...a God to serve...a family to love... a work to do...

This is Why

If you are one of my 11 readers, you know that I haven’t made many new posts for a long time. I used to have thousands of readers but I feel like I’ve lost my voice.  So naturally, I’ve lost readers. When I started this site, it wasn’t a blog, I had a lot to say, lots of things I wanted to share with women.  I don’t know… these days I feel like there are thousands of blogs out there with young women writing about all the things I’ve already said in years past and they are working hard to make money on their blogs. That is a very good thing. I am all for women doing things they love to do.  522797_4359509479392_946529996_n

But what that has meant for me is kind of bittersweet. I love the fact that young women are taking a greater interest in home and family.  However, I sort of feel like I’ve been pushed to the side in favor of newer, younger, more hip, flashier, more helpful sites. I guess that’s ok too.  So I don’t know that I have anything left to share.

I just don’t know.

My life has changed so much in the past 10 years.  This time of my life seems so foreign. I am aging and my body proves that to me daily.  But I am a writer so I feel drawn to write, I just am not sure right now what I have to say.

My radio shows were so much fun and I loved getting to talk to people about homesteading and homemaking but they eventually got to be way too time consuming. And stressful.  I may go ahead and do some more shows later on but for now I like the break.

Some things I do know:

I still want to write.

There are still interesting things I want to explore in life.

I love seeing my children get older and be on their own.

I really love getting to grow older with my husband of 34 years.

God is in control and I want to honor Him in all I do.

If you are a regular reader, I hope you’ll hang in there with me as I look for my writing voice. If you just happened to stop by, I hope you’ll not give up on me either but come back periodically and see where I am in this journey.

42 Comments

  1. Sim

    Hi Sylvia,
    I just found your blog today, and I know this post is from a few months ago, but I can’t wait to read back! I love how everything I have read so far on Christianity is totally bible based, no more and no less. Your more practical posts look wonderful too, I can tell I will learn a lot from you 🙂

    • Sylvia

      Glad you found it, Sim. Come by any time!

  2. cora jo

    Ok, I counted more than 11. I DO understand where you are, Sylvia. I am stuck a bit too. I read on the FLYLADY this morning that procrastination may have us down. Hmmm. I don’t see you procrastinating, just stuck. Like me. This I know: God is good all the time. Not just yesterday when we were “up”, but also today while we are down. I’m holding you up, sister. You are blessing many women who need Christ in their daily lives of cleaning up their world, raising kids, trying to save money and do it all with a smile. You are loved and prayed for. cora jo

  3. Brenda

    God is not done with you yet! Joel Olsteen said once, that God has a use for every one, even the bed ridden, right up to our last breath. As I age and grow close to being a ‘senior’, my mind has been attacked by the demons of doubt and despair but, prayerfully I asked God to guide me with His Holy Spirit. My path has now changed from all things that were ‘comfortable’ or of my life’s learning. At the age of 50, I had a weight put on my heart to learn new things and to go out and help people with these new skills.
    Maybe you are in a season of challenge. Pray on it. Our homegrown wisdom comes from God and the seasons of our life. As Gail said above, “even if your words help just one woman in her walk with God”; it is worth your effort. Don’t let the demons of lies and deception convince you otherwise dear sister in Christ.

    • Sylvia

      Thank you, Brenda!

  4. Gail

    Hi Sylvia,
    I’m sorry I’m a bit late in leaving a comment, but have been away from the computer for a bit. I must admit I was getting a wee bit overwhelmed by all the blogs out there that we’re making me feel, quite honestly, a bit inadequate. I’m not into Facebook. I find it quite intrusive but I love your very simple wisdom and have learnt much from your writings and your talks. I have only found you in the last couple of years so am not one who has been there from the beginning. Take your time to find where God is leading you now. Just one other thing I would like to add, when you do start writing again. Even if your words help just one woman in her walk with The Lord then it is all worth it. Life is so very rushed these days and I have been swept away at times by its busyness.
    However, I’m learning and yearning for the simple life and that is what I have found in your writings. I guess you could call it homegrown wisdom and there is not so much of that around these days. I will be waiting here when you return. In the meantime take care.
    Blessings Gail (from Australia)

    • Sylvia

      Thank you Gail. I really treasure your comment.

  5. Vicki

    As a woman not a young mother or newly wed, I love what you have to say. You have brought me closer to my faith and your instructions are complete accurate and interesting. Although I have never commented before please know I appreciate you and your perspective. I understand life changes and you must do what is best for you but please post what you can and continue………please. Thank you for what you have given to me and know that my family is thankful too.

  6. Donna Miller

    Hey there my sweet friend.
    Let me start by saying that you ARE an inspiration to me as an ever so slightly younger (though not by much) woman who is attempting to glean wisdom and walk in a way that honors the Lord by honoring my husband. You are a very valued friend with the fringe benefits of a LOAD of resources (and one seriously fun sense of humor!).

    Let me second your feelings with some similar ones of my own. I started doing ‘my thing’ about 8 years ago. Didn’t know anyone else did stuff like I did (or even close) until actually stumbling upon a few online a couple years into it. You were one who I found that I felt knew it all and how could I even come close to helping anyone. I purposefully didn’t even hang on the edges of what you did (only did so after I had met you – as a co-host) because of my desire to honor another woman who had a calling to encourage women as you do and not even be tempted to duplicate anything you taught.

    I feel your same feelings now as 8 years later as I hear others ‘use my words’ and make a prettier picture image of them in their doilied-pinterest box on top of a recipe they shot with a way more expensive camera (higher quality) than I’ll ever have… then post it to their bazillion followers. *sigh* This feeling is bitter sweet. But I think I have a cure… The crux is, Let’s see if I can DO it…I’m not sure, but I’ll offer it to you too and maybe we can do it together.

    I am plotting my removal from all FB groups, blogger supports and other newsletters to go back to the less inundated start that I had several years ago. By lowering the inundating on-slot of those who the enemy might dangle in front of my (or your) struggle…I have a quieter spirit to hear His Voice to lead me, to allow more creativity once again (without comparison). Comparison douses the fire of creativity…and you my dear, sweet friend are far beyond compare!

    I love you.
    Donna Miller recently posted..Can you drink THAT water?

    • Sylvia

      I really do love you too Donna. I wish I could hug your neck one more time.
      You hit the spot. I need to stop comparing what I do to what others do. I’ve removed myself from just about all my FB activities and groups. Not sorry one bit. We’ll see what the future brings, but I agree that getting back to the beginning is where I need to go.

      Thank you for those words they got down deep in me and I appreciate it.

      • Donna Miller

        I always am inspired by you…even through your transparency of this struggle…you have inspired me, Sylvia.
        I love YOU …. (((((hug))))
        Donna Miller recently posted..Can you drink THAT water?

    • Gail

      Loved what you had to add, Donna. I’m really over the fluff. I just can’t keep up with it all,so let’s get back to the basics, a simple life that puts God first and all will naturally follow from there.
      Blessings Gail.

  7. Rose C

    Sylvia,

    I still read and often come back to reread. I love your site, what you have to say/share and you in general.

  8. Bonnie

    Still reading what ever you have to say, your on my Netvibes so if you post something new I see it! I am right there with you on the aging and changing, three children grown and moved away. One still at home but college in just two years. My “career” is just about over and I feel I need to re-invent myself now to get ready, but I am still a home-educating Mamma and don’t want to miss a minute of that ;} Maybe we need a Middle Age blogger that isn’t hip and now but relates to all of us “older” folks? <3

  9. Carmela

    These new and different places! I read and like the “no fluff” gentleness of your writing. Your voice still helps and encourages me.

  10. Michelle Perkins

    I would love to read anything you post. huggles.
    Michelle Perkins recently posted..Happy Stitching going on here

  11. Mary Ann

    Sylvia, I will be forever blessed that I ran across your blog and listen to you radio show on a Saturday I believe . I will be married 45 years this August and it is so encouraging to share and learn on the blog. My daughter loves sharing and knows she can speak her mind or ask others in the group for advice beside DM. Thank you and God’s continued guidance as we move forward.

  12. jaylee

    Dear Sylvia,
    I have written before to let you know how much I have always learned from your radio shows and blog. I especially appreciate your Godly influence in what you do. . I discovered your work through PRN during a time when I was at home caring for my elderly mom. Your shows and writings really blessed me. I think I know a bit of what you are feeling right now, because I am experiencing something similar. I taught school for many years then took four years away from teaching so I could care for my elderly mom. After my mom passed away I returned to teaching this year.
    But after years of feeling successful as a teacher, I feel like I have too “lost my voice”. I have been reminded of my age many times at school, and my confidence this year has crashed. I just keep trying to do my best. But I always seem to be made to feel that among this young staff I just don’t fit. I pray, Lord, please use me again — I have always thought teaching was the ministry the Lord gave me for my life, but it doesn’t feel like that right now. All that to say, I know a little of what you are feeling, and I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you!

  13. Jennifer B.

    Miss Sylvia,
    I, too, have considered you a mentor. You exemplify the Titus 2 woman and we need that. I will be 40 this year and prefer to learn from women who have been there, done that – the women who have experience. I so appreciate you! Over the past years your words have helped me as I’ve established a home and been in the throes of raising our girls. I want them to know these homekeeping skills and how to be a godly homemaker. You have provided the guidance for that. I pray you do not stop writing, my friend. My God pour out His blessings on you! 🙂

  14. Christa Robinson

    I read but am a silent partner. I stay in the background and listen to the wise.

  15. Glenys Robyn Hicks

    Dear Sylvia, your wisdom and godly advice have gotten me through some tough spots over the years. I always respect the fact that you are a woman who prays before you respond when giving advice. It shines through. I have been feeling precisely what you write about and have been deliberating and praying about stopping blogging too. It consumes so much of my limited energy and really others have either already said or later on say what I have…
    Please know that I consider you a friend and will be eagerly looking for your future writings.

    Blessings, Glenys
    Glenys Robyn Hicks recently posted..A Discussion On Housework

  16. Heather Barrett

    Sylvia, You are one of my mentors.. I have been privileged to actually meet you! I’ve been one of your “fans” for years. I found you when Dalton was between 1 & 3 and he’ll be 15 in July. You have encouraged me so much and I have made many great friends through this site

  17. Amy

    Sylvia, your love for homemaking has always been so evident in your blog posts. I love the wisdom you impart with both laughter and encouragement 🙂 Different seasons bring change but I do pray you won’t lay down the pen for too long. I’ve noticed your silence 😉 You are in my prayers, dear friend 🙂

  18. Cherlynn

    I read your blog via the e-mail you send out. Take care dear friend! I turn 60 in a few weeks so I’m feeling the effects of aging too. Got advance arthritis in my hands, feet and knees so far. Ordered in Dr Christopher’s Bone and Tissue ointment last night that is suppose to heal it. Sure hopes it works! I’ll let you know if it does. Hope we come back to TN later this year and if so sure hope I get to connect with you this time. My daughters are all saying we need another trip to see Aunt Rita before everyone goes their own way.

    • Dawn

      {{{ Dr. Christophers bone and tissue pills worked well for me when Arther got a bit too ornery! }}}}

  19. Traci

    You know I love you Sylvi, and I’ve been in the same place lately. 🙂

  20. Kay DeFreese

    You have something that the younger bloggers don’t have. You have built up years of wisdom. You have children and also grandchildren. You have years of experience that the others do not have. I always enjoy and will continue to enjoy reading what you post.

  21. Dawn

    There is a time for every purpose under heaven…. kick back and pray on it! Have LOVE! LOVE! LOVED! reading your postings for quite awhile now (and have shared quite a few over time too!). I just became an empty nester – I pretty well do understand the need to re-invent. Sometimes we need to empty out and start anew. Relax. Take some time. Refresh yourself in God and in nature…. We’ll be waiting for you when you return. 🙂 Thanks for all you’ve shared thus far!

  22. Terri J

    My Sweet Sister, We’ve talked about these things before and I still don’t have any answers for you except to keep listening to the Lord and doing the next right thing. There are a million blogs out there and many are so very helpful for their audiences of working women, stay-at-home moms, moms of children with special needs, single moms and on and on and on. While I’m not an avid blog-reader, I’ve found that many of them are like reading the Reader’s Digest, in that there are tidbits of wisdom to be gathered that are helpful for a little encouragement for the day; however, few are worthy (or even intend to be) of truly mentoring young Christian women. You, my friend, are a mentor. It isn’t enough for you to merely write words and send them out into the blogosphere; rather, you want to touch lives with the gospel that you live out every day. I get that. Maybe it’s where we are in life, seeing that you and I are “of an age” and it’s a good season to take stock and reassess things. We are content, but never want to be complacent so we keep looking for what the Lord would have for us next. I admire you for this because my tendency is to become lazy and you encourage me to keep looking for the next right thing to put my energies into.

  23. Helen

    I still read your blog. Sylvia I know how hard this particular part of your life is. We are growing older and we are changing but that does not mean we are less valuable. You know what I went through and I am now at the point where I am learning to accept my limitations. I still do what I did before but I just do it differently now. You can still write. You just need to find new venues to pursue. Why not consider writing a precious book for your granddaughters. That would be the kind of writing that would endure for years and years and years. Perhaps even becoming a beloved heirloom. I know you are going to find new ways to do what you love to do. God is not done with you yet he might just be moving and shaking things around a bit.

  24. Ariana W

    Dear Sylvia,

    I really appreciate your blog. I am a young mother and recently came to the conclusion that the best blogs and sources of information are from Titus 2 women. Young moms have simply yet to see the fruit of their labors. I love reading their blogs/books to glean ideas. However, women who have lived much longer, have seen the fruit (or weeds) of their labors from their adult children and long marriages are the ones to learn the most from. So please be encouraged to keep up your wonderful work!!

  25. Elizabeth

    Glad to be among the eleven!
    Enjoy your posts, They encourage me as a mom a few paces behind you, embarking on homeschooling my own four. God bless you!

  26. Kathy

    I read your posts, too, Sylvia, and absolutely love your site and your radio show. But I also understand that there are seasons in life, and that God may have you in a different place right now. I cannot imagine how stressful it would be to meet deadlines on shows, and to try to spend quantity time with husband, children and grandchildren. I will pray for you, in this season of life, that you will find your voice. You have helped me so very much over the past few years. You bought a book online from me and told me about your site. I have learned from you ever since. It has meant so much to me to hear from someone who has older children, even married children and grandchildren. I had a hard time adjusting when my daughter married a year and a half ago. God helped me overcome some of the adjustments by learning from you, and as a result of listening to your shows, finding Vickilynn Haycraft, and Donna Miller, too. Yes, there are younger mothers who I also learn from and whose shows I enjoy very much, but to hear from others at a similar stage of life is so refreshing. You helped me to see what more I could be doing – to be more self-sufficient, and God reliant. The world tells us that as “older” women, we should go back into the workforce, and put our homes on the back burner (and that may be necessary for some)….but you have encouraged me to continue placing foremost importance on my calling as wife, mother, and homekeeper. Thank you and God bless you!! 🙂

  27. Victoria

    I have been blessed to have virtually met you and knowing that you have the knowledge and understanding of a Christian woman.
    Thank you Sylvia! Please keep writing…Thank You
    I’m not going anywhere!

  28. Shari

    Sylvia, You have been such a help to me and so many others over the years. The experiences, help and wisdom that you have shared has been a true blessing in my life, I don’t know what I would have done if I had never found you in the search engine all those years ago when you were still in the 20th Century. 🙂 What has helped me most is your very simple and basic way of approaching real life with all its real messes and mistakes.
    I will be around, checking on your site, learning new things and sending your Happy Dirt Pig Day messages, when my brain manages to remember.

  29. Glenna

    Sylvia-
    I always look forward to your emails and love the wisdom you share.
    I have been married for 20 years next week and to have a mentor like you has helped me so much. I rather hear from someone with more experience in life, than some hip young girl. Not that the don’t share witty things. Your words motivate and encourage me in ways I can not express.
    Thank you and I pray that your voice returns soon.
    Thank you for all you have done for me
    Glenna

  30. Tonya

    Sylvia,
    I read your posts, and I appreciate your experience and wisdom! I know when I read your words that you have done what you say you have done. I can’t believe that of all the people I read. I also know you have a heart for God, so you will follow God’s path for your life. If that path includes writing, then look out there’s not telling what project he’s gonna open up for you! Love ya!

  31. Adriana

    I am still here. I know you will find your voice again. Perhaps God is preparing you for something fresh and new.

  32. Jennifer

    I still come and search all past articles for help… I enjoy your site very much, and I appreciate knowing it isn’t just a fad to come and go…..

  33. Linda Bobo Reddoch

    I will forever and always need your wisdom dear friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for you, and your loving, tender, honesty, and Holy Spirit led guidance in my life. Love you to the moon and back.

  34. Lori Lindgren

    I still read Sylvia. I just don’t post often. I still need you and your wisdom.

    • peacewing

      You have helped me grow up, change and be able to offer warm and loving hugs to others. I was lost and scared when I was led to you those years ago!!!! My own shadow frightened me. I have always taken you for granted, my deep apologies, I still come daily to learn and grow and to pray for you and others. I don’t know what I would have done without your Godliness and loving guidance and example. I am growing old with you, but I have been blessed to not have grown away from you. My prayer is that The Lord will renew your strengths and allow you to still love and do His will. I love you and appreciate you and Mark and your ministry. Warm gentle hugs.