Thursday, March 18, 2010

What's the Point?

I just spent two hours working on a blog post that processes through a lot of things. After thinking and praying about the post, I have decided to hold it back. For now.

Part of what I am thinking through has to do with the point of blogging. My friend, Shannon, talked with me about this a while ago. She wondered why anyone would read someone else's blog, why any of it mattered at all.

When I talked with her, I told her I think we are looking to connect to others and maybe clarify our thoughts and beliefs. We are holding out a hand, offering and reaching for help. But, the truth is, I really don't know. I believe these things are part of it but really not nearly the whole.

I have been blogging 5 times a week for almost 3 months. Prior to January, I found myself blogging here and there and then made a New Year's resolution to do a better job of being consistent. I wanted to blog more regularly because I am working on the discipline of writing. Also, and primarily,I wanted to blog more often because it helps you to know that there will be something here to read. No more bopping in to find the same old post as a week ago... But instead there is something new that, I hope, offers some encouragement or help or even just a smile.

Maybe I have it all wrong. Can you take a minute to give me a hand? It would mean the world to me if you would jot a sentence or two in the comment section to tell me why you come. What are you looking for here? What do you hope to find? Why do you read any one's blog, not just mine? Is it entertainment? Community? Encouragement?

It has been my prayer all along that this place would offer something up. Help me know what you are looking for when you wonder in here or anywhere else. Your opinion and insight mean the world to me.

Blessings on your day.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog for many reasons!!! Mostly for encouragement and new ideas from a mom who is a bit ahead of me with her own children. Also, you have walked the Residence Life road and I love hearing about how those experiences have shaped and still continue to shape your family - not too many people get that and so it is always fun to hear about your TCC memories. :) Hope that helps - keep up the writing!
Renee L.

Amanda said...

I read blogs for a variety of reasons...to get great deals on groceries, to be inspired creatively, to learn a new recipe, to learn a new skill, and to be encouraged as a mom, wife, and child of God. I come to your blog because you spoke at my MOPS group and I enjoyed what you had to say. I don't comment often on anyone's blog, nor do I blog myself, but I appreciate the insight offered, the encouragement given, and just knowing that there are others out there going through the same types of things that I am.

Jodie said...

Honestly, my blog is self serving. I blog to get all the things out that clog my brain. I blog for the attention I get from my readers. (It's lonely being at home some times). I blog because it makes me feel that I'm being heard and listened to. Sometimes I have profound thoughts and I want to share them. Why do I read blogs? A lot of times to find that there are people like me, that I am "normal" in my thought processes and not just possessed. I want to be inspired to be a better person and some people have a way with words. I follow you now because 2 years ago you spoke at Hearts at Home and I have thought about it so much since then. I picked up the session I didn't go to this year on CD and was equally blessed. I admire clarity in speech and words on a page. I admire truth. One of the biggest "compliments" I get on my blog is how truthful and real I am. I think that people need this in our society. To hear from people who aren't fake, who aren't looking to gain anything or sell anything. Those are my thoughts on it. Blessings to you..hope to hear you again someday.

Laurie said...

Coming from a "glass half empty" girl and reading your "glass half full" blogs, I get encouragement, a positive spin on things and some funny stories. I often read your blog and think - "how can this apply to my life"? Our lives may be different in the details, but the emotions, struggles and difficulties can be very similar. I may not post comments too often, but I do read and enjoy your blogs. Keep up the writing - you have more fans and you touch more peoples lives than you realize! :)

Laurie G.

Catherine P. said...

I read several different blogs for a variety of reasons. Some are for recipe ideas, some are for inspiration, some are to show support to my friends. Yours, Nadia, is like having a cup of tea on my back porch with a neighbor. I read it at the end of the afternoon, before the dinner and bedtime hoopla begins. I don't know you all that well, but I feel like I'm having a spiritual conversation with someone. You say things that I would say (only way more eloquently), and make me think more clearly about my own beliefs. Thank you for your blog - I look forward to each entry!

Meghan said...

I read your blog because you are very wise! I can learn from your parenting and get encouragement to become a better more intentional mama. I appreciate your honesty about your topics. I did notice you have started blogging every day and I love it. I read every week day, keep up the really insightful posts!

Steph said...

I read blogs for lots of reasons! I like to hear what other moms are going through, I get "hooked" on some "story lines" of people's lives, I get encouragement and perspective from various bloggers(you included). I get ideas for cakes, tips on my photography, ideas for other creative ventures...I think that about sums it up!

Ericka C. said...

Nadia, I like your blogs because they are real life situations. You speak from experience and you speak from the heart. I get many e-mails, but when I get your blogs I feel encouraged to read them. Sometimes I get very busy, but I save your blogs for later reading. Keep sharing your life and I hope you feel empowered by what you do. God has given you a great gift. Dream BIG!!!!

Lori said...

Nadia - Yours is the only non-work blog I read on a regular basis. I've seen you as a speaker twice and very much enjoyed what you have to say about motherhood. Continuing to gain wisdom and learn from your experiences is my first reason for following your blog. Second, I just like your writing style. I'm sure you have favorite authors whom you read just because it's *their* writing.

shannon, mom, wife, blogger said...

i got a mention! :)
i read blogs to keep up with friends and to connect with people about the things i am passionate about.
being so far away from so many of the people that i love is made a bit easier by reading (and by writing) a blog.