image via alcomm | flickr creative commons

Friends, I’d like to ask you a question today: Why do you blog?

Not “why do people in general blog” or “why do you think you should blog”, but why do YOU, really?

Each of us started with something in mind when we first took that deep breath and nervously hit ‘publish‘. Was it merely a way to share photos of baby’s adorable toothless grin with faraway relatives? A love of words and stories that needed an outlet? The need to earn extra income to support your family? A desire to connect with others?

Whatever your reason, you made the commitment to put yourself out there, and that’s no small accomplishment. But somewhere along the way, it’s easy to get caught up in the game. You know, the one where that cunning little voice whispers “bigger is better” and “numbers are important” and “you have to keep up!” You’re stressed out, checking stats every hour, snapping at your kids and cursing under your breath wondering which link-up you’ve forgotten.

Before you realize it, you’ve tied your sense of worth to your notoriety (or lack thereof). 

Not that I would know about any of that. Ahem.

As one recovering comparison-junkie to another, I sympathize. It’s tempting to believe success lies in your number of followers, comments, sponsors or re-tweets. If your blog is any good, it will grow. Right?

Maybe — or maybe not.

As Christians, we believe God has a plan for our lives. Are you ready to consider that His plan might look different than you thought? Friends, I want to encourage you that you just might be called to be small. On purpose. For your blessing and His glory.

image via phonton | flickr creative commons

God can do amazing things through your small blog that might never happen at a bigger blog.

Your intimate platform can allow you to connect personally with your readers, build real relationships and touch hearts in ways no overflowing comment box ever could. Your blog’s compact size can be the very thing that makes you approachable. Some of your readers may even become real-life friends. (I can tell you from experience, it’s true!)

I’ve had the amazing privilege to petition the throne of God on behalf of my readers, interceding for them personally in the presence of our Abba Father. This isn’t small, friends, it’s HUGE. 

As you prayerfully consider His plan for your blog (and your life), I hope you’ll remember this: No amount of fame or accolade will truly satisfy until you grasp the truth that you are Christ’s beloved. Your worth lies in His unending love for you, not in your stats or followers. You were bought with the shed blood of Christ, adopted into His family, and He has a plan for you.

It’s taken me a while to get to this point, but I honestly don’t want to be a mega-blogger anymore. I love the interaction and connection I have with my readers. I love recognizing the names and avatars that pop up in my comment box, and knowing the stories that accompany so many of the faces. I have a busy life and a family that needs my attention. (And honestly? Who can keep up with 200+ comments on a post anyway?)

Sweet sisters, don’t shortchange yourself by chasing someone else’s version of success. Give your blog over to Him and enjoy the bountiful blessings God has planned for you.

So, tell me, friends — why do YOU blog?

Jana Driggers is an ordinary woman grateful for the extraordinary grace of her Heavenly Father. She loves discovering God’s grace in the everyday mess and longs for a quiet moment to sit at Jesus’ feet. You can usually find her in the carpool lane, singing loudly and embarrassing her kids. Jana writes about faith, family, and encouragement for the journey at Grace for My Mess, and is a contributor to Sisters In Bloom.

I’ve been blogging for 7 years. Back in the day before WordPress was popular and Money Saving Mom’s old blog was still a website. In 7 years, I have had no measurable success as a blogger. No conference has ever asked me to speak, not one of my posts has gone viral, I’ve never had haters in my comment box, I’ve never made any money from a faith blog, and it’s been almost a year and I’m still working on my first eBook.

What can I tell you about blogging, you ask? My story.

I have been everywhere as a blogger. I’ve blogged about books, faith, babies, marriage, frugality. I’ve tried nearly every link-up and blog carnival out there. I’ve tried to do all the things a successful blogger would do and follow every how-to step.

It wasn’t until I realized these things weren’t making me happy and only increasing my dissatisfaction with blogging (and life) that I stopped. I came back to the reason I started blogging—I love writing. I had to reorient my attitude toward blogging to reflect my passion.

What did I learn?

Be authentic. Don’t hide behind masks. Don’t try to be someone else

Write from where you are and where you’ve been. When you have a few helpful tips on how to make your house, life, or kitchen more organized in 7 easy steps share how you learned those tips and tricks. 

Be authentic in your words. Don’t encourage to fill up a word count. Mean what you say. Believe it.

We’re done with Jesus-lite.

We’ve had enough nonsense, enough sparing for stats. Let’s leave the game behind and just tell our stories. Whatever niche, whatever post structure.

You will always be a more powerful, effective writer and communicator when you share your story. Don’t just give us your conclusion, tell us what brought you there.

Give us something compelling. Let us wrestle with you. Show the gritty side of your faith–whether it be in the homeschool room, church pew, traffic light, or DIY project gone wrong.

Instead of simply giving a directive, share your journey. If you learned how to be a more purposeful mother, then give us the back story. If you’ve discovered going grain-free or minimalist or fill-in-the-blank has improved your quality of life, tell us more than how, share why. Tell us how you got there. Give us the in-between.

Don’t be afraid to say life is messy.

We know life is messy, but we need to know ours isn’t the only one. We need to know behind that photoshopped beauty of a counter are crumbs and piles of last month’s mail.

When we hear a story it becomes a mirror reflecting our own need. It has the power to bring light to the crevices in our own lives. When it does it becomes a more efficacious tool for change than a bullet list shaking its finger in our face.

Story will always go farther than perfect.

Tell us your story.

Jessica is a contributor for Sister In Bloom. She writes about the everyday life, faith, mercy and justice, as well as her passion for writing at The Reluctant Sojourner.

When I was growing up and our family went on vacation my dad always had his camera with him. He would stop every few steps to take a photograph of an interesting building or a beautiful flower, while my sister and I rolled our eyes and waited impatiently. Now I am that parent! I can’t help myself. I love to take photographs, and I do not discriminate, although I’m partial to photos of my kids. I’ve realized that I look at the world through a lens, often thinking “Oh, that would make a beautiful picture!”.

As a mom, photos are a way to capture memories of my husband and children, daily life and the extraordinary too. I take great joy in photographing them. As a craft blogger, photos are a big part of my content. There are tutorials and reviews that require a multitude of photos, and they need to look nice. Over the years I have taken thousands of photos, and though I do not consider myself a pro by any stretch, I have learned a lot and have improved by leaps and bounds. I’d love to share some photography tips with you, if that’s alright.

1. Use natural light whenever possible!

There is nothing better than natural light when you are taking a photograph. Sometimes the circumstances won’t allow it, but if you have it, use it! It makes a big difference. You may have to use a tripod, set up near a window, or just wait for a sunnier day, but it’s worth it.

No flash, evening, low light

No flash, daylight

The second set of photos looks infinitely better than the first. The colors are brighter and it looks intentional. Take advantage of that light.

2. Get a little closer.

When photographing food, a close up can make all of the difference. Get down on the level of the beatiful creation you’ve just made a zoom in! Don’t be afraid to get a tight shot… make ’em drool.

It works with people too!

3. Use a few props.

Props can add a lot of fun to a photograph and they are super easy to make. The props shown in this photo can be found here.

4. Use a back drop when photographing objects.

I create tutorials for my blog and really like to have a clean, solid background for my photos. When you are creating step by step instructions it helps to eliminate as many distractions as possible. I purchased a large piece of white board from our local grocery store. It’s actually white on one side and blue on the other. It works for all sorts of projects and only cost me less than $2! This photo is from an upcoming tutorial for making a travel-sized minky blanket.

5. Wait for it!

Sometimes a great shot takes preparation and patience. The best photos are rarely the first ones that are taken. I can’t tell you how many photos I delete. That’s the beauty of digital photography! I took this series of photos last fall on a family vacation. I crouched down in the ocean and prayed that I wouldn’t drop my camera in the water while I snapped away. The last photo is one of my favorites that I have of my daughter.

The joy on her face is priceless! I was able to capture it well because I was willing to wait.

There are many things that you can do to improve your photographs. These are just a few, but I hope that maybe you have learned something new. The most important thing is to have fun and take photos of things and people that you love! You’ll enjoy it so much.

Thanks so much for letting me share with you today! If you’d like to see more of my photos you can follow me on Instagram at sidac, Followgram, or follow along at The Southern Institute.

Jenny is also a contributor for Sisters in Bloom.

Last year, at the (then) Relevant Conference, I sat in on a session with Emily Freeman. Emily’s advice for finding your ‘calling’ or passion– “pay attention to what makes you cry.”

Her words gave me goosebumps then and even now, as I re-read them, my skin pricks with the chill of knowing, of recognizing and no longer living afraid of owning my passion.

And her advice is good. When you’re staring at that blinking cursor, or sitting with your journal open in your hands and you will the words to come, and they don’t, think about what moves you. What is it in this life that stirs your soul, what is it that forces the lump in your throat or excites you? What are your favorite books, what are your favorite movies, what is the theme that runs between these things and connects them. Is there a cause you get fired up about? Write it down. Let it breath on the page. Ask God what dreams He has for you, pray for discernment.

Some tips for finding your passion:

• Make a list of the things that stir emotion in you (any emotion, even if it’s something that makes you angry or sad), list them privately, perhaps in a journal.
• Take your list and circle the top three that stand out at you. Are they related to each other? If they are, how so? If not, can you find any type of common theme (it may be less obvious, but try)
• Pray for God to reveal your passion to you, ask His opinion on the matter, seek His direction for using your passions for His glory- you are designed with specific passions and desires unique to you, God knows what they are so don’t be afraid to ask Him to reveal them to you!
• Ask your “kitchen friends” what they think your gifts are. ( I have a friend who believes me to be gifted in hospitality, though I hadn’t considered this for myself, after hearing her expound on why she felt this way, I can see why she said this and it has helped me to discover more about who I am and what moves me to serve- the point is, you might be surprised by what your friends know about you!)
• Answer Emily’s question, “What is it that makes you cry?”

Now choose one word from your list and free-write whatever comes in to our head related to this word. Don’t be surprised if this is some of your best writing. When you write from your sweet spot, your writing will be most authentic. When you write boldly about what moves you, don’t be surprised when your words move others. Passion is contagious.

Finding your passion is not always an instant thing. My passion for writing has grown over time as it has been nurtured and exercised. I recommend you do these exercises privately because this is not necessarily the time for everyone to add their two-cents to your processing. You may feel less inhibited about being honest with yourself as you name your passions, when you know that no one is peeking at you. I believe that once you have uncovered your niche, or passion, you will feel peace about it. Not that everything you do within the realm of living out your passion will be peaceful, but you will know that you are doing what fulfills you, what God has called you to do.

Have you found your passion? Can you feel the difference in your writing when you write about those things which burn deep in your soul? I’m dying to know.

Kris is a contributor to Sisters In Bloom and you can follow Kris’s musings at her personal blog, Always Alleluia .

If you have a blog in place, or if you are planning a blog, did you know you could stand on your own soapbox and tell the world about your passions? From this soapbox you can share your joys, sorrows, vent, instruct, teach, train, encourage, entrust, show, and flex your writing muscle. In other words, your blog can be your platform. Why have platforms? This is helpful if you ever want to consider publishing, as in publishing stuff you write, as in books, eBooks, etc. Your platform is an excellent place to help market your writings.

Let me be clear, you do not have to write with the intent of publishing any further than your own blog. Many prefer to write just for themselves and their readers, not caring if they ever have an opportunity in having their works published. However, you will hear of more bloggers opting to publish their posts into eBooks, even commercial publishers are approaching them offering book deals. You may decide that you enjoy writing so much; you want to put forth effort into writing a book.

Whether you think you may want your writings published beyond your blog right now, you should at least be open to the possibility for the future. One thing a commercial publisher looks for is whether a writer has a platform or not. If you have a blog in place and if your blog focuses on the book you’ve written, then you have the “platform” they are seeking.

If you are just starting your blog, think ahead to what you want your main point to be, your mission. It may be a blog detailing your day as a mom. It may be one where you write about the craft projects you do with your children. It may be one where you talk about your daily struggles with an illness or chronic condition. It may be one where you highlight your walk with the Lord. It may be one where you generalize your life and talk about it all, family, children, home projects, cooking, etc. Really, there is no set rules to coming up with a platform, except you need to question why you are starting your blog.

If you are starting a blog with the intent to earn an income with it, you really should think about your platform. If you wish to cover several different topics, like for example, family issues, cooking, and your walk with the Lord, then make sure your categories are well defined. Put all your “recipes” under your cooking category. Family issues under “family” category, and so on.
By doing this, if you wish ever to publish a book, when you approach a publisher or agent with your manuscript, you can honestly tell them you already have a platform (your blog). This will go a long ways in earning points with the potential agent or publisher. Be sure to make the most of your “platform,” set your blog up by creating email lists, to sign up or opt-in for your newsletter and RSS feeds. Having a nice sized list will also impress any future publishers. They will see you with great marketing potential if these things are already in place.

This post shared by Lori Ramsey, a contributor for Sisters In Bloom. You can find Lori’s work at her brand new site LA Ramsey where she writes about her novels and her faith.

You, my friend, have something to say.  You are created with a purpose all your own, with a story written into your DNA that only you can tell.

Do you believe this – that He has given you a voice?  Do you believe you have a story?  Do you believe He is working in you?  Do you believe your vulnerability — your trusting Him with your words — will bring forth something amazing?  Do you believe you are enough?

You are beautiful.

You do have a voice.

You are His beloved.

You are perfectly enough.

You are a work of His creation, designed exquisitely in His image, to communicate, with that heart of yours, His words He gives.

Isn’t that, at our core, why we blog?

The ‘why we blog’ question might bring to mind the word “mission” or “ministry”. The purpose might be to generate income, or to share a personal passion with the world.  But, at the core of it all, the motivation for blogging stems from one thing: The Father gives each of us a language, all our own – His voice in us — to share. 

So we do.

We blog because we must.

We blog because we believe it glorifies Him and brings healing, through Him, if we entrust these words He’s given us, poured into our hearts, and share, with our family, in Christ.

We blog because we trust that He shapes our hearts when we write.

We blog because finding words to articulate ourselves helps bring us closer to Him and helps us to process the work He is doing in us.

We blog because our hearts written down might model, for His children how, in whatever place they are, they have a voice, a story, a passion to give up to Him, too.

We blog because we can’t keep His words in us to ourselves.  We blog because we believe that by hitting “publish” and sending His words in us for the world to see, that He will carry the message to whom it is meant.

We blog because we have been given a gift and we can’t hold it in.  To accept the gift, we must give it back, on His terms.  He has a good plan, and we believe it.

We blog because we were made for this.

He is the giver of all good things.  He gives — and for us to keep the gifts locked up, squandered away, the talent buried in the ground, what glory is that?  What obedience is that?  What faith is that?  (Matthew 25:14-30)

And friend, in the act of surrender, in our blogging, He translates our hearts. It is an act of obedience to trust Him with our words, trusting that our surrendering them, for His glory, will bring healing, through Him. 

There is a beauty in vulnerability, in rawness, in hearts stripped bare – for then, we are desperate for Him, and we can be used, for His glory.

We feel most alive, most filled up by Him, when we do.

With what He gives, give back to Him, for His kingdom, and He will multiply the gift, in us.  He will use it.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

You have a story – one that continues to unfold, growing richer, with more healing, more beauty, with each word you surrender.

Only you can tell the story the Father writes on your heart.  He makes you an author of your life, with each action you take, each word you express.  Deciphering the life-story, articulating, through language, the life He gives, is for you to do.

This post shared by Jennifer Camp, a contributor for Sisters In Bloom. You can find Jennifer blogging at You Are My Girls, where she writes to remember the truth of her identity in the Father’s eyes and to encourage other women to remember this as well.

We are gathering, weaving words, speaking truth, and spilling our heart words out through blogging.  Social media is a fantastic tool to bring about goodness for God’s kingdom.  There has never been such an opportunity as this, where within minutes we can spread a message through Twitter and Facebook.  We can shout out from the mountaintops about the faithfulness of God and find people who will listen.

I believe we are in a window of time like no other, and it’s a perfect opportunity to jump in and be a part of a movement and a mission through our blogs.  There are hungry people searching for truth, for encouragement and for hope.  As the world is rapidly changing all around us, have you ever considered that social media and bloggers are being raised up and sent forth for such a time as this?

The media looks to bloggers to be game changers. The face of advertising and publishing has taken a favorable turn to blogging and social media.  Authors are being birthed, orators are springing forth, and ministries are flourishing all because of this exciting platform.

Don’t you want to be a part?  God calls us to be the light, and to shine that light to the lost. Just as this Allume site has the mission to “Live The Light”, we can come together and be the next wave of mission-minded bloggers for God’s purposes!

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light- Ephesians 5: 7-9

So where do we start?  Jumping into social media can grow weary if you don’t have a clear mission and focus. Speaking as a fellow blogger in this arena, I can quickly get discouraged, start comparing myself and wonder why I am blogging.  We can all have the best of intentions to be a mission-minded blogger, but not have a clear mission in the first place!

The most important secret I have found to keeping my eyes on the One whom I blog for, is to write out a mission statement.  By having a mission before me, I can reign in my focus when bloggers all around me seem to be doing more, writing better, and getting better opportunities than me. I highly recommend to any blogger whether new or experienced to write a mission statement for their blog and any online pursuits. Here is why.

Why we need a Mission Statement

• You will stay focused.
• You will keep blogging when you want to quit.
• You will be able to combat all the outside “noise” of other blogs and alleviate comparing yourself with others.
• You will be able to recognize how you are going to reach your audience with your unique message.
• You will feel confident in who God created you to be.
• You will see the unique value you have as a blogger.
• You will be a game changer!

How To Create A Mission Statement

Answer the following questions:

Who will be my audience?

(women, moms, families, what is their age?, do they work?, do they stay home?)

What kind of content will I provide for that reader?

(instructional, devotional, practical, inspirational)

 Why do I want to blog? 

( income, ministry, a cause, creating a platform, hobby, creative outlet, to equip, instruct, encourage)

How will my readers find me?

(social media, networking, contributing, guest posting, ebooks, speaking)

What aesthetics do I want to achieve in my blog design?

(clean, simple, warm, old fashioned, modern, crafty, literary)

What image do I want to portray? 

(friendly, informative, business, helpful, girlfriend, mentor, coach, teacher, speaker, writer)

After answering all of these questions hopefully you will now have a better idea of where you are headed and feel more confident in your blogging. Keep in mind, when you write a mission statement, it isn’t set in stone and can be changed. You can keep your statement private and to yourself and review it often. I personally never show readers my mission statement. However, if you have a contributor site, like Sisters In Bloom, or a collaborative project, it is a good idea to share a common mission so everyone is on board.

Here is one of my overall mission statements which I use as a compass for all online pursuits.

I exist online to glorify God through my writing and interaction with others. I seek to blog with intention not perfection, and always inspire and encourage other women in their hearts. I long to always promote community and authentic relationships while writing online.

I hope that through the process of writing your own mission statement that you will see your unique value, and how you can be a mission-minded blogger for such a time as this! Together let’s shine the light to the world!

This post by: Denise Thompson, founder of Sisters In Bloom and Denise In Bloom.

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