Congratulations on 500 blogs! I really don’t know how you do it! I can barely manage a quarterly newsletter of my life here in Moscow. Funny though, I have decided to turn my dining room into a library (of sorts), and then I saw your post about turning your dining room into a library. My room’s a bit smaller though, and will still have to function as a dining room at times. I must say though, the pics of your transformation are definitely inspiring!

As I reflect on the years that God has given us together as friends, I am so thankful for the journey. Your blog is just one of the countless ways that you encourage me to not be hardened by the deceitfulness of my sin (Heb. 3:13). Five hundred posts! This milestone marks a diligence of many facets. It is one of growth, honesty, mutual encouragement, and grace. Most importantly though, it is a beautiful expression of your greatest desire — to know and glorify Him in this life before meeting Him face-to-face in the next.

I don’t know if it is possible to pick a favorite post, because they are all so fabulous. But, if I have to choose, I think I would pick the 2 that Susan posted about today. This was actually the first time I read either of these. I don’t know how I missed them as I usually check your blog every day like clockwork. Check email, check facebook, check bank account, check gracelaced. (Hmm…What does it say about me that I check facebook before my bank account? Ha!) Anyway, I love them because I was moved to tears by both. Tears in the first, because your determination to share what God is teaching you whether tidy or messy met me with a much needed hug today, and tears in the second because I was laughing so hard at the antics of those sweet boys of yours.

Congratulations and Godspeed in the next 500! Love you!

Haley

I’ve avoided commenting all week because I’m still trying to come up with my favorite post of yours, but between my indecisive tendencies and your many gifts and talents I can’t pick just one!

I think my favorite favorite thing about your blog in each and every post is the authenticity and vulnerability with which you share. I love your HEART and the way it shines through in each time you write. If it helps you gauge your goals for this blog at all, I really think you capture God’s grace beautifully from your art, to your child-rearing, to the way you encourage us women to inhabit a quiet and gentle spirit before the lord. It is truly a place laced with grace (and don’t make fun of me for rhyming here! ha) If you can take that seriously at all, please do:)

On my favorites list, I love your rearranging/repurposing around the home posts, your yummy recipes, your most raw moments when you’re wrestling with God’s truth in your life, and still, forever and ever, will LOVE the post when you first shot a gun. I know you and Troy well enough that it just killed me to see the pictures and thinking bubbles in that one. All in all, thanks for being raw when it hurts, messy when it’s uncomfortable, and encouraging when maybe you’re the one needing encouragement. Love you!

THANK YOU, for your faithful service onto the Lord.

Also, you are so kind to visit your readers’ blogs. I was so honored when I saw your comments! =)

fav post? i loved reading “50 Simple Everyday Pleasures”. It made me want to seek beauty and pleasures in my own little world. You inspired this post.
http://waitinginthewaters.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-capsule.html