I’ve been MIA for quite awhile.
While I’d LOVE to justify my absence with my nonfiction book, or dazzle you with the harried life of a mom of four children and toss in our move to Tennessee to garner a little sympathy…
I just can’t.
For the sake of being transparent, I’ve been avoiding this sweet spot on the web.
Why?
- Once I realized three of you were actually reading what I wrote, I choked. It’s easier to write books, because I can put down words and send them off to a publisher. My readers don’t interact with me through a book like they do on a website or with social media.
- I was convinced I had nothing to say that mattered anymore. Have you felt like this? You begin to look around and think there’s so much noise out there that your message couldn’t possibly be valuable. (It does matter, by the way, and it is important! VERY IMPORTANT)
- I’m not twenty-one years old and I rarely ever take selfies and I don’t eat many pink cupcakes.
- I’ve been distracted and disobedient. Have you ever noticed that Christian women love to share a “word” of scripture God gives them when it’s encouraging or positive? Maybe it’s a verse on faith or forgiveness, but rarely will someone admit they’ve been hearing God tell them they’ve been lazy or left their first love. My message from God lately has been “RETURN”. If I’m getting that message it means I’m farther away from Him than He’d like. (I already knew I was lazy.)
It’s time I return.
“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. Joel 2:12
As much as I’d LOVE to make this online space all about one or two things and focus on “platform” or “branding” or a “formula” I’ve come to realize that couldn’t be less of who I am. Yes, I want to connect with women, but I believe that comes from being transparent first.
Some days I want to write about baking, or a DIY project, or how I struggle with failing my kids or my husband, or the reasons why I LOVE cheesecake and why my dislike for cleaning the house is almost as extremely polar opposite as my extreme patriotism. I want to know my handful of readers and I want you to know me. As a matter of fact, I’d like to highlight YOU and YOUR life here. Throughout it all –Jesus is the iron thread weaving together all the pieces of my life–I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
- When was the last time you were transparent with someone?
- What are some of YOUR likes or dislikes?
- Are you a writer? If you have a blog/website share it in the comments!
- If you don’t have your own website but did, what would you MAKE SURE you wrote about?
Glad you’re back Joanne!
Thanks David! (You helped that happen.)
You hit an area where many of us wallow. I struggle with purpose, but when I stay connected with the One who loves me most I find His purpose and relax on all the “stuff.”
I have a health website/blog (http://healthyjourneycafe.com) and connected with that, I have my kids’ author website (http://purplecarrotbooks.com), which offers picture books and chapter books that address wholistic health through fun stories.
Purpose. The never-ending pain in the butt. Drawing near to HIM makes all the difference. Just wish I would remember that faster next time.
Confession: I have struggled with the idea of participating in a church program. This program is in its start up stages, is family based and sounds like a great idea. I however have so much going on with our children. My husband is not sleeping well and isn’t involved in anything outside work and sleep. The youngest child had 5 appointments last week and has more in the next few weeks. What I struggled with was not being at church for my kids and yet taking on another churchy activity. Last week I went, with dragging feet and a heavy heart. This week I will return, with lighter feet and heart. My commitment is just to show up, I can’t do more. What is great is God will take my worn out self and add Himself, returning to me strength and desire.
LOVED your words: I will return with lighter feet and heart. Sounds like you are making boundaries that make sense for your family right now. I always remind myself that when I say “YES” to something, I’m actually saying “NO” to something, too. You’re hubby and kids got a big “YES” this week. 🙂
I feel ya, Joanne. I struggle with this with my blog a lot too. According to everyone else (and rightfully so) I need to grow a platform. But sometimes, my blog can feel like a job (a job I don’t get paid for, btw) when I only write to build a platform. Somehow I have to blend my platform-building with my passion, ya know….
So true, Lindsey! Ministry is definitely a job we don’t get much earthly currency for–Heavenly currency will be MUCH easier to count one day. Hang in there, friend.
I’m happy you’re back, too, Joanne, but you need to quit beating yourself up. You just put out a bazillion-word book, edited it, kept up relations with a ton of women whom you’d asked to assist you in writing the book, and then you needed to select a cover, and in the end, enhance and edit it! I’m so stinkin’ proud of you – as I had checked back to your blog a few times through this, I knew it would be near impossible for you to keep that up as well as your speaking engagements, writing the book, entertain out of town guests, manage your family AND pray for the lot of us. Settle down, doll, you’re on full-speed-ahead-mode most days. Taking a coffee break isn’t going to kill ya. BUT…I’m glad you’re back, too! 🙂 hugs sweet friend!
Sniff…sniff…thank you, Katie. xo