Jun 21, 2016

A Letter to my Readers



Dear Readers,

This is my 50th post.  How amazing is that?!  I would have never imagined one year ago that in less than nine months I would have my own blog with 36 subscribers (not counting subscribers by email!) and such wonderful, new friendships!  God has given me a huge blessing by allowing me to get to know every single one of you.  And 7,050+ page views?!?  CRAZY.

None of this would be possible without you, my dedicated readers!  I am so very thankful that God has led our paths together!  You have been an encouragement to me in my writing and walk with God as I write each post with you in mind.

Almost two years ago a blogging friend of mine told me, "You should start a blog! It's actually super fun to share writing like that..."  I replied that I had no idea what I would even write about!  And yet, God miraculously put it into my heart to start Having a Heart Like His.

I was praying and trying to find out His will for me one day as I did devotions.  Suddenly, I remembered that God reveals Himself through His Word.  Of course, I always knew that...but I didn't often live it out.  Thus, I flipped open my Bible and up popped Psalms 77:12.

"I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds." 

 There was my answer!  If I started my own blog, then in my own way I could talk of HIS deeds!  I could share His love with others around me.  And I could reach out to those that I would not be able to otherwise.  This opened up a huge door to share my faith with people of all ages, nationalities, and personalities.

A friend generously helped me as I began the tedious work of starting a blog.  For someone who never touched Blogger before, it looks impossible.  And it really would have been without her help.  But as I needed it, God has led me through every hurdle that came my way and has helped me overcome them.

And now, nine months later, I am astounded!  Without God, none of this would have been possible.  And yet, without YOU, dear reader, my blog would sit here, the words unread.  Thank you SO much for following my blog and encouraging me in my writing.

My blog has two goals.  The first is to honor God with everything and encourage you in His love.  I want my posts to bring you (and me as I write them!) closer to His heart.  I want us to have a heart like His.  And I want to spread His love to everyone around me.  The second is to grow in my writing skills and learn to use my gifts in a God-honoring way.  You have helped by encouraging me in my writing and giving me feedback through your wonderful comments. =)

Maybe this quote will explain my thoughts.  Unfortunately, I do not know the author of this piece.

"I need you to imagine a purple zebra wearing a sombrero.

You saw it didn't you. It was almost involuntary. One second you weren't thinking of a purple zebra sporting a sombrero, the next second you were. Oooo. There it is again!

What changed? The act of you reading my words. That's because my words have power. I have the power to put images in people's heads with my words. I have the power to make someone feel wonderful or to make them feel unworthy. With my words I can make or break a person or I could inspire, release love, and offer encouragement.

And guess what? Your words have power too. Use it well."


I want my words to encourage, inspire, and love.  And I hope through my blog you have grown closer to God.  Thank you again, dear readers.

With thankfulness in my heart,





P.S.  As a thank you gift, I am lowering the kindle price of my novel to $.99 for one week!  I hope this proves to be a blessing to you.  Feel free to share with your friends/family/readers!  =)  And a review on goodreads/amazon is appreciated, but not required. =)

20 comments:

  1. This is awesome and I will read your book cause it looks awesome
    And of course give a review :)

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    1. Aww, thank you so much Hannah! =) I really appreciate all the help you have given me through subscribing and commenting. =) I hope you enjoy my novella!

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  2. Wow! You already have over thirty six subscribers?! You are so good at writing and I hope God blesses you through this blog.

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    1. Thank you so much Anika!! I have been so blessed already through my blog. I'm so thankful for the gifts that God has given me, and I strive to use them to honor Him! =) I have met so many awesome friends (like you!) through my blogging experience! Thanks so much, Anika!!

      And did I see that you are having a Beta Reader sign up? =) How exciting!!!

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  3. Congratulations, Hosanna! I guess I didn't realize you were such a new blogger! (That's how good you are.) Keep going strong, you're doing great things! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Abi!!!! Yes, I am a new blogger. hehe! ;) Thanks for all of your encouragement! You and your blog have been an inspiration to me!

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  4. Congratulations, Hosanna!
    I have really enjoyed reading your blog, and always come away with something new to think about. And you are wonderful at writing, as your blog and novel shows. =) Thank you for your posts to encourage us in God's love!

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    1. You are so very welcome, Emily! And thank YOU! I greatly enjoy your blog as well. You have been an encouragement to me! =) It's so awesome how through blogging you can meet so many other Christians striving to follow God with their writing! It's been such a blessing. <3

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  5. AnonymousJune 21, 2016

    Hosanna!!! I love this post. <3 <3 <3 And your blog is so wonderful. Plus you inspired me to start a blog. ;) Congratulations on your 50th post!!!

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    1. Haha! I'm so glad that I inspired you to have a blog! ;) Yours is lovely! I think we *might* be a little similar in tastes. =D Thank you so much Hannah for all of your encouragement!!

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  6. Congratulations on your 50th post, Hosanna! :)
    I have really been enjoying your blog! :D

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    1. Thank you so much, Rebekah!!! Even though you are a new reader, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you!! Thank you for stopping by to say hello and for your friendly comments! =) I'm looking forward to getting to know you better!!

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  7. Congrats, Hosanna!!
    Keep blogging, girl! Your posts are BEAUTIFUL!!
    And yes, my sister and I are going to buy your book! Hopefully I'll be able to get around to writing a review for it...
    -Ariel

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    1. Thanks, Ariel!! You're amazing! I love all of your lovely comments. They always make me smile. =) You are such an encouragement to me!!

      Don't worry if you can't write a review! It is not mandatory at all! I just hope you enjoy it and it encourages you in your faith!!

      Thank you, Ariel! =D

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    2. Aw, thank YOU, sweet girl!
      Oh, I'm sure I'll enjoy it. A good mystery story is sure to make a great read. =)
      And you're welcome! =)
      -Ariel

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    3. It's funny Ariel, because I don't like reading mysteries that much! =) I love the Sugar Creek Gang, but other than that I have not found many that I've loved. But I love writing them. =P Haha! Strange how that is. ;)

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  8. Congratulations on your 50th post, Hosanna! That's so exciting! :D I really enjoy reading your blog, you always post such wonderful things.

    And yes, as Ariel said, we're definitely going to be buying your book! I'll write a review for it as soon as I've finished reading it (because we all know how important reviews are to authors!).

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    1. Thank you so much, Savannah! (and can I assume that you and Ariel are sisters?) ;)

      I have really loved having you on my blog! You are an encouraging reader, and I'm always glad to see your comments. =) Meeting Christian girls is always fun, especially when they are willing to talk about their faith openly like you are!!

      Oh, thank you!! I hope you enjoy it! Yes, I love reviews, but I completely understand if you are too busy to write one. =) Thanks for your lovely comment!!

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  9. Yes, congratulations!!

    I really liked reading the story of how God prompted you to begin a blog. Your blog is a blessing to me, and you're an inspiration. (I mean, you're a published author - how inspiring is that!)

    That quote you shared is powerful too. :) And, I've been meaning to buy your book for a while - so now I've got no excuses. :)

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    1. Lol! When I see a comment from you now, I think, "That's the author of Apples of Gold!!!!" =) I have been very blessed by your blog, Jessica!!

      Yes, I was so excited when I felt God telling me to start a blog. I don't often take the time to deliberately "listen" to God. (I know that is awful, but it's true) I really need to work on that. But the times when I DO hear His voice, it makes me so excited! I'm sure you understand! =)

      I am so glad that I inspire you! =) You have inspired ME too!

      Haha! No excuses, Jessica! ;)

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