“I long to see you, that I might impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you–that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 1:11-12
As I thought about this month’s theme, it occurred to me that the Lutheran Ladies blog has been quite a blessing in my life. Each of us has God-given talents and spiritual gifts, and when we use them in a way that pleases Him, we feel His pleasure. I never sit down to write a post with the feeling that it is a chore, or a burden. I’m so thankful that God has given me an occupation in retirement that I enjoy, and that feels useful.
Writing for the blog has made me think deeply about each monthly theme, reading, studying and praying about it. Often it helps me examine my own conscience and discover areas of my life that need improvement or attention. It’s also interesting to hear how others think about these things, both authors and readers. Certainly the blog has deepened my faith and understanding of God and His will for me.
Through our blogging together, I’ve developed closer relationships with the other Lutheran Ladies. Although I knew them all before, and go to church with some of them( and went to church with others), in blogging we have shared both dreams and failures. We’ve worked together to produce something none of us could have accomplished alone. It has been my joy and my privilege to see each of them grow in their faith journey.
I hope and believe that this blog has been an encouragement to others, as this was our original vision. The books we read, the quotes we love, the movies that inspire us, the songs that uplift us, the thoughts God places in our minds, and the emotions of our hearts, are all offered up to strengthen others. As we open our lives to our readers, we are in turn blessed by the comments and kind words we receive back. As Paul says in the quote above from Romans, we have been “mutually encouraged”.
So to all our authors and readers, today I am saying “Thank You!” You have blessed my life in an amazing way.
Lutheran Ladies Connection 