I love when I read tweets from bloggers who are heading off to Starbucks to write. It sounds so hip, artsy, and grown-up. Though it is on my bucket list, I’ve yet to write at Starbucks. Instead, I usually work on a comfy, leather chair roomy enough to fit not only myself but also a set of preschool-aged twins. Those two adorable little ones find pleasure in jumping all over me while I attempt to accomplish my task. Please blame them for any grammatical errors. It’s entirely their fault. Well, okay, it’s only some of their fault…
I’m a blogging mom. I do try to rise early, and as Andy Traub put it so eloquently in his guest post for Jeff Goins entitled 6 Steps to Successfully Launching a Dream, I’m working on falling in love with 5:00 a.m. However, it’s hard when you have nights begging God for comfort due to sleeping with tiny elbows and knees in your back. And when I do awaken before the birds, I study my Bible first and then read other blogs. I don’t tend to be an early morning writer. My blogging inspiration seems to hit midday.
My life is completely overrun by my children and there is no hiding it. A few weeks ago as I was ready to begin teaching a Bible study I opened up my Bible, pulled out my iPad, and reached for my writing utensil. That’s when I heard quiet laughter. They were giggling because I was using a child size, purple, Crayola Marker to write. My professional persona contains a combination of some nice technological equipment mixed with crayons, markers, safety scissors, glue, and glitter. It’s who I am right now, and I wouldn’t change it for all the quiet, creative, caffeinated moments at Starbucks in the whole wide world.
This morning, after being inspired via a podcast by Michael Hyatt, I decided to write a list of new blogging goals. I was hanging on to every word he said regarding How To Get More Twitter Followers – Legitimately (well, as many words as I could hear with The Backyardigans blaring in the background.) when I realized I was taking notes with a crayon. I laughed out loud at myself. 
I’m working faithfully at pursing the dream God has placed in my heart. Yes, I want to write, but I am a mother first. Like every other blogging mama out there, I put motherhood before blogging. BUT I STILL BLOG. I will not silence my calling. I’ve just needed to find a way to fuse it all together. Since I began my blog, six months ago, I have been working hard to find a cohesive blend.
Originally, I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best at both by thinking I had to separate the two worlds. (Just take a look back at the archives to see the grammar glisten in my posts with what I like to call… almost perfection) I was investing more time than was reasonable, and dependent on others to look over every word with a fine-toothed comb. I was afraid of mistakes. Afraid to be me. That approach couldn’t continue to work for my current lifestyle. I quickly learned I cannot make a separation of worlds. Instead, I’m gaining the knowledge I need to combine them together. I’m coloring both worlds with creativity which flows through love and laughter from all three of my children, my husband, and most importantly, My God. I’m allowing Christ to use every area of my life to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m not putting my dreams aside; I’m welcoming an integration of worlds to fan the flame in my heart.
My aim today is to tell you this…
If you have a dream in your heart that has been placed there by God, then go for it. Work at finding the balance at blending your worlds. Always keep your children first, but learn to set the scales to make time for your calling. It does involve letting go of a perfectionist mentality, but that is another post for another day.
You can do this! I know you can!
Are you trying to find your balance? What is your story?
Wow! This is good, Jen! I’m trying to find the balance of my new life. The other day I asked my 3 boys what they want to be when they grow up. Davis asked me in response what I want to be when I grow up!! After reading this, I’m living my dream and call. So, now I have to make room for it. God’s called me to it and He’s equipped me for it. I think I have to let go of a few things that are hindering me! Thank you for writing this!
Hi Becky. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Being a mom is the most important job and ministry we will ever have. And you are right, when calls us to do anything, He will equip us for it. I’m sure your journey is going to be amazing! Throughout the balancing act is when we learn the most lessons. 🙂
You are awesome. I haven’t fallen in love with 5am yet. We’re still dating.
Thanks so much, Andy! You’ve been a great inspiration to me. I have a love/hate relationship with 5 a.m. One day at a time, sweet Jesus! Haha 🙂
Glad my words resonated with you. I’ll keep fighting the resistance too. It’s a law that if you are doing something that matters you’ll get resistance. Keep fighting it. Love the Backyardigans by the way.
Thanks, Andy! Hey, what parent in the world can resist the Backyardigans?!?! 🙂
a great reminder to keep it all in perspective..I am a new blogger (2 months committed but dabbled since 2011) I am making every effort to learn from the veterans and to dodge some of the newbie mistakes – #1 being getting lost in blogging because you aren’t keeping your priorities in order. Christin Slade said it best – “your blog is your testimony”. those words keep me on my face before Him and reminds me that although He’s called me to blog, He hasn’t called me from motherhood. enjoying getting to know you through your posts. be blessed.
Thank you. Yes, keeping priorities in line is so important. When we put God first and allow Him to work through us, He will help us to work out all the details and put us exactly where we need to be. I enjoy your blog as well! Thanks for reading:).
Hi Jennifer! Great post! I hopped over from the link up on Crystal and Co. I love how you are not going to let anything stop you from writing. I too have felt called to write for YEARS and really didn’t even know how to get started until I started blogging a couple of years ago! I am convinced that God has called me to write..but you are “right” Mom first! Blessings to you!
Thanks for reading, Shari. I can’t wait to check out your blog!
My writing inspiration hits about mid-day too. I’m a night owl through and through….
I loved this inside look, thank you!
Thanks for reading, Amanda. I love to stay up late too, which makes it difficult to rise early. I’m working on it:).
I love the Crayola twist up crayons to highlight in my bible and books because there is no bleed through. However, no matter what you are writing with I love that you are still chasing your dreams. I put off having dreams (or at least acknowledging them) while I raised my kids. Now that they are grown I have struggled to really find who I am and all that God is calling me to. Keep going Mama blogger
Thanks, Amy! Hmmm… Crayola twist up crayons… no bleeding through. I’m going to use that as my excuse next time I pull out a crayon by accident! LOL
Oh, girl…I love this. 🙂 So many of my blog posts are written between princess playing and dancing and coloring pictures. A paragraph here, a few sentences there…and I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I’ve totally written out lists in crayon…I think we all might be on to something here! Beautiful…keep it up, friend. Your words and your space are a blessing! Have a fabulous day! 🙂
This is SO good. And rings true to all of us “mommy bloggers” out there! I regularly write with crayons and markers, whatever works, eh? Stopping by from #behindthescenes linkup!
Thanks, Christie. Yes, crayons and markers are the note taking trend for us mamas. Its a blessing to have all those crayons around the house. They represent joy:). And maybe even a little chaos…