“I just don’t think of my life in terms of blogging.”, my dad began to say after listening to me. I had just explained something I had been learning in life, but I applied it differently than most people would: I looked at the applications and ideas so I could write about it in a blog post.
When I learn something new or have an interesting experience, I usually begin a rough draft in my head. I look at the lessons I’ve learned so I can blog about them. Sometimes this mindset is helpful, and sometimes it isn’t. Blogging and writing can be hobbies, but in my case, my next article is always in the back of my head. I absolutely love to write, but my “learn it to blog it” mindset can get in the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like for me to be consistently blogging and writing, here’s the inside scoop…
Cons
- The mindset. Like I said before, sometimes my blogger’s mindset can inhibit my ability to look at life realistically and actually learn the lessons God teaches me.
- Time. Blogging also takes up a lot of time. It’s worth it, though!
Pros
- An Outlet to Share. About a year ago, I was overwhelmed with the grace of God like never before. I thought to myself that I wanted, needed, to share what I was learning. I felt that I had to tell other people about the amazing grace I had discovered, and it happens that my blog was the perfect place. I felt that the lessons God was teaching me were too amazing and important to keep to myself!
- Grown my faith. Although I sometimes get caught up in explaining and helping rather than learning, blogging about my faith has helped me to flesh out my ideas and logic and to dig deep into the Bible. I struggle with keeping God first, so I wrote an article on the topic. Writing about it forced me to research the topic thoroughly, and, as a result, I learned new things about God, the Bible, and myself. I learned that God doesn’t fulfill all your desires, but that He becomes your deepest desire. This article is just one example of many. When I write about something, I often get a deeper understanding of the topic than I ever thought possible.
- Blogging has helped me to write consistently. My goal is to blog once a week, and this commitment pushes me to continue writing- even if I don’t feel like it.
- Forming friendships… Blogging has helped me to connect with other likeminded Christian teens and to form friendships with them. They are all over the world, and I wouldn’t have met them otherwise.
- Growing friendships… Blogging has also strengthened already existing friendships. I’ve been able to share my testimony with my friends and tell about topics that I might have not been able to discuss otherwise. It’s a bit of a one-sided relationship, but I’ve found that blogging makes a place for great discussions when I get the opportunity to talk with my friends and readers in person.
- Writing exercise! Of course, blogging has strengthened my writing skills, and I am now getting involved in book reviewing… I would not have joined anything like that if not for my blog. My blog gives me a start for my possible future career in journalism, too.
Blogging is not for everyone, but I’m so thankful for my corner of the internet. As you see, this has helped me to grow in many areas of my life. Thank you for following my journey! I really appreciate every one of you amazing readers! If you aren’t one of my regular followers, click here to join my email list:)
What about you?
Do you have a blog? Was there anything that surprised you about my life as a blogger?
Comment below and let me know!
Last Article: “A Crossway Book on Biblical Irony” (my first Crossway book review!)
joyfulcreationsblog.com 
Hi Rachel, I enjoyed this post as you shared the pros and cons of your blogging endeavor. Isn’t it interesting that even the most worthy pursuits in life can contain “cons” and I think it’s helpful to identify both.
I use to keep a blog running and I enjoyed it- it was a blog for a season, if you know what I mean? And perhaps one day I will pick it up again.
I stopped blogging when I realized that I was struggling to “feed it” while giving needed attention to what was close at hand for me. Like you, I am a narrator, I enjoy narrating my life, and your life and…. and I seem compelled to relate life experiences in a large framework, through the lens of my Christian worldview- so good, really, to share with others who God is and what He is teaching me. As you have identified, I realized that I was missing out on just “being” just taking in my day to day encounters without processing how I was going to blog about it! I value reading the thoughts of one who is a thoughtful, transparent, earnest follower of Jesus and so I hope you keep blogging– until it’s time to stop, maybe for a season.
Also, I enjoyed reading your book review- book reviews force us to hone in on the essential themes of a book and that’s a useful task for me. Your review was thoughtful and astute. Interestingly, I had just been noticing some of the irony in the book of Genesis (the judgements) before reading your review. Blessings and grace to you!
Darcie Newton
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Hello, Mrs. Newton!
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment and encouragement. I’m new to book reviewing, and I feel as though I am always learning something new in writing, so your words are much appreciated! I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who has had this “blogging mindset”. I have revisited your blog several times, and I always enjoy hearing from you and learning from your wisdom. I especially enjoyed the Christmas letter from you and Mr. Newton! When I think of godly women who have touched my life, you always come to mind. You have greatly encouraged both me and my mom through the years. I hope you can come to visit sometime soon!
Love,
Rachel
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Ever since I started reading your blog I thought, “This is so neat! I should start a blog of my own!” But I guess I didn’t realize how big a commitment it actually is! 🙂
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Really?! It is definitely a commitment, but blogging can just be a hobby, too. Some people write short snippets or only post pictures, and there’s a lot of flexibility in blogging since you decide when you write. If you started a blog, you could count me in on your list of followers! 😉 If you think you’re up to blogging, I would love to help out and give any advice you need! Thanks for commenting!❤
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That means a lot to me, Rachel. Thank you! ❤
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Hi Rachel, I found your blog recently and I think it’s really cool! I am also a Christian teen and have a blog, although I am relatively new to blogging 🙂
lifewithmalaya.blogspot.com
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Hello, Malaya!
Thanks for reaching out:) It looks like we have a lot in common! Your blog is beautiful! Just curious, how did you find my blog? I still feel like I have a lot to learn with blogging, but I would be happy to give advice or do a collaboration with you! There are lots of lessons I’ve learned in my time blogging. 😉Just let me know!!❤
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Thank you! It does look like we have things in common! I found your blog around the time I started my own. I was looking to see if there were other Christian teen bloggers out there. I would welcome any advice and would love to do a collaboration. What did you have in mind? Thanks!
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That’s great! Hmm… We could do a Q&A or both do a guest post on each other’s blogs. If you want to discuss it further, you can email me at joyfulcreationsblog22@gmail.com. It would be so neat if we follow through with a collaboration!
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Great post! I’m actually thinking of getting my own blog soon.♥️♥️♥️
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Thank you!! Ooh, that would be cool! Do you know what platform you would use? Let me know if you start one!
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No I dont
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Oh, okay! Well, WordPress is definitely a good option!
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This is so relatable, Rachel!
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Thanks a million! I’m glad I’m not the only one with these blogger quirks!😂
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