Love…through food (redefining my purpose)
This post has been weeks in the making. I’ve been thinking about the purpose of my blog ever since I went to the Food Blog Forum conference in Atlanta. You might have noticed a few minor changes going on around here, including a small layout change. The most important change to me, however, was changing the tagline that summarizes my blog.
It may seem like a small change, but to me it encompasses the new focus and goals I have for my blog: to show love through food. At Food Blog Forum, Jaden challenged me to think through what is most important to me, what my life goals and dreams are, and to make my blog a reflection of that. At first it seemed difficult. It can be pretty hard to sit down and just think of how to describe your life mission. But as I thought through it, I realized it was actually pretty simple.
I realized I had to first boil it down to who I am and what I want for my life. It is not at all my goal to offend anyone, but I feel like I have to tell you where I’m coming from. As a Christian, my relationship with Jesus defines me. And I know that my mission is to share God’s love with people I come into contact with. As I sat down and thought about how my blog fits into this, I realized that God has given me the ability to show love through food! A friend gets engaged? I bake cupcakes. A coworker has a baby? My first thought is to send a meal. Someone’s having a birthday? That’s one of my favorite reasons to bake cookies (or a cake!). I love to bake for other people, and I’m learning to love cooking for others as well. It’s also something at which I’m continually trying to get better.
And most of all I show love to my husband by making him dinner and baking him sweet treats throughout the week. I really think this is one of my areas of service, and one that he greatly appreciates.
So what does this mean for my blog? To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. Don’t worry, I won’t be preaching at you in the middle of sharing a recipe. That could get awkward. To me, the fact that you know the passion behind my blog is important. This is still my platform to share delicious tried and true recipes (because let’s be honest, it’s easier to show love to someone when it involves a recipe that actually turns out as planned). I’m brainstorming some other ideas, like a hospitality series, and I’ll be sure to keep you updated. I’m still defining what it means to use my excitement for cooking and baking to show love, and trying to get better at it as well. But for now? It’s enough for me to have shared my heart with you. It’s my hope that when you stop by my blog you not only see some great recipes that you can’t wait to try, but also that you see a picture of what it might look like to show someone love, through food.
Welcome! I'm Megan and it's my hope that here you'll find food that has been made with love and recipes that are shared with joy. Thanks for stopping by! 
Makes perfect sense to me! I bake and cook as a way of showing love to my family too. And as a Christian, when we show love to others it also is a reflection of God's love for us.
Don't feel uneasy about making the declaration of being a Christian. At the risk of making this a political "thing", others do not refrain from declaring their faith. It's lovely that you share your love of Christ and love of cooking with family and friends. That's what it SHOULD be all about.
John 17:4 "I have brought glory to You (God) by completing the work you gave me to do."
God has gifted you, Megan, to love through food. By you utilizing that gift, and reflecting all credit honor and glory to Him through your successes/efforts, this scripture is fulfilled.
I think it is awesome that your blog, cooking, and skills are an extension of our Father's love for us. His love overflows through your love in cooking.
Truly SWEET.
God bless you on your journey,
Rob
Lot's of passion in this post. Very nice!
Wow, That's such a nice post Megan! I remember you sitting in the car on our way back to the hotel from the FBF conference and you were constantly saying "I can't think of a mission for blog!" I'm so proud of you to push yourself and reflect.
You'll see a whole new passion and love for your work now.
Your post reflects the nice person in you 🙂
Love!
I love it!! I noticed the banner change a few days ago and love the reason behind it!
What a beautiful post. I'm glad to know a little more about you and the reasons you do this. I need to rethink mine too. You just inspired me to delve a little further into why I blog about food. Thanks for sharing!
Love it!!!! I am not sure if we met at the blogger conference or not. It is wonderful when you start figuring out what you are here to do and your purpose. At the conference, I was reminded of when I first started out in my tea business-it is my 10 year anniversary this yea!!!! I have just done part 1 of a 2 part blog that was inspired by the conference. In it, I share ideas, thoughts, and books that have helped me to create my mission and vision for my business. Some of the books might help you. The first one I share is The Path. It is a GREAT book written by a christian on how to create a mission and vision statement for life and work!!!! Here is the link if you are interested. I will be posting part 2 this week. http://www.lisaknowstea.blogspot.com
so more recipes using leftover fish and loaves?
I love the new tagline and your reasoning behind it! It's perfect. 🙂
And HOW did I miss a blog conference/forum in Atlanta?? I so would have gone!
Great comments today Megan! Love the new site! Beautiful photos of the family too! Now that fall is here, I kicked in the cooking yesterday with pulled pork and potato salad. Both Tim and Kristin said it was one of their favorite meals..Wow! Does that make me want to try more new things! I have a question. I'm wondering if you are ever able to figure out recipes. I would love to know how McDonald makes their carmel frappes only with a lot less calories. Any tips? Thanks. Beth
What a wonderful post 🙂 I feel the same way about making food for my husband!!
I love roasting the squash in the skin vs. trying to chop it up- so so so much easier! Glad you enjoyed your BN squash too
Absolutely perfect. Love the new tagline and all the ideas behind it.
Awesome post, Megan!
I think this was a great post too. Got me thinking as well (darn you, making me think on a Monday morning!). Food really is a way to show people you care, and your examples could not have presented that any better (birthday cakes, friendly cupcakes). I think it's awesome. It should be interesting to see where this change leads you. Love your blog, keep it up. 🙂
This is so true! First off, I love your tag line, and I definitely agree that cooking is a wonderful way to show people you love them.
It's definitely my favorite way of expressing love to my boyfriend, friends, and family members;)
LOVE this girl! I love your new tagline and I think this will make you enjoy blogging even more!
Great post and I love the new tagline! You are inspiring!
Food and cooking are great vehicles for expressing yourself!
Your new tagline is awesome and I am looking forward to what's to come 🙂
If this were Facebook, I would totally hit the "Like" button!!!
For me, I think food breaks the ice when I want to minister to someone through food.
For instance, when I wanted to meet our neighbors without waiting to run into them (which never happens) or just knocking on their door (tacky), I baked up some strawberry bread and walked on over. It gave me a reason to say hi.
Also, my husband and I were in Florida last week and we stayed with my uncle who is on a 6 month chaplaincy deployment away from his family. I emailed my cousin/his daughter for an idea of some of his favorite foods because I wanted to cook for him. Pork chops and potatoes? Great! And then I surprised him with his wife's caramel roll recipe for breakfast. However, I learned I needed to restrain myself a little because giving is his love language too, and I didn't want to squelch his desire to be a gracious host!
Way to blog (and cook) to His glory!!
I'm right there with you! You have a beautiful heart, Megan, and I'm excited to see what He will do with your blog and your wonderful cooking!! I'm sure He'll be reaching and touching many lives.
Lovely post, Megan. Cooking for love of family is one of the primary reasons we all cook. Blogging is the sharing of love!
LOVE it, Megan! Love your declarations, your redefinitions, and your purpose 🙂
What a lovely blog post! I can relate to everything you have said, and I look forward to seeing the new direction you are taking. I am sure that wonderful things are to come!
awesome! thanks for sharing this, and it's obvious it's straight from your heart. i too am a Christian and have often thought about how i can use my blog for JC! thanks for this – totally inspiring 🙂
Beautiful job, Megan. It is clear that your relationship with Jesus and your love for others do define you. Knowing you and Mike has enriched our lives!
Raynell
love your new focus, can't wait for the hospitality series! As I've gotten to know you I have seen that you have such a big heart. Blessings as you go forth!
I love it, Megan!! I think letting everyone know what really fuels you is a good thing. I made a similar statement/realization a while ago and I know it takes guts to say "Hey, I know you might be here to read about (x), but if you find a little Peace of Christ hidden in a post here and there, well, so be it".
God blesses this kind of praise for him. Trust me 🙂
I love the new look for your blog. I never even wrote a FBF recap post…and my one year blogiversary is coming up. I have to say, I love your blog and your photographs are beautiful! 🙂 It was so great to meet you in September. Always stay true to yourself!