I often wonder how many time's a day God is laughing at me. I seriously think he gets a kick out of watching me totally struggle to find the path he wants me to take only to find out I've been on it all along. Years ago I took an assessment from the Catherine Sienna Institute that told me which gifts I am blessed with from the Holy Spirit. I scored very high in wisdom. My friend at the time just looked at me and said, "now do you trust yourself?" I guess it still didn't totally sink in.
Right now I'm discerning a number of things:
1st: Where does God want the Youth and Young Adult Ministry and Confirmation Program that I am in charge of to go?
2nd: I'm discerning if it's God's will to home school Alexa in a few years.
Finally I'm discerning where God really wants this blog to go.
If I look at my stats on Blogger, most of the traffic that comes to my blog happen when I post an article about organizing, housekeeping or crafting. This I love and will never stop doing. Yesterday however I was not in the mood to craft, organize or share a housekeeping tip. Yesterday I just wanted to write about the loss of family friend. Then I questioned would this have been something people would have wanted to read about? I just wasn't confident since my blog is so new. As you can tell I never did write about it, I just didn't write at all yesterday.
So back to the path so far - just when I wondered if I was reaching people with my little blog, I was surprised to find out my Household Cleaners post was featured on two blogs this week.
Yesterday on Day to Day in Our World and today on Blissful and Domestic. I'm very thankful for these ladies to think so much about my post to share it with their readers. Well it looks like I might be heading in the right direction.
To God: I'm so happy that today I can make you smile at my ability to 2nd guess myself once again. For the future I have one request, how about a road sign or two along this path. That would be very helpful. Actually God has been adding some road sign I just don't always see them. Currently my road signs are all of you, my lovely readers.
My question now is this, I really want to provide you with a place to come each day where you can discover the treasures all around you. What are some of the things I can do to make that possible? Some of the features I've done over the last few months have been organizing, recipes, inspiration I have found on Pinterest, crafting, and our family fun. Would you like me to keep those up?
I've also been thinking about a few posts that are just reflective. Would that be of interest? Please leave me a comment or send me an email to share your ideas. I really appreciate the advice.
Until next time,
Karri
I had this experience a few months back, I prayed a big prayer, asking god to let me know if I was waisting my time or not with this whole blogging thing. the next day I found I was featured on a couple blogs, received new followers, and received 2 of those "awards" that drift through the blogs. Ok! I had my answer! So I continued to work at it.... but in the meantime, God has changed my path without my realizing it. My blog isn't growing much anymore, but because of my blog I am now making a nice little extra income with the products I make, and I have begun to meet some very wonderful people! Just keep plugging away, post about what you feel you should be posting, when you feel you should be posting, and let God carry you the rest of the way... you'll find your answer!
ReplyDeletexo, Leanne
...I'll become a new follower, to see how things go for you!!
(a fellow member of bloggers unite on Facebook)
Thank Leanne for your words of wisdom. It helps to know I'm not alone in this new adventure.
DeleteOk. I'm gonna try this again since my phone malfunctioned and all my careful finger pecking went for not. Anyway, Hi Karri! I always read your blog. It helps me keep up with you and your family since I don't get to see you as much as I'd like! Just thought I'd share my two cents: I actually really like when bloggers I allow personal anecdotes and reflections in to their blog. It's nice when you realize you have parallel views or experiences as someone else who might be on the other side of the world (This, mixed in with all the cute and clever crafty artsy stuff, or course.) It's comforting and reaffirming I guess. Today, your blog was a perfect example! At least once a school year I have a mini crisis where I question my job, whether I'm any good at it, whether I get through to any of my students, and so on. I even spent an hour or more after school today looking at other job opportunities, trying to work out how we could afford me being a stay home mom, and wondering who might want to hire me to make cute things, bake, and speak French all day. Haha! Your post today just reminded me that everyone feels like that once in a while and questions the paths they've taken and direction they're heading. And that I don't need to waste time stressing about it because it's in God's hands anyway. In conclusion, yes, include yourself, your stories, and your thoughts in your blog, along with all your craftiness and inspiration. I think that's the best way to attract and maintain readers. Then it's not just reading a blog, it's like chatting with a friend :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie so much for your thoughts. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss you too. You will be an awesome mom whether you stay home or continue to work. Oh my gosh I can't wait for your little one to get here.
DeleteYou're being kind of hard on yourself! One of God's purposes for us in this life is to give us the opportunity to create for ourselves. I believe creating is a holy act, one that brings us closer to God, one worthy of reverence and respect. You should do with this blog exactly what you want to do. If your purposes are worthy, God will smile on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, I know I probably am being a bit tough. I tend to do that.
DeleteKarri,
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for 4 years now and have fluctuated in my approach. This past year, I made a conscious decision to grow the blog and did that. However, I can see that there was a shift in readership and I'm not sure if I'm 100% happy with it.
Now, as for what I write, I have a variety of posts. I've poured my heart and soul into some 'deep' posts with little response when the fluff (a review with giveaway) gets a ton of response. It can be disheartening at times, but I know that I was usually prompted by the Holy Spirit to write those deeper posts. And, I remind myself that just because I don't get comments on those posts that there isn't someone who read it and was affected in some way.
Thanks Laura, what you write is so true. I don't really know who I might me touching with my story.
DeleteKarri:
ReplyDeleteJust want you to know I enjoy all your blogs. The variety keeps it interesting -- so my vote would be to continue blogging as you have. I love it!
As far as home schooling & Youth Ministry -- those are a little tougher. But with time, prayer and reflection I'm sure you'll be able to make decisions you are confident with.
Rita
Thanks Rita, At least I have several years before we make our decision with Alexa.
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