In one year of blogging, I have learned so much more than I was ever expecting. I share about those lessons in “Top 10 Things I've Learned in my First year of Blogging”. One thing I didn’t mention in that post, but was still impactful was the fact that my favorite posts weren’t the same as the Fan Favorites. I was really surprised by this!

This post was actually inspired by Modern Mrs Darcy’s “My 10 favorite posts of 2018.” Author, Blogger and Podcaster, Anne Bogel, wrote, “...I’m sharing my favorite posts of the year, and as you can see, that isn’t the same thing as “popular.” Her post was very motivational to a first time blogger who didn’t receive as many likes on some of the more vulnerable, emotional, and passionate posts. I enjoyed reading Anne Bogels opinion of her posts and the why behind them, so I figured I would share mine.

5. 4 Tips For When You Don’t Feel Like Loving Your Spouse

Originally, I wanted to title this post “Love Keeps No Records of Wrongs”, but because of SEO… I decided against it. This post was written in the middle of an emotional storm. Something David had said had really angered me and it took everything in my power (and the Holy Spirits) not to curse him out. I don’t remember exactly what the argument was about, but I remember walking around my deployment site trying to calm down. I put on some worship music in hopes that my anger would dissipate, but instead I found myself pulling out my phone and writing in the notes app what would become “4 Tips For When you Don’t Feel Like Loving Your Spouse”. I love this post because in the heat of an argument, God reminded my of my failings and how He has called us to love others.

4. 5 Must Read Tips For When You Feel Unsupported By Your Husband

Another vulnerable and emotional piece where my husband makes an appearance. Writing in and of itself is terrifying, but writing about your marriage… that takes it to a whole new level. I never want people to look at my husband and think ill of him, but just as I am a human, so is he. Our humanity/our sinfulness creates issues between us, but these issues are what grow us to be better people. This post allowed me to reflect on my husbands comment for the blog being a fad. As hurtful and frustrating as it was, it motivated me to push through even when blogging becomes tiring. Do you ever feel like your spouse isn’t supporting you? If so, check out this post.

3. A Letter To My Daughter On Her Second Birthday

I loved writing this letter to my daughter. Inspired by a comment from a caregiver on Natalie’s bossiness, I reflected on my own journey towards leadership and the struggles that Natalie will most likely encounter in the future. My goal was simply to encourage her (and momma’s of girls) to continue to speak up for justice, to not apologize unless it is necessary, to keep challenging herself and to be the kind of woman to encourage other women.

2. Why We Should All Embrace Femininity

Probably one of the more political/controversial posts on the blog, I LOVED every second of writing this one. Very rarely have I found myself at a computer hastily typing away my thoughts and opinion. When it was all said and done, this post sat in my drafts folder for over 6 months because frankly, I was scared of what people would think. But I’m sick of hiding from my opinions and beliefs. I’m tired of censoring what I write for fear of offending someone. And so this post/series was born and published.

“You don't want to disappoint anybody, but you know, you lose your voice by trying to please everyone.” - Diego Luna

1. Our Children Are On Loan From God

I believe this was the very first post I actually wrote but it wasn’t for A Faithful Step. Instead, I wrote this post as a guest submission for Risen Motherhood. I was a bit deflated when I realized it wasn’t accepted, but took it as God’s will that it wasn’t meant to be. Again, this post is overflowing with vulnerability and emotions of having to leave my daughter behind on deployment. God used this post to speak to me and I am forever thankful for that.

Are you surprised by any of these posts or the stories behind them? What would you have put on the list?