How I came to start my blog

Believe it or not I have only had a computer for about 2 years. I know, how did I survive?? Actually it really wasn't that bad. Surprisingly enough you can live without technology. You don't miss what you don't know you are missing. I wasn't void of all technology. My husband brought his work laptop home on the weekends. He also bought me a kindle which helped me connect with the outside world. Unfortunately it just broke, or rather my kids broke it. They have a habit of breaking things.

When I was able to get on the internet, I found a few blogs that I found really inspiring. I loved reading them and was always encouraged. I did at times wonder how they managed to blog and take care of their families. Even though I wasn't sure how it all worked I thought it looked like a great outlet to have from home. I have always loved to journal and write and crazily enough God put it on my heart to start a blog. I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't research how to start a blog. I didn't know what html was. I didn't know how to make links.  I didn't know how to promote my blog. I didn't get someone to create my site for me. I just jumped in and have been learning as I am going ever since.

My blog is by no means perfected and I still have so much to learn, but isn't the process the best part? I have learned so much about myself as I have opened my heart to perfect strangers and friends alike. There is nothing like putting yourself out there to really make you get out of your comfort zone. I have searched my motives more deeply and questioned how I use my time and my actions.

Blogging is not easy.(I share more in detail about balancing blogging and family here) It can distract you from other things you should be doing, especially when you love to blog. It is not for everyone and you are not less than if you don't have a blog. Like so many other things; it is a platform to be used for either good or evil.  We have to be obedient to God to use our time and resources to glorify him in the way that he leads us.

As the thoughts of starting a blog were whirling around in my head I kept sensing the word faithful. I knew I wanted to encourage other women to be faithful in the everyday little things that no one else might see except God; i.e. cleaning, laundry, mothering, cooking, homeschooling, time management,devotions, ministering to your husband, exercise.

The verse that came to my mind was from the parable of the talents:

So often we dream of doing things for God on a grand scale. We tend to look at the domestic tasks and mothering as of lesser importance in the eyes of God and the world. It can be easy to think we really aren't doing anything of significance as we wipe boogers, reside over sibling disputes, clean up sticky rice from the floor and wade through mounting piles of dirty clothes.What we often forget is that caring for our home and families is the glue that holds society together. How many people do you know that are suffering or have suffered because their family life was missing the simple presence of care and comfort; love and joy.

Loving our children and husband well are a mother and wife's highest calling; not just reserved for the select few. Not all women are gifted as housewives, mothers and wives but as we surrender our lives to God's will he gives us everything we need to be who he has called us to be.

As you read my meager attempt at putting my two cents into a world that seems to be bursting at the seams with blogs filled with many different opinions, information, how to's and insights; I pray that you come away encouraged and edified. I want you to know that you are valued and that all you do is valued and worth being faithful with. I hope you feel like you are visiting a friend when I share the goings on of my little family, homeschool, struggles and heart.

It can be easy to forget why I started this blog and get caught up in trying to make a tiny dent in the blogosphere. There are so many things I could be doing to get the word out there about my blog, but right now I know that I need to be faithful to do what God has called me to do and not get side tracked with trying to keep up with the latest blogging trends. I know there are certain "blogging rules" and "dos and don'ts" if you want to make it in the blogging world but I don't want to sacrifice my morals and convictions in the name of success. I need to simply keep sharing what God puts on my heart...when I am able.

Of course I would love for my blog to grow but instead of trying to do it in my own strength I am committing my little loaves and fish to God and asking him to multiply it in his perfect time and way.(This doesn't mean I am not going to do anything to promote my blog... just not everything)

I love this little place that I have come to meet so many wonderful women and mamas who are just like me; trying to do the best they can with all that God has given them. But there are many days when I know by connecting in cyberspace I am disconnecting myself from the ones in my immediate space. So if you don't hear from me that often or consistently know that I desire to be faithful with this blog but I am trying my best to be faithful to Jesus, my family and my home foremost...and I pray you are too.

I am excited to see what God is going to do with "the talents" he has entrusted to me; though it's likely I might not get to see how God uses me fully. More than anything else I want to hear him say, "Well done good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your master."

If you have a blog, why did you start yours?

What has God put on your heart to be faithful with?

How are you investing your "talents"?

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