In the Spotlight
at CWO:
A Closer Look at Bloggers
"In the Spotlight" gives us an opportunity to get an intimate look at various bloggers on the CWO blogroll. It gives us a chance to meet everyday women like ourselves, to share both in their faith and in their passion for blogging.
We hope you enjoy getting to know these women as much as we have!
If you are a member of CWO's blogroll and are interested in stepping into our spotlight, please email us regarding your interview at:
editor @ christianwomenonline.net (remove spaces)
___________________________
"Frankly Miss Scarlett"
 Sweet tea, magnolias, and pie….Oh my! South Carolina bred and born, Scarlett loves her life, her family, her friends and her Lord. One of her first memories was playing in the nursery of the small Southern Baptist Church in which she was saved and baptized at age 6. As an active teen she felt God’s call into Christian ministry and service. By age 12 she was singing publically with Mark Knight (to whom she married at age 19 and has been happily wed to for the last 26 years). Now, 34 years later, she is still passionate about sharing Jesus on whatever platform she can find, including her blog!
Scarlett is a Registered Nurse by profession, and has served as a Women’s Ministry Leader, and as Judgement House Director at previous churches. She and Mark signed with a Christian record label and toured in the 90’s to multiple states in various venues. They served several years as Worship and Drama Leaders for Lifeway’s “Fall Festivals of Marriage”. Scarlett currently serves as the Creative Worship Leader for Cornerstone Baptist Church, Darlington, SC. She resides in Florence, SC with her family which includes husband Mark, daughter Melody (21), son in law Rodney (21), son Josh (19), and 4 “furry” children.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
With a name like “Scarlett,” it just felt like a logical choice. When I am introduced to someone new, more often than not, they say that famous line from Gone With the Wind…”Well, Frankly Miss Scarlett”…..(they always stop before they get to the last part of the line, after all, a true gentleman would never speak to a lady that way!)…I thought it was original, and that people would easily remember it. www.franklymissscarlett.blogspot.com
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
The love and grace of Jesus…..I can’t make it one day without depending on Him....I need “a whole bunch of grace” because Southern women, as a rule, can be quite bossy, manipulative, and controlling….in a lady like way, of course. I am no different. Let me restate that….I am ONLY different because of the love and grace of Jesus.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
As a former Women’s Ministry Leader, many of my younger aged ladies, late 20’s - 30 something demographic, used blogging to keep up with each other’s lives and kids. When I transitioned into Creative Worship Ministry, it was the most effective way for me to keep in touch with those precious young ladies. I have only been blogging for 3 months.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
Typically, I pray and think about what to write for a day or so at a time. I want to be careful that I do not become too trite…..but I also want to keep it real and relevant and true to where I am in my spiritual journey.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I love cooking! I am SO addicted to Paula Dean cooking shows (she reminds me so much of my Momma who went on to be with the Lord seven years ago)…so when I watch, I get a warm, fuzzy feeling of home…and a GREAT supper out of it! I also am very active in community theatre. My last show was “Always, Patsy Cline”.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Truthfully, I have only been blogging for a short period of time as compared to many ladies on the blog roll, so I am still kind of on a “blogging honeymoon”…..The main struggle for me at this point, is making sure that what I put up, I have prayed about and given God a chance to speak to me about….before I start typing!
What are some of your favorite blogs?
That is SO hard to answer! I love them all! Depending on my mood, or what God is dealing with me about, almost every blog I visit has a message applicable to my life.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart? Ephesians 2:8-10…..For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share Jesus and to be lifted up by other sisters who desire to do the same.
Visit Scarlett's Blog: Frankly Miss Scarlett
___________________________
"Leigh Gray"
 Leigh Gray, 35 years old, married for 14 years, now lives in Carmi, Il. after having lived in Charlotte, NC for 12 years. She had never lived anywhere longer than Charlotte, so that is home and where all 4 of her kids were born. Living in Charlotte was the time God brought into fruition the calling of speaking He placed on her life in Junior High. At that time in her life, Jr. High, there was only Tammy Faye speaking and she knew she could never have those kind of eyelashes! So with much confusion and fear, Leigh left the calling to just live the good Christian girl life.
But God would not let that die... He called her to be a speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries for 2.5 years. That was a wonderful opportunity and tremendous experience. God kept defining ministry different in her heart. It was then that Speaking Thru Me Ministries, a ministry that charges no speaking fee, was birthed. Still growing and refining, Leigh journals her heart and desires on her personal blog, Speaking Thru Me, each day.
How did you choose the title for your blog?
My blog, Speaking Thru Me, was birthed through what I feel God does in me and through me each day--Speak. This blog is a journal of my personal time with the Lord each day. I am not a private person for the most part and have always allowed my diary or heart to be read by anyone. This blog is no different. The good, bad, and ugly will be shared for all, but is directed to Him! You can find this blog on blogger at:
www.leighhargisgray.blogspot.com.
What do you find yourself writing about the most?
I find myself most often writing about what I feel that the Lord is saying to me each day, after studying His word. I do post pictures of family, and updates about regular life, but for the most part my blog is a look into my personal--very personal walk with my Lord!
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I started blogging after being spurred on by the group of college girls I mentored. They were such a blessing to me--really my mentors!! I launched my first blog some time in Nov. of 2005. I have been going strong for the most part ever since.
How much thought and time do you put into your posts?
I put lots of thought into my posts, but not much time. I wake up around 5am each morning to meet with the Lord. I have about 1 hour or so to have my QT, prayer time, and writing time to get it all out before the kids wake. So that is why many times you will find many misspellings, grammatical errors, and just botched ways of expressing myself. I do not consider myself a writer - I just love to journal my thoughts. I have done it since 5th grade...and I still have my journals!
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of blogging?
Outside of blogging I am the varsity tennis coach in my small town. I have 4 kids that keep me hopping and a traveling husband that is absolutely adorable. I travel the country speaking to youth and women including a trip to Alaska in a few months!!! Yahoo!!!!!! I love lunch dates, but despise the phone!
What struggle, if any, do you have with keeping your blog up?
I struggle with being without a schedule. During school I am very consistent. But when my world is rocked like right now with 2 broken ankles, it makes it tough to stay in the groove. I have to remember that this blog is not for the masses of 10 to 12 people, but this is for my Lord. Simply a prayer for Him. It is a form of accountability. Very often if I have not posted then I have not had my quiet time--and you are welcome to ask me about it.......accountability!!! I love it!
What are some of your favorite blogs?
I AM (not) by Natalie Witcher
Positively Alene - Alene Snodgrass
Speaking Thru Me with Ginger Moore
Beth Moore's Blog
and so many more!
Is there a verse you can share with us?
Luke 9:51 - we have to be resolute about our purpose in the world - glorify the King!!
Is there anything you'd like to add in closing?
I would love anyone and everyone to visit my blog for my personal side of life. If you want to know the professional side of me you are welcome to come over to my ministry website at www.speakingthrume.com It would be an honor to hear from everyone. I love knowing more and more sisters and brothers in Christ!!
Visit Leigh at her blog: Speaking Thru Me
___________________________
"Jeneil Russell"
 “Wanna know Jesus more. Wanna bring Him glory. Wanna see Him in my everydayness.” Those are some of Jeneil Russell’s lifelong spiritual desires. She is a wife to Brandon and mother to two girls, Rhema, age 4 and Hope, age 1. Raised as a pastor’s kid, Jeneil embraced the saving grace of Christ at a young age and has since then found Him to be ever faithful. She has been “married to the military” for the past 10 years traveling all over as her husband serves in the Army.
The greatest test of her faith came when her daughter Rhema was diagnosed with severe autism and a seizure disorder. It has been said that no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity. After two years of being caught in a cycle of grief, anger and bitterness, Jeneil finally learned to trust Jesus with her life and the lives of her family. In return, God has blessed her with that peace that transcends human understanding and the ability to share of God’s great goodness, grace, and love.
What is the title of your blog, and how did you go about naming it?
My blog is called Autism In A Word. My daughter’s name Rhema has a Biblical meaning of “the spoken word.” Rhema’s autism currently prevents her from being able to speak, and through our struggles with the disorder, we are learning to cling to words… specifically the Word of God. I have been amazed at how God’s Word infuses and illuminates many of our daily activities if we would only take the time to search for Him in the midst of it.
What is the topic or topics that you find yourself writing about the most?
I write about family life with autism and the things God is teaching us on this journey. Even though I am a special-needs mom, I have found that my goals are no different from other Christian mom’s: We want to honor God for the great gift He has entrusted to us by doing our best to raise these miraculous little people.
What or who prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I started blogging for several reasons:
1) I love to write and I believe that some of my mothering experiences are just too funny, crazy and real not to be recorded. I also found that blogging was a great way to keep family and friends updated on Rhema’s condition.
2) I wanted to add another Christian perspective to the community of special-needs bloggers. I wanted to see more on the subject of honoring God and seeing His faithfulness in the day-to-day struggles of parenting disabled children. Parenting a child with special needs can sometimes be a lonely and frightening place - (I know, I was there) - and I am praying that my blog will offer hope to a hurting mom out there facing similar challenges and point her to Jesus.
Are there any other women that you've connected with through blogging? If so, tell us about how you met some of them.
Yes, until recently I did not realize what an amazing community of Godly women there is online. It’s such an encouragement to meet other women who just want to glorify the Lord in everything they do. Participating in memes has been a fun way to meet some incredible women. I have really come to love the mothers and fathers (and the families they represent) that I have met in the blogosphere. It has really improved my prayer life as I find myself constantly praying for my bloggy pals throughout the day!
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
I am always “writing” in my head, but I usually spend a couple hours writing a post. Anecdotal stories are fast, but the ones where God is really dealing with my heart usually take longer to write.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I published a book entitled Sunburned Faces, which is based on experiences serving as a medical missionary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
I love to play tennis, although I rarely get to do that with my children’s schedules.
I am a tech junkie, currently finishing a Masters degree in computer information systems. I also teach computer classes part time at a Christian school.
What struggle if any have you experienced with keeping your blog up?
Sometimes carving out the time to write can be a challenge for me. Both of my daughters require constant supervision right now, and Rhema’s schedule is always filled with therapy appointments and doctor visits.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
Sumi's Corner
Pure Wells
Five Minutes for Special Needs
In the Life of a Child
Can you leave us with a Bible verse that God has placed on your heart?
It’s so hard to just pick one, but today I’m feeling
Heb.10:23: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
The Greek word for “faithful” in that verse is pistos and it means trustworthy, sure, or true. Recently, it has resonated with me that in spite of what we see, God is trustworthy – worthy of my trust.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
I’m thankful for the CWO website and ministry – what an amazing way to connect Christian women and further the kingdom of God! I believe that many can come to faith through Christ-centered blogs, and we can spur each other on. I have been challenged to see the Lord with a fresh perspective in my circumstances, and blogging has given me that opportunity. Lastly, I wanted to share one of my favorite devotions from Charles Spurgeon:
“Believer, YOU can bear your testimony …You can say, "He is divine to me, if He be human to all the world beside. He has done that for me which none but a God could do. He has subdued my stubborn will, melted a heart of adamant, opened gates of brass, and snapped bars of iron. He hath turned for me my mourning into laughter, and my desolation into joy; He hath led my captivity captive, and made my heart rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory … And He is full of grace... And He is full of truth. True have His promises been, not one has failed. I bear witness that never servant had such a master as I have; never brother such a kinsman as He has been to me; never spouse such a husband as Christ has been to my soul; never sinner a better Saviour; never mourner a better comforter than Christ hath been to my spirit. I want none beside Him. In life He is my life, and in death He shall be the death of death; in poverty Christ is my riches; in sickness He makes my bed; in darkness He is my star, and in brightness He is my sun…”
Visit Jeneil's Blog: Autism In A Word
___________________________
"Heather Thompson"
 Heather Thompson was born and raised in Arlington, Texas. God brought her ,through a job, to Georgia almost 14 years ago, where she met her husband of 11 years, Chris. They have 2 beautiful children, ages 6 and 2.
Heather enjoys staying home with her children, where there is never a dull moment. She works part time from home, is involved at church, and loves spending time with family & traveling. Her number one focus in life is serving God & her family.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
My husband named my blog after our 2 children, our "Blue Eyed Blondies"
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I mostly write about my children and what we are up to as a family. We are always traveling and doing fun things, trying to make great memories for our kids!
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
My hubby and I actually started the blog about a year ago, after numerous prompts from friends. I must say, it is addicting! :)
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
A lot of times I'll get ideas for funny ways to word things, and jot them down so I won't forget. My husband is notorious for takings TONS of pictures, so we usually have a lot of pics to "wade" through.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Of course traveling & spending time with my family are tops. I also recently started a blog called The Gift Closet. It's a place where I can let my creativity flow. I enjoy making things. I make Soy Whipped Body Butter, Soy Linen & Body Spray, Scrabble necklaces, and magnets. I'm a true maven at heart, so I love to share things with people, tips, great deals, etc. And of course my faith! ;)
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Time and not enough of it! I could spend all day updating, adding links. You know how it is on the internet, you could "link" on and on and on.....
What are some of your favorite blogs?
The Gift Closet ;), Tip Junkie, CWO, just to name a few.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
Just to say thanks to CWO for such a wonderful site. Such a breath of fresh air. Keep up the great work & God Bless! :)
Visit Heather at: Blue Eyed Blondies
___________________________
"By His Grace"
 Married to her best friend for almost ten years, Jenifer is the mother of three precious treasures. She has been blessed to be a stay-at-home, home schoolin’ momma. She and her family moved to North Carolina four years ago for her husband to attend seminary and they have definitely bloomed where the Lord has planted them. Jenifer enjoys spending her days with her kiddos instilling within them a love and passion for Jesus and His Word. To relax, she enjoys writing devotionals and Bible Studies.
Jenifer graduated from college with a degree in Christian Counseling. Although she doesn’t have a “paying” job that supports her degree, she will tell you that the Lord uses those years of training everyday in the ministry that He has called her to. The Holy Spirit has placed within Jenifer’s heart a burning passion to study and teach His Word. Her desire is to share God’s unconditional love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness with ladies of all ages. God has opened the doors for her to share her story through teaching and writing women’s Bible studies and devotionals that can be used as tools to help women grow in their relationships with God.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
When the Lord first prompted me to begin blogging I realized that naming my blog was the first step in getting things up and running. I thought about what I would name my blog for days and those days turned into weeks. I didn’t think it would be so hard. I began praying two things: first, “Lord, how do You want me to use this blog?” Second, “got any suggestions for what to name this thing? I’m at a loss.”
Very quickly God answered me with the exact direction He wanted to take this blog in and what He wanted it to be named. The Lord has blessed my life in more ways than I can even begin to name. He has delivered me from deep pits of sin, saved, healed and restored my marriage which was on the doorsteps of a divorce, mended broken relationships and placed within my heart of burning passion to know Him more. The mission that He has me on through my blog is to lead women to the heart of a Savior who loves them no matter what. Speaking from one who likes to be in control of things, God has shown me that it is only by His grace that I am what I am today. In the end, there was no question that our ministry would be called "By His Grace" because without Him, I am nothing. We can be found at www.byhisgraceministry.blogspot.com
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I normally write about what God is dealing with me on at the time- lessons He has taught me, challenges He has set before me, and areas in my life that He has shown me need some improvement. My kiddos also provide some great topics to share with others, as well as everyday life lessons.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
A friend of mine began blogging and introduced me to the idea of it. Then I was asked to set up a blog for the ladies of our church to have somewhere to visit to get encouragement from the Word. After much prayer, the Lord gave me the go ahead to set out on this journey. I began blogging in November 2007.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
It depends. There are times when the Lord lays something on my mind and heart that I have to immediately share or I’ll bust wide open. Then, there are those times when the Lord begins dealing with me about an area in my life and He and I have to work through it for a while before it all fits together and I’m able to share. Right now, I have many “posts” that are in many different stages--some posts I have begun, gotten half way through and the Lord said stop, some have been completely finished but the Lord hasn’t given me the go ahead to share them yet, and some are still brewing in my mind and heart. My prayer for everything that I share is first, that it has become real in my life and then that the Lord uses it to somehow minister to others.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Hummm. Hobbies!?! I don’t have much time for hobbies, although I do enjoy reading, scrap booking, and writing. My kiddo’s activities have now become my hobbies--dancing and taekwondo. Would Bible Study and teaching be considered a hobby? If so, I’m totally into that! I love digging into God’s Word and sharing with others what He has taught me.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
My biggest struggle with blogging is balancing my time between all that I have going on in my life. I’ve had to do self-checks many times to make sure that those priorities in my life: God, family, and homeschooling my kiddos, were coming before my time on my blog.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
I have many favorite blogs. I hate to name just a few for fear of leaving some important ones out. So here’s a shout out to all of ya!!
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
The Lord gave me a verse a while back and I try my best to incorporate it into all that I do:
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” --Ezra 7:10
Through this verse God has shown me that I must first be studying His Word for myself, then practicing in my own life what it is that He has taught me and only after that will I be able to share with others.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
Jesus is my life. He is my joy, my strength, and my rock. It is a true honor to be a daughter of the King; for it is only By His Grace that I am what I am today. I praise You Jesus and give You all the glory!
Visit Jenifer at By His Grace
___________________________
"The Domestic Fringe"
 Tricia is a pastor’s wife, mother of two, and an aspiring writer. Inspired by other bloggers, she recently launched “The Domestic Fringe,” a web-blog dedicated to finding humor in daily life. Tricia is enjoying using her God-given love for the written word to encourage others in the monotony of everyday. The goal of The Domestic Fringe is to help people smile.
Tricia feels that women are full of pressure to succeed, meet expectations, and continually strive to be “perfect.” She hopes The Domestic Fringe will become a place for women to escape stress and laugh a little.
Tricia lives on the domestic fringe in denial of her actual age, avidly avoiding scales, and eating too many M&M's. Won't you join her in this adventure called life?
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
Naming my blog was THE major hurdle in starting my site. I sought a name that would reflect my personality, my written content, and would be “catchy.” The Domestic Fringe is the place where I live. It’s reality. Currently in society, women fulfill such diverse roles whether or not they maintain a full-time paid position in the “work” world. It is a place all women can come to, feel safe, and laugh despite position, status, and stress. You can visit Tricia at: The Domestic Fringe
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I write about reality. Life just happens to me. I'm not a planner by nature, so I really don't mind, but sometimes life runs off with me before I'm ready. These blogs are my life. It's what happens when you rub the sleepies from your eyes and brush your teeth.
My blogs, however, are not a personal journal or diary. I don’t focus on my day, but rather my focus zooms in on specific encounters. We are often so rushed that we miss out on all the humor life provides.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I was inspired to begin writing because of other women. Their blogs inspired me and gave me a confidence to launch into the world of writing. I’ve enjoyed writing since childhood, and blogging seemed like a perfect outlet for me. It’s my stress reliever.
The Domestic Fringe launched August 25, 2008. I’m a rookie!
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
Unfortunately I spend more time on layout than on writing. I’m not a web designer, so I’m facing many challenges, but I look forward to learning this new art. I spend approximately thirty minutes writing a post. I can only write when an idea pops into my head and I start writing quickly because my mind doesn’t hang on to things for very long. I like to write, walk away, divert my mind and come back later for the final edit. I’d say my posts take about an hour to publish from start to finish. Again, layout of my pages is the challenge.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I love to read! I enjoy scrapbooking, but I’m a social scrapbooker--can’t do it alone. I’m an avid yard-saler and I dabble in sewing projects. As for accomplishments… my kids are my greatest thus far. I’ve also finished school earning my masters degree this past year. To be honest, just getting the laundry done is an accomplishment in my life.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Managing my time is my biggest struggle. I can’t spend too much time blogging or I’ll forget to live. Then they’ll be nothing to blog about. It can be a vicious cycle to get caught in.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
My favorite blogs are:
Life In The Parsonage,
From Under The Laundry Pile, and
The Pioneer Woman
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
I believe God has been teaching me to enjoy the life he’s given me. My grandfather passed away this summer at the age of 93 and he wasn’t ready to go, not because he didn’t look forward to heaven, but because he still had more life to live. I want to live each day that the Lord gives me to its fullest.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
I just want to encourage women to find the gift God’s given them, whatever it may be, and use it in faith knowing He will provide the increase.
Visit Tricia at: The Domestic Fringe
___________________________
"Sunny"
 Sunny’s been an oddball her entire life! Raised in Alexandria, Virginia in the early 1970’s, she was the only Christian, in an immigrant, Korean-Buddhist household, where she is the youngest of three children. Not only were there no Christians in her family, but there were none to be found in her neighborhood either. But God is Sovereign, and in His mercy and by His grace, He wooed her to Himself at the tender age of four. The Lord of hosts, miraculously provided for a bus to pick her up every Sunday to take her to church, where she first heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, so that she might intimately know His agape love for her. And this truly was the best and greatest news she’d ever heard….and it still is! To read her entire story of salvation, please visit her blog and click “Alive In Christ” on her navigation bar.
Sunny is a 39 year old who has been married for nearly 17 years to the most godly husband in the world who loves her as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-33 & 1 Peter 3:7) – though it wasn’t always this way. They had their marital struggles and nearly divorced within their first few years of marriage. Due to God’s awesome power of reconciliation and peace, both Sunny and her husband committed to choose Christ as their first love and each other as their second. To demonstrate her immense gratitude to God for restoring her marriage, she passionately reaches out to other women who are also struggling. She encourages women through her commitment to Biblical submission; first to Christ, then to her husband. Sunny is also the proud Mama of two fabulous, godly young men, Michael (almost 16) and Kevin (13 ½).
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
I have two blogs: “A Damsel No Longer in Distress” (my personal blog) and “A Wife’s Biblical Submission” (an online, meme-Bible Study I’ve written). I originally named my personal blog “Jesus Is My Hero”. This is my first blog and I’ve only been blogging since February of this year and didn’t know much about it, so I began reading and searching for how other people were writing and maintaining their blogs. Then I found Amy Bayliss at Split Decisionz and got a great tip! “Be personal! Don’t be afraid to share your heart.” And I noticed the names other sisters used for their blog titles represented who they are. So I changed my blog title to “A Damsel No Longer in Distress”. The definition for damsel is: a young woman or girl; a maiden, originally one of gentle or noble birth. And that is what I am. I am a princess of the King, one of noble birth and because of my King Jesus, I am no longer in distress, because Jesus is truly my Hero! You can find me at: http://jesusrulzme.blogspot.com/ and http://biblicalsubmission.blogspot.com/
What do you find yourself writing about the most?
I mostly write devotionals and exhortations about Christian living: specifically as a woman, for teen girls, child-training, evangelism and whatever else the LORD inspires me to write. I also participate in three memes: At The Well, Word-Filled Wednesdays and Live Well Wednesdays.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I’ve had some serious health issues for the past five years. And this past year, my health took a serious dive and I nearly died in November of 2007 a week after my oldest son’s 15th birthday. I had emergency surgery and had some post-op complications that caused my recovery to take much longer than expected. During my recovery from the first surgery, we found out I had a couple of other diseases that if not dealt with immediately, they would become cancerous. So I had my second surgery in June 2008.
I used to teach women’s Bible studies and disciple quite a few ladies, specifically on Biblical submission and have been doing this for the past 13 years. Due to my serious health issues, I was pretty much confined to my home, but still had the desire to serve the Lord. Then I remembered what Jesus told His disciples in the garden of Gethsemane,
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ~ Matthew 26:41.
And I am a seriously lazy, self-absorbed, self-pitying person and did not want to fall into that temptation since I was “confined.” God gave me hope through His word by reminding me that while my body may be weak, my spirit that has been made one with Christ who is willing to go further, and that’s why I blog – this is how I’m now traveling with the Lord and my sisters…through the internet! I launched “A Damsel No Longer in Distress” in February of 2008 and “A Wife’s Biblical Submission” in August 2008.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
I pray constantly for God to inspire me and lead me by His Spirit to write for His glory, with His love and compassion only that which will build up my readers according their needs, that it may give grace to those who read (Ephesians 4:29-30). I generally spend about 1 to 2 hours in prayer and meditation regarding each post and write in my journal everything God reveals to me. Then I sit down at my computer and type it all up, do a little editing and voila… I’ve got a post!
I spend much, much more time on posting my lessons for the Bible Study blog. I usually post one lesson per week (on Thursday), but am trying to finish writing the entire study, so I’m attempting to write two per week. Each lesson takes me countless hours in prayer and about 10-15 hours per week in research, then writing.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
I love to snuggle with my family and do just about anything with them! I love movies, herbal tea (that my husband makes for me nearly every evening) and my all time favorite is my quiet time with my Savior, my God, and Master. I’m also a professional volunteer!! I volunteer at my church, at both my sons’ schools and just about any other place I can! Of course, I’ve not been able to volunteer as much since I’m physically limited. I don’t know how to sew, but I’ve sewn and made two large window treatments to save money and made cushions for our kitchen nook, and many other things to help save money and keep my house in a way that is honorable to God and pleasing to my husband. I’m also an avid gardener! I hear the LORD best when I’m gardening!
What struggles, if any, have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
Continued health issues, and sometimes, lack of proper time with God. Due to all my health issues, sometimes it’s difficult to get up in the morning and have adequate time with God; I need a minimum of one hour and I don’t always get that. So I struggle to hear what He’s telling me and I don’t like to write when I’m not inspired by the Lord of my life. I’m sure everyone is grateful for that too, because I’m really not a nice person without Christ.
What are some of you favorite blogs?
One Sacrifice For All Time
I Will Take It Lord, All You Have to Give
The Salas Family
Life-Faith-Scrapbook
To the Moon and Back
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
Oh my, that’s difficult…to choose just one! Well, God has been repeating to me the same message through MANY different verses: to share His agape love; be tenderly kind; never forget to exercise justice and mercy, with no expectation of it in return; lift up the lowly and speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. But since I have to pick one verse, I’ll share the one God showed me today:
“ ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against one another in your heart.’ ” ~ Zechariah 7:9-10
Is there anything you'd like to add in closing?
Yes. I’d like to encourage everyone that doing things that are “nice” and “good” just for the sake of being nice and good, out of duty, rather that out of love are not what God requires. But in our good works, He requires that we practice compassion, tender-love, mercy and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:23-24). May we all be quick to listen, slow to be angry, generously offer compassion without passing judgment, overlook personal offenses and see others from Heaven’s view and not our own. There are many who are hurting, both inside and outside the Church. And while we share God’s truth and His salvation to those who are lost, let us do it with the humility of Christ with much grace. (Micah 6:8)
For more encouragement and exhortation, please come visit me at “A Damsel No Longer in Distress” or to journey with me to Biblical submission, join me and other sisters at “A Wife’s Biblical Submission.”
___________________________
"Marci"
 Marci and her high school sweetheart, Chuck, have been married for 24 years. She has three young adult children ages 18-22 who she is very thankful for. In August 2005, she began a new life as a disabled mom after she suffered a spinal cord injury during a car accident.
Though the journey following the accident has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical challenges, she has found that God has held on tight. The prayers of fellow Christians have so touched her. She has been healed miraculously beyond all expectations--a walking quadriplegic.
Marci also was a labor/delivery nurse for 20 years. She misses ministering to those women, but God has been faithful to give her new dreams and new areas of service.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
I named my blog "Life Reframed" because I began seeing my life through a different lens, an eternal perspective. It's at www.lifereframed.blogspot.com
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
I write mostly about the lessons I've learned from living with a disability, of God's faithfulness through my trials, of the grief of my losses. I've realized that utter dependence on God is a real blessing. When all pride is gone, you can see things properly. I had been depending on myself and compartmentalizing God. I was not even aware of the blessings I was missing. I try to get these truths across and stir in the reader a desire to see their life and heart as God sees it.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
A few of my younger girlfriends, had blogs so I tried it in May never really thinking I would keep it up. God gave me a heart to encourage those going through challenges in life, to let them know that God is there in the "middle of the muddle." I wanted to encourage them to hang on and not give up.
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
It depends, I don't post everything I write. At least 2 hours. I want it to be different and relevant. I want to let people know what God has done and continues to do for me. It does seem I think about it constantly.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
Obviously, these have changed as my abilities changed. I love to swim and play with my dogs. I spend way too much time in Bible study because I just love the word of God. Prayer has become a passion and I am the prayer team coordinator for my women?s ministry. I also started a prayer blog for us. Love reading books, planting flowers, and eating out with Chuck. I just planned my class reunion and I stay in touch with"old" friends. I did have my testimony published in Epitome magazine in February 2007.
What struggle, if any, have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
The crazy thing is I don't really know the rules of blogs, how to do tags, how often I'm supposed to write. I am winging it with Jesus as the wingman! It's fun. Give me a little grace when you look at it!
What are some of your favorite blogs?
I peruse through the CWO blogroll often, and just love the insight of Christian women. I'm actually glad I didn't know about all these great blogs because I never would have had the guts to try one! I like Tales from the Running Mama, a friends blog, and Internet Cafe.
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
I love them all. This one instills confidence in me: Zeph 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." What a beautiful picture from a merciful God.
Is there anything that you'd like to add in closing?
What I'd like to get across is that I am so thankful for this chance to finish well. At one point after my accident, I really thought there was no reason for me to live. Now I'm not only taking care of myself, but living a joy-filled life thanks to the grace of God alone. I'm so grateful for each day. I don't want to take my life or the gifts God has given me for granted ever again! I pray He'll use me in whatever way He sees fit.
Visit Marci at: Live Reframed
___________________________________________________________
The contents of this website are the copyright of either the
individual authors or Christian Women Online Magazine and can not be
reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.
Christian Women Online is produced by
Spilt Milk Publishing, Words that Nourish
the Soul
a division of Art Bookbindery
________________________________________________
|
CWO Cover
