I have been thinking this for a while, but didn’t want to do it. But I know I need to. I need to take a break.
I took a sabbatical back in August and it was a great thing to do. When I did come back to blogging regularly, I was ready and refreshed. I need to do the same thing now.
As I mentioned recently, we have some big changes coming in our lives. David is going to be teaching two classes starting next week. He will be teaching at his alma mater, Kendall College of Art and Design. He’ll be teaching Conceptual Design and Advertising Design. With his teaching, more of the daily responsibilities around home will fall to me. I’m also helping him organize for teaching since I have a teaching background and this will be his first experience teaching. The teaching will be on top of his regular design projects for our business so he will be busy for the next few months. That is, we hope he will be busy. Work for our business has been very, very slow the past five months. We are trusting God and walking in faith that this will improve.
I also really want to spend more time writing for publication. Writing is my gift and writing is my part of our business. And the totally honest truth is that as much as I love blogging, I’m not making any money. I know that sounds crass and that I’ve viewed my blog as a ministry, but the reality is, blogging doesn’t pay any bills. And blogging is taking way too much of my time right now. I need to be pursuing my writing as my profession for now.
I am also going to take some time to evaluate the future of my blog. I really like the simplicity of it. I like it as a ministry. I like it free from ads and clutter. I’ve resisted adding all kinds of affiliate links and ads, but it would be nice if the blog at least paid for itself and brought in a little on the side. And I’m not sure if I add a bunch of links and ads that it is going to make a difference. I don’t know any Christian bloggers who make any substantial money off their blogs. After doing some research, I have lots of ideas for making money online, but I don’t want to necessarily do them in the context of TTL. So then I have to decide… Do I change the direction of TTL? Launch something else? Forget it altogether and flip burgers? (Probably not the burger thing…) But seriously. What is the best stewardship of my time and energy? These are hard questions. For me, it is hard to blog “just for fun” because all of this blogging stuff is so much like our business. It is hard to know where to draw the line.
Like last time (for those of you who were here last August), I might be gone for three days, three weeks or three months. I just don’t know. When I have something to say and the time is right, I’ll be back.
But it is harder this time. After launching the carnival and all, it is hard to walk away. But Two Talent Living is about making the best choices and doing what I am called to do. Right now I need to spend more time supporting my husband with his endeavors and taking some of the pressure off of him. I also need to make sure that I am taking care of my home and my own giftings in the best way possible. Knowing the readers I have, I’m pretty sure you understand what I am saying.
May each of you be blessed with peace and joy in the days ahead.
Sallie
I hear ya, Sallie. I hear ya.
Other ministries may have a time block of 2 hrs/once a week.
Writing a blog is nearly a *daily* committment…and takes up a great deal of head and heart space trying to figure out what He would have you write.
Most worthwhile ministry. But taxing. And everything has seasons. Am analyzing and praying about the same thing.
Thank you for doing what He has whispered for you to do—your bold testimony inspires us all.
Rest in Him, Sallie.
Look forward to seeing you back….as He leads…
Warmly,
Ann V. HolyExperience
Blessings on you and your family.
Hi Sallie, Lots of big decisions but sounds like you’re making a good choice. I’ll miss reading your blog but at least I get to talk with you in person!!! Blessings to you and David as he begins a new venture. I’m sure you will be a big help to him in that as well and I know he’ll make a great teacher. Love to you both, Barb
Bravo! As my sis in Christ I’m proud of you for walking in the light of truth. You have always put your marriage and home first. This is no exception. I am confident that God will honor your choice and give you the discernment and wisdom to know which path to walk down next.
Sallie, thank you for being such an inspiration–and for practicing what you preach. Even the ‘silence’ that is coming on your blog speaks volumes!
God bless!!!
Speaking purely selfishly, I will miss you terribly! Your blog is unique and I love your gentle, thoughtful spirit. But, I am thankful that you are honoring your husband and the Lord with your decision. I’ll check back from time to time to see where He leads you next. God’s blessings to you, Sallie!
I’m sure you will do exactly what God leads you to do!
Ladies – Thank you ao very much! I so appreciate your support and kinds words. 🙂
Sallie
Thanks for sharing about your writing plans, Sallie. I know God has something wonderful in store for you. Please let us know where He leads you so we can share in your success!
Sallie,
I totally understand your committment to the Lord, your husband and priorities. I will miss your insights on your blog – but wish you all the best!
tootles –
Oh, I’m so bummed! I just found your blog a few weeks ago and really enjoy it. I’m sad that you’ll be gone, but TOTALLY understand. I posted a short quip the other day about how I was struggling to find some balance in my own life. It’s difficult sometimes to do all the things we need and want to do, even if the things we want are “Godly” activities. Anyway, good luck with everything and thanks for encouraging me over the last few weeks.
Hey Sallie!
I totally understand. But do know that your blog is a huge blessing to folks!! {{{{hugs}}}}
I’m taking a long prayer break from blogging–perhaps just two weeks or so. But I’m also seeking God about how wisely to use my time this year. Since I’m a freelance writer, I need to seek Him also for opportunities for income, ’cause as you said, blogging doesn’t exactly pay the bills. So I’ll be praying for us both during this time, and trust the Lord will guide our paths.
Blessings to you and hubby in the New Year!
Vicki
real live preacher’s site isn’t as good since he became commerical
your site is lovely because it is ad free and not tainted by the love of money
that said – we all need bread on the table- so I am sure God will show you a way forward. I suspect it won’t be that the blog will pay though. Ministry goes badly wrong (very often) when its a business
so my prayer for you is that the Lord helps you with finding a solution – that you can write for pleaseure in a way that is profitable somehow , help your husband with his business,and have a little time for your blog (and reading others)
I know that blogging is addictive and like everything else we have to take that to Jesus. I commend you for your time off.
blessings,
Lorna