Update: The comments on this post are now closed, along with the window of opportunity to enter this giveaway. A winner will be announced shortly! Stay tuned…
I am totally writing this post on the fly — not something I do usually but why not? I should give something away or something.
Funny. I just realized about 5 minutes ago that a year ago today I posted my first "real" post here on BWA: How to Use Email Templates to Save Time. (It's also one of the posts I have gotten the most feedback on. Can't go wrong with showing people how to save some time it seems!)
I admit, back then, I sorta threw up a post in preparation for my How to Blog for Income series in which I planned to outline exactly how to start a blog from scratch. I have been AMAZED at how many people have expressed their gratitude for my step-by-step approach. Every time I get an email, comment, tweet or FB comment telling me how helpful this site has been, I'm over the moon. It's a great feeling.
Reflecting…
I must have known somewhere deep down that it's been about a year because I've found myself reflecting quite a bit lately about what has happened these last 12 months. (It might also have something to do with our taxes and the realization that I made a bona fide income last year — one that has helped our family immensely. I feel incredibly grateful.)
I'm also so very grateful for the many relationships I've built over the course of the year too. Wow. I don't know what to say…
Looking ahead…
There are huge changes ahead for my family and some pretty sizable decisions still to be made. Perhaps I'll share the details about all that when things are a little more clear, but for now, suffice it to say, we have been gripped by the idea that blogging — and the income earned from it — is not an end, but simply a means to an end. My husband and I are talking about quitting jobs, quitting schools, moving, and all sorts of exciting possibilities. In short, we want to live life living™. Not for ourselves and our bank account, but for something much bigger.
It is, but it ain't about the money!
I talk a lot about money on this blog and I'm not apologetic about that. I think there's honor in working hard and doing your best at whatever opportunity God puts in front of you, so long as your other important responsibilities are not neglected. (I'm the first to admit I have lacked balance at times over the last year in this area and I'm committed to changing that.)
There is no doubt about it, I have worked my hiney off the last year. And I will continue to work my hiney off as long as God allows.
I realize now that I started this blog with some good goals: finish fully funding our emergency fund (which we did) and pay off the mortgage (which we're working on). But there's a whole world out there with a lot of desperate people who need help right this minute — physically, financially, spiritually — and so now my blogging goals extend beyond my family's needs to the needs of the world.
We've been watching history unfold before our eyes the last few months. Technology has played no small part.
Basically I'm asking God this: "I know this blog can make a difference. But can it help change the world? How? Not for my glory, but for Yours."
What about you? How can you change the world? Or to put it another way, whose world can you change?
And hey! I think a giveaway is in order! Let's say $100.
Do you dream about making a difference in someone's life or in the world? We all have unique talents, gifts and abilities. We all have different circles of influence. We don't have to spark a revolution in the Middle East to make a huge impact. You've heard the starfish story, right?
How can you change someone's life? Or a lot of lives?
Leave your thoughts in the comments. You'll be entered to win a $100 gift card. I'll close comments in a week and then choose a random winner.
Go!
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
Congratulations on your blogiversary, Amy!
I've just been put on bed rest through the end of my pregnancy (boo), so I've been trying to come up with ways I can make a difference from my couch or bed. It's definitely something I'm not used to, but I know that I can still get some work done (thankfully) and pray for others, even if I can't actually physically help anyone out.
Hi Amy
I feel like while it is difficult (but not impossible) for one person to make a I've difference to the world webcam all do our part to improve someone's day. So I have set myself the goal of smiling at and looking into the eyes of everyone I interact with on a daily basis. So often we dont really see the people around us such as the neighbor we say hello to in the driveway or the cashier at the supermarket. Yet when there is a disaster such as has happened in Japan it's each other that we must rely on and work together with. I know it's not much but I like to think that if I can say hi to a stranger who may not see another friendly face that day then I have made one tiny and extremely easy step in improving their world.
I think the best way in the world to make a difference is to be a good parent and raise children who are informed and caring as they make their way through the world. We need to raise them not just to know right from wrong, but to have an appetite for life-long learning and to have the will to use what they learn to be productive and positive.
I can change people's lives by helping them! Right now, my blogging mission is to help parents become savvy shoppers. If I can convince one person that having a baby isn't expensive, then maybe THEY can convince the next person and suddenly everyone I know will be a savvy-shopping parent
Love your website! I just found it but glad I did. Thanks for all the great tips and lessons. They have helped me so much already.
Happy anniversary Amy! Your tips have been very helpful to us
Congratulations, Amy! I'm pondering those same questions and appreciate hearing you ask them. I created my website not quite a year ago. As a Lutheran school teacher, I wanted to create a website that would encourage other Lutheran school teachers. I pray that God uses me and my frugality to encourage others to live joyfully in their lives as well. God can use us in so many ways!
Hi Amy, I'm a newbie blogger. I'm also a mom, wife and grandmother. Right now the best way I feel I can change someone's life is to live out my purposes here and now. To me that means being a guide and leader by my example to my family with how I live my life. My grandmother had a hugh influence on my life and I rarely saw her as she lived in another state. I want to be that for my grandchildren.
Hi, I am a new blogger and just found your website from Money Saving Mom. Thanks in advance for all the info on helping us newbies! I hope to help people on their whole food journey by sharing great recipes and also by sharing how our family has changed our eating habits.
I think this is by far my favorite post I've read on your site. I love your perspective and your asking God how you can do something big with this opportunity. You definitely inspire.
I am starting small and hoping to grow with my blogging and writing. Like you, I need to strike a good balance because I have little girls who need most of my attention. And I change their life and world every day if I am able to parent from a calm, faith-filled place. But I believe that like you said, if we work hard with the opportunities that God provides us, he will provide more; and then the sphere of influence grows.
Thanks for what you do, Amy. Keep up the great work!
I recently heard a report that if every person in the US spent just $64 in 2011 on American made products, we could totally turn our economy and unemployment around in only a year. Prior to this I made a personal committment to buying American made, our country needs to get back on stable feet in order to help the rest of the world.
Happy Anniversary. Just looking over your site for the first time. Thanks for all the insightful info.
Happy Anniversary! Great learning tools here. Love it because I am all for learning new stuff.
congrats on your blogversary!!!
just found your blog and i hope to get some great information from it. so far so good!
I've never heard that story before – very sweet. I think my biggest impact is on my kids. As cliche as it sounds, I'm shaping so much of who they will be right now – what strengths they'll rely on, what insecurities they'll have, who they'll turn to when they're in trouble. I'm hoping to teach them explicitly and implicity about their creator and their purpose here on Earth.
Besides that, I love being able to use my blog to impact others in small ways that turn into big ways. Showing them how to save a few dollars today could turn into thousands next year and into an early retirement in 20 years. You just never know how the Lord will use you.
Thanks for the great inspiration story … and the giveaway
I want to show moms and families how to be self-reliant! Not an easy task, but we can do it with hard work, education, and resourcefulness. Stick to the task until it sticks to you!
Congrats on the blogiversary.
I hope to make a difference when I become a teacher. I'm currently a college student. I'm enrolled in a 5 year Master's of Education program going towards a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Social Studies with an Endorsement in Special Education. I think between the special education endorsement and history, I can really help out the future generations of America. I will try to be the one teacher that doesn't give up on my students while holding them to high standards. If nothing else, maybe my students will learn something.
Amy, First a "big" thank you for your blog. I just finished setting up mybusiness blog, and I couldn't have done it without you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
On a change the world note…we are passionate about advocating for orphans. We are parents to 5 daughters – soon to be 6. Three of our four daughters – adopted from China – need (needed) open-heart surgery upon joining our family. We love to show the love of Christ, in tangible ways, to His children around the world. Adoption is AMAZING! http://www.thehortonhome.blogspot.com
Happy A!
Would love to stir up the courage to give a blog a shot…just very hesitant and the lack of confidence is the prob. I do enjoy what you write and look forward to more from you!
I would love to encourage people through my writing. I have been trying to spend more time reflecting on blogging purpose since the first of the year. I am still trying to articulate it well. I know that I want God to use me, I just haven't pinpointed anything yet. I want to define and refine this year with my blog. I love your blog. I t has been so helpful. Thank you, Amy! Hope to meet you at Relevant.
Congratulations on the blogiversary! As well as a huge heart-felt thanks. You have, with your well-worded wisdom, opened my eyes to so much of the blogging world. I have always felt welcomed here and always left with the answers I was looking for. Thank you, Amy, for all your help!!
I feel that education is the key to so many of the world's problems. If the children in my little corner of the world could grow up to be literate… and they can… then why not all the children in all the corners of the world? Certainly, a full tummy doesn't hurt when learning, but learning to read can fill so much more of a person's soul… and I believe that is a difference I want to help make in the world, whether it's here at home or far abroad.
I started my blog with the idea that if I could help one person live a bit more comfortably within their income, I'd be happy. I know I've done that, so now I want to set my sights bigger.
I want to help people live within their means by providing them with the tools and knowledge that has allowed my own family to grow and prosper from within our income.
I think it's a beautiful thing when a family starts living a frugal lifestyle and learns just how fulfilling it can be to live within their means…so many don't even think that is a possibility nowadays. I want to change that thinking!
Thanks for all you do Amy!
Great post Amy- and congrats on your anniversary! I spend my time teaching women (and men) how to stretch their income, whether to combat unemployment or start socking away savings, by using basic techniques. I also speak to low-income groups at least twice per month and tell them how to efficiently shop sales, purchase ahead, and how to avoid marketing traps. I even teach a monthly low-income workshop designed to provide legitimate resources to work at home.
Oooo! I could TOTALLY use $100!
I hope to make a difference in the world by bringing up my children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) and by encouraging moms to make the most of their time at home with my blog.
Happy blogiversary, Amy!
I am trying to help others (and my family budget!) by blogging at http://www.derricksondish.wordpress.com and sharing how to save money everywhere: at the grocery, mall and online. I've found what I do to be helpful and I hope others do as well.
Congratulations, Amy!
I try to help others by showing them how they can spend less on groceries, trust God more and spend more time together as a family. I know that my greatest calling is raising my children to be who God has called them to be, and then they will make an even bigger difference in peoples' lives.
This weekend at church my preacher really brought this very concept into prospective. He asked a few questions like, "Would you be willing to give $100 of your vacation savings to help support a missionary? Would you be willing to donate the first 5 years of your retirement to volunteer? Would you be willing to give up cable and use the money you would have spent to support an organization?"
I am a person of limited means, but we have vacation savings set aside and I'm an able body. One of the reasons my second blog was created, 2 Teaching Mommies, was to make life a little easier on moms, but also to get my co-writers devotions out there. She has some good ones. Our hope, is that maybe people would follow our blog for the printables and lesson plans, but end up learning a little more about God.