My Life…A Gift To Be Used For His Glory // The Weekend Brew
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:10)
Today is my 49th birthday.
Gasp!
I’ve lived nearly half of my life (yes, I do plan on living to be 100!) and I have been abundantly blessed by the Lord in ways that I could not ever imagine.
July is not only my birthday month, but it’s also my 7 year blogiversary month. Yep, I’ve been at this writer thing for nearly 7 years. I wish I had the very early posts from when I first started out on TypePad under the name, “Moments for Moms”. I had such grandious plans to reach out to moms. What I realized back then was as a full-time working mom (who still is working full time), I did not have a moment to stop and write about how to have great moments with God.
So I scraped that one and started My Freshly Brewed Life back in 2008 with a passion to encourage the hearts of women of all ages.
I have had a passion for writing since I was young, but I never dreamed of where a simple desire to start a blog would take me. I have met so many beautiful woman through their on line homes and feel like I have hundreds of friends world-wide.
As I take a moment to reflect on all of the many gifts God has given to me in my 49 years, writing and being able to encourage others are two of the gifts that I treasure the most, next to my family.
Some days, I don’t know where I’m going, let alone what I’m doing. And this year so far has proven to be the most challenging of my writing seasons. I have yet to settle into a flow of writing again, but that’s okay. If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that this writing thing must happen in it’s own time, but most importantly in His time. On those days when I lack words, I fall back on what I know.
[tweetthis]My life is a gift to be used for His glory to encourage others. @BarbieSwihart[/tweetthis]
Whether that be through word or deed, my life is not my own. I first belong to Him. I am thankful for all that He’s brought me through — the good, the challenging, the “I don’t understand what You are doing, Lord” seasons. Every year of my life has been stamped with His hand of blessing, protection and provision.
My life is a gift to give away to others.
God has given me the ability to write and encourage others along their journey. I don’t claim to have all of the answers, nor do I claim to be a Bible scholar with all of the glorious interpretations of scripture.
But what I do know is how God has moved in my own life.
What I do know is how God has brought me through to the other side of some seasons.
What I do know is how God remains with me through the valley seasons.
What I do know is that God loves me.
What I do know is that God loves you!
I am thankful for this gift that He’s given to me and pray that I will continue to steward it well. I am grateful for each and every one of you who visit here. You are treasures in my life. Whether we’ve been acquainted for 7 years, a few months, or are just getting to know each other, I count you all as gifts in my own life.
If I could give you one word of advice for your own life today, that would be this:
[tweetthis]When you don’t know what else to do, offer up the gifts He’s put in you to encourage others. @BarbieSwihart[/tweetthis]
What gift has God given you to encourage others with?
Thank you for joining us at The Weekend Brew!
1. Share a post, photo scripture — anything that breathes life and encourages.
2. Grab the button to use in your post or simply link back here.
3. Visit the person who linked up before you (and a few others along the way)!
Wow! 49 years of blessings, beautiful imperfections and adventure. Happy birthday!
Happy birthday and Happy Blog Anniversary! It is such an encouragement to stop by here each week. Thank you for hosting 🙂
Thank you Kelly. I am glad you find this an encouraging place on your blog stops.
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Barbie. And happy blogging anniversary too! Your friendship is most certainly considered as a gift from God. Love you so much. xoxo
Thank you friend! Love you much.
Happy belated Birthday. 🙂 And, happy ‘blog-a-versary’. 🙂
This is my first time visiting you.
This is such a lovely post. Thank you for sharing.
I love your last phrase: “When you don’t know what else to do, offer up the gifts He’s put in you to encourage others.”
Best to you – as you enter your next year of life and your next year of blogging. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by Brenda!
I started 7 years ago too. It has changed a lot in that time frame. I have too. I am always encouraged by your words.
Jamie, I remember I followed you early on in your blogging. And yes, so many things look different now. But I am thankful we are both still plugging along!
Barbie, I had to scroll through a lot of comments and link ups just to leave this comment, which goes to show that you are blessed woman and a blessing to so many others! Happy birthday, friend! I hope you had a great one! Thanks for always sharing from your heart. Blessings!
Oh I hope it wasn’t too much trouble. I should make it so that the most recent comments are at the top! Thanks for stopping by my friend!
Oh, it was no trouble at all!! I just meant that it was neat to see how loved you are, and it’s because you love well!
Have a very Happy Birthday, Barbie. I’m not far behind you…November for me. Then that dreaded 50. 🙂 Blessings for a wonderful year.
Kim
Yes, I agree, Barbie, that when we extend the many gifts God gives us to others, we are the ones who are truly blessed. Happy Birthday, my friend! Thanks for the linkup and keep blogging away!
Thank you Beth!
So thankful for all the encouragement you give all of us each week, Barbie. I’m prayerful that my writing does the same. Happy birthday!! Hope it was a fabulous day and a fabulous week. xoxo
Oh yes, Holly! Your writing is beautiful and encouraging. The Lord is well pleased.
Happy birthday Barbie! I hope this year is the your best year yet!
Thank you Michelle!
Hi Barbie,
How is it that you seem to speak directly to me so often! I feel like God is using you as His personal messenger to me!! 🙂 I struggle so much with putting pressure on myself. I love to write and I love all the socializing that goes with it, however, my season of life is not congruent to being able to do as much as I would like. I feel this burning desire to share His love and freedom with others. I want nothing more than to share His hope. So then I get frustrated with myself for not finding the time. I worry that time is passing and maybe I’m getting too old. That I’m missing what God has intended because I need things like … sleep! Ha!
Then in comes someone as wonderful as you, with the reassurance that this is in God’s timing right now. If it encourages one or hundreds, it is all up to Him. He will carve out the time He wants and He will give the words He wants for now. Thank you so much for this reminder … for speaking truth into my overwhelmed brain!!!
Happy Happy Birthday! I hope your day was filled with much love and joy!
Blessings and smiles
Lori
Lori, I am so thankful to know that the Lord is using my writing to meet you where your need is. I’ve been at this a long time and have had moments of frustration, lack of time, loss of words where I wanted to quit.But if you know that God is calling you to this, than stick with it. It will get better.
Happy Birthday! There is a song I like to sing as a special in church, particularly in June when we honor the graduates, called “Living Prayer” by Alison Kraus. May our life be a living prayer to Him! Thanks for the beautiful post & for hosting & God bless!
Thanks so much Laurie!
Barbie – Happy happy Birthday to you! & Happy Blog-aversary too! I am so happy that you are celebrating such wonderful things this month. You are an inspiration and encouragement. I just started blogging and at times it seems intimidating and scary to share my thoughts an “life” with others in the blogging world, but I get to do what I love – write!!! Thank you for starting the weekend brew and using your life to glorify Him and encourage others! Birthday blessings 🙂
Thank you Debbie! Let me know how I can encourage you on your journey. I popped over to your blog and love the clean, white space.
A very special Happy Birthday to you my dear. I wish I could say I even remember my 49th birthday, but alas I do not. At now 54 I can tell you that it is but a number and that it is what is what lay within your soul that makes your days wonderful. Dedicating your life to God and using your knowledge to help others see that ever shining light will keep you young for quite some time I’m certain. I for one am grateful for the ever growing friendship with you and I always look forward to your comments on my blog and most assuredly your new postings here. Wishing you all the happiness in the world and continued Blessings from God, not just today, but on all days as you continue with your writing journey. Hugs, xoxo
Thank you so much Mitzi. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you through your writing and gorgeous photos on your blog!
Happy birthday, sweet friend! and congrats on 7 blog years! You’ve created such a warm, welcoming place here, my friend. God bless you for using your gifts to honor Him.
Thank you so much June. Always inspired by you!
Hope you are enjoying a wonderful birthday ❤️
Thanks Nannette! I had a wonderful birthday and more celebration tomorrow.
Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you Miranda!
I love this thought: “falling back on what I know.”
This is the bedrock reason for absorbing the Word of God, making it part of our brain.
Nothing else can silence the screaming banshees of untruth.
So amazed at your long track record!
Blessings and Happy Independence Day!
I am amazed myself Michele. These last couple of years have been the hardest and most challenging, but I believe God has more for me to do here. Thank you for your birthday blessings and support.
Happy Birthday! Wow, you’ve been blogging a while. You’ve stuck with it, kept showing up and using your gift to bless others. That’s so admirable, Barbie. May the Lord continue to bless you, your family, your job, and your writing ministry. 🙂
God has also been putting on my heart lately to take with I have and put it to work for Him: cooking, writing, speaking, discipling, listening, teaching, just spending time with people, smiling. Just to be aware of the little things I can do, trusting that He’ll transform my gifts. (Like those few loaves that Jesus used to feed thousands. I keep telling God, “I’ll bring my loaves to you.” )
That’s such great advice Betsy, to allow God to use the little things in our lives to bless and encourage others. Praying you’re enjoying this 4th of July weekend.
Barbie, many blessings for your birthday! You are such a wonderful encourager to me and so many others ❤️
Thank you Beth. My desire is to always encourage those who read. Blessings!
Happy Birthday and blog anniversary, Barbie! You are a blessing to us all. Keep shining your light here.
Thanks so much Elizabeth!
Happy Happy Birthday Barbie!! Lots to celebrate! Thank you for using your gifts of writing and encouragement — they truly have been a blessing to me. It’s so nice to read about the unfolding of your writing journey. You are an inspiration to me. When I started blogging 3 years ago, I had know idea how much my writer’s heart would come alive. There have been many joys, some challenges, and moments I have wanted to give up, but something in me just comes alive when I write. I hope to always write to glorify Him! Congratulations on 7 years of blogging and happiest of birthdays to you!
I am grateful to God to have stumbled upon our blog. Your writings actually remind me of those early days of writing. You too are an inspiration and I look forward to a long and growing blogging relationship.
Happy birthday! Best wishes for many more – and many more years of writing and sharing your beautiful words of encouragement!
Thanks so much Kathryn. It’s been a joy to get to know you.
Happy BirthDay to you!
Your faith is so true!
You make Jesus smile…
and He’s crazy ’bout you!
You made me smile when I read this Andrew. Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Barbie! You ARE an encourager and I appreciate that so much. Wow! You have been blogging a long time-what a testimony you have all written down for your family. A treasure, for sure!
Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve stuck with it for so long. But I love that I get to encourage others through my writing. Thank you for your friendship Susan.
Happy Birthday Barbie! You’ve got a lot to celebrate this month. It’s been a pleasure to benefactor of your beautiful writing gift. May you continue to use it in service to others. I pray that as you have refreshed others that you will be refreshed. Many blessings.
So thankful our paths have crossed through blogging Wanda. Praying you have had a blessed and beautiful week.
oops– straining out the lemon seeds
Thanks for being faithful to use your gift of writing to serve and to encourage others, Barbie.
This hot summer afternoon brings back memories of making lemonade from scratch: squeezing out the juice, straining out the lemons, stirring in the sugar, measuring out the water, and plopping in the ice. The lemon and the sugar tend to be stronger in the bottom half of the glass, something to look forward to. So here’s to your 49th birthday, may it be even sweeter and stronger than the first half of your 100 year life. Happy birthday!
My kids have actually been making fresh lemonade all week! We are out of sugar now. Thank you for the birthday wishes.
Happy birthday to you!
Blessings,
GG
Thank you Gail!
Amen! God blessed you with the gift of writing to encourage others and I am blessed to call you friend! Love you and happy birthday!
Thank you Mary!