My Very Honest Reasons for Starting a Blog

The idea of starting a blog was whispered to my heart just over a year ago. A rush of fear and excitement competed for my attention simultaneously. 

Why a blog?

But then again… why not a blog?

I entertained the nudge in my spirit for several weeks, and as I considered the reasons why starting a blog made sense for this season of my life, the more excited I became about the possibilities.

Why I decided to start a blog

If you’re reading this then you’re probably already quite acquainted with what a blog is. For those who have accidentally entered my little corner of the web, this Dictionary.com definition is for you:

Blog ^{[ blawg, blog ]}  noun: a website containing a writer’s or group of writers’ own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other websites.

Pretty standard. 

So then, why would a conservative, dare I say, middle aged momma, grandma, and wife be inclined to share her life experiences, observations, opinions, and thoughts in such a public way? 

To journey with you

The journey of faith is a marathon, not a race. The terrain travelled is not a straight path. It winds with unexpected twists and turns, peaks and valleys, rocky places and meadows, wilderness wanderings and mountain top experiences. 

And throughout the journey, God is carefully shaping and molding us into the women He has created us to be.  

The thing is, the process of being changed to become more like Jesus (the process of sanctification) is well… painful. We must literally die to ourselves to be changed. And, our ‘death’ gets messy.  

I call it the messy middle. I’ve been there. I’m there now. And I expect to be there in the future because it is an ongoing process. God is at work to empty me of myself and prepare me as a vessel of His love, mercy and grace.

And I’m pretty sure He is doing the same for you.

That’s why I want to journey with you. We are works in progress – growing in faith, blooming in God’s grace and flourishing in Christ. And together we are better – “if either of [us] falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:10). 

And although the journey is not easy, there is joy in the process and hidden treasures for us to discover along the way. 

To encourage you to say YES to Jesus 

You are God’s masterpiece, created for a purpose that He designed only for you to do. 

Ah-mazing right?

Here’s the other thing. Jesus has given you spiritual gifts, talents, and unique experiences that He wants to use for His glory. So, is there any surprise that He is stirring within your heart an incredible dream or big goal that both terrifies you and thrills you at the same time? 

Well friend, I’m right there with you and I want to encourage you to say YES! 

I want to cheer you on. To guide you, not as an expert but rather a fellow sojourner. And to inspire you to pursue your calling.

Together we’ll take one step…then another… each day, by faith, to experience the fullness of all God plans to do in and through us. 

To glorify God

When I became a Christian, one of the things I began to do quite consistently was journal. It is a habit – or if you want to get fancy, a spiritual discipline, that has helped me grow in my faith. I share my method of P.R.A.I.S.E journaling that prepares my heart and mind to discern the voice of God and respond in obedience. 

The pages of my journals are chock-full of lessons I’ve learned through the study of God’s word, time in prayer and in relationship with Jesus. I want to share what I’m learning with you as encouragement and write words that lift up the name of Jesus. 

To try something new that challenges me

I enjoy writing and didn’t realize I had a knack for it until later in life. It is my creative outlet. 

Some paint, others craft, and still others dance or sing. 

I want to write and inspire. 

Blogging pushes me to step outside my comfort zone to use the gift I’ve been given in a way that is meaningful to others. Blogging also challenges me to have a growth mindset because I’m always learning new things and growing. 

To earn an income 

Blogging provides the potential to earn an income to fund the great big goals and dreams Jesus has laid on my heart. 

And by now, I have learned to take the limits off God. Instead, I offer my ‘little’ to Jesus in faith and trust Him to do what only He can do. 

And, last but not least,

To trust God

My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

By faith I’m walking out my calling. It’s scary. It’s challenging. And it’s exciting all at the same time. 

I call it my Jesus led adventure. 

Every day I am choosing to trust God when things just don’t make sense. I’ve made some difficult decisions to say YES to Jesus (which includes this blog). And I’m holding on – there’s no turning back. Like Peter, I say “Lord – to whom shall [I] go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

With great expectation I take the next step… and the next… and then the next, along the path prepared for me. A path where I will grow in faith, bloom in grace, and flourish in Christ.

So friend, will you join me?

YAY – let’s do this!