A Purpose Driven Blog

Well, nothing like a little political discussion to get people going, huh!?

There is so much more that I could say on the healthcare issue. Really, there is. I'm not trying to sound like I'm being defensive or a know-it-all {which I probably do}, but I do have responses to everything people said in argument to my post. But what good would that do? It would only make me look insecure, argumentative, and dramatic. I said what I feel was important and tried to hit the major points, but there was no way that I could cover everything. The bottom line for me: as with everything in the history of mankind, this is a spiritual issue. I truly believe that if the churches in America were doing their job, this would hardly be an issue. I had a paragraph that I had typed out with some more thoughts, but I thought better of it. I'm going to put my energy and focus into praying for our country and praying for a revival in the hearts of Christians and the Church.


This is actually a perfect segue into the main part of this post:

I came across this post on Nesting Place recently, and it grabbed my attention. I'm usually big on things having a purpose and seeing the "deeper" issue in something. But I have never really taken the time to pause and think about what I want my blog to accomplish, or say; what its purpose is.

I borrowed these questions from Nesting Place and it was a really good exercise for me. I encourage you to do the same!

Which posts make you nervous when you hit publish? Nervous in a good way, because what you said there in that post was really important to you and you hope it is well received.

I get nervous to hit "publish" when I've discussed conservative politics, or when I've shared something a little revealing about myself (both of which don't happen often). I'm passionate about conservative moral values, and sometimes that steps on people's toes. Also, even though I blog, I'm always a little nervous when I've discussed something "deep" or something that's not quite as happy-go-lucky, or when I'm venting frustration.

Which posts feel like work or drudgery? You do these because you feel like you should or you are supposed to. Chances are if you don’t like those posts, we don’t either. Or if we do, then you are attracting an audience of readers who will continue to demand things from you that you don’t like giving.

I really can't think of many posts that I do out of obligation. Sometimes I don't have the energy to put up pictures of a recent event or trip, but I know that my family will want to see those pictures. I try to keep in mind that it's MY blog, and I can post what I want to, when I want to.

On which posts do you receive the most comments? These may give a hint as to the type of readers you have…

As recently witnessed, controversial posts (which are rare), get a lot of comments because people usually feel the need to respond either positively or negatively. I receive the most comments (which still isn't a whole lot) on posts that are about being a mom, anything that's on Kelly's Tour (purely because of increased traffic), or when I'm sharing my thoughts on TV shows or recent events. I think it's safe to say that my blog appeals to 20-somethings and young(ish) moms.

On which posts do you receive the most comments that mean something to you?

The same as above: being a mom, my home, my general thoughts....oh, and I think sometimes people like reading about my love of Disney and Christmas.

What are your top three favorite posts?

It would be really hard to choose three, simply because I don't remember individual posts as much. But I love posting about the Christmas season, my love of Disney, being a mom, and traveling. I also really enjoy when I talk about books, art, theater, or share things that tell a little more about me, like my London semester. I'm more multi-faceted than people think.

If you could have a blog about anything but didn’t worry about if other people would read it, what would it be? Give yourself permission to answer this one honestly.

I would be more transparent about my feelings on certain issues, especially pertaining to the church, and I would vent more about things. But that's not healthy, and that's not the purpose of my blog. I'm really not a negative, jaded person, and I wouldn't want that to be the image people have of me. I don't take criticism well (it's something I struggle with), and the few times I've written things that are a bit controversial, I've gotten some really hurtful comments. Some people don't even realize they've hurt my feelings before. I don't edit myself out of fear, I just don't want my blog to be a drama zone, and a debate forum. Sometimes that's healthy, but not on a regular basis.

Do you still love what you write about?

I do love my blog. I think to people who don't know the "blog world" (well, the little one that I'm in) think it's incredibly nerdy and probably a little weird. But I absolutely love it. I love the feeling of a little neighborhood, with all of these people just experiencing life and writing about it. I've been encouraged, challenged, and educated. I've connected with some really neat people, and also just watched some people from afar. I love what I write about, because it's just me. Hopefully it resonates with a few people.

Why do you do what you do?

I blog because I don't journal easily. I've tried from the time I was 6 years old to keep a written journal, and it just doesn't happen. I also don't foresee myself scrapbooking (I am a perfectionist and if I didn't stay on top of it, I would go crazy). This is a combination scrapbook/journal/ educational resource/place to collect my thoughts/etc.

Do you have a blog for a reason you can articulate?

I want a record of our lives. I want a place to creatively express myself. And I love having a little piece of the world that's mine, and all about what I love. I didn't ever expect to enjoy it this much.

Can you describe your blog purpose in one sentence?

My goal in blogging is to celebrate faith, family, friends, home, motherhood, and the joys in life that are dear to me, while trying to point readers toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

If I've accomplished helping anyone know Him better, or have encouraged someone having a bad day, or have made people think a little deeper about something, I think that's a successful blog.

Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman