By Lois Hewitt

Today I hit a milestone.  Today I am writing my 400th blog post (they always start as FB posts).  10 years and 400 posts. What a ride it’s been.

I cannot go back and look at the first posts. My life was so chaotic and my mental health so bad, I imagine I could barely handle it.

Then it became a travel log as we drove our epic journey to find a new life.

Then just random thoughts, none of which I care to read either. 

Now a journal of my faith. 

The blog is a true mirror of the  life I have led. True and honest.  The good, the bad and the very ugly parts.  I’ve written about darkness and fear, about uncertainty and self-doubt and about just not knowing what to do. 

But now, at least I hope, it is about redemption and forgiveness. About surrender and faith.  I was so broken, but not hopeless. I have been in the valley, the desert and on the mountaintop.

What have I learned in 400 posts:

Never ever give up, things will always change.

If you can’t see a way out, just look up…nothing is impossible with God.

Your past may have molded you, but it does not define you in the present.

No matter the things you have done or said, sincere remorse can bring cleansing through the blood of Jesus.

Never discount the power in being grateful.  Gratitude kills entitlement and victim mentalities.

I now choose people and experiences over things.

Sometimes a solid “no” is the greatest gift of all.

Love is the super power that has the absolute ability to heal ourselves, others and the world.  Jesus taught me the meaning of love.

Rest and taking care of yourself are absolutely non- negotiable. 

I have not always made the right choices. They were based purely on my own wants.  Today my choices have a heavenly light upon them.  Still not always perfect but getting closer.

Joy is a choice.  Joy is present in good times and bad if you chose it to be.  Choosing joy was a learned experience for me, not natural but definitely possible.

There are more but one last one.  God created food to heal not make us ill.  Eating right must be a priority.

Thank you to everyone who ever read anything I ever wrote. Thank you for the always encouraging comments as I read them all.

I cannot even remember why I started this blog.  I suppose it was a fluke and maybe I thought it could become a career (years to date earnings $0 – oh well).  But now I know the joy is not in any monetary reward but in the connections made.

I have had readers from all over the globe.  I have no idea how someone from Russia finds me, but I am eternally happy that it happens. If I can touch one person, it is worth it all.

Well, the 400th post is almost complete. Not sure what’s left to say, maybe nothing. I leave that up to the Holy Spirit. The most meaningful posts I remember nothing of writing them.  Sometimes I am just a conduit and fingers to type.

Not sure I’ll reach 500 posts but it’s been an amazing ride where I hope Jesus was glorifed! 

Thank you ever so much!