Friday, July 18, 2014

Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.

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Yesterday, I mentioned I might have a fashion post this week showing off my Twice purchases. Well, you 'll never see that post. In fact, you won't see any more posts from me; I've decided to stop blogging.

When I announced in May that I was taking a blogging break, I had an inkling that it might be more than just the summer. And yet, I found myself missing the blog, starting drafts for the future, and even planning a redesign and transfer to WordPress. All the while, I've been praying about it and it's become more and more clear that God is calling me elsewhere. The blog had a time and a place and I truly believe that I (quite accidentally) fell into doing God's work on the Internet, but like most things in life, its season was relatively short and in order to move on to do what He is calling me to next, I must leave this behind.

In a week or two, I'll be setting this blog to private and closing down some of my social media accounts. It's a bittersweet thought.  On one hand, I'm looking forward to the simplicity it will bring, on the other, I'm a bit heartbroken to leave behind the community I have formed here.  Many of you have followed me and my family for years, offered me support and love, prayers and practical advice. I'm so grateful for all that this blog has brought me, including several friends I see "in real life" on a regular basis and my husband's job.  What blessings!  

I started this blog as a newlywed and now I'm the mother of a two year old (who is closer to three than two!) and just celebrated my fourth anniversary.  I don't know how my life would be different if I didn't have my blog through it all, but I know it would be drastically so, and probably for the worst.  More than anything, this blog has helped me connect to women who share my faith and helped me grow in my own.  It has challenged me to walk the walk. 

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that our desire to continue to try to grow our family in relative anonymity has affected our decision as well.  Our yearning for more children, our losses and grief have all been very public so far and I look forward to the journey in front of us being a bit more private, shared only with close friends and family.  If you feel called to continue to pray for us, we'd love your prayers.

I won't completely disappear. I still plan to write for Faith in All Times and Blessed Is She and perhaps a guest post for some of my dear blogger friends from time to time. I'm sure I'll still have thoughts to write and share but I'll just have to be more intentional about them in the small opportunities I'll have to share.  You'll also be able to find me on Facebook in The Catholic Brew.

So, this is it, my friends.  I'll be praying for you.  God bless.


13 comments:

  1. You will be missed! I've followed you for years! Take care, and good luck to you and everything the future brings :) God bless.

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  2. So sorry to hear your leaving. You and your family will be in my prayers. You will be missed

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  3. I'm sorry to see you go, Mandi. You were one of the first blogs that I started following. Best wishes for your future health and happiness. And I'll close with a reference to MASH, "Goodbye, Farewell, Amen."

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  4. Best of luck Mandi! I think you will be surprised at how quickly you'll adjust. And soon you'll think "how on earth did I EVER find time to blog???"

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  5. Best wishes to you and your family Mandi! I have really enjoyed reading your blog over the past few years. I will miss your thoughtful posts greatly! Thank you for sharing your life with us through your writing. You will remain in my prayers. Take care.

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  6. Oh, I'm sad to hear this but completely understand. I'm very glad you'll still be popping up every so often and thank you for the blessing that your writing has been to so many people. God bless this change for you and may He bless your family abundantly for your faithfulness. <3

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  7. I'm going to really miss your blog. You were one of the first Catholic Blogs I found when I first started blogging and I really hope we get to meet in-real-life one day :)

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  8. Sad to hear this, but so understandable! God bless you, Mandi!

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  9. I totally get this.
    Best wishes, Mandi!
    (And prayers...)

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  10. Can I suggest leaving it public, just no longer adding to it? Sometimes I go back and find things I have read before as reference. Or I have things of yours pinned and then I wouldn't be able to get back to it. There are still resources here that people can use. I have directed people here to find past articles. Just an idea.

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  11. Hi Mandi! I just found you maybe 2 weeks ago (thanks God!) and started reading from the very beginning. I really like your blog and shared thoughts/opinions. Now I just read to the very last posted post and I am sad to hear this. But I understand, really. But I also understand Amy and any other catholic girls/wives (this is also me myself...), because your blog is really rich in many looks. Why wouldn't you create new private blog and on this one just delete all posts, with which you don't feel OK about privacy? Just suggestion. And sorry if I offended you in any way, I didn't want my words to be rude or painful. Have a blessed life! :)

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  12. Best wishes to you and your family! I will miss reading your posts.

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  13. Mandi,

    Somehow I missed this post six weeks ago. Hopefully I'll catch your occasional writing on the other sites. You and your family will remain in our prayers.

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I'd love to hear what you have to say! You can also contact me directly by emailing me at messywifeblessedlife@gmail.com.