Do you ever just want to write and not know what to say, or how to put into words exactly what you are thinking? Perhaps, you are wanting to be completely honest...raw and opened up...but at the very moment it comes time to hit the publish button on your blog...you draw back, second guessing every word you've written; hoping that when you put yourself out there--- there isn't a mass exodus and all of your followers jump ship never to return?
I'm having that sort of time lately when it comes to blogging. I make no apologies for how often I come here to blog; because after all I blog without obligation. I'm not a big huge blog that has paid advertisers waiting on my next post, so that their ad can be seen X- amount of times. I don't host a party...it's just me, sharing my life.
What I do know...is I want my blog to be a representation of ME. I want to be able to look at my blog and say... I have come here and shared myself with you. I don't think I've done that. I don't think I've shared my real self with you. I don't know that I've shared my REAL FAITH with you.
Don't get me wrong, there have been times when I've shared a family crisis with you and during those times, I've shared my faith. But on the whole--- I've left that part of my life out of blogging.
I do know... I like blogging. I don't love blogging. But I've treated it as though I love it; and LOVE AIN'T GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.
I can't help but wonder...
What are people looking for when they come to read my blog? What are we looking for when we come to read ANYONE'S blog? Are you always looking for happy, good times? Are you always looking for some witty banter? Exciting projects?
When I read a blog...I think I want to read a genuine post about how life really is for you.
I will read your blog with the same anticipation whether I'm reading about your new 'vintage' find, new room arrangement...your first pumpkin growing experience...or the latest fail, crisis or tragedy. I will read it all the same. I will try and not judge. I am human.
Lastly...
I have left my True Love, that is Christ Jesus, out of my blog. For that dear reader, I apologize...and sincerely ask your forgiveness. Has it affected you in how you perceive me, the author of this blog? I don't know. It HAS affected me. Going on 3 years now... I've seen myself drawing back, drawing back from sharing my faith, drawing back from my God... this is so hard to write; but it is true. My faith is in crisis... without a better way of putting it. I must return to it...to Him. If I'm not adamant in sharing my faith...then I'm not being completely honest with you. I'm not being obedient to Christ either.
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Sorry if this post seems less than joyful to you...but without Christ there is no Joy.
Thank you dear readers....
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:2
14 comments:
Blogging is alot like life in general, you have folks who are with you when the sun shines, and when you have storms you have a different kind of friend who reads and comments, be yourself...it is who the reader wants you to be...I'm learning that I don't have to have the most popular, the brightest first ideas or impressions, or a post every day...It's all good, those who are with you are...no matter what...I'm not always good at putting into words what's in my heart..but I hope that Ihave helped even to just stop and say hello...
I feel like you about my blog.. this past few months
I've been busy doing other things and am not posting
as much as I did before... life gets in the way and
I prefer life really and am just not comfortable telling
what is really going on in my life.. don't worry, it's all
good and I'm happy.
This is a good post from you today, honest and loving all
rolled into one..
Have a wonderful 4th of July
Sandy
Dear Pat,
What a beautiful, open, honest post. I truly understand what you mean about your "faith being in crisis" for I, myself, have often felt that way...turning to Him in moments of trial...but ignoring Him when everything is rosy. Yet He is faithful...and forgives us...over and over again. We are so blessed to call Him "Lord"...and yet we must continue to remind ourselves to treat Him this way. For as we both know...God is so good...
Sweet blessings,
Laura
I like this post. Honestly, I question whether I will continue to blog. I enjoy it, I really do. I have met dear friends....but, I feel in a way.....blogging has become such big business, I have little to offer.
The Lord is ever present in my life, no matter what I do or say. He is always there....and I believe, that even if we don't say it often enough, He, through us, shines through. Knowing that every thing come from Him. I believe that even that silly little tea cup we pick up for a dollar at a garage sale, is a tiny blessing from the Lord.
God is so Good to us.
I come here because you are real. I love to see little tidbits of your life and the name of your blog drew me in-in the first place. I have always felt that you were a woman of faith even if you didn't shout it from the rooftops. Sometimes, there is only a small, quiet spirit that whispers you love the Lord and I have, honestly, felt that here. It shows in the love of your home and family.
I think we all go through crisis in our life and wonder if we are doing all we can do to share God's message. I, myself, feel that it shows through in the love of family and the way we treat and respect others...a quiet assurance that God is living within us.
This was a wonderful post! xo Diana
I read your blog because you are "real" and down to earth. You don't try to impress anyone. It is evident, to me, that you are a Christian.
When I asked you a question, recently, you said something that helped me regarding a huge loss. I appreciated your reaching out to me. Thank you. That is why I read your blog. You are a good person!
nancyr
thank you for stopping at my place, and you've joined in thank you. See you are yourself, it is what those who come here for want, We may not have all the bells and whistles, but do you need to? I've been struggling on whether to keep bloggin as well, because I can't and won't compete with the "Jones's". But why do I have to? I don't, and neither do you. Blogging has become big business for some, not my cup of tea..so the beauty part is you visit where you choose...
I blog because it started out as a place for me to write, then it turned into learning how to do things and now it's also about connecting with people all over the world about what they do, how they do it, do they have a better idea, etc. Sort of like pen pals with photos. I don't get political-much, but sometimes. I read all sorts of blogs though, some religious, some political, some homesteader, some cooking, etc. It's just nice to communicate with everyone where you sort of become friends. I think there is room for the blogger businesses- they can be experts when you need info but I really like the simple blogs where everyone is just themselves.
I visit your blog because you are different and genuine. Some bloggers "stage" their posts and that's not enticing to me. It's rare to find a treasure like you and I appreciate your blog, your posts and your heart.
Love & sunshine
Debbie
I visit your blog because you are different and genuine. Some bloggers "stage" their posts and that's not enticing to me. It's rare to find a treasure like you and I appreciate your blog, your posts and your heart.
Love & sunshine
Debbie
Hi Pat,
First, I don't think you've left Christ out of your blog...I KNOW I have read inspiring scripture before here - like when you started your Etsy - and posted about all blessings coming from God. But if you're being prompted to put more faith content, DO IT. This is not a crisis - you still believe! This is another step closer, another life that might read exactly the words they need to take them to the WORD, to the source of everything. Do it.
Second, I come here to see a real person who has great frugal ideas, who attempts things I have never done (like butchering chickens and washing with soap berries) but think I might need to know them sometime in the future. I also like it that this honest, real, "simple" person uses words like non-sequitur and nefarious. You cannot be categorized, because you are many things, and a blogger is just one of them. Share, be honest, and keep whatever you want private. Private is good, too. It's not dishonest, it's just not out there for the world to see. This is your life and your blog. You make the choices, and one of them is to choose to glorify God. Hurray!
Oh Pat! I feel like you many times, as if I'm getting caught up in the doing of projects and forgetting to experience and write about the important...the eternal. I'm glad you have spoken up about this again and are continuing to keep things in check. I have to try and do the same. I'm finding that blogging and too much time on the computer leads to the loss of many important things and a definite creative thought process loss. Time on the computer replaces time in God's word more often than I'd like to admit. Thanks for the reminder to be on guard against this!
Liz
Pat:
Isn't it a wonder the Lord is always calling us back to Him? Each day His mercies and lovingkindness are new. I read your blog because you have a gift of sharing your heart that is most encouraging. Also, you inspire me to find my own style of resourcefulness and because you enjoy your grandchildren.
I've known from the get-go, we had the same Spirit of Christ living in us, so girl...you've let your light shine, just keep on brighter still!
Love,
Lezlee
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