Go now, write it on a tablet for them inscribe it on a scroll that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. Isaiah 30:8 (NIV)
Between reading this post by the Writing Sisters at Blogs by Christian Women and seeing this verse above my thoughts have been drawn back to this whole blogging world. When I typed out the first few lines on my original blogger blog, I had no expectations. No expectations that others would read the ramblings I wrote and I had very little expectation of myself. Being the quiet, keep things to myself type of person that I am, I am not sure other than it being a nudge from God why I would dare cast my words out into the sea of the vast world-wide web. Yet somehow I wanted to capture these swirling thoughts as I grappled with questions, doubts, and frustrations. As I have journey on the path to uncover spiritual truths, I have met some wonderful blogging friends. It has been a beautiful surprise.
Yet I have also found myself dancing awkwardly in this maze of social media, statistics and blog link-ups. You see I have often struggled with feelings of not being enough. I know I’m not alone in this defeatist temple talk. I have read several posts just this past week that have mentioned similar struggles. If I’m not careful about where I choose to focus my eyes, I see evidence of where I’m not quite measuring up.
And then I am reminded this place was never driven by numbers but was push by the wind and whisper of God. That is what keeps bringing me back to this place even when I feel as if I have nothing left to pour, again I go back unto the living water so that I may drink some more.
It’s Him that I hope you dear readers see within the ramblings. Oh my souls feels thirsty for the living God again. So many wells we attempt to carve out and drink from for ourselves. No matter how good it feels initially they always leave us parched.
The Danger of Losing Our Why
1. We began to focus on the wrong metrics.
2. We develop an attitude of ungratefulness for what we have already.
3. We begin to draw back from expressing our unique voice.
Why did you start blogging? Has your purpose in blogging changed since you started?
Love this post! I started blogging because I wanted to share my faith journey and my spiritual art. I had to get back to that…I got a little lost. So, I had to re-evaluate my blog and keep it simple. Blessings to you, Wanda.
Cynthia, I think we all manage to get lost at some point on this journey but if we listen to His voice, we can always find our way home.
I started blogging regularly two years ago, after two failed blogger site attempts. I felt and still feel I have a story to tell. I want to glorify my Lord and Savior with my words and also hope to bring emotional freedom and healing to those who read. Just like you, I usually keep to myself, so it took me a long time to be okay with flinging my words out here, too. I am very careful what I share. Thanks for this post! And, I love the title of your blog! Visiting from Beth’s.
As I read your words Anne I wondered what made the other two blogs failures. Perhaps they had only served there time and purpose.While I do hope others are my blessed in some way by writings, I find that going through my old post serve as wonderful forms of witness and support to me on days that I’m struggling. It’s a pleasure to meet you Anne.
I initially started blogging after I lost my job and couldn’t find another. I heard you could make a living blogging. I soon learned differently. Maybe some people make money blogging but that’s no longer my pursuit. I’ve discovered that blogging has a great many possibilities in reaching many people in different ways. The potential for communication is great. That’s where I am now with blogging. Money would be nice, but it would compromise what I’m doing unless I can find a different way to make money with a blog.
Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
What you have managed is to build quite a network Arlee and that’s impressive. I remember as a total newbie blogger reading Shannon’s post about the A-Z and jumping blindly into the challenge. Some people have managed to blend blogging and making money quite well. It’s an art I haven’t learned just yet.
I began blogging as a writing exercise and discovered a passion for using this avenue to encourage others on their Christian walk., I not only strengthened my writing skills, but found inspiration and accountability from the many other Christians who blog. It has been a blessed experience, albeit there have been ups and downs, just like any other ministry. Over all, I achieved what I started out to do and enjoyed the watering of my own soul in the process. You have been a tremendous help, Wanda, along with Arlee and Cynthia. Thank you all for your faithfulness.
Pam, I’m certainly impressed how you were able to take your blogging to the next level in publishing a book. It certainly has been a pleasure to connect with you. Feels like we like a know you all even though we never met face to face. I’m grateful how blogging has extended my reach and connection with others as well.
I find your words to always be filled with humility that leads the way back to our Father.
I honestly started blogging on advice of literary agents that had turned down my first manuscript. Now I realize that goal is woefully shortsighted in the eyes and heart of my Father. I do what I do now with a different heart and perspective. He always surprises me! Bless you as you bless others with your heart and words, Wanda.
Oh how interesting Floyd. I have often thought that you have a knack for telling great stories. You have a way of bringing a scene to life. I can totally see you being a published author. But even still I’m sure it pales in comparison what God truly has in sight for you.
“If I’m not careful about where I choose to focus my eyes, I see evidence of where I’m not quite measuring up.” I find it hard to believe I lasted 5 years before I sort of hit a wall and almost got completely derailed with writing/blogging. I started blogging because I am an encourager and wanted to share my journey of faith to encourage the heart of women. While I believe I did that, it’s been a constant struggle of feeling less than and like my voice doesn’t really matter. I know that is a lie. I have met so many wonderful women through blogging that I cannot imagine not having them in my life. I am in a season of allowing God to shift and bring change and I am hopeful in a month or two I’ll be back with a new sense of purpose and freedom to write what He puts on my heart.
I think you have done a wonderful job of encouraging others Barbie even in your season of feeling lost. Your authenticity reaches others and helps us all know that we are not alone. I pray that you enjoy the current season and come back refreshed and walking in a new found liberty.
I started blogging almost 4 years ago (!!). And my reasons were to explore my faith through my writing, and to perhaps, just perhaps, help someone else in their walk with the Lord. I can’t say that my reasons for blogging have changed, but I have lost my focus at times. Blog Land is often a place of statistics, and the enemy has taunted me sometimes to care way too much about all that.
It is only by continuing to bring myself back to Jesus that I can have any real focus at all. It is about Him, or I really shouldn’t be blogging at all.
So, praying that God fortifies all of us who seek to spread His love, His mercy, His glory through our words in cyberspace. May we reflect Him well.
GOD BLESS!
The world has a way of tempting us to major on things that end does not really matter at all. I’m grateful for Jesus who will alert us when we are veering off the path and pull us back on course.
I started blogging almost 5 years ago with little success to promote my coaching business. I recently decided to write a Christian focus blog to start blogging a book. I am just finding my writer voice. Great to hear from everyone here.
I think it takes a while to find our voice. It’s really interesting to hear how everyone started blogging.
Hi Wanda–such good questions to ponder! I’ve been thinking upon them in the past months. My original purpose 1 1/2 years ago was to be a witness to God’s work in the world around me and in my life. I feel this purpose remains but the Lord is working on tweaking things a bit in how I do it. Change is hard but…I feel I need to be open to what He is calling me to do as He works in my life. Thank you for your thought inspiring post!
It can be uncomfortable when God switches up our routine but we can trust that it is for our ultimate good. I look forward to seeing what new direction he talks you Amy.
Oh Wanda, I’m so grateful you have written this. If I can put words to the thoughts twirling around in my head I will be sharing something similar for my TWW post. This blogging world is so beautiful. I’ve met so many wonderful people. But…I think if we aren’t careful we can get on this quest for more and more, because we feel the more will help us to finally belong in this world. We already do belong though. I too want it to be about Him…so much less about me. Somewhere along the lines it lost that for me and I need to go back to the why. Thank you again for so beautifully sharing your heart.
Much love,
Beth
I agree Beth. Some how the more fills our worthiness tank. Although in the in it only leaves us empty and chasing mire mirages. It’s a struggle to find the balance in it all. I know God drew me to this blogging world but there are times I feel so lost in it and others that I feel the drive to follow all the to do’s of the blogging world.