Blogging

Sister Beck on Blogging:

"The Savior emphasized the importance of keeping records. And one of the most valuable records is the one you keep of your own life". - Spencer W. Kimball

"With the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God's great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone's life for eternity." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Blogging Disclaimer

• You can keep it positive while keeping it real
• Don't let the nasty comparisons/jealousies/one-upping each other bug you or get into your blog
• If it's a hobby, give it hobby time and priority in your life

Setting Goals and Purpose Of Your Blog

• Ask yourself, "what is the purpose of my blog for now and for the future?"
• What type of posts will you write?
• How often will you blog?
• Will you include photos or videos?

Tech Advice

• Free hosting is available at blogspot.com and wordpress.com.
• If you want your domain to be .com, start with wordpress
• You can turn your blog into a book at blurb.com and shutterfly.com
• You can set your blog to be private and invitation only

Your Life Now

• Story-tell! Instead of simply documenting, tell the story behind events and photos
• Write to your loved ones. Write to them on their birthdays, summing up their year, tell them how you appreciate them etc.. Or, a post of facts - some silly, some factual. You could even have a blog set up for each child and write to them throughout the year, have them write entries, take photos of their artwork etc..
• Document special events: birthdays, vacations, holidays. These are the memories you will want to remember.
• Write and post pictures of every day moments. I do a "Things I loved" post every week and they are always the small moments that brought me joy in the week.
• Sharing great ideas. Blogs are a great way to share recipes, visiting teaching helps, crafts, service projects, and books.

Family History

• Spotlight an ancestor or family member living now. Include pictures, or voice recordings. Post on their birthday, or after a funeral, or anniversary.
• Family Recipes. Document with pictures
• Memories from your past: re-create with your children, interview family members about an experience, write a memory in storytelling form and scan old pictures. Handwrite a post and scan it in so your posterity can see what your handwriting is like.
• Start your own family history - do "wrap-up" posts such as a summary of the last year or 6 months.

Using Your Blog to Strengthen Your Family

• Choose a theme, word, or scripture for the year. This can be personal to your or your family.
• Work on a goal together as a family and document it on your blog. I asked my three daughters to join me and "return to virtue" by completing the YW goals for virtue.
• Blog your testimony. Blog through trials. You can uplift people now, as well as your posterity, by being honest, real, and sharing these important things.
• Be grateful and thankful on your blog. What you record stays with you forever!

Inspirational Blogs for Great Reading and Post Ideas

cjanekendrick.com

nieniedialogues.blogspot.com

71toes.com

chellisandalex.blogspot.com

annievalentine.com

thrilledbythethought.com

theparentals.blogspot.com

theyflewthecoop.blogspot.com

beealittlebetter.com

sharon-thesavvygrandma.com

Email me at tylervanessabrown@gmail.com for any more blogging questions or recommendations.