Tuesday, June 28, 2011

blog birthday. one year.

one year ago i wrote my first real post. started a blogging adventure.

because i love how community has changed and stretched me. and i though a blog would be just another form of community in my life and i was excited to see what it would bring.

and, like so many many things, this space has not become exactly what i thought it would be at the outset. but oh how i love it here.

i don't have piles and piles of comments on each post. i'm not conversing with people through emails and comment threads. the gathering together of people and voices that i'd planned hasn't really happened. but a different kind of community has formed. a quiet camaraderie. and it has become a space that forces me to better. i sit at my little ikea desk in the corner of my dining room, take stock of what is mulling about and start to write.

but you. you who read are the ones who force me to better. because i know people are reading, i can't end my thoughts with, 'so that's how i feel and it's not going to change and everything is ugly.' i end up there so often on my own. stubbornly refusing to see good. but here i know people read. there are some people out there reading. and when we dwell in community, we force one other to the truth. and you do that for me. in, naturally, a way i never expected. and i'm so glad.

looking forward to what another year will bring in this space.

here a a few of my favorite shots from the past year.

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okay. so. more than a few. i'd love to hear from you today. just a 'hi' would be awesome. thank you for your community this year. thank you.

11 comments:

melanie said...

thanks for sharing your heart. love you jo!!!!!

alli said...

happy blogiversary! it doesn't seem like a year, but glad you started this adventure!

keri beth said...

I can't believe it's been a year since you began writing. It is so encouraging for me to read your thoughts (a dose of reality - so grateful for your honesty and willingness to share), refreshing to taking a step out of my world and step back into yours. Thank you for your pictures. I miss you all so dearly, and I'm thankful that this blog makes me feel like we are chatting at your table, playing cards, and listening to our husbands laugh.

Katie said...

Love, love, love your blog. Not so much as I love you, though. Community does rock. Jo rocks too.

Anonymous said...

I love this post. It made me smile, as they all do, but especially today's. God has blessed us through you and He has blessed you through us. I love it- He is good. I'm lifting my glass to you and to another great year! Bri

Anonymous said...

I may not comment, Jo, but I've read every post. I always finish feeling challenged, delighted or closer to you. You make want to be more. I love you. Lisa

Mir said...

I'm glad you're blogging! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and struggles and hopes and dreams. Our God is truly great!

Anonymous said...

Hi Joanna, I've been meaning to say hello for quite a while. I love reading your blog. You have a beautiful family and beautiful thoughtful words. Thanks for sharing your life. Much love to you all.

Heather (jason's cousin)

Rebecca Hopper said...

I can't tell you how much this little space of yours has encouraged me. You've confirmed to me that being really real is the way to go. I'm not one bit encouraged by someone who acts like they've got it all together. But you. You remind me that it's all going to be okay, no matter how we've messed up, because at the end of everything, there's Jesus. Thank you, Jo. Thank you so much. ~Rebecca H.

Allie P said...

Jo I love to read your thoughts here! I am encouraged by your honesty and you point us back to Jesus. Love it. Keep it up my friend!

joanna said...

thank you all so much!!! i've fallen in love with this little space. thank you for reading. for holding me accountable. for walking with me and enjoying His blessings alongside me.