Posts in this Series:
Giving Your Blog to God
Promoting the Gospel
Making Money from your Blog Isn’t Wrong, Greed Is
When to Quit, When to Take a Break
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In 2005 when I first started Raising Arrows, I didn’t think much about blogging beyond writing down a few of my thoughts on homeschooling here and there. It was a creative outlet to replace the church newsletter I had to leave behind when we moved.
When Emily passed away in 2008, my blog was where I grieved and where people came to read and understand and grieve along with me. It was at that dark time in my life I began to feel compelled to use my blog to reach out to others.
I had always been prayerful in my writing…even in my newsletter days, but in early 2010, my husband and I took some time to really bathe the blog in prayer as to what our next step would be.
That was when I gave my blog to God…fully.
I wanted Him to do with it what He wanted. I wanted what I wrote here to glorify Him, not me.
But, I also wanted to do my part. I wasn’t willing to write just anything and hope God could use it. I wanted to do my best with every post. There have been many times I have been stumbling over a post I’ve known I was supposed to write and start praying only to have God finish my post for me with words I know didn’t come from my mind. Those are the kinds of things that happen when God owns your blog!
However, I am human. There are times when I find myself taking ownership of my blog and I begin believing I have built this and this is mine. However, back in 2010, when I stepped out in faith with Raising Arrows, I asked God to keep me humble. He always has…especially when I start to get full of myself!
So, when I began writing this series, I knew this is where I had to start…
Give God your blog.
Take ALL you have to offer and use your gifts to honor and glorify Him, and THEN let Him use it in a mighty way!
What steps can you take to be certain blogging is what God has for you?
1. Pray, Pray, Pray! I’m not going to lie – blogging does take time. It may be time God does not want you to take at this season in your life. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing or even what you feel. God knows your schedule much better than you do. However, He might also be asking you to take a leap of faith and tell your story so that He may be glorified in the telling! Pray…He will answer!
2. Offer your gifts as a sacrifice. Don’t do things halfway in the name of “letting go and letting God.” I want to do my very best for Him. I want to write well, have a nice blog design and nice photographs. I want to do everything as unto the Lord. If you are going to blog, don’t do it half-heartedly.
3. Stay focused. It is easy to get off track in blogging. You begin to seek man’s approval or you become greedy or you simply stop trying to give God your best. Remember Who you do this for.
4. Listen to Him. We’ll talk more in a later post about when you know it is time to quit or cut back, but one of the most important things you can do as a Christian blogger is to never stop praying and asking for guidance and then be willing to take and implement the answers.
Blogging can be an amazing way to glorify God in our online world! It’s not about me and it’s not about you. Always remember that.
Blogging Resources I Recommend:
PicMonkey is a fantastic way to create graphics and touch up photos for your blog.
You can use the free version, but I prefer the paid version for all the added extras it provides.
Media Temple
Tailwind
Elizabeth says
Good reminder!
I have also experienced times when God “took over” and wrote a post for me. I have even started writing one post, only to have him redirect me and have God start directing the flow of my thoughts until I end up writing something totally different! I just Love it when that happens!! don’t you?
Amy says
I do! Sometimes I’ve had to change the name of my post because God didn’t want me to go in the direction I thought I should be going. 😉
Crystal says
I’ve only written about 5 blog posts so far – and just about all of them have gone this way. I sit down to write with a plan in mind – and boom the next thing I’m done, and God took my post to a far better place than what I was originally thinking about. I’m scared and nervous starting out writing a blog, but I feel this is where God is calling me! Thanks for you reminder/advice to give it to Him!!! Gotta start right there!
Ticia says
I look forward to this series, it’s a good topic to write on.
Lynnette says
Amen sister! I’ve had blogging on my mind lately (sounds like a song), in fact, I did my own post last night. As Christians, our lives are His and our work should be done for His service and glory. That is all my blog is – my life transparent before others in hopes of inspiring full, exuberant, intentional living!
I think the key is to surrender our blogs to His purpose, and just as we are all unique and individual – so must our blogs be.
I’ve watched God bless your blog and your writings through the years. Keep on truckin’ Sugar Bear!
Love,
Lynnette
PS Your knowledge of all the business side of blogging is way over my head! I think it’s cool that God also calls certain people to use blogging as a source of income. I sort of wish He would call me to that! ha! Maybe that’s down the road for me… then again, maybe not. ha!
Christy says
Thanks Amy! I’m looking forward to more in this series! This is something I’m praying through and working on right now!
Stephanie says
THANK YOU!!! I have just started praying about this very thing. I have thought all the thoughts you mentioned!! I am going to keep praying. It is not even that I have anything to really offer, I just started wondering if I should create a blog. I am so touched by your blog. It is by far my favorite. You keep things in perspective and have an anointing from the Lord as well as being very real. Wish we lived nearby so we could have a cup of coffee and fellowship! You are a blessing to me. Thank you so much.
Stephanie
Amy says
I would love to have a cup of coffee with you! Thank you for such kind words. I really do pray so much about Raising Arrows and what the Lord would have me do here. It is so good to hear that others are able to see Him through me. May your path be richly blessed!
Jarm says
Thanks so much for your post! It is a struggle for me as I venture into the children’s literature world as a writer. I am interfacing with those who don’t share my faith daily, so I am trying to be a witness without being overbearing. I desire to give my blog to the Lord, without compromise!
Amanda says
Thank you for starting with this post. I was impressed upon to share a link to another blog on my own site, and didn’t initially because of the ‘ugly’ nature, because it would make others uncomfortable. But then I read this and knew that it was exactly what I was to post today. So thank you!
Kacie says
Great post! I’ve been struggling lately with the direction of my blog, and how frequently I should be posting, or if it’s time for an extended break to re-asses. I want my blog to encourage others and I want it to honor the Lord, and I’ve been praying about it for some time but I’m still not sure what to do with it. I know it’ll become more clear in time.
Nikki says
This encouraged me so much, Amy. Thank you!
I started blogging 3 + months ago and thought I would be able to blog on a variety of topics, etc… God has had other plans and honestly, I’m struggling with submitting to what He wants me to do fully! But who am I to believe my plan is better than His. I’ll strive to saturated my place with Him and share my journey of seeking Him like He’s asked me to.
Anxious to read more of your thoughts!
All for Him,
Nikki
Heather Anderson says
This was timely. I have really been in a place of seeking the Lord for direction and purpose in every area, including my blog. It is a fearful and wonderful thing to touch other people’s lives. But it is also so important to remember God’s first priorities for us. Thanks you for sharing out of your own life.
hsmominmo says
I’ve been praying over and contemplating these very same thoughts. How wonderful is the Lord’s timing! Thank you, Amy, for sharing. Blessings to you and your family.
Kerry Beck says
Thanks for the reminders. Last week at Blissdom I decided to be more honest & authentic with my blog posts, writing ones from my heart…not just for SEO, etc.. I’ve also been praying for my new site to be a blessing & success for homeschoolers. I will continue to pray & give it over to God.
Jessica B says
What a wonderful reminder! I’ve spent many posts (even recent ones) talking about the ways God directs me in my blog, how it is His blog, and how easy it is to lose sight of that, and it really is, in fact I’ve been struggling with it again lately, not only in my blog life, but in my “real” life as well. I needed this reminder today. Thank you.
Meghan Carver says
God has the perfect timing, doesn’t He? I was just praying about blogging the other day and realizing that I was getting too focused on numbers. I literally said those words to God — “I am giving you my blog. Do with it whatever brings You glory.” I’m so grateful today for your encouraging post. Thank you!
Rachel says
I loved this post. What a great reminder to keep God first. Whether it’s glorifying Him through blogging or whatever He has called you to do, these tips are great reminders to give your all to the Lord. I look forward to reading the rest.
Lorissa Kearbey says
Thank you so much for this post! I am really looking forward to this series. I am just starting my blog and have been praying about exactly what God would have me do with it. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder to keep giving it to God!
latoya @ a peaceful crib says
I am going to have a really good time reading this because I know that this is a post that all of us could use. Doing everything unto the Lord is up most importance and I feel necessary when it comes to blogging. Blogging can be a tough world and its easy to become entrapped in some of the things that don’t glorify Him. Thank you for allowing Him to use you and sharing your gifts with us in a way that is mighty and blessed for the entire blogging community to enjoy. God bless!
Joy says
Thank you, Amy, for clearly and honestly sharing this!
Amber Martin says
Thank you for this post! The Lord has been nudging my heart to blog for several years now. I’ve started and quit several times out of fear of sharing ‘too much of my heart.’
I’ve started again, but feel stuck. I’ve got a half dozen unpublished, half done posts. :/
Your words above though were very encouraging. Especially this part:
“However, He might also be asking you to take a leap of faith and tell your story so that He may be glorified in the telling! Pray…He will answer!”
I’ve been afraid to tell my story. Almost like I’m telling too much and people will think I’m a nut with all I’ve got to say. I hope this makes sense. Thanks again for your blog. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts! 🙂
Julie Filter says
Your blog is so encouraging to me. As a person who has always related to Samuel and Paul, I know that G-d has called me to blogging as a means of answering the Great Commission, but I have a deep-seeded fear of man (i.e. People-pleasing). Blogging on non-controversial topics is a cinch, but The L-rd keeps burdening me with topics that are much more difficult to swallow for some and seeing disgruntled or contentious responses and subscriber numbers decrease even slightly is tough to swallow. I saw your blog a few weeks ago and it encouraged me because you are direct and to the point with the things the L-rd has revealed to you and convicted you on. I admire it so greatly! I keep reminding myself that there is a separation of the wheat from the chaff, but it’s still hard to see. Any words of encouragement? Thanks!
Amy says
We are all different parts of the same body. I reach who I am supposed to reach based on where the Lord has me and the message He has me speaking, and even how I speak it. If you are faithful, you will reach who you are to reach as well. Sometimes you will make people mad, but if you are speaking the Truth, you must remember sometimes that Truth is offensive, but the people who need to hear will have a seed planted.
Julie Filter says
Yes. This is precisely what The Lord continues to remind me of. Thanks for responding =0)
Rachel says
Thanks for the good reminders! I just started a blog to encourage other moms and don’t know much about getting it going. I found this very helpful 🙂
Héloïse says
Hi, thank you for this post. I have just started a blog and will make sure to remember all these tips. I have also just discovered your blog and your story… You are very encouraging! I pray your blog reaches many more readers!
Marisa says
Hi Amy! Just wanted to let you know how much your blog has blessed me! I am a new blogger who very much needs all the insight she can get from a fellow Christian mama blogger! I have been so moved by reading your story of losing Emily. Prayers to you for a healthy pregnancy. I linked to you in my very first blog post. http://blogcabinmama.com/taking-the-leap/. Thanks for all you do. Blessings!
Isa Ryan says
This is beautiful, thank you! It’s so easy to get caught up in the technicalities, but all I’ve ever wanted was for God to use me to reach women who need encouragement. This is lovely thank you sister. 🙂
Dorothy Osborn says
I am being called to be a blogger by God himself although I have no tech experience. I’m not as interested in making money as I am being what God’s called me to be. It is for His glory and design that I do this. I am starting from square one with very little knowledge of the internet world and I would deeply appreciate all the info you can give me. Thank you,
Gerald Landis says
God bless you
Gerald Landis
Forest City, Florida
Desiree says
Omg this is so true I’ve started worshiping and creating an atmosphere to write in. God has such a beautiful way of uaing words. When ibuwe to blog in myself kt was so stressful now it flows because je is with me
Latoya says
I will try that! That’s a beautiful point: worshiping the Lord before writing! Thank you for sharing!
Jeff says
Speaking of moms, Christians and blogs, we hire freelance writers at ExperiencedMommy.com from time to time to write baby product review articles!
Shayna Fuller says
This is the BEST ADVICE EVER, and applies to every area of our lives!!!
Latoya says
Thank you very much! I want to start a Christian Mommy Teacher blog and your tips are just the best so far! Thanks for sharing.
Amy says
That’s fantastic! And thank you!
Dennis Osborn says
I began my blog during this pandemic period, mainly for something to occupy my time. Of course I wanted to write posts that would speak to my readers but I am realizing that they were mostly aimed at reaching greater numbers of subscribers. As I write, I struggle with every post, always telling myself this is the one that will glorify God. I really do desire that. Not happening. I am now reaccessing my reasons for blogging and have found that I must know the sheep (readers) I am shepherding. Your post is a real eye-opener for me. My plan is to write a short post to my small following telling them I am taking a break to get to know them (as much as that is possible) and to concentrate on seeping my relationship with God. I want God to be the reason I blog. I want to glorify him in every post. Please say a prayer that I may encounter Him and pay attention to the sometimes small whisper that He speaks to me and to heed the nudging of the Holy Spirit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Your words are so inspiring. Thank you.
Amy says
Praying for you!