Monday, October 5, 2009

some changes on in all honesty

Today is the first day of the last school term in Victoria. As the new term begins, so do some changes on in all honesty. I've been blogging for nearly 2 years now, and it's time for a rethink.

As you know, I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the extra ministries in my life. Some of the joy has gone out of writing and teaching for me. One of my dear friends summed it up: "Things have been moving pretty fast for you over the past 18 months - maybe it is time to slow things down and take a breather."

These school holidays have been a peaceful opportunity to stop, pray, reflect, and ask some wise friends for advice. I've tried to keep nothing back from God as I've gone through this process. I seriously considered stopping blogging altogether.

But because writing is refreshing for me and (I hope!) encouraging for you, I've decided to keep blogging, but to blog more flexibly and less frequently.

I'm hoping this will free me up to give more undivided attention to my family, and to teach the occasional seminar. I don't want to come close to burnout again, but I also don't want to give up teaching women in person because of the relentless pace of blogging! Above all, I don't want to neglect my family, especially during Andy's last precious 2 years at home.

Here's what it means for in all honesty:

1. I may post a little less often. Don't worry about me (as some of you do!) when I miss a weekday. I'm just taking a mental health day or some time to spend with friends and family. I want to allow freedom to go with the natural ebb and flow of life.

2. I'll attempt less series at a time! :) Keeping up with the relentless pace of a series is one of the hardest things on a blog. Instead of chasing lots of topics at once, I'll try to stick to 1 or, at the most, 2! We'll see how I go.

3. I won't try to post weekly on a series. Instead, I'll throw up a topic, and post when I'm ready to write something new. So don't expect a post on the same topic every Monday, for example. You might be waiting a week, or even a month!

4. I may not post during school holidays. At the moment, I take 2 annual breaks from blogging in winter and summer, but I may extend this to include the other 2 school holidays, when I may post archives and a few holiday pics. I'm not sure about this yet! Feel free to tell me what you think.

5. I'll keep the current balance of serious and light, theological and topical. Lots of you have told me you enjoy the variety. So that won't change.

I'll try out these changes until the end of the year, then I'll stop and reassess how blogging is going for my family and me.

Thank so much for your support and encouragement. It's such a privilege to have such faithful and loving readers on in all honesty. I'm truly blessed to be able to encourage others and be encouraged by them while doing something I love!

image is from Will Lion at flickr

11 comments:

Alison said...

Hi Jean

I've only recently discovered your blog through Equip Book Club and really enjoy reading your thoughts about life and what God's teaching you, so I'm glad you're not going to stop blogging. I've been really encouraged and challenged as I've read some of your blogs.

Praying that God will refresh you and be your strength as you keep walking with Him.

Alison

BG said...

Hi Jean,
I'm so glad you are (for the moment) going to continue blogging. It is such an encouragement to me to read.
Sounds like some sensible changes. Praying for a great term ahead.
love belinda

Meredith said...

Hooray for you. May you feel more and more relaxed about blogging whenever you want and we will enjoy reading what you have to say when you say it.

No pressure from us readers, isn't that right everyone?

Lucy said...

Great plan Jean - sounds like it should work out better for you. I'll pray that you find life more manageable this term :).

Anonymous said...

Too right Meredith! There are seasons in life ... enjoy this season Jean!
Love Carmelina

Fiona McLean said...

Dear Jean,

I am very happy with your proposed changes because, as a reader, I would appreciate more time to read and reflect on what you write, so even a weekly post would be fine by me!

Fiona McLean

Jess Green said...

take all the breaks you need and want!

Gordon Cheng said...

Thanks Jean for blogging on!

Bit late to this because I've been away, so just wanted to let you know I'm still reading and enjoying!

Good to allow yourself a bit more flexibility too.

Rachach said...

Hi Jean,

I was saddened to hear that you haven't been going so well recently Jean. I'll be praying for you.
Thanks for continuing to write and turn our thoughts to Jesus and the God of all comfort. I have been encouraged and challenged by your words and look forward to continuing to read them.

Love Rach Mc

Anonymous said...

Enjoy Andrew's last 2 years at home. The next season in life will come soon enough.

As you know, I love reading your blog and recommend it constantly to others, but at the moment I am about 15-20 blogs behind because of current life pressures so a few less may give people like me more time to catch up and enjoy.

love Heather

Jean said...

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words and encouragement.

It's helpful to know that many of you would find in easier to read less anyhow! - it just confirms my decision to write less.

You'll all be glad to know that I am feeling much less pressured about blogging, and am especially enjoying the freedom to not post on series every week.

I'm still ironing out the kinks (aren't we all?!) but I'm enjoying the extra time and space for home and family.