I've done that again recently with time off from the internet. In fact, I've been working on my whole blog purpose statement, which is a whole other post for sake of length.
While I work on a purpose statement I've had to ask myself: Is this blog ok to keep up? Is it time well spent? Are my reasons right reasons? Am I doing this for show and commendation from others? Is it part of my approval-junkie issues? Is it a time-waster?
I've answered my questions these past three weeks.
There are the peripheral reasons, starting with:
So then the question is, how can writing publicly, be a benefit?
For starters, the books I receive for review that I wouldn't be able to buy, given our current budget. They're the reason I started this blog to begin with. So I could review books. Book-worm at heart but also penny-pincher by habit, it was a great way to fuel my hunger for reading.
A busy blog guarantees many book opportunities.
And I also like promoting great reads and sharing first chapters for those who want informed decisions before spending money. Plus, I like giving a heads-up on some books that may contain things readers may not want in a book.
Then there are the periodic product reviews. They're fun too. I mean, who doesn't love freebies in the mail in exchange for a review write-up? However, I try to keep those at a minimum. Because, well. .. that leads me to my ultimate "why write this blog?"
Because this blog, which was once purposefully so I could get books, has morphed into so much more.
My passion is women's ministry. Women as single women. As young college women. As teen girls finding themselves. As Wives. As Mamas. I long for women to find their God-given purpose. Their role in His story. Peace, joy, contentment, even delight in what God has given for them to do.
My passion is encouraging women in all walks of life. Whether it's in a career that influences hundreds of people or in the hidden valley of a stay-at-home-mom. To stir their hearts for more of God. To ignite a desire for intimacy with Him.
My passion is to let women know they are not alone in their struggles. From feeling insignificant as we stay at home every day to struggling with life issues such as depression, I want my readers to know that life isn't a fairy-tale blog with perfectly edited pictures but difficult and hard--but doable with God. When I write my hidden valley heart thoughts, I pray I am fulfilling my longing to impact women this way.
I write to inspire women that there is more to life than survival. There is an Epic Romance written by God and you can be a part of it. You are a part of it! There is a purpose bigger than yourself.
When I write about Shiloh I hope it stirs hearts to say, "What is my purpose? What plan is bigger than me that only God can do, but God wants to do with me?" Not everyone is called to build a Shiloh. But we are all called to greatness. Raising great people through our children. Writing a book. Using artwork to heal broken hearts. Starting a Mom ministry at our church. Baking food for people who are shut in. Teaching a Sunday School class. Being the great woman behind a great man. The list is endless.
And my prayer is you find your niche on that list.
That is why I keep writing. Because I often pray as I write. I pray for you, my readers. For your hurting hearts. Your discouraged hearts. Your joyful hearts. That you would find your purpose. That life would be beautiful for you. That your marriages would be strong and that your love for motherhood surpass the greatest joy you've ever known.
I write because I want to touch lives for God's glory.
That is why.
