Posted on by Amanda Joy Beguerie

Happy Anniversary, Scattered Journal Pages + a Giveaway

Happy Anniversary, Scattered Journal Pages + a Giveaway.png

 

Wow.

 

I can’t believe it’s been two years since the inception of this blog; two long years, yet it feels like a blink to me.

 

Looking back on old posts today was nostalgic and slightly embarrassing as I read over the awkwardly-crafted words – but it reminded me of the adventure I’ve been on since 2015.

 

I’ve learned so much just by going for it. By living. By trying new things, like starting a blog when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

 

I’ve learned that people connect with honesty, vulnerability, and openness, instead of someone trying too hard to be funny.

 

I’ve learned how important it is to listen – not just talk.

I’ve learned that living with the mindset of, “What’s right for today?” is so much more fulfilling than trying to map out my future exactly – because it causes me to trust in the Holy Spirit’s leading, and not just my own.

 

I’ve learned that adventures are everywhere. Adventures mean new and sometimes terrifying things; difficult things; worth-it things.

 

And I’ve learned that as much as it’s important to say no to things, our yeses are just as important – saying yes to the right adventures.

 

I’ve learned that God’s grace truly is sufficient, even in my frailty and imperfection.

 

I’ve learned that none of us are ever hopeless.

 

And I’ve learned that rest is good, even if it means I take blogging breaks here and there to keep me refreshed.

 

Over these past years, I’ve amassed over 200 posts, over 30,000 views, and over 1,000 followers. Wow. You guys are amazing.

 

And to celebrate, I’d like to give away some gifts I thought would be fitting for the occasion.

 

A white and gold journal, that says, “Say Yes to New Adventures” on the front cover with a gold pen (not shown).

say-yes-to-new-adventures
Photo credit: x

 

A handlettered original blue-gray art piece that says “God’s grace is sufficient for you.”

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It’s splattered with watercolors, with a quote themed around what I talk about most here.

 

And I’d love for you to have them. Enter to win below!

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

And if you haven’t taken my annual survey, click here to do so! I’d love your feedback.

 

Some Announcements

 

It’s been a great year, friends. I’ve learned and grown so much – and I’ve decided to make some changes.

 

One, I’m stopping Book Thursdays and book-related promotion altogether. I got a survey response about this, and I was relieved immensely, because I’ve been feeling for a while that it doesn’t quite fit with the theme of my blog. It worked for 2015 and 2016, but it’s time to move on, and it’s alright.

 

Two, I’m considering redesigning, but not just yet. I’d like to design a little more professionally, so when I have the time and energy to do so, I may.

 

Three, I’m now writing for BURNING YOUTH! Here’s a link to my latest post – titled, ‘Created to Love,” and I’m so excited to see where things go with that new opportunity.

 

Thank YOU, so much for reading. Truly, it means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see what new and beautiful things happen this year.

 

aj
*aj

51 Replies to “Happy Anniversary, Scattered Journal Pages + a Giveaway”

  1. Your writing is so sweet, Amanda, and it always encourages and refreshes me!

    Adventure is one of my new favorite things! One of my favorites from the past year was APEX! 🙂

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  2. Congratulations, Amanda!!!! Your dedication, perseverance, and love for what you write and who you write for are are incredible. And that’s exciting that you’re writing for Burning Youth! 😀 ❤

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  6. Yay for you Amanda! That’s awesome that you’ve been able to do this for two years!
    Here’s to More adventures and taking life in stride, letting God wreck our world and turn it to something even better!
    God bless your third year here!
    -Faith

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  7. Wow. Two amazing years of encouraging posts. I can only say how sad I am that I missed some of them… (I think I may have joined you sometime last year? Goodness, time has gone by fast!) However, I look forward to more posts from you in the future. 🙂 Can’t wait to be with you through future adventures.
    Good luck on the new design…I know those can be a pain to do. -_-

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  8. Your blog has been a blessing, Amanda. ❤ It's encouraging and inspiring not only to hear your insights, but to know that a young person like myself is being brave for Christ even through blogging. You have a spiritual maturity far beyond your years.

    I absolutely cannot wait to read more in coming years!

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  9. Happy blogiversary, Twinsie! I love your giveaway picks. 😉 Let’s see…Some adventures I’ve said yes to in the past year:
    * Nova Scotia!
    * Making new friends
    * Roller coasters with a certain Twinsie and her family 😉
    * Leading an Empower group ❤

    Here's to many more adventures to come!

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    1. Thank youuuuuu!
      *JUST SAYING THAT THIRD ADVENTURE WAS PRETTY SPECTACULAR RIGHT THERE 😉 AS IS THE FOURTH
      (And the first too! I love seeing you travel & help people everywhere from your hometown to Canada to Europe. ☺)
      Yay for these beautiful adventures!

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  10. Happy Blogiversary! I am attempting to learn to sew and learn sign language. I am also trying to refresh my Italian. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Marilyn

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  12. Happy Blog-Anniversary, Mandy! ❤

    Even though I haven't been so active on here reading or commenting, your blog has helped me in so many ways. Keep writing; we all love you 😀

    SO, an adventure I've said yes to or would like to say yes to… probably that I'm trying to finish my book. Does that count as an adventure? XD

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    1. Hann! Hi!
      No worries, sweet friend. Thank you so very much. (And I can totally understand about not reading – many of my own favorite blogs I fail to read, hah…)
      That’s so exciting! Congratulations on working on that awesome book!

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  13. Happy Blogiversary, Amanda!!! Although I only discovered your blog sometime last year, I can honestly say it has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. Your posts are always so full of inspiration, and have truly helped me grow as a Christian!

    As for some adventures I’ve said yes to this past year… Well…
    ~ Participating in Camp NaNoWriMo and winning with over 50 thousand words in one month
    ~Helping out with my church’s Vacation Bible School. (I got to help out with the Pre K’s. [They were a handful])
    ~Starting Smudged Thoughts (!!!!!!)
    ~Riding the Millenium Force at Cedar Point (I’m including this, because up until that Cedar Point trip, I was TERRIFIED of coasters)
    ~ Writing Another 50 thousand words for November’s NaNoWriMo

    Congratulations again on two years!!! That is seriously epic!!

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  16. Happy Anniversary, Amanda! I really enjoy reading your blog, and I look forward to how God will use it this next year. =)

    As for adventures… I think the biggest one I took on this past year was writing a book. =)

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  17. Oh my goodness that is so amazing, Amanda! I do just simply adore all your posts, considering that they come right baout when I need them. I guess I never comment, but I always read them!

    I entered your giveaway! I don’t have twitter, though… So can I maybe write a post on my blog about this giveaway instead of a post on Twitter?

    ALSO, I do designs for free. So if you want a design, check out my page! https://thedepthofmyfaith.wordpress.com/design/ I’m trying to save some money for a mission trip, though, so any donations are appreciated along with the design!
    Happy birthday, SJP!!!

    – Allie, luke 10:2

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    1. You’re so kind, Allie! Thank you for your support. 😉
      You’re absolutely welcome to write a post about it instead! Definitely. That’s sweet.
      Thank you for telling me about your designing! I’ll check it out!

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  21. First of all–I just found your blog through one of my friends blogs, and I LOVE what I see! I followed and look forward to getting your future posts in my reader :).

    One adventure I’ve said yes to so far is starting a Bible journal! It’s not that big or exciting. But I’ve wanted to Bible journal for months now and this year I finally started one! And I’ve loved it tremendously.

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  23. One adventure I’ve started this year is putting my focus more on God and less on guys. I read the book “Before You Meet Prince Charming” and it really helped me so far. I’m trying to keep my mind pure of thoughts that could be sinful.

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  24. Hi! I’m new to your blog and I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read on your posts. This year, so far, I’ve been putting God first more than I used to. Sometimes it can be hard, especially because I want everything to be all about me, but I know that making God my #1 priority is life changing. For the good. 🙂

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