{ DAY 430 }

IMG_7027Change is necessary to progress.  It doesn’t have to be something massive. In fact a little change faithfully made can have a big impact.

You see I’ve been challenged about why I blog. This is a good thing. I do need to always be asking good questions about why I do the things I do. So why do I blog? Well first and foremost I hope that Jesus will be honored here in this space. Specifically though I blog for some other reasons too.

I started this blog as a means to raise money for orphans and that purpose still stands. If you’ve been frustrated by the goal amount always being raised after we meet the previous goal then I’m sorry you feel that way. My main reason for continually raising the goal is that there is always a need and I’m crazy in love with my kiddos. These children just don’t stop living and needing help because we reached a goal so I keep raising funds. I can’t say what will happen down the road when I reach $100K but I will reevaluate then. Right now I know that I’m supposed to get to that goal. Thank you for partnering with me in that!

Another reason I blog is for the discipline of writing. Knowing that I’ve set out to blog twice a week forces me to pause during my week and consider thoughts and words. This is good for my brain and soul. Often times I process things I would have never processed otherwise. It’s also enjoyable to hear your thoughts on different topics.

Frankly I blog because I want to and I think it’s fun! Also I dearly hope that my paltry but sincere words will encourage and challenge you. 

One of my favorite reasons for blogging is the people I have the opportunity to connect with from all over. There are some pretty amazing people I would never have even known about had it not been for this little place here.

As many of you know this blog started out as a project. While that project is still going this space has become more than that. Unfortunately when you take one thing and try to change it there isn’t always a smooth transition. Let me explain. My blog posts started out using fashion to raise money for orphans. When the main project came to an end I continued to do outfit posts since it appeared that people enjoyed them. Also it has been a creative outlet and challenge for me figuring out how to style new outfits without purchasing clothing for the past three years. Since I want to have original content on here that worked out great to have those pictures for my posts. Yet while I completely enjoy fashion I don’t enjoy writing about it all the time.  So while my posts morphed into writing about life, joy, struggles, and what not my pictures stayed the same. This caused a disconnect for me as well I’m sure as for you and seemed odd. So I have a question for you. Do you like the outfit posts? If so please let me know in the comments below and I will consider keeping it as one of the many things featured on here.  If you do want me to continue with outfit posts then I will do my best to have that happen but I will have the writing go along with those posts as the change.

If you’ve read this far bravo! Thank you dear readers who have encouraged and supported me. Thank you for bearing with me as I figure out this blogging thing. I’m desperately in need of grace since I will make mistakes. I’m looking forward to exploring what is going to come next and see where this road leads.  Happy Tuesday! xxx

15 Responses to { DAY 430 }

  1. Sammie W. January 21, 2014 at 8:22 am #

    I have always loved the outfit posts but please don’t ever stop writing about the more serious topics. As much as I enjoy the fashion; the other posts about life and struggles are what have seriously challenged me in my walk with the Lord. I will be praying for you!

    • misselaini January 21, 2014 at 6:52 pm #

      I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed them. 🙂 Don’t worry, I wont stop writing about deeper things on my heart. I’m so grateful that my struggles have drawn you closer to Jesus. That is something that I give thanks for! I appreciate your prayers. Thank you!

  2. Abby January 21, 2014 at 9:34 am #

    Hello there. This is the first time I’m commenting so I’m a little nervous.
    I wanted to tell you that your posts have changed me. Every time I read I feel refreshed, encouraged, and challenged. Sometimes they make me cry because you let me know I’m not the only one struggling with simple truths and yearning to further the kingdom of heaven. You are an encouragement and the Father is using your words to not only raise money for orphans but help and encourage those around you. You touch my life and heart.
    Yes, I love the fashion pictures. They are inspiring.

    • misselaini January 21, 2014 at 8:35 pm #

      Hello Abby! Thank you so much for commenting despite your anxiety to do so. I used to not be able to comment on blogs either if it’s any comfort….
      Wow, I’m so humbled by and grateful for your kind words. You’re not alone! We all struggle with common things. Thank you for making my day a bit brighter and for blessing me with your encouragement! 😀

  3. Hannah January 21, 2014 at 10:42 am #

    I like the outfit posts! I also enjoy reading your thoughts on Jesus, joy, and life. 🙂

    • misselaini January 21, 2014 at 8:36 pm #

      Oh yay! Looks like I’ll still be doing outfit posts from time to time and I’ll be sure to continue writing the way that I have been (except hopefully getting better as I go along!). 🙂

  4. Kari January 21, 2014 at 5:18 pm #

    I enjoy both types of posts! 🙂

    • misselaini January 21, 2014 at 8:37 pm #

      Thanks Kari! The feedback has been encouraging and I will be continuing both types of post just not together. 🙂

  5. Diana Nesbitt January 21, 2014 at 6:29 pm #

    I read your posts faithfully and enjoy them all! It’s fun to see your creative ideas with fashion, and I love how your love for Jesus always shines through no matter what you are writing about. Keep up the good work~I will be praying for you as you try to figure out how to shape your blog. I’m a blogger too, so I know how hard it can be to try to sort it all out. 🙂

    • misselaini January 21, 2014 at 8:38 pm #

      Diana, thank you for being a faithful reader! Thank you for your generous words. 🙂 I appreciate your prayers! Blogging is both more rewarding and more challenging than I could have imagined…as you well know!

  6. Celeste January 21, 2014 at 9:32 pm #

    I have been blessed by every post, no matter the type. So keep being led by the Spirit . . . I am so glad I learned about Warm Blankets Orphan Care through your blog – I love how they fulfill God’s love for orphans and widows at the same time! And I love your heart full of love for your kiddos, and how many children now have a home, hope and a future through your labors of love in this blog. Hugs to you, and your awesome Mom and Dad!

  7. Alesha January 23, 2014 at 2:31 pm #

    I have loved your outfit posts since the day you started the 1 dress project! But I also love the beautiful and encouraging words that you share about life and love and our Savior. I understand the feeling of repetition that can come from writing about outfits. I personally don’t feel a disconnect at all when the post isn’t a match to outfit pictures. And I must admit, pictures on a blog grab my attenion! But I will keep coming back to listen to what’s on your mind and in your heart either way 🙂

    xoxo, Alesha

    • misselaini January 23, 2014 at 2:38 pm #

      Aww thank you so much! I really appreciate you commenting and sharing how you feel about the posts. It’s helpful for me to get feedback from my readers! I’m pretty sure I will be having a mix of both outfits as well as my typical writing. 🙂 Thanks for reading Alesha! xxx

  8. Mikaela February 1, 2014 at 4:01 pm #

    I ♥ the fashion posts! And the fashion pictures with completely unrelated musings and writings. It’s always great to see the person behind the writing, to get new ideas on fashion, and to be inspired in my Christian faith!

    • misselaini February 3, 2014 at 9:28 pm #

      Thanks Mikaela! I really appreciate your input. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂

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