Thursday, July 31, 2014

Thoughts On Blogging





One of my closest friends has recently become more serious about blogging. Up until now, I had a few "in real life" friends with blogs, but not really so much that we talked about it beyond liking a few posts here and there. This new development has seen us talking about blogging quite a bit - and has given me reason to think a little bit more deeply about what, exactly, it is that I'm doing here. My friend asks lots of questions and that gives me an opportunity to really sink in and ask myself - well, what type of blogger am I? Why do I write what I write, what is my purpose in this space?

I'm always quite impressed with people who seem to know exactly what they want their blog to look like from day one. They know what they want to write about, what sort of things they will participate in and promote and how they want to come across. It's been I don't know how long since I started this blog, and I still find myself unsure as to what it's for, anyway.

After chatting with my friend for a bit yesterday, a thought loomed and I was unable to shake it. Maybe it's time to quit blogging.

The truth is, I love to write - and that is largely the reason I've kept this up as long as I have. While some blogs are almost more like social media, or giveaways, or clickbait - I've just wanted a place to write, maybe post a few pictures, keep track of our days. I will admit there is instant gratification to blogging. I click publish, and it's done. I don't have to wait to hear back from magazines that will likely reject my work. I can put it right out there and almost immediately receive feedback. It's a bit addicting. But it's not the answer.

I'm not really sure what the answer is, honestly. I like to write but posting here uses up the only free time I have - so I'm unable to write elsewhere. Blogging keeps bringing me back to writing, and I'm afraid if that incentive was gone, I just...wouldn't. Writing here gives me the opportunity to put something out there to bless others. From my little place here with all these babies, I feel like maybe something I say can help someone. And I love that part of it. But, for one reason or another, I feel...stalled. In need of a new vision.

While these thoughts and questions aren't exactly fun to filter through, I'm grateful that they were spurred by such a close friend - and whatever I decide going forward will come from a place of intention.

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26 comments:

  1. I also (selfishly) hope you don't stop blogging. I have thought about the same topic as I watched my friend blossom into one of those "big time" mommy bloggers who is able to obtain a ton of free stuff to review almost right from the start of her blogging, the kind of friend who just went to the BlogHer conference and met all kinds of fancy people. I've thought "What in the heck am I doing blogging? Am I just a poser, pointless? Should I invest my time elsewhere or change my blog to fit another model?" I've never hosted a giveaway, never written a review and have no immediate intentions of doing so (hm, actually I've thought a simple giveaway would be fun but really just to bless any who bother to come by, like a little party favor). I've also wondered how to use my own limited spare time effectively in which blogs I choose to frequent.

    Not that you will settle on the same conclusion or that you should - but my own answers to the questions have been that a) my own blogging refreshes me, b) I strive for it to refresh others, c) I seek to consistently only read blogs that provide encouragement and refreshment to myself. My blog is really just a little, possibly boring, journal written with the intention of blessing as I have been blessed. It helps me see beauty around me even when all seems dark, and hopefully helps others to see the beauty around them. I have also deemed it worthy of my minutes because by refreshing me and turning my eyes toward Him, it also blesses my children.

    And as I've been forming these thoughts and wondering if it's worth my time to continue writing in my little space, your blog has been one of a few that has blessed me repeatedly. Your quiet writing about your chaotic child-abundant life has encouraged me to see the blessings and beauty in my own little family. I have been reading yours for just over one year which I know makes me a new reader since you've been blogging a long time, but I think I have probably read every post in the last year and been refreshed each time. So from one of your faithful readers, I do hope you continue blogging but if not, you will be missed!

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  2. I truly enjoy your blog and have for a long time. Even though I live in Texas and your in MI, Its encouraging to me to read other moms struggles and victories and the grace God gives day to day. I hope you do continue but not at the sacrifice of more important things. I know The Lord will give you wisdom. Thank you for sharing your life with us, it has blessed me! From a mom of 5 in Texas, Melissa

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  3. I struggle w/ this too - blogging takes up a time chunk that sometimes I wonder... should I be spending this writing time elsewhere? i too don't do giveaways or barely ever reviews (books, i do books, which makes sense to me) - so i get it. but i SO love your blog. it's a deep breath for me every day. that said, whatever you choose is surely the right way - you are a great God listener! but i have been so blessed by your blog and feel like you are a friend, so sure would miss you! :)

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  4. This is a hard subject, right? I've pretty much stopped blogging at this point. I update it on each of the kids birthdays. It does take so much time and it was truly taking every spare moment I had and some that I didn't. I love writing about mothering, but not when it takes me away from my responsibilities. You have a lovely written voice Lydia, but oh how I understand your struggle.

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  5. Lydia please don't stop ! You're so good at this, It's a time for YOU, to express yourself, as an adult to other adults. You have a real gift with writing. And maybe writing is somewhere in your future, you are so young. And I agree with what is said below : your blog is so lovely and fresh, unlike all those mommy-business blogs.
    I love to read your posts. And they ARE helpful. I hope you won't stop. Take care xxx . From a french mother of 4.

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  6. I truly enjoy your blog. I also think it is a wonderful gift for your family. It's a journal that tells the story of you. In years to come they will be blessed to be able to read back through and be guided and comforted by your thoughts and actions on ordinary living. That is indeed writing well done.

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  7. I don't always comment - but I do read; and I can definitely assure you that very, very often you have written something I needed to hear. Or helped me focus on something I have been neglecting. For myself, I love to write too and my blog gives me a space. I try not to make it anymore complicated than that. If all it is at the end is a digital record of my life, my marriage, my children, etc.; than I am ok with that. If I manage to touch a few lives along the way: even better!

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  8. Dear Lydia,
    I truly hope you won't stop writing! I am one of the many people who never write a word to you but always enjoy your wonderful posts. You are part of our lives even if you don't see us. So I have to let you know that there is a small and quiet path between you and a small flat in Bucharest, Romania, to a young mother who expects her first child. She read your blog even in the morning of her simple and small wedding, just like the path between her and your wonderful blog. Even if you decide to stop blogging, I want you to know about all those many quiet paths between you and people all over the world...
    Thank you so much for every single word you wrote here, it means so much to me and to others!
    Warm wishes from a little and wonderful country named Romania!

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  9. I sincerely hope you don't stop. I don't comment often, but many many times you have been a conduit of grace for me. You speak to my heart so often that I would sincerely miss reading your words. Thank you for writing Lydia. Thank you.

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  10. Your post are, so often, a blessing to me. I also married young, had babies right away, and am a homeschooling mama to many. Your posts are so honest and make me feel like I'm not the only one who choose a life I love but that is so different from everyone else. I hope you choose to continue blogging, there a lot of young wives and mothers who need to hear what you say.

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  11. I hope you continue to post Lydia, I am always so very blessed coming to your blog and reading your posts
    and yes, I love the photos of your beautiful family and home and knitting.....I have often thought that your posts
    should be guest featured on Ann Voskamps front porch posts and Encourage posts. Your blog is one of the
    few out there with substance...with something to say even if you should just posts pictures of your family
    everyday life......they speak volumes and definitely in your photos still shines the light of Christ and that's
    really what it's all about isn't it?? The light of Christ for all to see...that's really all that matters in this life is
    Christ and that........... in our everyday lives!
    Corinne

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  12. This is such a beautiful and comment!

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  13. I am one of those who has only commented once or twice but I have read for a long time and been greatly touched by your words. I can't even begin to tell you how much your posts have changed and grown me as a child of God, wife and mom to two little boys and one on the way. Thank you so much for that! I have stopped reading many of the "big" blogs because the giveaways, reviews, etc are just not something I am in to, but your blog has always had a depth, sincerity and constant Christ focus that many do not. I make a point to read yours before all others because I am always refreshed and encouraged. (I even enjoy the practical ones like how you organize your pantry and kids clothes. =) I hope God's plan is that you continue blogging but either way I pray that you will have peace and clarity whatever you decide. You have taught me that kids grow up so fast and to savor every moment we are given with a grateful heart.

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  14. Lydia,


    I love reading your blog. Though I am a mother to now grown children I find what you write about so often speaks to my heart. You are so real and open it is refreshing. I can't help but to think God speaks through you so often. I can understand where you are coming from and will be praying that God will give you direction into this next season of your life. In the meantime, know that you have been a blessing to many.

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  15. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment and for reading. As of now, I'm keeping on with it - maybe a little less than before. Thankful for your encouragement!

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  16. Thank you so much for telling me that. It's hard to see any impact from here. I'm so encouraged by you today!

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  17. Thank you Corinne! You are absolutely right - that really is the point of it all!

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  18. You're not alone and I'm so thankful you posted to let me know I'm not, either!

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  19. Anamaria, you brought me to tears this morning. I'm so touched and humbled to know you. You are a blessing!

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  20. I think my processing all of this brought me to a similar place. I'm never sure how much or how little I want to live in the blog world...but sometimes I just need a space to say what is on my heart. If that is what this is, that is just enough.

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  21. I'm glad to know someone get's it! I can see how blogging can start out as a hobby and then become all encompassing and push other more important things out. I want to be intentional about my computer time and make sure it's not stealing my life.

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  22. Thank you so much Laura! I like that - ongoing discernment. I want to write elsewhere but don't want to lose this space. Your comment gave me hope that it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You are an inspiration to me and one of the greatest gifts this blog has given to me - the blessing of your friendship!

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  23. Thank you for your encouragement, Sarah! I think I did need to make a list of pros and cons and whys and wherefores to figure this all out. I am still working out logistics but at least for today, the blog stays. So happy that I got to "know you" through this blog!

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  24. Here is why I love your blog. I love it because it inspires me without making me feel bad about myself. There are lots of inspiring blogs, but so many leave me feeling like I can never measure up. Yes, I need to own those feelings (no one can make me feel anything) and work them out with God. In the meantime, I need to choose wisely. You have blessed me very much. At the same time, I understand. I used to thoroughly enjoy writing a blog. I was able to keep it up fairly well for a couple of years, but by the time my 6th baby was about a year, I just felt like something had to give. Perhaps someday, I will be able to pick it up again as a Titus 2 woman, but for now, I am needed in the trenches. <3

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