BLOG ROUNDUP - YOUR FAVORITE POSTS OF 2020

Another year has come and gone, and I like to reflect on where we’ve been. In honor of the New Year, I am sharing the 5 most popular posts, determined by page views. Popular or “favorite” doesn’t always indicate the “best”, but then again, “best” is subjective. It was fun to compare this year’s list to the 5 from last year…. Only one post popped up on both lists. These might not be my favorite posts, but I can definitely see why they were your “favorite”! 

5. Friendship: For a Reason, Season, or a Lifetime

As I have gotten older and wiser, I have realized the importance of community. And not just Best Friends for Life, but friends we make for specific reasons or seasons. Throughout my life, I have realized that all friendships serve a purpose although very few actually last a lifetime, and that is perfectly fine. 

“One of the challenges of growing older has been the ability to find and keep quality and lasting friendships. The older we become the more friendships tend to fade away or become less of a priority.  For a select few of us, being a military family complicates this even more, with every move making us question whether or not we’re going to find ladies just as amazing as our last assignment, or how many people we will actually keep in contact with. 

And even though we are “blessed” with social media, maintaining actual friendships regardless of where we live can be very difficult. Will we really “keep in touch” like we promised? Well, that just depends…”

4. My Labor and Delivery Story: Daniel

Seeing this make the list of top 5 warmed my heart. Daniel’s birth was fast and exciting and I was honored to share that account with you all. 

“The contractions were coming much quicker now and much more intensely. No longer soothed by hot water, I immediately dropped to all fours and moaned my way through the pain. The low, deep, almost cow-like moans were my way of ensuring my body did not tense up. My lower back ached in pain. There was no reprieve from the back labor, and my spirit began to deflate. I had no idea how I was going to make it through this labor.

In between contractions, I put on the black hospital gown I had purchased for labor. I remained on the floor, on all fours until it was time to depart. 

0500 - Doven finally arrived in record-setting time. She retrieved some Gatorade for me and again, my body decided to retch the little fluid I had just consumed.

Mentally, I was trying to prepare for a long labor ahead. Although I saw the signs of transition and imminent labor, my mind believed I wasn't "lucky" enough to have a quick labor. 

Finally, it was time to go.”

3. 5 Must-Read Tips for When you Feel Unsupported by your Husband

Seeing this post make it to the top 3 made me a bit sad at how many of us feel unsupported by our spouses. Yet, I hope this post encouraged you all to recognize what you really need in life. Perhaps you even discovered that your spouse does support you, it’s simply different than you wanted or expected?

“Have you ever had a desire to do something and your husband wasn’t supportive?

Maybe you want to go back to school, but your partner doesn’t understand why… He thinks it’s a waste of time, money, or effort.  Or maybe you want to lose weight, and that requires a lot of support from your family… yet he refuses to give up his junk food, and you can forget about buying expensive exercise equipment.

Or maybe, like me, you have a dream that you want to pursue… like writing a book, or quitting your job, or starting a blog. Whatever your reason is… there is something there that your husband or partner just isn’t a fan of and it’s discouraging and infuriating all at the same time.”

2. Blessings in the Midst of Trials

Blessings in the Midst of Trials as #2 favorite? I am not surprised. 2020 has been a tough year for so many people. Trials after trials without reprieve. We have all needed some encouragement to see the light in such a dark year.

“It’s pretty obvious that every single person on this earth will experience trials. Neither rich nor poor, black nor white, male nor female can escape the probability of being tested in their faith. It will happen. And yet the outcome will differ drastically.

Some will crumple under the pressure, giving up all hope, while others will find a way to thrive. Every circumstance is different, but the truth of the matter is we all have control of how we perceive and react to our situation.”

1. How One Question Got Me To Go To Church: Tips for Inviting Your Friends

Wow… This post made it back on this list of Fan Favorites stealing the number 1 spot by a landslide. This post shares the story behind how my faith was renewed and how it all started with one question - “Would you like to go to church with me?” I offer encouragement and tips for inviting others to church with you beyond the basic/passive “oh you should check out my church” that many Christians often resort to. I often think what would have happened had my friend not invited me… where would I be? Would this blog exist? If you go to church, will you be brave enough to invite someone with you?

“...Then, Easter of 2014 it all changed. An acquaintance from college had just moved to the area with her husband and started working in my unit (small world). A few weeks before Easter, she handed me a flier and casually asked if I would like to go to church with her and have Easter lunch afterward.”

Did your favorite make it on this list? Share with us below which post you really loved! 

And don’t forget, sharing is caring :)