It feels like yesterday, 14 year old me hitting "publish" on Run the Race for the very first time. I launched the blog with so much hope and excitement, but mainly gratitude that I now had a platform to share all that the Lord has taught me. And to this day, the blog is my passion project, a piece of my life that I cherish and invest in, because little me would be so thrilled to hear that I've been writing for four years now.

I'm amazed that the Lord has sustained me and provided for Run the Race, continuing to open the door for me to keep on writing, even when I was discouraged and weary. I truly believe that every post on the blog has a purpose, even if only for myself instead of someone else, because I now have a precious documentation of how the Lord has been teaching, challenging me, and encouraging me through some of the biggest milestones and hardest seasons of my life. I've been able to enounter the Holy Spirit in priceless, intimate ways, as He spoke through me, fingers frantically typing on the keyboard. The blog has been a vessel of so much healing, hope, and conviction in my personal walk with God, and I pray that it is for yours, too.

This feels like a special year of celebration because I've begun to see God slowly, but surely, bless the outreach of the blog. My monthly post views have been gradually climbing, not to massive amounts in the eyes of the world, but a powerful reminder to me that God is always working, even if it's hard to see, and even if it's not in our timing. I'm encouraged by the fact that God is never done, never done coordinating details behind the scene, and I'm hopeful for what the Lord will continue to do.

I'm so grateful for each person who has read the blog and shared words of encouragement with me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and time reading my posts each week. It means more than you know, and I pray for each person behind the screen. I pray that Run the Race is a tool to help you grow in your walk with the Lord, a place of encouragement and vulnerability. And I pray giving you a glimpse into my heart and what I'm learning with God would remind you that you're never alone, and that while the Christian walk isn't always easy, it's so worth it.

I'd also love to invite your feedback on the blog! What did you like, what didn't you like, what do you hope to see more of in this next year? Your insight would be tramendously helpful as I move forward, and I'd truly love to hear from you and any topic or post recommendations you may have. You can leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or email me at runtheraceblog@gmail.com!

Looking back, I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done, and looking forward, I'm excited to see what He will continue to do. Thank you for joining me on this journey. :) God is good, friends, and He's not done working in my life, or yours, just yet!

And, just a heads up: I will be taking a break from posting for the month of July! This is the first break I've taken since starting, and I'm hoping to use the time to rest up and refresh all my writing juices. :) Thank you for your understanding! I can't wait to catch back up in August!