The Grand Finale!

Psalm 126:3
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Welcome to the last day of my 500th post party! I hope you've had a blast, and will be the last to leave. I always enjoy those last intimate moments when a big party starts to wind down and time for real talking and side-splitting laughter begins. Do you know what I mean? All the small talk is finally over, everyone's hair is let down (or in my cased, finally pulled up), and we can celebrate comfortably and casually into the wee hours of the night.

When I first had the idea to have this party, it was for one reason:

To celebrate with my bloggy sisters, because YOU understand the significance of 500 posts, and YOU are just as quick to give God the glory!

We can all testify to the fact that it isn't always easy to find the time to write, or the words to even express the emotions welling up inside. It is a juggling act to balance blogging with parenting, marriage, home-keeping, ministry, and work. Some days, it all doesn't fit in. Other days, it is like the parting of the red sea, when time and clarity of thought converge in a beautiful, spell-check happy post. Most of us have stepped away from our blog for a time (or two), because, frankly, it can become overwhelming. Followers. Stats. Comments. Memes. Awards. No awards. Link Love. No love. It can become a social nightmare, consuming our passion to write and encourage others, as we get distracted by jockeying for position in the social blogosphere. Sometimes, we have to pull the plug in order to put all the blog noise to rest, giving our lives first priority and allowing time and the Lord to put blogging back in its rightful place.

Arriving at 500 posts testifies to the work of the Lord in my life, and that is why I wanted to celebrate with you. It signifies perseverance (something I usually lack) partnered with acceptance of my own limitations (something I rarely do). It also reminds me of God's faithfulness, taking a little idea and making it into something bigger (although not to big for my britches) in His timing and His way. From this vantage point, I certainly see that He has worked according to His purposes in my life, and I am grateful to stay on the path in front of me, seeking the Cross first and foremost. Looking back, with an attitude of gratitude, makes the journey ahead all the more tasty.

I couldn't wrap up this party without a great BIG Thank You for being a part of this journey, giving me a tender listening ear, and returning my heart wrapped in your grace-filled love. My life is richer, and walk with the Lord more determined, because of your witness and testimony. You have become the women at the well to me; kindred spirits who find their passion for the Lord unleashed through the Word, encouragement, writing, and fellowship. Thank you for who YOU are in my life.

I pray this celebration is not only about the work of the Lord at Extravagant Grace but that it would be about our friendship and the power of God at work in all our lives Sweet sisters, may I encourage you to yield to Him and let Him write the story of not only on your hearts but through your blogs, as well!

As a final gift from me personally...


I am excited to bless the socks off of one special gal by giving her a full blog makeover. (Unfortunately, I don't do full Wordpress makeovers, although I can make you a header graphic and side bar button. Maybe this will tempt you to switch to blogger!!) How will I choose? With your help, of course!

1. Nominate yourself or another blog in a comment below.
2. Tell why you would like to win the makeover.

So simple! Go ahead and nominate as many friends as you would like! If they are a follower of Extravagant Grace (or become one), they'll automatically gain two entries.

And Two more chances to gain entries for rest of the fantabulous prizes...

Have you checked out the prize list? I want every single gift for myself. Every time I look at my beautiful LifeVerse bracelet, I'm so grateful for the way we can be reminded of God's truth and do so in a free country. The Proverbs 3:5-6 one means just as much! And I am especially looking forward to attending the upcoming "A Woman Inspired" online conference, and having one of you join me there. Doesn't that sound fab! So, check out the prize list and play along...

1. Leave a comment below sharing with us the name and link of one blogger that has significantly impacted your life, either through her blog or through her comments on your blog. (As your hostess with the mostess, I've decided I can't play along with this one. There are just too many to list!)
   
2. Leave a comment sharing your number one reason for following or subscribing to Extravagant Grace! (I'm curious to see if what I think EG is about is what you want it to be about!)
   

Prizes will be drawn randomly over the next few days. Stay tuned to find out if you or your friends have won!

Click here to check out all the great prizes!

Because of Him,