Anniversary Time

It’s been a full year since the launch of WLF.

A year ago I made a decision that changed my life. I launched this blog. Now, 12 months later, I think it’s only fair that you as a reader know why I did it. Where did everything begin?

My Writing Backstory.

I’ve always loved writing, dating back to as far as I can remember. At the beginning of Middle School, I started writing longer works of fiction, and eventually a 100,000-word novel.

Yet I didn’t feel fulfilled. I wanted to do something with my life that glorified God. I wanted a way to reflect Him with my writing. That led to the creation of my email list a few years ago. Initially, I planned to use it to share my fiction writing with friends and family.

As I sent out more and more emails, I started to get lots of feedback. I was surprised to learn that people preferred the non-fiction, faith-based sections of my emails more than the fiction parts. Time and time again people suggested creating a blog to share the words God was inspiring me to write with others.

So after months of research, designing, praying, and prepping, I did it. Writing, Life, Faith became a reality. Yes, it was scary putting myself out there. What if people didn’t like my posts, or sent unkind comments? Then I remembered that this wasn’t my blog – it was God’s. Everything was in His hands.

I realized that if you’re struggling to start something, the best way to overcome that fear is to just do it. You won’t regret it. I haven’t.

Year One.

At first, my site wasn’t even WritingLifeFaith.com. It was samueljameswriting.wordpress.com (I know it’s a mouthful). As the months went by and people began visiting the blog, I realized it couldn’t stay this way. At the end of 2023, I bought a domain, officially registering my website.

After this, it only continued to grow. God showed me more of His vision, and I continued to refine the layout and design. I shared the link with friends, overhauled the original site template, and spent hours studying what makes a good website.

In March, I submitted my first article to The Rebelution, and was published a month later. This drew in more views and subscribers, so I submitted another article and had it published in July. Again, this led to some new readers.

Now.

Over this past year, I’ve seen so much growth in both my walk with Jesus and my skill as a writer. God has shown me that trusting Him will produce amazing results. It’s because of Him that I’ve written a post every week for a year, even when I was busy. It’s because of Him that more and more people are seeing the words He’s led me to write.

Hearing the feedback I’ve received as a result of my writing is such a blessing, and I’m honoured that God can use my gifts to help and inspire others. It’s truly wonderful the impact words can have.

The Future.

I know God has plans for WLF going forward, and I hope you’ll be there to see it. I’m not sure what the year will hold, but I will continue to follow His plan regardless. If you have suggestions on what I should write about, or what I can improve, please let me know! I welcome your feedback.

Next week I plan to begin a new series called Fallacy, which will last throughout the autumn season. Each week I’m going to break down a lie the devil tries to throw at us and reveal God’s truth.

Please keep in mind, I’m not a theologian, and this isn’t meant to be a deep dive into apologetics. This is me saying what God wants me to say about a topic, and giving you my spin on things. I look forward to hearing your feedback, and I pray God will use these posts to help you grow. I don’t have perfect answers by any means, but I promise I’ll give you my best.

Thank You!

Without you, Writing, Life, Faith couldn’t exist. Without readers, what’s the point of this blog? It’s because of you that I can do what I do, and for that, I’m very grateful. God calls all of us to do things for a reason, and He’s called me to use this blog to glorify Him. No matter what happens this next year, that’s what I’m going to do. I pray you have the same mindset about whatever God has asked you to do.

Throughout the last 12 months, God has helped me in countless ways. It’s my deepest desire that He does the same for you. WLF has taught me that when you dare to do something, when you stick with it, and when you keep striving to be better, great things will happen. I hope these are words you’ll keep in mind on your journey, whether you’re a writer or not. You’ve got this!

Until next week, God bless!

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”