Sunday, February 11, 2007

Balance?

I am going to have to make some decisions about blogging.... soon. My "real-life" is so time consuming and overwhelming right now, that I simply do not have much time to post or really even give a second thought to blogging (or reading many blogs). I love this community. I love all of the support I have been given and friendships that I have made. I never expected any of that, and I really don't want to give it up. That being said, however, I cannot neglect my family and obligations for the "cyber world". When I am on the computer, there are a million and one other things that I *need* to be doing at this point in my life. Simply put, the computer and blogging take my focus away from where it needs to be. I have TONS of things I would like to write about, TONS of posts I would love to do.... but to do them would mean that other things are NOT getting done. Other duties are neglected. Things that would have gotten done in a day stretch into 2 or 3 because more of my free time (what little that I have!!) has been eaten away by the computer! This is something that is just not acceptable to me. I have been given an awesome responsibilty in my home and my children and I simply cannot do the best job of what I have been entrusted with when other things (blogging, etc.) steal away that precious time.

"Do not squander time, for it is the thing of which life is made".

I have prayed about this, and think that I have a solution. You know in Proverbs 3 where it says in ALL your ways acknowledge him? I absolutely believe that in ALL of our ways (situations, conversations, problems) every. single. one. we should acknowledge God, consult him, ask hime what HE would have us do. I don't think blogging is any exception. He DOES care what we do with our time and we WILL be accountable for how we have handled/what we have done with the time we have been given. I don't think that I will give up blogging, but I do know that the time dedicated to this venture will be less than it has been in the past. It has already diminished some by necessity! I post much less now than I did in the past- not because it has been a concious decision- but because the time to do so simply has not been available. So bear with me, dear friends, as I find my new "groove" on the wonderful world wide web. I am thankful for each and every one of you, and pray that you have a blessed week.
Happy Monday and
Much Love,

18 comments:

Lori said...

Understood completely. I have said there will be some weeks, I am able to blog and some I just can not make it to the computer. What will be will be. I check in when I can. My family comes first.

Just check in once a month and say hi ;)

Karen said...

I completely understand. Not trying to make you feel bad or guility - but I would hate to see you leave all together since you are one of my favorites to read :-) .... but you must do what the Lord leads you to do. And you must do what is best for your family.

Take Care and God Bless -
Karen

Karen said...

Jennifer,
Since this is still pretty new to me, I have been posting a lot more than I think I will be in the future. I can see where it can comsume a HUGE portion of your life, if you let it.
As women of faith, we should heed that "still small voice", the one that's been whispering to me lately. I am enjoying this new venture, but I am going to have to put it into its proper place, too!
I will keep checking in with you as I can, because I enjoy your writings so much.
May God Bless you and yours,
Karen

Susan P. said...

Totally and completely understand. Give you precious little ones a hug for me. God bless. Much love, Susan P.

Amanda said...

It is February and thank goodness that is a small month and soon you will get to say it is March. You are making smart desicions! Keep up the good work. Amanda

Big Mama said...

Jen, I'll be here to read what you write when you have time to write it. I completely understand about having too much on your plate.

heidi said...

I stumbled upon your blog in the last week or so and have really enjoyed reading back through many of your posts. You are very inspirational and have blessed me through your great attitude and heart for God! It was just what I needed - I love how God does that! :) I can relate to the computer sucking valuable time though. May God convict us all of our priorities and keep working for a healthy balance. Blessings to you today.

Deidre said...

I think we all completely understand. We must all discern where our time should be spent.

I do enjoy your blog and will be here to read whatever you post and whenever you post.

Anonymous said...

Since finding your blog I have enjoyed it and others you have listed. You are right that we can get consumed with the computer. Moderation in all things. That is the key. Thanks for your beautiful blog.

Paula said...

I don't blame you one bit!! I find it hard to find balance myself. I am on here reading blogs and turn around and it has been an hour or so. So I commend you for making a wise choice. I keep thinking I will but I sucked into it too deep.

Anonymous said...

You have your priorities firmly in order! Good for you!

Laura said...

Oh I absolutely agree. I have been struggling a bit myself as well and I need to make sure that my family is my priority. Great post!
Laura

Anonymous said...

Oh my! I've just written and pondered and then deleted almost the same post on my own blog - I just couldn't get my words to say what I wanted them to say and you've put it so well.

Amen dearest Jennifer, hugs to you...p.s. I loooove flat Andy!!

The Tiquehunters Wife said...

Completely understand! You are right in making this decision. Have enjoyed visiting here and will continue to think of you and keep you and your husband in my prayers. Claudia O.

Anonymous said...

I totally can relate to your post Jennifer, I struggle with these same feelings also and I do spend to much time on the computer blogging and reading blogs. I also have so many things I want to say and sometimes I just can't get to the computer to let it out because more important things need my attention.

Post whenevery you can, I'll still be here to read your posts!

Have A Blessed Day Jennifer!

Anonymous said...

I don't have my own blog. One of the reasons, besides being "LOW TECH", is the time. Even now I have to set a timer (15 min) and force myself to stop with it goes off. There are a lot of really great blogs out there but I've had to narrow it down to a few favorites. I love your sweet blog. I found my way here by Lisa Whelchel to In the Midst of It to Big Mama to you. I read through your archives and when I discovered you were reading Elizabeth George and Edith Schaeffer, I new you were a kindred soul.;) You put beauty in your daily life and I love how you share that with us. I just wanted you to know. Jessica T.

Anonymous said...

I so understand and I don't have nearly the level of responsibility you do right now with two children and a hubby deployed. Write when you can and the readers who really love you will always be here whenever you do write. :-)

Anonymous said...

I have said there will be some weeks,

___________________
Julie
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