Blogaversary Party, Day 4 - Ten Things I've Learned Through Blogging

If you are just joining the party, start here and check out all the amazing prizes! You can also meet me here as I explain a little bit about this blogaversary party week.

I really enjoy blogging. What's especially cool to me is to be able to look back on my year of blogging and reflect on some of the things I have learned through this online journey. I've not only discovered things about myself, made "real" friends, and learned some valuable life lessons, I've also grown to actually appreciate and somewhat enjoy the technological aspects of blogging (surprisingly). Oh, and I've learned I really can't spell worth a darn! (Thank you mr. spellchecker.)

Ten Things I've Learned Through Blogging

I am a sinner

Okay, so I did know this, but boy did blogging bring out an ugly side of me that at one point that really put a magnifying glass on my sin nature! I got so wrapped up in my "escape," that everyone and everything else became a burden. I am thankful for this magnifying glass, because it helped me to get my priorities in order. It also helped me to understand my weaknesses better. Blogging has become a humbling experience for me!

Blogging helps me process what's going on in my life

I really believe that the Lord shows me areas in my life that need pruning through blogging, and then uses blogging to help me work through my "weeds." I am able to express my areas of struggle with all of you, and then through writing it out and reading your thoughtful and gracious comments, I am able to begin to tackle my "issues." Thank you for being a part of my growth!

You really can make friends

I think I was one of those people who thought you couldn't possibly have real relationships through the Internet. Well, I've learned you can. I have not only "met" women I consider very dear to me, but I do plan on meeting them at some point. I have also met online mentors that have literally changed my life by giving me fresh perspectives and loving, truth-filled encouragement. One woman in particular has really inspired me, and I hope greatly that I can meet her and her family someday soon. I consider my "online" friends to truly be friends.

It is actually possible to make money doing something you love

When I started blogging, I don't recall having an aspirations of making money, I just wanted to create a place where I could learn and grow with other women. I also had no idea how much I would love blogging! Now, a year later, I have found something I enjoy immensely, and I able to make some money with it. As a stay-at-home mama, blogging gives me the opportunity to earn a little something all the while fulfilling a most beautiful calling - being a "worker at home" and raising my children myself (something I realize many women would like to do but are unable - keep praying!).

I am so much more tech savvy then I ever thought I would be

"Twit what?" Oh yes, I knew what twitter was before my 20 year old college brother did. That's sayin' something! I also know how to do so much more with my blog than when I first started. Although I'm still pretty behind technologically (I just learned what a widget was today), I am much farther along than I used to be!

There are perks

The really fun part of blogging is the perks - like getting free stuff! I have been given a vacuum cleaner, books, mugs, jewelry, etc. all because I have a blog. It's actually quite a blessing because many of the things I have received I would have never been able to afford myself, so I am honestly grateful for all that I've gotten. In fact, each day as I sit and blog I enjoy my coffee in this lovely Dayspring mug that is microwavable, dishwasher approved, and ultra feminine! (Hehe...product placement at its best!)

Online friends think you are so much cooler/smarter/talented than you really are

Ya'll, I am not only a dork (see, I told you I'm a dork, I don't even live in the south and I just said "ya'll"), but I sooooooo...... don't have it together! For any of you out there who think I'm some super cool/smart/whatever chick, it's only because you don't get to see all of my "real life" failings and flaws! With that said however, I really am super cool...so keep being my friend, okay?!

There is a world of free help out there
Hello! I have learned SO much from fellow "bloggers!" You all know how to do everything, from cooking to cleaning, to toddler tips, to homeschooling resources and support, to theological stuff, to...you get my drift! I love the world of information that I find from other blogs!

What my gifts/talents are

I don't consider myself a writer, but apparently people out there do! It blows me away when people tell me that I write well. Maybe it was all those "red penned" papers in college and work that led to a major lack of self-confidence, but I struggle with calling myself a "writer." Either way, I've seen how God has used my blog and my writing for His glory, so I'll take it! I'll take being called a "good" writer and trust what the Lord has me doing.

My husband is a very understanding and supportive man

"Reason # 532 why I don't tell anyone I know about your blog." That's what my husband told me after he saw that I posted our laundry pile for the world to see on my blog. He teases, but in reality, he is my #1 fan. Whenever I suggest that maybe I should be blogging so much, he encourages me to keep at it, doing my best, and seeing where it goes. I also love that he lets me share so much of my life with all of you. He is one great man.



What have you learned through blogging?

Super Awesome Businesses of the Day

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LoobaLee is going to be the premier site for buying and selling designer children's clothing, so make sure you bookmark them!

Alright all you blogger folks out there who desperately need a new design - here's your chance!
Extravagant Grace Designs is donating a full blogger design, valued at $75.00, which includes header, background, template colors, font selection, button and code for sidebar, and installation. You'll want to head on over to this gal's site to see some of her impressive designs!

Just in case one blog makeover isn't enough, the generous Miss Jocelyn has also donated a blog makeover from APH Boutique. What's great about this prize is that she can customize your choice of a wordpress (personal domains), blogger, or a homeschoolblogger blog. A custom blog design by APH Boutique inlcudes a header, background image, two istockphoto credit, divider graphic , sidetitles, signature, and complimentary Blog Ad set plus installation. Be sure to jump on over to her site to see some of her superb designs!

Remember, all comments left on each day of the blog party count towards the giveaway! Click here for all the details and for the full prize list!

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