Tuesday, September 3, 2013

A Look Back (and giveaway!)

Well, this is the 100th post on Jewels of Jesus, and we thought it might be nice to have a small giveaway. First, though, we’ll have a look back.

God has been very good to us this past year. Almost exactly a year ago (it will be a year on the 13th), He led us to start this blog. At that time, there were just two writers—Tiffany, and myself. A lot has changed since we started this new venture, there has been some sad points, but over all God has ruled with grace and love.

A brief outline of JOJ’s history:
  1. The first magazine was published in September, 2011.
  2. We had published two more by June 2012, and then in September 2012 we started this blog.
  3. On September 13th, Tiffany posted the first post.
  4. Posting on here continued fairly sporadically until December 2012, when we asked for writers and Rachel joined our team (I really don’t know why I didn’t announce her myself…oh well. :)). After Rachel came along, she was able to hold up the posting part very well. I was very thankful for that! :)
  5. Near the end of June, Tiffany decided to leave. That left two writers/editors—Rachel and me.
  6. At that time, we asked for more writers. And, praise the Lord, you were there! I’d have to say—I’m feeling very blessed right now.
  7. Currently, there are three writers besides Rachel and myself. We have started a small Google Group, where we can write, edit each other’s writings, and encourage each other. (If you want to join, we’d be very happy to have you with us, but don’t feel pressured in any way!)
Now, almost a year after starting this blog, we’re amazed at how God has worked. And very blessed, too. So we’d like to share with you some blessing, too!

Rachel and I have both picked out a book, and we will give them away to two winners. One will get Rachel’s book, and one will get mine.

I’ve chosen Twice Freed, a book by Patricia St John about the slave Onesimus. I’ve never read the book myself, but Mum has and really, really liked it. I’ve read other Patricia St John books though, and they’re all excellent.

Rachel has chosen a surprise book. Well, to actually tell you the truth she hasn’t chosen one yet—she has several choices, and she’s having a hard time deciding. So the winner of her book will get a surprise. :)

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. For those who were wondering—yes, this giveaway IS open to international entries.


The giveaway will close at 12 am NZT on the 11th of September, and we will announce the winner as soon as possible.

Once again, we’d like to thank all of you for your support this last year. Thank you so much for praying for us, and sending us words of encouragement. May the Lord bless each one of you!

Esther, for the JOJ team.

17 comments:

  1. I have really enjoyed reading your blog :) It is a great blessing to me!

    The Lord has blessed me many ways this week! One of the ways He has blessed me is being able to go read with different ladies at the nursing home!! It is such a great blessing to read with the ladies there and share verses with them!

    Because of HIM!
    Carissa

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  2. Thanks for sharing, Carissa! And thanks for entering! :D

    All- I'm thinking I will be giving away a book about a hero of the faith, FYI. Not decided on for sure, but I'm leaning towards that =D

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  3. I'm having trouble getting it to work on my email.... I'll try again later! :)

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  4. Oh, no! I hope you get your email to work, Eden!

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  5. What fun!
    How has Jesus blessed us this week? He has given us SO many apples! We just picked 6 bushels up off of the GROUND! :D And I know there's got to be another 4 in the tree :D

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  6. Ok... I got the email to work!'


    Wow... The Lord has blessed us with so much.... not to steal Jessica's thunder, ;) But He has blessed us with apples and plums from our trees. He's also blessed us with laying chickens, wonderful fellowship, and so much more! :)

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  7. Well, we have been blessed with the most wonderful sunny weather!

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  8. I have really enjoyed reading your blog, and I have been very impressed by your heart for God, and your desire to glorify Him above all.

    God blessed me this week with a wonderful trip to Colorado. I enjoyed a wonderful time with family, and was so blessed by be holding God's wonderful creation, and being able to ride on a horse as well.

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  9. Ooh!! I love giveaways!!!

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  10. The Lord has blessed me this week by encouraging me with many verses from His Word! It is *so* rich, and there are so many things we can learn from it!

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway!!

    -Bethany

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  11. Jesus has blessed me with an amazing homeschooling mom!!!!

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  12. Jesus has blessed me in many ways...I got to spend a few days with my best friend (Cosette Holmes)for her birthday, I went back to work and though it was hectic, I realized again what an amazing and wonderful job I have (Kitchen coordinator, at the local Christian school), and I have spent some quality time with my wonderful family after my little jaunt South to visit Cosette!
    God is so wonderful...thank You, Lord, for Your blessings on me!!

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  13. I have never visited this blog before but it looks wonderful. I can't wait to see more!

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  14. Thank you for stopping by and your comment, Christianna! :) I'm curious - where did you hear of JOJ? God bless you!

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  16. I just found your blog today! It is soo cool!!! :D I'm going to follow it as soon as I get done entering this giveaway!=)

    God has blessed me this past week with beautiful weather, friends, family, the freedom to worship him freely, food on the table, the Bible, and soo much more!!!
    -Latisha from, girlsfojesusmagazine.blogspot.com

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  17. Thank you all so much for entering! Esther and I will be announcing the winners shortly! :)

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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”Colossians 3:17 (NIV)