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,
I started reading because I wanted to know when each new podcast was up! I stay because I enjoy your thoughts. I love how you face and share struggles with honesty but without bitterness. And I love that you’re not a “Judgy McJudgerson” about homeschooling (there are too many of those on the Internet, they kinda scare me) or any other subject, and communicate your convictions with grace and humility.
That’s why.
Thank you, Emily. I hope to get a new podcast out this month 🙂
Dear Keri.
I’m a terrible dancer and your feet may hurt if we tried!!!!
I read because I just like you!! I know you share from your heart what God is teaching you and you have real convictions. You aren’t afraid to challenge me to be in God’s word and to have a special time with Him each day; because that is where I will grow.
I can see your love for your family and you want to honor God in the way you live your life. I admire the way you love and respect your husband. Your respect shows so much in your pod casts and is so foreign in today’s society. I feel connected to you because we both share in the conviction to be a homemaker and also with home schooling. I like to see how you homeschool and what curriculum you have chosen, to see if it would fit a particular child I have. There is wisdom in a multitude of counsel.
I am a homemaker and I enjoy gleaning from your wisdom about nutrition, bulk buying, and feeding a large family. Gardening is a favorite hobby of mine and when you share your ups and downs its encouraging, because I have these years myself. When you got your dairy goats it was fun to see how you cared for and enjoyed them.
I appreciate your honesty about a large home and the desire to simplify your life and be out of debt. You are real. I shy away from “professional” bloggers because their homes are always ALL white and decorated so beautifully even with children! I don’t know how they manage a beautiful, picture perfect home. That is definitely now where I live. 🙂
I frequent your blog each morning, before the children are awake, to see if you’ve posted. I know its unrealistic, but I still look!! 🙂 I know what I read will be an honest look at your life. I enjoy your pod casts and I’ve listened to some multiple times because I’m a little thick-headed. 😉
I also enjoy your Art Journaling. I am so not crafty and I’ve begun to try and make a scripture journal myself. I have the desire but I lack the talent. I like to see your cards and each completed page. It gives me the boost I need to continue on. The day you shared your new loom I was so happy for you! Creating is a blessing to you and your family and also an inspiration to me.
I didn’t mean to write a book, but I am encouraged each time I read a post. Sometimes I ponder what you say for a few days, and I even have to re-read the entire post if God nudges me. I am looking forward to your first book because I do have a problem and I need to be “Present” more.
By Grace Alone,
Kim
Thank you, Kim, for the encouragement! I’m currently using Kay Arthur’s Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days to learn that intriguing color-coding method to dig into the Bible more. It’s really fascinating and fun! I look forward every morning to getting out my colors and studying. As as aside, if you subscribe to my blog, you’ll get an email notifying you of new posts, to save you time. I know your time is precious! 🙂
I read because I consider us friends and because our busy lives make our letters FAR too infrequent–I think that I am the one who owes you one now! I also read because your blog is inspiring, and it is often a timely reminder of the joy that is home and family. I find that, in the midst of running around and trying to be “Supermom,” I need the calming presence that I find here to help me gain perspective. Congratulations on the new baby to come, and I WILL sit and actually pin out a REAL letter sooner than you think!
P.S. Glad I stopped by–SOOOOOO much decluttering and updates to paint, floors, etc., need to happen here in our 15-year-old home, and again, I am getting inspired. Blessings!