I mentioned one day last week that I’ve been praying about some Major Life Decisions, and as a result of that, there has been Much Talk Of Blogging around our house lately.
Really, I’d love nothing more than to tell y’all that someone has offered me many bags of cash money to write my little blog, but unfortunately that is only true in the world that I inhabit when I’m dreaming. However, I am trying to decide if I’m going to be More Serious About Writing, and if I am, there are going to be some mighty big changes around our house. Domestic re-structuring, if you will.
Thus: lots of praying.
Walking through this particular decision-making process has caused me to think a good bit more than I usually do about writing in general, blogging in particular. And while I know that y’all might be surprised to learn that I actually think about topics other than what exciting new meat products I can drop in vats of hot peanut oil while I’m watching college basketball and simultaneously trying to record American Idol on the (faulty, evil) DVR, the truth of the matter is that I love to think about and analyze things from as many angles as my admittedly limited intelligence will allow. Unless it concerns metal fabrication, in which case I can’t even pretend to be interested.
I don’t talk about my blog much in real life because it makes me terribly uncomfortable, but occasionally, I need a bloggy sounding board. As I’ve been praying through the possibility of taking the writing part of my life more seriously, I’ve had some really frank discussions with my friends Mrs. Rocks and Mrs. Big Mama about my writing limitations. They are kind enough to listen and give me great feedback and encourage me despite the fact that I have an incurable case of the crazies.
The stuff I write for the blog is so personality-driven that it makes my head hurt to try to figure out how to take what I do here and put it “out there.” Publications would never hire me as a freelancer because if I wrote an article on, say, nutrition, the final draft would probably say “THE APPLES! THEY ARE GOOD! AND GOOD FOR YOU!” somewhere around the beginning of second paragraph.
Or, better yet: “BUTTERBEANS, Y’ALL!”
Oddly enough, it’s not a tone that Serious Media Outlets are looking for.
But even still: that urge to push a little harder on my blogging and writing boundaries won’t go away.
I keep coming back to the idea that God knows my strengths and my weaknesses because He gave them to me. And maybe, at the end of the day, I have to be willing to set aside my fear that I’m just not good enough – and, as Max Lucado says, “use [my] uniqueness to take great risks for God” because “the only mistake is to not risk making one.”
D. and I have laughed a lot lately because we are not, by and large, risk takers. We will choose the path of least resistance every single time. We enjoy things like retirement funds and employer-provided health insurance and low-risk investments. We play it safe. And by and large, we like it that way.
But y’all – I have to tell you: I feel so strongly that God is calling me outside of my comfort zone and away from my safety net. I keep looking for reasons to justify staying with the status quo, and He keeps nudging me to step out, to take a risk, to trust Him a little bit more.
And I am scared out of my ever-livin’ mind.
I have gone back and forth about whether or not I should post about all of this, mainly because I felt like any attempt to shed light on such a personal decision might come across as nothing more than a fishing expedition for people to encourage me! love me! validate me!
But if you know me at all, you know that’s not where my heart is. Right now my heart is, above all, seeking God’s guidance and peace. I want to do the right thing for the right reasons. I want to do the thing that enables me to serve my family in the very best way. And I want, above all else, to glorify Him, to serve Him with complete and total abandon.
So.
Needless to say, I’d appreciate your prayers.
And I’ll keep y’all posted.
Use the gifts God has given you…don’t run from it missy, or you might end up in the belly of a big, fat whale!!!
More power to you, sista! You definately have a gift and we all love you!
Miss BooMama ~ I will definitely pray for you as I know this must be a very hard decision for you to make. However, I would like to toot your horn. Heavens to Betsy’s, girl, you got it going on! :) You make us laugh so hard we cry and cry so hard we laugh. You DO have a wonderful, God-given talent. I say Go For It!!! You’re amazing! And, we will all be here to support and pray for you whatever decision you make!
Yes. I DO realize that you are in NO way fishing (that’s simply NOT your style). However, I think I’d be remiss (and lazy) if I didn’t offer up a couple of feeble words of encouragement. “Boo”, please listen very carefully to that tugging right now. You have been given an unbelievable gift. Your transparency is used (daily) to lift and encourage SO many people. Even through the laughter, there are always wise and mature nuggets of truth coming through your writing. THAT’S no accident. The Lucado quote you referenced is easier said than done BUT soooo true. You have my word that I’ll pray for this next “bloggy chapter” in your life.
I will pray for the Lord’s guidance in your bloggity life and your willingness to follow. Thanks for sharing all this with us!
Be strong and courageous, BooMama.
You are on the prayer list!
=)
I too will lift you in prayer as you seek God’s will. I’m not sure what kind of writer God is nudging you to be, but I would buy any book that had “written by BooMama” on it! Only I would expect it to read just like your blog. Laughter is the very best medicine and it makes the more serious subjects go down a whole lot easier.
Boomama, I love your writing style and your honesty. I will surely be praying for you.
I know you are in no way fishing for compliments or validation, but let me remind of one of your wonderful posts. You posted about Alex in a restaurant telling the manager (or maybe it was a waiter) that God cares about him. Then, you said- and I’m paraphrasing- that you asked God to work through you that way. I know that “For Kelli” was a direct result of that, but God wouldn’t stop there, would he? Neither should you. Write on!
Two things. One, get thee to http://www.ed2go.com and sign up for their online writing courses. I took The Craft of Magazine Writing which tells you how to get yourself out there and also gives you an idea of formulating your thoughts so they will sell. Plus, they have other terrific writing courses.
The next is read John Ortberg’s If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Gotta Get Out of the Boat. That book has helped me make so many life altering decisions and has shaped the person that I am as far as risk taking. I think you will find a tremendous sense of clarity from the book.
I just love you so much BooMama and I don’t even know ya!! Hugs!!
take your time with it. you can try out associatedcontent.com also. i sometimes write and have them publish my articles. it gives me practice and helps me build my skills.
just a thought, if you are really wanting to take this slowly.
and if it matters, i’d buy anything you wrote.
Wow. Some people would pay “bags of cash money” for the encouragement and advice you’ve already been given! You have got some might smart bloggy readers, as seen from the comments above. I am not near that wise and insightful, but I do want to tell you: YOUR writing is something special. Truly. You have a gift. Well, more truly, you have been GIVEN a gift. And I pray that you use it. And I pray that I get to see it “come to pass”. I’ll be praying for you and your family.
You have a voice. By that I mean a writing style that is readable and relateable. A voice that can reach so with its unique charm… Butterbeans and all. I would encourage you to continue seeking ways to “expand your territory” through writing and sharing yourself. It is the YOU in all its “real life” glory that attracts people. In it we can see the hands and feet and beating heart of a Savior at work. The testimony in that is priceless to the lost.
In the striving to transition from “just blogging” to being a “writer” I just hope you don’t lose the style that is Boomama. It really is unique and a gift from God.
He’s gonna give you everything you need to do what He is calling you to do. Whether through yourself or others that he brings alongside (and has already) to help equip you.
I look forward to great reports girl… May you be blessed. And may you rest in the Great Adventure you are on!
From personal experience I have found that when the Lord has you step out of your comfort zone, much like Moses he wants you to trust enough to take that first step (put that first foot in the water) and as soon as you do, he parts the waves. Praying for God’s leading…..
BooMama,
I’m going to be praying for you to be sensitive to God’s leading in this area. I do believe with all my heart that there is a definite market for your writing. You have so much talent and so much personality comes out in your writing. The first time I ever read your blog I just thought, “Why is this woman not writing professionally?!?” One of these days there will be “The Complete BooMama Collection” and I will own every book in it.
Personally, I think that mainstream media will soon be looking for someone just like you. Blogging will show them that your writing style is just what so many of us looking for. As soon as they connect it with dollars, they’ll be knocking!
Oh, and I’ll be praying too. =)
I am praying that God leads down the path you need to follow and that you are willing to listen and let go and let him take you all the way.
I think you have a delightful perspective and perhaps though it may not be the traditional style of “serious Media Outlets” it is engaging and refreshing and may be just the right thing they need! I pray that the Lord will guide your steps in this. Blessings!
I know that I am new to this blogging business, but I, like many others, have been blessed by your views, advice, and just plain “bloggityness.” Your writing is wanted. It’s kind of like the new “age” of reality TV. It’s “reality” writing. so many people are looking for that real truth and real life experiences. One, so that they are looking into someone else’s life,(we are a nosy people) but also so that they don’t feel so inadequate and lost in their own lives. I really don’t think that you have to change too much in your writing, you are what God has created, and that is a blessing to many people already! So many people are so lost out there, and need someone like you who will meet them where they are with a knack to punch in the gut (conviction) and make us laugh at the same time. I will pray that God will lead you in your changing times, and that you will have peace throughout the whole thing!
I can’t tell you how happy and warm it made me feel to read this post. :) Your attitude and approach to this whole adventure is right on and I know God will bless you for your faithfulness to Him – whatever that entails. I’m praying for you, BooMama.
I got 2 names for you, Boo: Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry. Just sayin’.
And praying.
Hi BooMama–
I heard the song “The Voice of Truth” at a Casting Crowns concert and it (God!) gave this Hyatt girl courage to live in a remote (can you say no flush toilets?) native fishing village in Alaska a few summers ago with my husband and children. God and I have an incredibly different and deeper relationship because I said “okay, I’ll do it.” So, run, don’t walk, to itunes and have yourself a good listen. As for me, I’m heading over to IM to chat with my dear friends in the Last Frontier.
Cathy
PS–my husband’s favorite picture over the past 3 Alaskan adventures is of the two of us standing by the Bering Sea– because it symbolizes how awesome our God is…taking two “love-routine-homebodies” and making us adventurous missionaries. “Blessings all mine and 10,000 besides”. You can do it! (cuz it’s God doing it all anyways!)
Just so you know…I would read ANYTHING you wrote. I’m not kiddin’! You’re a great writer, and God has given you a gift. I’ll be praying for you!
Our pastor once said that one of the best ways to pray is to just “sit and listen” to what God is trying to say to you. I’m sure that you have done some quiet meditation on this already but I just found his (and HIS) words so comforting. So I tried it… and it worked. I will pray for that quiet reassurance for you. God bless :)
Did. I. not. tell. you?!? Go back up and read comment #21 I seem to remember a certain e-mail that I sent you that made reference to Erma Bombeck. Looking for a sign? There it be!!!
He’s definitely calling. I’m so glad you’re listening. I’m praying for and supporting you all the way to His glory. That’s what it is about.
BTW, my artist self has always been intrigued by metal fabrication. :)
BooMama,
You and your writing are delightful. Whatever “it” is, you have it. You’re an “it” girl! We’re believing God with you and for you.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt. 5:14-16
I’m really new to blogging (reading them and writing one). Jumping in just before the Ultimate Blog Party week was divine intervention, I’m sure. It has cost me several good hours of sleep, but I’ve seen some great stuff! Your stuff tops the list. You are a legend in blogville it seems.
Follow your heart and gut. God will put the right decision in both places. He fills me up every time I trust and follow him.
Do not as I do, but as I say. :)
Girl, you can write! Just remember that!
Also, isn’t it hard when God calls us out of our comfort zone? But He can do great things when we listen.
I’ll be praying for you as you open your heart to what God has in mind for you. :)
A bird in the hand is worth three in a tree. :)
You know, I think that scared to death is exactly where you need to be to be used by God. Not that he wants us to be afraid, no, He tells us to “fear not” so many times I can’t count, but seriously, sometimes our own confidence gets in the way, because then we do things in the flesh in our own strength and not in the Spirit. Our confidence is not supposed to be in ourselves, but in the Lord. We are the vessels, and He will use the talents, abilities, and unique characteristics that He has gifted us with for our good and His glory, if we are surrendered to Him. So, remain humble, and walk out in faith, yielded to the Spirit. He will do mighty things in you and through you! Of this I am confident!
Blessings,
Angel
Have you read The Prayer of Jabez (Bruce Wilkinson)? It is so helpful for situations like this–you know–enlarging your territory! Much prayers for you!
On a lighter note, you have what Randy would call, “YO!” :)
I would read you wherever you wrote, I promise. I don’t comment much, but I read you every day, and compulsively check back several times a day, just to see if you’ve updated. I enjoy your humor, your faith, the fact that I NEVER have to splay my fingers across the computer moniter, hoping my kids didn’t just read *that word* or see *that picture* that some blogger decided to post. What you have to understand is that all the many (many) of us who visit aren’t just peeking inside your world, we’re welcoming you into ours. Much love and many blessings to you at this time!!
I think that is a wonderful idea. You have a gift and you know you do. You have such a way with words that I think maybe that’s what the “outside” world needs. Do as your heart tells you, not your head. Your heart will never fail you! Good Luck in this new adventure.
P.S: I have a friend that just moved from PA in October that is a freelance writer….She has all the sites and information. Like Magazines that are looking for freelancers, things they are needing right now, etc….If you want her email address, let me know :D
Hi Boomama
I’m with Eliza up at number 19 – it’s reality writing! And I love the exclamation marks!!! I thought I was the only one. (Said to someone the other day – I’ve just realised that I am in love with the exclamation mark. On all my emails it’s “thank you so much!!!” or “excellent!!!”.
Anyway…
Don’t ever lose your personality. God made you unique and special because that’s exactly how he wants you. He is using you just as you are and with the writing, it’s got to have your specific brand so you can reach the people you’re meant to reach.
My 0.02 worth!
Erma Bombeck, among others, come to mind. Your humor is wonderful, but its the heart behind it all, that comes out, and makes you worth the read. God won’t ask you to do anything he doesn’t equip you for – that sounds glib, but it’s true. I’ll commit to praying for you to hear what He has for you. My Beth Moore study (Patriarchs) just told me last week, nothing I do is about me, none of the glory, recognition, etc – it’s all to point to him. I know you want to do that, so I’ll be praying for you to clearly see how He’d have you do that through your writing. xoxo
I’ve been following and enjoying your blog for just a few weeks. I, too, am new to blogging however I can’t believe you, and the likes of Antique Mommy, are not creating a substantial income with your writing talent. There is a fortune to be made and Pro Blogger at http://www.problogger.net may help get you started. You need to apply to get Google and Amazon Ads posted on your website ASAP. With your ongoing commitment and ability to entertain, your cup will runneth over financially. As for income potential, it really doesn’t matter who reads, enjoys, dislikes, comments, etc.; creating traffic to your blog/website is most important and the more you write, the more traffic you will create. You already have a large following and there are thousands more, like myself, who enjoy your writing yet would never dream of leaving a comment. If you’re lacking confidence right now, feel the fear and do it anyway! Your writing will improve with experience (as I pray mine will).. My husband often wonders aloud, “who reads bloooogs?“ and I always reply ‘Well, who watches ‘The Simple Life’ and ‘Trading Spouses’!? Maybe not ‘brainiacks’ like himself but millions of others obviously“. Go with God but please feel free to contact me with questions/concerns (ie how do the ads pay commission?) All the best!
Listen – If you could create a wonderful southern fiction novel for me to read on the beach this summer, I sure would appreciate it!
Girl, I would purchase and read anything you published just to see what you would say. The first time I read a comment suggesting you put some of your blog posts in a book, I thought of Erma Bombeck. Just a book of funny stories to make people laugh. However, I could really see you making up a family and writing histerical fiction about said family. (You know Seinfeld was based on real people in his life…and that was a VERY FUNNY SHOW about…NOTHING!)
I have just one request…don’t give up the blog!!! I look forward to it EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Let me share with you something that Oswald Chambers wrote and that I keep posted in my office… it’s powerful..
“If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to send you out to sea. Put everything in your life afloat upon God, going out to sea on the great swelling tide for His purposes, and your eyes will be opened. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the calm waters just inside the harbor, full of joy but always tied to the dock.
You have to get past the harbor to get into the great depths of God, and begin to know things for yourself—
Begin to have spiritual discernment” OC
Storms come in all types,, a steady rain, to full blown storm…
Listen to what our Abba says…
You will know…
Blessings Boomama
Connie
Okay…am I the only one here that remembers Erma Bombeck?!?! Her writing was sometimes a little quirky and off the beaten path…but she dispensed WONDERFULLY encouraging and HILARIOUS words of wisdom from her column that was carried in practically EVERY major news outlet in the US. You, girl? You’re that good. I love ya and would definitely buy anything with you published in it. I’ve got you on my daily prayer list. :o)
Popping up out of my little lurking hole to share one of my favorite quotes with you.
“To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach for another is to risk involvement. To expose your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To believe is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by their attitudes, they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free.”
You strike me not as one “chained by an attitude” but a lady secure in her freedom.
Okay, I’m retreating back into my hole now.
Boomama, let me say this. You are a precious child of God, gifted with a unique ability to take the most serious things of life and the most mundane details of life and make them worth thinking about and reading about. You can coat a truth in enough humor to let it slip in and penetrate the reader’s heart while entertaining in the process. You are gifted with the ability to write on two levels at once, with humor being the top, and total appreciation for the Lord the underneath support. I adore what you write, and, with the exception of the AI posts (which would spark a lot of controversy in homes that support various artists:-), I honestly believe you have a skill and a message that needs to be shared with more women…a message of hope, of laughter, and of down home wisdom from the Lord.
No, all of your blogs aren’t publishable…but many, many more are. I’ll be praying for you. It’s a risk…a huge risk…but one I think is worth taking.
Who knows…I may be encouraging the new Chonda Pierce or Anita Renfroe…and I laugh way more with you than I do with either of them.
Sincerely from my heart,
Deena
Need I also mention Becky Freeman and Liz Curtis Higgs…you rank right up there in my book, sweetie!! And I read a LOT, so I know that of which I speak!!
The Lord blesses all of us with unique gifts. Being blessed with His gifts doesn’t meant that it is an easy way to go or that we should ignore His whispers. The more you ignore, the louder He will be. Mom always tells me to pray for 3 days before saying or doing something major. You’ve had your three days, girl. Dive in and be thankful!
Someone you might talk to is Jen Singer from http://www.mommasaid.net/ She writes a lot of those top 10 or other funny lists on the last page of the parenting magazine. She’s been published a lot because she’s so funny!! But she’s also found her “niche”. Are there any southern-geared magazines that would appreciate a butterbeans recipe and debate over Popeye’s vs Church’s? And recently (you know could’ve been 6 months ago) Daring Young Mom has paired up with a parenting web site and she posts articles there. Possibilities are out there but the situation may or may not be right for your family. I’ll be prayin’.
Well, you definitely have a gift for writing. I have often shared this little tidbit and thought you might find it interesting (and a little inspiring, maybe). My creative writing professor in college was Jane Smiley, who (after I had graduated) won the Pulitzer Prize for writing A Thousand Acres. I loved her and I loved her class, mostly for the simplicity of her teaching:
#1. To be a good writer you must be a good reader, so read a lot.
#2. To be a good writer, you must write a lot, so just write. And just write every day.
#3. You have nothing to lose by writing. Someone is always going to like it, and someone is always going to not like it. Write anyway.
#4. The more popular a writer you become, the more critics you have.
Good luck!
Dear BooMama, I, too, believe that you have a gift for writing, encouraging, making us laugh, and allowing us to reminisce about a time, place, or experience.
I am probably 20 years older than you, but I feel a bond with you when I read your posts. I am fairly new to reading your blog, but I look forward to logging on to my computer every day and checking to see what is new with you.
As I have shared with you, both my daughter and I read your blog every day and when we have a chance to talk on the phone we usually include a few minutes to talk about how you made us laugh. (When you are paying for a long distance call to South Asia, those minutes are precious and expensive.)
Last year, a guest pastor at our church talked about the passage in Matthew 14 when Jesus walks on the water and the disciples in the boat see him and are afraid. Peter calls to Jesus and Jesus tells Peter to come to him. Peter steps out and as soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. The pastor went on to say that almost always when that passage is discussed, it is about Peter and his courage to step out and when he loses his focus on Jesus, he sinks. But, what the pastor wanted us to see and think about were the disciples that stayed in the boat. He urged us to not be “boat potatoes.”
My encouragement to you would also be “don’t be a boat potato.” If God is calling you to use your talent, be obedient.
As others have said, I love you and support you and I don’t even know you. I believe in you as a sister in Christ and I am praying.
you are a fabulous blog writer and you’d make a fabulous non-blog writer. no question! you’re definitely in my prayers :-)
You have a real gift or writing and as you know , God gives us our gifts. You may feel your stuff is too personalto publish , I disagree. Go through your posts ther are many that stand alone as good articles inthemselves, far better written than anything in many magazines.
Do NOt hide your light under a bushel, if there was an American Idol for Bloggers you would win hands down and even Simon Cowell (that sarcastic dweeb whose trousers are pulled up to his armpits) would agree !
Rinty
Here’s a devotion by David Jeremiah I received this morning. I thought of you when I read it. You are in many prayers.
The Bottom Line
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
Recommended Reading
Genesis 45:16-28
Anyone who has purchased a home knows the meaning of the phrase “sign on the dotted line.” There are pages and pages of forms that have to be signed, the signature line being indicated by an “X” and (originally) a dotted line. Tradition says that the phrase originated as a sales gimmick—to distract the purchaser from reading the terms of the deal: “If you’ll just sign there on the dotted line, you’ll be all set!”
Signing on the dotted line is often a huge step of faith—when buying a house for instance. When you sign, you are “putting your money where your mouth is.” You’ve said, “I want it” and your signature proves it. Just as signing is an act of faith in the commercial world, stepping out is an act of faith in the spiritual world. For instance, when Joseph’s brothers were told by Joseph that they could have a new home in Egypt if they would return to Canaan and get their families and father, they stepped out: “Then the sons of Israel did so . . .” (Genesis 45:21).
Is there something you believe God wants you to do? When you sign on the bottom line with God, you prove your faith in God.
Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I, firsthand, know the power of your words.
I’ll just sit back, pray and wait.
I’m here if you need another board to bounce off of. I’m rubbery that way :)
Loves.
BooMama,
I won’t be covering any new ground when I tell you that you are a talented writer. There is no doubt in my mind you could find success as a non-BooMama writer in the “real world”.
Years ago, when Runaway Mommy and I were first married, I was a professional writer. I got lots of compliments on my work and I think I was truly good at it. And I feel that God gave me the gift of being able to write somewhat intelligently.
However, it was only by stepping AWAY from writing for a living that I have begun to grow into the person God wants me to be. I can’t really substantiate that in any way, but I know it’s true. The situation I was in was a limiting situation, not a growing one.
Blogging has now become my outlet for writing gift the Lord gave me. And I honor God and serve him with my day job and my work in the community.
To summarize, and this is without knowing you other than as your online persona, I think BooMama is a fun, graceful depiction of the talent you’ve been given. And it speaks for itself with the following you’ve created.
If you decide to step out and try something new, we’re with you all the way. And if you decide not to, we’re still here!