Input Requested: What would you like to see on this blog?
Having just finished up the Successful Homemaking with Toddlers series, I'm ready to embark on some new topics here.
I have three specific series ideas I'm considering, but I thought it would be insightful to hear from you:
What topics would you most like to see blogged about here? If you could choose one series to be covered here in the next two months, what would it be?
We're in the process of praying about and considering some new direction for this blog (don't worry, I'm not going anywhere!), so your input on the above questions would be especially helpful as we seek the Lord's direction for the future.
As always, thank you for reading here; you all are such a blessing to me through your comments, emails, letters, prayers, and words of encouragement.
I have three specific series ideas I'm considering, but I thought it would be insightful to hear from you:
What topics would you most like to see blogged about here? If you could choose one series to be covered here in the next two months, what would it be?
We're in the process of praying about and considering some new direction for this blog (don't worry, I'm not going anywhere!), so your input on the above questions would be especially helpful as we seek the Lord's direction for the future.
As always, thank you for reading here; you all are such a blessing to me through your comments, emails, letters, prayers, and words of encouragement.
Labels: Blogging
posted by Crystal Paine at 9:02 AM
77 Comments:
We will love any direction you go!
I had a really good post about family devotions for your Making you home a haven MEME, and never saw it. I would love to be a guest for you sometime. As an older Momma, writing on raising our children to not only love the Lord, but to live for Him.
Blessings, Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
i like the occasional social or political commentary, i love anything about thriving in the home, frugaly or otherwise...
maybe do a series on how you and jesse and the kids are adjusting to the changing economy, what have you changed...
maybe a series on your grandpa's advice that would benefit us today
guest posts from your mom would ROCK!!!!lol
you may find this very odd..but i enjoy hearing when you feel challenged and tried...and then came out the other side, it's nice to see the bloggers of the "web world" aren't perfect and yes they are gals just like us, trying to do what is best for their family
celina in canada
I second the idea for guest posts from your mom!
Some stuff on marriage enrichment and ways to encourage and inspire our husbands. Every now and then I do a "Spoil Hubby" week and it'd be fun to do one on here and see other ladies' ideas for doing the same.
Homeschooling stuff. The closer I get to homeschooling the more I want to know about older mom's tips and advice.
Hi Crystal,
I'm looking forward to any new changes or directions you take here!
As always I'll put in my vote for home business stuff -- I also like updates on the girls and you and Jesse -- I always love "getting to know bloggers" : )
Also-- a guest post from your mom would be super!
Crystal,
I would like some articles on self disipline to stay on task, keeping on schedule, etc. I really love your site!
Thanks!
Keli Holly
I agree that anything from your mom would be great.
Also how to discipline kids (spanking, time out, etc)
Thanks!
Carla
I would like to hear some thoughts on mentoring. My children are my top priority, but there are some neighborhood youth and family members who I would like to encourage on a regular basis as well. Also being mentored: how to enter into that relationship with an older lady successfully.
How about your husband writing regularly for men?
I know this is Biblicalwomanhood, but who can minister more to the woman than her husband?
Let iron sharpen iron by ministering to the men who pop in.
The Pastor (Jason)
pastoralmusings.wordpress.com
I like when you post on marriage, being a better wife, scheduling your time, self discipline, and exercise/health.
Many Blessings!
Michele
I'd love to see a series on homeschooling. You have been on both sides of it as a student and now teacher. Also,you have guests post from time to time and maybe there are some moms out there who have children that are a little older and they would be able to offer some of their wisdom. I would love to learn from the expereinces of other moms who have walked this walk as I am fervently praying that we can take our kids out of school and bring them home to learn.
Thanks
I always like the organizational tips and just life updates. As we get closer to the election, it's always thought provoking entries on candidates that kept me informed.
Good to see you are doing so well, we'll have to catch up sometime!
Jessica (the graphic designer)
I would appreciate some posts on Godly character for women... how to develop a Christ-like attitude and actions.
I also love when you post about your family. It's encouraging to just read about another Christian mom's day! :)
Thanks for such a wonderful blog!
Everything you write on has been helpful to me. I would love to continue to see anything on frugal living, like gift ideas, meals, cutting utilities, living green, etc. I also like chore scheduling and daily life tips. I am so thankful to God there are women like you, helping all of us in our daily lives and empowering us to provide the sanctuary and love that our christian homes should provide to our families! God will bless you!
Your blog is the highlight of my day! I don't live in a Christian family, so "sneaking a look" at your's is wonderful! I've learned alot about what a biblical relationship with my husband and future children should look like, and it's a great encouragement.
As a young lady, I would love to see more articles for young ladies. It's hard trying to live like no one else right now, but I have my future in focus, and hope and pray for a godly family of my own one day. Thanks for all you do!
Yes, a self-discipline series would be great! I am struggling with rising early, exercising daily and some encouragement in this area would be wonderful!
I would appreciate reading others' experience ministering in the sphere just outside the home. I'm a SAHM in the preschool years, and there are lots of opportunities to interact with neighbors and unchurched moms with kids. House rules for playmates, offensive language from other moms, being in the world but not of the world in the secular neighborhood?...
I am interested in learning more from parents with large families, such as organizing, homeschooling, teaching older children to serve, and how to help our children when they finish highschool. I would love to hear from your mom.
Valerie
I am a relatively new reader, so if you have already covered this topic, then I apologize.
Do you think you could do something about how to help friends or family after the loss of a child through miscarraige, stillbirth, or infant death?
I find that this is a difficult and not well understood topic by many and feel that it might be of great benefit.
Reading your blog has made me interested in your upbringing. Mainly because of the unusual maturity and homemaking skills in someone so young. I would want to know about your homeschooling, how your mom organized things(cooking, housekeeping,schedule), how your parents taught you good character traits.
-Kathryn
There are so many topics about which I'd love to pick your brain! You are an inspiration to me and many.
I really enjoy when you discuss the seasons of our lives as Christian mothers/wives. We are currently in a church where service to others is a HIGH priority and it seems to keep us very busy and outside of the house a lot.
I also enjoy frugal menu-planning and recipes. I LOVE to be in the kitchen. I would love to hear your thoughts on how to keep Christ the center of things while we are working in the home.
Homeschooling is always a great topic...not just what curriculum you are using but also your experiences growing up in homeschool environment. I'm very new to it all.
Thanks so much for being prayerful about your ministry here. I trust God will guide your thoughts and actions.
I would love to see something about homemaking with a newborn! I know it's been a while sinc eyou had a newborn in your house, but you do have experience. This is something we will be encountering soon.
I read your site quite frequently and have found it very inspirational during some difficult times this last year. I can imagine that it is extremely useful and quite a blessing to many people. I must confess, however, to having a bit of a disconnect at a point because I am not fortunate enough to be able to stay home. I work full-time outside the home and my husband is a shiftworker. Needless to say, our hours together at home are few and far between. Additionally, in an effort to save $$ on groceries, we have planted a huge garden this year and we will be spending most of our summer outdoors on our little piece of heaven. In that respect, I am finding it a bit difficult to budget what few hours inside the home that I can squeeze out for cleaning chores and whatnot. We have two children (12 and 16). Right now we are not as strong as we have been in the past spiritually, and I would REALLY like to hear from some readers and bloggers regarding things that effect the lives of parents who work outside the home. One of our children goes to a public school, and one goes to a private school. Life is sometimes just hard, and when you have so much of the world creeping in through the cracks required by daily living it sometimes seems insurmountable. Could you perhaps have a little more information and encouragement posted affecting those of us who do not stay home? and/or home school? I am sure there has to be other mothers like me out there who could use the encouragement and the support of other's comments or writings.
Blessings to all. .
Rebecca Myers
Definitely politics, especially since this has thus far been an historic election year.
I would like to see some discussion on how to handle naysayers on your walk of Faith. I find the more and more I stand up for my faith and what I believe, the more I get negative, mean, hurtful reactions from others (both believers and non-believers). The whole "you think you're so much better than the rest of us" thing. So advice on how to stand firm in one's faith, and how to minister to those who are offended by our beliefs would be great. I hate that I apparently hurt people's feelings when I discuss my faith, but *I* know that's God nudging them, tring to convict them...I just get the backlash..
Crystal,
I enjoy reading your blog. I am now at a season in my life when I identify with much of what you write. Much of your content deals with being a better wife, mother, and homekeeper -- something I need right now.
I was 35 years old before I met my husband. There wasn't much support then for never-married women in their 30s. Even fellowship events (at least where I lived) were geared toward couples or families with "singles also welcome" added almost as an afterthought. Most of the world assumed a single woman "that old" was divorced and probably also a single mom.
It would be great to read every now and then about ministering to women who are still waiting to be wives, mothers, and homekeepers.
Crystal -
I have no idea if this is working or not. I just set up a blog today in order to be able to participate more fully. However, I have already posted several times and can't tell if it is going through or not. So. . . here it goes again!
I find much inspiration and fulfillment from your site. Encouragement and postings from all manner of readers and bloggers is thrilling and uplifting. However, I have to say that at times I feel like an outsider because I do work outside the home full-time. With a shift-working husband as well, you can imagine how little home-time we have. I wish you had some articles and contributions from people addressing some of the issues unique to our lives as well as those who are lucky enough to stay at home.
Any comments to that end are welcome.
Rebecca Myers
Tips on how to balance the needs of a husband with the needs of the children.
Tips on training our children from birth in the ways of the Lord. (books to read to them, games, etc...)
Tips on being a better keeper of the home (organization, short cuts, etc...)
Thanks and Blessings!
When you mentioned that there are days when you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and discouraged from running around in circles doing the same things over and over, we all know what you mean. Perhaps a series on helping to understand these emotions when they come and what to do about them?
Also, I think there is a need for equipping/encouraging new brides and future homemakers.
And maybe a series on keeping good things in balance. It is so easy to make anything an idol, including chasing down every deal out there, etc. Over-doing things seems to be so common now, at least for me.
Anything on marriage and family life would be great coming from you, Crystal!
Ruth
I love when you write about marraige...the submission, the helpfullness, the meeting one another's needs..the friendship and team work... we can never hear enough about that.
It would be especially helpful if you could write for women who do not have husbands that fit into the ideal Christian Leadership, head of household role...those women often feel left out and that they have to carry a role not designed ofr them.
Hi, Crystal! I love your blog. You ALWAYS have great content. I'd love more stories of things you learned growing up in a large family...values, ways to be frugal, life lessons you learned growing up, etc. I'm a big fan of reading biographies and a "Getting To Know Crystal" would be great. You have such great insight at such a young age.
I second all of the comments about homeschooling. We are first generation homeschoolers (as you know...) and any insight from your Momma would be great too. Also, I enjoy hearing about what books & materials you are using in homeschooling! Keep up the great work, your friendship and blogging has changed my life! God bless you and yours always.
I love reading your blog!!! I get encourgement from reading it!!!
I would love to see things for young girls ages 13-18!
Love,
Kelly (14)
Hi Crystal,
I love your blog, and anything you put on here I am sure will be uplifting and educational. But, since you asked, I am going to expand on what one anonymous reader posted: I would love to know how to lead my family in a more Godly direction, as I didn't come from a religous household myself. I am getting married in a short 5 months. I want to have a Christian household, but have no clue where to start! Your advice on "getting started" is much appreciated.
Best,
Laura
What about maintaining friendships while being a wife, mother, house keeper, chef, laundry attendant, teacher, nurse, maid,.......I think you get the idea!
Amanda
PS
I just started my own blog at the suggestion of my husband. Please stop by if you get a chance.
I'd love to hear some ideas on how to tie God into everyday activities with your toddler. For example, when brushing your child's hair, remind them that God knows how many hairs they have on their head, or explain how Jesus washes away our sins during bathtime, etc. Some things like this seem so simple, but I don't always think of them and am always on the lookout for more ideas.
thank you!
I am a new reader of your blog and haven't read all the past entries, but I know that a topic which would be beneficial to women (and men) of all ages would be, "Encouragement
Amongst Discouragement". There are so many hardships that families are currently facing everyday, such as loss of a loved one, infertility and miscarriage issues, loss of a job, and financial hardships, among others, that blogging about how to respond to these 'discouragements' (when they happen to you or to someone else) from a Biblical perspective and with 'encouragement' would be extremely relevant.
Thanks so much for all you do! Keep up the great work!
I'd like to see more marriage discussions. Although it's great for me to begin learning about how to raise a family, not all of us have children yet. Love all of your blogs, but would love to see more posts about having a God-pleasing, husband-honoring marriage. Thanks!
I also love your "occasional social or political commentary..."
Your blog has blessed me greatly. Thank you. I know this is a touchy subject, but I would love more information on how you train your girls. Specifically on how you train them to obey. I have 2 boys the same ages as your girls. My first son is very well behaved and was pretty easy to train but my second has been very difficult. I would like any help I can get. God Bless you Crystal.
Seeing as your blog is called "Biblical Womanhood", not "Biblical Wifehood or Motherhood", I, as a single girl, would definitely appreciate more posts of interst to "singles"...not necessarily posts about "singleness", but posts that can more easily to apply to us. That's my wandering two-sense worth! (I do appreciate topics regarding wife and motherhood though, just so you know! Lots to learn and store away for the future!) Thanks, Crystal. God bless!
Hi Crystal!
I enjoy this blog so much and have truly benefitted from your encouragement and biblically sound ideas about homemaking. I would like to be able to easily search your different series' (i.e. book reviews, several part series', etc.) since I often want to go back and reread something you've written about and may not remember when it was written.
Thanks so much for your time!
Grace
Dear Crystal,
This wouldn't really be a direction for the whole blog to take, but one concept I gleaned from your blog was the idea of expecting/hoping that daughters might remain at home until marriage. This was an entirely new concept to me and now with four daughters of my own it is one I hope to learn more about. (I have your book on the subject and enjoyed it.)
Crystal,
I agree with most of the main themes repeated in these comments. (Though I'm not as interested in politics and homeschool controversy.) I've also enjoyed your book reviews, and mainly read your blog for encouragement, challenges (like making home a haven), and ideas for improving myself as an efficient and graceful homemaker and mother, etc.
One topic idea that's applicable for all women is the area of modesty; something that is becoming more of an issue this time of year. Personally I'm challenged with how to address immodesty among fellow church-goers; it might make for an interesting discussion.
Also, I haven't read every nook and cranny of your blog, but would encourage you to consider posting your personal testimony as to how you became a Christian. I know your blog is welcoming of all believers, but somewhere you might want to post information concerning your personal faith, for those who may be lost or looking. I know it's something I need to do as well, but since your readership is vastly larger than mine...you go first. ; )
God bless you as you seek His lead in this and every endeavor.
Merrilee
I'd love to see anything about parenting/discipline of toddlers. I've been discouraged about this lately (and totally unsure how I'll handle my 2 year old as soon as baby arrives next month. Ahh!)
Maybe a few more posts about your family - the things that happen in day to day life, pictures, lessons you learn, just, real life stuff. I know you do a bit of that already. I guess as a young woman I love reading about how other people live their lives in order to build up my own resevoir of ideas! I really, really love your posts where you describe what you did during the day! Especially with the time increments. It's incredible interesting to me! :)
Also, on a different note, there's a question I've been wanting to ask you for some time. You encourage young women to make a little income (merchant maidens), but what should we spend it on? It might sound very dumb...but, did you give a lot of your money away as a young woman? Save it up for marriage? Spend it on some education? Invest it? Use it for personal things like clothes and hair products? :) I'm just a little curious. What do you think is the best thing to do with money?
I haven't read the 41 other comments to see if this is a repeat...sorry! I always like topics like organization, time management, keeping life simple, balance, how to put God first (in practical ways, not just saying that He needs to be first), and for the record, I LOVED the toddlerhood series. I've forwarded many of the posts on to friends to inspire others.
Thanks for asking our thoughts!!!
I really have loved you "Making Your HOme a Haven." It has been very motivating and I would love to see more of that.
I enjoy everything you write about and know God will lead you in what direction you should go. If I had a wish though it would be for some input in "disaster planning". My husband recently challenged me to come up with 2 weeks worth of creative recipes from canned foods that require only minimal heating that I can have in our basement for any emergency. I always have a good supply of water and canned goods in my basement for back up, but I just figured I'd "wing it" if the time ever came. That's not good enough for my husband and I totally agree with him, but I am kind of having a little difficulty since I know he won't want chicken noodle soup 3 times a day. Maybe you could do an ebook on all your bean recipes:) Anyways, thanks for all your wonderful posts. You are a blessing.
I've enjoyed the variety that occasional guest posts bring. Perhaps you could pick a general topic now and then that relates to all women and find women from various seasons of life to write about the topic from the view of "their season", in addition to what you write? Several commenters have mentioned the topic of self-discipline, so perhaps that'd be a good place to start! :)
My DH & I would love a series on Family Worship Time. Our DD is 2 years-old and we'd like to start incorporating a nightly bible reading and musical worship time. It'd be great to hear about what other families are doing!
Thanks for all your hard work! God bless!!
I, too, enjoy your blog and echo pretty much everyone else's suggestions (I read all 47 of them!). I would like to add to the pile maybe a weekly "Answer Your Questions Day" or something...I know you're extremely busy with all your work-at-home stuff and two little girls and a husband, but I notice sometimes there are questions in the comments that I don't see answered or seem to get lost in the overwhelming popularity of this blog. I think sometimes the answer could bless many more than just the questioner! I know for me sometimes there's a question someone asks you that I hadn't thought of but would really like your opinion or answer or recipe or whatever. :) Just a thought...
I can't believe Kaitlynn is almost one! My daughter just turned one on Saturday. This year flew by!
I would love to see some posting about women in politics. Our family has strong views on it, but would love to see what you have to say on the issue.
I love your insight and comments regarding children. I would be blessed by more discussion regarding marriage. Thank you for all the time and effor you put into your blogs! Many are blessed by you!
I would love hearing
-your testimony!
-Examples from your everyday life of how you help use different situations and experiences to direct your child back to the Word
-a series on God's attributes. while it doesn't have to be super comprehensive, I think this would serve people so well in helping them to focus more on the Lord. How to's are wonderful, but helping people fix their eyes on Christ is something we can always use more of!
- how your big family functioned growing up
- anything about marraige :)
i always look forward to reading your blog! God bless!
I'd love to see some guest posts from your Mum, if possible, Crystal.Especially tips on homeschooling with growing families.I'm not only new to homeschooling, I've just found out I'm expecting twins at 40.
I really enjoy your blogging wisdom and the other comments from your readers. Bloggings a great source of Christian fellowship for me, as over here in Australia,(Where we live anyway), I find Christianity to be very commercialized, and while their are some genuine folk in all necks of the woods, it's nice to get encouragement from other women who truly try to live as the Bible says.
God bless
Claire
More on motherhood, marriage, family, frugality, finances, living simply, devotions, time management, organization, menu planning, home management. Not interested in homeschooling (just my 2 cents).
thanks!
The posts I enjoy the most are the ones that cover things you do in your home; new recipes, cleaning and organization ideas, relationships between family members, etc. Pictures in those catagories are always good, too! Thanks for the work you do on this blog - it's a blessing to so many people, including me!
Well, I loved your CD "What My Parents Did Right" and so perhaps a series on that subject would be of interest to your readers.
I'm new here, but I've already added the blog to my list of daily reads. Thanks for a great site. I'm due in August with my second child and, in January 2009, plan to quit my job to become a SAHM (possibly a WAHM, still weighing my options). I would love to read any material on how to gracefully make that transition (I'm nervous, especially about the financial constraints my family faces).
Julia in Michigan
How to keep God first and how to shut out all of the other "junk" from the world. How to know you're in God's will and that what you are hearing is His voice.
I have read through you past posts alot I like reading through them and gleaned some or reminded me of things.
I like the daily ins and outs of peoples lives when I read a blog and that is what I liked about your past blog entrys. Daily triumphs and discouragements etc.
I started reading your blog a year ago and I really liked what I read.
erika
Hi Crystal,
I didn't read all the comments - but I saw a few mentions of blessing our husbands - I think this would be a great series!
You probably already know my favorite feature here is the Make Your Home a Haven series - it is encouraging to me to get busy in my home and do something to make it more of a haven.
Whatever God puts on your heart is what He knows we need to hear - so I trust He will give you guidance and direction.
Monica
I'd like to hear more about your childhood, family (parents and sibilings), the way you were homeschooled, and upbringing.
I enjoy your blog even though I am not a SAHM- I have to work outside the home full-time since DH has been unemployed for over a year. I would like to know how other woman with children who "have" to work manage- I feel like a second-class citizen most of the time.
I'm sorry I didn't read every comment so I don't know if this was mentioned or if you've ever written on this subject previously - I would LOVE to see some posts about modesty. I feel there is a real need for awareness regarding modesty, even within the church.
Thanks for all you do, Crystal. (I talk to my husband about you like you're a good friend :)
Any ideas or suggestions for writing a Vision Statement for helping guide our family or our children in a Christ Centered Home?
Analyn
I'd love to see anything on hospitality. I think it is a lost art, and while it was not often practiced in my home,growing up, I am trying to be more intentional in practicing it in my own home.
I am not as young as most of your readers, I have been married for 28 years, and have a 21yr old and a 5yr old. I would like to see some guest posts from some more seasoned women who also have practiced Biblical Womanhood for several years.
Great blog... I love to read Frugal Fridays and all the responses from your many readers. I rarely miss it!
Hi Crystal, I have been reading your blog for quite a while and have been so blessed by it! I have two kids about the same age as yours, so I am very helped by all the advice you give. I especially like advice on time management, home organization, creative ways to reach out to others as a family, creative ways to teach my kids about the Lord, and to teach them about all of life (I loved your mom's Christmas idea that she did for Kathryn), child training, blessing my husband, recipes, etc.! Keep up the good work!
How about what we did for our hubby's? After reading Passionate for God book it was a reminder about serving our hubby's. They sometimes get forgotten in taking care of the house & kids.
Something about uplifting your husband would be great.
Thanks,
Charlotte
I echo the requests for posts from your mom, or any older Titus 2 woman who has children at least into their 20s. I am a homeschooling mom with two teenagers and an 8 year old, and I find that I am going through a phase where I have many questions and not too many have answers (I would say, not YET, because their children aren't old enough, but mine are old enough and I need some quidance/inspiration/wisdom!)
Krista
It would be great to read:
Posts by your mom
posts about discipline and obedience for children
a post by Jesse about you and his perspective on having such a smoothly run home, hardworking wife, etc. It would inspire us wives i know!!!
I echo the Titus 2 idea
Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this. And thanks for your blog so much.
Arli
family worship time ideas would be great! and ideas for sharing the gospel with your kids. and how to help them share it with others.
and stuff about your mom and dad and family...how they taught you so well,etc.
and...what about some posts about how to rightly minister to in-laws.
thanks!!
cris
HI Crystal, you see a lot of info on homeschooling on the web and a lot of cute stories and ideas and things being done with elementary aged children--but since you are a graduate and not too far away from your teen years --perhaps you or your mom could share ideas or an insight into what it was like in the later years as a homeschooler. I am about to embark on homeschooling a 7th grader and anxiety and worry are creeping in--I would love to hear from older homeschoolers about things they liked, did not like etc. This would be espeically helpful to come from someone like you or your husband who seemed to enjoy being homeschooled even in the teen years.
thanks!
Keeping a variety of topics is very helpful because not every woman is in the same season in life.
For example, I don't really enjoy the political topics so much. Subjects like homeschooling don't apply to my life. I know others may enjoy these. I often just skip them.
Not every reader you have of course is married, with children and does homeschooling. There are singles, widows, women without children or women who have lost children, women who are healthy, women who deal with sickness.
Perhaps a combination of variety in topics as well as continued guest posts from women from all seasons of life will be helpful?
Thanks for all you do. And yes, I like the "making a home a haven" posts. I hope you'll continue them.
I would love to hear any idea/hints/tips you have for being hospitable while living in a one bedroom apartment. My husband and I would like to have people over to fellowship, but our apartment is small and there isn't much parking space available.
Crystal,
Maybe I am not the only one that there (??) that could greatly benefit from some practical how-to's on cleaning. Some of us--well me at least--did not receive training in housekeeping. I wonder often if i am really doing it right. Could you perhaps devote a small series of posts sometime to "How To Clean." I feel a little silly asking, but perhaps there are a lot of us out there that really don't know what we're doing when it comes to cleaning and keeping things clean.
Thank you so much.
I personally LOVE the book reviews that you do. It is so hard to find good literature. Your recommendations help me weed out the bad and find the good!
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