May 8, 2013

advice from an advice seeker.

cropped
I don't really consider myself an advice-giver. In fact, I consider myself an advice-seeker, or a girl who simply loves learning from others.

But if there's something I've received encouragement from on this blog, it's about how I blog about Jesus. In all honesty, I had no idea I would ever do this. I mean, I initially created this blog to share DIY projects (hence the blog name) and never imagined I would share something as personal as my faith. I mean, I'm the girl who gets nervous sharing her celebrity crushes and talking about that time of the month (which is ridiculous, but so very very true).

So when I get comments from other bloggers telling me how glad they are to find someone who blogs about Jesus and who isn't afraid to, it's humbling because while it's something I never planned to share, it's a topic I now love writing about and something I wouldn't trade for any other type of blogging.

Blogging about Jesus doesn't only keep me accountable with what I type and publish, but it's created friendships and relationships with others who know exactly how I feel. And there's something so beautiful about knowing that you're not alone.

So if there's any advice I have to give, it's to be yourself and don't be afraid of being yourself. Blog about what you're passionate about and comfortable sharing. Talk about what you want to talk about (we all know what I don't talk about). Do what you want to do. And don't try to be other people--whether they're celebrities, bloggers, or even friends. There's a reason we're all different and created uniquely (can you tell I've had this speech written in my head for future students?).

And if you're looking for even better advice, dive into the Word--there's way more advice there than I could ever give!

Which is why today, I'm not only sharing advice, I'm listening to my advice. You see, even though I've had this blog for a few years, I have yet to share it with my Facebook friends. Which is weird, because right now, blogging is a big part of who I am. I have no idea why I've been holding it back (oh wait, maybe it's because it has something to do with fear?) but I've had the itch for a week or so to finally share it. Not because I want to gloat, but because I want to connect and I want to share my life and tell people how imperfect it is but how it's been full it is with God's perfect love.

So a special hello to all my Facebook friends + family. I'm sorry for holding out so long and not sharing this amazing blogging community with you earlier and I hope you let me know you stopped by--whether it's an email or just a click of a pageview, I'm glad you're here.

Oh, and welcome to all the new bloggers visiting from Jenni's link up! I can't wait to meet each and every one of you and get to know you a little better.



14 comments

  1. I so understand what you mean. Sometimes I'm hesitant to write about what I am learning, because I'm afraid of people saying, "Oh there is Ashlee writing about Jesus again, doesn't she think she is holy." When in reality, I write about Him, because I'm learning how imperfect I am. Thank you for the encouragement!

    Ashlee
    http://theredeemeedrunner.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES. I know exactly how you feel. But when I post with Him in mind and focus on blogging for Him, those feelings change into good ones and ones more focused on how good He is and how much I want to share His goodness with others. And that's exactly how I view you + your blog! :)

      Delete
  2. So proud of you for this! I was there a few weeks ago. No real life friends commented on my blog after I posted it on Facebook, but numerous people came up to me and told me they liked it. It's a tough step and it's scary to think about people you know reading it (how weird is it that I'm fine with people I've never me reading about my vulnerabilities but the idea of real life friends reading can make my heart start to race?), but it's worth it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks! I thought A LOT (as always) about sharing my blog and debated doing it or not. But I kept finding myself going back to sharing it, whether it was because of a song, a verse, a blog post, or an email from a blogger. And I'm actually glad I did now--it definitely takes a load off of my shoulders in a way!

      And I definitely know that feeling! I'm so much more comfortable sharing these sorts of things on my blog than in my face-to-face conversations but I think this is a great step into doing just that! :)

      Delete
  3. LOVE this post. So glad you put your faith first! Thanks for sharing! Xo, M&K at brewedtogether.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Seriously, it's comments like yours that encourage me to keep blogging. And it's definitely easier said than done for me when it comes to putting my faith first 100% of the time. Thank goodness we have a forgiving and loving God! :)

      Delete
  4. loooove your heart for Jesus! So exciting to hear that God changed your heart to make your blog centered around your walk with Him!


    -Jess at Forever Convinced :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks girl! It's definitely been quite a change around this little blog of mine but it's been a good one. Not only for me but for the friendships I've formed from doing so (including meeting and connecting with you!). :)

      Delete
  5. This is one of the scariest things about blogging for me. Sharing my heart and knowing anyone can read it. This has been so encouraging for me to read and definitely makes me feel better that I'm not the only one who has felt like this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It definitely can be scary--but at the same time I find it such a comfort to be reminded how my story can help me connect with others, too. I would love to read more of your story + heart, girl! And no, you're definitely not alone when it comes to being unsure about posting. And just to be clear, I'm not saying to post everything, because there are definitely things that are meant to be personal, just take your time and know that your posts will make a difference! :)

      Delete
  6. Also.. You have THE prettiest smile.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, girl! You're way too sweet. :)

      Delete
  7. This is wonderful!! I agree, when I started my blog, I never imagined I would be blogging about Jesus. Probably because Jesus wasn't a very big part of my life at that time, if any part at all. It's amazing for me to think back to that time, and that girl. The Spirit changes our hearts sooo much, and I'm so thankful that He has called you to share your faith! You inspire so many :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny how God changes our hearts and can lead us (or in this case, our blogs) in a different direction than we could ever imagine! And I have to say, I kind of like that my blog changed directions because it really shows how much I've changed and grown in Christ. And I love that we have that blogging journey in common--it's so cool to see how God can change so many hearts around the blogworld + real world, too! :)

      p.s. You definitely inspire many. Seriously, girl you're such an inspiration!

      Delete

© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall