I am so excited to introduce you to Jillian today! She’s a fairly new blogger, but she has tons of good ideas and she’s doing a great job finding balance!!! I hope you will visit her blog and social media profiles and send her some BOTS love today!!!
I’m Jillian and I live in a suburb of NY with my husband and 8 kids. I blog at Olive Plants & Cornerstones, where you’ll find me talking about everything from the joys and challenges of homeschooling, to how to turn a picket fence into a coastal flag. Basically, if it has to do with faith, family and the home, I’m talking about it. If I feel brave, I might bring up a “hot topic.” But I don’t want my blog to be a debate forum, so I won’t do that often. 😉
How do you balance blogging & family time? – I blog around my hubby’s schedule. For me, that means I do most of my blogging at night. I never want him to feel that blogging has replaced him. If he’s home, I keep it to a bare minimum, unless he’s busy doing his own thing. Blogging at night also ensures that I’m not distracted with bloggy stuff during school hours. Although I do sneak into Facebook or Twitter here and there! I only do this on my phone though, since I tend to not stay on as long.
What is your blogging inspiration? – My blogging inspiration comes from living my life. I can’t blog very effectively if I’m in front of my computer screen all day. When I have one of those days, I blog about it. If I’m enjoying victory over something, I blog about it. If you read something that hits close to home, it’s because I’ve been there too. Books, sermons, and articles are other ways to get my creative juices going.
Do you have any advice for other bloggers? – Don’t get caught up in what another blogger is doing or the connections they’re making. Don’t be discouraged if another blogger beats you to an awesome post. Write it anyway! You’ll offer your own unique spin on it. Finally, pray over your blog and what you write. Remember that your words have the power to encourage or tear down. Don’t judge others for doing things differently. Only God knows what’s best for each of us. What works for me, might be a disaster for you. And vice versa. Blog for His glory, not yours.
Great interview! I like that you talked about praying over what you blog about. Very cool.
I have a tendency to take forever to write a post because I go back and forth worried I might offend someone. That’s why I pray. I ask God that the message is in love and that it encourages and not divides. 🙂
8 kids? I have respect for you! My 3 wear me out 😉
My one wore me out, so I hear ya! lol! 😉
Not comparing is such good advice! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I need to take my own advice almost daily! lol! 🙂
So nice to meet you through your blog, Jilian! 🙂