Surprised by Blogging

Over a year ago my friend Taryn told me she was giving up reading blogs for Lent. I asked her, "What in the world is a blog and why would you need to give it up?" This was the beginning of my education in the world of cyber diaries. Since that time I have discovered many wonderful blogs as well as the temptation to read "just one more thing."


When John received the diagnosis of cancer metastasis one year ago, he had it in his heart to start a blog. He did start a blog and you can read his entries by clicking the link Married Bloggers on the right side bar here on The Fruitful Vine. John has not been able to write for some time, although he still has the desire to do so. He came to the computer this morning at 6am and tried to do some writing. He was not successful. When John started his blog I asked him if I could post a few photos on it and give an update on the family. He tried to say as kindly as he could, "Get your own blog." Thus the Fruitful Vine was born--- planted. He is so proud of me and this blog. He encourages everyone to read it saying, "The Lord is using it."


I have found blogging a great delight. Writing has been a great way to express my heart and pay attention to what the Lord is teaching me. I would write the blog for my own edification, but I am filled with delight when I hear that people read it. Only the Lord can transform something painful and withering into fruit and life for others. Praise the Lord. This blog has kept me from feeling lonely and isolated as much as that is possible.

I also recently found out that there is a way to make a hardcover book out of a blog. This is a dream come true for me, as this blog is one of the ways I hope to tell the children what this season of our lives was like.

Several things I have posted on the blog have turned difficult situations into pools of water. During the long, bitter Chicago winter I put this picture of our sliding glass door covered with ice.

Sleeping Two Inches from Ice

You can read the entire post here: http://margiefawcett.blogspot.com/search?q=The+Frozen+Chosen

A few weeks after I put the photo on my blog, I received an email that an anonymous donor was giving us a new sliding glass door. Can you imagine? It took several months to work out the details, but our new door was installed yesterday. Thanks be to God and thanks to the Icy Door Rescue Mission Team!

Sliding Glass Door Installation

The door is absolutely beautiful and glides open like a Spring Breeze. In this way we have received a gift straight from God thanks to the collaboration of his people somewhere in the world.

After a post about juicing organic vegetables we received a Gift Card to Whole Foods. After a post on enjoying pizza in the Cancer Center we received a Gift Card for Lou Malnati's!



Perhaps you'll remember the post around Easter when I said that John was exhorting me for "hoity-toitying" around with pagan celebration rites. That week I received this gift with a card that said, "For your hoity-toitying." I loved it.

Mints for my pillow

When I wrote the post about all of the wonderful things my in-laws did when they were here, I said something like, "Doesn't that bed look inviting? The only thing missing is the mint on the pillow." The next day this box of candy appeared on my doorstep with a note, "For your pillow." It makes me smile just thinking of it.

And so I thank you all for reading The Fruitful Vine. My friend Mark said to me yesterday, "I shouldn't read your blog during my first period study hall. The students are going to look up and see the tears rolling down my face!" We are grateful beyond expression for the way you all have held us in your hearts. Thank you.