I went to Blissdom seeking some clarity and desiring to make some concrete decisions.
I came home with a clear vision and ready to implement the decisions that I made.
Our keynote speaker at the introduction to our weekend spoke on knowing and following your passion, purpose, and your intent.
As he spoke I realized that I already know what my passion, purpose, and intent are, but that I am not always reflecting those things here.
It is so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing in order to “grow readership”, but that growth is meaningless if it is not reflecting me, my passions, my purposes, and my intention.
My passion here is to reflect on our daily life, on my daily life, of being a child of God, wife to my husband, and mother to my children in a positive and honest way. I pray that those passions will be reflected in my writing and in my photography each time a post is put up here for you.
My purpose is to honor God in reflecting those passions and even lead others to do so too. I have a heart to see women become more content with the callings that God has given to them. Maybe in sharing my life, my contentedness in our daily life, and yes, even my struggles, I can be an example. I would love for this to be a place to connect with other women who have the same passions, or who even just desire to have them.
My intent is to convey to you that this life is a beautiful gift. That being a devoted Christian woman, seeking to do her best as a supportive wife and mother can be fulfilling and full.
For a long time I have been waffling on the idea of putting advertisements up here and of becoming an affiliate for various companies. Money can be made through blogging. And that money can be enticing.
After praying and seeking wisdom in this area, I have decided that I don’t have a desire to do either of those things. I didn’t start sharing my life to make a profit. I have no desire to turn my blog into a business. If you do, then this is in no way a criticism of you or your blog, but that’s just not my desire. Those things don’t play into my passions, purpose, or intent in any way.
I’ve never been a waffler.
I usually made decisions fairly easily.
In fact, indecision makes me anxious and nervous.
And once I have made a decision, I’m ready to implement it right away.
So, all ads and affiliate links have been taken down and will remain that way.
There is a degree of pressure in the “blogging world” to grow….to be the biggest and the best.
To increase daily, monthly, visits and subscribers.
To have a higher page rank.
To be known and read.
While I do still desire to build an intimate community here, it is no longer such a focus.
I’m going to write from my heart and share my life, my passions, my purposes, my intent, and if those things speak to you, please stay, visit, subscribe, comment, and build connections here.
But no longer am I going to craft posts just for the sake of gaining those things. I may be linking to less blog carnivals, hops, and memes, or maybe it will just be different ones, but I will be more true to myself. The numbers just don’t matter as much anymore, but the people always will.
I have realized that as a blogger, it is imperative that you are comfortable with yourself and have an inner confidence in what you are doing.
If you don’t, the competitiveness of the blogosphere can eat you alive.
It can make you uncomfortable with who you are and what you’re doing.
It can cause inferiority to creep in to your thoughts.
It can make you compromise.
After spending a weekend away at Blissdom seeking clarity and making decisions, I can now say that I am fully comfortable with what I am doing sharing my life with you through my writing.
I now have a stronger inner confidence and my only hope and desire now is that I can adequately reflect that to you.
Thank you for visiting.
Thank you for sharing along with me.
Thank you for building a connection here.
Thank you for allowing me to be open and honest.
Linked to Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky and Real Life’s Your Life Your Blog
Hollee Temple says
What a beautiful post, Monica! From the second we met, I could tell that you were caring, funny, and so genuine. I’m almost sorry we didn’t get to take a long car ride to talk more. While we do not share the same faith, we share the same Golden Rule. I am so glad that we met, and I love what you wrote today!
.-= Hollee Temple´s last blog ..Talk-Back Tuesday: The Leisure Time (Ha!) Edition =-.
Ann Marie @ Household6Diva says
You are amazing. I envy your decision making ability.
I am inspired by your relationship with our heavenly Father.
I look forward to reading your blog!
.-= Ann Marie @ Household6Diva´s last blog ..Sickness and burnt Oatmeal =-.
Mama Laundry says
Monica – Beautifully said.
And I’m so glad that God have you such clear direction. I love it when that happens.
Being content as a wife and mother? It is thankfully very possible. I look forward to your encouragement to other women!
So good to finally meet you. 🙂
-Lauren
Lora Lynn @ Vitafamiliae says
You go, girl!
.-= Lora Lynn @ Vitafamiliae´s last blog ..Expression =-.
LifeAtTheCircus says
LOVE IT! I love your goals and your intent… perhaps because they are so similar to mine. And I am so thankful for the connection I have made with you through blogging. I know what you mean about the pressures and the insecurities and the desire to grow. Some days it makes me hate blogging… some days I find myself comparing and some days I find myself not feeling like blogging. But, you are right… when you evaluate and examine your purpose and intent, it helps to put it all into focus. Thanks for sharing what you learned and how you’ve grown. And thanks for sharing your life and your family with us!
.-= LifeAtTheCircus´s last blog ..My REAL and honest thoughts on all this SNOW =-.
Amy @ Click Clack Mom says
Monica,
It was so great meeting you at Blissdom! This idea of a passion driving your blog is something that I have spent a lot of time considering. Your conclusions are thoughtful, sound. I look forward to becoming a frequent reader!
By the way, another attendee asked if I knew Monica, and I paused for a second and she said, “You know, she’s beautiful with amazing red hair…like Nicole Kidman hair.” I instantly knew the one!
Talk to you soon!
Amy
.-= Amy @ Click Clack Mom´s last blog ..Blissdom and the Red Rubber Ball =-.
Amy @ MomsToolbox says
Monica, you are an amazing lady and I am so encouraged by your post today. I’m honored to be your sister in Christ.
I agree wholeheartedly with your decision for you.. and have made the same decision for me, too.
Blissdom brought a lot of soul-searching for me, too, and helped me realize even more why I want to continue on this stance for my blogs, as well.
Glad we were able to connect via our blogs and now in person, too. 🙂
Kathi says
What a wonderful, heartfelt post Monica.
I wondered a few weeks ago, “What is Blissdom?” But, I soon found out. It was EVERYWHERE! What a blessing it must have been to give you such a vision!
Good for you in staying true to yourself! You are an inspiration, and it has always shown in your Daily life…each time I’ve stopped to take a peek!
Kathi
.-= Kathi´s last blog ..A Week of Valentine’s Day, My Loves =-.
Tiffany says
This was so beautifully written, and says a lot of why I blog,a nd what I hope to accomplish with my blog. So well put. Your blog truly is lovely. I just found you, but I will be back to be blessed and encouraged. Thank you.
Linda@cookingtipoftheday says
Terrific post!
I couldn’t agree with you more…. while my blog is different than yours… clarity in intent and consistency with content is important with my type of blog …
I took my ads down quite some time ago…. while I may want to make my blog a business down the road… it’s just that… down the road… right now I’m concentrating on my content and my readership…
I am a business analyst by profession… and I use those skills in my life also… I frequently review goals… set new ones… do lessons learned reviews… and set a path… the path may change on review.. but that’s okay.. it shows growth….
You have been very wise in evaluating your blog and goals… I like your intent and agree that this shouldn’t be a competition… we each should do what we set out to do and concentrate on our own paths.
I really really enjoy reading your blog and I hope it remains what you want it to be…
.-= Linda@cookingtipoftheday´s last blog ..Recipe: Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato and Wine Sauce =-.
Tracy says
Monica I fell or was pushed by God into your blog and I love what I have just read today.
I love craft stuff but I love the way that God crafts our lives into how he wants us to be for his kingdom.
I look forward to hearing what God has for us through you
Kelly says
I liked this post, Monica. It is really easy to get sucked into that blogosphere-black-hole and start doing/writing stuff just to increase our readership. I’m happy for you to have come to this decision & be restful in it.
Although I couldn’t go to blissdom, I have recently come to the same conclusion. I sometimes get bummed about my small readership, but the truth is that the ladies who read my blog (all 6 of them) are really wonderful women, and I am growing friendships with many of them. I’d rather have a few awesome readers that thousands of ho hum readers who don’t really know me.
Teri Lynne says
Monica, I needed this today. My husband and I are of one mind that God is leading me into a writing/speaking ministry and that blogging is a large part of that … but I have been feeling like I’m “selling my soul” lately. Getting ready to give up some affiliates that require more work for me … and just turned down two big giveaways (the first two that have ever been offered to me!) because I knew I’d just be doing them to build my numbers. God has been working in my heart asking me to trust Him every step and not try to do this on my own. Sorry for such a long comment … but you touched me and God used you to speak confirmation and wisdom to me. Thank you!!!! {And I’ll still be reading … in fact, today I subscribed!}
.-= Teri Lynne´s last blog ..{BIG QUESTIONS} Why are they telling me that? =-.
Shonni says
This is my first time to visit your blog and I was so impressed with what you wrote. I appreciate your honesty and many of the things you wrote are also why I blog. I was very encouraged. Thank you.
Alison @ Hospitality Haven says
Well said. A very timely post for me!
Liz@HoosierHomemade says
Monica, you need to know how honored I am to have you as a friend. You have such wisdom. This post has made me think, even more, about Blissdom and what it meant to me. I think it’s great that you have made your decision and I look forward to learning from you.
Blessings,
Liz
.-= Liz@HoosierHomemade´s last blog ..Cupcake Tuesday ~ Valentine Cupcakes =-.
bruce_mi says
Hello DD Fans ~
I think I must be the only Guy writing my comments in this place~ I am trying to expand my horizons by reading viewpoints of life written by Gals.
My wife wasn’t sure what was going on at first…I just began to read her “More” magazine (for women over 40) about two yrs ago…I just love reading it…it’s has brought me a whole different perspective on women’s loves, desires, problems, goals, etc.
By gaining that perspective, I can be a better Husband, Grandfather, Mentor to Kids (who I am in training to be a qualified Child Advocate/Volunteer) living in Michigan, and the list goes on.
I feel that learning what women think, their ideas, etc. has so enhanced my overall understanding of life.
Any other Guys other there reading this?
I encourage you to walk in my path…be flexible and amazing opportunities will reveal themselves!
God Bless You, Monica, for putting your heart and soul into this God-directed communications tool…you are truly one of God’s Children.
Bruce – Michigan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carol says
I always enjoy reading your blog and you continue to inspire me from across the world :). You are such a genuine and caring person and I am so thankful to have you in my life! Thanks for this post!
Kim says
I admire your decision. It can get overwhelming to be balancing kids, life, and blogging. One day you wake up and find yourself straying from why you started blogging in the first place. Stay true to yourself and what you want to do. I always say that even if 5 people read my blog, I will still do it. It is for me and those 5 people, then. If it ever comes down to it (I hope it never will), I will be one of your 5 readers.
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Fast Fruit Fixes =-.
Aubrey says
Monica, well put. It is so easy to get caught up in the desire to be widely read, but so much more important to be true to who you are. It is the same blogging struggle many of us face, I know I do. I came to peace when I realized that I am well read. My family, my church, and my friends. And my Mom thinks I am the best ever. 🙂
Kelly @ Wisdom Begun says
Yes yes yes! I could have written that post (though I could not have written it as beautifully as you did). My goal, my vision, my passion for my blog is to bring honor to Him who made me!
(Of course, I would totally be lying if I said that I never got sucked into the whole “I-dream-of-becoming-a-big-blogger.” I do occasionally and then I gratefully am pulled back to reality and become re-focused on my purpose.)
I am so glad I got to meet you at Blissdom. You sound like a girl after my own heart! Hugs!
Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted says
Hi Monica, I just found you through @erinclosingtime, who I just found through all the Twitter chatter that surrounded Blissdom. I am just a baby in the blog world and I am trying to get it right (meaning learn my purpose and stay focused on that), right from the start. I’ve already stumbled a little, but I am refocusing and I REALLY appreciate your reflections and decisions. I am soaking up so much info about blogging and it’s easy to get drawn into the appearance of blog success. My heart is kin with yours. Thank you for reminding me.
Donnetta says
Recently went through a personal evaluation and re-focus as well! I’m so glad you had the opportunity to go to Blissdom and to also find clarity in your focus here! There is much relief and freedom to be found in doing so!!
Appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in sharing this!
.-= Donnetta´s last blog ..Winning the World through Love and Acts of Kindness =-.
Melissa Multitasking Mama says
It was such a pleasure to meet you! I am a very decisive gal as well but with the snow that I came home to (and the being snowed in with the kiddos, hubby, dogs, etc) I haven’t had time to find a quiet place to get alone with God about this blogging thing. But I will and find a lot of inspiration in what you shared here!
.-= Melissa Multitasking Mama´s last blog ..Organized Grocery Shopping =-.
Tabitha says
You spoke directly from my heart and I thank you so much..I’m honored to become a new reader.
.-= Tabitha´s last blog ..The Day I Died =-.
Nancy M. says
That is so wonderful that going there helped you figure out what you really wanted! Sometimes I have worried about numbers and such, but I’m glad you think it’s okay not to! I don’t want to have to worry over them, either!
.-= Nancy M.´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday (Well, Almost) =-.
corrin says
It was so nice to meet you at Blissdom – I think Kevin Carroll’s keynote stirred something in all of us!
Jessica says
I needed to hear that today.
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Link Love =-.
Muthering Heights says
I LOVE this Monica!!! This is such an encouraging post for those of us who feel that pressure, and have waffled too. 🙂
.-= Muthering Heights´s last blog ..A Painter By Any Other Name… =-.
Cop Mama says
Good for you for following your heart!
BTW, LOVE your wordpress blog!
Katy says
Great post. Like you, I got a lot of clarity at Blissdom. I also left with the feeling that I’m not “in this” for the money or the recognition. I’m in it for community.
Real Life Sarah says
I love this, Monica! I love how clear your mission statement is for your blog. From the amount of comments you have here, I’d say you have an awesome community just by being you! That’s what it’s all about!!
.-= Real Life Sarah´s last blog ..Your Life, Your Blog: Unmarketing’s Tips for Mom Bloggers =-.
Lisa B @ simply His says
I totally love this post! I wish I could have met up with you at BlissDom (I wasn’t there). I am so afraid that many Christian women just jump into things like advertising and affiliate stuff without praying about it. I’m not saying those things are bad but God cares about us as individuals and has plans for each of us. Some of us those plans include making money so they can bless others — others of us make money in a different way or don’t make money at all — trusting God to provide for our family whichever way we go.
Big hugs to you and I look forward to reading more here 🙂 Bravo for finding out what’s right for you!
.-= Lisa B @ simply His´s last blog ..Well, surprise, surprise, surprise =-.
LauraLee says
God is so good! What a beautiful intent He has given you, along with the resolve to surrender to it. Praise Him!
.-= LauraLee´s last blog ..Review of Mary E. DeMuth’s "Thin Places: A Memoir" =-.
Mandy says
Monica,
It was such a pleasure to meet you and be able to spend some time with you at Blissdom! You are a gem! This post is amazing too! I came to alot of the same conclusions after/during Blissdom and has led to my decision to start a second blog – just for my passions! 🙂
Look forward to hearing/reading more from you! Take care!
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..Box Tops for Education =-.
Wanda says
I just stumbled upon your blog this morning after following several links but what you have written here is beautiful. It’s so important that we know the reasons and stay true to those reasons of why we do things in life. Comparing and competiting with others robs us being ourselves.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..Imprisoned Thoughts =-.