Monday, December 8, 2008

Appreciations and Confessions... Update at Bottom.

First of all I want to deeply thank all of you for keeping up with my blog, for leaving your kind comments so often and for even "following"! You have all made my life so fun and exciting these last few weeks. I have so enjoyed reading all of your blogs and getting to "know" you. I truly think of you as my friends and am thrilled that you think the same of me! Thank you to those who have put my blog link in the side bars of your own blogs (Rebekah and Kelli!) and whom ever else may have done so. I never dreamed that this could be so much fun or that others would actually want to read my blog! (This sounds a little like an acceptance speech for an award, doesn't it?)
However, this has also been very addicting to me and I find myself using this as a way of escape from life when I'm bored or just don't feel like doing some of the things I know I should be doing... like spending quality time with my boys, house work and even quiet time with my Lord. I want to make a point of reading His Word each day and have been trying to follow along on Prairie Passages (thank you for this, Prairie Chick!) every morning but I get so distracted by everything else, mainly the computer.
Yesterday, at church, we had a message on the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting and how it doesn't always have to be about food but can be about anything that has been put before our time with God in our lives and I immediately thought about the computer. I know that what I am doing is not wrong or sinful in and of itself but, because it is taking away from time with my family and most importantly my Lord, it has become an idol in my life.
I have been convicted of this for a few days now and I know that something needs to be done, so... here is my plan of action. I want to start by taking a break from the computer during the day... and we'll see what happens from there!

I will check my computer to find out what Prairie Chick's Bible Passage is for the day and then read Ann's blog "a holy experience" (her writing is so uplifting and I love to read hers in the early morning hour of each day). Then I won't go on the computer again 'till after the boys are in bed in the evening and then only for an hour and a half max. (This may seem like a lot but it's not near as much time as I have been spending!) I still want to keep posting everyday if possible so I hope you all will still stop by and comment once in a while! : ) Please? I'll still be checking your's too, just not during the day when I should be doing other things!

Now, I know that I could have probably done this all on my own without having bothered you with this LOOONG rambling post, but I guess I felt I needed to for my own sake... sort of like an accountability thing. It makes me more inclined to follow through with my plans if I've told someone else about it... and I want to be honest.

Are you the same way?! Please tell so that at least I don't feel like I'm the only one with blogging addiction! : ) Ultimately, I just want to get to a place where it can be an enjoyable pass time for which I am not obsessed.

I sincerely hope (and also honestly believe) that you won't stop reading and commenting as a result of me baring my heart and revealing my weaknesses. Like I said, I deeply appreciate all of you. Thanks for "listening".

UPDATE: Wow... I am completely floored by all of your heartfelt encouragement and honesty. Thank you all SO much! Today has been wonderful, though hard at times when I was feeling the call of the computer. I didn't go on it at all except for the reasons that I stated and I must say that when I finally sat down after the boys were in bed it was like Christmas with all those wonderful gifts of words from you all waiting to be read! I loved it and am so happy I have gone through with this... you all are so understanding and supportive, I feel that maybe this will work and I'll be able to find some balance in my life again.

Well, I'm off to check out your blogs!

Oh, and BTW I just posted a really cute tidbit on my other blog "Of Books, Blocks n' Boys" about something fun I had Jayden do today and how he fooled me quite thoroughly. :o)
Check it out if you're interested!

12 comments:

  1. Yes it was definitely you, your photo was there. But I see from today's post that you have a very busy blogging life and I also see that with three young homeschooled boys your day is already very full. Luckily for me blogging didn't exist when my boys were little otherwise I'm sure I'd have used it as a harmless diversion too and that it might have got the upper hand. So I'm sure you're right to reign it in but don't worry too much about it either. Balance is all.

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  2. I had to cut back on my time on the computer too. I still think I can do more. I set a rule that I was not allowed on at all until I had spent my quiet time with the Lord.

    Thank you for being so honest! I think it is a weakness for many of us who stay home all day. It's a way to connect with the world. I will pray that you are able to keep to this commitment you have made.

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  3. yeah. I'm evaluating how to keep blogging without feeling the need to "keep up" with everyone who crosses my path. It's wonderful, but just not feasible. I like the idea of blogging without obligation (to post, or reply) but I need to put feet to the concept. I am trying to hash through how to change my approach to blogging as well. I think it will involve just doing a one "group" reply on my own posts at the end of the day, and only visiting other bloggers once a week. Trying to figure out wether it would be better to do once a week all at once, or try to visit a few different ones every evening as time allows, and hit everyone once in the course of a week. It's not easy. And I know sticking to it is gonna take discipline.

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  4. I know what you mean Katrina, look at me right now on the internet when I KNOW there is a ton of work to be done, and I am not watching Jasmin the way I should right now... Hmmm Do you mind if I join you? I think I will, Ok only 1 hour of internet time each day and after all my work is done after dinner. You aren't the only one who struggles with it being addictive. I love you! Thanks SO MUCH for your sweet comment on my blog!

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  5. oh girl...everyone goes through this as with anything else that is new or exciting. You'll find your rhythm with the computer, kids, hobbies, etc. I totally understand what you are saying and the need to pull back and reevaluate. It's harder too in the winter when it is cold and hard to get outside and go and do things.
    the Lord will show you the perfect balance to all of it :) Thanks for sharing your heart!

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  6. Oh, Katrina...{hugs}...I go through stages of this, too. I have been so blessed by this community here and cherish the friends I am making. It's so easy, though, to travel from blog to blog, finding so many kindred spirits and wanting to daily see what is going on in their life. I'm trying to keep a good balance in that area, too.

    You're right...there is a way to enjoy this and everything else, and I'm sure you will find it. Listening to the Holy Spirit's voice is the best place to start!

    I will pray for you to find that balance of enjoying this community and being the woman at home that God has created you to be.

    Thank you for your transparency here...it's good to know we're not alone, eh?

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  7. I am just the same... seriously!!
    Ever since i started my blog, i realised how addictive it was, and the potential it had to become way more important than God, my husband, kids, friends, chores (!), etc...
    I have felt this very same conviction many a time, and so have indeed embarked on a 'computer-fast' from time to time. i have always been a firm believer in the power of fasting, although i don't fast nearly enough... And i also believe that one doesn't only have to abstain from food; other things which take over our time, or our heart, or our thoughts, or our money... are also 100% worth fasting from. you just have to follow the Lord's lead; so let me reassure you once again, that you are not alone in this struggle to get the balance right. and thank you for being so so honest, real, transparent, and humble!
    you will reap much blessing for it.
    and by the way - i think you are embarking on a very bold, and wise, journey - let us know how you get on. i think you'll be surprised by how much God blesses you...
    i can't wait!!

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  8. I am liking blogging and reading. I stopped working part time about 6 months ago and find that I do enjoy reading about other moms. I am also new to homeschooling and I have reading alot for preparing & planning my home & school better.

    I think alot of ladies like blogging :)

    I am glad I have found Christian moms!!

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  9. I kind of cut back on the computer myself. I post mainly on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Friday (Mon, Tue Thurs are sort of sporactic). I may post everyday. Then again...I may not.

    The days that I don't post, I would use that time to visit different blogs starting with the ones I follow and go from there. It's more of a system, but I am sure God will give you the masterplan. But most importantly, don't be a stranger. :)

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  10. be blessed in this journey of pausing and evaluating!! I think we all have to go through it at some point. Be guilt free!

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  11. ...and you wondered if you would get any comments to this post. Look at how they love you!!! Glad we talked about this today. I will try to remember to hold you accountable to this new plan.
    I love you too!

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  12. Way to go, Katrina. I am so with you. I think I should even follow your example. I'll choose afternoon quiet times and evenings after the kids are tucked in.

    This might be hard!

    But worth it.

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I appreciate your thoughts and read each and every one... thank you!