This past week I was given a blogging break. I didn’t ask for it. My computer choose to be obstinate. If I had been given any say about it, I would have chose to keep on happily as I was. Blogging and reading, reading, reading and spending way too much of my time on the computer.
I have been fighting it, but I know it is true, I have a blogging addiction.
The computer that hogs my desk space also hogs my time.
I have let it steal from me. It has stolen time I should have spent with my children. It has stolen time when I should be cleaning. It has stolen time when I should have been teaching. It has stolen time when I could have been relaxing, creating or reading.
It has become what the Lord says we should never let come before Him…an idol. I have let my blogging become more important than time spent with God. I didn’t consciously choose this path, it happened slowly over time. And I let it. One day at a time. One comment at a time. One blog at a time. Blogging became my passion.
The time has come for me to be intentional.
To make some changes.
I will still blog. I’m not ready to give it up yet. Writing about me, about my growth, my struggles, my thoughts, my feelings has been good for me. It has brought forward and put on “paper” all the years of carrying essays, stories and articles in my head. And it is creating a journal for my children and for future generations.
Time requirements and limits are being set so that I can spend more time seeking God instead of seeking acknowledgement for my own ego. More time will be spent playing with my children. More time will be spent cleaning, reading and crocheting.
And less will be spent with my face and mind glued to the computer screen.
It’s time to be intentional!
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Boy did your post ever hit home! I started out just surfing the web during my "resting" times between chores and other such tings. NOW it is what I do with a chore thrown in every now and then, like rebooting the dishwasher or dryer or throwing a freezer meal into the oven. I need to find a balance here. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI am so totally in support of this! Yaay Jenn!! May the Lord give you the grace and strength you need to do this day by day!! I have found myself in the same boat as you and it is so freeing to set those limits and stick to them. You will find you will enjoy it more when it's in its proper place. May God bless you in it...and He will be glorified!
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Camille
Oh...and if you have a laptop (as I do) you can lock it away and bring it out so it does not "take over" the desk. :)
ReplyDeleteWow. God convicted me of this same thing almost 2 months ago and even though it's been hard sometimes, walking away from this screen has been an awesome awakening. Yours is also the 2nd blog I've visited today that is sharing this same message. I do believe that God is busy waking up his daughters. I can't wait to see what He has in store for all of us!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Deb
Good for you girl, God and family first.
ReplyDeleteI post about once a week now and set a timer while at the computer. I too found that bloggin' was interfering with my real life so I had to set limits.
May you have a beautiful day,sweetie!!!
I should join you in this...
ReplyDeleteI hear you on this one. I get the same message. I tell God, fine then I'll just be done completely and never go back. That's me, radical, God wants balance. He has a ministry for me here, but when the ministering stops and the obsession starts is where I need to find the balance. It is a constant battle at times. I see Him leading and hear His voice when I have crossed that line.
ReplyDeleteIt is freeing to obey His voice.
I agree it is so easy to let blogging take over our "spare" time. It's hard because it seems so innocent. Connecting with other women, learning a new skill, finding a new recipe... all good things. I commend you for making an effort to find balance!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, my friend. It is so hard to remember what this really is. It is never the most important.
ReplyDeleteI love your new look. It makes me ready for spring!
God has been convicting me of the very same thing. It's too easy to let the computer start to take over in my life. As a SAHM, I feel that the internet and blogging is my connection to the outside world. But it must be done with a purpose, with boundaries, and as you said, intentionally. I'll pray for you! (and if you think of it pray for me too!)
ReplyDeleteI came to realize I was a blogging addict a few months ago, I've made some good changes that are helping so that it isn't taking over my life. The best one has been only visiting the blogs of the people who comment on my blog. This has helped me get control over how many blogs I'm keeping up with. Also, if they leave a comment, I keep it in my email and visit their blog only when I have time. Another change I've made is posting less. I feel like I'm back in control and I know my family appreciates having all of me. My sis is going through the same realization and just did a post on it. I'm praying for you both as well as myself to stay strong and obedient to the Lord when it comes to our blogging habits.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jackie
I totally feel the same way. My laptop stills precious time I could be spending w/ my kids and time I should be getting my work done. I love the outlet blogging gives me...very therapeutic, but all things in moderation. I too have backed off this week. I follow less blogs (less temptation to read on and on). Good luck. :)
ReplyDeleteA wise woman. The computer really is such a time waster when we let it become one. Thanks for your comment this week!
ReplyDeleteOh I can completely relate to this...I think of it often. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I can so relate to this one. If you feel like sharing, I'd love to hear more about the limits you are setting for yourself.
ReplyDelete