Open a new window,
Open a new door,
Travel a new highway,
That’s never been tried before…
The hundredth "thing" on my "100 Things" post was a very cryptic mention about "shift in my blog".
Even I didn’t know exactly what that would come to mean.
What I did know was that I wanted to write with greater intention. When I began blogging almost three years ago, I remained anonymous for over six months refusing to share my URL with anyone, but oddly, always writing as if I had an audience.
Before you find you’re a dull fellow,
Punching the same clock,
Walking the same tight rope
As everyone on the block.
In January, I decided to allow advertising on my sidebar in the hopes of gaining some return on my time investment. My plan was to offer prizes to readers for participation in contests or carnivals. The truth is unless I pursue my own sponsors, I don’t generate enough income for that. Instead, I decided to sponsor a Compassion International child; "Releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name" for $32/month? It’s a start (and better stewardship of the little I earn in advertising).
I also withdrew to a large degree from my on-line community, not because anyone had done anything "wrong", but because I realized the need to guard my time better. Early on, I was a VERY committed commenter and didn’t miss a post from my favorite bloggers; over time, that became consuming and I realized it was not the best use of the limited time I had to write/blog.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit that losing readers–not hearing from people who had become friends–wasn’t painful, but I fully understand the reciprocity of blogging. It makes me REALLY appreciate my readers now, because I realize I’m not giving back as much as I used to, not in "that" way anyway. Your comments, thoughts and emails are paychecks to me.
But I digress–oh, dear! I’m out of time and can’t finish this post!
The fellow you ought to be is three dimensional,
Soaking up life down to your toes,
Whenever they say you’re slightly unconventional,
Just put your thumb up to your nose.
I did NOT plan on writing any type of a cliffhanger, but if you’re interested in finding out just what God has been saying through Auntie Mame, will you please check back in tomorrow? Kids need me, dinner needs fixin’…and I’ve got to get off my blasted computer!
Man alive, Robin!! I’m itching to hear the rest 🙂
It’s not always easy to keep up with everyone, as I myself have found. I comment a lot less than I used to, although I still read all my favourite blogs through bloglines.
I’ll be back tomorrow and even though you wrote that you digressed…I related to all you had down.
You are such a tease. But I love you for it just the same. 🙂
Well, I didn’t know you very well before the “shift,” but I’m looking forward to getting to know you better “post-shift.” Count me as one of your regular readers!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that we don’t hear God speaking so much through show tunes, but occasionally through rock lyrics. 😉
Did you really just ask that? Let me rephrase. Did you really just ask me that? The woman with a fantasy to sing on Broadway? The woman who goes prepared to stand in every time she attends a musical just in case someone in the company, oh, I don’t know, breaks a leg literally and they don’t know what to do and they look to the audience and say, “Does anyone out there know the part”? (You think I’m kidding.) The woman who wrote paper upon paper upon paper about Broadway? The woman who thinks Broadway was specially created by God as a special treat on the 8th day? The woman who breaks out into song and dance at any given moment whether the Broadway song is playing from some physical speaker or just in her head? The woman who, in fact, wrote a musical for her thesis in seminary? The woman who watches Sweeney Todd and Rent and Into the Woods and encounters God?
Did you really ask that woman if she hears God speaking through show tunes?
Looking forward to the conclusion. I think more intentional is good. I think I could use some of that. I feel rather randomly rambly.
I’ve become the worst blog friend in the world. It’s okay, honey.
It’s a small world after to all, it’s a small world after all, it’s a small world after all, its a small, small world.
Does that count for a showtune? At least it is in your head now. I figured it was applicable.
It really is hard to keep up with everyone. I haven’t even begun to try that hard yet and keep wondering just how much to go after it all and what exactly “all” is and what “going after it” means and what “it” is. Oh so many questions, so little time.
Girlfriend! I don’t even BLOG and I’m here EVERYDAY without fail for my dose of…well, whatever the genre happens to be for the day. I find you to be inspirational on so many levels, whether it be mothering three kids, stewardship of our time and our earth, or most importantly, attempting to be more Christlike on this unChristly earth. This is, by far, one of my favorite blogs to visit, along with Lysa Terkeurst and the precious Angie Smith from AudreyCaroline (but now *I* digress!). So, blog away, with intention, and know that I am so blessed by the artfully crafted things you have to say!
Many hugs,
Cathy T
I’ve been addicted to your blog since right before She Speaks and it is absolutely fab to be able to say I’ve met you in person.
That’s great that you started sponsoring a child through Compassion International. I have been doing that for 10 years, and it’s very rewarding! We have a little boy in India who calls my husband and I “dearest mommy and daddy.” It’s so sweet!
I think there are seasons for everything, and whatever you’re off to next will be what it’s supposed to be.
Good for you to recognize your limitations – you can’t be everything to everybody.
But you ARE a naughty girl to write this cliffhanger!!
I think there are seasons for everything, and whatever you’re off to next will be what it’s supposed to be.
Good for you to recognize your limitations – you can’t be everything to everybody.
But you ARE a naughty girl to write this cliffhanger!!
No fair, leaving us hanging like that! 😉 See you tomorrow for the rest. How exciting!
Hey, wondering what’s up for tomorrow. Also, wondering how to balance the reading parts with the writing parts. Love reading, but comments are time consuming, but I love getting the comments so I read a lot of blogs. Enjoying though time is of the essence.
Yes, there are SO other people who hear God speaking through show tunes! I happen to love Broadway show tunes – much to my husband’s dismay. I hear wisdom, solace, encouragement, and sometimes chastisement through those songs.
Right now, I’m being “spoken to” through the cast recording of “Wicked.” Friendship, being true to yourself, finding your own path – these are things I need to hear right now.
Love your blog, and I love what you said in this post, I’m struggling with that whole “balance” thing myself right now. What do I devote my time to? How do I not feel guilty about those things I decide not to devote my time to? *sigh* Maybe a show tune will help me decide?
Jill
found it! just came over from problogger. you’re really famous now 🙂
(yeah, for helping out a child with compassion. wait until you get your first letter. )