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You are here: Home / Live at the Well / If you struggle with failure, let’s celebrate!

If you struggle with failure, let’s celebrate!

March 16, 2016

lightstock_105437_medium_christie-5To every woman who feels like a failure by March, I’ve got some news for you.  It’s your birthday!  It’s your birthday!  Sure is.  So Happy Birthday to you, to me, and to ALL Women at the Well. Because today this site is “officially born.” 

And to put a dollop of icing on the cake, it was birthed from failure.  Yep. Like every other New Year’s “resolutionist,”  I promised and double-dog dared myself to get the site up and running even before the New Year.  But I opened up the year like a worn out basset hound instead.

I started.  Stumbled. Stalled.  Started again.  Then I sat down at the Well.  And then I got down.  Down on myself and down on my dreams until it sent me once more down on my knees.

Remembering why I desired to have this sweet space of grace—in the first place.  Where women can gather—failures, flaws, falls, faults and all, at the Well of His Word.  Linking arms and touching hearts—together.  Loving. Believing. Living. Serving.  At the Well.

So I missed the mark, and my January and February plans were a complete and total failure.  But then came March, when The SONshine Box was to be featured in Guideposts Magazine with a link to THIS new blog and not my personal one.

Why on earth would I do that? Oh yeah, because God said to.  Be to others what you desire for yourself.  But “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  (Phill. 2:3-4)

March loomed and I nearly threw my hands up and gave up. Until women came to the rescue—and to the Well, led by Merri Dennis, my right hand woman at the Well, who installed the figurative curtains here and all the pretties, and everything else.

When I thought I blew it and before I even knew it, precious women trailed in to lend their stories, as warm and as welcoming to me as a counter full of rich casserole dishes and a table laid out with a rainbow spread of sweet savory treats.

And just in time.  When I finally held my Guideposts issue that held the inspiration for the SONshine Box and the faith for this blog—I wondered why God had me in the March issue.  This Easter month.  I sure didn’t plan it.

Then my eyes locked in on the date and the answer, as my mind sang out the first verse I’d memorized as a kid and clung to as an adult. The date read:  March 2016, or 3/16.   But to me, it read as a life-saving verse straight from God, found in John 3:16.  “For God so LOVED the world that he GAVE his one and only Son, that whoever BELIEVES in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And today is a save-the-date straight from Heaven.  3/16/16.  Our birthday at The Well. When we remember God already has a plan in place when we miss the mark.

Reminding us that even when His creation was a complete and total failure in the beginning of time, He came to the rescue with a redeeming plan. Just in time.  The salvation plan of Jesus, and He never gave up on us.

He didn’t throw His hands up and give up.  Jesus threw His hands out, took the marks, and gave up His life so that we could have ours back. He came through for us so that through Him we can spend eternity in Heaven.

Now that’s worth a new birth celebration.   So WELLcome and come on in.  I’ll pour the water, warm the casseroles, no wait, let’s eat cake first.  After all, it’s our birthday.

And to continue the celebration of Women at the Well’s official launch, I’d love for you to share the birthday love on social media and subscribe to our weekly blog posts, if you haven’t already.

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One of our readers will also win a birthday gift bundle, including a turquoise Jesus Calling devotional, a coordinating 2016 planner (because it’s never too late to begin AGAIN), and an “It is Well” print. All you have to do to enter is follow the prompts on the giveaway link below. *This giveaway is open to our readers in the U.S. only. Women at the Well Birthday Gift

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Christie Hughes
I’m a mama. A lot of a days I’m a mess of a mama. I’m a daughter. Kind of messy there too. But I have a Heavenly Father who thinks that I’m to die for. I’m a wife. Married to my best-friend and my 6th grade crush. I saved him for last, though most days he puts me first. I’m one blessed mess.

I like to write. Why do I write? Kind of hard to say, but I’ll go straight from the hard part and hit straight to the heart part. It’s about that daughter part. What this daughter misses most about her mama are the encouraging words. So I’m just here leaving a legacy of love and words to mine. For them, for me, and for anyone else who could use the same. Sitting at the well. As I simply write out life and fight out fears in the light of His Word.
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57 Comments Filed Under: Believe at the Well, Live at the Well, Love at the Well, Serve at the Well

About Christie Hughes

I’m a mama. A lot of a days I’m a mess of a mama. I’m a daughter. Kind of messy there too. But I have a Heavenly Father who thinks that I’m to die for. I’m a wife. Married to my best-friend and my 6th grade crush. I saved him for last, though most days he puts me first. I’m one blessed mess.

I like to write. Why do I write? Kind of hard to say, but I’ll go straight from the hard part and hit straight to the heart part. It’s about that daughter part. What this daughter misses most about her mama are the encouraging words. So I’m just here leaving a legacy of love and words to mine. For them, for me, and for anyone else who could use the same. Sitting at the well. As I simply write out life and fight out fears in the light of His Word.

Comments

  1. Christa Hutchins says

    March 16, 2016 at 5:48 am

    Congratulations, Christie! I can’t wait to see what God does with this new space.

    Now, pass me some cake, please!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 6:05 am

      Giiiirl, He sure is “doing a new thing!” And thanks to you, I was up at 5:30 for that link up. Now THAT’S a new thing for me. 🙂 And your cake is coming!!!

      Reply
  2. Sheila Watson says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:07 am

    What a great article. Thank you. This was very timely.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 6:29 am

      Thank you for your encouragement Sheila! His timing IS so perfect and so much better than mine. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Nancy Silvers says

    March 16, 2016 at 6:53 am

    Love this timely reminder that it’s never too late!! God is always on time and things happen in His timing even when we don’t realize it 🙂

    Reply
    • Nancy Silvers says

      March 16, 2016 at 6:54 am

      Put in wrong e- mail-should be @gmail.com not AOL.com 🙂 need more coffee!!

      Reply
      • Christie Hughes says

        March 16, 2016 at 7:21 am

        Give me a re-fill too. 😉

        Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 7:21 am

      Amen, my fellow woman at the Well–and beside me at the coffee station! 🙂 Thank you for the encouragement!

      Reply
  4. Amber Plunkett says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:13 am

    Just want to say congratulations on the new site! It looks amazing and is already pouring our so much love and encouragement! I read the Sonshine Box story as well and it is so touching! I love how He reveals His plan so beautifully and timely.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 12:45 pm

      Thank you for pouring out your encouragement on IT! It is SO timely and beautiful to me too! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Kristi says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:30 am

    I’m excited to see a new Christian blog and look forward to seeing you grow and prosper!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you for such encouraging words!

      Reply
  6. Liz says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:21 am

    I sure could use a slice of that cake! May God bless you and this space you’ve created for women to gather and share and grow and realize “It is WELL!” xo

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      AMEN 100 times! And my cake goes good with your heart-warming and house-warming words you offered up here. I smile when I see your face at the Well. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Robyn says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:11 am

    I can’t wait to be apart of this blog and watch God move. Thank you for going thru with it. I am the Samaritan women at the well in a group more times than not. Thank you for letting is be the women at the well.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 12:35 pm

      Thank YOU for sharing this sweet space with me. We are definitely in it TOGETHER!:)

      Reply
  8. Alexandra Patterson says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Great article! You are always so encouraging and real. And now I want some coffee and cake!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 12:36 pm

      ME TOO! Let’s do it! Love you, friend! 🙂

      Reply
  9. heather m. says

    March 16, 2016 at 11:48 am

    How lovely! I’m intrigued by your story and by the offer of cake! ♥ Happy {blog} Birthday!!!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 16, 2016 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you SOOO much!:)

      Reply
  10. Debbie says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    Congratulations Kristy. I am loving my print you gave me at the gathering day.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Just being blessed to be surrounded with women like you has me singing and believing it IS WELL WITH MY SOUL! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Amy Christensen says

    March 16, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    God’s timing is always perfect! Even when we don’t agree, even when we are experiencing the “long-suffering” of life. Excited to follow your new blog. Happy birthday, and of course I’ll have some cake too!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:23 pm

      OK, first, you totally had me at stylinggrannymama. Best blog name ever. And I bet we could make it through several rounds of cake discussing that “long-suffering” part. 🙂 Thank you for your encouragement my friend!

      Reply
  12. Julie B. says

    March 16, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    Seriously. I want . . . No, I NEED that print for my music room! That’s my fav hymn of all time and forever! I’m excited about this . . .

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      Since you’re one of my fave people of ALL time, I’m thinking we’ll have to share a piece of cake and a print no matter what! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Sarah Donegan says

    March 16, 2016 at 3:32 pm

    Hope it’s chocolate, but any cake will do! Great site! 🙂

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:19 pm

      I think Women at the Well should get to choose what cake goes with their living water. So for you, let it be chocolate! 🙂

      Reply
  14. aimee says

    March 16, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    Christie, it looks amazing and love the first blog post!! Happy Birthday!! and I would love to eat a piece of cake with y’all!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      Girl, you know I’m already salivating for our cake date! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Rachel Britton says

    March 16, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    Congratulations Christie. Look forward to seeing what else you have to share at the well.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      Thank you so much Rachel!! I’m visiting you right now! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Elise @ Swisstopher Robin says

    March 17, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Congrats on getting the site up and running! It’s always great when we can learn from our failures rather than let them burden us.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you so much, and Amen and Amen!

      Reply
  17. Rolene says

    March 17, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    Thank you for this ecouragement! I am looking forward to many more moments here at the well.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you, YOU encourage me with your words! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Susan B Mead says

    March 17, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    Christie! It’s beautiful and we shall eat cake! the revelation God gave you is powerful. Thanks for sharing with us, your fellow drinkers from this well you’ve plumbed.

    Hugs. Susan

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      Your words always leave me OVERFLOWING. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Betsy de Cruz says

    March 17, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    Congratulations, Christie! This looks like it’s going to be a beautiful spot on the web, friend! May the Lord use it to bless many women!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 17, 2016 at 10:24 pm

      Thank you so much my prayer warrior friend! I think we are of one accord desiring our faith to spill over!! 🙂

      Reply
  20. cynthia says

    March 18, 2016 at 9:08 am

    What a great site and birthday bash blog christie! I’m honored to be on this journey with you and am always inspired by God’s Authentic Presence in you! May God be Glorified in all you do

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 18, 2016 at 9:56 am

      I feel the same about you, my authentic woman of faith. So blessed to walk, no, RUN this race of faith with you! ‘Cause we both know that’s what we girlfriends do from the Well. 🙂 #evangelistsisters! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Dawn says

    March 18, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    What a lovely faith-filled post. 🙂 The woman at the well is one of my favorite stories about the women who met with Jesus for so many reasons… so many ways I am like her and so many ways I want to be like her. To have that faith to drop all and run and share His words with all leading them back to the One who speaks truth right into my heart. Happy Birthday! Welcome to the ‘blog-o-sphere’ and what a precious faith tale to keep a reminder of just how God’s timing is always right on time and perfect.

    Blessings!
    Dawn

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      I am RIGHT THERE with you, friend. Seriously, what a blessing to be right there (and here;) together as we share our faith together. Love your words here and can’t wait to read more from you too! 🙂

      Reply
  22. ~ linda says

    March 18, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    Christie, I say…AMEN! The site is beautiful, but you are far more beautiful as I sense such excitement and joy that God has given you in this process. He does that…we think we are failing but He knows that He is making something out of that nothing, that mud pie. I am so excited that woman can gather at the well and know that Jesus is with us. He does not condemn us but loves us. I am so very grateful.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 19, 2016 at 5:06 pm

      I seriously just filled up my bucket with tears reading this. God is SO good, and I thank YOU so much for your words of encouragement!

      Reply
  23. kathy says

    March 19, 2016 at 7:34 am

    Christie, love love your blog. I am drawn to the name of it as first that is one of my favorite stories in the bible and second I use to be a part of a group that met once a month to share testimonies called “women at the well”. Love the Birthday Day bash idea. Think the date was NOT a coincidence. GOD is going to great things through your heart and this BLOG. I will be following along for the ride. LOVE LOVE MERRI. She helped me with my blog as well. BIG LOVE YOUR WAY.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 19, 2016 at 5:03 pm

      I am SO blessed to be celebrating with YOU at the Well, and celebrating our love for our fellow Well Woman, Merri! She sure fills me to overflowing!! 🙂

      Reply
  24. Debbie Wegener says

    March 19, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is my go to verse for failure, fear or fear of failure. Thanks Christie for not stopping but pushing through that wall of self recrimination into your “grace space.” We all need to fill our buckets of self esteem at your well of God’s grace. Happy Birthday!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 19, 2016 at 5:01 pm

      I feel strength just reading this verse–Love Phill. 4:13! Thank you for joining me at this Grace-filling Well!! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Ang :o) says

    March 19, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Congratulations on your “arrival”. Meeting your site through Guidepost magazine was incredible. Love the ideas you share and the ministry encouragement.
    My favorite encouraging verse is Psalm 139…. He KNOWS everything, everyday, all the time!
    Encouraging you to continue the works HE placed in your heart.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 19, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      It is absolutely incredible for me to meet YOU here at The Well too. I LOVE Psalm 139! And I love giving and receiving encouragement, so THANK YOU for gifting me with yours as well! 🙂

      Reply
  26. Debbie Flattum says

    March 19, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Thank you for starting this blog and your honesty & humility. So many times we strive for perfection, when we really should just be in the moment and listen. I recently joined a bible study about perfectionism and your experience really hit home. It’s okay to miss your mark…just keep going and everything will work out…in His time. I look forward to coming to the Well with you.

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      March 19, 2016 at 4:49 pm

      You are so right and blessing me with your words here. Thank you so much for being with me at The Well! 🙂

      Reply
  27. Jennifer says

    March 21, 2016 at 8:47 pm

    Congratulations on your launch! May God anoint your words with special grace to touch hearts for His glory. Thank you for joining the linkup at Grace & Truth!

    Reply
    • Christie Hughes says

      April 16, 2016 at 8:55 am

      Thank YOU so much for your awesome and encouraging words Jennifer!

      Reply
  28. Shannon Popkin says

    April 21, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Hey, Christie! So sorry I’m late to the well. (That’s usually how I roll, though–LATE–so I’m not surprised.) So proud of you, dearie! Keep drawing up that water and passing it down the line.

    Reply

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About Christie

What about me? Ugh! Don’t ya just loathe this part? How do you cram who you are into a few chunks of paragraphs? I like doing that about as much as I liked saying cheese in the bobble-head photo hovering above. But just like the pic and the blog, I’m a work in progress. A real WIP. Read More…

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