Today's post is very different from what you'll normally see when you stop by. I've had something on my heart and it's time to pass it on and share with you all. I hope you'll stick through this wordy post and seek the goodness that can come from it.
I love blogging and it serves a great purpose in my life right now as a creative outlet, but at the same time I find myself feeling a little empty where blogging is concerned. Let's dive a little deeper, shall we? Design blogs are full of pretty images and great ideas that are meant to inspire. But do they really? Or can they do the exact opposite? Do they ever leave you feeling inadequate or frustrated? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others? I do. Let's be honest, I'm convinced that little "followers" box is evil! It's one of the first things I look at when I come across a new blog...and let the comparison begin. Sometimes I wonder if pretty blogs are just a way for people to fill their emptiness and escape.
Now, before you think, "Holy cow...what a Debbie downer post she's got going on..." let me tell you that it's leading to something much more uplifting!
I want you to know that the absolute last thing I want anyone to feel after reading my blog is frustrated or inadequate. That's why I'm starting a series called 'Transparent Tuesday.' The word transparent seems to be a theme in my life right now. I can't help but think life would be so much easier if we lived our lives with transparent motives. We wouldn't have to question others' motives. We wouldn't misinterpret things as much. And, most importantly, we'd be able to help each other more.
Where is this all coming from, you ask? It started one on of my runs last week. I was praying for a blogging friend and suddenly the Holy Spirit interceded and shared with me this..."Why pray for just one, you need to pray for them all!" And that's exactly what I plan to do. Every Tuesday you can leave a comment with a prayer request. It can be anything...big or small. I'm talking as simple as 'I'm a hand model and just broke a nail. What am I going to do about today's audition?' or as big as 'I just got news that rocked my world and I'm not sure how to breath right now.' It's my commitment to you, dear friends, that I will pray for each and every request that's left. Leaving it as a comment might just get you a few extra prayers from others doing the same! If you don't want your request to be public, then send it via email, dfrieling1@gmail.com.
So, you may be thinking, "Yeah, right...you want me to bare my soul but what exactly do you plan to do?" Well, I'm glad you asked. In light of keeping things transparent, I'm going to 'be real' with you. That may be something extremely different every week, who knows? This week it means sharing with you my feelings of inadequacy when it comes to starting my business.
I started blogging in hopes of drumming up some business. I thought it'd be a great place for people to see my work and hopefully lead to future projects. I know I just recently started and probably have expectations that are too high, but honestly, things just aren't where I'd like them to be. It's a very slow process! So, do I pray for patience or do I pray for growth? God must think I need more patience in my life because He keeps giving me lesson after lesson. One day it'll sink in, God, I promise!
I thought edesign would be a great way to go. I'd love to help others design their rooms via email and the internet. But guess what? I throw it out there at the end of almost every single post and I've yet to book a client! I've only had 2 inquiries and neither came to fruition. Here's where the comparison monster creeps in. I see all the other bloggers post their edesign boards and client progress and I immediately wonder what they have that I don't. Not healthy, right? Fully aware of that, friends, but I'm only normal!
I've easily become hyper-focused on "growing" my blog. I stopped and asked myself, "For what?," "Where's my focus?" and "What's important?" I got my answer...Helping others. That's why I'm starting 'Transparent Tuesday.' I'm following God's lead and offering you the best gift I have to offer, the gift of prayer!
What can I pray for you today, friend?
