked the first day I began my blog. I want nothing more than to please Him in all things. So, to all of you who read this little online space of mine, I have some things I need to say…

Thank you so much for your time. I know time is precious and we never seem to have enough, so I really do try to write about what God is teaching me. It is never my intention to stand up and point a finger or be the judge. I only want to encourage you through what He is speaking into my life. I never want you to read and feel as if I have wasted your precious time. It’s so important.

Many of you from all over the world send me email and encourage me privately so that I can continue to write publicly. Thank you for supporting me and being the confirmation I need to keep going. Each of you helps me fight the good fight of faith. I appreciate and savor every word sent to me. I cannot express what a gift the words of your hearts are to my soul.

Thanks to my local supporters who attended The Mercy Retreat, come to my Bible study, and also to those of you who have had me speak at events. I’ve met so many wonderful people through being “A Girl on the Doorstep.” I am blessed by you!

I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the ministry as we embark on another year together. Though this world can be uncertain, and grief can seem to wrap us up, hope is stronger and the power of God is above ALL. Let us all be thankful that though we live in a world full of difficulties, we are not of this world and we serve a God who has an eternal home ready for us where His love will reign forever and ever.

Next week, I will be hosting a giveaway to celebrate my second blogiversary! I have some great books I would love to share. What do you say; will you meet me back here Monday?

Have a beautiful weekend!

Love,

Jennifer

PS: Just for fun, if you want to look back and read the first blog post I ever wrote, click here.