Results are rolling in from our 2015 reader survey and already I’ve learned so much from you! (By the way, there’s still time to let your voice be heard – simply fill out the survey questions here.)
Here’s one result that doesn’t surprise me:
(Insert cry-laugh face).
But one interesting outcome so far is that 60% of those who responded to the survey have been reading here less than 2 years. I’ve been writing for over 9 years but most of you haven’t been around that long. I thought today would be a good time to give an introduction (or for some of you re-introduction) to who I am, who my family is, and what jazzes me these days.
This is our family – our son is 8 years old and in 2nd grade and our twin girls (this photo is from Halloween when they dressed up like hippie fairies) are 11 and in fifth grade. Next year they’ll begin middle school which is bringing all sorts of excitement, angst, and decision-making conversations around the dinner table these days.
This is the most recent photo I have of my husband John and I, taken 2 weeks ago. We’ve been married for nearly 14 years and he’s my best friend. He worked as a youth pastor for 12 of those years and, 20 months ago, quit his job without a clear idea of what would come next. In May 2013 I wrote a post about why my husband quit his job but I haven’t given much of an update on that here since then.
Part of that is intentional. We’ve needed some time to gather, to huddle in close, to listen and simply be. But there has been movement in the past several months and tomorrow I’ll share that with my newsletter subscribers and probably in several weeks I’ll put it here on the blog as well.
By the way, you can sign up here if you’d like to receive that Note From The Bench, a slightly more personal monthly letter I send out with updates on family, books I’m currently reading, and other first-word news and encouragement.
We live in Greensboro, North Carolina and have lived in the house where we are now for seven years. It was built in the early 1960s and we’re slowly bringing it into this century. We started with painting the brick on the outside and haven’t regretted it for a second.
When we first moved in I wrote a lot more posts about our house because 1) it was fun at the time and 2) it’s all I thought about because of course we were just moving in and getting settled. You can read more house posts by browsing the house category but a lot of those photos are outdated.
I think it will be fun to post some more photos soon of what the house looks like now. Here’s a few more updated shots.
I started college as a piano major at Columbia Bible College in South Carolina. That’s where I learned how to study the Bible and also where I learned that piano was not something I wanted to major in. I transferred after my sophomore year to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where I graduated with a degree in Educational Interpreting for the Deaf.
John and I were married after I graduated from college and he finished seminary. After receiving my national certification in sign language interpreting, I worked as an interpreter for several years until I had the twins. I started this blog in 2006 and re-discovered my love for writing.
I’ve written four books by now, three of which are available in bookstores and one that will release in August. I am, this very week, working on my second round of edits for my newest book, Simply Tuesday, and absolutely can’t wait until it’s available to you.
Most of all, you need to know that I’ve been stunned by the Gospel of Jesus. John and I are building our lives on the foundation of hope that can only come from him. Everything I write or speak about comes from my deep conviction that every need, desire, and expectation is ultimately met in God even though it may take a lifetime to work out what that looks like.
Writing helps me work that out. And I hope something of what I offer here might help you work that out, too.
I’d love to know what you’d love to know, if anything. If you have any questions, ask in the comments! I hope to write a few more posts like this so if you give me some ideas of what you might like to know more about, I’m happy to hear it.
I would also love to know your answers to the survey if you haven’t filled that out yet. I’m so glad you’re here.
Kelli says
March 16, 2015 at 11:19 AMHey Emily! I filled out the survey last night right before bed and was weary. This morning I’m having survey filler out remorse. Is that possible? HA….I really am just going over the ever growing list of topics we’d talk about over coffee like you asked in the survey. Just know I am loving all the art you keep putting out in the world and because of the hopeologie podcasts I now feel all the love for your whole family too….In heaven dear friend, we shall truly catch up. Looking forward! ;-}
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 12:56 PMSurvey filler out remorse – that’s hilarious. You know, all we can do is be honest at the moment where we are – I totally get it. Thanks for your kind encouragement, Kelli, as well as your willingness to fill out the survey even if you regret your answers 😉
Jeannie Reid says
March 16, 2015 at 11:21 AMI appreciated this update! Your podcast with your friends inspired me to “treat my future self” and schedule a weekend away with my college buddy this summer. Thanks!
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 12:57 PMThat’s awesome. What a great investment of your time. Your future self thanks you!
Rebecca says
March 16, 2015 at 11:37 AMI’d love to know if there are podcasts you recommend. Love the Hopeologie podcasts!
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 12:59 PMOoo! Great question –
The Art of Simple Podcast
On Being
The Rabbit Room
Sugar in the Raw
Here’s the Thing w/Alec Baldwin (he doesn’t make new ones, but there’s lots in the archives)
Those are few off the top of my head!
Rebecca says
March 16, 2015 at 1:30 PMThank you for taking the time to reply. I follow a few of these. Didn’t know “The Sugar Box” had one. How fun! Was introduced to her blog through you and she’s just a fun gift. Excited!
Rebecca says
March 16, 2015 at 1:33 PMAnd eek! Just scrolled through the “On Being” and see a Mary Oliver podcast. Oh my. Thank you!
Jenny says
March 16, 2015 at 11:39 AMEmily,
Do you have any good recommendations for bible resources for children? I’m thinking something that breaks down bible verses, tells bible stories and applies it to our modern life in a way a child could understand.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 1:01 PMWell The Jesus Storybook Bible (Sally Lloyd Jones) is great but maybe you have that one already? I love that book. http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com
My kids like the kid version of Jesus Calling.
Story Warren is a great website resource for parents and families: http://www.storywarren.com
These are off the top of my head. Hope that helps some!
Samantha Livingston says
March 19, 2015 at 4:40 PMHappened to notice this and may I be so bold as to add my suggestion?….I bought “The Action Bible” for our 9 yr old and in 3 days of Spring Break she’s on p. 400! It’s crazy. She’s reading it everyday like a maniac. It’s illustrated and a great way to get those stories into our younger ones. 🙂 http://www.theactionbible.com (So to be clear, this is comic-book style I guess you’d say).
Michele Morin says
March 16, 2015 at 11:56 AMGreat to learn more about you. I’m a new reader of your blog (and of blogs in general), and have also begun exploring the world of blogging for myself. Blessings on your new book project!
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 1:02 PMThanks Michele! Glad to have you here.
Tawnya says
March 16, 2015 at 12:05 PMMy favorite paragraph and thing about how you write,
“Most of all, you need to know that I’ve been stunned by the Gospel of Jesus. John and I are building our lives on the foundation of hope that can only come from him, and that everything I write or speak about comes from my deep conviction that every need, desire, and expectation is ultimately met in God even though it may take a lifetime to work out what that looks like.”
Ahh. So refreshing on the blogosphere. Thanks Emily!
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 1:02 PMI’m so glad, Tawnya. Thank you!
Lynn Richards says
March 16, 2015 at 12:16 PMI agree with Tawnya- that paragraph caught me and held me still. I love the refreshing way you encourage your readers toward Jesus.
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 1:03 PMI’m so glad, Lynn. Where would I be without the Gospel? I don’t even want to know.
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 12:17 PMI’m a newish reader too and appreciate the background story. Is your jacket from a Stitch Fix box? I think I kept the same one. 😉
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 1:03 PMYESS!!! My favorite coat ever.
Lauren says
March 16, 2015 at 2:22 PMLove reading these bits about you and your family! Yes, the Gospel! Oh, how powerful and yet how I fail daily to really live in its power. A lifetime to understand? Yes indeed, but then an eternity to experience its fullness. Thanks for your ministry to my heart through your writing.
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 2:39 PMYou’re welcome, Lauren. Thanks for your encouragement.
Marissa says
March 16, 2015 at 2:42 PMHi Emily! I am one of the “newbies” here…about a month or 2 fresh, I think. I have enjoyed reading your blog and encouragement. Just yesterday I found out that the youth group girls at my church are going through the book Graceful and I flipped through it…it looks amazing. And in the brief “leafing through” that I did, God spoke to my heart. Thanks for the introduction!
Emily says
March 16, 2015 at 2:59 PMWell that’s awesome that a leafing through brought some encouragement. I love that! Thanks for saying hi, Marissa. I hope you stick around.
Teresa Hardymon says
March 16, 2015 at 3:21 PMI read through your archives when I first started reading your blog several years ago and I have always wondered did you ever name your house? I know that might seem like a shallow question, but I love the idea of naming things, so my curiosity needs to be satisfied!
My husband was a piano major – three degrees. I think he is a glutton for punishment. I took lessons years ago, but was not disciplined enough to stick with it. I’m thinking you probably stuck with your lessons since you started out as a piano major, which means you still get the enjoyment form your discipline. Would love to hear you play.
Reese says
March 16, 2015 at 5:57 PMHi, I am so excited to be able to catch up on your blog posts this week while I am on Spring Break from nursing school. With all the studying, my blog reading has been limited the past few weeks.
I have been reading your blog for around 4/5ish years. Your “Grace for the Good girl” really helped me work thru and undue some challenges/habits from my upbringing. My dad is a minister.
Thank you for this place, blog of peace, Emily.
Bethann says
March 16, 2015 at 6:37 PMThanks for the re-introduction! So glad I found your blog and look forward to your posts!! Can’t wait to hear what y’all are up to next and have already preordered your newest book!!
Blessings,
Bethann 🙂
Ellie Fant says
March 16, 2015 at 9:31 PMI look forward to Tuesday’s. Lately, I check my email over and over. I like positive perspective of it all. I love you crawl inside the words and twirl around. Thank Emily. I most definitely appreciate what you do and the time and energy it takes.
Lisa Hurley says
March 16, 2015 at 10:41 PMHi, Emily. I comment here from time to time, but I subscribe to your email updates and I never miss a post. I’ve been following for about a year (since a friend gave me a copy of Grace for the Good Girl). I really enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about you and your background. I love, love, love your writing. Your gentle spirit inspires me to slow down, take deeper breaths, and recognize the constant presence of God, which I need so very much. Looking forward to Simply Tuesday!
Melinda says
March 16, 2015 at 10:43 PMI love everything you write. I am old enough to be your Mother but feel like I am hearing from a dear friend when you share. Your writing is like a breath of fresh air it cleanses the soul and restores my energy to persue creativity. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Tina Harmeyer says
March 17, 2015 at 10:15 AMEmily – I am 50 years old and was born and raised in Plymouth, Indiana.
When I was in my mid-twenties, I moved to Greensboro, NC for a job. I remember being scared, but I thought I could always come back to Indiana if I wanted to. I am now married with two kids in high school and living in Indiana.
What town in Indiana did you grow up?
Do you take long walks in that park with a battle history (in Greensboro)? I can’t remember that name of it, but it anchored me when I lived in Greensboro.
emily p freeman says
March 18, 2015 at 8:39 AMHi Tina! Look at that fun connection. I was born in Columbus, Indiana. My parents grew up there and we lived there until after 4th grade.
And yes, Battleground Park! I don’t live near there and I walk in my own neighborhood a lot, but we used to live on that side of town and that park is so lovely and shady.
lyn moon says
March 17, 2015 at 7:21 PMI only found your blog about a week ago but enjoyed your update.
So what path is your husband currently on if I may ask.
He’s very brave to have taken that step, but Gods will is always the way isn’t it? It’s also a small world. I live in Greensboro, NC also. Have a good week.
deitra shoemaker says
March 17, 2015 at 7:40 PMThanks for the “intro” to your family and house/home.Is that a Kelly Rae Roberts book loan library outside your house? (love her). I think sometimes we think authors are less than real people somehow, so it’s fun to know you are just like the rest of us, only your write books! I love what you said about God can meet every need, desire, expectation we have. I sooo believe that but sometimes when i share that with others, i get a vague look like “Really?” and begin to wonder, Am i the only one who believes that? So thanks for confirming that truth. Also, we used to live in Westfield, NC just outside of Pilot Mtn, on the outskirts of Winston-Salem, so i’m more than familiar with Greensboro which makes me feel a kinship with you in yet again another way. I used your book as the foundation for a group I developed called Discover Your Essence. You so beautifully described what has been on my heart for women to understand, that it was a great pairing. Also had the ladies watch your interviews on InCourage and they loved getting to see and know you that way as well. Keep sharing your unique “art” with the world. You are impacting many lives you will never meet till heaven when they say, Thank You Emily for how you influenced my life toward God.
emily p freeman says
March 18, 2015 at 8:40 AMHi Deitra! Great to hear from you! That lending library was actually built by our neighbor – it’s fun! Thanks for taking the time to say hi – cool that you live close!
Mark Lee says
March 17, 2015 at 10:06 PMAdd another “dude” to that survey list – you’re into double digits now! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing talents and for your encouragement!
emily p freeman says
March 18, 2015 at 8:43 AMThanks Mark! We’re up to 15 guys now. Coolest guys on the Internet! Seriously though, always great to see you here. Thanks for your encouragement over the years.
Heather Bivins says
March 18, 2015 at 4:47 PMI think I’ve read almost every post you’ve written, and this one is my favorite. Thanks for sharing! I have missed hearing about your house and am curious what you’ve named her. We just listed our house this week, and when I was feeling sad, I went back and read your post from your last night at the old house and a more recent post of never wanting to leave this house. Thanks for all the encouragement!
Jennie says
March 19, 2015 at 8:19 AMThanks for the survey. I was grateful to see sections and options about ‘feeling closer to God’ and ‘finding your calling’. These issues have recently been popping up and it made me feel less alone!
I know God is calling me towards SOMETHING. I get a feeling, a swirl in my heart about writing, art, blogging, whimsy, gardens, and so much more. I just can’t seem to put it in words- or action. Thanks for helping guide me!
Samantha Livingston says
March 19, 2015 at 4:41 PMLoved learning some more deets about you!
RK says
March 23, 2015 at 3:14 PMI am struggling right now, and growing……and your posts have helped me. as has your book. Thank you for your encouragement, and for pointing me back to Jesus…just Jesus.