Blessed Guest - Lynnette

We share the same last name, but we're not related, at least not genetically. Spiritually we are sisters. We share the same Father GOD and the same love of family. She is a published author who has written about the heartache of losing a child. Not the journey any of us would ask the Lord to take us on, but one she walks daily with her husband and her Jesus.

You can't go to her blog and not feel His love shine through. Her words are those of a mother's heart, maybe that's why I keep going back. I understand her love. I understand her joy. And, hidden in the deepest parts of my heart, I fear her pain.

She invites us in and we peek behind the curtain of her life. Curious to see a woman whose faith fuels her days. Her spiritual resume reads more like Job, but her blog reads more like the life of Mary, choosing the better part, she sits at His feet and I am better for it.

I've had the privilege of reading Lynnette's book, In His Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me. For those who have experienced the loss of a child, or if you know of someone who has been given that cross to bear, her book would be a beautiful, encouraging, faith-filled gift.

Would you please give a big round of comments for today's Blessed Guest, Lynnette from Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground.

Welcome to Blessed... I'm am so happy you could stop by. Your blog has touched the hearts of many in the world wide web, mine included. I'm so happy you're here to share a little bit about yourself today!

And I'm happy to share about me and my blog. Thank you for inviting me Joanne.

Why did you begin blogging?

I began blogging because 1,001 Ways to Market Your Book told me to! Seriously, that is why I started - since I do have a book that I wanted to market, but boy was I in for a treat! I found blogging to be delightful! You could definitely call me a "Blog Addict", but I don't plan to go to Blogaholics Anonymous because I don't want to get over this addiction.

What do you/ don't you love about it?

I love everything about it! I love that I've met such wonderful people (including you Joanne!), and I love that I've been able to meet people who have lost children and loved ones, because it's given me opportunity to share hope with them. I love making people laugh. Blogging is a wonderful place to be creative and knowing I have a blog to share my life inspires me to live a more exciting one.

Well, there is one thing that I don't like. I don't like that I can't sit on my computer all day and pop around to visit all of the wonderful people who follow me, but when you're home with six other people all day (seven when Kyle's home from work), sitting on the computer all day is... not... possible. Darn! (And besides, I get tired of the computer. It freaks my eyes out after a while).

What has surprised you the most about blogging?

I'm surprised that people follow me! I thought I'd never have more than a few followers and when they came, they came fast! I feel blessed, privileged and yes, quite surprised that people find my life interesting.

Bloggers are usually writers. Do you write anywhere else or for anyone else?

I do write. In fact, I wrote a book, In Faithfulness, He Afflicted Me - It is my personal story. God has allowed a lot of loss in my life - in fact, three of my children. Samuel died at 13 days old, Josiah died at 5 days old and Anna died at 6 1/2 years old. Through my losses God's love, compassion and peace overwhelmed me. My book is really a story about how He worked in my life. He's the hero of my story.

I'm also writing another book, but I haven't revealed what it's about yet. You'll have to follow my blog to hear details as they come. I will say that it's an exciting true story that is amazing evidence of God being at work in our lives - even when we are unaware. I'm handing out clues on my blog and I know my readers are going crazy, but all in due time...

Do you use your blog for your ministry?

Absolutely! I attempt to give hope to grieving parents. I love to spread joy (usually by being a bit of a spaz). I enjoy supporting others in their ministries and love to see Christians working together.

One of the main purposes of my blog is to connect bloggers. I have a weekly Getting to know YOU event where I feature blogs and while this might not seem like a ministry, it actually is. I hear stories all the time about how I sent people their way at just the right time - and I love hearing that. Feels good to be used by God to encourage others.

Who are a few of your favorite blogs to read?

I hate to say because I don't want to leave anybody out. Well, how about if I share the blogs of my mom and children? That'd be okay right? And besides, they ARE my absolute favorite blogs.

Jared - The Traveler

Abigail - Rear Window

My Momma - Truthful Tidbits

Cecily and Silas have blogs too, but so far they are private - until they get a little better at it.


Have you ever met your blog-friends in person? If so, which ones?

I do have some local friends who follow my blog, but I know that's not what you meant. I haven't met any in real life YET. I'm having a Chum Gathering in June. It'll be a big bash at my home with a live band, good food and best of all FELLOWSHIP! Oh and by the way, "Chums" is the term of endearment I've given my followers. It makes me think of Anne and Gilbert on Anne of Green Gables.


Who has made the biggest impact on your life?

Jesus. Simply Jesus. I would be NOTHING without him. He's not only changed me through and through, but he's given me eternal hope. I can't wait to go and give him a big huge hug and kiss in heaven. After that, I'll fall down at his feet and worship him.


Do you have a favorite scripture?

Lots of them! One that stands out to me as I type this though is, "Call unto me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3

That verse EXCITES me. It's like God has surprises for us, and I love surprises!


What would surprise us about you?

If you read my blog, probably nothing. I don't hide anything about myself. I reveal the Good, Bad and The Ugly. But, it did just dawn on me that people might not know that I sing opera - well, silly like, but I'm actually quite good. (HA!) Oh, and my readers were a little surprised when I told them that I loved dreadlocks. I do. I love them!


What's your favorite flavored potato chip?

Oh, potato chips are so bad for me! I try not to eat them very often, but when I do I prefer Natural Lays. They are pretty darn good and I love salt! (Redmond Sea Salt is my fave)


Favorite thing to do with your family?

We love to watch movies together, but I'd say that my favorite thing to do together would be to go on vacation. We try to go somewhere (usually Branson, MO), every year.



What book is on your nightstand right now?

Bunny My Honey by Anita Jeram I read it to Harrison every day. He has it memorized.



Last food you ate?

I'm eating a Cinnamon Roll as I type up these answers. A sticky, gooey, homemade cinnamon roll. Yum! And yes, I made them. Aren't you proud of me? I used to be in the Cinnamon Roll business, selling them to my husband's co-workers, but I quit. He kept me too busy.


When was the last time you played the air guitar?

I played on my blog a few months ago - Juke Box Hero. Quite fun.


Thank you for being my Blessed Guest today Lynnette.

It was my pleasure! Answering interview questions is easy! My next project is a devotional for Lindsay and that's going to take a bit more out of me, but worthy work! Thanks for reading! I hope I made you smile.
Now, come and visit my blog!