OK, so here I am. Doing something I didn’t think I would ever be interested in doing. Hmph. Story of my life.
He always, always, ALWAYS looks at my plans and tweaks them a bit so I will stick my toe in the water of an unfamiliar pond.
He listens to my desires – I know He does. I just think He must get a good chuckle out of me now and then.
When I started this blog almost a year ago, I had the intention of 1) having it be just a place for writing, 2) no advertisements, 3) no giveaways and 4) no video of myself.
I’m now re-thinking it all.
After attending Relevant 2010, I walked away with so much and the idea of “vlogging” was one thing I haven’t been able to chase out of my head. So I’m starting there.
For those of you unfamiliar with vlogging, it is simply video blogging. Instead of me writing the post, I’ll be “chatting” the post. Dear God.
I’ve never used iMovie until today. I have no idea how to edit. I am not wearing any “stage makeup.” I am not saying anything that is earth-shattering.
The lighting is poor and therefore, my eyes look raccoon-ish. (Cue “Debbie Downer” music.)
Should you like it, I think it could become a regular Friday thing in which I just talk about some random point of mothering or womanhood that is on my heart at the moment. It will be light and easy.
Heck, I might even be sipping from my mug.
I’m linking up with dear, sweet Michelle from Lost in the Prairies and Rachel Ann from Home Sanctuary’s Company Girl….Go check out the friends on both sites – you’ll love ’em!
In the meantime, take a gander and remember…grace. Grace. Grace for the amateur.
BUT….Will you please let me know if you would 1) like to see me vlog each week (you won’t hurt my feelings if you hate it. I promise.) and 2) how you feel about giveaways and ads that would align with my beliefs. I’m assessing where I want this little blog to go for next year and looking ahead to any changes that need to be made. Thank YOU for helping me.
Natalie, I love the vlogging idea! I miss seeing you and your voice!
I meant to say that I miss seeing you and hearing your voice!!! It’s early!
I gotcha, friend. I’m with you. You have no idea how much I seeing your sweet face everyday. I sometimes wish we could go back to the FCPA days when our classrooms were right across the hall…
Love to you all and though I don’t get to see you often or talk even for that matter, I hope you know how precious you are to me. I miss you horribly! :(
Hi Natalie, I like the vlogging idea. It is great to see you and I am so blessed by your candidness. You also look great, sans make-up. Thanks for giving us challenging thoughts and allowing God to use you so that we might have that ” ah-ha” moment.
Thanks, Kim! It was fun.
Your words touch me – thank you for sharing. God is good – it’s so Him and so not me.
Love to you guys!
I think the vlog is great! I don’t think I’m brave enough to do that yet, but it is kind of intriguing. As for ads and giveaways, I don’t think I’m going to put ads on my page, but I haven’t really explored the option. I think that giveaways are fun, but I don’t really like it when people make you “follow” or “like” in order to enter. A Giveaway should be just that — giving something away, free of charge. I don’t want followers that follow me just to get something. I want them to follow me because they like what I’m saying. I want it to be a meaningful relationship. All this to say, I’m just responding because you asked. I’ve never talked to anyone who does the giveaways or ads — they could have a perspective I’ve never heard. I can see how valuable promotion is and how it is good to get the word out — I’m just not sure the best way to do it. :) I’m not being judgmental about people who do ads or the second thing — I’m still in the process of figuring out what is right for me and my blog. My 2 cents!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood =-.
Totally 1000% agree with all, all, all you say, dear one. I only want people to read what I write because they WANT to and not because they tried to win something. It’s very likely they would subscribe simply to win then eventually unsubscribe anyway. And I love all of the points made by Bobbi and Michelle, too. What a wise bloggy sisterhood I am blessed with…
You and me…Scary same wavelength…
Have a great weekend, WONDERFUL Jen…:)
I LOOOOOVED IT! as my daughter would say. This was great. It’s nice to get to put a voice to the words that I read. I know when I read someone’s blog that I’ve heard speak, I hear them. I loved your accent. I think all Canadians love accents of any kind as we believe we are the only ones with out one, even though, I’ve been told I have an accent (in of all places Nebraska!) . Keep vlogging. I may just be inspired to do one, but not yet…..
I’ve always wanted to do a giveaway but haven’t yet. We’ll see in the future. However, I agree with Jen that it should be freely and not forcing people to follow your blog or twitter page. It should be given freely.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Wednesdays Voice – Iran =-.
Now that’s funny…I had no idea I had an accent! In the US, newscasters are trained to “speak like Midwesterners” because apparently, we have little to no accent. I love hearing that I do…:) HA! I am CERTAIN I would love to hear your voice and all of your “aboots”…:)
Thanks for your perspective, Michelle – I’m completely with you on that. Still unsure – perhaps I will do a giveaway every now and then.
Have a fantastic weekend, oh sweet host of CR!
Interesting Natalie, and you look gorgeous without make up so don’t sweat that. I like it since I never get enough time with you and you are always so kind and encouraging in person. I also like the written word, and you’re good at it, so I wouldn’t want you to give it up. I don’t think I’d mind ads – does it cost to have a blog site? What’s the purpose of giveaways? Now everyone reading knows I’m “older” since I asked these questions! You have a delightful weekend, too.
Thank you, Kay! What kind words…
It does cost a bit to maintain a blog the way I choose to do so (I have an independent WordPress site and I must pay for redesigns and hosting fees) but that’s not why I would be accepting ads. I just want to help promote Christian companys and products that align with my beliefs.
Giveaways…Good question. Not sure what the purpose is…I’m thinking for me it would be to just love on my readers now and then. Just a way of saying “thank you” for caring what God has to say through me?
I agree that I never get enough time with you…Would love more. You are welcome to come over and hang out at our humble and crazy abode any time – seriously, I’m not kidding. You may have a headache and need some quiet time after you do but something tells me you can handle it…:)
I love your friendship and SO love having “more seasoned” friends in the church. You are a gift to me!
Hey there! You know I never comment here since I always think I ought to just do it in person, but…I loved it! I had not heard of vlogging, but am intrigued by the idea. Great job, especially for the first try. Looking forward to more.
WOOHOOO!!!!!! Libby delurks!!!!!!!! Welcome to the comment section, dear friend!
LOVE IT! you are so stinkin cute. i’d love to see you vlog on a regular basis. go with your heart!
.-= Eryn {mamahall}´s last blog ..called to encourage =-.
Eryn, coming from you, Miss Cute Patoot Herself, thank you. Too bad we don’t live closer – we could vlog together!!!! Wouldn’t that be fun!?
Thanks for watching, dear one!
I definitely think you should continue to vlog. You seem comfortable on camera – don’t worry about the makeup. If you don’t make a big deal of it your watchers won’t care.
One quick tip – it’s good to keep videos to 3 minutes or less. Yours is close to so shouldn’t be a problem. Happy Vlogging!
.-= Jendi´s last blog ..Use Whatever You Can To Keep Your Camera Steady =-.
Awesome! What a great tip – this one was almost 4 minutes and I agree that it was too long. I’m glad to have a time guideline now.
Your blog is a wealth of knowledge I will need to tap into as I journey further into this vlog thing. So glad you visited, Jendi!
Love you Aunt Natalie! I really enjoyed seeing your funniness in person. You are such an inspiration to me and my walk with God. Sometimes when I don’t think I have enough time or energy to read my Bible or pray, I am reminded of you, a mother of three, and how you make it all work. I know you’ve made a difference in my life and probably so so so many more!
Love you, too, sweet lady. I’m so continually impressed with what I see God doing in you. You are a such a good and committed mommy – little W is so blessed.
Guess what is coming soon? Some posts for women who are trying to figure out if they want to be home with their children or continue working…:)
I’ll let you know when it will be once I know…:)
And just so you know, there are days that I DON’T make it all work. I lose my cool. I don’t spend time in the word. I fall asleep while praying. I strive to make it all work but there are more days that I don’t than I do. That’s just me being real – I don’t want you to ever think I have this loving Jesus-wifing-mothering-serving others- thing down…It’s what I strive for, but I don’t have it all figured out by any means!
Thanks for reading and commenting, my sweet niece!
Yes, of course, and I know that from reading your blog faithfully. :) But you keep at it and you’re so passionate and the combination is truly inspiring!
Thanks, sweet girl. :) How are you? I would love to catch up – I’ll give you a ring soon!
I generally don’t mind Vlog’s if they are SHORT and INFREQUENT. I enjoy reading and don’t always have time or opportunity to listen to a Vlog. I decided to do my Memory Monday posts via Vlog…so I can’t cheat and you can HEAR if I really memorized my verses for the week! *smile* I WILL be wearing makeup…sorry…not with ya there! You look great though…I thought you had makeup on.
Please be careful with the whole “I’m changing my blog” thing. I’m all for taking writing seriously…and heck girl, you make me cry like once a week minimum so you KNOW you’re good…but many (most) of the people who are talented writers and choose to monetize and giveaway their blogs…lose something special. In my opinion, they totally lose the small bloggers on their radar. They forget their true audience. It becomes about followers (which only Jesus should have) and popularity. I know, I sound like the sourpuss of these current comments and I’m NOT trying to discourage you…I know you will prayerfully consider every change you make…I’m just not going to EVER join a “mutual flattery comments forum” I’m going to tell you BOTH the positive and the NEGATIVE. Kiss kiss!
.-= Bobbi´s last blog ..Caffeinated Randomness- Brain Melt =-.
I. LOVE. YOU.
Seriously. That’s what I most want to say to you right now, Bobbi.
You spoke into what I was feeling within my heart and yet still felt that I should consider changing. I love what you said about followers and while at Relevant 2010 this year, this point was made continually.
There is only one reader that we need to be most concerned with. You know the one…The One.
I love the audience I have right now at this very moment and would not want to lose a single one because I felt the pressure to change.
Perhaps what I love most of all is your “mutual flattery comments forum” statement!!! THANK YOU!!!!! You probably know by now how much I love real-ness.
Thank you for being real with me and jolting me back to what I know to be true, pure, and noble. I am reaching through my screen and hugging you right now…:)
I love you too!! ))HUG((
.-= Bobbi´s last blog ..Caffeinated Randomness- Brain Melt =-.
Hi there. Dropping by from SITS to say, “Happy Friday, SITSta!” I hope you and your family have a fabulous weekend!
Kindest regards,
Brook
http://www.Matt5verse6.blogspot.com
.-= Brook (Matt5verse6)´s last blog ..Submission and Forgiveness =-.
Natalie,
So fun getting to know you better! Yes, I do remember Mr. Intense…too funny. So I have all of the same rules as you do/did regarding your blogging, but as we grow and change I think deciding to change or bend some of the rules is fine.
As for giveaways, I’m with Jen. Giveaways are great as long as I’m not having to jump through ten hoops to enter, and they are really just giveaways.
One last thing, you are one of my favorite voices out in the blogosphere. Keep writing from your heart and for God, and it will all come together…and that’s what I think!
ps good for you on the no make-up thing…still so pretty!
.-= Amy Sullivan´s last blog ..Fa- La- La- What =-.
Natalie, I think you did a great job with your vlog! I enjoy watching vlogs, since I’ve really gotten into watching beauty tutorials on YouTube.
I did a short vlog not long ago myself, and I sometimes podcast my posts. I try to keep the podcasts less than 10 minutes–they average about 7–but I’ve had one commenter say they don’t like having to take the 7 minutes to listen to a post when they can read much faster.
I was in radio for a long time, though, and I like the immediacy of seeing and/or hearing the blogger.
.-= Cindy Swanson´s last blog ..Why am I such an Anglophile =-.
I enjoyed your vlogging…it’s quite nice to see and hear the blogger in person, so to speak….as for ads and giveaways…I’m with Jenn..particularily since I wouldn’t even know how to put ads on! Nice to meet you and continue on with the vlogging!
.-= Marie´s last blog ..A few hours =-.
Nice job! I am praying that God gives you the guidance you’re looking for as you explore vlogging. I’m also praying that He never asks me to do it, because it scares me to death! I have a hard enough time getting up in front of the women at my church to speak. It’s all about comfort zones and obedience I suppose. Good luck!
-Melissa
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Coffee- Pie- and other Things to Enjoy =-.
Awww…. I miss your pretty face! I love the idea of a weekly vlog! It will fill a void! :)
for what it’s worth, i think it’s a great idea! i love the VLOG (hitherto unheard of until now) and i’m cool with giveaways, ads, etc. a worker is worth her wages, after all, and you are definitely working to spread His love and goodness with your words.
.-= Jenny Forgey´s last blog ..Noonday Collection =-.
Very brave and very watchable! I enjoyed it!!
.-= The London Lady´s last blog ..Wedding Exit Song =-.
Hey Miss Natalie! I loved the Vlog! I have never heard of that term, but I’m always ‘treading water’ in the technology world seems like. :)
I enjoyed hearing your voice and seeing you. I rarely get to see you anymore so this was a real treat.
As long as I have known you, you have always been a ‘trail blazer’ and willing to try something new. You go girl! I love the concept!
I like the idea of doing it on Fridays. Something for your fans to look forward to….
I also commend you for having the courage to put the ‘real you’ out there. So refreshing and so welcoming.
Your spiritual journeys have helped me take a deeper look into mine. I find them very helpful and comforting to read.
You are truly gorgeous and don’t even need that stinkin’ :) makeup! :)
Enjoy your weekend! I am beginning my 3 week Fall break. Remember those days?
Hugs,
Lana
Personally I love Vlogs because it is such a fun way to hear and see the person who’s blog you have been reading. It depends on my day as to whether I have time to watch them and agree with Bobbi….short is definitely great (love that yours was under 5 minutes and you were just YOU!)
I am not a fan of ads on blogs….and that is something I decided when I started taking my blog seriously that I would not do. I feel like my blog would become something different…but I still read blogs that have ads :)
And giveaways….well I do them on my book blog sometimes and the books come from the publishers (I run it a bit differently than my personal blog) And I do giveaways on my personal blog but 95% of the time it is me sponsoring it! I have given away amazon cards and the like just for fun. I will be doing a giveaway soon for a Christmas blog header but that is too support a friend… I guess I just like to give things away for fun and not to promote a company etc.
Yeah…hope that made sense…and I LOVED your vlog. Muchly. :o)
Have a great weekend!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Simple Moments – November 5 =-.
I love the way you continue to stretch yourself and get out of your comfort zone!! (you definitely don’t need makeup, silly girl)
I agree with Bobbi-keep’em short and sweet- not sure, altho I LOVED this, that I would take the time every week to watch. When I read blogs, I usually want to get “in and out” pretty quickly and yours are so beautifully written, I can “get right into it” quickly and “hear your heart.” To read, then watch the vlog, check the giveaways- is a lot for an ADD old lady – but I may be totally alone here!
Keep thinking about it, balancing out the various opinions and praying….listening for HIS voice and do what you are called to do- you’re making a difference in the Kingdom
Love you.
What a wonderful idea! It is wonderful to see your beautiful face and hear your voice. You bring so much joy into my life reading your blog and now the addition of hearing and seeing you is like a visit in my home. God has given you a priceles talent!
Well, sweet women, you have left me speechless. I thank you so much for your insight, your thoughts, your ideas, but most of all, your kindness.
I’ve decided to really just keep it all as is – except I will do a vlog each Friday. It will be a short one, too! :) With no other text…
Tune in on Friday and again, THANK YOU.
Love the vlogging!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Emma and Lexi’s Build-a-Bear Party =-.
Oh Natalie! You were TOTALLY wearing lipstick!!! No makeup my hiney!!! :0)
Love your blog, love your vlog, just love you! You are an amazing conduit of God’s love!
Lisa :)
You are correct. I was. I will explain more in my post on Friday but in a nutshell, I was told to wear heavier “stage makeup” for vlogging – and I didn’t do that. Which is what I was referring to! :)
Thank you for your sweet words – you are a dear my little black-and-gold alum friend.
I still love you even though I bleed cream and crimson…:)
Okay, so I don’t usually watch vlogs because I’m just more of a reader, but I loved seeing your pretty, unmasked face, girl! How fun to hear your voice and “see” you in person . . . . which reminds me. Someday!! we’ve got to try to make that happen!
.-= GlowinGirl´s last blog ..I Hate- Hate Exercise =-.
I KNOW! We MUST MUST MUST. MUST.