Aha! You’ve found my blog, lovely reader! If this is your first time traversing through the deep, dark depths of my website, this post shall be your guide…and if you’ve simply been lurking in the shadows for months, then consider this your official introduction to my blog.
This blog began in November of 2019 on Goodreads, where I wrote and published posts until I finally created a website in August of 2020 and migrated my posts to an actual blog. At the time, it was called Gabbing with Grace; the name was changed in July 2021 when I updated the website design (the first time) to Of Blades and Thorns.
Nearly four years after its original inception, this blog has been updated in terms of design and content a multiplicity of times (and I changed the name one last time—just by replacing “and” with “&”)…and I think I’m finally pleased with it. 😅
This is a safe haven for readers and writers and Christian girls to connect and interact without the cling and clatter of social media. It’s a creative community where I share everything from book reviews and recipes to writing advice and devotionals…and I am so glad you get to be a part!
what to expect
Lots of bookish beauty and writerly wonder. 😉
Seriously, expect a post once a week (that’s my goal, at least, so we’ll see…) that’s either a book review; interview with a Christian author, creator, or entrepreneur; update on my writing; writing, publishing, or marketing advice or inspiration; or a heartfelt, devotional-style message. Hopefully I’ll even be able to incorporate from lifestyle content as well as I begin cultivating a more holistic lifestyle of my own!
My desire is to bless, benefit, and serve my readers by providing them with content that inspires their God-given creativity and uplifts their spirits—whatever that may look like. If there’s something that you long to see (or read, technically) or a way I can benefit and serve you, please let me know!
who I am
Obviously, you can go to my about page and get the scoop on yours truly…but in case you were curious about how my personality, life experiences, beliefs, etc., affects the content I post, I wanted to share. I’m one of those weirdos who loves to know exactly what I’m getting into before I start subscribing, reading, or buying things—you know?
So on the surface level, I’m a homeschool graduate from rural South Georgia, I’m the oldest of seven kids, and I was raised in church in a conservative environment. I currently attend a Nazarene church (which is part of the Wesleyan church…just not anti-biblical like the modern-day United Methodist church), but I was more or less raised Bapticostal (Baptist + Pentecostal).
On a deeper level, I’m simply a whole Bible-believing Christian who lets Scripture dictate my political and ethical views. Because of that, I do believe in traditional gender roles, having an open womb, biblical marriage (one man and one woman), purity and chastity, natural wellness, and crazy stuff like the public education system is ruining our children and big pharma isn’t helping either. I hold that Christians are meant to be united as one with no divisions (that includes denominations) and that our faith in God should permeate every aspect of our lives.
So what does that mean for this blog?
Well, I don’t expect to talk politics and conspiracy theories much, so no worries there…but my beliefs on faith and culture will affect what books I share about (and how I rate/review them), the perspective from which I share advice and inspiration, the content and views I promote here and in my books, and the basis of my devotionals and spiritual content. Everything is going to center around living for Christ in every way, growing in our faith, being sanctified, and pursuing the calling He’s placed on our lives.
how to connect
If you’re interested in more ways to connect with me or want to discover more content (or maybe you hate reading long blog posts and would rather read a short caption or listen to a podcast), then check out my platforms below!
any questions?
Feel free to drop any questions you have about what I post, my beliefs, my books, or what’s coming next on Of Blades & Thorns in the comments below! If you have ideas or suggestions for posts, you’re welcome to comment them as well!
Grace, your blog has been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award. https://andreareneecox.com/2024/10/14/sunshine-blogger-award/
Hi, Grace! I just discovered your blog and I am honestly super fascinated!! The design is soooo cool. I love it! It's always awesome to find other girls who have a passion for Jesus and writing--but it's not very often that I find one who shares my name! Lol 😂 Looking forward to reading more of your content!!
-Grace Hammond
The new design is lovely, hon! So proud of you. Keep up the wonderful work.
Noice.
'Specially your controversial views. XD
Just loving the new design over here XD
yes, yes yes, ahh, your about section is so good and true and refreshing, I so very agree with what you said up there. Amen <B