8 Years of Blogging

WordPress have congratulated me for blogging for 8 years today.

What. A. Journey.

I thought I’d do a little interview with myself for those who don’t know much about this little space of mine. I hope it doesn’t come across as narcissistic…

How did this blog start?

To think that I started this blog to write about my cancer diagnosis and treatment seems hard to believe. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in January 2011 which would then start a journey of a clinical trial, chemotherapy and a teenager making sense of this diagnosis in the middle of university.

At the heart of my writing, primarily I have always wanted a way to share my hope in Jesus with the readers who click here. That hasn’t changed in 8 years. The blog was originally called ‘Ruthie’s Journey’ before I re-named it ‘The Mustard Seed’ to remind me that faith, even when it seems small, can do big things and it can grow and others can rest there. I hope that if this blog grows, it will bring people closer in their walk with Jesus.

How has this blog changed since then?

This blog has evolved as I have sought to engage with different people in different ways from book reviews, interviews and articles to appearing on other blogs and websites. My tagline is ‘To Know Christ More – To Make Christ Known’ and this is what this blog aims to do. As I grow in my relationship with Jesus, I hope that will flow into the words of this website. Through it all, I share my hope with the world as I pray readers will seek and encounter Christ afresh for themselves.

Where will this blog be in 8 years?

I was recently asked where I see myself in five years time and I really just want to be in closer communion to Jesus. Life has a funny way of throwing all sorts at you – it is exciting, unpredictable, emotional and much, much more, but that is why I hope to press into Jesus more. He is the Rock who is unchanging from generation to generation. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If this blog or anything that I write will be a part of declaring His glory, then praise God for that!

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Getting creative with words, topics and ideas. It’s great to see a post come together after it has been floating around in my head. I also love the community of those who write and/or read blogs and how they interact online, whether through the blog or on social media. It’s a wonderful way to connect and engage.

Are there any aspects of blogging that you don’t enjoy?

It’s very easy to compare myself with other bloggers which can be tough, but it really is apples and oranges. There is plenty of space on the web for all of us! We all contribute in different ways. Statistics, shares, comments, likes and the rest (especially on social media) can play a part in how I think of my writing which it really shouldn’t. I write because I love to write. It’s always a blessing if something I write resonates with a reader. But blog promotion is part of the process and we can’t enjoy every part of it can we? 🙂

What are some of your most memorable posts?

For me, my most memorable posts are the earliest ones where I document my treatment. I have forgotten quite a lot of what I experienced – that is why journals are so helpful. Looking back over where I was as a 19 year old (with my young writer voice) to where I am today is quite emotional. To look back at those trips to the hospital brings it all back and to see how God has been with me through it all is something amazing to reflect upon. Here are some of the posts that are extra special to me from my earlier days:

• Bruce Almighty
• ABVD (Another Brave Victorious Day)
• Moving with the Message
• The Verse That Got Me Through and Gets Me Through
• Identity

Thank you to every single reader who has taken the time to read my blog this last 8 years. It is a wonderful thing to be able to journey with you and I hope that it is one that we can continue to walk together.