Happy Birthday, Big Sister!

 

It’s been a full year since this blog, BigSisterKnows, was “born.” Since then, I’ve posted forty-one blogs. Perhaps you read the one about Robby’s garden, our Christmas tree traditions, or my mother-in-law’s taco soup recipe. Whichever ones you read, I hope they blessed you in some small way.

 

In the Beginning

I originally created this blog to “build my platform,” as they say in the publishing world. This meant getting as many readers as possible to follow the blog. Numbers count, so shares, likes, and comments, would be crucial.

The “platform” would also provide a venue to share what I learned as I wrote my Christian living book, Girls with Gusto (still in progress). I liked the idea of using the blog as a way to share my insights and Biblical knowledge with you. I knew this would be my outreach to the world, my ministry.

 

But then…

After a couple months, my frantic drive to post, post, post, calmed down bit, and I started to listen to what you had to say. I read your comments and posts. I noticed what you “liked.” I saw what engaged you and, more importantly, what made a difference to you.

Then I learned something. No matter what I write, it needs to meet a need, a pain point. And because all of this is supposed to glorify God, it should also be encouraging in a sincere and godly way. (No platitudes like “Just keep your chin up” will be spoken here.)

I finally realized that knowledge can only get us so far, even if it’s knowledge of the Bible and God. The real important part is how we feel about that information and how it affects us. We all need to feel God’s love and His hand at work in our lives. We also need to know we’re not in this alone. We need to be lifted up, and we need to lift up others.

 

And Now…

I still have to have a platform to get my book published. I still have some really neat insights I can’t wait to share with you. But I want it all to be meaningful to you, to help you get through the day. To encourage you to look up and see God’s smile over your life.

So, I want to thank you for my blog birthday gift—for all you’ve taught me, whether you’re a regular reader, a fellow blogger, or a close friend who’s said “You know, I’d like to read a blog about….” (No, Rach, I probably won’t post anything on Alabama football, but I do appreciate the suggestion.)

 

Let’s Connect

As for my birthday wish—I want to tap into what you want and need from this blog.

To that end, I’ve created an email newsletter called Friends of BigSisterKnows. I’ll be soliciting feedback and suggestions from time to time, which I’ll use to help determine future blog topics. I’ll also send special information, updates, and freebies (think recipe cards!) that aren’t published directly on the blog site. If you’re interested, you can sign up here: Friend of BigSisterKnows.

You can also contact me directly through the Contact Big Sister page, or you’re welcome to leave comments at the end of individual blogs.

Please let me know what you like, don’t like, or want to see in the future. Every time we connect, it helps me—as a blogger, a writer, and a person who wants to know she’s making a difference.

If you have the time and inclination, please also like, share, and tag. (If you don’t know what that means [Mom], don’t worry about it.)

Thanks again for a great year. Now, let’s get started on Year 2!

~Ashley