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Word of the Year

I’ll be perfectly honest, when we left for the cabin to celebrate the holidays, I was 98% sure this post would be my last.

For the past few years, I’ve been sharing quick and easy DIY ideas, room makeovers, seasonal projects, my favorite organization tips, words of encouragement, and everything in between.

It’s been an honor of a lifetime to be able to write for you each week.

But the landscape of blogging has changed pretty dramatically since I began, and while I used to struggle with burnout once or twice a year, lately it’s been weekly – and sometimes daily.

Blogging is deeply rewarding and it’s also really hard at times.

Full-time bloggers are expected to produce the equivalent of a magazine each week publishing multiple posts, professional-quality photos, and videos across a wide range of social media sites, hosting and appearing on podcasts, writing books, creating content and product lines at the speed of lightening all while maintaining work and family life.

It’s a lot to keep up with and the demands can be all-consuming.

When we left for holiday break, my only objective, while we were at the cabin, was to get complete clarity on what our next steps should be for the blog and business.

I also wanted to be fully present for our Christmas activities.

In my mind, I was convinced I’d be able to squirrel away hours of uninterrupted quiet time on the back porch which overlooks the river.

It’s one of my favorite spots in the entire world.

I imagined myself spreading out my calendars and goal planners, dumping my big bag of erasable markers and pens out on the rustic wooden table, and completely immersing myself in designing an amazing year.

Instead, like so many of you, I was bombarded with constant interruptions, problems that needed to be solved immediately, grace-giving episodes I hope I never have to repeat, and managing expectations that had been building up for months.

Burnout and frustrated, I sat on the porch swing ready to wave the white flag and admit defeat.

Then the strangest thing happened.

I saw something sparkling in the trees across the river.

At first, I thought I was seeing things because I was so tired. I got up from the porch swing and walked to the edge of the railing to get a better look.

In the distance, I saw a Christmas tree with hundreds of brightly colored lights coming from our neighbors back porch.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit, I’d sat on that very same porch swing gathering my thoughts throughout the day and into the late afternoons off and on for over a week, and not once had I noticed the sparkling lights through the trees.

Lost in thought, I heard my phone ping.

It was a text from one of my closest friends standing outside the ICU praying for her brother-in-law.

Seconds after that another ping…then another…and another…three separate family members would have to forgo their holiday plans due to COVID.

“Why would you give up now when there are so many people who need encouragement? A gift you clearly have and so freely give?” I heard a voice say.

It wasn’t until after the conversation ended, I realized hope is a lot like the brightly lit Christmas tree in the woods.

A little light when you feel like giving up.

A spark of joy when your dreams need a pep talk.

A hug when you no longer feel seen or heard or relevant because tired has gotten the best of you.

Later that night we decided to head down the mountain for dinner which is something we hardly ever do.

The one-lane road is not easy to navigate during the day. But at night it can feel especially dangerous because there are deer, bears, and other wildlife that share the woods with the cabins and families who visit them.

I can’t say I was super excited to even go to dinner. It definitely felt like a pizza and ice cream kind of night.

I’m so thankful I went though.

As we rounded the first bend, in the distance I could see trees in every shape and size all across the mountain lit for Christmas.

There was no rhyme or reason to their color or placement.

Merely, tiny sparks of hope lighting our path.

All in jubilant song, as if kindly saying – keep going – you can make it – you were created for a time such as this.

I was so overcome with emotion I couldn’t even speak.  

By the time we got to the main road, I knew my Word of the Year would be courage.

In the days that followed, every family member who had to pivot from their original holiday plans due to COVID would go on to make a complete recovery and celebrate a late Christmas with a fresh perspective and new sense of purpose.

We also received a Christmas miracle when an expert surgical team made a heart repair with just enough time to leave the ICU and spend a joy-filled New Year’s Eve at home toasting answered prayers with apple juice.

While I’ve managed to squirrel away some time to write down my goals and fill out my calendars and planners, I still have a way to go.

Especially, where the direction of the blog is concerned.

In the past, that notion would have caused such anxiety I wouldn’t have been able to sleep a wink.

But I know clarity will come.

And just like the sparkling Christmas trees that lit our path down the mountain, I know there will be tiny sparks of hope to keep me going when I need it most.

No matter what your goals and dreams look like this year, I know tiny sparks of hope will be there for you when you need it most too.

For sometimes the best way to kick off the new year is not with a long list of things to accomplish, it’s with the goal to quietly cause ripples in the tidal pools of our homes and our communities where the only true purpose is to have the courage to love and serve each other well.

With gratitude for each of you this year and always,

CoCo

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80 Comments

  1. This post was very inspirational. I think we all have those moments when we don’t think we can go on or wonder what our purpose is or what the future holds. Having your own blog gives you the freedom and flexibility to do what you want. I have also seen the how the blogs have changed and to be truthful, I am not a fan. I love to see DIY and recipes etc. but I am not a fan of the “perfect” home and the “perfect life”. All the homes look the same on most of these blogs anymore. Anyway, taking a break is ok and changing things up and going in a different direction or adding/removing content is ok too. You will figure out what works for you and your subscribers. Good Luck and Happy New Year! 🙂

    1. Thank you for your words of encouragement and for sharing your feelings on how much blogging has changed over the years too, Lynda, I really appreciate it. I know a lot of people share your sentiment about the way everything looks the same and how the “standard of perfection” is not only unrealistic, it’s also not real life. Thank you for the gentle reminder we all need to take breaks and for the grace to follow through. It’s a message I definitely need to hear. I hope your new year is filled with more love and happiness than your heart can hold, CoCo

  2. I really needed this today.

    1. Thank you for this comment, Robin, I really appreciate it. I need posts like these too – all the time. Sending you hugs for a bright year ahead. May love and sparkles of hope show up for you when you need it most, CoCo

  3. I’m so happy you’ll continue to bless us with your kindness and beauty and encouragement!

    1. That makes me so happy to hear, Betsy, thank you for your sweet support and kind words. I really appreciate it! May this year find your heart overflowing with love and blessings, CoCo

  4. I am so happy that was not your last blog post. I find your posts so encouraging and uplifting. You clearly have a gift, thank you for sharing it.

    1. I appreciate that so much, Karen, thank you! I’m still trying to figure a few things out but your support means the world to me and I’m so thankful to have you here. Big hugs for a new year full of purpose and grace, CoCo

  5. So glad you chose to carry on. This life is richer because of you and the inspiration you provide. It’s uniquely you and so much needed in this world. Thank you.

    1. Such sweet and thoughtful words, Judy, thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I really appreciate it! I will be keeping it close on the days I need a pick me up. Big hugs and thank yous for being part of this community, CoCo

  6. I have loved reading this, must say for a moment at the start I was worried that were giving up. Blogland has changed immensely I know, but for a blogger like yourself, trust me when I tell you, your words give hope, strength and smiles when needed. I hope you continue for some good while yet. Take time for yourself though, that’s very important. I wish you a wonderful, blessed new year.x

    1. Thank you so much for these kind and considerate words, Janette, I really appreciate them. I can’t get over all the changes we’ve experienced in Blogland these past few years. I don’t know if it’s the rise of the influencer or if it’s how we consume information now with videos and streaming services but there has been a massive shift and it’s definitely gotten to be a hustle I’m struggling to keep up with. While I haven’t quite figured out what the changes will be, I promise to continue to offer as much encouragement and hope as I can for as long as I can. Thank you for all your sweet support along the way. It means so much! Hugs for a happy, healthy and blessed new year, CoCo

  7. It’s hard to be The Servant we are asked to be.. but the Lord said Come to me all that are weary and I will give you my rest.. I believe Jesus gave you HIS light when you saw the Christmas tree in the forest.
    May Gods peace be yours

    1. Goodness gracious, Cristie, I needed these words so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you for speaking life-giving words into my heart, for all your prayers, and sweet encouragement too. They mean the world. Big hugs, CoCo

  8. I’m so glad you got some peace and encouragement. Sometimes, we really need to go up on the mountain so we realize the valley.
    Praying that you remain encouraged and get the clarity you are seeking.

    1. Thank you for speaking so gently to my heart, Margaret, I really appreciate it. I had no idea how much I needed to read these words until I read them. While the valley moments are not always fun to go through they are vital to our growth and definitely make our mountain top experiences that much more special. May your year be richly blessed and full of adventures. Thank you for all your prayers and sweet support, CoCo

  9. Thank you so much for sharing this. We definitely have to be the encourager, but sometimes we get need to stop and see what the Lord blessed us with. We can get so wrapped up that we may over look the beauty HE has for each of us. God bless you and your family!

    1. Thank you for gently reminding me to be more mindful to stop, look and listen to His gifts, Karen. I really appreciate it and I appreciate you being part of this community too. I hope your new year is filled with special moments and gifts of love, laughter and grace when you need it most, CoCo

  10. Jan Fusco says:

    God is so good…isn’t He?
    Happy New Year!

    1. Oh my gosh, Jan, YES! Definitely better than I deserve and more than I could have ever imagined. Sending you lots of hugs for a happy and healthy year ahead, CoCo

  11. Your post reminded me to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart (passion), with all your soul (prayer), with all your mind (intelligence) and with all your strength (energy).” It was a New Year’s gift to me. Thank you.

    1. Thank you for these life-giving words, Patti! I’m getting ready to write them in my journal so I can keep them close. I definitely need to hear them! I’ve never heard that scripture explained quite that way and I love it. Thank you for sharing and for lifting me up, I appreciate it so much, CoCo

  12. Mary Smart says:

    Dear Coco,
    I understand where you are coming from as I have had a horrible year with the sickness and death of my Sister. I can’t even imagine having to keep a Blog going too! I really enjoy your words of encouragement and your Blog and Would really miss seeing your posts but I certainly understand that you need to take care of yourself too! I know that God will guide you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. I hope that you have a Happy New Year!

    1. Thank you for sharing these words of encouragement while in the midst of your own grief, Mary, they are such a gift. I’m sorry you’ve had a difficult year with sickness and the loss of your sister. Just one of those life stressors would have been tough but having two in the same year has probably felt overwhelming at times. While I don’t have it all figured out just yet, I know clarity will come. Your prayers and kind words along the way have already helped so much. Please know I’ll be lifting you and your family up as well as you begin a new year. Sending you big hugs, CoCo

    1. Thank you so much, Eileen! I hope your new year is richly blessed, CoCo

  13. Well said! Thanks for the encouragement.

    1. You are so welcome, Holly! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for making us a part of your day. It means a lot! Hugs for a happy weekend and week ahead, CoCo

  14. Sandra Baker says:

    “Thank you” seems so inadequate to say, but I truly needed your reminder of this today! God does have a way of reminding us of the most important things in life. Your river photos are amazing. I’m sure you can get some quality peaceful time there! God Bless!

    1. I appreciate your sweet and kind words so much, Sandra, thank you. I could have never have imagined all the beautiful ways God works had my path simply been a straight and narrow one. While the lessons are not always easy, they’ve all been 100% worth it. One of my biggest goals this year is to carve out more time to enjoy our time at the cabin and explore a few new places as well. There is nothing like being by the water to bring a sense of peace and rest. I hope your year is richly blessed and full of wonderful surprises, CoCo

  15. L. Michelau says:

    Thank you Coco! I stumbled upon your blog at a very low point in my life. I’ve lost count of the times your thoughts have given me the encouragement to “Keep on keeping on”! You truly have many gifts and a lot of energy. I am thankful that you may continue to post.🙏

    1. Thank you, thank you, thank you for leaving these words. I can’t even convey how much they mean to me. I’ve had some very high highs and some extremely low-lows myself over the years. I’m always amazed at how someone can pour encouragement back into my life at exactly the time I need it most. Each time it happens I promise myself to pay it forward. These posts are just a small way of giving back all I’ve received over the years. I’m thankful they’ve resonated with you and that you’re part of our community. Sending you hugs for a joy-filled year ahead, CoCo

  16. Vee Thomas Muller says:

    What a wonderful post! Thank you CoCo, for being you!
    Happy New Year.

    1. Thank you, Vee! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kind support over the years. You are truly one of the TCG-OG and are deeply treasured. Sending tons of hugs to you and your family for a year filled with magical adventures, CoCo

  17. Camille H Anderson says:

    That was beautiful! Thank you and God bless.

    1. Thank you so much, Camille, I really appreciate it! I hope your year is full of blessings and all the things you treasure most, CoCo

  18. Jenny Young says:

    I’m not sure if I’ve commented much on your blog but I’ve followed for quite a long time. I am glad you’ve decided to keep going. I’m one of those who’ve been isolated for almost two years now…thankfully with my husband (a type 1 diabetic) & our son’s family is part of our circle so I get lots of grandkid time!
    I’ve come to accept the fact that the internet is much of my social time for now. So I’ve made peace to that fact & just enjoy all the hard work that my favorite bloggers do, you included!

    One thought for the year for you…maybe you could share quotes on courage or encouragement? A weekly or monthly post with a quote to share? The bloggers who’ve been doing this that I follow have really been uplifting. Just a thought.

    I’m not a blogger, just a mom, wife, grammy….but you can see my uplifting feed on Instagram @jennylovescharlie if you’d like. It’s just something I do for enjoyment so I post then don’t post for awhile. And if you don’t want to add another feed to your list that’s ok too.

    Thanks so much for all the hard work you share.

    1. I love that you are looking at the internet as a way to socialize and reconnect during this time, Jenny! The periods of isolation have definitely been tough over the past few years. I’m proud of all of us for surviving it as long as we have even with all the ups and downs. How special to have the opportunity to spend extra time with your family, especially, your grand too. We share a quote each week on our Friday From the Front Porch posts, but I’ve given a lot of thought to incorporating more encouragement posts into each week. Last year, we did an Encouragement of the Month post which was really popular so I love the idea of adding more to the blog. I really appreciate your suggestion. I would be happy to follow you on Instagram – thanks so much for letting me know and for all of your kind support along the way! Sending you and your family hugs for a happy, healthy, and joy-filled year ahead, CoCo

  19. Well said. What a gorgeous ‘cabin’, and how can you leave? We find clarity in the smallest of things: the tiny folds on a tightly closed pinecone, the strength in wood stairs—many of them, blue sky, and twinkling lights. May your New Year bring clarity in every photo, share, and intent with your blog. Hugs, Sandi

    1. Thank you, Sandi! I know you completely understand what this feels like since you have been blogging for a long time and have also seen a lot of changes over the years. I’ve been praying for clarity for about 6 months now and while it didn’t come with a gigantic sign that read, “You’re on the right path, CoCo, keep going!” like I thought it would I know I’ve received tiny gifts of encouragement along the way just as you’ve described. Thank you for all your sweet support and kind comments over the years. They mean so much! Sending you hugs for a year filled with happiness, health, and tender moments of love, peace, and joy when you need it most, CoCo

  20. Oh Coco. That was such an inspiring message. I’m keeping this and reading it again later. I absolutely love your blog. And if you need to take time off to gather your thoughts, you do that. You will not lose me. <3 All the blessings and love you need my friend. Cindy

    1. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, Cindy, thank you – thank you – thank you for your kind words. Just knowing I have the grace to take a little extra time to figure things out feels like the biggest gift. I hope your year is filled with all good things and more love and joy than your heart can hold. Big hugs and thank yous for all your support, CoCo

  21. Your post touched my heart. The last 2 years have been hard! Pandemics, violence, climate change storms and fires, etc. I believe most of us have had some burnout. So happy your family members and friend have returned to health and to their families. Your posts are a welcome read for me, and I make sure to set aside time to read them carefully. They are practical, inspirational, and enjoyable. You have truly made tiny ripples in my life. I wish you a Happy New Year and God’s Blessings. You are a Blessing to many of us.

    1. You’re making me all kinds of weepy in the best possible way, AJ, thank you so much for your sweet and kind words. They mean the world to me! I was just telling my family over the holidays it is really hard to believe we’ve been through 2 years of the pandemic now, not to mention the social unrest and climate change-related issues you also mentioned. It’s definitely been a lot of ups and downs to deal with and navigate. I’m grateful we all have each other to lean on and find hope in. Your sweet words and prayers have lifted me up more times than I can say and I appreciate you being such an important part of this community. Big hugs and blessings on the year ahead, CoCo

  22. Oh! I have to admit that as I started to read this post, my heart fell. I soooo look forward to your posts; they are, as you say…

    “A little light when you feel like giving up. A spark of joy when your dreams need a pep talk.”

    But YOU matter more than your posts. So please do take care of yourself and your own needs. If that means not blogging, all of us will understand.

    Thank you for all that you do. Here’s hoping that 2022 is kinder and gentler to all of us.

    1. What a sweet and kind thing to say, Corrie, thank you so much! I feel the same way about all your thoughtful comments. While I haven’t figured out the mechanics of how things will change for the blog and business this year, I do feel like 2022 will bring a fresh path front and center. It’s one thing to not know what you want or how to get there. But it’s an entirely different thing to have received confirmation and be too scared to take the first step. Thankfully, I know people like you have been placed on my path to help offer courage and grace when I need it most which is truly a gift. Sending you lots of hugs and thank yous for all your support and for being a part of this community. I hope your year is filled with more moments of sparkle, light, and joy than you can imagine. You already radiate from the inside and I can’t wait to follow along on your journey. Illuminate is the perfect Word of the Year for you ❤ CoCo

      1. You just made me cry–happy tears. Thank you for your lovely words on a hard day.

        Whatever path you choose will be the right one. You’ll find it. It’ll be like those Christmas trees, shining in the dark. I have faith that it’s waiting for you.

        PS: I think you already have found your path. It’s being mindful and present. It’s sharing what’s real (even when it’s nor “perfect” or “pretty”). It’s finding beauty and community and inspiration wherever you go.

        Blessings to you in 2022.

  23. PS: My word of the year is ILLUMINATE.

    I want to shine some light into all the unfinished, unclear and dark corners of my life. I also want to bring light and joy wherever I go.

  24. First thing – I’m so glad your family and friends are okay and you weren’t dealing with tragedy this holiday season. Second thing – Sounds like the Lord knows your heart and reminded you that He is there always and whenever YOU need encouragement too.

    I’m glad you weren’t typing out your last blog post either. You give so many people what they need without even knowing it. I am one of those recipients. Have you thought of just posting less? Maybe not working on it so hard and enjoying life as it comes instead? Less planning?

    I could tell you for days what I think but instead I’ll just sit back and continue praying for you and your family. Love you dearly sweet friend. XO

    1. You always know just what to say, Cindy, thank you so much for these thoughtful words. It is a huge blessing everyone is on the mend and doing well now. We are definitely celebrating every single step of progress no matter how big or small. I’ve thought about posting less during the week and only posting on Fridays, save for sponsored posts and blog hops a million times. That way, when we’re out of town the pressure to have something ready to go on Monday morning offers a bit more grace and leeway. We’re about to be out of town again at least one day for 6 out of the next 8 weeks so it would be a huge help. As far as not planning, having a structured system and cadence to my day actually makes me feel better. It’s dealing with the constant life interruptions and travel I haven’t figured out how to handle quite yet but I know I will get there. I definitely need to carve out more time to enjoy life and just be in the moment, you are right about that and I appreciate you speaking gently to my heart about what truly gives life. I’m open to any and all of your sweet suggestions. Sending you tons of hugs and thanks yous for all the love, support, and encouragement you give me today and every day, CoCo

  25. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says:

    Beautiful post, CoCo! Wishing you a 2022 full of love, happiness, clarity, and courage!

    1. Thank you so much, Linda, I really appreciate it! Thank you for always being such a sweet support along the way. Sending you lots of hugs and a year full of all your favorite things, CoCo

  26. I so appreciate everything you do on this blog. It is so filled with hope and life and love. Keep on being amazing, and never forget that what you are doing is positively touching so many lives each day!

    1. Thank you for lifting me up this week, Heidi, and for all your kind words of support throughout the years too. As a seasoned blogger, I know you know what this feels like and I’m happy to have connected with you online. You definitely make life sweeter. Sending you lots of hugs and thank yous for a happy, healthy and New Year more magical than you can imagine, CoCo

  27. Connie Miller says:

    I love your pictures and this blog was beautiful. In the crazy times of December, I delete a lot of emails. However I never delete yours because I enjoy them so much. My grandma name is CoCo. Happy New Year!

    Peace and Joy,
    Connie

    1. Such a sweet and kind thing to say, Connie, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I hope this year brings you lots of extra special adventures with your family and I love CoCo is your grandma name – that is too cool! Sending you lots of hugs and thank yous for being part of this community. It means the world, CoCo

  28. What a beautiful post. Thank you.

    1. You are so welcome, Melanie! I hope this year is all that you need it to be and brings you lots of joy and peace, CoCo

  29. Lonna Berridge says:

    Coco,
    Being a spark of light and hope for others is what you do well. Do this at your own speed in your own time and as you feel led. We will look forward to what you have to offer to the world whenever it is offered. Courage to be yourself!
    Lonna

    1. Thank you so much, Lonna. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words of encouragement, they’re exactly what I need to hear. Sending you big hugs and thank yous for being a part of this community, CoCo

  30. Coco I can completely relate to what you are feeling!!!!!! Blogging is no joke. Blogging is not just blogging, it is so many things. And, how does one even ride on this roller coaster without feeling a bit dizzy from time to time?
    I want you to know that I am so glad I have subscribed to your blog!!! Your writing is wonderful, and your photos are beautiful. Every time I open a blog post there is something that inspires me.
    I wish you all the very best:)

    1. I really appreciate your kind words and support, Maria, thank you. I know you know exactly how this feels! There is a TON of work, time, energy, and expense to keep a blog going nowadays which is something I think most people don’t even realize. Plus, you never really get a day off which is also hard. I have no idea where this year is headed and that thought would have scared me to death before, but I know big results require big changes and I pray I have the courage to embrace whatever those changes might be. Sending you hugs and thank yous for all your encouragement, CoCo

    1. Thank you so much, sweet friend! Sending you and your family lots of hugs for a happy and healthy New Year that’s full of memory-making magic, CoCo

  31. So timely. Thanks for sharing your words and your heart. By the way, I preferred the “old” way of blogging much more than the “new” – not meant as a criticism at all, just an observation. Happy New Year!

    1. No offense at all, Margaret, I completely understand where you’re coming from. I could have never imagined when I started blogging how much things would change in such a short time. It’s definitely a dance and I appreciate your sweet support each step of the way. Sending you hugs for a year full of love, laughter, and joy-filled adventures, CoCo

  32. Colleen Meese says:

    Happy New Year CoCo!
    Thank you once again for a heartfelt and inspiring post. I must admit I was a little nervous that you were going to discontinue writing your blog. However, after giving it some thought, I figured if it was time for you to move on, I would wish you well and be thankful for having “met” you through your writings. I am overjoyed that you have decided to continue this year and I look forward to reading all that you decide to share. The word courage will also be a mantra for me this year as I venture forth in creating the art life I’ve always desired to have. May each day be a fresh start and one of clarity, patience, hope, and grace.

    Cheers,
    Colleen

    1. Such sweet and thoughtful words, Colleen, thank you so much. I greatly appreciate each and every one. I’m so excited you’re also using courage as your mantra this year too. We’ll have a great time cheering each other on. I’m thankful to have met you through this community as well. It means so much to have you here and I can’t wait to see all the good things headed your way as you step into creating the art life you’ve always wanted. Sending you lots of hugs and thank yous for all your encouragement and support, CoCo

  33. A quote from a devotional I read this morning…..”Sprinkled in the midst of things we’d rather forget are graces we needed to remember.” – Alicia Bruxvoort

    Give yourself grace.

    1. That is such a great quote, Debbie. I’m definitely writing it down in my journal this morning and saving it for the tough days. It’s really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs, CoCo

  34. Hello Coco, I’m little late reading you posts and definitely understand where you are coming from. I am ending my blog, but mainly because I really have other interest that I want to pursue. But not an easy thing to do! Lol! I’ve been completing it for a while with prayer and I do feel a peace with my decision.

    I truly enjoy your blog very much and has become one of my favorites! I pray the the Lord will guide you and that you will continue to be a blessing to others.
    God Bless, Elizabeth

    1. Thanks so much for all your sweet and thoughtful comments, Elizabeth, I really appreciate them. I’ll definitely be sad to see your blog go but I am overjoyed you will be embarking on new challenges and pursuits you enjoy. It sounds like such an exciting time! I know you can completely relate to praying for direction and clarity and I’m thankful you’ll be praying right alongside me as I continue to seek His path. Sending you lots of hugs and thank yous for all your support and I can’t wait to cheer you on as you begin a new chapter, CoCo

  35. I’ve missed so much blog reading over the last weeks due to illness and time constraints with our family. I typed your blog name into my laptop because I wasn’t seeing your posts in any of the link parties I usually join. Maybe I overlooked them. Anyway, I found your recent post that said you were going through all of the sweet comments and it made my heart skip a beat. I was hoping nothing serious had happened. And after finding this post, I’m so relieved that nothing too serious is happening. Making decisions about blogging and your business certainly is serious, but not in the way I was thinking. I hope I explained that well. You have so much to offer in your posts with encouragement and just a special way of writing. Even though I don’t know you, through your words, I feel like I do. You have inspired me more than once and I appreciate it so much. Thank you for sharing in the way that He called you to share. You are gifted in many ways 🙂 Blessings to you!

    1. I’m getting teary all over again, Cindy, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I greatly appreciate them. We usually take a few weeks off at the end of the year to focus on family and to think about how to spend the upcoming year. Blogging has changed so much since I first started and how to move forward has been on my heart for about six months now. While I feel like I’m getting more clarity every day, it still doesn’t make taking the leap any less scary. Thank you for reminding me that He holds the net. Sending you lots of hugs for a new year that’s richly blessed, CoCo

  36. Andrea Brankin says:

    During the pandemic blogs have really stepped into the purpose of a virtual front porch, coffeeklatsch, or a neighbor’s kitchen table…connecting us with others & giving us a sorely needed social outlet as well as creative & visual content. You have a big reach & make the most of your platform and I continue to appreciate what you share.

    1. Such sweet and thoughtful words, Andrea, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. It’s so hard to believe we’re still dealing with the pandemic after two years but I’m thankful we’re able to support and encourage each other. It makes such a big difference! Big hugs, CoCo

  37. I do so enjoy your posts, especially while we are still in this pandemic season. Blogs like yours help me feel connected. I know nothing about the blogging world, but could you post less frequently if you feel pressured for content? Love your perspective. Blessings for the new year.

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Joan, I really appreciate them. I’m grateful blogs have played such a big role in helping us feel more connected during the pandemic. I swear I never thought it would go on for this long. While I can’t say I have my posting schedule/content calendar completely figured out just yet posting less is definitely something to consider. Thanks so much for weighing in and for all your encouragement along the way, CoCo

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