One year. Morning Star Gazer is officially one year old and I’m feeling so many emotions as I reflect back to the beginning. Care to join me for a trip down memory lane? (There’s a surprise at the end 😉 )
I prepared for this blog for a very long time. I sat on the idea of it for months alone. I remember being at a Bible study with my friends and saying – “I think God wants me to start a faith based blog and focus on non-fiction, but… I’m fighting Him on it.”
I was scared of starting something new. I was scared of this becoming my main focus over my fiction writing. Stories were my favorite thing and I knew, because of my lack of discipline at the time, stories would have to take a backseat. As someone who was trying to grow as a fiction writer in the hopes of being published one day, this was not easy for me to accept.
I don’t think I’ve ever shared all this before, but I really fought God on this. There was a point where I was starting to write a new book and my mom questioned me on it. “I thought you were going to stop doing that to focus on the blog?” I’m telling you, I was not all in for this by any means. But the feeling that God was calling me to something different wasn’t going away. In fact, it was even getting difficult for me to write stories. That in itself was a sign to me.
So after a lot of wrestling God on this and a lot of prayer, I finally gave in. It seemed that writing non-fiction was getting easier and easier and my story ideas and inspiration were drifting farther and farther away.
I dedicated myself over the next few months to writing articles every day. Some of them I’ve posted, others are still drafts on my computer. I just wanted to get the hang of it and figure out what I was doing. I thought a lot about what my “message” would be and how it would look, how often I would post, etc.
By January 2020, I was ready to make the first step – launching an Instagram. The second I did, I realized this was real. I was really doing this. I was still scared, but I was excited and determined, too. I’ve had blogs before Morning Star Gazer and each one came to an end. I didn’t want this one to die. I wanted this to finally be the blog that I stuck with long term. A ministry that would grow and flourish into something beautiful for God’s glory.
For three months I focused on writing and posting consistently on my Instagram. My goals then were:
1. Write (for blog)
2. Post on IG
3. Work on blog
I can honestly tell you that I was totally excited at this point. I was happy and confident that this was what I was meant to be doing. Deciding on a name for my blog, buying a blog template and designing it myself, and setting everything up just right was such a fun time. When my mom made my blog banner and I put it on my blog, I couldn’t stop staring at it. It was beautiful and just what I’d wanted it to be. What I’d fought God so hard on soon became a dream of mine that was coming to life.
But… as launch day approached, the excitement started to fade. I was scared again. I doubted that I could do this. Tears were shed as I wondered if I should just give up. But some special people in my life encouraged me and pushed me to keep going.
When I finally launched, I was overwhelmed by the love and support I received from everyone. By the grace of God, I made it through the months of preparation, fears, doubts, and tears.
Even after I launched, I still struggled. I had doubts. I struggled with consistency. I still considered quitting at times. Now, though, all the doubts and fears are gone. I love what I’m doing and am fully confident in the responsibility God has given me through this ministry.
Again, I have to be honest… I probably would have quit a year ago if it hadn’t been for some special people in my life who challenged me, pushed me, and reminded me of God’s hand in this. There is no way I could have done any of this on my own. For these people and God, I am extremely grateful. <3
And I am thankful for you. For following my journey, for your kind words, your love and support. Whether you’ve been with me since the beginning or just for a day, I appreciate you so much <3
Now, for the surprise…
I am SO EXCITED to announce that I officially have a newsletter!! *much screaming and confetti*
This has been a dream of mine for such a long time. God opened the door at just the right time and I couldn’t be more excited to embark on this path! It’s all part of the journey 🙂
CLICK HERE to get yourself subscribed to Star Gazing Outpost! By signing up you’ll receive a monthly email from yours truly with encouragement, updates, and more! But that’s not all… as a thank you for signing up, you will receive, Biblical Perspective For The Lazy Minded – a special PDF I put together just for you! <3
Oh, and one more thing…
If you haven’t already, make sure to head over to my Instagram and enter to win a copy of Are You A Disciple? By Laurie Cole and some special markers!
Thank you all so much again for your love and support over the past year! I love being able to do this journey with you guys. All glory to God <3
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