Know Your “Why” – Blogging For A Purpose

I’ve never been much of a blog fan. For the longest time, it seemed like one of those projects that everyone started, maybe got one or two posts published, and then would vanish as quickly as they came to be. My sister kept a blog while she was in Samoa volunteering with the Peace Corps…I read through that one. And just maybe if I see a post about something that interests me (right now, it’s mostly household hacks and funny parenting moments) I’ll quickly skim through it. That’s about it. So at this point you’re probably thinking, “Ok crazy lady. So what exactly are you doing?”

What Do I Have To Offer?

Am I a great DIY-er? Nope. Am I a domestic goddess in the kitchen? Well, I’ve kept my husband alive for 4 years and I can follow a recipe…does that count? Do I have clever life hacks to share? No way. I’m still practicing ironing pants and folding a fitted sheet!

So what do I have to offer?

I read verses in the Bible like Romans 12:7-9, where Paul addresses our different talents and spiritual gifts and I wonder which of these are my talents and how can I use them for God’s glory.

If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Some of these I do simply because there is a need and I want to live a life pleasing to God. As I’ve grown older, I am more conscious of my strengths…and much more conscious of my weaknesses. And I’ve come to realize something about myself – I am a thinker. I am seriously always thinking about something.

I Am *Always* Thinking

My husband is not a thinker. If we are both sitting quietly in the car or laying silently in bed, he will ask me “what are you thinking?” I always have an answer. I am either single-handedly solving the world’s problems, reliving the day’s experiences, or simply following my brain’s “bunny trails” wherever they may lead. Usually what I have to say makes him laugh. When I ask him the same thing, 99% of the time I will get “nothing,” or “just holding you.” And while I am grateful that he can just be quiet and enjoy the moment, I do not understand how a person can be thinking “nothing.”

What am I to do with all of these thoughts?

I CAN ENCOURAGE.

I look at the world around me and there is no shortage of things to be sad, scared, angry, timid, and embarrassed about. But you know what? There is still a lot of good in the world; things to be proud of and grateful for. That is what I choose to focus on.

Philippians 4:8 says

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Am I burying my head in the sand? No. I am well-aware of the hurtful things going on in this world and to those I love. But I am choosing to not dwell on these things and let them overpower and create fear in me.

So, back to this whole blog thing.

Using My Thoughts To Encourage

I have this whole list of random jobs that I have always thought I would enjoy if I did not work in the business world – a professional lawn mower, a 7-11 clerk, a teacher (ONLY to buy new school supplies every August), a barista, a talk show host, and a reporter/writer. Would I have been a successful writer? I seriously doubt it. Am I funny? I mean, I amuse myself…that’s probably about it. Do I enjoy writing down my thoughts and bringing joy to others? 100% YES.

A blog was the best way I could think of to do these things. I then took to naming my new project. I wanted it to embody not only who I am as a person, but set the tone for my work as well. Words like encourage, uplift, and positivity bounced around my head…Sunshine. Sunshine is bright, cheerful, and life-giving. Hey – isn’t it convenient that I live in the SUNSHINE state? I’m not a native Floridian…I’m an Okie. Annnnnnnnnd drum roll please – Okie Sunshine!

Let’s be real – I’m just a wife and mommy in her late-20s. I am not overly interesting, certified to give advice (though I am certified to teach a Spin class!), nor do I claim to have all of life’s answers. But what I do have are my thoughts, a positive outlook on life, and the words I read in the Bible. And if I can use those things to uplift, encourage, or brighten even just one person’s day for a few moments, then I will have achieved my goal.