My "Why?" *Updated* Link-up with YOUR "Why!"
I was asked the other day how I would define my “why?”
What is the “why” behind what I’m doing in this connective space?
The timing of this question could not have come at a better time, as this month marks a milestone for me of two years in the blogosphere. Two years of learning, growing, stretching, observing, swaying, and focusing. Two years that have gone by in a snap.
Lately, I’ve been distracted.
When I started this blog I wanted a place for women to journey together as we figure out the eternal in who we are and all we do…the good, the hard, the crazy…
I also wanted to make some money to be able to afford homeschooling supplies, as our budget didn’t allow for that expense.
I stayed on track for a long time with my vision for this place, but recently I’ve lost my way. My passion for the heart of women turning their hearts toward home has burrowed too comfortable somewhere in the deep of my being, while the desire for success has bubbled to the top.
I’m sorry.
In my God’s gracious and gentle wisdom He has allowed me to sway…but ever so quietly He has been nudging me back.
Back to the purpose.
Back to His glory.
Back to eternal.
I don’t have it figured out yet, and my flesh still creeps with the putrid oder of self. I am prone to sway.
But,
He has me.
So, my why…
I am here to lay bare the flesh on my soul.
I am here to journey with you, faithful sisters, as our spirits transform into good, life-giving death of self.
I am here to encourage women to pursue the most beautiful calling given by our Lord – that of woman – helper-completer, soul grower, home nurturer.
I am here to have some fun and meet new friends.
I am here to earn some money for my family.
I am here to extend grace to the broken…and Jesus truth to the wanderer.
I believe that God has given me this platform for His purpose and glory, and I intend on doing my best to honor Him with my tiny piece of His grand puzzle.
I’m just a small piece…a bent and tattered piece.
One day you and I will see all the pieces together in one beautiful, glorious picture. I think one day we will be brought to our knees with how perfect it will be.
You have a piece of the puzzle as well. What is your why?
With all these amazing, pretty fabrics, what would you make? (ad)
Link-up your “why” posts here! If you’re so inclined, return the link love by linking back here? :)
Good for you — remembering why you are doing this is important. Don't get swept away by what others are doing or get too buried in social media. Social media, though it can have its place, pulls even MORE time from women…time they should be spending on their families. God cares much more about what is in your heart and how you live it out than what a persons twitter and facebook statuses say. Let it be about HIM.
Beautifully said Sarah Mae. As a new blogger, just under one year, I always want to make sure that the reason I began blogging in the first place stays at the forefront. I am here to share my journey of my Life in God and hope that others will be encouraged. Yes, I hope to bring in some added income one day, but I am not in a hurry. I wouldn’t even know how to do that. You are always encouraging to me. May God continue to bless you!
.-= Barbie´s last blog post … Running The Race With Joy =-.
To be honest I think my why changes daily. When I finally feel as if I finally understand my purpose something changes as a new direction arises or a mountain for me to climb.
So Ive moved on from asking why and now ask who. Who stands beside me as i journey through lifes challenges. Who is my strength when I am weak. My why changes but my who never does. I am so grateful for the Lord in my life xx
Thank you for sharing your “why” with us – isn’t God amazing as he lets us go down little rabbit trails but always pulls us back in time? My “why” for my blog started because I wanted an easier way to leave a story, a family journal and share my heart and our memories with my children (as a printed book), family and friends. I love to write and wish I could think of something that could bring in income as well, but I’m not sure THAT many people want to read about the ins and outs of our families life.
Good Morning Sarah. Thanks for the reminder of checking the "Why" and for the transparency with which you have written today. I am so thankful that God has been nudging me as well to solidify my "why". Here are 2 things I know this far:
1. I woke up to mercy this morning (ahh, so thankful). His mercy is new every morning. Thanks to Beth Moore for leading with this statement at her So Long Insecurity Simulcast.
2. I must glorify Him with my life. Thankfully, yesterday's sermon was on this. My nature is to draw attention to myself. His Spirit in me is making a point to let me see it.My prayer is that He would transform me to be one who is not seen nor seeks to be seen.
3. You are an inspiration to me. I'm thankful that through your blog I get to see Him and learn by example how use social media to influence others for Him. All while working to make a living.
Thank you Sarah Mae!
Thanks for this post, Sarah Mae. I started a blog a couple of months ago. I'm not really sure why, but lately I've been sensing that I need to come up with a reason, a purpose in it all. My heart is to have a space where women can figure out who they are in Christ and walk it out. That is not reflected in my blog. It's just a compilation of my random thoughts. While sometimes amusing, it lacks purpose.
You have given me much to ponder and pray about. Thanks!!
Blessings,
Heather
This was a beautiful post Sarah Mae, one that I can tell came straight from your heart. I think that with anything God wants us to do there are distractions and sometimes confusion about what we should be doing. But you've been such a blessing to me as I see you continually coming back to your knees and hearing what God wants from you. Thank you! I can't wait to meet you in October!
.-= Kristy Kish´s last blog post … The Story of Us – Part 5, Junior Year =-.
just found your blog… I think from Lisa-Jo's site :) love it!
My reasons for blogging have changed in the last four years
At first: A place to process my thoughts and express God working through my life
Then: A place to share God with others, to bless their daily walks, and to be a co-journeyer with them as I process God through my life
Now: Still the above, but God has made me much more aware of the community aspect of blogging… so now I'm being more intentional about creating community.
Thanks for the reminder about why we blog and what difference it makes to the Kingdom.
Sarah
Thank you for being so open…I'm so sure thar God will continue using you in many lifes and families. It has been like that for me.
Love,
Tania
.-= Tania´s last blog post … Salud Total. Actualización =-.
This was beautiful, and I know that you did not write it to be that way. That is what I truly love about your blog. You are authentic. You do not put on or pretend to be what you are not.Thank you for this article. My why is to remember. I blog to remember the fleeting moments in my childrens childhood. These crazy moments as a young mom. I never want the focus to turn to how many hits I am getting, the number of subscribers, or the amount of comments I can accumulate. It is a balance. It is surely a blessing to find out women read my blog and feel encouraged, but I cannot forget my why. Thank you.
.-= Tiffany´s last blog post … .Momentous Monday. =-.
I dealt with the “why” questions back in January, as it was pointed out to me (in love) that my blog was beginning to have a negative tone to it – that I was complaining too much about my kids. My blog had become an outlet for my frustrations with being Mommy 24/7, and had lost any real Kingdom Value. Thanks to that ‘heads up’, I took some time to pray about the “why” of my blog and re-focused, landing on “encouragement” as the “why”. Now, I am using my blog as a ministry tool, rather than as a ranting fest, living out I Thessalonians 5.11: “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”
.-= Ashley´s last blog post … One week left during the Sixty60 Challenge! =-.
My "why" I blog is to network. Whether it's with Christians or not, I hope to make an impact with my journey of parenting and walk with God through parenting. If I'm blessed with friends, gifts, or just really nice comments once in awhile, then so be it. :D
.-= S Club Mama´s last blog post … failure or acceptance? =-.
Well said! It is so important to remember the ‘why’ and so easy to get busy in the business of this online community we’re all a part of creating. Even though this virtual space is very real to me and where my work is and many real connections are made every day, I never want to neglect what is physically in front of me for it. Thank you for the reminder and for what you are bringing to the community here!
Oh Sarah Mae, I thought this was a beautiful blog. Do you know how much I appreciate you and your blog? Even though I am a 29-year-old widow with no kids, I am so encouraged by what you share about faith and family. It gives me hope for the future, that if the desire of my heart is truly to have a family and raise Jesus lovin’ kids – God can provide!
.-= Jess´s last blog post … The Best Worst Week Ever =-.
I have SO struggled with this, too. In fact, I have had to set time limits for myself to limit my social media/blogging time. I'm a writer trying to build my platform and I can easily lose sight of the Creator's purpose for using the gifts HE gave me.
Asking Him to give me a love for the moms/women He has called me to serve and an ever-increasing love for Him and desire for His glory.
It's somehow comforting to know I'm not alone in this struggle.
.-= Melinda´s last blog post … Hair-Raising Battles =-.
What a refreshing breath of fresh air!
Our "why"s are all we have when the going gets tough
and when the tough get tired, discouraged, or seem to
have lost their way.
I TOTALLY relate to what you just said!
And I would love to get to know you, dear lady
blogger and business woman who just happens to be a Christian!
I am definitely going to follow you!
Blessings upon your vision, your "why", your passion, and your abilities. Like salt purify your surroundings, like light irradiate what God has bestowed upon you! Like honey, sweeten the edge of all that cuts and criticizes you, and like a warm cup of coffee, continue to create a safe place for those you befriend and also mentor!
Kelly Ann Taylor
.-= Kelly Ann Taylor´s last blog post … Loofah Soaps 4 for 18.50 LavenderLemon Tangerine Dream Eucalyptus Spearmint PeppermintTeaTree Essential Oil Aromatherapy =-.
Thank you Kelly!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve been there too, Sarah Mae. It’s one of the greatest dangers of blogging. We’re so inherently self-focused that it is easy to be distracted by popularity and success.
For what it’s worth, I’ve missed your more “driven” posts. I do like reading about social networking and whatnot, but I started reading because of posts like “Marriage is Hard” and your abortion story. I look forward to reading more of your heart again. :-)
.-= Anna´s last blog post … Strengthened : 1,000 Gifts =-.
Anna – you'll be seeing more of it friend, thank you!
What a great reminder – not just a post but a reminder. Even the comments are beautiful. I started in this whole online business world in 2005. It's been a LONG road with some huge potholes in them.
I've actually just wrote about some of this today on my own site – a new one. For years I've been focusing on business and SEO and working the social networks – but I've forgotten about me and my own life and family.
I've even have neglected to write in my personal leather bound journal that my husband got me so I could vent as much as I want without saying words that would damage. I've neglected writing in the three journals I have for the boys that I was so dedicated to writing in every day even if it was just to write three little words "I Love You"
My original WHY was so that I could make a income and support my business that was then my passion. My why is now changing and I have to say it's not ME that is changing it but God. It is HIM that is pulling on my heart and leading the way – but me that is holding on so desperately to all of my sites afraid to let them go!
As much as I want to follow His will I'm finding myself digging in at the world around me hanging on to all that I have worked on for the last 5 years.
My question is now – how do you let go to follow the why?
.-= Alaina Frederick´s last blog post … The Chore Highway =-.
I blog to learn, connect and grow. My blog helps me explore a bit more, try new things and meet new people. I love connecting with folks I would never met offline. Its amazing how much you have in common. I am pretty new to blogging so finding my way but love it so far. Thanks for the great post :)
I'm fairly new to your blog, but am thoroughly enjoying your honesty and your inspiring challenges to be a Godly wife and mom!
I blog to honestly process what bounces around in my head! I blog with the hope that if someone needs to, they would read it and know that they are not alone with their troubles and humanity and that God is so, SO good in all of it. And I blog to keep my out of town family up to date :) Gotta keep the Grandma's picture happy!
Why do I blog? Community, to avoid the lies of aloneness, to be encouraged on my faith journey…sometimes my desire to be read, have lots of comments gets in the way.
Nice article. I first started my blogs back in the spring of 2007 as therapy when I was going through a very difficult time in my personal life. I had just lost everything in my life. My relationship broke up, I had lost my home, my job, my car…even most of my personal belongings. I had always loved to write and done well in writing, so in my times of trial, I rested upon my writing as a part of therapy. To this day, I still use my blogs/writing as therapy, but also trying to turn them into a lucrative business because they always say do what you love and it will become succesful, so that’s what I’m doing. Whether it becomes successful or not, who knows, that’s in God’s hands, but I am doing what I love and it get’s me through tough times, so that’s the most important thing for me.
.-= Kimberly Andrews´s last blog post … In need of Charitable Resources? =-.
My "why" has always been to help women not be distracted by the junk of this life and help them focus on what is really important (God,husband,family). I sometimes stray from that in not giving the very best that I can give. I get lazy and comfortable-in my own life and in blogging. Then, God reminds me that lazy and comfortable don't get the job done!
My 'why' was originally as an outlet to blog about planning for my wedding.
Then the wedding didn't happen and it became about learning more about God, about me and growing as a Christian on the journey to becoming a good wife. I am now able to share learns with others, as well as the frustrations. The wedding is back on, so I'm sharing about the journey.
I have also connected with so many wonderful people around the world and I genuinely love the community of blogging.
I want to be able to write and when people read it they take something useful away. Sometimes this is hard as blogging can become so 'me, me, me'. But I thank God for opportunities to take stock and reflect on the why.
Great post Sarah Mae – really enjoy reading your blog posts!
Just wanted you to know that I am encouraged daily by your posts and think you are doing a wonderful job! Whatever your “why” is, you still inspire and show your heart through everything you write! My “why” is to be an example to others, shine His light, and give encouragement to moms like me who may need a little uplifting from day to day… Thanks again and have a “coffe”tastic day!
.-= Megan McGhee´s last blog post … Easy, Yummy Recipes =-.
Love this!
“I am here to journey with you, faithful sisters, as our spirits transform into good, life-giving death of self.”
It is an honor to journey with you!
May God Bless you,
Stacey
P.S.
I was only expecting 140 characters or less….this is awesome!
.-= Stacey Thacker´s last blog post … Multitude Monday =-.
MY WHY: To be honest, I had no interest in blogs, social-networking, etc about 2 months ago. I thought it was stupid (*gasp* I know, what was I thinking?). I had been on Facebook for about a year, and nothing but negative things came from it. I found myself getting sucked into pointless arguments about politics, religion, etc. It was wasting my time, and hurting me as a wife and mother. I wasn't providing for, or taking care of my family the way the bible was telling me to, and I KNEW it. Eventually, which wound up being this past January, the Lord pruned all of the social-networking out of my life. I stopped cold-turkey and it was a GREAT thing for me. I took care of my family, took pride in my role as a homemaker, and spent wonderful quality time with my savior (instead of on the computer).
A little over a month ago I felt lead to start my blog. I had no idea how to blog. I wasn't even sure if it was the Lord directing me to do so, considering how wonderfully I was doing without the computer. Through prayer and fasting I found out that it was indeed the Lord's calling for me to try this blog thing out.
He brought back to my memory prayers I had brought before Him about helping in the area of missions. During a telecast about Joyce Meyer's 'Hand of Hope' outreaches, I prayed for creative ideas of how I could help in this area. Well, it turns out a year later those prayers are being answered. And, I believe my blog is the platform for which these things will come to pass.
So, this is WHY I blog:
~To give honor, glory, and praise to my King through blogging.
~To connect with, and encourage other women along their journey with Him. And, in return, have them encourage and sharpen me as a christian too. I need community!
~To be a voice and raise awareness for how many millions of people in third world countries are suffering. How can we as a blog community help them?
~To inspire others to be dedicated to living out simple acts of God's love daily.
~To love hurting, unreachable people into his kingdom. To give them the grace they so deserve (Some people are hurting so deeply it requires a need of theirs being met first before their hardened hearts can be open to receive the message of salvation).
~To answer a call in my life that I have absolutely NO idea where it's going. But, I am determined to step out in FAITH.
So, there you have it…that's my "why". Thank you for being so transparent, honest, brave, and wonderful, Sarah. I truly appreciate all that you are in Christ. You are a wonderful woman, and I am so honored to be a part of your blogging community. Thank you for this post, and for all that you do.
God bless you!
Lots of love, Laura
.-= Laura Will´s last blog post … Make a Difference Mondays: Give Another Mommy a Break =-.
Thank you so much for this post! I have been feeling the need to sort of come clean on my blog for months and this post was the final straw. Thanks for helping me define my "why?"!!!
.-= ~ calista ~´s last blog post … My “Why?” =-.
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