Hello. Do I know you?
Melanie - June 9, 2008
So, this is the new Lifeway All Access blog. And maybe I'm slightly biased but I think it's pretty cool. Almost as cool as that one time that I nearly met Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, but then I chickened out.
Which makes this cooler than that time.
When Lifeway asked if I would be interested in being a contributor to their new blog, I jumped at the chance for several reasons. First of all, there is nothing that will suck me in more than a Lifeway bookstore. I am never aware of how much help I need until I walk through those doors and see all the answers that are available.
It's like the Sephora of the Christian world and all of a sudden there seems to be a solution for every single issue I struggle with, most of which can't be fixed with a good eye cream.
It also makes me want to buy a new Bible since the one I currently own still has my maiden name on the cover.
I've been married for almost eleven years.
Yes, it should be too well worn to serve its purpose at this point if I'd had it open as much as I should have. I'm working on it.
The other cool thing about Lifeway is the people who work there. You will not meet a more fun group of women. The women behind the scenes are encouraging, honest, sincere and I am so excited to get to know them better.
And lastly, I was so pumped because I figured I'd get to have Priscilla Shirer's and Beth Moore's home phone numbers on speed dial so I could call them with any prayer requests I might have. I told Pam and Kris to hook me up with the digits and that's when they hung up on me.
I frightened them with my overenthusiastic and overly familiar tendencies.
But apparently I am more than welcome to write a letter to Beth or Priscilla any time I want, which is basically an opportunity that's open to anyone else in the free world.
Anyway, I'm excited to be here. I'm thrilled to contribute to such an incredible team and would love to hear some feedback from y'all on what you'd like to know more about and things you'd love to see discussed on this blog.
It's going to be fun.
And did I mention I might get free popcorn at the next event?
They may even hook me up with some nachos complete with the pumped nacho cheese.
Fingers crossed!
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Pam
Pam
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (47)
Looks like I need to add this to Bloglines!
I would love to hear about how busy moms make time for bible study/devotions.
I would also like to learn more about prayer. I pray a lot but I am not sure if there is a more effective way to pray…how does God want us to pray…how to hear God speaking to us…
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:31 AM
I am new to Lifeway but an old blogger friend to Melanie and Sophie. I just added this new blog to my favorites. So exicted to have a new way to find encouragement and grow in the Lord!
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:35 AM
I woulda asked for their phone numbers, too! :) And I’m glad to know someone else still uses a Bible with their maiden name on the cover…I’m only going on 5.5 years of marriage, but don’t plan on parting with it quite yet. Thanks for your post!
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:47 AM
I definitely would have held out for the Beth Moore access. What a cool, funny woman! I used to listen to her all the time in the car on my way home from my yoga class when I was pregnant with number 6. In my mind, Beth is inextricably linked with pregnancy nausea and Chik-Fil-A waffle fries - but in a good way, of course…
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:59 AM
I am so thrilled about the new blog!! i’ll be checking in daily.
Laura in NC
Posted on June 9, 2008 7:01 AM
Looks like you are off to a good start. I am excited to read along!
Posted on June 9, 2008 7:03 AM
Fun!
Living up here in the Northeast now, I do miss the Lifeway bookstore.
Posted on June 9, 2008 7:17 AM
Absolutely love it girls!! What a great idea. Thanks for creating this fabulous avenue for us to travel together.
Great job Melanie!
Blessings, Fran TN
Posted on June 9, 2008 7:27 AM
Looking forward to reading this new blog. But, yikes! What is this about Kay Arthur and Great SEX??? Haven’t clicked that ad just yet….!!? : )
Posted on June 9, 2008 8:00 AM
Fascinating statistics — which obviously led to a great idea.
Welcome to the blogosphere, Lifeway.
Posted on June 9, 2008 8:40 AM
Yes, I do know you! How fun for you and Sophie to have this opportunity! I love the idea, and I can’t wait to see how you two make me laugh over here too!
Posted on June 9, 2008 8:45 AM
How fun!
And getting the chance to write Beth Moore a letter, you can’t beat that!
Posted on June 9, 2008 9:15 AM
Woo-hoo! Lifeway has joined the blog-o-sphere! I’m going to add this link to my favorites and can’t wait to see what’s in store with future posts!
You’re off to a good start! Melanie and Sophie are two of my favorite “stops” when I’m surfing in blogville!
Congrats! We are so excited you’ve joined us Lifeway!
Posted on June 9, 2008 9:17 AM
Hey - don’t knock the maiden name bible thing. I’ve been married 12 yrs and just got a new one with my married name not long ago. It took me a while to switch over too… all my notes are in my old one and my photographic memory refers to where a certain passage is in the old one. It’s a tough transition is what I’m trying to say. But I’m getting there.
Looking forward to the content here.
-Donna@Did I Say That Out-Loud?
Posted on June 9, 2008 9:20 AM
There’s the Melanie we love. :)
Posted on June 9, 2008 9:48 AM
This is a great idea! I have been a daily reader of your personal blog for a few months now. It is just fantastic! I am convinced that your contribution to this blog will make it another must read for me!
Posted on June 9, 2008 9:58 AM
I usually think of a Lifeway bookstore as my own personal crack house, but I suppose that the Sephora analogy is a little more appropriate. Either way, I end up walking around speechless with glazed eyes. And sniffing. I love the smell of books.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for us with this blog. I’m sure you’ll do a great job!
Posted on June 9, 2008 10:24 AM
When you get Beth’s number, go ahead and give it to me. I’ve got some questions for her.
Love the blog!
Posted on June 9, 2008 10:41 AM
The site looks great. I will be comging back again and again.
Posted on June 9, 2008 11:17 AM
I’m so excited about this blog and that was a great intro post. As for ideas… on the heavy side I’d love to delve into issues about truly understanding truth in order to combat the lies we face as women (guilt, trust issues, self worth and lack of, etc.) Also on the heavy side, articles about PPD, and other forms of depression. Oh, and overcoming perfectionism. Those are all huge.
As for lighter fare, I’d love to read fashion from a Christian perspective. Something ala Jill Swansen. Thanks for asking.
Posted on June 9, 2008 11:30 AM
Isn’t this the most exciting thing! This is such a God thing. Who knew how God would use you when you posted your first blog! I am thrilled your voice will be added to this blog. I know the Lord will use it to encourage moms to press on for the Lord. God bless you and your little computer typing fingers. This momma is right proud just to know you (via the internet-I have overly familiar issues myself!) Blessings.
Posted on June 9, 2008 11:39 AM
This is so nifty! Now I finally have a place to ask burning questions like where can I get Priscilla Shirer’s huge coffee mugs from her “Discerning the voice of God” video series? My quiet time with the Lord will be complete if I have one of those mugs!
Posted on June 9, 2008 12:20 PM
Hi there, followed you over from your home blog. Just checking up on you! Best wishes for your posts here, I am sure I will love them just as much…..but no pressure!
Posted on June 9, 2008 12:20 PM
Congrats on the new blog! Looking forward to the behind the scenes look! So very excited for you and Boomama!
Posted on June 9, 2008 12:39 PM
Hello! BooMama sent me here! Welcome to the “bloggy world!” Can’t wait to see this journey unfold… I know it will be great!
~Laurie in TN
Posted on June 9, 2008 12:41 PM
All my favorite authors in one place? I’ve already added it to my daily reads.
Posted on June 9, 2008 12:59 PM
Sweet action! I’m totally bookmarking rightthissecond.
Posted on June 9, 2008 1:14 PM
Lifeway’s got it goin’ on. Looks like a great slate of bloggers and I’m looking forward to how it all develops.
And about the free popcorn and pumped nacho cheese…I’d rather have some %-off coupons good only at Lifeway!! There’s always something there that I want!
Posted on June 9, 2008 1:24 PM
Uh-oh. Another stop to add to my daily blog reading… how can I resist with you, BooMama, and lifeway all in the same place? :-)
Posted on June 9, 2008 1:50 PM
Loving this! But, can you please get to work on marketing some Jesus band-aids?!?! I am so ready to buy some!
Posted on June 9, 2008 2:13 PM
Congrats to you and us. I’ll be checking back.
Posted on June 9, 2008 2:27 PM
Can you add a feed to this so that google reader can pick it up?
Posted on June 9, 2008 3:02 PM
I came via BooMama’s recommendation. While I do not have a religion to speak of (unless you count a Catholic upbringing that lapsed after Confirmation and completely dissolved after my divorce) and yet I feel a longing inside me- for what I am not sure. All I know is BooMama’s blog speaks to me and by the looks of it- this blog may too. I will be visiting again; I have a feeling I may just find what I’m not sure I’m looking for.
Posted on June 9, 2008 3:38 PM
Y’all, I’m SO excited for this blog! I’m already addicted to Beth’s blog; this is another welcome addition to my Google Reader! I’m one of those early 20-somethings who’s wrestled with her faith for a long time, so I’m pretty much opening to reading about anything on here!
(Oh yes, and I’m another one of those displaced Southerners - a proud Texan, to be precise - stuck up in the Northeast and missing Lifeway stores!)
Posted on June 9, 2008 4:05 PM
This is so cool Melanie! I can’t wait to see all you and Boomama share with us. You definitely are relatable to all us women out here trying to live lives for God. Congratulations! Lifeway is blessed to have you both!
Posted on June 9, 2008 4:15 PM
Welcome to the blogosphere!!
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:05 PM
This is EXCITING!!!! I am a Lifeway fanatic, too. I’ve talked with the women at Lifeway several times in the past about women’s “stuff” at my church when I was Women’s Ministry Team Leader. They are WONDERFUL!!!! This will go on my site ASAP!!!
Bitsy
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:45 PM
Oh, this is gonna be a fun blog! Can’t wait to read more. Blessings & JOY to everyone at LifeWay
Posted on June 9, 2008 6:46 PM
This is so EXCITING. You and the Boo always have such insight, whether it’s about the Lord or about food or fashion tips. It looks like the Lord is going to use you in another avenue. LifeWay was very smart to hook up with some gals we already know are the BOMB!
Posted on June 9, 2008 7:09 PM
After I turned cartwheels at your and Boo’s places, I remembered I just wrote about what happened the last time I stepped out of our Lifeway store…I mean, TODAY I wrote about it! (http://pensieve.typepad.com/pensieve/2008/06/divine-appointm.html) Queue the Twilight Zone music? What could it mean?
A whole lotta nothin’, that’s what, lol. Welcome to your new spot…thanks for the invite over :).
Can’t wait to see what God has up to His sleeve with this one :).
Posted on June 9, 2008 8:48 PM
I am so excited about this! Big Mama and Boo Mama are two of my faves!!!! I’m adding this to my blogroll! God bless!
Posted on June 9, 2008 9:10 PM
This is so cool! I have been praying for you and Sophie and your things and stuff for quite awhile now—not stopping the praying, but so very glad to see a glimpse of what God is up to with y’all.
I have been a fan of Lifeway and their women’s events for over ten years. I love Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Whelchel, Jennifer Rothschild, Beth Moore, Mary Kassian and Jan Silvious. Such a great group of women, who are deeply devoted to Christ. I’m sure there are more that I have left out.
Even so, I am so pumped for this new blog with you and Sophie, Melanie! Love y’all much in Him, holly
Posted on June 9, 2008 10:10 PM
Melanie? Sophie? Blogging? I’m there!
LifeWay, you are SO smart. God has a sense of humor — no reason we shouldn’t follow His example! Can’t wait to read more.
Posted on June 9, 2008 11:39 PM
No way! MY Bible still has my maiden name on the cover, and I’VE been married almost 11 years. (well, 10 and 5 months).
Is yours navy blue and NIV by any chance? :)
Posted on June 10, 2008 7:55 AM
Whoohoo!!! Sooo stinking fun to see you on here!!! :)
Posted on June 10, 2008 8:09 AM
Hi, Melanie!
How exciting that Lifeway has asked you and Sophie to be blog contributors. It was so funny - I read the Boo and Big Mama blogs often and comment on Boos on occasion. I also catch the “Big Boo Cast” so I am familiar with you.
I don’t know what I would like to hear more about - real life I can relate to - the struggles of being a Christian mom and wife in an ever shifting world of morphing moral values. Oh and just about anything you want to talk about.
BTW, I would have probably asked for Beth and Priscilla’s phone numbers, too. ;o)
So Welcome right back, we’re so glad to have the down to earth, tell it like it is at this moment girls on board! God Bless Your Work (to everyone of you) and be wonderfully blessed.
MB
Posted on June 10, 2008 10:33 AM
I look forward to your warm and witty contributions here. Granted, it’s Caroline that is my main draw to your blog (the kid cracks me up!), but your writing’s not half bad. I kid, your writing’s fantastic! ;-)
Posted on June 10, 2008 10:58 AM