If you are reading via email or in a feed reader, please click through to the site today! Thank you!

Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. –1 Thessalonians 2:8

It may sound strange, but when I read those words in my Bible study this week I thought about this blog. Sometimes blogging feels like such a solitary activity, a lot of work for little return, at low points even a waste of time. Sometimes it is hard to open up and be vulnerable. It can be scary to share life. But that is what I’ve decided to do, and for me it is worth it.

It’s worth it because of the connections I’ve made; I consider many of you real friends. It’s worth it because sometimes when you talk about the hard things, you help another person who must face a similar situation. It’s worth it because of the mutual support and encouragement and inspiration we bring to each other in spaces like this.

What I’m meaning to say is that those of you who keep reading: you have become very dear to me.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about and behind-the-scenes work on my blog lately. It’s a big part of my life, and since I’ve decided to keep it that way and I have the support of my family, I want to do the best job I can with it. I don’t know if you’ll notice any huge changes (yet) but I want to get to know you better for sure.

It will mean so much to me if you take a few minutes to fill out the reader survey below. The results will help me immensely to improve my content and direction here. I will also be thrilled if you leave a comment – especially if you never have before. Connecting with people is my favorite!

Thank you so much, friends.

Update: the survey is now closed. Thank you to all who participated!