“I don’t know what to write about anymore,” I confessed.
“Well, what problem can you solve for your readers?” Kat asked.
I was stumped. Soย I read some emails. I read over every note I’ve been sent after speaking or singing over the last few years. And it turns out I have solved a problem…the same one again and again.
- A daughter decided to forgo a graduation present to feed a hungry child.
- A pastor reworked his church’s budget to model God’s priorities to his congregation.
- A young mother decided to mentor girls – as scared and alone as she once was – through a crisis pregnancy center.
- A nine year-old started a lemonade stand to buy other kids clean water.
- A father stopped working overtime to make church and family a higher priority.
I understand. Your calendar is jammed. Your to-do list is lengthy. Your budget is tight. You’re tired of feeling guilty for not doing and being more. And your want-to sometimes flickers out.
Then you hear a song. You listen to a story. You watch a video or see a picture. And you want to a little more…to make space in your week, on your to-do list, and in your budget for somebody else. When our want-to overpowers our can’t-do we call that “inspiration”.
ShaunGroves.com has relaunched (finally) with a new focus: to share stories and songs that inspire and equip us both to live generously at home and around the world.
At home – for the people living under our roof. Giving ourselves to the folks next door and on the other side of town.
Around the world – lending imagination, time, skill, prayers and money to neighbors oceans away.
I’ll introduce you to people who inspire me; to organizations, theologies, and innovators that inspire generous living and teach us how and why to give.
Inspiration coming soon. Thanks, Kat.
karen says:
LOVE the new site and the new direction! Looking forward to the future!
Shaun Groves says:
Thanks, Karen!
Kris Camealy says:
Love the new site, Shaun. And I look forward to hearing some more inspiring stories. Cheers, friend. This has been a process, eh? ๐
Shaun Groves says:
You have no idea. Still squashing a few bugs but the lights are on and the doors are finally open. Thanks for showing up.
Kris Camealy says:
Showing up is something I do well. Seriously, praying for peace as the details get ironed out. These things can be so stressful. But really, it’s worth the work– this new look is refreshing. Hang in there!!
Thomas Bingaman says:
Like the new site. Looking forwards to reading the inspiring stories.
Kathy Schwanke says:
Love it! And I loved when you were hashing out your song-lyrics on Facebook last summer. I find the process of any art-form as inspiring as the finished product. ๐
KristinHillTaylor says:
Love this new look and looking forward to the inspiration that is to come. Thanks for sharing stories that matter.
Melissa Turner Jones says:
Love the site! The new tour page is really cool! Looking forward to the new content!
Shaun Groves says:
And it’s not done yet! Soon you’ll be able to tweet or share any tour date. That’ll help a lot. Thanks for the kind words!
Melissa Turner Jones says:
Ooooo! And it emails me when someone replies to my comment! Yay! If there’s a pet peeve I have concerning blogs, etc. who want to promote conversations, it’s a comment system that doesn’t notify you about responses! I want to be part of conversations, but I forget to check to see if someone has replied!
Queenzilla says:
Love it!! The pictures are beautiful, the home page is especially awesome, and the site is easy to navigate. Job well done, sir!!
Shaun Groves says:
Ben & Kurt at Louder Media are geniuses. And I’m are they’re tired of hearing me ask, “Would it be possible to…?” Very patient.
Jolanthe says:
Love the new site and can’t wait to hear more from you. ๐
Crystal says:
This is going to be awesome ๐
Kelli says:
Got a little misty-eyed just reading this post. Good grief…Pregnancy hormones?!
I love the look of the site, and I’m really excited to see the stories that begin to pour out of this space. You have inspired our family in a lot of ways to more courageous living and giving. Can’t wait to keep journeying with you here! ๐
Shaun Groves says:
It IS allergy season. You guys inspire right back. Thanks, friend.
Kristin says:
Hi Shaun, the new site looks great! I’m excited to see what is to come. Kat is amazing isn’t she? Love how much she helps us bloggers figure out our way. Blessings, Kristin
Shaun Groves says:
She really is the blog whisperer.
Kat Lee says:
Shaun….
The new site is amazing! I first clicked over when I was on my phone and it looks every bit as amazing (and usable) there too. Very impressive.
I’m SO glad that conversation was a blessing to you. At the time I was afraid I was being pushy and obnoxious. I just love helping people figure out their vision…I get a little excited.
Can’t wait to see what’s ahead for you. I’m sure you’ll inspire many….to action. (See what I did there?)
Shaun Groves says:
I respond well to pushy…which I read as passionate. (You weren’t a bit obnoxious.) Thanks for the kick in the right direction!
And because I know you like to nerd out on this sort of thing…Ben and Kurt at Louder Media worked long and hard on making this site responsive. You should resize your browser and see how the site looks at different break points. Pretty genius.
Kat Lee says:
I kind of already did that. I’m sure that places me squarely in the nerd category. Also? The hover effects on photos…so cool.
Amy Dixon says:
I’m just glad to see you back. ๐
Christy Fitzwater says:
It made me happy to see your name pop up in my email again. I know we’ve never met, but I thought, “Shaun -I’ve missed you, man!” God always uses your words to encourage me and move me forward. Glad you’re back. Praying God keeps working powerfully through your writing.
Shaun Groves says:
Thank YOU for coming back to read again. I was gone longer than expected – thankful you hung in there with me.
Lindley says:
Oh how i love “And your want-to sometimes flickers out.” And do relate–sadly. But also, the songs and photos and stories–so inspirational—what led our family to sponsor our buddy in Ecuador! Thanks, Shaun. Excited to read and experience more!
Ashley says:
Got the page saved to my favorites!!! My husband and I loved hearing you sing at our little Idlewild of Odessa church last year. ๐
Unshattered says:
I’d love it if you found this inspiring: http://unshatteredny.wordpress.com/why-unshattered/
Repurposed materials, wholeness from pieces, unshattered lives.
Women in recovery from drug and alcohol addition sewing bags to support the Walter Hoving Home (a Teen Challenge affiliate). I’m a board member of WHH and I started Unshattered in January – we’ve raised more than $5000 for the Walter Hoving Home in 3.5 months! It’s the best kind of fun to see these women gain business skills, produce something amazing and find joy in giving back. To me they are no longer heroin addicts or alcoholics, they are entrepreneurs and artists.
Kelly
Yvonne Reynolds says:
Absolutely love the new design of your site! Sure have missed your blog posts, can’t wait to see what you will be sharing with all of us.
Matthew says:
You probably didn’t intend this. If you did, you are an absolute genius. But I love that the “both” in your blog’s new mission statement could be interpreted in two ways: “to inspire and equip both of us” on the one hand, and “live generously both at home and around the world” on the other.
In other news, I love the layout redesign. And I’m very appreciative that you’ve added Disqus! And finally, I’m excited to see what new stuff you post, especially given your new, clarified direction.