Jen Russum

Not your typical blogging advice

Not your typical blogging advice

Sometimes I write these long emails to readers of my blog to answer a question they have, and I've realized that some of these emails would probably make some pretty good posts. Maybe others have the same question. Below is a modified version of an email I recently sent to a woman hoping to start a blog that mixes devotions and faith with everyday life stuff. Before she actually starts her blog, she's been seeking advice  from other bloggers. Here is what I told her... There are two realms of advice I can give... one is what you are supposed to do to grow your blog if you want to intentionally try to increase your readership. This might include: posting regularly (at least 4-5 days a week) using social media to connect with other bloggers (especially Twitter and Instagram) using lots of pictures on your blog and making them BIG in size writing shorter rather than longer posts making sure you aren't a "no reply blogger" so you can converse with people over email (read this post and this post for more information) perusing and commenting on a few new blogs every day responding to those who comment on your own posts through embedded commenting or email But then there's also the spiritual realm of blogging... which means acknowledging that God is in control of who and how many people read your blog. The above tips do work, and they are not bad, but I find that I must always keep them in check with what the Lord wants for my blog. Sometimes that means posting less often, because He has given me other duties and opportunities in my week that don't allow for a lot of blogging time. Sometimes that means praising Him for a post that receives one personal email from someone asking about Jesus or seeking advice for Bible reading plans rather than 50 comments and 5 retweets. Of course, both these scenarios can be used for His glory, but I often see God at work through conversations I have in person with unsaved friends who read my blog or random emails I've received, instead of by gaining followers and receiving comments and other things that make me look popular online. So there you have it... my straightforward advice for blogging. Because unless He wills it, your blog is not going to grow. And if you aren't blogging for Him, what's the point anyway? ... Read more

A Plea {from the husband}

A Plea {from the husband}

So last week Micah won a baking contest at work. I was honestly surprised and impressed. I'll share pictures and the award-winning recipe later, but for now he needs your help. Next week his work is having a chili cook-off. If you didn't know, my husband is one of the most competitive people ever and now that he has tasted victory in the baking department, he wants to win for best chili too. The problem is we never eat chili. I hate beans, and since most chili recipes call for beans, it's a dish that's never made it on the Russum menu rotation. So Micah asked me to ask YOU for help. Do you have an award-winning chili recipe? An old family recipe you can share? Please leave links below and we will check them out. If he picks your recipe, you can expect a huge shout-out! {via} ... Read more

Flowers Fade Friday: You {don’t} deserve it.

Flowers Fade Friday: You {don’t} deserve it.

I am going to talk about my least favorite phrase in the world. I hear it often. I see it all the time on social media. Here is an example: Mom posts picture on Instagram. Might be a picture of herself in the mirror - looking pretty with make-up and a cute outfit on. Might be a picture of a fancy dinner plate. Might be a picture of her hand interlocked with her husband's.  Caption: Date night with my man. Comment from follower: You deserve it, mama. You deserve it. The biggest lie there ever was... Maybe I'm over-spiritualizing this and getting worked up over semantics. I know people probably don't always check themselves for theological accuracy when they say "You deserve it" on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. "You deserve it" seems like a perfectly nice and casual thing to say when a friend tells you about a promotion, a new project, or an upcoming vacation over coffee. Maybe it's not a big deal. But I think it is. Because "you deserve it" is the biggest lie I tell myself on a daily basis. I don't need other people affirming the deceit I constantly battle against. My flesh wants to lie to me and say: You have been working hard; you deserve a break. You are a good wife; you deserve a date. You've been a good friend; you deserve a phone call. You serve at church; you deserve to be recognized. You are dedicated at school; you deserve a grant. You are nice, friendly, and helpful; you deserve to be praised. But all these whispers are a lie. The truth of God is this: "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and "For the wages of sin is death." (Romans 3:23 and 6:23). As sinners, we deserve nothing good. Nothing at all. In fact, we deserve only punishment and death. It is a gift of God that we live and breath and have families and go on date nights and maintain friendships. These gifts are undeserved in every way fathomable. They are grace. James 1:17 says: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." Every good thing is from the Lord. It can't be earned. It can't be bought. It is never deserved. And the ultimate gift is salvation. Whether or not we are blessed with grants and vacations and coffee dates, the ultimate gift we will ever receive from Christ is himself and the promise that we will live with him forever. So ladies, let's change our language. Let's stop spreading the lie that Satan so desperately wants us to believe. We don't deserve it. I don't deserve it. Neither do you. Let's speak of grace and blessing and gifts from a Father who loves us. If it's date night on Instagram, praise the Father from whom all blessings flow. ... Read more