I'm not really sure how many people read my blog posts (or any blog post for that matter) anymore, so I'm going to give myself permission to ramble uncontrollably a little here.
This post has been sitting in the draft bin for 20 days now, bugging me every time I think of it. I've had a lot going on, but at the same time, I've been contemplating the direction of things, including my blog and social media channels, as well as world events. As things change both in the world and online, people's attention spans are getting shorter and their patience is disappearing. It's frustrating for someone like me who likes to spend lots of time reading, writing and being creative. |
Controversy
Ever since I've had a website (the mid-90s) my most popular content has always been the controversial stuff. (And even before that, my letters to the editor in our little local paper.) The only problem with that is it can take a lot of energy to mold such content into something people can understand and engage with. Let's face it, it takes a lot of research to talk halfway knowledgeable about a controversial topic. It's often not all happy-go-lucky information to sift through. Controversy is also naturally contentious and does not encourage kindness or consideration, something the newer generations have very little of, to begin with.
Contentiousness
While I'm by nature very outspoken and opinionated and I surely don't mind a good debate, I also like to feel like it's productive and of use to people.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Proverbs 21:19
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. Proverbs 26:21
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath... Romans 2:8
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:16
Annnnddd.... As these verses suggest, being contentious should never be our goal, no matter how profitable it might be financially (cough, Rush Limbaugh & others...).
All this to say, (Yes, I actually do have a point I'm getting to!) I've been pivoting in my online business until I'm nearly dizzy but I finally think I'm settling into a routine and have a general gist of what people want without wearing myself out or becoming something I don't want to be.
So, on youtube I'm enjoying a collaborative project with a few other ladies called Tin Hat Talks where we're having fun exploring some fringe ideas. I'm also adding some sewing shenanigans and will be sprinkling a few interviews here and there.
Most interviews will be saved for the podcast where I'm hoping to start concentrating more on agriculture, homeschooling, book reviews and such.
While keeping up with these things, I'm enjoying seeing the new magazine grow and working on writing some small books on the Feasts of the Lord.
All this to say, (Yes, I actually do have a point I'm getting to!) I've been pivoting in my online business until I'm nearly dizzy but I finally think I'm settling into a routine and have a general gist of what people want without wearing myself out or becoming something I don't want to be.
So, on youtube I'm enjoying a collaborative project with a few other ladies called Tin Hat Talks where we're having fun exploring some fringe ideas. I'm also adding some sewing shenanigans and will be sprinkling a few interviews here and there.
Most interviews will be saved for the podcast where I'm hoping to start concentrating more on agriculture, homeschooling, book reviews and such.
While keeping up with these things, I'm enjoying seeing the new magazine grow and working on writing some small books on the Feasts of the Lord.
Leaving Bitterness Behind
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32
I've seen bitterness eat away at women. It's sad and hurts everyone close to them. Wonder & Grace Life Coach Patricia Pitonyak joined the Real Life on the Prairie podcast sharing how to have healthy relationships after divorce. Divorce does NOT have to be toxic. While it's undoubtedly hard on everyone, God provides for healing when hearts are willing to soften and forgive. Patricia's testimony and heart to serve and teach is heartwarming.
Myrna Buckles joined me from Nicaragua to discuss putting legacy in action. She's taking the legacy of strength passed down from generations of Southeastern Oklahoma women and helping impoverished women in Central America create thriving businesses. Some of these women have been working over open fires off the side of a shack through hot weather making tortillas to sell. They are now confidently supporting their families while serving their communities and praising the Lord along the way. Watch the video below or hop over to the Prairie Dust channel on YouTube to hear her story.
Myrna Buckles joined me from Nicaragua to discuss putting legacy in action. She's taking the legacy of strength passed down from generations of Southeastern Oklahoma women and helping impoverished women in Central America create thriving businesses. Some of these women have been working over open fires off the side of a shack through hot weather making tortillas to sell. They are now confidently supporting their families while serving their communities and praising the Lord along the way. Watch the video below or hop over to the Prairie Dust channel on YouTube to hear her story.
If you've made it this far through the blog post, Thank You!!! And please comment or email me what you are looking most forward to seeing more of as the year progresses. Also, what do you look for most when buying a magazine?