Have you ever noticed that the home blogging and crafting world is filled with women of faith? Most noticeably there are women who identify themselves as followers of Jesus, Christians, and LDS (Latter Day Saints). Many LDS bloggers will have a pic on their sidebar letting you know that “they belong” with a pic of Jesus, or the Salt Lake temple underneath those words. Other Christian bloggers will let you know that they are Christ followers by telling you so in their profile, having Bible verses for blog posts on Sundays, and often by including a Biblical/spiritual reference right in their blog’s title. There is (in)courage, a blog and movement by a group of Christian women who originally all worked for Dayspring, Hallmark’s Christian subsidiary. You can find many of your favorite bloggers’ crafts marketed on Dayspring’s site. There is Relevant, the Christian version of Blissdom where you most undoubtedly will recognize some of the speakers’ names. So…what do you think of all this?
I think it makes perfect sense for those with a Judeo/Christian worldview to gravitate towards home blogging. Biblical faith and following of spiritual teachings naturally lend themselves to valuing family, children, hospitality, and the home. But what if these beliefs aren’t that important to you? If you value decorating, homemaking, family, but not so much faith, I wonder what you think of all the spirituality in home blogging? Or if you are a person of faith, but not of Protestant faith, do you feel excluded from the big movements such as Relevant or (in)courage, or do you feel like you belong? Does it matter?
Now, if you are actually taking the time to read this, chances are really good that you are a regular reader of mine and you know that I am a Christian. You know that I value my faith and that I talk about it when it seems natural. My faith is a huge part of who I am and it completely colors the way I see the world. I cannot NOT talk about it. I am sure all other women of faith feel the same way. It would be weird to even try to dichotomize faith from the rest of life.
But with all of this belongingness to faith, do others feel excluded? Do you feel excluded? Do you look at the lives of fellow “faith bloggers”, see their posts, pictures, facebook, or twitter updates and see some hypocrisy? Do you think, what is their faith really doing for them? How are they really different? Well, as someone who can be as mean and as catty as the next girl, as someone who throws temper tantrums and throws out four letter words when hurt, as someone who becomes overly impatient with her children and snippy with her husband, as someone who can be a flakey friend and a selfish beeatch, and as someone who proclaims to be a Christ follower, I apologize for the lack of difference. But I don’t apologize for the fact that I am loved and forgiven by grace and trying to live authentically, although imperfectly for my Creator. Faith is a journey and I have a long way to go.
But what is most important to me is that you feel loved in my blog home. Because you are. Dearly. You are welcome here to be yourself. Flaws, faith, no faith, and all.
Talk to me.
Logan @LifeforDessert says
I just came across this post…seems I have a tendancy to find some of your older ones! I love everything you said….and I feel the exact same and wonder the same things too. It's nice though to have women of faith encouraging one another even when we've thrown an egg or a coffee mug too!
linda says
I kind of agree with ROLLERWRITER above me…. i too am a "spiritual" person, but, i am not 'religeous', if that makes sense.
If there is too much 'religion' in a post, i'll just skip on to the next, but i won't abandon the blog because of it.
Your blog gives me great pleasure, your humor and friendly self have drawn me in.
So, i am here to stay.
ROLLERWRITER says
I just found your blog today and have been sitting here reading posts for some time. I know you have long since moved on from this post but really felt compelled to comment.
I consider myself a spiritual person. I consider my church affiliation private.
I don't care to read religious postings. I do struggle with the divison in the country right now seperating "believers" and "non" as though a belief in something different or even an opinion that is differnt is somehow un-American. Religion has become an ugly sword.
I never feel unwelcome if a post is friendly and interesting and inclusive. I click away from posts that feel compelled to tell me about miracles or "proof" of God's love. When good things happen it should be enough to relay the events and let us draw our own conclusions.
That may anger some but since this is an older post it's more likely you'll be the only reader.
Thanks for letting me voice that.
Carrie says
I thought this post was very well written… I relate in so many ways to every word. Thanks for putting this out there. I'm still mulling the questions over… hmmm…
Anonymous says
Hi Beth,
I just loved this post….
I am a Catholic, and NO I never feel left out…
I don't care what color a person is or which religion they follow or how high their heels are, I too can be all the things you described, we are HUMAN after all.
It is one of the things I LOVE best about blogland, how everyone is so accepting…
You have bcome one of my FAVE blogs to follow…your blog is like a box of chocolates, hmmm where have we heard this before LOL, and that is so appealing to me…
Off to dreamland,
All the best,
Kathy 🙂
jokaj@comcast.net
Melissa says
I think you covered how I hope my blog comes across when your write "I apologize for the lack of difference. But I don't apologize for the fact that I am loved and forgiven by grace and trying to live authentically, although imperfectly for my Creator. Faith is a journey and I have a long way to go.
But what is most important to me is that you feel loved in my blog home. Because you are. Dearly. You are welcome here to be yourself. Flaws, faith, no faith, and all."
I don't want to judge others for their behavior and I say nothing – if their behavior upsets my own ability to live faithfully, then I quietly exit the scene. My hope is that while I don't apologize for believing I am warm enough and sincere enough to cover the difference between me and others who don't believe so that we can remain friends. It is hard. I am an introvert so warmth and sincerity sometimes escape me, but I do try.
Jenny B says
I'm a Christian:) I LOVE my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! I'm not afraid to share it…tho i do see what you are saying as we live in this present world. I agree tho that it is part of u just as if others blog and they don't believe they are open about saying so and I feel free to x out just as they are free to x out of mine. I do wish I was more bold like you…The Lord works in ways we don't understand sometimes and HE has blessed me through your Home Decor blogging:) Thanks for being such a great encouragement:)
handbags*n*pigtails says
I too am a Christian. Not just someone who calls themself a Christian & goes to church twice a year but someone who is trying to the best of her ability to walk in the ways of God, teaching my children about the love and wonders of him and who seeks to do his will for my life.Its my greatest goal to fulfill the purpose he has intended for me.
Having said that,yes I have blogged about my faith. Not all the time but when it is relevant to whats going on in my life.
I would hope that anyone who reads my blog(I have a small following right now) would be exposed to my beliefs but not feel as if its being thrown down their throat. My sincere hope is that they would open their hearts to him at some point in their life. Hes such an awesome God & Heavenly Father!
But I tend to blog about lots of things…crafts, my handbags, my hubbys talents and hobbies,family…Im all over the board. My blog is my place where I can journal the events of my day.
Im not in the blogging world to make anyone happy. If they dont feel comfortable reading one of my posts, they have the ability and freedom to X out of my blog. If they want to keep reading, they can. I would never change my blog just b/c I thought someone out there was unhappy with my posts.
Having said all that, I too am amazed at all the Christian bloggers out there. And it does my heart alot of good. We all have alot in common…particularly a loving Heavenly Father!
Love your blog Beth. Hope youre doing well!:)
Sarah
HandbagsnPigtails.blogspot.com
My name is PJ. says
I adore you and your blog and I will gladly kick the ass of anyone who 'does you dirt'. You're one of my peeps; no one messes with my peeps.
How sad is it that you have to put a warning at the top of your post that it's about faith. I think it should say, "CELEBRATE!" Especially this time of year when we remember He is risen!
Faith, race, sexual orientation, etc – none of these things should matter. When someone criticizes, it speaks VERY LOUDLY of their character and not at all of yours.
I say, "Believe or Not. Share or not. Do or Not. But respect the right of other people to march to their own drummer. 'Respect' being key."
Ashley O says
Love this post Beth!! I am a Christian woman too and I have been struggling with this a little bit lately. I was afraid that I would be driving people away by sharing my faith on my blog. Then I started thinking….shouldn't it be the opposite??? I should be pulling people in and sharing the good news with them!! I think we can combine the two worlds (blogging world & our faith) and make something beautiful!! I don't know if you are familiar with Proverbs 31 and The Virtuous Wife but, it popped into my head when I was reading your post. This is the kind of woman that I strive to be. The Lord blesses us with our talents and we should give him the credit. If we choose to share these talents on our blogs shouldn't we also share the source??
Thank you again for the beautiful post!!
God Bless!
-Ashley
bargainblondie says
Great Post! I am glad and proud to see you so strong in your faith. I just love it! 🙂
~Elisabeth
Lovely Scribbles says
Great post, Beth! As a Christian, I fall in step with you in that I cannot NOT talk about my faith. If you ask me who I am, first and foremost, I will tell you that I am a follower of Christ, then a wife, daughter, sister, friend and so on down the line. I am no better than anyone else whatever their faith, but I have been saved by the grace of God and am indebted to take up my cross and share as guided to do so. If people like reading about it, great, if not, that's okay, too. I accept those who have faith and those who have no faith at all as Christ would have.
Richella says
I am a Christian blogger.
It seems funny to write those words, but they are true. I cannot NOT be a Christian, just as I cannot NOT be a woman, a wife, a mother. It's who I am, not just what I believe. And for now, I am also a blogger. I never would have dreamed that I would be a blogger, but here I am. And so I am in fact a Christian blogger, just as I am a woman blogger, a married blogger, a mom blogger. I do talk about my faith sometimes, but most of all I hope that my faith colors everything I say, regardless of the topic.
This past year my family and I have helped to start a new church, the mission of which is "to love people incredibly well, as Jesus did." We talk often that people often find religion irrelevant, but find Jesus irresistible.
I'm guessing that your desire to know if people feel welcome here brings a smile to the face of Jesus. I'm guessing, also, that he feels welcome here, just as I do.
Megan says
Beth,
I wanted to thank you for your post and for grouping the LDS religion in the Christian category. So many people believe that we are not Christians even though our church bears His name. One of our Articles of Faith is to accept others as they are and for what they believe, and you have done just that! I love that your BFF is LDS; mine is not! I think we balance each other out beautifully!
Love your blog and think you are the cutest!
Fleur de Provence says
What an amazing post! I grew up as catholic(that all we have in Italy) and change to Christianity after I met my husband. I am a believer and I am not surprise about this trend on the blog land because I think believer have something that make them see the bright side and smile at most of the situations because they feel love and they have Joy in their heart. I honestly do not openly say it in my blog but I express it in my action. So NO I do not feel an outsider. And I hope more people feel free to express their belief in this too politically-correct world where we have to pay too much attentions to other believer feeling instead of our faith in God.
Sara
Melissa Miller says
Beth you are the sweetest person!
I have noticed this theme throughout blog land for sure.
I read the blogs I enjoy and identify with mostly through a love of decorating.
Everyone is always welcome at my blog anytime. The more the merrier!I really enjoy making new friends and posted about it today as well.
~Blessings, ~Melissa 🙂
Its So Very Cheri says
I recently began a Sunday Devotional because I just felt convicted to share the truth and that there is a hope that lives in me and yes it is impossible to take it out of the equation of who I am. I don;t post about it as I am showing a craft project but I can guarantee you, when one of my followers pops in my head or they have asked for prayer, I stop and pray for them, as I am doing other things.
Cheri
Anonymous says
I too am a Christian. With the state of the world these days, the TV and movies showing the world according to Hollywood, and all the other negative input, I find I feel validated when I run across another Christian. And, in that I work from home and don't meet a lot of other people, it makes me feel less like it's me against the world. I have sisters…….
Jemsmom says
I am never offended by others declaration of faith and love in our Christ. I truly feel that it has pushed me more into thinking about my own spirituality and I have grown closer to my Saviour when I read those blogs about others faith. I think bloggers put it into such everyday language that makes sense to us in our everyday life and I am grateful to have found that.
I have never been offended or felt left out on any blog. Especially yours. You have a gift of decorating and creativity, and of letting others see the real you, faith and all. It is refreshing and uplifting because you keep it real.
Shan says
Christ would never want anyone to feel left out. One of my favorite quotes ever is "no act of love, however small, is ever wasted." The mere fact that you wonder if people might be feeling left out tells a LOT about you as a person. Honestly, I never have thought about it having that reaction. My particular blog blinkies etc. are there because it is who I am. I feel like my blog, in some respects, represents me and who I am. Up until recently, I have looked at my blog as a sort of online journal & "newsletter" for my friends and family. But you & I have a lot in common, because I am extremely sensitive to others feeling left out. It is such a horrible feeling. I appreciate your sensitivity to this matter. By the way, we all have our ups and downs…they are meant to be…they make us who we are. 🙂 Have a super week!
Jane says
Great post because I have often wondered the same thing. I am Christian, but quite different from my many LDS readers. I think the heart of Christianity is universal, but there are very specific day to day differences. I try not to get political on my blog, but I can't leave out my faith. Mostly it's crafts though.
Kristy says
One of the things that I appreciate most about your blog is that you aren't so easily categorized – you don't post just about home decor or crafts or recipes. It feels authentic. I tend to think, that if we were to meet in real life, that I would find you exactly who you seem to be here.
Of course, I also read a lot of blogs that focus on one particular niche, and I like that, too.
I also appreciated the comments from Heather@PixieDust. I'm single (so far) and have no kids (yet), so if I've ever felt like an outsider, its probably in that capacity. Of course, I've also felt that way before with my real-life friends who are married or have kids. Sometimes its not so much what someone says, or even their attitude – but it can be tough to hear someone talk about something that you desperately want.
I would imagine that's true for many different things, though…
jenjen says
Wonderful post Beth! I love that you share your spiritual side as well as your creative side. I have noticed most of the blogs I love are women of faith.
I have posted a few times about my faith, like when one of my best friends died of breast cancer last year. It was the only way I could cope with the fact that she died leaving four small children. And when I have posted about losing my dad. I was hoping it might give someone else hope that there is a plan. Afterward, I did hope that people would understand where I was coming from and not feel excluded if they didn't agree.
It is a hard thing to balance, at least for me. I wish I could post more about my spiritual side in a way that is welcoming to everyone. You do a wonderful job with that. I know that everyone who comes to your blog knows how sweet and welcoming you are!
XOXO
Jen
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Great post! I consider myself to be in the "welcoming" bunch – the same way I live my life in real life.
I typically don't "push" my belief on others simply because I believe (as one of my favorite quotes so elegantly says) "Christianity spreads best not through force – but through fascination." I don't want to feel "preachy" in my real life or in my blog life to anyone. People need to come to Jesus by falling in love with him, not through fear or reprimand. Not that I am saying that any of the Christian themed blogs that I have seen out there do that – but it is something that I am very sensitive to making sure I don't do.
Have I posted some things that are personal where I did state that I prayed, believed, or trusted in God – yes. But they don't dominate my blog. I was recently invited to participate in a Jewish Craft Blog party and I can't wait to do it. Why? Because Jesus wasn't exclusive, he participated in dialogue with everyone – and most notably – he participated in dialogue with those who were not believers or practicing the standardized religion of his day. Part of Jesus's message to the leaders of the "standardized" religion of his day was that they were too proud, too preachy, and too high and mighty that they were right and everyone else was wrong.
As someone who now has an audience – I take that very seriously and it humbles me to make sure that I don't follow that same path of pride and hypocrisy. Again – not saying that I have seen that others do that.
Just my two cents! 🙂 (Here's hoping I don't get flamed!)
Denise says
I am THANKFUL when I find a blog by a fellow Christian. As a single mom with a couple of chronic health issues,the blogging "world" is very much a "life line" when I have rough day. Being a Christian certainly doesn't mean that I(or anyone else) am perfect. It does mean that I have eternity to gaze into the face of the One who paid the price for my imperfection! And THAT is the only difference I can claim between myself and any non believer! I am certainly no better than any other human created in His image.It is my hope and prayer that all of us who claim the title of Christian share His love and mercy through our words and works. As far as I'm concerned, the only way to do that is to welcome everyone, trust God to speak through us, and be faithful!
Thanks for sharing a little bit of YOUR life with me:)
Sew Fun! says
i must admit, i don't seem to notice whether or not religion comes up on any of the blogs i follow..what i mean is…if it's part of the blog, it seems so natural, if it isn't, that seems natural too.
to quote you from this post:
"But what is most important to me is that you feel loved in my blog home. Because you are. Dearly. You are welcome here to be yourself. Flaws, faith, no faith, and all."
Beth, this is why your blog is "a must" for me…daily!
♥
xo
Cha Cha says
I could never seperate my faith from my blog, just like I could not hide it from the people I know in real life, it is who I am. I hope that even though I still sin, that I can show that I have hope that is greater than that sin and that will be the diffence that people see in me. It is my goal to show the world a different opption, one filled with forgiveness and redemption, one that I don't deserve but am freely given, one that they can also have. I don't want people to look at me and see just another person. My desire is to die to myself and let the Holy Spirit shine though me. As far as my faith turning people off, I am sure that there might be some who are, but that is okay. I trust that each person has come to my blog because God had a plan in it and if they leave I have no control over that either. It would never be my goal to hurt someone though, I only want to show real love. For myself, I do find that I am most attacted to people who have similar beliefs, that doesn't mean that I don't go to other blogs, I might not aggree with them but I can still love them and pray for them and hope that something I have done of said might be used of God to sow a seed. Okay I have talked to much so I will stop, thanks Beth for being brave enough to discuss this topic, I think it is an important topic, much more important than anything I decorate.
God Bless,
Cha Cha
Liz @ Sugarplum Creations says
I just love ya, Beth! You have such a lovely way of putting things. While faith is a big part of my life, I understand it may not be for others. I want to be welcoming too! 🙂
adrienne says
I recently was thinking and realizing that most of the blogs I read are written by Christian women. I wonder why so many Christian women blog. Any insight???? I am a Christian, by the way. smile.
tracyg says
Being a Christian, I am not at all offended by 'religious' posts. If I happen on a post from someone of a different religious persuasion, I can still look at and celebrate the creativity of that person. And, recognize that when blog surfing you are sometimes going to encounter people of different persuasions than you. If you are going to get persnickety, then stay out of the blogs. I get annoyed with the idea of someone going to a blog and being offended….we're big girls here, you don't have to agree with everything, if you don't like it, don't go back….that said, i've heard talk about bloggers getting snarky and downright hateful comments…that is sooo wrong. didn't their mothers ever teach them that if they don't have something nice to say, then zip it? sheesh, some people need to grow up!
ok, off the box
tracyg
Maggie S says
Oh, yes. I feel belonging here. I jumped in on Get Your Face On. What a friendly place I have found your blog to be.
I worry that my testimony will be one of faithless whining. But the fellowship of others who are honest is a delight and I am blessed and challenged and sometimes convicted by some of the blogs I follow.
Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence says
Great post–good things to think about. Thanks!
Debra from Bungalow says
I never thought that proclaiming my Christianity on my blog might be offensive, but now I realize that it could be very offensive to a non Christian. As a Christian it's your duty to witness to others and a blog is a good platform for that. Plus it helps connect you with other Christians.
I welcome all to my blog regardless of their faith or lack of it.
I too can be mean, snippy, impatient, selfish, sometimes throwing out those four letter words…..after all we are only human and therefore imperfect….don't apologize for being authentic. I applaud you on this post.
BTW, are you going to Relevant10?
Craftify It! says
Love that you shared this!
I feel like the blogging community is pretty open-minded when it comes to religion…but I do live my religion faithfully & welcome other faiths just as easily. I'm glad to see there are a handful of people that commented on this post that don't necessarily practice a religion, but still feel welcome in the blogging world! I feel like there is a respect among the blogging community for one another's religion…no matter what it is. I love that!
arkie says
I find your blog very welcoming and a lovely place to visit. I love blogs about decorating and crafts but do especially enjoy blogs in which people share the things they love. I, being a christian, am not offended by talk of Christ or God. I would never put anyone down for how they believe and never try to make them believe the way I do. Blogging to me, is just sharing ourselves in whatever way we feel comfortable. I learn something everyday from the blogs I visit. I am very thankful for blogging, although I don't spend much time working at my own blog. I do love the work others do on theirs! Thank you for blogging!
michelle@somedaycrafts says
This is one of the things I love about your blog! Your "craft and home decor" blog makes me think and ponder. I have thought some of the things your bring up. On a couple of different occasions, I have mentioned that I belive in Christ (two about Easter and one when I was telling about myself.) I think it is great when people say what they believe or if it is evident on their blog (whether they be Christian, Buddhist or an aetheist.) If it is an everyday thing, I would probably not tune in as much because my main blogging interest is not in Religion blogs. When I have referenced Christ before, my hope is that I wasn't offending people, but that I can't deny who I am and what is most important to be just because one or two people may not believe as I do. As children of the same God, we are allowed freedom to chose. I respect people for who they are and for what they believe and even what they may say. It doesn't mean that I believe/do the same as them. I hope that people respect me for the what I believe too!
Kristi @ Creative Kristi says
The way I see it a blog is a PERSONAL thing that you just happen to share with the world. It's YOURS & you should write what you see fit. Faith, no faith, whatever! If someone posts a message that I don't agree with or they post religious material every Sunday and it's not something I agree with I just don't read that one post. I don't feel excluded or like I don't belong just because I don't share the same views. Its just like in real life- I accept people & their different faiths, races, whatever because without differences their wouldn't be change & growth in our world. 🙂
Catherine says
As another Christian, one thing that I think doesn't get mentioned enough among the "spiritual" home/crafty bloggers is how easy it is to get too caught up in decorating/craftiness to the point where it becomes an idol (i.e. I spend more time in pursuit of a beautiful home / crafty solutions than I do pursuing God!). It always encourages me when others talk honestly about this and even when bloggers I love take breaks to refocus on their family responsibilities and devotional life. That to me shows authenticity to everyone reading, no matter their beliefs.
the J in PJs Til Noon says
Well said. I'm with you, I want to be welcoming. Period.
Love this.
Emsamum says
A sinner by birth, believer by faith, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus, I call myself a Christian. I try to make my blog a home just like my own. A door open to any and all who happen to stumble through it and once inside, find a chair that was always waiting for just them to sit in it. My personality, much like my home is a bit of organized chaos. I wear my faith on my sleeve, but try to be painfully clear that I'm a mess and make no proclamations of perfection, but a heart honestly striving toward God's plan. I'm proud of my God, proud of the family He blessed me with and that I certainly do not deserve, and proud of a place to dump my thoughts, show my creativity and express my love however my heart and mind are led at that moment. I hope that in cyberland and in reality people feel welcomed and treasured and find a warm light wherever they look always burning with a fire for my Jesus.
kelly says
i just recently found your blog and love it. i never mind when people post about their faith, i feel like you follow blogs you feel a connection with. i am not going to follow a blog that is about partying or with foul language so i think you make the choice to follow that person and who they really are.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I'll throw in my two cents for what they're worth…which is about 2 cents. 😉
I think that the blogging community, for the most part, is pretty welcoming and open minded. I think that the Home/Family/Craft/Decor niches are large enough to include people from all walks of life.
I'm a Christian, and I've written a few posts with references to God and my faith. I Follow a lot of different kinds of blogs, and their faith and expression of their faith or omission of those kinds of posts on their blogs doesn't bother me at all.
I think we have to remember that it's not just bloggers of faith who may be hypocritical at times. You can apply that label to just about anyone. There may be a blogger who posts healthy living recipes every day, but secretly hits the drive-thru three times a week and lives on sodas. Another blogger may preach green living and drive a huge SUV.
A person who is passionate about something won't be easily dissuaded from talking about it or writing about it. I don't think any blogger of ANY faith should feel like they can't read, post, or participate in blogging.
I think the blogging world is big enough now that if someone doesn't like what they're reading, they can click over and find something they like. 🙂
Heather@PixieDust says
i should probably also note, that since I don't have kids yet I also sometimes feel excluded by the mommy bloggers. This actually happens more than on the faith topic. I still love reading the blogs b.c I can't wait to get pregnant, but I digress.
I get kinda bummed when people talk about crafting with or for their kids and when they host giveaways for childrens things. I feel left out of a club that I really want membership to.
Heather@PixieDust says
i don't practice anything. i guess i am agnostic – believe in god but not organized religion. (I was raised catholic)
For the most part, I don't mind when people have stuff all over their blog. It is theirs and If I don't like it, I can leave.
I actually feel that except for the faith bit, I probably have more in common with you and these women. I believe in staying home with your children and putting your husband and family before everything else, including a career *blasphemous to some, i know*
Sometimes I wish I went to church, mostly for the community it brings, but I would feel really weird actually listening to a priest and my husband is so not interested.
The only time I feel excluded is when people host giveaways for faith type products.
Most of the time, I enjoy that it opens me up to all types of people and I feel I can relate better than I ever have before.
Crystal says
Wow. I love what you just said. I have actually noticed that there are a lot of women of faith in the blogging world. I never took the time to try to figure out why, but I think your reasoning makes sense. As a Christian, I have found much inspiration in finding other women of similar age and similar things going on in their lives (raising young children, establishing my "own" home, etc.). There is so much honesty in blogging and willingness to give and help. That's a welcome change in what I am used to seeing in people lately. I love the underlying current in the blogs that I keep up with (YOURS INCLUDED!!). The current that is positive and uplifting and inspires me to be a better person, mother, wife, friend, etc. I thank God for finding blogs like yours!! In real life I am slow to build trust in people. I love and am drawn to raw, genuine people. Something about blogging cuts out the pretenses and gets to the heart of the matter. I LOVE it!!! Thanks so much for being GENUINE!!
Pink Princess says
I am a Christian, I mention it in my profile on my blog. I sometimes talk about church, sometimes I write something that is about Easter or other religious Holidays. I prefer reading blogs that are written by Christians because there are SO many nasty blogs around. But it doesn't mean I ONLY read Christian blogs, I love reading about home improvement, crafting, reading etc. I love your blog 🙂
Hugs from Marian
Anonymous says
As someone who is currently on a journey out of faith and religion(I see myself as an agnostic most of the time and an atheist some of the time, depends on my mood)I'm not really turned off by the bloggers faith unless it's overly preachy,and I've read some that are. I love your blog, has great ideas and stories! I know for a fact that if I were to "come out" as an unbeliever on my blog that it would not be ok with the majority of people that read my blog now, however I suppose I would pick up a few new readers who do believe like I do. Everyone wants to know there is someone else out there that believes and thinks like them.
I live my life just as you do. I love, I give, I am a mother, daughter, sister. I am kind and gentle, I listen, I forgive, I don't get even.I mess up and start over the next day. I try to live my life by the golden rule of do unto others. The only difference is that I no longer believe in a deity. And if I'm being totally truthful, while scary at first, it has been the most liberating best thing I have ever done. I see with a new set of eyes and it's wonderful!
Also I want to add that I'm only posting as anonymous for my friends and families sake who do read my blog. I'm not ready to let them in on my little secret just yet for I know it would be hurtful to them and I don't want that.
Carmen says
There really are a lot of women of faith bloggers! I believe it's an extension of who they are and so it is going to show up in their blogs. I have two blogs, one inspirational, and one craft. I try to keep the two separate, but have a link going back and forth. I think I appreciate honesty more than anything. It's one of the reasons I like you.
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
Natalia, I certainly can't speak for other Christians but I can speak for myself. As someone whose all-time BFF for the past 23yrs is LDS, I can 100% say YES. In real life, I would love you :).
Natalia says
I think it is great that when we are online, we are able to set aside the differences of our religions and see one another for who we truly are. I am LDS but read a lot of other Christian blogs. It seems that when I comment on these blogs, people are open and welcoming to me. But I know that many of their religions strongly preach against the LDS faith, and I wonder whether these same people would be open and welcoming in real life.
Carmen says
I love that you posted this. And actually I noticed this the other day and was so happy to see so many bloggers proclaiming their love for Jesus. I used to be a heathen. It's true. 😉 I have always believed but I never lived my life like a follower of Jesus. I will admit that when people talked about Jesus/their faith a lot, I thought it was weird and unnecessary. I would think "what a Jesus freak" and it was in a negative way. I thought that people who were believers didn't need to talk about their faith all the time. But now, I think why WOULDN'T we want to talk about it??!! And now I will proudly proclaim that *I* am a Jesus freak! 🙂
I love when I realize that one of my favorite bloggers is also a woman of faith. I think it brings about a certain closeness I don't find otherwise. On the other hand, there are bloggers who I love who never mention their faith and I still enjoy their blogs just as much.
I have found a handful of Catholic bloggers and it doesn't turn me off at all. I read their blogs just the same.
I'm so glad I found your blog. 🙂
linda says
If your faith is different than mine, well, thats fine. You do not offend or hurt. We each live within ourselves, whether or not we share is our desicsion. Whether or not we read, is our decision also. So, if that didn't make any sense, i'll simplify: if someone doesn't like your words of love and faith, they should go somewhere else. I, myself? I enjoy your stories alot.
Nancy Jacobs Basketmaster says
Hi Beth,
Couple of things. As a Christian, I think it important that we surround ourselves with other Christians to help keep our minds and hearts in the right place. Therefore, I try to follow only Christian blogs because there are some really bad blogs on the internet. I feel witnessing about our faith is truly important. I can only hope that a non-believer will visit my blog and other Christian blogs and will get a spark and be inspired to learn more about Christ and receiving ultimate salvation. I'm not preachy on my blog but I let it be known I'm a Christian so I hope someone visits my blog and thinks, I want what Nancy's got.
Great post.
Blessings,
Nancy
ps. It was funny as your rotating google ad banner at the top of the page when I clicked here was advertising a Christian dating site.
Sugar Bananas says
This is so well-written, Beth. You pose some very thought-invoking questions. I have much to say but I think I'd need more space than this comment box. lol
It's funny because I clicked to comment because I wanted to mention how I LOVED what you did with your trash can lid. When I got to the bottom of the comment screen, I realized the person's comment right before mine said just that.
In short, (very abbreviated version of what I have to say) I enjoy reading most blogs written by women of faith. Usually the posts are written with a tone of gratitude and love. …and I like that.
Thanks for this blog post – I always enjoy your blogging 🙂
Tammy@InStitches says
I love it when a blogger's faith shows through on their blogs. It doesn't bother me because I love HIM too !
When you told the story about your neighbors stealing your trash can and you took them the lid I knew you were my kind of lady.
Blessings…..
Tammy
AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage says
You never cease to amaze me. I love that you're a girl who thinks and asks real questions about real things – whether it's makeup or religion/blogging.
I don't mind it when people show their faith in their blogs. I feel like our blogs are a reflection of us and who we are, and our faith is every bit as much of a part of that as our dirty houses, and crazy family lives.
I don't personally ever talk about my faith on my blog. Not sure why – I just don't. But I tend to keep my cards pretty close to the chest too and am a fairly private person…so I guess I'm being true to myself there.
Anyway…interesting post. Keep being you!!!
Anonymous says
Thanks for this. I love crafting, home decor, DIY etc. so am drawn to all of these kinds of blogs. I love the projects, the ideas, and the amazing creativity of the women who come up with them. I do feel like a complete outsider at times. It's interesting that you highlight the distinction of not being of a Protestant faith because until recently, I was a lifelong Catholic and am now on a kind of agnostic break from everything, but there's definitely a "Protestant" feel to blogs if that makes any sense? There's a bit of a "code" or language difference that is unfamiliar.
At any rate, as a person who just tries to treat others as I want to be treated, I believe there's room for all of us crazy crafters, regardless of faith or no faith. I hope that those who are of faith feel like those of us who aren't or may be from non-Protestant, non-LDS faiths can still be part of the community of women who have a common interest.
Thanks for opening it up for discussion!
Tenille Gates says
…i like finding out that my favorite blogs are the product of strong, faith inspired women. It makes me want to come back and read more often. Its hard to fathom someone being uncomfortable/offended by knowing that someone whos blog they enjoy reading also loves the Savior..i find it comforting! Have a fabulous day :0)
Magic Brush says
I seriously doubt you are a beeatch… but I am glad I know how to spell that word now! Hahaha….
I did a post once on "Praying for Stellan"… MckMama's son. Do you know who that is? I was nervous to post it… because many people in my line of work (and therefore some of my followers) are not conservative Christians. I didn't want to come across as preachy….but I too can't separate my faith from my job from my blog. It alls runs together.
I think it's amazing that when our enemy would so like to use the internet and computers for evil (ie: online pornography which destroys families)…. that God counters that with an entire "family" of believers who can encourage, pray, be real, edify, lift up…ect.
I like knowing when I look at a new blog if that woman is a woman of faith. If so, something in me recognizes something in her and I like that. I already feel like a know a little of who she is.
Bless you!