Inspired by . . . 10 years

Well, friends, I can hardly believe it but this May 29th will mark my 10 year anniversary of blogging!

With over 1000 posts to date, over the years I've averaged about nine posts a month. That's a lot of writing!

I originally started blogging with the intent to share about the novels I had written. But quickly realized that I wasn't comfortable constantly talking about myself or the books!

Thankfully the blog title, Inspired By, allowed me to write about pretty much anything that "inspired me" and so the first years are filled with posts about cooking, crafts, birdwatching, and photography.

In 2012-2013 the blog shifted away from crafts and DIY, and in 2014 started focusing more on photography and devotionals.

I joined Instagram in 2015 and the platform has served me well for years, especially during those times when job demands and health issues have limited my ability to blog regularly.

I've met so many interesting people and made some very special friends.

I'm working on a giveaway to celebrate my anniversary and to say thank you to all of you who have supported and encouraged me over the years - so stay tuned!

Blessings,

Inspired by . . . something to celebrate

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you're here to celebrate with me - because today is my four year blogoversary! Whoot! Whoot!

I don't make a habit of looking at the stats, but just for fun I thought I'd check them out today. This is my 541st post! And I thought you might be interested in the top three most viewed posts {although it's likely you've already seen them!} of the last year:

#3 Creations Manifesto

#2 Community 

#1 Nature (babies always win the day, lol!)

Interestingly enough, my least viewed post was one from earlier this week, maybe you missed it?

Thoughts on Faith Vol IV

What I really want to do to celebrate today is to thank all of you - my readers. Whether you're a faithful follower, or this is first time here - THANK YOU - for reading. I pray that you always find something here that inspires you.

No celebration is complete without prizes! I've picked out four, one to celebrate each year of the blog, and we're going to keep the party going for the next four days - so please tell all your friends so they can help celebrate too!

Here's a list of the prizes, to inspire you to enter!

eBook - While I am Waiting by Laura Hodges Poole

Lavender Basmati Soap - from Work of Worth

Vintage Sari Mini Journal - from Work of Worth

Beloved Wrap Bracelet - from Work of Worth








I can't tell you how much Laura's devotional has been comforting, encouraging and inspiring me over the last four months. Work of Worth is "dedicated to utilizing the power of commerce to free the oppressed throughout the world" and I'm excited to be offering some of their products as part of this giveaway.

I hope you win! and thank you for helping me celebrate!

Blessings,

June

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: these prizes are my gift to you. I am not affiliated with the author, or Work of Worth in any way. They have no idea they are a part of my celebration!

Inspired by . . . three

I've been tossing this post around for a few days. I'm still not sure if I'm going to publish it or – or not. I guess if you're reading it, you'll know what I decided. {smile}

A friendly comment on Facebook earlier in the week reminded me that I started this blog three years ago . . . today.

I've never really celebrated my "blog-iversary." The first year I mentioned it, almost is passing, and last year, not at all.

I started this blog as a place to talk about the books. I called it Inspired by . . . because I knew that there was only so much I could say about the books before boring you to tears. The title Inspired by . . . pretty much gave me a blank canvas to write about anything that happened to be inspiring me – with the hope that it would also inspire YOU!

My life was very different three years ago. I did a lot of scrapbooking, and crafting, DIY projects, and cooking! I had a lot of fun!

Then, about eight months into my blogging adventure, my world completely changed. It seemed overnight I had a new location, a new lifestyle and a new focus.

I'm still having fun! But my life, and this blog, is now more focused on writing and photography.

The ultimate goal of Inspired by . . . hasn't changed. The underlying inspiration for everything I do is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My intent is to glorify Him by inspiring YOU. I don't always succeed, but that is always why I write.

I view this blog and my writing as a privilege – not a right. I am beyond honored when He encourages and uplifts YOU through the words you read here. I know He has done this, because YOU have told me. Through your sweet comments, YOU have inspired and blessed me in return.

So. Many. Times.

I think maybe it is time to celebrate that – to celebrate it all.

I want to share two books with you. I'm going to give them away actually, to one blessed winner.  Next to the Bible, these two books are God's greatest inspiration to me.

The Valley of Vision and Daily Light for Every Day.

The Valley of Vision is a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, edited by Arthur G. Bennett. I'm giving away one leather bound copy.

Daily Light for Every Day, with a forward by Anne Graham Lotz, is a daily collection of morning and evening reading of scriptures. Just scriptures, combined in a way that will encourage and inspire you. I'm giving away one eBook copy.

So, just to clarify, if you win, you get one leather bound copy of The Valley of Vision, and one eBook copy of Daily Light for Every Day. I'll be announcing the winner on Monday, June 2nd.

If you already have these in your library, they make great gifts!

No matter how long you've been visiting here, even if this is your first time, THANK YOU! 

I pray this place will continue to be a place of encouragement and inspiration.

Now for the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PS I've never done a giveaway before, but hopefully all will go smoothly!  If not, please extend some grace to the giver and email me with your questions or concerns!

Thank you for celebrating with me!

Blessings,