Shanda Brabec lives near Washington D.C. with her wonderful husband of 10 years and their three precious children. She is the youngest of four children but is often guessed as a first born child. A former 1st grade teacher and corporate recruiter, she is now a stay at home mom, a Co-Coordinater for her local MOPS group, and she enjoys speaking at ladies events. She is passionate about women reaching their full potential through Jesus Christ. It is important to her that Christian women are real and open with one another as we walk through this life day by day. Shanda is a Proverbs 31 Ministries “She Speaks” Graduate.
How did you go about naming your blog, and where can we find it?
Through the years I have increasingly realized the value of having a teachable heart.
Esther 2:15 beautifully summarizes the blessings of that to me: “When the time came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.” Because Esther was willing to receive and heed council, she not only won favor, but became a queen who God used to save His people. When we are open to what the Lord is teaching us, there are no limits to what He can do through each of us.
My blog can be found at http://ateachableheart.blogspot.com
What do you find yourself writing about most often?
My blog is a compilation of thoughts, lessons, and ideas that the Lord is giving and teaching me. I have experienced a lot of loss and pain in my life with the loss of my mother, father, and all of my grandparents. My husband has a chronic disease (Crohn’s Disease) and I have learned many lessons while experiencing difficult seasons of life. I share openly what I am learning each day and some things that the Lord has revealed to my heart in the past. Monday posts are dedicated as “Marital Moments.” Thoughts, ideas and humor to enrich our marriages. Having been through a tremendous amount of joy, laughter, tears, and sorrow with my husband, we have experienced first hand how essential it is to focus on building our marriage and family.
What prompted you to start blogging, and when did you launch your site?
I was prompted to start blogging after attending the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference. I attended a break out session on blogging and felt the Lord prompting me that this was an area that I needed to go out of my comfort zone of familiarity and become a part of. Lysa Terkeurst said that there are usually 3-5 things worthy of blogging about every day. After going home and watching my 3 beautiful children, creative husband and active cat, I realized it was something I really could do! I launched my blog in July of this year. (2008)
How much thought and time do you generally put into each post?
The thought and time I put into each post varies from post to post. Some pour out in minutes. Other times, the post is developed deep within my mind and heart for several days before I write and post what the Lord is revealing to my heart. It is important to me to keep my posts worthy of the readers time, so I do put a lot of thought into the words that I share.
What are some of your hobbies or accomplishments outside of blogging?
We have an active family! Skiing, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, walking/talking/eating with my family or girlfriends. I am also honored to be a co-coordinator for my local MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) group so I stay busy planning and running our bi-weekly meetings. I will be published for the first official time in February of 2009 in the P31 Magazine.
What struggle have you experienced with keeping your blog updated?
I have a very busy two year old who is constantly pulling letters off of my laptop! Outside of that, there are very busy days that sometimes limit me from posting. I have to evaluate my priorities regularly to keep things in balance. I love the ability to schedule posts for later dates when I know that I will have a busy week ahead.
What are some of your favorite blogs?
It is very difficult to choose…
http://www.profoundlyseth.com
Grace Talk With Daveda: http://gracetalkwithdaveda.blogspot.com
Bring the Rain:
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com
My Charming Kids:
http://www.mycharmingkids.net
What Bible verse has God recently placed on your heart?
I Chronicles 16:11 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
Is there anything that you’d like to add in closing?
I am who I am by the grace of Jesus Christ. I am not a perfect person and I don’t expect other Christian women to be either. It is in being real with each other and the Lord that we can become who it is that God has designed us to be. It is my hope and joy to offer what I can to encourage and bless you along the journey of your hearts. Thank you so much CWO for all that you do to connect us as Christian Women!
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