My Sole Responsibility

I've heard that a few of our Stampin' Up! demonstrators have expressed some concern that I mention religion on my blog and the blog is linked to the Stampin' Up! site and sometimes mentioned in Stampin' Up! material. I'm not sure if people are offended by my mention of religion, or if they're concerned that I'm mixing personal thoughts and feelings with professional, but I thought this was a subject worth bringing up.

I want to make it very clear that this blog is my personal blog, and I am solely responsible for the content of the blog. Stampin' Up! doesn't endorse my blog or any contents on the blog. While some companies do have "official" blogs, soshelli.com is not an official Stampin' Up! blog at all. It's all mine--good or bad!

I hope it's mostly good. If I've offended anyone by mentioning religion, I'm sorry--that is not my intention at all! My religion is at the heart of everything I am. It's what has made me who I am. I can't imagine sharing anything personal without my beliefs and values being brought up fairly frequently because they are so much a part of me. I've tried to be careful about what I've said; I think I've only mentioned the name of the church I belong to once. Most of the time I talk about my church and my beliefs in general.

I don't want people to feel like I'm preaching or teaching or promoting any specific religion or belief. But if I felt like I couldn't mention general thoughts and feelings about what is such a huge part of me and my life, I don't think I could share much.

I hope that clears up my intent behind talking about things of a religious or spiritual nature. I hope most of you aren't bothered when I mention religion. In fact, one of the things I value when I meet demonstrators is our conversations about our shared faith in God.

I also respect diversity and the fact that some of you may be uncomfortable when I mention religion. It won't bother me at all if you choose not to read those postings, or even choose to ignore my blog altogether. I learned long ago that we can't please everyone all of the time, and that diversity is what adds spice to life!

Comments

[Lisa Pressley]

Well said. I don't think you should have to apologize for your beliefs! Keep posting Shelli - I love reading your upbeat blog!

[Nancy Wyant]

Shelli,

Please keep your blog as you have had it. It is YOUR blog. I enjoy everything I read on here. Just keep being you!

Nancy

[Kelly]

I really enjoy your blog - and if any mention has been made of relgion or beliefs, I certainly haven't been offended.... to each their own. Wishing you the very best.

[Brook]

Be true to yourself and what you believe in. While some don't understand the extent of the blessings we recieve from the gospel, you and I both know it's extent. They shouldn't criticize or blame by any means. Your blog is your space to be creative in thought and in word...they don't have to read it. As for me, I don't know you personally, I'm just a newer Stampin' Up! hobbyist, but I love reading your blog. It's inspiring.

[Gigi]

I praise you for being a witness to all you encounter. (Whether it's through direct contact or through this blog.) You are being a good and faithful servant, and the Lord will bless you and your loved ones for this servanthood. Thank you for blessing me and so many others through Stampin Up! It's amazing how many people of faith (not religion) gather together and form stamping clubs and friendships. It's not about religion, it's about a personal relationship with our maker.

[Susan Christian]

Way to go Shelli! I couldn't agree with you more. My faith is such an integral part of my life and anyone who knows much about you knows that yours is, too. I believe you when you say it is at the very core of your being and shapes and molds our decisions everyday, whether those are personal or business related. And, I also belive that those values helped you make Stampin' Up! what it is today and makes MANY of us wish we could work for you personally at the home office! Thank you, thank you for standing up for yourself and your faith! I support you!! :-)

[Corrine]

Well said! Thanks Shelli.

[Elizabeth]

Hi Shelli- as someone who is a believer in God, but not of a particular faith, I find your posts about your faith/ religion enlightening. I believe those that read blogs should have an open mind and appreciate the faith of others even if they don't feel the same.

I have never found your posts about faith offensive or over the top. I actually find them interesting because it gives insight into the every day life of YOU/ someone of the LDS faith.

thanks for sharing!
Liz

[Mary]

Shelli-----
Isn't it amazing with things as they are today that some can find time to be offended, or even comment on you even mentioning religion. Or that they think so little of themselves that any comment you make could sway them (or others) so easily. Just for the record, I'm not of your religious beliefs---but hold your commitment to your CHOICE as something to be respected, honored and to aspire too. I applaud your strength and look to it as a good example. Do you ever wonder if you'll get posts complaining that you mentioned a favorite COLOR ;-)

[Kathie Tice]

Well, I would say to those that are concerned about your mention of any particular thing to simply stop visiting your blog! It is yours, after all! Thank you for taking the time to share pieces of yourself, Shelli.

[Betsy Z]

Wow! I must just gloss over the negative, lol, because I haven't heard anything negative about your blog. I, too, was really hoping that your blog would be "Shelli's blog," not an extension of Stampin' Up!. I mean, I love SU, but I want to hear about Shelli, the creative woman, and your thoughts that are involved in living and creating. Thanks so much for being willing to share that with all of us...

[Janine Titko]

Dearest Shelli, I would like to applaud you for standing up for what you believe in. It is your blog and as you have clearly stated, your own views. You have never forced religion or your beliefs on anyone, or anywhere (SU or your blog). It seems to me that if someone has a problem with the mention of any type of religion on your blog, then perhaps it is a personal situation that they need to keep to themselves. Those of us who have religion in our lives live it to the fullest and are proud of it.
I love reading your blog and it is my hope that it doesn't change.
God' Blessing upon your family and friends.

[Lisa Hirsch]

Oh Shelli! I LOVE that you have this blog now AND that you are sharing more about yourself. One thing I love about convention and SU publications is hearing your heartfelt messages. You are and inspiration and a mentor to me personally. The fact that you have been more forward about your faith in our Lord has been even MORE inspiring to me. I pray that I can positively affect people in my life as you do with incredible grace. Truly, you are doing what we are called to as Christians and reflecting what is within you. I LOVE IT!!

The bottom line is not about selling stamping supplies, it is about touching lives. That is what makes this opportunity so special, it isn't about storing up treasures on earth. You keep it up... let us know when you have stress and challenges so WE can PRAY FOR YOU, your family! The world needs more women in love with their sweethearts like you! You are a Proverbs 31 gal, through and through. Never, ever let anyone steal your joy or make you self-conscious about being who you truly are.

With a big hug! Lisa

[Jaron Winder]

Shelli, thank you for being so open with your life. It certainly took great faith to start this company and keep it going right from the beginning. Because of that faith we have an amazing company before us that changes lives and contributes to charities and people in need all over the world. Thank you for being real and true to yourself. Your faith and the person you are MAKES A DIFFERENCE to millions of people.

[Trish Chavez]

Shelly,

You should be able to talk about your religion, your beliefs, anything that makes you you! I think more of us should feel free to speak about our relationships, religion, etc. Nothing can be forced on anyone without if you don't want it forced on you.

Thank you for your honesty!

[Sharlene Wale]

Oh Shelli, I wish I could be half as diplomatic as you are! This is my favorite post ever, on anyone's blog!

[Jamilla Ivits]

Well said and keep up the great blog! I'm enjoying every entry!

[Jennifer Scull]

Just another person chiming in to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. As has been said before, this is YOUR blog. I shouldn't tell you what to put on yours anymore than you should tell me what to put on mine. If a person has a strong faith (as you, myself, and many others seem to), it can't help but be a major portion of their life. God tells us that even the rocks will cry out in worship to Him, so of course we want to share how our relationship with Him has impacted our lives. Keep up the wonderful work!
Jennifer

[P]

Shelli I have to tell you that one of the reasons I became a Stampin' Up! demonstrator was because of the religious beliefs that you hold so dear. Religion has always been and will always be part of my life....so thank you!

Quite honestly, it's your blog...say what you like!! I personally love it!

[Jessica Russell]

Shelli, you shouldn't have to apologize or explain ANYTHING!! You just keep being you!

[Jennie]

I am really quite appalled tha people would see fit to criticise anyone for holding religious beliefs, I am more appalled by the fact that clearly enough people have been complaining/commenting loudly enough for Shelli (gosh I feel strange usuing your first name as if I know you!) to hear and feel the need to comment.Our individual personal belief systems are our own, however, many of our personal feeling and views do become known to others-this is the joy of democracy, that we may speak freely as long as we do not cause offence (and by that I mean to be offensive). Shelli apologised-there was no need. This is one of those situations where it is perfectly acceptable to state that the problem is with others not Shelli. Alas, it appears Shelli has become akin to a 'celebrity' in the sense that people who work in certain professions, become well known etc, suddenly find themselves open to scrutiny and criticism as though they were public property. Shelli, like Tom Cruise, Britney Spears etc is a PERSON who just happens to have become well known for a particular aspect of their lives. Shelli works (lives and breathes I know) for Stampin Up. No more no less. No one has the right to criticise her on expressing religious views on a personal blog. Yes, Shelli talks about SU and God-just as she does her other family members! I despise gossip-it does no good whatsoever and I genuinely hope that those concerned feel ashamed for making Shelli feel the need to defend herself for mentioning God and her faith on here. I will add that there's a phrase about if you don't like it-turn over-well please do. In the meantime let's get back to where we were-Shelli I'm glad you had a great trip and trust your family are all well. God bless. Jennie

[Andrea]

Shelli,

I love your blog. I am proud to be a Stampin' UP! demo. You should be able to talk about anything that you want on your blog. Don't change a thing. You are an inspiration to us all. XOXOX Andrea J--Papillion NE

[Nena]

Amen to all above Shelli! I truly appreciate all your words of faith, hope, and honestry. Your blog is your release to do as you wish and believe. I truly love your evangelism as I know HE appreciates it too! Continue...I love your blog. I look forward to your updates and the responses. Thank you so much for being open and truthful to all of us. God is good...all the time!

[Joey]

Shelli, Several years ago I was far from God. If the person who "steered" me back to God had let others' opinions affect her. I would not be where I am today. Thank you for your blog. I enjoy reading it.

[crystal]

well said what the point of having freedom of speech if you don't use it and being someone who is a religous person as well and from a religion not alot of people understand I know how you feel about it being so much of your life..again well said Shelli