After chatting about blogs with a fellow Christian author, I came to the conclusion that my own blog would be more effective and relatable if I switch the focus from teaching to simply sharing my journey as a writer, mom, and small-town gal. I don’t consider myself an authority on the writing craft and see no harm in sharing what I know with others, yet I find myself struggling with the fact that some may balk at my wanting to teach. When I started this blog less than a year ago, I was excited about the things I had been learning. There’s so much to know and since I felt overwhelmed at times, I knew other emerging authors felt the same. I wanted to reach out to them.
As I explore blogs authored by other individuals, I’m discovering the most successful sites are those whose owners are sharing more of themselves, their lives, and their ambitions. They write about the everyday happenings within the walls of their homes or the boundaries of the towns in which they live. The ups-and-downs of living grace their pages and come alive, they make us think, they make us laugh. Sometimes they even make us cry.
I want a blog like that!
I’m pushing aside the self-induced notion that my life isn’t exciting enough to write about. What I consider mundane, someone else may find new and exciting. Like the pretty green frog I discovered in one of my flower pots. Big deal, right? I live out in the sticks and see my share of frogs, but this one captured my attention enough to run inside the house to retrieve my camera. This little guy was special. Why? Because I didn’t notice him at first because he blended so well with the leaves of the petunia. When I finally noticed him, he didn’t look real. I watched him for a moment, marveled at his beauty, and thanked God for creating him. He’s just a simple frog, but I found him new and exciting.
Maybe my simple, mundane life can be new and exciting too.
We all have something to offer. God created each and everyone of us special and He tossed the mold after He made us. If today’s post accomplishes one thing, I hope it would be that you will realize your unique qualities. What you may consider boring and unattractive, someone else will find new and exciting. There’s a pretty green frog waiting to be discovered.
Maybe I should have titled this post “Pretty green frog”.
Until next time,
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That’s an encouraging post, Linda. It’s funny that we don’t always notice God’s beauty in the simple things sometimes. But regarding frogs, I had to toss so many out of the area right around our pool this year, that they got on my nerves! But they were the tiny ones and it seemed like there were a million! Needless to say, it got old. But looking back, I guess I shouldn’t have been so hard on the little guys. They’re gone now, so we don’t hear them ribbiting at night any more. But I am enjoying the quiet!
I think you have plenty of ordinary things to write about that can encourage others and build up others. Country life is hard. Hang in there. By the way, are you working on another book? I haven’t read the first one yet. But working more at the school probably doesn’t leave you as much down time. Perhaps it’s just time to be still and abosorb everything around you for future writing? Take care!
Thanks, Patsy! Yes, working extra hours does make it hard to find time to write. For example, look how long it took just to reply to your comment. LOL
However, just this week I took some time to revisit the current manuscript and did some revising. It felt good to do some serious writing again.
Yay!!!! Love it and I’m so happy to see you writing – who knows how God will use your blog to touch others or where He’ll take you on your writing journey. I’m just happy for you and the new direction you’ve chosen. God bless you (and LOVE the frog – adorable).
Thanks, Debbie. Your encouraging words really helped.