After a very full, very wonderful weekend – I’m finally finding a minute to sit down and type out a weekly menu to share with you. But here’s what I can’t stop thinking:
I don’t want to type out a menu to share.
It’s not because I don’t love menu plans and find them really helpful. It’s just that it takes quite a bit of time each week to type it all out and find the links for all the recipes. What if I just want to take a few minutes to scratch down my menu plan in my Menu Planning Notebook and throw it on my fridge?
And what if sometimes I have something on my heart to share for Gratituesday, but sometimes I think of something that fits this but it’s (believe it or not) a Friday? Do I save it for Gratituesday or share it on Friday and give you a recipe on Tuesday instead?
I don’t know, you guys. It’s weird and maybe it even seems silly, but even though I’m thankful for a million and a half things – sometimes “coming up with” a Gratituesday post each week feels like pressure to me. Just like typing out a menu plan has begun to feel like “work.”
Don’t misunderstand. I love what I do here. {insert lots of exclamation marks all over the place} I just wonder if I would maybe love it more if I stopped blogging so much on a schedule and simply…blogged.
You know what my best posts have been? They’ve been the posts God has put on my heart to write, then I’ve listened and obeyed. But keeping to a schedule has sometimes meant that I don’t have time to write some of what God has put on my heart. I can’t even tell you how many great lessons God has been teaching me lately. I want to fill books and posts and newsletters about it all! But then I too often run out of time because I’m taking the time to write a menu or whatever.
(All great writers end sentences with “or whatever.” It’s a great way to add meaning to a thought and all that stuff.)
I know many of you love reading my menu plans. The good news is that I’ve got two eBooks filled with them and about 1,000 menu plans for free in my archives that you can access at any time for inspiration. I will welcome the time this frees up for me to focus on other writing, so I won’t grieve this change much.
But not writing a Gratituesday post each week? Well that makes me tear up a little. That has been a weekly part of Heavenly Homemakers since this site was a newborn. I really want to hear from you on this! Stop Gratituesday as a feature or keep it? I promise that if it’s no longer a weekly feature, I will absolutely still share what I’m grateful for as I have something special to share. It just might not be on a Tuesday. Shoot. I don’t know. There’s something really special about Gratituesday. It’s hard to think about letting that go.
I would really appreciate your input. What do you love about HeavenlyHomemakers.com? What blesses you the most?
It takes hours each week to keep up with this site. These are hours I love, but I’m always behind on keeping up and I want my time to be spent in a way that is a blessing to you – my very dear and precious readers. Plus I want my content to be Spirit led, not schedule led.
So will you please share your thoughts with me? I’m praying over this and will pray over your comments as I consider them.
God has done amazing things with HeavenlyHomemakers.com. I can’t help but wonder what He has in mind next.
Go with spirit led for sure! I believe the spirit is leading you to it:)
Blessings!
If you know that God has put something on your heart, go with it! Faithful readers will understand. Too often we stretch ourselves thin, even with things that sound good. I can’t tell you whether you should keep or not keep Gratituesday posts, but I do look forward to them. Sometimes the discipline of devotion/study/thankfulness can be very rewarding even when it’s work. Sometimes we need a Sabbath rest. I enjoy posts of yours whether their source is humor, food, family, or faith (or even a combination of all of the above!), and appreciate what you do.
May God bless and keep you.
Honestly, I could care less about a schedule! :) But, I do hope you post meal plans occasionally. I do enjoy your meal plans quite a bit!
Laura,
By all means, change things up! I’m just happy to read a blog that is so encouraging and REAL. Blog what God puts on your heart, and if occasionally He leaves some “blank spots” in your blogging inspiration then add in your menu plans and a “gratimonday, gratituesday, gratiwednesday etc.” :) You are so appreciated and loved. Thank you for being such a blessing!
May I refer you back to your own post, (which I still read over and over) “Will All of the Real Moms…”? You suggested relying continually on His grace and loving mercy.
I got to your blog from this very apt and sincere post. Yes, I have enjoyed your menus, thank you, they are great tools. And it is good, so good, to be reminded, exhorted, to be thankful. But I don’t want you to write out of a sense of duty or burden. Use your spiritual gifts for the body of Christ. Share the words the Spirit gives you for others.
I’ve been reading your post for years and my favorites are the ones about mothering teenage boys. Feeding them plays into that for sure, lol, but just adding recipes (or links to older ones) is great. I’m a mom of two teen boys and I enjoy your thoughts and perspective. There aren’t many stay at home moms of teens out there anymore and even less bloggers that fit that bill. SO Thank You for blogging!! I would be happy with you posting as the Lord leads!! :)
blogging is suppose to be about fun, we wouldn’t enjoy if it wasn’t enjoyed by you, we would read right through it….
Hi Laura, i do like Gratituesday, the name is perfect for that day obviously, but if you give us a recipe that day i won’t be sad. I like your whole blog, it doesn’t matter what day of the week i read the schedule post, it matters that you shared it with us. Thank you for all your hardwork, and change is always good :)
Personally, I love Gratituesday. It forces me to stop and think of something I’m thankful for, even if my day totally sucks. But going where God leads is always the right direction.
Definitely go with what the Spirit is leading you to do! I love reading all your posts, no matter the schedule :-)
My dear Laura – be free! You are hereby released to blog (or not to blog) as you feel led. What you do here is very valuable – and I believe it will become even more valuable and meaningful as you follow where the Spirit leads you. Your recipes and practical tips are wonderful, but I’m personally more blessed with the stories you share about your life and how you’re living and loving and learning and growing. This kind of thing doesn’t happen according to a schedule (in my experience, anyway…). Your words are such a blessing to so many – we don’t want you to feel bogged down (blogged down? :) ) or burdened or heavy as a result of trying to produce what you think is expected. Be free, be you, be led by the Spirit! Looking forward to what you have to share, whenever you decide to share it! Bless you :)
I don’t pay attention to the schedule, I just enjoy the content. I meal plan on Thursdays, so seeing your meal plan on Sunday or a Wednesday instead doesn’t matter. I mostly enjoy seeing the new recipes!
Laura. Love this. Um, yes. Scratch down your menu plan on he fridge. You’ve served us up so many recipes, surely we can do that too!! And yes, you know your favorite post of mine is still the one about all the real moms standing up? This is a real mom moment!! You are released..in the freedom of the grace of Jesus. (;
I agree with the above comments. A suggestion though? Keeping gratituesday. However if you don’t have time to write a full post just writing a list. Maybe a bit like the book 1000 Gifts suggests and then leaving space for comments of gratitude. It doesn’t have to be a long post but I do love that weekly reminder. It is so good for all of us to do and the Bible says that we are to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Seems appropriate? Now off my soap box and humbled by how much I need to work on my own thankfulness. You really do write a lovely blog and I am loving the husband series.
I really do appreciate the meal plans! but the question at hand… gratitude should happen daily! that said, write it when there is something on your heart to share! if a schedule is too rigid change it up so that you are enjoying writing! :)
I love the menu plans but as long as I can find older ones all in one place that’s fine with me.
Relax and follow God’s leading. Menus are nice but not necessary. Gratituesday is great but I know personally any day can be a Gratiday. For that matter, every day should be a Gratiday.
Blog what you want to blog, when you want to blog! I thrive on routine, but sometimes, I get bored or just need to shake it up a little. The last thing I want to see is you getting burned out and giving it up – I love your blog too much for that to happen! So, change things up, take some breaks, even blog fewer times per week if necessary – whatever you need to feel refreshed.
As long as you keep posting, the topic can change as often as you like. I enjoy surprises!
Skip the schedule, but make sure you promote new articles. I don’t check every day, but when a new article shows up in my Facebook feed I almost always click through. Love your blog and you. Keep up the good work.
You can never go wrong when you do what God wants :)
I love your blog so much. Gratituesday is really special to me, but as long as you keep sharing gratitude posts, I’m cool with you doing it not on a schedule. Sweet mama, you have boys to keep you occupied and graduations and getting one ready for college; it’s a lot. We all get it. We love your blog, but we aren’t going to fault you for putting the Lord and your family first. I use a feed reader, so I’m not worried about missing any posts. We’ll still be here to read your posts whenever you get around to posting them. :) Kudos for being willing to step out of the box when the Lord leads you in that direction.
Thank you for blessing us with your writing. Your love for God, family, & others is encouraging & sometimes convicting in good & gentle ways. Thank you for sharing your life with us. May God continue to bless you & your family & may He continue to lead along His path.
Love that you are being led to something new, and have no idea what that will look like! Keep on being faithful and real and loving our Jesus and the rest will fall into place. I only follow 2 blogs, yours and Sally Clarksons. I wanted to limit the influences and “voices” in my life to those I have actually met and resonate with that would encourage me on this path of SAHM, homeschooler, etc.
Loved meeting you in Colorado Springs a couple years ago (had 2 boys then, they are now 8 and 10 and have gone out in faith for more and are expecting a girl in July!) Sally too has gone to only posting once a week or so (sometimes more as she desires to).
The posts that bless me most? Describing your day, books you love and come across, serving as a family, gardening, marriage encouragement, … ok well, most anything. and while I love the menus, I never do all the same anyway and end of looking up more of your recipes.
Have fun being Free!
I echo a TRIPLE AMEN to what Joy said above. My dear sister in Christ – be FREE!! Do only what the Spirit leads and do it when He leads you. Too many times we encumber ourselves with our own “to-do” list when Jesus said that His burden would be easy and light. If your burden is anything other than easy and light (which makes it a joy), then you’ve picked up something in addition to His burden along the way. Let it go and enjoy the freedom…..for you are free indeed!
I concur with the above posts – keep a gratitude post and ditch the schedule. The gratitude post are wonderful! The biggest blessing I receive from your blog is the sharing of your heart and the spurring on of others to deepen their walk with God. Don’t misunderstand, I have benefitted much from your great recipes but your glorifying our Lord and Savior is what keeps me coming back. May God give you peace in your decision.
I agree with not having a schedule. It really doesn’t matter what you post and when you post it…they are all a blessing no matter when we read them. I have been looking through your old meal plans for months without any trouble. It’s just like seeing a new plan everyday. I agree with posting gratitudes on any day of the week as well. We can see and feel them them everyday so why limit yourself by posting them on a certain day of the week? Follow the path God is leading you on and you can’t go wrong.
I think you should definitely blog as you feel led. Family is way more important than chronicling every day or minute of your life. It would be like having to call someone daily and have a conversation with them even though you had nothing to say.
Just thinking about the pressure of blogging has kept me from doing it. If you dread it then you should definitely change things. We will still be here!
Laura,
It amazes me every day how as my kids get older, I’m busier! I have 4 boys like you. I homeschool, like you……I even have one off in college….so much free time..NOT!
So take a break! Be free! I like how one person said “you are released to blog how you want to”.
I am so blessed by your blog! I love the recipes, gratituesday, reading about your family and hearing your heart about God!
Just walk in obedience……whatever that looks like……because that’s why we love it here!
I agree with all of the above comments. Things change. Seasons change. Change with them. I look forward to your blogs, but they can come when ever. I do hope that you continue sharing the Surrendered Heart series. I’ve been really blessed and am printing them out to study on my own…when I can.
Don’t be Super K- or Super L in your case…that is the Superhero Laura, where we try to do everything…and in my case, stress everyone out in the process. {My husband actually scribbled out a SuperK with the circle and line thru it and posted it on my “Home Center” bulletin board calender weekly plan thing.} :)
I enjoy your blog and look forward to the recipes and menu plans…but I think that we all will survive and thrive if they don’t come out everyday on schedule. You do what needs to be done for you and your family. We are to be led by God…so like one commenter wrote…YOU ARE RELEASED. :) Happy blogging (whenever you get to it)
Pray on it and follow what God put on your heart. So away your “shedule” and blog. We still be here
Hi Laura,
Your posts over the last few years that I’ve been a reader have supported me in slowing down, smiling instead of frowning, appreciating what I have and the gifts in my life, and most importantly, in learning to hear God’s voice. I’d say take your own wonderful advice. :O) We love you and appreciate you no matter what you post.
Your heart is what makes this blog so wonderful. Nothing could make that better than for you to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading for what and when you blog. Thanks so much for being sensitive to His leading.
Hi. The schedule doesn’t matter to me. I just love your blog – the recipes and hearing your heart is such an encouragment !
I’m a blk/wht sorta person. In definition of blog says website or page where individual writes personal opinions activities and experiences Doesnt say anything about every Tues. Do this or Fri. This ????Do what you do shouldnt be stressful or cause pressure God Bless
Please please please!!! follow your heart and Do what God is telling you to do. If you have something special to share it does not have to be on a Tuesday. If you don’t feel like typing up a menu then share whatever’s on your heart. Your blog will be just as good…probably better if you share your inspirational thoughts, new recipes, and grocery savings deals as they come instead of on a schedule.
I love the comment above that says “Be Free!” I agree. I feel so connected to you – I have three girls (plus on miscarried baby waiting in heaven), with my first graduate this year – we are living parallel lives (except in mine, remove boys, insert girls). My very favorite posts of yours are the ones where you share what God lays on your heart. I can tell you’re not trying to fill in a post, you are blogging from that deep place within and it always, always blesses and speaks to me. I love knowing I’m not the only mom with tears and joy so intermingled over the next few weeks and I have hope that we will both survive and thrive in this new season of life that is beginning to open up before us as our little chicks fly from the next one by one. You so often put words to my thoughts and feelings and it encourages me and lifts me up. SO, my opinion is to blog as the Lord leads and we will all be blessed by His wisdom!
I absolutely love reading your posts! Your Godly spirit and sense of humor are so refreshing. That being said, I thought my life was crazy. I can’t imagine trying to keep up with yours! You should completely follow God’s timing on what and when you post. I typically peruse the menu plans and then pin what recipes I will use in the future (because of my crazy schedule I don’t often have time for sit down dinners and typically make crock-pot or one dish meals). Please don’t ever feel burdened to “deliver” a post on any certain schedule.
Go as God leads you! Listen and obey. As you said, those posts where you listened to God and obeyed by writing according to His prompting are your best. It’s the content, not the schedule, that matters.
I LOVE your writing, Laura, in any form it takes! It is wonderful to open a post from you with pictures of your boys, their activities, your food deliveries, bathroom remodel…whatever is a current slice of your life that you feel excited about sharing!
The randomness of it keeps it interesting so PLEASE don’t burn out…go with your obvious leading to do what brings JOY to you, not a burden, and keep writing what God puts on your heart!
Trust the Lord’s leading; if it’s good for you, it will be good for us!
All of the above. . . . .Love to you and your family in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Why choose only one day to express your gratitude? We are grateful everyday, so just go with what is on your heart! You can always do a “breaking news” post…or a “gratitude alert”! Everything in His time.
As for your blog, about the only thing I don’t read, is menu planning.
Thank you for sharing!
Blessings!
I love your blog. You are an encouragement to me and I learn lots from you. Having said that….I would be fine if you don’t have a schedule. You need to do what is right for you and your family first! I’m along for the ride either way. Many blessings to you and yours, Cindy
Laura, Be ttrue to yourself and follow your heart. We will love whatever you write whenever you write it.
Blessings for your day and sunshine for your heart…..????
Laura,
If God is moving you to be Spirit led, then by golly, you need to be Spirit led. Schedules are wonderful and they have their place, but when we hear that still small voice we must listen and obey.
My favorite thing about your blog is your spirituality. I love how you let the Spirit move you to teach what He would have you teach. So if that means a change in how you present your blog each week, so be it.
Thank you and may God bless you for all the good you do in the world each day!
I look forward to reading your posts each day – you are one of my favorite bloggers and I appreciate getting a sneak peak into your life…especially as I gear up to begin homeschooling my children this fall. That said, I don’t care about you following a certain schedule but I do love your gratitude posts. Whether they happen on a Monday or a Thursday I don’t think matters to anyone. I would be sad to not see anymore menu or food posts but what about a “what we ate this week” post including pics of your food? Just a snippet into your food choices would keep me looking forward to seeing more real food recipes and keep me inspired to keep making them!! Thank you for all you do and for being an inspiration to so many! Blessings!
Since this is your blog you should do what you feel the LORD is leading you to do. If HE is leading it will be right.
I love your blog and read every single post….mostly. I do not read through your menu plans. They were very helpful when I first found your site, but now I make my own menu plan and if I just happen to need one of your recipes that I don’t already have, I just jump on the website. Super quick and easy.
I love your Gratituesday posts, BUT we are to be thankful every day so I think if you come up with something you are thankful for to share on a day other than Tuesday, I say share it then!
I will continue reading your blog with or without a set schedule! I love how God has used you in my life.
I’ve been reading your post for years and my favorites are the ones about what is happening now. I loved the way you use to write about homeschooling one day and a recipe the next. I first started reading your blog because you inspired me to be a better homemaker, mother, and wife. Most of the time life doesn’t happen on a schedule so why should your blog. I would follow your heart because the women you inspire will continue to follow your blog.
Well, after reading many of the above blogs, I do not hardly even feel a need to add my own comments. I personally enjoy all of your posts, but have only used your menu plans as a springboard for my own menu ideas. I mostly use your wonderful recipes and cooking tips (like frozen muffin dough and baking whole pumpkins, for instance….life-in-the-kitchen-changing!). I’m also challenged and encouraged by your sharing and teaching posts.
I agree with so many that following the leading of the Spirit and not being a “slave” (even to something good that you love), is most important. That being said, I also wonder if it would be difficult to keep a consistent blog if there is no schedule. I’m sure you know much better than I. I have been thinking/praying about starting a blog myself, as many have suggested it to me, but am certainly no expert!). You will know what to do.
So do what you feel is right for this season……however long or temporary/permanent it may be. Perhaps you will not know for sure until you give it a try.
Thanks for all you do and for sharing your heart. You’re still the only blogger I’ve kept permanently on my list, as your heart resonates with mine. God bless you whatever you decide.
I appreciate all the information you have provided over the years. As far as the future, it doesn’t matter how you want to present it. It’s hard to do something when you struggle with it. Go with what is in your heart.
I think in the beginning of blogging it would be helpful to have a schedule so you could get in the habit of blogging every week no matter what. Now that it is such a part of your life, I bet you won’t have a problem getting frequent posts up even if the subject isn’t decided for you ahead of time!
I personally love Gratituesday! I also love the meal plans but I mostly scroll down to get ideas for dinner. But I totally understand how your schedule is too all-consuming.
I love that you promote healthy eating. But how your family defines “healthy” varies a lot from mine. (We eat a lot more beef and fish than your bunch, for example). I would love to read more posts on healthy eating in general. And I love trying your recipes & cooking techniques! So if it’s a pain to put your exact menu up, I wouldn’t miss it. Every family’s “healthy,” everyone’s budgets, and everyone’s favorites are different.
Also, I don’t read my emails every single day and will sometimes read my favorite bloggers’ posts 3-4-5 at a time. I don’t care that I’m got necessarily seeing your Gratituesday on Tuesday or your shopping deal posts on the weekend. I just enjoy them in general!
Randomness wouldn’t bother me a bit. Honestly, this is how I blog and I find my posts are much more genuine that way because I’m writing what I feel when I feel it.
Laura,
You are a blessing every time you post. Your sense of humor and reality about life encourages me so much. As a schedule-avoider myself (just the thought of them raises my blood pressure several points, but since things like not picking your kid up from practice on time or forgetting what day your husband flies back into town after a month in India make OTHER people’s blood pressure rise, I have conceded to them as a necessary evil), I support anything that relieves stress, especially not being a slave to a schedule!! And if hearing from you on a random basis means fresh ideas that you’re excited to share, I say toss the schedule!
Thanks for sharing your life so honestly with us; I have to say, I am in a similar position, with kids roughly the same ages (my first graduated two years ago, and the second will be graduating in 2 weeks), so trying to eat whole, natural food is sometimes complicated and expensive, especially with large appetites and friends added in, and I especially love how you try to simplify the whole thing. Please don’t stop posting!
Thank you for all of your wise words and guidance. You have helped me to find balance and prioritize with my home responsibilities. I would think if you continued doing something that wasn’t enjoyable that it would turn into a burden and you would begin to resent it. I don’t know you personally, but I think you’re the type of person who wants to enjoy life! So, please enjoy life. We will survive without knowing what your family will eat this week. You have taught us how to make our own menu plans. You have equipped us well with your knowledge and planning tools. I can’t thank you enough for the encouragement to make the changes for my own family and our health/nutrition. (I was personally glad to see that you took a blogging break around Easter! You deserve it!!)
Do what makes you happy, follow your heart, do what makes you LESS STRESSED. We love your blog on any day they are posted!
I just want to chime in and love on you a second. You’re one of the few blogs that I still read because I love you. :-)
I “quit” blogging for about 6 months. Because I was tired of the game. The schedule. The “this is how you blog” rules. I was burned out and didn’t love it any more.
That six month break was the BEST thing to happen to my blog. Ever. Now I just blog when I want to – with what I have to say. I don’t follow any blogging rules any more. I don’t try to do it all. And it feels SO, SO GOOD.
So, I think you should do what you want to do with the time you have. Do what you love to do. Forget the other junk filling up your blog. Hate reviews? Quit reviews. They aren’t worth your time if you hate them. Love Gratituesday? Keep it. Only feel like blogging on Tuesday? More power to ya, sister!
Whatever you decide, your readers will stick around – because we love you. :-)
Hi Laura. Don’t blog just because it’s something you “think” that you should do. Do things that bring peace. I’ve noticed that bloggers are slowing things down because they see that it’s taking them away from what is precious and meaningful. Yes, blogging can bring people information and God’s love through this digital means but what about the person that is blogging? Is it taking them away from the most meaningful things that life brings? I enjoy your posts so much and you help me laugh a little in my day. A blessing! But if this becomes a chore because your feeling pressure, please do this for fun, 8-) Your time producing it should be fun, 8-) Something you can walk away from and know that it’s special.
I will ALWAYS favor Holy Spirit-led over schedule! He wants to be Lord of our schedule anyway! It will be awesome for you to model what that looks like. We are such products of worldly wisdom that we forget the One who made us and has incredible plans for us and our schedules. I say “Be free to let the Holy Spirit lead you!” That’s the kind of blog I want to follow!
You are a great blessing!! I always look forward to hearing from you through your blog, no matter the topic, because you seem “real” and sincere, and always share useful or encouraging thoughts! And you make me laugh and smile with relatable observations (the “Drink more water” post anyone?!! :D). Walk in the direction you feel led, do what is right for you and your family — better to adjust and change than to let a good thing become a burden.
You write and post the way you need to, and I’ll keep reading. Your site is my main go to for recipes and meal ideas, but that doesn’t really require a weekly list for me to see. I understand hitting a busy season in life. We would rather have you happy and writing when you can than working on a schedule that doesn’t function for you right now. Hang in there, we will be here and happy to see whatever you put up.
Hi Laura,
I hear where you are coming from girl, and stuff. I’ve been muddling through the same dilemma. (Wow, I had to look up how to spell that because the spell check was blinking all red at me like crazy! Didn’t it use to have an N in it?) Anyway, I’ve been praying for the leading of the Holy Spirit and here is what I believe that He has come up with:
He asks me – How do you feel when you are sitting down with the laptop on your lap and your daughter needs help studying for her college finals? How do you feel when your son wants you to play catch out in the yard, but you really need to get this post written and scheduled? How do you feel when your baby girl wants to curl up in your lap and read a book, but it’s Wednesday night and your “Thankful Thursday” post is not gonna write itself? How do you feel when your hunky hubby wants to go for a little drive, but you have ads to schedule and post ideas to brainstorm? Or, heaven forbid, you get a little alone time after the kids have gone to bed, but you just have to proofread one last post and then you’ll make time?
I do love my followers and friends at The Thankful Onion, but I believe God gave me this voice to be a blessing to others, as well as myself. It is not a blessing when it becomes a chore that I put in front of my family or my Savior. I have become so in love with my post scheduler. When I do have time to sit down and knock out a few posts, I take advantage and space them out in my schedule, because who knows when I ‘ll get time again.
You bring up a great point about the menus in your ebooks and archives. There are plenty there for people that rely on them. You have got them covered. And at The Thankful Onion, I have Thankful Thursday, but sometimes God’s blessings just can’t wait to be shared, so I just buck the system and post on Tuesday, or Saturday, or…. (I’m a rebel like that!)
I love your blog. You are a blessing! Give yourself some grace and do what is best for YOU and what God has given you!
Much love,
Stacy
aka The Head Onion
To everything there is a season
Follow the promptings of the Lord Jesus Christ, that is ALL that matters!!
Will read whenever you post
Personally I don’t use the menu plans, I look at that and just say that woman is good menu planning is one of my downfalls
You have a precious spirit and your love for The Lord is evident in all you post
First of all, good for you for being open and willing to make a change if that’s where God is leading you. You have freedom here – have fun exercising it!
Now here are two things love most about your blog: any great tips/recipes/food products you discover and share. Love that! I’ve used your product recommendations and recipes many times.
Since I homeschool, that’s the other thing I love hearing about. My oldest will begin “high school” this fall, so I would love to hear more about how you all have (successfully!) navigated those waters. (But it does not have to be in a structured sort of way. Just what you are inspired to share. I bet there are others like me who read your blog and would love to know.)
Basically, put up an honest, inspired post, and I’ll enjoy it. :)
Thanks for all you do!
What I love about Heavenly Homemakers is the way you write (including ending sentences with “or whatever”) and the way you share your life and what God’s been doing in it. I feel like we sometimes get great satisfaction out of a schedule because it makes us feel in control. When it starts to control us, rather than us allowing God to take charge, there is a problem! So I applaud your courage in listening to the voice that says “maybe I need to change”. Pray and do what God leads you to – I’ll continue to read as long as you keep saying “or whatever” (and honestly, I love Gratituesday but I don’t care what day you share what you are grateful for, and I rarely read menu plans!)
Every email, no matter the regularity, is a gift. I always come away with some nugget that I carry with me whether it be a recipe or a new product or a prompt to mull something over in my life. Regularity is not important to me.
YOU are the only blog I follow daily and have actually subscribed to as well. There are lots of real food blogs, faith blogs, mom blogs, etc but I go to those when I am searching for something specifically. I don’t care to waste my day reading a list of 10+ blogs of other people’s perfect lives, I’d rather live mine more fully. (That’s my philosophy)
BUT, your blog is such a refreshing, informative, inspiring, smile-making, renewal to my day that I love receiving my daily email with your blog!!!! LOVE it so much! The three minutes it takes leaves me a better wife, mother, daughter of Christ, and person! I love anything you post about and how without knowing you personally you make me feel so close to you like if I did. You are so open, honest, humble, real, funny, show your internal weird side (that everyone has just like to hide) YOU are just so awesome!! All other blogs are just to fake perfect kind of life with everything perfectly clean and decorated and themselves all made up with curled hair, make up, and high heels that you leave feeling less of a person. Love your house your pictures of family and kitchen mess ups in a normal home, normal clothes, no photo edits :) makes me feel like I can compare–more like my real life. And I ove your humbleness and your humor though it’s just you and I don’t think you try to be! So it’s great to hear anything from you whenever. No schedule is better so God can lead you more and your writing can contain all the love and excitement you are inspired with at the time. I read through all the comments and it’s awesome everyone feels the same! Thanks for being confident enough to show is the real YOU and your family without feeling the need to brush it up or not put the weird (but totally normal bc we all have them) and random thoughts that come to your mind and spunk it up! We all come to this blog because YOU are inspiring only secondly to the content bc like I said there’s plenty of other blogs providing just content too we could go to daily. Yours is better than that.
I’m not going to read the other comments right now so I can just tell you what I think. ;)
If a schedule is stressful or taking away from what God is leading you to write, it isn’t from Him (the stress). You have so many menu plans archived, we don’t need more. We have plenty to work with! I think you have the full right to post Gratituesday posts on whatever day you like.
I use your blog mainly for amazing recipes, but I love hearing about your life & family sprinkled throughout those recipes.
I love reading your posts – all of them, although oddly I do not really cook in my house, that’s my husband’s domain (and yes, I know how blessed I am!). You are such an encouragement – anything you want to post is going to be a blessing, regardless of when it is posted!
I bless you as you write as the Spirit of God leads you
To answer your original question: if you don’t want to blog on a schedule then don’t blog on a schedule. Blog when it feels right for you. I know schedule or not – I will be here reading your posts. I love your sense of humor. You do what’s right for you and your family.
Not being a blogger myself, I have often imagined that having to post on a schedule about certain topics would feel pressured and not a responsibility I would want. I love living deadline free! (Well for the most part.) When I was starting my real food journey I devoured every word of your blog. Now I kind of skim it as I do with other blogs, trying to cut down the time I spend on it. But I think it would be really fresh and fun as a reader to see what comes from you when you let go of the schedule. I love your heart for the Lord, for marriage, for parenting, for homeschooling… And maybe He has a lot more for you in those fields of blogging. Who knows!
I bless you to write as the Spirit of God leads you. I always enjoy reading whatever it is you write. I like the way God wired your brain. You have been an encouragement to me, and so I bless you to continue to use this blogging thing as God’s ministry through you in His own way!
Thank you for all you share.
Heather
Hi Laura!
I feel like we are girlfriends Laura and if I were sitting at the table having coffee with you I’d say, you are fabulous! And what you have allowed the Lord to accomplish through you has made a tremendous impact for good for His kingdom.
What I love about HH is how authentic you are. This whole blog, including Gratituesday and your meal plans … were they not once an idea from the Lord? A leading of His spirit? So, if what He has done in the past has been so great, why not continue to follow His leading now? I say go for it girl.
Be encouraged friend, You are an inspiration.
Your sense of humor and desire to keep things simple is what made me a regular reader. Your encouragement posts have helped me a lot and I always check your cookbooks first when it’s time to bake. I don’t care when or how you blog – as long as you keep doing it. If Gratituesday becomes Thankful Thursday this week – I will enjoy reading it on Thursday. And no, I don’t think it necessary to share your meal plans I it has become a burden. That is an admirable amount of work for a busy woman and you have loads of ideas for menu plans already – do what is on your heart, what you enjoy, and what helps you as much as it helps us. Thank you for continuing to bless us with easy, tasty recipes and encouragement to keep our homes Heavenly!
As long as you keep writing, I don’t care how often or how little you do it. I do, however, love your Gratituesday posts. :)
I am sad that we are missing out on the Sprit-led posts because of some schedule that doesn’t work for you anymore! God bless you, Laura, and follow the direction that the Spirit is leading you!
Let’s hear it for gratiTuesday on Friday! Or Thursday or Saturday or… Like others have said, I don’t always read the posts on the day that they’re posted, but what’s encouraging is the writing, not the day it’s written.
The only real benefit I get from your meal plans is that it will highlight older recipes I’ve forgotten about. This was really helpful when I first started reading your blog years ago, but now I pretty much know all your recipes. :-)
I love Gratituesday, but can understand how you want to not be on a schedule. Why don’t you just keep the name, but post whenever you want?
I would definitely keep a “day off” where you don’t post any site related stuff – I know that can be so helpful!
Please be led by the Spirit, not by a schedule. I LOVE what you do here and don’t want you to burn out! It doesn’t matter to me what you write about on which day as long as you keep blogging.
It would be hard for me to say what blesses me most on your blog because I love it all: your spiritual thoughts, what’s going on with your family, your awesome ideas for working efficiently in the kitchen and your delicious recipes. Tell us what you’re grateful for any day you like. Reading about your gratitude is helping me to be more grateful also.
Spirit-led is ALWAYS best. :) I love to hear how God is working in your life/family even more than I enjoy the recipes and tips you offer. You have given so much encouragement to so many of us . Keep it up at your own pace and as God prompts you. Hugs!!!
I love everything about your blog. If you choose to keep it the same…great. If you choose to change it…great. Thanks for always being honest and real. Your blog is such an encouragement.
You are very talented and you must be very organized! Your blogg is wonderful and it seems that many of us relate to you!
But if you are feeling tired or burnt out you should slow down.
God, family then everything else! Why not take a complete summer off! Then decide how you feel. I personaly love your recipies and tips but don’t use your menu plan often. Take time off you deserve it!
Amen, to doing what works for you for the time being! God is always teaching us, growing us, and so we change and are continually growing up in Him! So your blog is allowed to change and grow as well… :) Thank you and blessings to you!
If you don’t WANT to write a GratitTuesday, menu post, etc., I say….DON’T! As long as you’re not breaking any of the Lord’s commands, enjoy the freedom! What I love about your blog is it’s real, honest, funny, and practical – not that it’s regimented. Take it from a recovering perfectionist – your freedom is worth disappointing some people,
Dearest Laura – You already know what you are supposed to do. You said it yourself in this post. “I want to be Spirit-led, not schedule-led.” Indeed, that should be the heart-cry of all of us – to live a Spirit-led life. An old saying – “Let Go – Let God.” Let go of your schedule and what you perceive as the expectations of others – and let God lead you down new and exciting paths. As you said, you have plenty of meal plans and recipes archived. So what if Gratituesday becomes Gratifriday? It’s the gratitude that’s important, not the day. And, as someone else has said, you should take one day off each week and rest from your (blogging) labors.
We all love you – your quirky sense of humor, your humility, your down-to-earth wisdom, and your love of God and openness to his leading. We’ll stay with you, no matter what. In fact, i look forward to the new direction the blog will be taking – whatever it is.
Listen to the Spirit. Many blessings on you and your famly.
God bless you! Do what you need to, and we will adjust!
As a fairly new follower I enjoy all the things you post. Let the Lord lead you and do what is best for you! We will be here when you post and will enjoy it when you write! While Gratituesday is nice–any day is fine because the gratitude it the most important part!!
Your blogs are wonderful…I read and enjoy them nearly everyday. Your blog was one of the key reasons I have switched to using mostly whole foods. Your recipes and suggested sites have helped me immensely. Thank you.
I think you might find a day-of-rest from writing the blog (and other “work”) more refreshing than the freedom you would find in not being tied to the schedule. I agree that it is not good to be a slave to a schedule, but a schedule can also be freeing. You can use the schedule to your advantage. If you have something on Friday that you are grateful for, go ahead and write about it on Friday but post it on Tuesday. Ahh….Tuesday’s work is done early.
One more thought on Gratituesday. As Christians, we often fail to honor God for the many, many blessings we have in our lives. It is a good practice to set aside a specific time to say I WILL rejoice in what God has done, even if I don’t feel like it. If that is something Gratitesday accomplishes in your life then don’t drop it.
Finally, what does your wonderful husband think about the idea of dropping Gratituesday. He probably has more wisdom and insight of what is best for you and your family than any of the rest of us.
Hi Laura,
Personally, I would love it if you kept the consistency of Gratituesday, but if you chose to do it at other points of the week I would still love them. Please, write when and what God puts on your heart every time.
I just love to hear from you! Whatever you choose, I will still be here:)
Well Laura, I love reading your Gratituesday posts but not because they come out on a Tuesday every week. I don’t even get them on a Tuesday coz I live in New Zealand, and I don’t always read them the instant they arrive in my Inbox (there may even be some unread Gratituesdays still somewhere in my Inbox!). I may even read last week’s one a week or two late! But I enjoy reading them, and I enjoy knowing when I see a Gratituesday heading that I’ll read something warm and loving and inspiring (not that your other posts aren’t those things…) and I know that if you move off scheduling, you’ll still be moved to share things you are grateful for, and things that you are moved by, and if it’s done as and when you are inspired to, we may end up averaging more than one a week! My suggestion would be to have a suitable catch phrase for your title (Gratiwhicheverday?) so that I can easily recognise a joy bubble post for when that’s just what I need :) Hugs and gratitude!
There is a season for everything. You have been a tremendous blessing over the last many years, and may the Lord bless you and give you peace whatever direction you take : )
I think your blog will still be absolutely wonderful and encouraging and a treasure to us all even if you don’t post on a schedule, and instead post things as you feel led : ) I do really appreciate the weekly reminder of Gratituesday, and even though I don’t link up, it makes me stop and consider what I appreciate and am thankful for!
Laura,
We all need to change things up now and then. When and if the thing you love to do, becomes a chore to you, or overwhelmed, you will start to become unhappy and be miserable.
Do what makes you happy. Take time for you and your family.
Susan
I agree with many of the previous comments. I genuinely appreciate every tidbit of information that you’ve provided in your blog. I’ve been able to save money, use healthier recipes for my family and be inspired to try a little harder than usual with meal choices. As far as any post that pertains to something that you felt the Lord led you to post, by all means, post it. I’ve found that sometimes it’s much more fulfilling to not to follow a schedule but go with whatever you feel led to do.
I like/didn’t like your post this morning about what your husband does. I’m currently in the middle of a FIGHT with my hubby. Yes, I go to sleep angry. So sue me. Yes, he does lots of wonderful things but he really screwed it up this weekend….twice. I’m really …… no words for it really. Just tired of it all. Oh, well, sorry to be Debbie Downer. Love your posts! Keep it up. LOVE the recipes.
Love your posts…blog however you feel God is leading you….because as you said in my absolute favorite post…God is bigger than a free range chicken!
I really like your blog, and it is one of just a few I read… but I would hate it if any part of it came before God or your family.
Ask yourself how much of it really matters for eternity. God is the One you have to answer to. :) But you already knew that, didn’t you.
I’m completely happy with you blogging on whatever you are led to blog on. :) I read and enjoy your posts daily when they come through to my email (and have been for years); but the truth is I couldn’t even say what your current schedule is. I don’t know what features you do on what day. Half the time, I don’t even know what day it is…lol. I like reading your Gratitudesday posts, but if you posted them more sporadically or on a different day, I wouldn’t have any issues with it. Do what’s best for you and what God leads you to do. Thanks for your service to us wives and moms.
We love you, so we want you to do whatever’s best for you! We’ll be happy to read whatever you write(!), at whatever time is best for YOU.
I love Gratituesday. When I look at the calendar and it is Tuesday I think, “it’s Gratituesday”. I look forward to it. But I also understand if you don’t do it anymore. Thank you for what you have done so far. It has been enjoyable.
Do what you want to do! It’s your blog, and I promise we’ll stick around if you decide to change stuff. We know you love us, but your real life and your family are more important. Do what you’re feeling led to do.
I love your blog and have been reading it for years and I won’t stop because of any changes. Write what’s on your heart when it’s on your heart.
I love reading everything you write. I think you should write whats on your heart, you’ll get a blessing by doing what God leads you to do.
You definitely need to do what God is leading you to do. I’ve been following your blog for almost 2 yrs and enjoy your posts no matter what day they land on. God and your peeps absolutely come first so if that means changing up the schedule, then that’s what you have to do. I’ve come to the point in my life when I realized I have to stop living to please other people! It is SO freeing! I simply have to obey God and take care of my family first and all else will fall into place (or take it off my plate completely)! Your blog is simply a good old-fashioned, God fearing, family lovin’, breath of fresh air! ;)
Hi Laura,
Here’s my two cents worth. You have proven yourself faithful over years of blogging. Those of us who have followed you for a long time know your heart, and the specific schedule is not nearly as important as the content. If the schedule is now causing you to feel choked, it’s probably the Holy Spirit giving you the green light to pursue a new approach to your blog. You have freedom – I know you walk in freedom, and desire to grow in even more freedom – so, be blessed and released to be free to follow the Holy Spirit as
He directs you. Bless you!
Hi Laura,
I enjoy reading your blog, because you put God first… and family a close second. The Gratituesday posts are a particular favorite – because they remind me we always have something to be grateful for! And they would be just as inspiring if they came whenever you felt moved to write them.
Maybe they can even be transformed, perhaps to… Grati-today!
But seriously, as much as I enjoy seeing the Gratituesday posts each week , I think it is much more important that you follow after peace. Write whatever you feel led to write, and post as you feel led to post.
Be blessed!
Linda
I really enjoy your blog very much
I enjoy our blog very much and whatever way God is directing you I am sure I will enjoy just as much. This blog has been an inspiration to me in homemaking etc.
I can understand having a schedule to stay on track and to be focused on putting something out, but I feel you should do what you feel the Spirit is leading you to do.
I’m not able to check your site everyday. I do read back to try to catch up though. I will be happy with your happiest choice, live in the moment! We are blessed to have this flexibility, take advantage of it and we will be with you!!
I have actually thought a lot about this in the blogging culture we live in. I follow a few blogs, but I read a lot of various blogs when the topic is interesting. The reason I follow your blog is that you are real. I know you are real because of what you write and how you write. I don’t care if you write everyday or every week. I don’t care if you talk about thankfulness on Tuesday or tacos. I just want real posts that God puts on your heart when you have the time or energy to do it.
I am weary of reading the expertise of women who are researching as they write.
Anyway, keep up the good work when and how you feel is best for you and your family.
I don’t even need to finish this post to tell you that if it is forced then it’s not real or from YOU. If you aren’t following what God wants you to do, then your impact isn’t going to be as strong or connecting with as many people. Follow your heart and the Spirit and you will always be happy. Knowing you are doing what God wants will always bring you filling Joy.
I love when u share what is on your heart. I enjoy Grat. Tues but I believe you need to share what God puts on your heart.
Please write how you feel God leads, I, like you, and everyone of your readers has become busier over the years. I don’t read your blog as often and you know, sometimes I read Gratituesday on Saturday and sometimes on Thursday! It’s all right for me if you write on a different day or once every two weeks.
I echo what others have written, I enjoy reading your blog because of your relationship with God; the effort you make at being a godly wife and mother; your desire to provide the healthiest possible meals and your willingness to take time out of your extremely busy schedule to share, encourage and bless all of us. I couldn’t do it! May God continue to give you grace with all the roles that he has blessed you with.
I love your blog! Your recipes are so easy and delicious. They are the biggest blessing to my family. Thank you for your blog. Do what works best for you and your family.
Your blog has long been a favorite of mine and I enjoy reading whatever you write. I most look forward to your recipes, especially the simpler ones, but really, I will read whatever :) Your marriage series has been SUPER helpful too!
The last thing I want is for this blog to stress you out or become a burden that you shouldn’t need to bear. Do what you think is right and we will all love you anyway :)
How I have enjoyed every post, and every story about your family, your days and your God filled spirit. I am thankful as I reexamine my relationships with a different heart. Thank you, if God has a different plan for you it will be a great one. God bless you and your family.
Over the years I have followed a LOT of blogs which I eventually end up unsubscribing from because I lose interest or just get tired of so many emails. Yours is the ONLY one I have never unsubscribed from! No matter what you talk about, I am inspired and uplifted by it, and I believe that is because you follow what God wants you to do and what is best for you and your family. That is how I am trying to live my life and I would be happy with whatever schedule you feel you should be on. Thanks for all you do!