Dear Friends ~Well, hello again!
With the exception of last week's 'The Next Right Thing * A Sunday Evening Book Club, I've been pretty much MIA.
{And by the way, if you missed your invitation to our upcoming 4 week gathering, click right here. I'd love for you to be at the party!}
To be honest, I'm not quite sure where I'm going with today's post.
I'm flipping through my journal even as we speak, hoping to find some tidbits that might grab your attention, touch your heart, or give you cause for pause. In the last month, I've spent hours with my journal {which is 'code' for talking with God}, sorting through my life, my priorities, my stuff.
I'm gaining more appreciation of who I am in this particular season ... but even more importantly, about the wonderful, holy, loveliness of our compassionate all-wise Heavenly Father.
This break from my typical online activity has been a restful yet challenging crossroads experience. I've spent time noticing what speaks life to me ... and what drains me. I've been evaluating my blogging life and all that entails. I'm paying attention to my craving for a morning routine, a rhythm that works for me in this season. I've been hit with the realization that multi-tasking isn't working for me any more. Have come to terms with the reality that I need to embrace a few disciplines so I can shed some winter weight.
And have looked beyond myself and become a bit more purposeful in praying for others.
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Here's a few snippets of my conversation with the Lord about blogging ...
I love the process of blogging.
I love who I am when I'm writing. I love discovering the subject matter, finding something of worth to share. I love the act of writing itself, the massaging, the editing, the choosing of art work.
I feel Your pleasure, God. Your leading, Your presence. Always. I feel purposeful and productive, I feel like what I offer matters, that I matter. I feel that I am still of use, that my words, Your words that flow through me can make a difference.
I don't like the whole idea of building one's online presence.
I breathe a great sigh of relief in the morning when I realize I don't need to go online. I can go back to sleep or go downstairs and read. The effort of pulling together a big post seems a bit daunting right about now and I'm giving myself the grace to be in no hurry to return.
The striving, the running from hither to yon is exhausting, sometimes frustrating. It feeds a compulsiveness in my spirit. The writer of Ecclesiastes would have something to say about this. For sure.
It's not my blog.
You've told me time and again, God ... 'trust Me with this, Linda. It's My blog, not yours. You ultimately write for an audience of One. Let Me handle your traffic. Let Me get the word out. Let Me send you the people I want to send your way. Let Me build your community. Let Me build you, train you, teach you. This is all Mine, on loan, to you.'
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Sarah Bessey said it so very well. In her recent newsletter, this favorite self-described writer / recovering know-it-all talked about the call and the joy in using our online influence 'to lift up others, to be generous, to love well ... especially look for ways to elevate and amplify the voices of others.'
I couldn't have said it better or more eloquently. That's where we'll continue to go around here.
Are you at a blogging / social media crossroads? Let's talk ...
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visiting
Oh, Linda, your words echo my thoughts and heart so well. We are okay, my friend. We are sensing new rhythms and they are a bit more gentle I think. I've let go here and there but I still sense a tug, one I think is healing, hopeful and helpful. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us. It matters - YOU matter!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it freeing? And that freedom to forget about running around like crazy people only serves to release us to be more creative, more energetic, more joyful, more at rest in our spirits.
DeleteOffline ... and on.
;-)
I wonder all the things at times as well. God's greatest pleasure is a child leaning on His breast and listening hard and then moving into the next step assured that when we do what he's made us to do, we are pleasing Him. Only we can answer that for ourselves. If I feel free, I know it's from Him.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Sue. Leaning. Listening. Moving. That's where the freedom lies ... by following His lead.
DeleteThank you for these wise words today!
It's so good to see you, Linda.
ReplyDeleteI was in the yard this morning
and in stabbing pain, cried out.
No one heard, the world kept turning,
I'm on the card for another bout.
I'll have to step into the lists,
but my gloves seem made of lead.
And yet, I must now raise my fists
to block a jab unto my head.
Cancer's always fresh to fight;
why can't it be thus for me?
And BOOM, I take a rock-hard right
and see the stars of Eternity.
I won't beat a fighter of his heft,
but know I have some punches left.
Ah yes ... but Someone did hear, didn't He, friend.
DeleteHe's right there, holding those weary arms up. He loves you so.
"Let Me build you, train you, teach you." I love that. Let Me, Let Me...yes! He takes it and it is His! When I start striving for an online platform, I stop being authentic I find. I bought an Instagram platform building book a few months ago, and now see that wasn't too wise. It was me thinking I had to be more on Instagram to be successful. What I do love about blogging is it makes me dive into His word deeper while I write and I get to know Him better. It wasn't always this way, but He keeps showing me HIs way, and I'm glad for that. The online people I have gotten to know and learn from, and have guided me to new teachings is the cherry on top, for lack of better words! Thanks for being part of that sweet topping!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn ~ I've run into a few blogs along the way where I left feeling 'less than' because I wasn't into social media. The authors pretty much said that if their readers weren't taking full advantage of social media options then they were pretty much losers at blogging.
DeleteThis kind of thinking leaves me stone cold.
If you're writing book, if blogging is an important income producer for you, then my hat's off to you. Go for every connection that you can make! Grow your platform with vigor! I admire your tenacity, your focus, your energy.
Each one of us has to figure out what matters most in the season they find themselves in and then live that out, online and off.
For me, it's cultivating relationships. Not amassing 10,000 followers. What would I do with them?
;-}
Just thinking about it gives me anxiety!
I'm at peace with where I am, and that's what I hope for each of my readers.
Thanks for hearing me well, Lynn. I appreciate that affirmation!
;-}
Good post today
ReplyDelete* via text
Why thank you!
Deletexo
When I was reading above, you were talking about "blogging and all it entails" and some how I misread and thought I was seeing the word "entrails" ahead of me and thought, "Oh, what a juicy word for talking about the effect that our blogs have on our guts!"
ReplyDeleteI do love Sarah Bessey's writing and so many women her age, both on line and in my church, give me hope for the future of the church.
I know what you mean about the delight of taking a break. I tend to do short breaks several times a year and ONE IS COMING UP NEXT WEEK! I'm ready! And isn't it funny that we need breaks from something we love so much. Like you, I find out what I'm thinking about when I write, and blogging has been a real gift for me.
And . . . next week will be a chance to appreciate the gift more by leaving it alone for a few days.
ENTRAILS!!!
DeleteNow THAT'S funny!
Yes and amen to Sarah and other women of that generation. Over time, I've found that some of the best reads have come from their fervent hearts. I'm a fan even as I step out of my comfort zone and grow in my own views of faith and ministry.
ENTRAILS, Michele!
* hahaha *
Yep, it's time for a week off! Enjoy, friend ...
Like you, Linda, so often I feel the closest to God when I'm writing. He does speak through us, and I love the encouraging words He lays on my heart. And you're so right when you say He will build our audience, our traffic; we simply obey and write.
ReplyDeleteIt's gratifying to hear, too, that being off-line for a while has been so refreshing and renewing for you. We all could use more down time from the computer!
Blessings to you!
It's so good to see you again, Martha! Yes and amen for putting pen to paper in our conversations with God! It keeps me focused on Him and keeps my mind from wandering off in odd directions like putting a load of laundry in or wondering what's for supper.
DeleteYes, these blogs are His babies, not ours. Audience, traffic, stats, followers, content ... all for Him!
Our strivings cease ...
Thanks for the reminder I write for an audience of One. I think I need to be told that every day ...
ReplyDeleteThanks for your transparency, Linda!
Yeah, I need that gentle reminder each day, too.
DeleteWe are not alone in this, friend!
I love the beach pictures! I grew up near a beach, so something about it draws me.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning that change is a constant, and requires constant adapting. We've had some changes in the last few months that theoretically should have opened the way for me to write more. But I have written less. Sometimes with more time, it's harder to schedule it. I've been doing a lot more around-the-house things, which are needed, too.
Ever since I was enabled to go to my first writer's conference last year, I've been following a few writing blogs. I've been disappointed that so many writing blog posts are about platform and online presence rather than writing itself. They say that's just the way it is these days, that you're seen as "lazy" if you don't do this and that, and that publishers won't even consider you if you don't have X number of followers. Yet all the things they say to do to "get yourself out there" seem so unnatural and take up so much time from the really important things. I am praying as well about the Lord's leading and guidance in these various endeavors. I don't want to disrespect the "experts'" advice. But I do want to follow God's path for me. I'm sure He will lead us in the way we should go as we seek Him.
Hi Barbara! I do appreciate that you've shared your venturing into the publishing world story. I'm sorry that it's been disappointing to you. You've listened to the 'experts' and find their instructions aren't resonating with something deep inside. I so admire that you're noticing your thoughts and emotions and are leaning into what God's will is in your next steps.
DeleteKeep me posted, ok?
Wow, I hear what Barbara is saying. I have been taking writing courses and that has really scared me away and depletes my energy. Is it all about success, money and making a name for oneself? Wish we could find a place to write just for the sake of unearthing profound thoughts and putting them into words...that is my desire
Delete'Wish we could find a place to write just for the sake of unearthing profound thoughts and putting them into words...that is my desire'
DeleteThat's what blogging's all about, dear friend! I think you'd find a lovely, meaningful niche online. For sure.
I appreciate your reflections here and I agree with your thoughts on blogging. I love the writing and building community, but I don't like the idea of trying to build a platform. A couple of blogging groups I've been part of online have really highlighted that aspect of things and I just find it stressful. I much prefer your approach of trusting God to bring the right people to read your words, and I'm glad that he has led me here as I am always encouraged!
ReplyDeleteLeslie ... Oh I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who finds the whole platform building scenario to be stressful.
DeleteMore and more of us are weary of the burden of other's expectations. They don't deserve to run our show, steal our joy, siphon off our creativity!
Yes, let's get still long enough to hear the Spirit's whisper saying, 'this is the way, walk ye in it' {Isaiah 30:21}.
God cares about how we use the gifts and creativity He's blessed us with!
Linda, Like you, often my blogging has been sharing what probably first was in my journal. but lately, my journal, when i do write in it, is not something I choose to share at least right now, maybe never, as I shared with you a while back. I have written here and there for "thePerennialgen" blog. I'll have one on the end of this month about grief.
ReplyDeleteI decided long ago, your gentle approach to blogging inspired me. I do not intend to write a book -- i am writing for my family - might self publish/print for them like my uncle and aunt have done - like my Sister-in-law. I will continue to share from my heart when I can do so. I journaled today about a day at the beach and it might end up on my blog. I do not worry about how often I blog. I have always appreciated what you have done here. Its like you've given a lot of us "permission" when we needed it.
Carol, it's so good to see you again!
DeleteI love how you put it, this 'gentle approach.' Not only to blogging but to living life, as well. And yes, it can be a very enlivening experience when someone comes alongside us and gives us 'permission' to discover exactly who God's shaped us to be ...
I'm glad that's been a bit of the takeaway here. I really appreciate those kind words.
It was good to hear from you Linda. I have taken a much more relaxed approach to blogging this year. And I have enjoyed it tremendously. My most energetic is a devotion I write called Living in the Shadow. I try to do that every day and sometimes on weekends but my other blog is when I feel I have something to say or to ask for (like prayer). I'm enjoying this season for those reasons. No pressure. Just what God is saying. It was good to hear from you again. One of my friends has been spending the winter in Maine. His family lives in Arizona but he had never experienced winter. Yikes!
ReplyDelete'I have taken a much more relaxed approach to blogging this year.'
DeleteWhat wisdom in your words, Bill. It's high time we all take a deep breath and discard the pressure {usually self-imposed!} to perform in ways that don't resonate with the way God has shaped us.
Relax. Yes, please!
I am searching for balance. If I am not writing, but wasting valuable time~shame on me. Yes, I am looking to God for "The Topic" He wants placed before those who read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving words to where I am!
Blessings, My Friend!
You said it well, Lulu. There's a balance in all this, a grace, a fine line, a rhythm. We're in good company as we discover what's true for us in this season ...
DeleteSo good Linda. I heard in my spirit earlier this year, Be released. I know God has me moving into a new season. It’s so fun to listen as He leads. Then follow! So healthy to let God build for His glory versus us piling on accolades for ourselves, isn’t it? Hugs. Susan
ReplyDelete'Be released.'
DeleteThose are glorious, life-giving words. What's been holding us back is behind.
Susan, thank you for this meaningful addition to our conversation.
Your words so describe the feelings in my own heart, Linda. You make me feel less alone. Thank you. Some time ago, I read an acknowledgement at the end of one of Karen Kingsbury's books that I like to remind myself with - “I write for You, through You and because of You.” Blessings and love to you!
ReplyDeleteTrudy, you're so right ... we are not alone in our wrestling, in figuring out what all this online stuff looks like for us in the here and now.
DeleteGod is very much interested in it all ... and we have friends in the same boat. We're in very good company!
Ah, yes, seasons change and the precious gift of time needs to be reallocated many times. Asking Him daily what He wants for my time and to lead me according to His design. Even in retirement I can be overly busy and question the importance of some of the things that use time. In the last week I am beginning to pray about the sense of writing another book. Please pray I hear Him on that one.
ReplyDelete'the precious gift of time needs to be reallocated many times.'
DeleteA very helpful observation, Pam! This is not a once-and-done kind of deal. You speak to the importance of re-evaluation and being open to what God has next. Our spirits grow restless without this kind of contemplation ...
Another book?
Wow, do tell!!!
Ahhh, Linda. I love that you and God talk about blogging and social media presence and more. :) I enjoy blogging too. It does take up a bit of time. I like taking a couple of breaks during the year, because those weeks "off" feel like they have a little more space in them, so to speak. And, that said, I miss connecting when I'm not blogging. God has reminded me many times that "my" blog is His. I don't focus too much on the numbers. When my thoughts go there, I remind myself of many of the same things you shared . . . God knows who needs to read each post, and the numbers side of things is on His shoulders, not mine. My "job" is to create the best content that I can, led by His promptings and inspiration. Hopefully, I do that, most of the time.
ReplyDelete'My "job" is to create the best content that I can, led by His promptings and inspiration. Hopefully, I do that, most of the time.'
DeleteOh yes, you do, friend! I love coming to visit your peaceful and wise online home ...
“I'm gaining more appreciation of who I am in this particular season” Bravo. Thanks for your soothing words. It is obvious here that we all are refreshed by your sharing.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t been hearing God well lately or he just ain’t speaking but I really sense my need to soak in His love to energize my soul. Not easy for me to concentrate on an invisible Being and really sense His sea full of love. I will do it cause I know He is faithful and I have soaked before...
Love those pics and can’t wait to see you Sat...any beach in Plymouth?
'His sea full of love'
DeleteSounds like you are hearing Him, that you are sensing His deep heart for you, His dear daughter ...
Can't wait to talk face to face tomorrow. What a gift!
A hearty amen, friend! It's been months since I've been able to blog as frequently as I'd like and that included the "visiting" side of blogging. I've had to just let it go. After all, it is just a season. Learning to flow with the seasons of His timing and purpose is a gift.
ReplyDeleteI hope those photos are recent. You look fabulously happy!
Yes, you've been missed. But you show us that it's possible to step back for a season, yet still be very much a part of community.
DeleteYou are a gentle grace-gift to all of us who think the world of you ...
Linda, I share many of the same feelings as you express so well here. I love writing, sharing, discussing God's love, grace, and power. I love communicating with other bloggers, most of whom I have found to be supportive and positive. What I do not like is to chase "numbers", as you call it "the striving". It's not what I want to do or whom I want to be. I now purposely avoid looking at any blog statistics, FB page reports, or Twitter numbers. I don't want to deal with it anymore. I find myself to be much happier, more satisfied, and able to concentrate on what I want to say both in my posts and my comments.
ReplyDeleteLove your Sarah Bessey reference! Great minds...:)
Great minds, indeed!
DeleteI admire that you've decided not to look at the stats, reports, and numbers ... and in the process you find yourself happier, more satisfied, and focused. This is a huge nudge for most of us.
I have no idea how many subscribers I have. I'm afraid to try to figure it out. Whether it's few or many, there's a good chance that it would either depress me ... or somehow make me feel like I've arrived.
I don't want either, ya' know?
Blogging is our way of witnessing for God.
ReplyDeleteOur Blogs should be what Jesus would wish to read.
God bless.
Oh, that's good, Victor.
DeleteWould Jesus subscribe to our blogs?
Or would He have better things to do ... like being about His Father's business {Luke 2:49}.
Wow.
Linda, your thoughts certainly reflect mine. I love blogging, but I don’t want it to control me and make me feel a need to perform. The blog should never be about me, but my Father!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know I'm not the only one, Pam. That word 'perform' is a bit unsettling, isn't it ...
DeleteI sure love seeing the pictures of you! :) As I was reading your words about social media and having an online presence, I found myself nodding. It will always be in the background but I also know that the reason I am writing is because God called me to write. He is never concerned with the numbers and will always rejoice when we honor Him through our words.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you know about the book Kate Motaung and Shannon Popkin wrote called, Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus ( Not Me). It addresses the social media issue in way that points to God. It's a great book.
Well, that's kind about the pictures of me. Actually, there are few if any of me in this season. I do hate a camera / phone pointed at me and much prefer being the one behind the lens!
Delete:-}
Thanks for the book info! I take any recommendation from you very seriously, friend ...
So many of these thoughts and prayers resonate with me too, Linda. Especially the "it's not my blog" part. I wonder why I'm still doing this, especially now, but I don't sense I'm supposed to stop. Perhaps this needs to be for me what it is for you ... an ongoing prayer for wisdom, direction, words, growth. What a comfort to know that our heavenly Father provides all of these and so much more ...
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that the motivation, the fuel for our blogging, changes with the shifting seasons of our lives as we ourselves morph and grow.
DeleteAnd that can be a very good thing, yes?
Absolutely Linda,I'm with you here!
ReplyDeleteMy blog is God's & it is His.
I am so enjoying the journey now after the lessons of "Blogging Celebrations!" https://teawithjennifer.blog/2019/01/04/happy-birthday/
You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
Blessings,
Jennifer
READERS - Jennifer's food for thought only adds to the richness of the dialogue we've been sharing. Please be sure to head over to her place to hear her story. I'm guessing it'll ring true for you as it did for me.
DeleteJennifer, what can I say except 'thank you.' You've beautifully said it all ... I'm so glad you dropped in to say 'hi ...'
;-}
Wow - those three thoughts echo my own exactly! I love the writing of blogging...but creating a presence and all that means (and consumes) is not only overwhelming but can certainly drain the joy of blogging.
ReplyDeleteYour comments today let me know I have a kindred spirit with you, Jennifer. Our hearts ... and hangups about all this online stuff ... tell me so.
DeleteWe're in good company. Yes?!