Loose Ends
I’m just going to jump in…
I have a list of items to review/giveaway and I’m going to post them all next week. Be forewarned.
I’m no longer going to have the “12 New Things” link-up. I love the idea and the fun, but I don’t want to be tied to anything on this blog. I am way too sucked in, so I’m just stopping cold turkey with anything that forces me to write here. If you would like to continue in 12 New Things, my friend Jessica will be heading it up from now on.
I’m even stopping (for now) paid ad spots. Why? I only want to write if/when I feel like I have something worthwhile to say; if I have something that will encourage women. When God leads me to speak, I will. Otherwise, I’m shutting my mouth.
(Side note – the beautiful and generous folks at Tommy Nelson graciously let me out of our contract. I love them so much and will always recommend them. Always.)
If you see an advertisement, it is probably be an affiliate link. I have no obligation with affiliate links, and I do still want to make some money if I can. I will also, from time to time, still have a giveaway.
(This is a pretty boring post, sorry about that.)
Oh, another thing, yes I deleted my Halloween posts. I’m going in another direction with my blog. :)
Love you all.
P.S. Yes, that is a random picture in my post. Glorious, isn’t it?
I heart Sarah Mae…I was just thinking about you, wondering where you are. I can now see the Lord is moving you and stirring your heart. (?) I am a little new to blogging and I feel the pull. Do more, write more. It takes. And gives, when you get a nice comment back that what you wrote did encourage. So thank you, even in your "boring" post, for encouraging me.
Mrs. Sarah Mae,
I just wanted you to know I really appreciate your blog. I look forward to reading more when your time allows
Natasha
Oh how wonderful to hear from you again… even if it is random :) I need to hear these things as I am just beginning the blogging thing. It's hard to step away for just a couple days and see your numbers go down so quickly. If the Lord wants it to succeed – He will help it. We should not spend hours worrying and stressing over getting things posted. Thank you for your kind and true words.
Jess
Jessica Bish´s last [type] ..Beautiful in Gods Eyes
Jessica Bish´s last [type] ..Beautiful in Gods Eyes
Sarah Mae,
Wow! Sounds like there is a lot going on in your life right now. I will be praying for you as you work out the path that God is leading you on. Does this mean that you aren't going to be writing on (In)courage anymore either?
I have learned a lot from your posts and have appreciated your candor. You have to be exhausted after the first Relevant Conference. Is that going away too? Just wondering? I was hoping to find a way to go in 2011.
Praying that you and your family are OK.
Blessings!
Mary Joy
Mary Joy @Seeds of E´s last [type] ..The Final Weeding- Psalm 1- 5
Mary Joy @Seeds of E´s last [type] ..The Final Weeding- Psalm 1- 5
Mary Joy – still writing for (in). :)
There will be a Relevant '11!
wait… why did you delete your halloween posts? I enjoyed them and benefited from them greatly. They helped us make our decision this year. What other direction could you be wanting to go if you aren't sharing God's word? Just wondering.
Jessica Bish´s last [type] ..Beautiful in Gods Eyes
Jessica Bish´s last [type] ..Beautiful in Gods Eyes
Jessica – Halloween can be so divisive. I really want to encourage women and love well. I stand firmly on certain truths, for sure, but I want to be careful to encourage women to seek the scriptures for themselves on very divisive issues. Maybe that is a cop-out answer, but I don't have time right now to answer more fully!
Dear Sarah Mae,
I have to say, I'm a little stumped. I really like your blog. I always read something encouraging or thought provoking on here. (BTW, I did like your Halloween post) But I can appreciate that you are learning and growing and see the need for something a little different. Praying for you as a fellow mom, sister and servant of Christ :)
Oh yay! I am so glad Sarah Mae! I love your writing…and by the way…your articles on Halloween really helped my husband and I to do some more research, Bible Study, and pray about it and helped us a lot in taking a second look at what our family is doing around this holiday. It made a big…positive…impact on us. I just want to thank you for them. I am sorry that you feel you need to delete them. You didn't do anything wrong. You made it clear that this is where you stand and challenged us to look at what we believe. It was very helpful.
Praying for you as you discern your new direction…
Mary Joy
Mary Joy @Seeds of E´s last [type] ..The Final Weeding- Psalm 1- 5
Mary Joy @Seeds of E´s last [type] ..The Final Weeding- Psalm 1- 5
Thank you Sarah Mae! I don't know why, but this makes me love you even more! :)
After Relevant (which I now call the "un-blogging" conference), I wanted to quit blogging altogether. But God has shown me over the last week that I don't have to network or grow or come up with new hooks to get people to read. I can just be myself and write what He puts on my heart. And if I only have 12 followers, well so what? ;)
I seem to have "missed" the Halloween post…so I can only say that I agree with the comment on women/families seeking the scripture and deciding for themselves on decisive issues. I understand not wanting to be tied to a blog and needing to step back. I did the same thing about a year ago. I actually went private with mine (Don't do that!!) and only post when I want. So much freedom in that! And while your photo may be random, it looks delicious…I'm going to go and scour my fridge for chocolate syrup ;o)
Hi Sarah Mae, I totally understand what you are saying about taking a break and writing when "you" feel like it. I love reading your blog and stop by all the time. I myself have been blogging since Jan of this year and find sometimes its so hard to get things posted. I am not on a schedule and just want to incourage women as well. Ill be praying for you and know that God will direct your every path, sounds like you are following right with him. Much love girl
Sonya Schroeder´s last [type] ..Women in the Word Wednesday
Sonya Schroeder´s last [type] ..Women in the Word Wednesday
So thankful for your blog and your writing. I'm a newcomer to blogging but you've been such an encoragement.
Kasey´s last [type] ..Month of Thankfulness- Christian Martyrs
Kasey´s last [type] ..Month of Thankfulness- Christian Martyrs
Just wanted to encourage your decisions–sounds like you are listening to Him and choosing wisely for you and your family. I do love your posts, and selfishly wish I could have read the Halloween ones, but I have a feeling we're right in line with each other on that! And for all the reasons you've mentioned, I don't have a public blog, but I appreciate and respect your vulnerability and willingness to do so–He definitely uses you in your writing for His glory!
Blessings!
Sarah Mae – thank you for your response. My husband was firm about not celebrating halloween and I was on the fence, your posts helped me to see if from a different angle. Not that I wasnt going to support my husband, but it gave me confidence that we were going in the right direction for the right reason. That's how we learn – from each other. Divisive could be said about almost every holiday and tradition out there. I think it's helpful to share your views and opinions. But I support your decision as well – I wont stop reading :) Hugs to you!
Jessica Bish´s last [type] ..Beautiful in Gods Eyes
Jessica Bish´s last [type] ..Beautiful in Gods Eyes
I will want to read your blog even more now!
Tracey´s last [type] ..Christmas Starts Early This Year!
Tracey´s last [type] ..Christmas Starts Early This Year!
I'm looking forward to your upcoming posts and whatever change of direction your taking. As far as The Twelve New Things…hey, I didn't make it past the first one, lol.
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..Greet Him with a Kiss
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..Greet Him with a Kiss
Praying for you in this new direction. If TommyNelson is looking for another blogger, I would love to talk with them. Please feel free to pass along my name. :)
Jenni Saake "In´s last [type] ..To Write
Jenni Saake "In´s last [type] ..To Write
Sarah Mae,
What I've learned from Relevant and gals like you is that it is not about the readers, the numbers, the stats or the comments… {Ironically, as Kristy said- I really didn't even want to blog anymore for the first 2 days of the conference!} But…
It's about going where your led by HIM to go. Truly, I was comforted by the words spoken there- I feel confident that God wants my blog to be an encouragement for families to ENJOY life together, living for HIM.
That he needs me to be genuine and as authentic online as I am face to face. And that my best content will come out of tender moments spent together with my awesome family!
Can't wait to see what HE is leading you to write!!! :) Go with it!!!
{{{HUGS}}}
ps. Now I don't have to feel like a shlub for not even considering the 12 new things ;P I just knew from the start that I wouldn't be able to keep up with it!
Rachel´s last [type] ..Shoeboxes- Check! Our Experience Giving To Operation Christmas Child
Rachel´s last [type] ..Shoeboxes- Check! Our Experience Giving To Operation Christmas Child
Sarah Mae, I totally respect all that you have decided. I agree, some issues are so divisive. And I don't think your answer is a cop out. We live by a better law a better covenant..it's called love and has been shown to us through grace. Your blog, your cyber home and I'll come for a warm cup of coffee any time it's offered. ;O)
Sisterlisa´s last [type] ..Do You See What I Hear
Sisterlisa´s last [type] ..Do You See What I Hear
Praying for you! Absolutely, love your blog.
Samantha´s last [type] ..Happy Veterans Day
Samantha´s last [type] ..Happy Veterans Day
Sarah Mae, yours was one of the first blogs I started following when I started blogging just over a year ago. Your header drew me in. I am all about coffee. But once I visited and began to read, I couldn't stop. I love you and your posts and know that you will continue to share your heart and God's as He leads. That is the most important thing.
Barbie´s last [type] ..30 Day Blog Challenge – Day 30
Barbie´s last [type] ..30 Day Blog Challenge – Day 30
Now I want to read your Halloween post! Especially after all of the encouraging comments here. We need direction in making decisions in that area and I am always seeking the advice of Men and women of God- a cabinet of counselors.
Adoring you.
Loving you.
Praying for you.
Wishing I could bring you some cookies.
Kimba´s last [type] ..Grace Unseen
Kimba´s last [type] ..Grace Unseen
Hi Sarah Mae….just want you to know that what started out as 1 woman in my Central Queensland community reading your blog (me), has become a small but growing group. I suggested my daughters read it, and they loved it too, so word is getting around! We have all been encouraged by your writing, especially your stand against halloween…unfortunately the interest in it is growing here in Australia, and we are having to make a stand for the sake of our walk with the Lord, and for our little ones…thankyou for your encouragement and inspiration in all subjects of your writing. It is so refreshing.
You are not copping out, I agree with Sisterlisa…it is about love and grace…we will miss it, even the divisive stuff (lol), because that is what happens when you seek the Truth…but you need to go where the Lord want you to go…All the best as you follow Him, and seek His will, and we'll be calling in for more coffee too.
Sarah Mae, I think what you are doing is GREAT! I do not blog, Twitter, (I even de-friended Facebook about a year ago!) but I can see how a blog could suck you in with numbers and stats and time. Good for you to release that burden! Be free to listen and respond to God as He leads you, not the stats! I am glad Relevant went in the direction it did — the "un-blogging" conference. :) What freedom that must have given to all those wonderful blogging ladies — to not be tied to stats, sponsors, etc… to blog as the Lord leads. (By the way, I would love to read a book on the psychology of blogging and social media. It's really fascinating to me!) Anyway, good for you!
Random, worthwhile – Amen! David & I were just discussing this about our blog and my examiner articles. The idea and doctors orders – at my own pace, like I'm retired, no pressure.
Hey, I'm excited for your "worthwhile randomness" – Freedom in Christ!
Now I'm curious what happened at Relevant? A few of you mention you want to un-blog? I thought it was a conference about blogging and encouraging each other on? Just wondering…
Stephanie H´s last [type] ..Cancer That is one word noone wants to hear A
Stephanie H´s last [type] ..Cancer That is one word noone wants to hear A
Stephanie – I saw two themes emerge at Relevant, both with the word "go." I believe God told some women to go home, back to their families and away from their blogs for awhile. The second go was, go and tell your stories. Be an "upside down blogger" and go low and serve for His glory. It was so good. :)
Sarah Mae, I am thrilled with the direction of your blog! I am adding it to my RSS feed (and I only have about 5 blogs I subscribe to!) I am passionate about encouraging women. I spent so much time reading "how to" books in my early parenting days. (That was before the blogosphere was a thought!) that I just burned out. I seldom read anything that adds to my "list" or puts pressure on me to perform or "figure out" how to do my job right. I pray. And in seeking the Lord, I find rest! I read Ann at Holy Experience and Sally Clarkson and a couple of personal friend blogs that point me toward Jesus… and that's it! I so wanted to attend Relevant because I feel the Lord telling me to write… but only when He gives me something to say. So, I'm with you! My numbers never have been high. Few people out there know I exist, and unless He changes that, that is how it will stay:) Blessings as you seek Him in your writing!
I may be the lone wolf but I appreciate the Halloween post deletion. My family has always used Halloween as a time to dress up and have a blast at family and friends houses. As a Bible college graduate I remember studying the origins, which are a mix of early church and other cultures- just as all of the holidays we celebrate in the US are. I feel we are each creating our OWN family traditions with EACH of these holidays. Thanks for not alienating me!
[...] Why am I having a giveaway week? Read this. [...]
Thanks for saying that you will only write if God leads you to. I'm taking that as confirmation of what I realized just this afternoon: I don't pray about what I should post! I decided to do that and post only if HE gives me an idea which He wants me to share.
Karen´s last [type] ..Word Filled Wednesday-About Worry
Karen´s last [type] ..Word Filled Wednesday-About Worry
I love you… you are spectacular. <3
Ashleigh (Heart and´s last [type] ..Here And there And everywhere
Ashleigh (Heart and´s last [type] ..Here And there And everywhere