Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Open Book Policy

I haven't been writing much and, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. Having a precocious four-year-old and a rambunctious 17 mos. old in the house surely provides enough fodder for one simple blog but...still...when I put fingers to keyboard, I get nothin'.

But it finally came to me. Actually, not so much as came to me as I finally acknowledged what was there all along. I was no longer producing good writing because my blog has taken a direction it was not originally supposed to take.

If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God , you will not be able to overthrow them. ~ Acts 5:38, 39

When I first started this blog, my hope was to be an open book. To talk plainly and honestly about what I was experiencing day to day as a wife, mother and woman but, most importantly, as a Christian stumbling along in my walk with Christ. I wanted to connect with people who were in the same place as I was, learn from those who were more mature in their walk with Christ and be an inspiration to those who were just starting theirs. More than anything, I wanted God to be present in every post and for this blog to glorify Him.

What happened, however, was not that. I don't want to beat myself up too much, because I think from time to time, I hit the nail on the head. But if I'm going to be really honest, I began worrying too much about how my blog stacked up next to others. I paid too much attention to the number of hits my blog received on a daily basis and when I noticed my average number of hits declining, I worked to make my blog more "popular" with the masses instead of using it an instrument to get the Good Word out. I started to concern myself with what others thought of me instead of focusing on my authentic self and highlighting how God was working in my life.

I took the wheel out of God's hands and, sure enough, drove this train right off of it's tracks.

It's time to let go, stand back and let God lead the way again. He knows the route so much better than I do anyway.

So some changes are going to be made and I hope you stick around to find out what they are. I have lots more to let you in on but my Kirby is making it clear to me right now that he wants out of his crib. I better get him before he figures out how to get out on his own. I'm in BIG trouble then! LOL!

Until then, I pray that God blesses you in ways you never imagined and that His favor rains down on you like a flood!

9 comments:

ohhollyf said...

I like where ur headed, and have been pondering the same thoughts.
Yeah, get that baby out before he gets to u !lol

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

I know exactly what you're talking about. I didn't really have a goal in mind when I started blogging. I eventually drifted more towards being a Baking blog. I never could compare to the great baking blogs out there....and felt defeated...so I went back to blogging about day-to-day things, along with baking. I still watch my site meter and see who visits....but I had to let go of the whole comparison thing. I don't think I'll ever be one of "THE" blogs to read, you know? I may not ever have hundreds of readers a day. But when I see that someone finds my blog by doing a search for "Christian women getting life back on track", I know I'm blogging the right thing.

Lynn said...

I look forward to see where your blog is going. I will keep reading. Thanks!

mother of seven said...

either way I will read...... I love your insite on things.

I must admit the site meter is dangerous. I sometimes feel like I am in high-school wondering who will call me today. And will they call tomorrow? ALso the number of hits. And looking at others hits. and am I boring?

That lasted for a week.... my house was a wreck, my kids ignored, and my husband was wondering.....where is my wife. Oh on the computer!!!!

So now I am back to "whatever mode" It works well for me!!!

Madame Queen said...

I think we all do that -- get off track once in a while. It's so easy to get caught up in the semi-popularity contest that blogs can be. I recently had to remind myself why *I* write -- for me.

Karla said...

I "stumbled" upon your site just the other day just because of the title "The Stumbling Christian," and it inspired me to start a blog of my own to hold myself accountable about my Christian walk. I'm just getting started, but I am very interested in keeping in touch with others who are on the same journey, so PLEASE keep blogging about your Christian walk. We all stumble and fall.

I'm just getting started, but stumble over to my blog if you get a chance: http://kmdailybread.blogspot.com/

Jamie {See Jamie blog} said...

Sounds great - I look forward to seeing what you'll be writing! I'm a fairly new blogger (just since April) and I just write what's on my heart. The subjects jump around somewhat, but it's all straight from the heart. Please come visit. :-)

Unknown said...

Sister-Girlfriend,
I sooooo know what you mean about the direction your blog should go or not go. that's why I started my second one so I could try to keep things separeate. Yet as life goes I seem to blend them at times.
We are all there for you out in the blogging world. Until then, K.U.

Anonymous said...

It looks like most of us tend to struggle with this, and it's spiritual warfare. When we try to get closer to God, satan gets scared and digs in more firmly. I missed you during the pause, but it seems like you did some heart to heart time with God, and are back with a mission. I can't wait to read some more!