Going commando on a first date (Happy Birthday).

It's hard to believe but a year ago today I posted my first blog post ever:

"Sometimes you have to go commando to be in Gods story"

I remember thinking "Sammy, what are you doing? Going commando on your first (blog) date? Really? This might just blow up in your face".

And boy did it. This blog completely blew up in my face, but in a great way. Like cake being smashed in your face on your wedding day good.

Like my daughter said last week, God can take a little thing you do and make it into a big thing.

Do you mind if we reminisce for a bit? Yea? Good. I mean, I was gonna do it anyways cause its my birthday (and I can cry If I want to) but i thought I'd be nice and ask.

It's hard to narrow down everything God has done in the last year to a few things so I just went with the most viewed posts. Check it:

12 most popular posts of the last 12 months

1. My best friend can beat up your best friend. (October 2010)
   "Your BFF does not look as good as mine does in this blog pic. GUARANTEED!"
    
2. Best birthday gift ever. (November 2010)
   "going back to Nigeria and hugging my mom for the first time in 12 years"
    
3. Community: sticking your hand in poop for a friend. (December 2010)
   "Do I really need to say much more than that title?"
    
4. How to be satisfied without being the prettiest or skinniest girl in the room. (January 2011)
   "Ladies, there can never be a more beautiful you BUT there are always going to be a lot of girls more beautiful than you."
    
5. Dating: questions & answers part 1. (Feb 2011)
   "First time I ever got overwhelmed by the comments. Highly recommended for singles"
    
6. How to change the world with a burrito. (March 2011)
   "Also known as the one post I hope everyone reads. You really CAN change the world"
    
7. Dating, divorce, some ninjas and Dan from Sanctus Real. (April 2011) 
   "Series of email banter with the bass player of Sanctus Real about his divorce. WOW!!!"
    
8. Four, five, sex part 5: Hardest post I’ve ever written. (May 2011)
   "Doing an honest series about sex is hard enough but this was literally one of the hardest post I've ever written. You'll know why once you read it"
    
9. The gospel according to washing toilet seats. (June 2011)
   "I never thought washing a public toilet seat could impact so many people"
    
10. Is masturbation sin?. (July 2011)
    "I avoided this question for a long time but people kept asking so I took a swing at it"
     
11. Dear Christian, I don’t hate u cuz of Jesus. I hate you cuz u’re a jerk. (August 2011)
    "Dear Christian, please read this post. Please"
     
12. Jesus loves crappy gifts. (September 2011)
    This isn't a metaphor, it's the gospel"
     
13. Bikinis, Soft Porn, Masturbation & Face-book. (August 2011) *BONUS*
    "Most criticism of any post. Most encouragement of any post. Most comments of any post. Most shares of any post"

Wow. What a crazy journey. 178 posts and counting.

God is so good. I'm humbled, thankful and slightly fearful for this platform.
I'm thankful for the opportunity and I'm thankful for every reader on this blog, even you anonymous. 

Like I said from the beginning, this blog wouldn't be the same without YOU. Thanks for reading. Thanks for engaging in dialogue. Thanks for sharing my content.

And please remember, you're much MORE than a number on this blog. You're a part of a community.

Oh, by the way, remember that post a week ago about me wanting to quit this blog?

Well, you're not gonna believe this. The post right after that was the highest ever viewed post on this blog. I was blown away until the next day (even better) and the next (even better) and the next (even better).

This week has been the biggest week in the last 12 months.

A great reminder to relax and take a deep breath cause Jesus can do more in a second than we can do in a life-time.

Jesus is just...AMAZING.

So, anyone wanna wish the blog a happy birthday? Eat some *cyber* cake together? Share some of your favorite memories from the last year? I don't know. I'm just excited and I wanna talk to everyone.

Please dive in and dialogue about some of the questions above and celebrate with me. Also, here's something I'd really like to know...

How did you first hear about the blog and where are you reading from?

What's your vote for top post of the top 12 posts above?

What? You wanna know what I want for my birthday? You're too kind. 2 things. One, sign up for email updates here. Also show some love by 'liking' my face-book page. Little things but it means a lot. Thanks.