I once saw a t-shirt for writers that had written upon it, “Be nice to me or I’ll put you in my next book.” As funny as that is, the truth of the matter is that writers do use–among other things–their experiences and worldviews, and yes, that means interactions with other people, to create content. Sometimes readers feel close to the writer, with the writer’s ability to put meaningful words to the readers’ own lives and experiences. And sometimes writers need to let off steam (aka “ranting”) and that steam may feel a little too hot to readers, offending them. Readers also bring their own experiences and bias to the page. Reading the same content, some readers are encouraged, others outraged. Thus goes the dance between writer and reader.
I’ve been blogging off and on since 2008. Why?
I can tell you the reasons I don’t.
It’s not to “keep up with friends and family.” I expect my friends and family to keep up with me in real-time, in real conversations, not to just peek in through my blogging window or twitter feed to gather from me without any sacrifice on their part. I’d rather talk or write to a friend in real-time and not depend on her Facebook page for what’s going on in her life. That’s my bias; I hold up real relationships to a higher standard.
It’s not to “teach ideas about homemaking or homeschooling or (fill in the blank)”. As much as some of those things may be gleaned from my blog, it is not my great purpose and I know that what I do share in those realms are just little bits and pieces that can be added to many other blogs, books, and teachers. I’m not an expert on anything and don’t claim to be.
It’s certainly not to make money. I don’t seek out advertising and other than a spot where you can shop Amazon (thank you!), I don’t use my blog to make money. The only thing I currently have “for sale” is my collection of articles I wrote for a young mommy’s group. Notice that I don’t push it with pop-ups every time you visit here.
And speaking of pop-ups, I don’t bug you at every turn with joining my mailing list or subscribing either. “Building a bigger platform” is not my goal.
So why do I blog?
Because I’m a writer and that is the simplicity of it. It is an outlet that I’ve chosen to share aloud.
My blog is named “A Happy Home” from Ps 144:15: Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
My personal goal, then, is to “build a happy home where the spirit of the Lord dwells”.
My experience is that the Bible is absolutely true: without the Lord, there is no deep abiding joy. Instead, there is: anger, malice, bitterness, clamour, evil speaking, blasphemy (I hear “OMG” all.the.time.), filthy communication, hypocrisy, and envy (Eph 4:31, Col 3:8, 1 Peter 2:1).
Now, I sin and fall like everyone else (just read my blog!), but I delight in knowing Jesus Christ and His finished work on my behalf, convicting me, forgiving me and leading me on His narrow paths. I know well, Titus 3:3 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, and hating one another.”
My hope is that I would live out that “WERE” in Titus 3:3, and my hope in blogging is that “I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” Ps 26:7 I aim to run the race, gain the prize, grow in holiness and closer to my Lord every day. That is what I want for my own home, too. And because I’m a writer, I write about it. It’s like breathing for me.
Many people write for many reasons, some that may differ from my own. Now you know mine. I guess the real question I would have for my readers is this: why do you bother to read what I write? Are my real motivations for keeping a blog also what YOU hope to gain? Have you been blessed? If so, then let’s dance.
Blessings,
