Last week, Brown Sugar Toast quietly celebrated its eighth year of existence.

Eight years is a long time in the blogging world. Basically, I think it means I’ve reached grandmother status. I’m even succeeding in the white hair department which makes the accomplishment feel a bit more authentic.

A lot has changed in 8 years—I’ve moved to 3 homes,
2 states (Virginia and New Hampshire),
had 3 more kiddos (birth stories here if you enjoy that sort of thing like I do: Nate, Miles, and Karis).
and managed to see my husband start and finish his Ph.D. (& all the people said Amen.)

But through all these changes, I’ve continued writing—and my blog reflects the changes of its author. When I first began writing, I aimed to share a recipe and some sort of craft tutorial each week. (This Valentine’s Day wreath is still one of my most popular posts as are my pizza dough and freezable burrito recipes with absolutely terrible pictures. you are welcome for that warning.)

Somewhere along the way, I had a couple revelations: I rarely create new recipes and prefer to use ones other people have already worked the kinks out of, and I don’t really enjoy crafts unless they serve a specific purpose.

But! I do enjoy thinking. And I enjoy processing my thoughts by writing. And, wonder of wonders, it seems like God can actually use this interest of mine to encourage others closer to him! It’s like God knew what he was doing when he gave me my specific desires, talents, and burdens. Imagine that!

In 15 days, my book will release into the world, and I know that you—yes, YOU—had a major part in this book coming to life. That’s why I mention you (my blog readers) in the Acknowledgements/Thanks section at the beginning of Come to Jesus.

But I want to thank you now too. In case you don’t read my book.
Or in case you read my book, but skip the acknowledgments section like I sometimes do.

Thank you to every single one who has read, liked, commented, shared, clicked, e-mailed, pinned, and tweeted. (Did I miss one? They’ll probably invent a new one by the time this is published.)

I am so grateful for your part here. So many of you have encouraged my heart with testimonies of how the Lord has used the posts on this site to encourage you closer to Christ.

All glory to Jesus Christ, who is able to use sinful humans to glorify his name. May we be faithful stewards of the gifts he’s given us to point the hearts of others to our worthy Creator and Savior.

Gratefully,
Christa