Blogging is a Respectable Profession
We just got back from a whirlwind trip to the grocery store where we depleted the food shelves of any Larabars containing the ingredient chocolate.
Gabe did not understand why we weren’t keeping the plastic bag of grain-free bars.
We did pilfer some.
I explained that the next day the bars were getting on an airplane to be taken to some sweet friends of ours who are missionaries in Spain.
What I thought would be a simple explanation became a heated argument between the boys.
Gabe thought that only missionaries fly out of airports.
And since Mommy is flying out of an airport on Friday then Mommy must be a missionary. And I must be flying to Spain.
Yes and no.
For some reason, only known to siblings, Gabe’s misunderstanding highly irritated his older brothers.
The fact that I was flying took Asher and Ezra by surprise. Apparently they had missed the memo regarding my disappearance next weekend.
“Why are you leaving?”
I’m going to a conference.
“What conference?”
A blogging conference.
“Why?”
Thankfully, Asher, who has experienced blogging, saved the day and replied with, “So that Mommy can tell people about Jesus better. Come on guys! You know that.”
That is the second time I have been asked that question in less than 24 hours but a question I am frequently asked.
I am an online missionary.
If God would ordain it . . . I could reach millions with the Good News. However, I think I would struggle with pride. Thus, my reach is limited.
I long for the day when blogging is considered a respectable profession.
I know that this change in status won’t save the world or bring Jesus back any sooner, but it would be nice to no longer feel like I have to justify my time online.
(Here are some bloggers that I met at a recent homeschool convention: Melissa from The Langford Life, Jenilee from Our Goodwin Journey, JulieAnn from The Homestead Experiement, me, roomies Sarah and Sarah from Simply Sarah, and Stacey from Brain In Trainin.)
I’m not asking for people to ask for my autograph or swarm around me like a celebrity. But it would be nice for an elevator conversation to run more like this,
What do you do?
I’m a mom, I homeschool, and I am a {professional} blogger.
Wow. That’s great. I respect you. Thanks for writing a bunch of informational content that is free for myself and others to read.
No problem. It is a passion of mine and I certainly feel compelled to write.
I am glad you found your niche. Speaking of niche, what do you write about?*
and the conversation would continue . . .
*Note: If you don’t read someone’s blog, you really don’t have to tell them that. Just saying.
I was speaking with an individual at a particular location. I won’t mention the location because it would easily incriminate this person. (I am not talking about you, Sarah!) They asked me to go somewhere – to attend a particular weekend function.
I graciously declined stating that I would be out east at a blogging convention.
This person replied back with, “What? You do what? Why do you need to go somewhere to learn to blog? What else do you need to know? Just blog. How could going to that convention be more important?”
If only it were that easy – to explain.
Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t go to just jump on beds.
I don’t just blog either.
I share. I attempt to craft a story for entertainment and soul sharpening purposes. I facilitate community, spur others on to health, and answer many questions behind the scenes through emails, direct messages, and Twitter.
Until the day comes when blogging is considered a valid profession, I suppose I will call myself an online missionary.
I’d like to move in to the title — writer or author. I suppose I will feel more comfortable placing that on my business card once I publish an ebook.
Here is the lovely Amy, from Walking by the Way and Homeschool Share.
Thankfully, ebooks are at least earning some respectability.
Hi! I’m Jodi. I’m an online missionary. What do you do?
What do you wish people respected more in your life?
Have so much fun this weekend!! So wish I could go!! 🙂
I love reading what you have to share and really appreciate all of your hard work! Thank you!
Awww!!! Thanks!!! You warmed my heart!!!!
I tried LaraBars a few days back for the first time in an effort to replace granola bars and reduce sugar consumption. I nearly failed the three hour glucose screening! I was impressed. I just bought a big box of them at Sam’s Club today to keep around for handy snacks.
I also love reading your blog! I’m trying to eat more healthfully and love your posts, especially about food.
I’ll keep the food posts coming! Are you prego???? We heart Larabars . . . Good to know that you can get them in bulk at Sams!!! Thanks, Robin! I miss working with you!
Yes! I’m due at the end of June. I’m counting down the weeks now: 9! It’s a girl, and her name will be Ezra Jane meaning God’s gracious help.
I miss working with you too. We had so much fun!
Ha! That’s awesome. I agree…it is really hard to explain to people about blogging.
I signed up to host an (in)RL party, but since no readers of (in)courage live near me, I invited people from my church. Not one person is coming. Kind of depressing. I can tell when I talk to them about blogging, it just doesn’t “click”. That’s OK. I guess that’s just life. LOL
Keep your chin up! 🙂
I wished I lived near you . . . I would come!!! But I totally get what you are saying. So thankful we are getting to know each other better!
We can have our own blogger (in)RL party. I didn’t even try!
I am going to the 2:1 Conference this weekend and I hear there was talk of doing the (in)RL there. BTW girl! The hubby and I are loving the Trader Joe Cleanse. We started last week and are entering phase two. Quite different then any other cleanses I have done. Thanks for the suggestion!
It was SO good to meet you, Jodi! You are a beautiful person! I subscribed by email to your blog . . . which is big stuff for me because I’m only subscribed to one other! 😉
I’ve never thought of myself as a professional anything. Maybe it’s time to change my way of thinking! 🙂
🙂 Ami
~who actually looked at the photo and didn’t freak out 🙂 my husband would be so proud
Right back at you! And now that I know we live so close . . . we can hang out! Yipee!!!!! You are funny — I totally think you are a professional . . . did you look at your website recently? It is like a staple in the Homeschooling home. Seriously. And I am totally honored . . . I’m in your inbox. I NEVER take that for granted!
love the picture of you jumping on the bed, lol! I personally never run into rude people it seems. It seems that no matter what I do, people think it’s cool (I am so not very cool though, lol).
ps. I feel like a dork because all this time I read your blog as Granola mom 4 GOOD. I love that it’s more than good, and that I finally noticed 🙂
I can’t wait to get to know you better! Thanks! I always jump on the bed — at hotels that is. Maybe I need to move in your circles!!! I often feel pretty weird!
Yes, yes, YES! I love this. “Online Missionary” – awesome. Thank you for validating me. 🙂
As to your question, I wish people would respect certain difficult decisions we’ve made regarding boundaries with extended family. I’d just rather not have to explain myself, and, like you wishing it were considered normal to blog for a living or as a ministry, I wish distancing my family from manipulative people didn’t appear like I wasn’t loving them. Better stop now, or I’ll start ranting. LOL
I appreciate you writing on this particular subject! While I do not earn a dime for any of my blogs, I would like to think of myself too as an online missionary! Thank you for putting that mission into perspective–that we CAN blog and we CAN witness via the internet and our blogs. 🙂
Wow, I learned a lot about you just from this post. I catch glimpses of you on facebook or twitter but have not read lots about you. I definitely would say “Online Missionary or Virtual Assistant to God,” might get some looks but get the conversation going as well.
Thanks!!! It was fun finding a comment on this blog post! An Oldie but Goodie! Not much has changed! Thanks for stopping by!