I recently did a quick look back at all the blog posts I’ve written. There are 1,075 of them. Full Measure of Joy is coming up on its 4^th birthday. I’m amazed at how far God has taken me as an author and this little blog site.

I’ve learned quite a bit through these four years. For instance, I was tired. A lot. And I wrote about being tired. A lot. I will try very hard not to mention how tired I am for a while.

I’ve also learned that when I am at my worst, God is at His best. Some of my favorite posts developed because I took myself out of the equation and allowed God to work through me.

And then, where do I even begin to mention all that I’ve learned through spending time each day in God’s Word? The blessings I’ve received through Scripture are too numerous to recite.

I’ve learned new and creative ways to pray. I’ve learned a great deal from building a doll house. I’ve learned that being in my office and sitting at my desk is my favorite place to be. I’ve learned that I can memorize more than I ever dreamed I could before. I’ve learned that every word in Scripture is relevant in our world today. I’ve learned that there are days when I’m not up to the task of living like Jesus did.

Oh, there is so much more that I’ve learned while writing Full Measure of Joy posts. More than I could begin to share. But I believe that because of my desire to create Full Measure of Joy, I have a deeper relationship with my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. My spiritual eyes are wide open to His work in my life and in my world. The hours spent on this little “hobby” have been well-worth the lack of sleep, the study time and at times the isolation from family. To be honest, I wouldn’t change a single thing over the past four years.

I rarely mention the people who have been my greatest supporters of Full Measure of Joy. My husband Mason, who has stood beside me through this endeavor. Without his encouragement, I suspect I would have given up long ago. My Mom, who reads and shares my blog post every single day. My kids and grandkids who have provided many stories to share along the way. The rest of my family who have been beside me along this journey and have listened to my ramblings through these four years.

My web designer, Maria. I pray extra blessings upon this sweet friend. She encouraged me to write this blog and put together the workings of Full Measure of Joy. I love my website. I could never repay you enough for all that you’ve done. Oh, if you’d like your own website, Maria is available for hire. I can get you connected.

I quit looking at statistics long ago, so I don’t know how many readers I have stop by my blog each day. Most people never like a post I share on Facebook. Most people never leave a comment. But I am amazed at how many people stop me along the way to mention they enjoy Full Measure of Joy. So I would like to thank my readers. Those of you who make it a point to read what I write on a regular basis. I am grateful for your faithfulness.

Above all, I thank God who has given me the strength, courage, wisdom, words and blessings to continue with Full Measure of Joy. Without Him, I could do nothing.

Thanks for listening today. I leave you with these words of encouragement. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna