When I first started blogging in January of 2006, I had one purpose and one purpose only: to write. I had two toddler babies and lots of rapidly decreasing brain cells and I wanted a place to put my thoughts and know they wouldn’t go anywhere. Not just any thoughts. Not a grocery list or a diary or a commentary of the weather or the days events. Thoughts that meant something. Thoughts that had value, order and some redemptive quality.
So I wrote. I had been writing privately all of my life, but after I had babies, my writing slowed significantly. When I heard about people writing on blogs, my interest was perked and this new writing challenge was intriguing. I came up with a title and was ready to go. My first post was published on January 26, 2006 and I had no idea what I was doing. I posted twice in February, once in March and April and twice in June. Six months into it, I had seven blog posts. It wasn’t until June of 2007 that I began to get into a groove of writing on a regular basis.
Over the years (years!), this space has taken different feels and forms. A purpose has begun to bloom beneath the stories and snapshots of everyday life. I take great care thinking about how much to share, how to say the much in as little as possible, and most importantly, how to create soul space for you without it being all about me. I believe it’s important to know why we do what we do.
My dad just wrote a post about his bloggy purpose. He didn’t necessarily start out with the same purpose he has now, but he says “do it regularly, keep at it, mess up, refine refine refine, repeat, and maybe after awhile you become one with it and you’re making music and not just playing notes.”
There are a series of questions Nester and I shared at She Speaks that have helped us define and refine the purpose of our blogs and I’d like to share those with you tomorrow. But first tell me: Why do you do what you do? Do you have a blog for a reason you can articulate? Can you describe your bloggy purpose in one sentence?
Is the “a place for your soul to breathe” in you banner new? I think that’s new…
I blog so that I’ll remember. To remember the little things that are easily forgotten. I notice the little things more when I have a place to put them. Ya know? I said once that to most my blog is nothing, but to me it’s everything.
Okay. That was more than one sentence…
I couldn’t tell you what my bloggy purpose is anymore. I’ve lost sight of it, but I will be working on it — thinking about it. Ya’ll had a great session and as always, so cute to watch together!
And when you said this blog is a place for your soul to breathe, that just hit the nail on the head. Congratulations on that — knowing your purpose and designing your blog around that purpose so beautifully!
I’m blogging about this more extensively tomorrow. For now, here is my answer.
I blog for me – to keep me accountable, to speak/write my words and know that someone, somewhere cares, to hone and broaden my skills.
I blog for my extended family – to keep them informed, keep them updated, and keep them connected with our family on a daily basis, despite the miles between us.
But mostly, oh mostly…
I blog for them – so they will see that they are not alone, so they will see there is a God who loves them more than they could ever imagine, so they will see that they DO NOT have to be perfect to come to Him, so they will hear Him calling their name and feel Him hot on their heels.
Oh that they would be caught by the Hound of Heaven!
I blog to lift the name of Jesus high in order to draw all (wo)men unto Him!
Lindsay, I love what you said here. I feel that way too about my writing. I write because I’ve felt alone, and now I know I have a Friend who will never leave me, and I want others to know that, too. Your words are beautiful, and I’m praying with you that everyone will come to the Shepherd.
How can I possibly follow that last comment??
I’ll find some happy medium there. thanks for the challenging thought!
OK, I’ll try- one sentence. I blog to bring joy to people and share the joy of Christ. I think. Can I revisit and make that sound better later? I think my mother would say that I blog so she can see pictures of my kids everyday.
i’m so glad you’re sharing this!
i started out for the same reasons you did. i’ve always written. but to myself. writing to an audience is so much more fun, but more censored. though i don’t think i take it as far as you do. i’m not sure i leave much space for souls to breath. i never thought of it that way.
I have been trying to figure this out for a while. The original goal was to write in order to keep my soul in the midst of busyness, especially through grad school. It has since evolved into a way to connect with other people who are in similar places – schoolwise, or marriage-wise, or any of the other wises. Plus some other things. So perhaps I need to do some more thinking.
I want my blog to cause people to think deeply about God and his truth, to be honest with their questions and find that God is bigger than their questions. It’s not music yet but I’m going keep on playing!
What a wonderful question to provoke thought! I wish I had a wonderful answer….I suppose it is evolving…
sandy toe
I started my blog almost four years ago when I was pregnant with my first baby. We live hundreds of miles away from our family and I liked this format for keeping them updated as opposed to sending out tons of mass emails. What began as something for our family has become a hobby and outlet for me. Most of the posts just tell what we’ve been up to, but I’m really looking to change that. I’d like to infuse more of the stories that make up our day and my feelings behind all of them. I want to take it a step deeper. And I’m working on it. Though I’ve been blogging for a while, I am just becoming aware of this whole blogging community and am very inspired by some of the blogs out there. This one included. Thanks!
I’m new here, but since this has been on my mind, I thought I’d jump into the conversation.
I started blogging at my husbands request. I’ve always kept journals for myself and many years ago, before blogs began, I kept an online pregnancy and early Motherhood diary. Those type “blogs” have long since faded away and I hadn’t typed a thing for 3 years. So, a few years back my husband sat me down and asked me to consider blogging. I just never saw the point, but finally I ran across some amazingly funny, inspiring, and encouraging blogs and my eyes were opened. I’ve been hooked ever since. So, now I blog for me. It’s a record, an outlet, my mark and an avenue to share my faith. The Lord has used my blog in strange ways and that’s what keeps me going. I’ve considered stopping about a 100 times, but I eventually jump back on and write another post. I’ve learned so much from the ladies I’ve met in blog world and my life is better for it.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Lara
This is something I’ve been thinking about lately, so I look forward to reading the questions! I don’t know that I can totally articulate my purpose yet, but I do know that blogging without a purpose will make you want to quit a million bajillion times. And without a personal, well thought purpose, it’s easy to find yourself imitating what others do. Like I said, I so look forward to the questions.
Currently, I am blogging to express my thoughts through photography.
)
I certainly don’t blog because I can write! In fact my grasp of the English language would cause my 4th grade teacher Mrs. Ferrell to roll in her grave. (She was like 90 when I had her so I’m just assuming that she’s dead!) I write so that someday if my daughter has the opportunity to share her life with the woman who gave her life there will be much to “say”.
I don’t think I could do it in one sentence because my bloggy purpose has changed since I started.
I first blogged in June 2008. My second son had just been born in late April. After his birth, we found out he has Down syndrome and three heart defects. So needless to say, I was repeating myself to many different people about how he was. How we were. How I was. It got to be exhausting.
A friend from college, who knew I liked to write, told me that I should blog. He and his wife have a blog but mainly just post pictures and videos of their kids. I have another friend who has three sons and blogs a lot about them and even more about Jesus.
So I jumped in.
It has been amazing. I have met many wonderful people, and it has been *such* an outlet for me. Especially during Benjamin’s open-heart surgery (when we were three hours from home up at Vanderbilt for ten days) and his intestinal surgery (where we were still here in town but at the hospital for seven days).
Now I think I write as an outlet. Sure, I still share news of what is happening in our lives (Benjamin is starting to take steps; I am now expecting our third child, etc.) But I like writing now to use my BRAIN. To reach out to others. To keep it real.
I can’t wait to see tomorrow’s post! The purpose of doing my blog is to reach out to others and be a real Christian person to those who read. As Christians we have struggles too. I don’t think that the non-believers believe that truth. This whole thing has been in God’s hands. I can only pray it keeps going as well as it is! (Then came meeting fabulous people online that I never thought was possible, Praise God for friendships!)
I blog to remember. I want to remember how much Cooper likes to walk around with his hands in his pockets. I want to remember how excited Emma Jo was to go to Thunderbird Ranch. I want to remember how Gracie appreciated each and every one of her birthday presents (This is exactly what I wanted Mommy!).
With three kids the details I thought I would never forget are forgotten in a week. By blogging in pictures and words I remember. For now it is a great way to share with my friends and family. Someday it will be a great keepsake for my kids.
I blog to share my faith journey. I long to be real, honest and share the truth, no matter how ugly some days may be. Sometimes it is hard to be so transparent in the church. My blog is me as transparent as I can be, knowing that Christ loves me right where I am and through the joy and pain.
I started out blogging for my mom and grandma. We don’t live close to each other, so I wanted them to have a part in our day to day lives. They would read something on my blog, then call my kids to talk about it. But then, a friend from high school who doesn’t believe in God started reading my blog and I feel like it’s changing. I feel like I need to be not only a mom, but a witness. I’m not sure I’m good at it, but I’m trying to mesh those purposes. Any insight would be helpful.
Hi Em…I like the part where your Dad said “mess up,refine…” Sometimes we mess up,even on our blogs. It’s nice to know that we can refine ourselves and keep going. One day I hope to make beautiful music…without the mess up’s..{{hugs}}
I’m still defining my purpose on my personal blog. It hasn’t quite morphed into a clear vision yet. I’m hoping, expecting, anticipating that will one day happen. The sooner the better.
But the writing blog! Oh, the writing blog! That’s where I pour out my writer’s soul. Every post I write there is a joy and I love to help writers. That’s my goal: to help writers.
I started blogging as a way to connect to my younger friends–those who were so much more technically savvy than I. Blogging seemed like such a cool thing to do. And I chose my blog title to reflect my purpose: to impart grace to my readers. All 8 of them.
But then I dropped it.
I re-started blogging because I discovered the wonderful world of bloggers. I had no idea that this medium included such a large, far-flung universe of participants. I love being part of this community.
But I still want to impart grace to my readers. Thank you for making me stop and think about what I’m doing.
your question is one my heart ponders now and again… because i wonder why this blog of mine is so important to me. and i suppose, for me, the answer is that for so many years, i kept so much of me locked up inside… and to let myself be free gives me air to breathe and grow. and i am a sharer. God can make such goodness come through every little experience… i have learned so much from others and i know some of my experiences have helped people i know. so maybe, in a nutshell, i blog for freedom, for sharing and for connection…
I’m so excited to see that you are posting these thoughts. I was sad to miss the blogger session with you and the Nester.
Anyway, I suppose my purpose has been defined as I’ve gone along. To start, it was an experiment – a venture into the blogging world to see what all the ruckus was about. As I’ve gone along it’s become the chronicle of a life imperfect. And I share my story–where I was, where I am now and where the Lord is leading me–so that others know they are not alone in the wondering and the wandering. I share it in hopes that it might encourage someone along their way. I share it as proof that, transformed by God’s grace, imperfection (of all things) really can position us for impact. I share it so that maybe an ounce of hope and Light will shine through the lines.
Okay, so that’s not one sentence. But that’s part of the refining. Right?
I blog to release the thoughts, feelings and wonderings that burn my heart…I wish I had more time in the day.
Like many others, I began blogging to keep my family up-to-date on the happenings of our little household. Unfortunately, I’m not great at keeping things updated, much to my mother’s dissatisfaction.
I am an infrequent blogger, partly because things are not clearly defined in my mind. I have things I want to say and feel I need to share, but have difficulty finding the words to say them. From the beginning I have desired to make my blog more than just a daily (or monthly as is often the case) chronicle of our little fam. My desire is to be real and transparent with those who may happen to read. I want the words I write to be encouraging and God-honoring, so that when others read they would see the goodness and grace of God.
As for a purpose, I’m still thinking through how to exactly define it. My blog title comes from Job 37:14 ~ “…stand and consider the wonders of God.” God has done and is doing wonderous works in my life and the lives of others. The world around us is full of His glory. We (I) need to stop, to stand and consider all the wonders He has done.
I blog to remind myself and people what our lives are supposed to be about. Not us, but Him. All glory, honor and praise to Him. That was my purpose in beginning to blog and I always want God to be my personal purpose.
I started my blog as a discipline in writing. I have worked as a science writer for the last few years, but I’m home with my boys full time right now. I’m slowly starting my freelance career back up, and I wanted to branch out of the science/environment/health universe into other areas. I figured writing a blog was a logical place to ‘find’ my personal voice, explore ideas I can expand on later, and to get in the habit of writing (other than in my journal) regularly. Anne Lamott tells the story of her father (also a writer) telling her that writers have to write daily, like a pianist practicing her scales every day.
That being said, I only started my blog in April, and I’m discovering this blog world out there where communities and support systems form, and I’m realizing that I have entered into something I don’t fully understand.
Looking forward to reading what you have to say tomorrow.
I started by reading friends’ blogs. Being able to “keep-up” with them this way was easier because I always felt like I was going to bother them by calling just to chat and catch up and so I wouldn’t call. Then I’d see them on Sunday morning at church (or not) and that was my only communication with people I really love. I felt isolated in a way and all of it I did to myself. So I started writing my own. I love taking pictures and this was a way to share with some of my family that don’t live close by and with friends what was going on with the Greggs. I’ve only been doing this since the fall 2008 and it’s changed a little bit since then but for the most part these are still my reasons. I want to be real and share my heart but I feel like sometimes everyone I know is just about sick of me “sharing”. This way only the ones who really want to know what is going on in my head can listen on their own schedule and I don’t feel the need to “vent” quite so much in public. I don’t know how much it will change as time goes on and there are some days that I feel like no one is reading anyhow and so “Why bother?” And I still feel pretty lonely about it all, to be honest. I wonder, “Is this healthy? Shouldn’t I be in actual contact and nurturing relationships instead of doing this? This blogging thing seems so impersonal at times.” And yet, there are also days when I feel like I’ve made connections to some women that, otherwise, I would never have met this side of heaven. I certainly don’t have many answers to all the confusion conjured up in my mind but I hope I can say that I’m looking for answers and maybe one day I’ll find a few.
My blog purpose is to make my life transparent and to record those changing transparencies as they happen. I want it to be an all-inclusive representation about me, my life, my hopes, my faith, and my home. I hope that I play some sort of semblance of “music”.
My blog is something personal between me and God. It was created to journal my ups and downs (mostly downs now that I look at my whopping 10 posts since I started almost a year ago) as a married woman who is unequally yoked. I did not want to just write it down in a journal in case my children finds it. The anonymity allows me to be honest about how I feel. Lately though it has evolved into my prayers as a mother and struggles as a Christian. So, who knows where it will lead?
I’m glad you started yours. I love your writing style – you can share really compelling and powerful thoughts in a few sentences. That is a great gift.
I started blogging because I needed to celebrate the positives. It has helped lift my spirit so much. I have not defined my voice or topic like you and your sister have. I just write about the things that I am contemplating and things I enjoy.
But I have two rules:
1. Never talk bad about others on my blog.
2. Leave comments that encourage others.
I started my blog to share my experiences upon moving to Texas two years ago. I got a lot of affirmation about my way of expressing myself, and realized this is a God-given skill that I can use for good.
Now I blog to document the moments of my kids’ lives; to be transparent about my spiritual journey; and to refine my writing as I attempt to become a freelance writer.
To be honest, I’m not sure what led me to start my blog over two years ago, but I do know that since January, it’s been something that I’ve really devoted myself to. I love writing (I didn’t even know that when I started the blog), and I’ve got to ‘know’ so many great women because of this thing we call a ‘blogosphere’. It has come to mean so much to me, as I have learned so much about myself as a woman, and even more about who I want to be.
I blog because I like to write.
i have talked about starting a blog… and talked about starting a blog… and years later still find myself paralyzed to begin. I believe I don’t know what my purpose (or audience) would be and sadly that stops me from even trying. I visit many beautiful and encouraging blogs and struggle with how I can make something equally moving but mine.
I blog to share (ideas, community, experiences).
I blog to encourage.
I blog to practice writing.
When I write things out I find clarity, purpose. I write about my kids and the challenges that come each day and in return I am reminded how worthy the Momma job is and blogging is also a way to stay connected with people since I’m home 90 % of the time with small kids.
I blog because I can give words to the force that pushes out of my spirit and needs a landing place…that place happens to be my blog. It is there that I process what God is doing in my soul.
I blog because I like the attention.
No, really! It’s fun to talk about my stupid stuff and to have somebody in Brussels read it for 9:43. Can you tell I was just on my sitemeter?
That about sums it up for yours deeply, over here.
A few weeks ago I was reenergized about my blog…I had plans, big plans. I was going to be so organized with it…have a new, fresh post every day. Yeah.
Then Momma had to have surgery. With that surgery came a daughter’s responsibility to care for her mother. Something I wasn’t quite prepared for, but I do NOT resent the fact that my time is now being used for that instead of blogging. When she is well enough to go home and things get “back to normal” around here (whatever that means), I will be able to clearly look at my blog and define what exactly it is I’m trying to do. Right now I couldn’t tell you if my life depended on it. I’m just trying to make sure my mother is comfortable and knows she is loved and welcomed and cared for. Oh, and trying to keep my laundry from overtaking our house!
I’ve been reading your site for a while now (and am consistently blessed by your perspective and transparency!), and since I was just thinking about this last week, am going to jump in too!
I blog because it allows me to capture and preserve what inspires me. Inspiration comes in many forms for me – family, art, fashion, interiors, food, friends, a verse, a photo, etc. – but I treasure being able to capture those moments where I feel inspired. And if someone else enjoys these little slices of inspiration, that’s sort of like the frosting on the cake!
Thanks for making me think about this a little further
My daily life blog is to have a place to share, to remember, and so I can be part of the blogging community.
My Simple Vlogging Tips is to encourage and help other ladies to make videos. They don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
I blog to remember.
Because I enjoy sharing thoughts, both random and meaningful…that’s sort of a definition in one line I guess.
I started a family blog a couple of years ago, a place to share photos and our most recent goings-on with friends and family far away. But it was more obligatory for me, something I was doing for others. (Nothing wrong with that of course.) I realized I had more that I wanted to put out there. I’m not sure why I felt compelled to do so but I did. I dish with my friends or my mom or my sister about great deals at the thrift store or a great book I’m reading or that I’m struggling with mommyhood. For some reason I just wanted to put it all down in writing. And the funny thing is, most of the people I rub shoulders with day in and day out don’t even read my blog.
I think I also started blogging because I use to write some in my profession (though it was boring academic writing.) I prepared lectures and handouts and fun visual presentations. I loved it. When I became a latent stay-at-home mom 2 1/2 years ago, it was great. But over time and after a third child, I think I was looking for some sort of outlet.
All of this to say, I started my blog for me. As an outlet for I’m not sure what. I didn’t know at the time that this huge blogosphere of women existed. One of the first blogs (besides just a friend for family member’s update-type blog) was The Nesting Place. That was maybe a year and a half ago?
Mine is certainly not a niche blog. One never knows what they may find there. I never know either. It is random and haphazard, sort of like me. In that way I guess it’s a good reflection.
Anyway, I couldn’t go to She Speaks or Blissdom so I’m really thankful that you’re sharing your thoughts and insight with us. I could certainly use some refining (on many levels.) Oh dear, this comment is so long!
I blog so that I can remember. So that my kids will remember. I want to remember the mundane…the little things…the stuff that I would normally forget.
I think I’m like the majority of the posters here. I blog to remember, to share, to grow and to learn. To me, it’s the little things that bring the greatest joy. Blogging about the average and mundane, and then going back months later and reliving a certain period in time brings me great joy and a sense of accomplishment. It let’s me know I’ve SURVIVED this stage of motherhood, and can only hope that I’ll survive the next!
“”What I am gradually discovering is that
in the writing
I come in touch with
the Spirit of God.”
~ Henri Nouwen
For me, that’s it.
To touch the Spirit of God, the Word, when I scratch down words…
Thank you for your words in this beautiful web-corner.
Yes… my soul breathes deeper here…
All’s grace,
Ann
To bear witness to the truth. To bear witness to beauty. To bear witness to joy.
To be that voice of encouragement that some dear mother needs. To be the friend who comes in when the rest of the world goes out. To be the hug through which strength and resolve soaks into a tired soul.
For each of you.
A “time capsule” of beauty in the midst of the mundane, marvelous madness of “littleness.” (comment #46 resonates with me.)
I have been blogging for about 9+ years. I use to write for everyone else, to fit in and to be part of the crowd. Then my daughter came and she had numerous health issues, so it became about her and her special needs. Then cancer came into my life and it has transformed drastically since 2007.
When that happend, I realized that there were tons of people out there who were going through the exact same feelings that I was. Whether they have cancer, or undergoing chemo, or are just having a no good rotten kind of day. I write for them. I write for those who often question God but think that they shouldn’t as Christians. I write for those who are curled up in a ball in their closet wanting to die because it would be alot easier then living. I write for those souls who need someone who “gets it”.
I get it.. but more than anything.. He gets it.
-H
Originally, I started my blog to share photos and keep connected with my parents, sister, cousins and friends. I love to read my extended family’s blogs. We live so physically far away from family and friends, so I miss out on the day to day adventures. But I have been asked “You don’t have one of those Mommy Blogs do you?” Followed by an eye roll.
Now I like to look my blog as a place to post thoughts, ideas and recipes to tie up the chaos of being a stay at home mom… into a cute blogger page package. My blog is a reminder that what I am doing right now (as a wife, stay at home mom, etc etc) is important. And sometimes it is to just through some stuff out there to start a conversation.
I just started a new blog with a new title (Joyful Nest) I want this little blog to reflect who I am and who I want to be in some way…because I have been transforming spirtually and emotionally (and hopefully this will carry onto the rest of my life). So as I am re-inventing myself, I am reinventing my blog.
What a fabulous topic. I started blogging in order to remember the simple blessings God has given me as well to connect with others. It’s fun to look back and see answered prayers or remind myself of how God has so richly blessed my life. It is also a great way to just gather my thoughts or post something I feel passionate about in hopes to connect with others who feel the same way. I definitely agree with your dad that refining is a task that I need to continue to do not only with my life but with my blog.
Thanks for asking!
When I first started blogging about 4 years ago it was simply to chronicle our journey as a growing family and to have a place to put photo’s for long distance relatives and friends to keep up with us.
(www.chroniclesofleonard.blogspot.com)
This past summer I began a second blog just for me
~ Wonder Woman Wannabe ~
To have a place to file away and ORGANIZE my favorite inspirations, revelations and aspirations on becoming more like that elusive Wonder Woman character (other-wise known to me as the proverbs 31 woman). A place to chronicle my journey and share it with any other wannabes out there, and to keep me accountable.
(www.1wonderwomanwannabe.blogspot.com)
still trying to think of some sort of tag-line to sum this up simply on my blog-header….maybe something to do with life as mom and wife depending our God-Given Super Powers? (Phil. 4:13 , Romans 8:37-38, ect…) what do you think?
I blog because I can’t stand to keep it all inside!
i blog because I just can’t stand to keep all this inside!
I started to blog with a purpose in mind, lost sight, and now want to redefine & pull some weeds.
My bloggy purpose in one sentence?
To Connect and be connected with.
I do have a bloggy purpose, but I’m not sure if I can put it all into once sentence. I’ll have to work on that.
I blog to share about my daily life with a chronic illness. I want others to know of the realities, but more importantantly, of the hope that I have in the Lord Jesus Christ. I also use the blog as a way to keep family and friends up to date with my health, doctors visits, testing, and diagnoses. A few months ago I had to declare “correspondence bankruptcy” because I just couldn’t keep up with all of the email. Blogging makes that easier.
So to try to put that in one sentence: The purpose of my blog is to share about my daily life with a chronic illness and to keep friends informed, but most importantly to share about the hope I have in the Lord despite the difficulties I face in life.
I wish I had been there for your talk! I saw the Barbie video and I like both the people part and decorating their homes:-)
My bloggy purpose is to share ideas and get other’s creative juices flowing. One blog is about cooking, entertaining and crafts, the other is photography and they both have the same purpose for me. I get fired up when I create or find something that might help someone else learn something. Then getting feedback that people actually did get inspired and learn, makes it all worth it.
No, this is not once sentence, not one sentence at all. And that you have time to read it but here’s my post where I contemplate Why I Blog and where I decide to change the Why.
http://thegoins.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-do-i-blog.html
Maybe this is the right place to tell you how much I love your blog. I keep coming back reading through the archives and I asked me why I enjoy it so much. I like seeing your beautiful photography, getting glimpses of your beautiful life in a very different country, love your short, funny, meaningful style of writing, but – most of all – this really is a place where my soul can breathe. Where I find back to myself, through your wise and beautiful words. Where I start to think new thoughts which help me through the day. Just a few minutes for my soul. You are incredibly generous to give so much to your readers. Thank you!
Looking forward to your book!! Love, Martina