Why I’ve Been Gone and Changes I’m Making to My Online Platform

In the past few months, I have stepped away from posting on social media as well as my YouTube channel and this blog. I needed time to pray about how I could best use my time, energy, and experience as a homeschool mom to bless other moms through this platform that God has given me.

During my time of seeking the Lord’s direction, it became clear that some changes needed to be made so that I could continue to encourage homeschool moms while still serving my family well (and staying involved with my local church family and real life friends).

Why I’ve Been Gone

Yes, the chaos of 2020 was definitely a reason to step away from social media but there are actually three different reasons that led me to take a break from social media and my online platform.

First, my health has not been good. I needed to take time to see doctors, get tests done and reserve what little energy I had for my family. While I still don’t have answers to why I am feeling so ill, I am finding ways to manage my health a little better and feel ready to (slowly) step back into online ministry (in a limited capacity).

Secondly, I was feeling stretched in too many directions. My ministry to homeschool moms has included many different components including my blog, YouTube channel, phone and email consultations, speaking at events, creating printables and audio downloads, courses for homeschool moms, product reviews, managing a Facebook group, and being on several different social media platforms. It was just too much for me and I needed to take some time to evaluate where I can have the biggest impact without spreading myself too thin.

Finally, my desire to help homeschool moms has shifted. For years, I have strived to come alongside homeschool moms with practical tips, curriculum reviews and a bit of encouragement. Over time, I have come to realize that, while practical tips and curriculum reviews are really helpful, there is something homeschool moms (me included) need even more. We need to know how to study God’s Word and apply it practically to every area of our lives. So, I needed to take some time away from social media to pray about how God would want me to incorporate this into my current ministry to homeschool moms. I’m really excited about this new shift in focus but still praying about how it will look.

Changes I’m Making

So, where does that leave things? Well, I’m still trying to figure that all out. I know that I will need to say “no” to a lot of things that I was previously doing and “yes” to a few things that I think will make the most impact.

For now, here is what I am saying “yes” to:

• Monthly Newsletter (I’ll try my best to get out a more consistent monthly newsletter packed with helpful resources that I’ve gathered from around the web as well as my own content. Click here to sign up for my newsletter so we can stay connected.)
• Instagram (I’m back on Instagram starting January 2021!)
• My Shop (My shop will remain open if you’d like to purchase one of my printables or download audio from one of my workshops.)

What I’m saying “maybe” to:

• A Podcast (I think this will be the easiest way for me to get consistent content out to you but I need some time to figure out how podcasting works.)
• YouTube (Videos have been a great way for me to connect with so many of you. I’d love to get some occasional videos up in the future.)
• Blog (I’m going to try to get back into writing on my blog.)

What I’m saying “no” to:

I’m saying “no” to pretty much everything else including the following:

• I will not be posting on Facebook and will be closing my Homeschool Encouragement Facebook group.
• I’m halting my plans for online courses. My current course (Homeschooling Through Hardship) will be moving to my website and will continue to remain free to use. I’m hoping to incorporate the content of the other courses into podcast episodes and audio downloads in my shop.
• Homeschool consultations will be limited to a few weeks in the summer as my time (and health) permits.
• I won’t be accepting speaking engagements at this time.

It has been a joy to interact with homeschool moms across so many of my platforms. I will miss the variety of interactions I have had in the past but am thankful for God’s direction to slow down and prioritize my ministry according to His plan and purpose for my life.