In January 2018 I made a promise to myself that I would launch before the end of the year. It’s 2021 and I have had this blog going and somewhat active since then – but it’s time to get back to it and find some consistency!
Embarking on a Blogging Journey
This is a journey that began a few years ago after a summer vacation to Estes Park, Colorado. I came back refreshed from the time away soaking up the mountain air, filled with awe at the beauty of God’s creation, and trying to sort through an insane amount of photos. I wondered about finding a way to preserve the memories in an online scrapbook of sorts and began to research a blog as a possible option. Now, the travel journal idea never quite materialized, but I did still feel a tug to continue pursuing this idea of blogging.
I have always had a passion for the written word. I am definitely more eloquent when I write than when my tongue-tied self tries not to mangle a verbal thought! I have also always loved photography – particularly anything involving nature. So I wondered if blogging couldn’t be a way to combine two of my passions into one creative outlet. Add in my love for home decor, diy projects, cooking and more and the idea that a blog might be a fun side project was born.
The Creative Process
I spent months trying to come up with a name for my blog. I wanted a name that reflected what I love and one that I wouldn’t regret six months down the road. Some would say I spent way too long trying to think of a name. Truth is – I tend to overthink everything! But I also believe the process was just as important for me. It gave me time to really hone in on what I wanted to accomplish with the blog. I was not idle with my time either as I read, researched, took online courses and planned my journey.
After finally settling on the name Farmhouse by Design, I chose a theme for my site (one I ended up changing four times, but that’s another story!) and then I did . . . absolutely nothing. Well, I did nothing on the actual blog. I did work hard on my Instagram account, building a presence and building relationships. And I continued to learn as much as I could about blogging. But for some reason, when it came to working on the blog, there was this fear that I couldn’t get past. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of just not being good enough.
The Calling
During this entire time I had been feeling called to start a blog. I felt like it was a way to share my story, my passions, and my faith. But I also felt completely unqualified. I don’t have a degree in interior design. I’m extremely introverted. I don’t have some amazing, inspiring life story. On most days, I don’t even feel like I have it all together. But I still desperately needed a creative outlet and still truly felt led to share that passion with others.
Over the past few months I have felt more nudges to refresh and relaunch the blog. I have been reminded over and over that broken people are who God loves to use. One of my favorite Christian songs as of late is Confidence by Sanctus Real. It is a prayer — to have a confidence that is born of belief and trust in a God who knows the plan, who sees the bigger picture, and who calls those who feel broken and unqualified.
The theme of God using broken people has been everywhere around me lately. Songs on the radio, books I have read, snippets I’ve heard here and there. And I believe that is God’s nudging — letting me know that it’s okay to embark on this journey. Face the fear. Take a step into the unknown and let God lead. And knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for each new day.
Taking the First Step
Now, I know this isn’t some huge mountain I’m facing. People start blogs all the time. But for me, in this season, there is fear. And in your life, the mountain you may be facing might not be huge compared with other things in life. But if it’s big to you in this season of your life, then it’s big to God. And it matters. And God hears you.
So I realized that if I wait to launch my blog when it’s perfect, it will never happen. Just like me, it will never be perfect – or even finished. It’s a journey.
If there’s something you’ve been wanting to do, or something you feel called to do, or even just something you’ve been afraid to do. . .it’s okay to take that first step. God will be there to take your hand and walk with you on the journey.
Blessings for the journey,
Latitia
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