Tuesday, November 2, 2010

My Blogging Has Purpose?

This post is not about all I got from Relevant. It's been over a week since I returned home, and I still have yet to write it all down. Fear not, though...I will write it down. The men are going hunting this weekend so I will have some time to just sit at the computer to my heart's content.

But I will say that the Lord taught me several things that weekend. He taught me (through Ann Voskamp) that my blog has a purpose. It's not just random thoughts that I think no one really cares about. Well, some of it is, but it has a higher purpose.

"This is what I blog. Because this is who I am. I am a mess – who often doesn’t want to get out of bed. Who struggles and preaches ugly self-sermons to herself and some days just really doesn’t know how to go on. I don’t have it all together. I blog about not having it all together. And you know what? I’m almost willing to hazard a guess that there a whole lot of other women out there like me who are a bit of a mess and who don’t know how to get out of bed some mornings and who have to fight. Hard. For. Joy.

"...And when you sit down to your keyboard, and you write a blogpost — you are writing for me. You are writing for messed up me, and the messed up woman next door, and the messed up woman sitting beside you in church and messed up You. We need your messy stories. And you need your messy stories." ~ Ann Voskamp, A Holy Experience

The Lord is showing me that even though I started out this blog with no real purpose but to put some random thoughts down, I want it now to bless other people. To bless me. So...I will be making some changes. Not that many of you will see them...but I will.

So...for now, please go read Ann's keynote speech. As soon as she opened her mouth to speak, I knew God was going to speak to me. And guess what? You can hear her read her speech (I HIGHLY recommend you do this! Her voice is like buttah) or you can just read it yourself. My guess is that you'll find yourself written on her page.




10 comments:

Richella Parham said...

Okay, you've inspired me. I'll check out the speech. I love the photo of you!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I like to hear when people are touched by something someone says or does. I think she's right; more of us struggle to just get out of bed and put a smile on our face than we think. Great picture, Heather, and I love your top! : )

Anonymous said...

Agree. Like a thousand percent agree. I have few readers, but that's ok. I do not write for others. I write my heart, my journey, my story. So sounds like Relevant would have touched me to my core, I have so loved reading the stories. I have found Ann and love her. I am thankful for your chance to be blessed, you do bless me. Looking forward to you changes and walking this journey with you. Love.

Trixi said...

I am glad you enjoyed it so much. I love Ann's site and always get something wonderful from her.

Made In The South said...

You are a blessing.
I do feel the same way. My New Year's post was about this same topic. I post for me and have to be myself,and that is ok.

Tracey said...

I love that we came away from the weekend changed. And you are right, her voice IS like buttah!

Tee said...

Love this, Heather. I feel like that all the time, like the whole blogging thing is just a big ol' waste of time. So wish I'd been able to go and meet you in person. That photo of the two of you is beautiful.

Grace and Beauty said...

That speech was wonderful!! I'm going to listen to it again.
Hope you're doing well, I've been thinking about you. This time of the year is difficult after losing your Mom. I still struggle, this is my second and I miss her so much!
Blessings sweet friend!
Cyndi

Richella at Imparting Grace said...

Hey sweetie--

Just wanted to make sure you saw that I gave you a shout-out on my blog. I showed off my beautiful cross tassel. My heart is filled every time I look at it! I'd say your tassel-making has purpose as well as your blogging!!

Rhonda Schrock said...

I read it (or most of it, anyway) and was inspired, too!