“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
After almost 3 years being known as “Sting My Heart” around the blogsphere, I was convinced that it was time to change the name and the look of my personal blog. But “why?” some of you might ask. How can I disobey God? He put it on my heart to make this drastic change…
Let me be honest with you; I struggled over the past 6 months. I had a hard time adjusting to our son being all grown. I was doing well…so I thought. “Empty Nest” syndrome hit like a ton of bricks 6 months after Daniel moved out.
I felt empty…I had a hard time adjusting to being ‘just a wife’…Two weeks ago everything changed. A new outlook on things. Believe me, that did not come from me; it was a God ‘thing’. He softly spoke to my heart — “You are not ‘just a wife’. You are still a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend. And you are MINE!” I finally surrendered EVERYTHING.
After that morning I knew I had to rename my blog; give it a new ‘face’. I wasn’t sure about the name. Many names rattled in my head, but GRACE was always one word that stuck.
I emailed a couple of my blogging friends to see if they could help out renaming my blog. Darlene said something profound; it reminded me of the morning when my Lord spoke to my heart:
“I love “Grace Alone…” with the dot dot dot at the end because it says so much. It is a continuation of thoughts. Grace Alone carries you through, Grace Alone brightens your day, Grace Alone gives you strength…”
All I could say “Amen”. His grace saw me through the days of my ’empty nest’. His grace gave me strength. His grace brighten my days…His grace was/is sufficient for me in my weaknesses…
I want to thank my blogging friends Laurel, Lynn, Angie, Jamie and Darlene for their prayers and encouragement over the past 6 months — your prayers meant the world to me.
I hope that you, my dear sisters in Christ, will enjoy the new blog. I pray that He will give me words of encouragement to share with you.
PS: If you by chance have ‘Sting my Heart’ on your blogroll, could you please change the name to “Grace Alone…”? Thank you so much 🙂
Beautiful new layout. My reader had already caught the “Grace Alone” title earlier in the week, so I had an inkling of the title change. Love that it is part of a change of how you see yourself as a Child of God. Looking forward to hearing more of what God is teaching you! Blessings my friend.
I think it looks wonderful and I LOVE the name. We all need a change every now and again. Especially when it’s God prompted.
Blessings to you!
Kim
Iris, I LOVE the new look and your explaination of how it all came about is beautiful. I so hate that the last 6 months have been such a tough journey for you, but so thankful that the Lord is seeing you through and that His grace IS sufficient.
I’m looking forward to being here and sharing with you the moments to come on your new blog and with the new outlook God has given to you.
Many blessings to you, my friend!
WOW WOW WOW!!! Iris, I absolutely love it….all of it, the new look and the title…..it’s simply perfect!!! I love those words….Grace Alone….what better words are there when we think about LIFE in Christ??!!
Have a blessed weekend!!! 🙂 congrats!
Beautiful Iris! I”m looking forward to hearing more from you.
I love your new look! And the theme – grace alone – is absolutely right on. God bless you, dear friend. Please come back by my site….I was delayed in posting something for you….the grandbabies are here and so I’m slow to get things done:-) I look forward to all the Lord will say through you this year. I know exactly the heartache of empty nest. I felt its pang when all three were gone…it still hits now and then. Love you, friend.
I love your new name!
So glad to read how God is working in your heart. I think this change is perfect! Rest in grace alone.
It is just beautiful Iris – especially because you have done it in obedience to Him. I think the name and the quiet, gentle beauty of this place reflect your dear heart.
Dear Iris,
Oh, I just LOVE your new look and especially your new name. Oh, THANK GOD for His AMAZING GRACE, where would any of us be without it?
So blessed to read the Lord spoke to your heart, and surrounded you with some faithful loving friends to confirm this awesome word.
You’re not alone my sweet sister in Christ!
Blessings to you as you celebrate this new season In HIM~
Iris,
I love the new look and name. “Grace Alone…..” speaks loud and clear.
I love it Iris! This is definitely more you….the you that we see from the outside anyway. And I love the grass and flowers because I know you love nature.
And I love the way God spoke to you and healed you from that wound. Thanks for sharing it.
Beautiful job!
Love, Christie
Lookin’ good, Iris… and you already know that I love the name and even more so the meaning of it. Blessings always and may He continue to do His good works, in us all. I hope you had a fantastic birthday.
Love and hugs.
Hi Iris,
I just ran across your site. I don’t know what it looked like before, but love the look now. 🙂 I to am an empty nester and had a hard time adjusting to the changes in my life. God gave me a new perspective and I am working on creating a new path.
I know he will guide you to yours as well.
Warmly,
Debbie
I like the new name and new look. I know that “transitional” time quite well and understand the need for a change. 🙂
Iris,
Beautiful! Your words, look, everything!
Cheryl
Iris….it is beautiful! So like the LORD and HIS indescribable love for each of us.
Hi Iris, I love the new look and your new name! I never knew the story behind Sting My Heart but I do like the reason for obeying God and changing to Grace Alone…
God bless you! Have a wonderful week.
I love the new look, it reflects a humble spirit.
I hope you are having a great birthday weekend. 🙂
Iris, I love the new look!
It is sweet and peaceful.
I know your journey….some different circumstances…but the process I think I know. Isn’t it strange when He really allows us to see ourselves?
Also….thanks for coming by..it was so sweet to see you.
And….Happy Birthday to YOU!…a little late.
We just got home today and I got your message.
I am looking forward to the journey this year will issue in. I pray that for both of us it will be a year we will never forget as His work in us is further perfected.
Hi Iris!
I love the new look… inside and out! Thank you for your the way you model obedience to us, your blog friends.
I’ve had an empty nest for 5 years now and love this phase of my life. I’m praying you will continue to rest and grow in Grace Alone….
Blessings,
Marsha
I love your new look website! It is by His Grace Alone that we are saved & free. Fantastic name!
I love the new look and name too. I am pretty new to your blog, but have enjoyed participating in Thankful Thursdays.
Transition times are hard, I am glad the Lord met
you in the empty nest…and under His wings you found refuge.
I guess that means He is “Big Bird”!! We are the little chicks…
Hi Iris!
The new site is beautiful and I love the name! May God bless you even more abundantly in the days ahead than He already has!
Blessings,
Nancy
Thank you for being obedient to God, Iris. You bless my heart! I love the new name and the new design as well. May this new season in your life glorify God and bring blessings to you as well. Off to change your link on my blogroll now…
Love it!!!! It fits you perfectly.
Iris,
I LOVE, Love this new look and the title is perfect.
This change is very tangible for me. Your redesign is the reflection of your new season in life. It is refined, lovely, calm, certain, secure, wise…. all of these things I cherish in you and our friendship.
Happy Birthday. I am anxious to see this new season open up for you. Perhaps it is only one woman you must serve as a Titus 2 woman. But, oh how blessed. I hope there are many who are priveledged to share the grace and love you give through the Father. Hugs.
Dear Iris,
I loved reading this post. I totally understand. God showed me his grace in the same type situation in the form of my dog Daisy. I love the new look and the new name. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Blessings,
Sherry
Iris,
This site looks absolutely gorgeous and such a fitting look!! Okay…it has a Sunflower…so that works for me no matter what. LOL
God bless you dear sister and prayers for and with you!
Love the new look. I love the new name! I felt the pain in your heart every time I saw that pin in the person. I prayed over you each time I came to share my thankful heart and never knew why you had so much pain. Thank you Iris for sharing your heart with us today and praise God HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH! HIS GRACE ALONE is all we need!
Sending blessings to you!
Jill
I love the new look, new name, and I love you.
Iris,
I LOVE your new look! It’s just beautiful!!
I’ve got my post all ready to join you tomorrow. (I’ve REALLY MISSED hanging out with you guys here) Now, if I can just remember to come back and “sign in.” O:-)
I love the new blog. Good for you. I love the look and the scripture verse is perfect.
Thank God for His sufficient grace! I love 2 Corinthians 12:9. It always comfort me to remember that though I am weak, God is strong. His grace is sufficient for me and His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Thank God for the way He has ministered to you. Going through the changes you have been through is truly difficult. I am remembering you in prayers that God may continue to guide and minister to you. I love this new look and new name of your blog. It beautifully describe your life and that of each one of us… Grace Alone…
May God bless you with His abundant grace and peace. Take care!
i love the new look. it’s so pretty!
I have only been visiting in the last couple of weeks but you have inspired me… as you know. Remain blessed.
I love the new look and the story behind it… oh, the grace of God, how magnificent it is, and how undeserving we are of it yet He gives it so abundantly and graciously!
Praising Him for what He is doing in your life and what He is going to do!
Blessings!