Lisa Notes: Why I quit blogging

Why I quit blogging

(for a week)

A week ago Sunday night, I was complaining.

I was frustrated from looking around me and seeing piles of stuff. I was discouraged by too many projects to do in a competing amount of time.

I went to Jeff for help.
But I didn’t like his suggestion.

“Why not cut out blogging for a week?”

Blogging?
My spiritual outlet? My source of encouragement?
Are you serious???

He was serious.
And I was desperate enough to listen.

So I did it. I shut down writing for a week (except for this commitment and an archive re-post).

Was I happy about it?
No.

Even though I got more done around the house. And knocked out two projects. And got in bed earlier a few nights.

I missed you—your writings and encouragement and insights.
I missed me—I felt cut off from myself when I wasn’t writing.
And I missed my time of reflecting on God, with God, through words.

Why I’m starting back

So was it worth it?

Frankly, I’m not sure. I’m still processing the lessons.

I do know blogging can eat up as much time as I let it. Both in the writing and the reading.

And that’s not good.

So I’ll keep a better check on it. As is, I don’t have a set time for writing; I just grab snatches of time here and there. Maybe a more orderly schedule would help me weigh the worth versus the costs.

What I do know is this: God will provide all I need. He’s promised (Philippians 4:19).

If he wants me to have time for blogging (I hope he does; just being honest), he’ll provide it. I will seek his wisdom as I re-prioritize my schedule.

I’ll look for his answers. And reach for more faith to implement them.

Hopefully, without complaining.

* * *

Do you have a writing schedule for your blog? Have you intentionally taken a blogging break? What did you learn?

Comments (40)

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Barbara H. 65p · 695 weeks ago

I was wondering if something was going on and wasn't sure if it would be prying to ask. I probably would have sent an e-mail to see if everything was ok if I hadn't seen something from you here soon. Before that I hadn't seen you over at my place and was wondering if I had offended you in some way, then when I didn't see you here either, I thought, hmm, maybe with teaching the new class she's had to let other things go for a bit (how'd the new class go, BTW?)

Blogging time, both the reading and the writing, is a constant struggle to keep in balance with the rest of life. I don't have the answers -- the answer would be different for different people and even different for the same people on different days, weeks, and seasons.

I hope God does provide time for you to continue, too. :-)

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Feel free to ask anytime, Barbara - I wouldn't consider it prying. I thought about putting up a post explaining, but decided that would be breaking my self-imposed no-blogging rule. ;-)

The class is going very well so far! Thanks for asking. I will probably post something about it soon. It was so encouraging to me yesterday to hear the girls share pieces of their stories. We're taking a field trip this Sunday to deliver baby gifts to a women's shelter (Lord willing).

Preparing for the girls' class will take up a new chunk of time, so you were right in assuming that as part of the reason all went quiet here. Praying to find the right balance between it all. Thanks for your encouragement for me to continue.

My recent post Why I quit blogging

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Jen · 695 weeks ago

Just lately have I felt that God was leading me to scheduled writing time, although I still don't have it down. I think it's definitely a process.

Something I've recently begun doing is only writing (except for SDG posts) when I feel compelled to write. Otherwise, I feel like I'm just writing to keep my stats up. And that is not a worthy use of my time.
My recent post Adventure awaits?

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

That is a good goal, Jen, to only write when you feel compelled. I typically feel compelled every day. :-) But often I do try to lean in towards a pre-set topic from someone else, instead of what's directly on my heart. So perhaps writing more from my spirit should be one lesson I need to learn.

Those stats - yes, they can be a driving force, can't they? I probably should take a weeks' fast from even looking at them...
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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Dawn · 695 weeks ago

I so understand and related to your thoughts, feelings and CHOICE. Hmmm...do you also journal? I have found that blogging is like my writing "gym" and I so do love it. But my journal has always been my connecting point with God. Although I have found that blogging sometimes can replace that and I am not sure if this is good or not! Balance in all things, and God first, I think is what He is showing me. Thanks for sharing your heart - openly!
My recent post The Path of Life

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Great comments, Dawn. I journal too, but in shorter snippets. And yes, like you, it is more my connecting point with God because it is all personal, for nobody else's reading but me and God. You're right that we do need to guard those times with God the most. I appreciate you sharing your heart too!
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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Nancy · 695 weeks ago

I didn't quit, but I've been distracted. I feel like I'm in a dry spell. I think I need to spend some time living so I have some things to write about. Or maybe I'm just lazy, I don't know. I'm working on it. Glad to see you back here and linked with Laura.
My recent post New Songs of Celebration

3 replies · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

I don't see you as lazy, Nancy. ;-) But we do all go through different seasons of life, and our writings reflect that. I'm glad you haven't quit!
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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janicejohnson 14p · 695 weeks ago

Hi, Nancy! I could have written your comment, almost word for word (except I don't know who Laura is; I'm here from SDG). I cannot just force out a post; I must have something to say.

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Oh, that we all would go by that leading, Jan - only write when we have something to say! :-) The web would be a lot less crowded space. And a lot more meaningful.
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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Dea · 695 weeks ago

There is a reason that someone who loves you would suggest you quit for a week. I am thankful you have someone to help you see when you need to break. The question is what was at the heart of his reason to ask you to do that? Obviously, you respect his thoughts on such things because you did it. This kind of transparency is good. Keep processing and let us know. Thanks for sharing with your readers.

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Yes, Dea, I am very thankful that my husband was discerning enough to make the suggestion. Part of me felt offended--like he didn't understand how valuable this is to me as a ministry, but another part of me knew he was just trying to help me rebalance.

It was an interesting week. He had other advice for me in a different manner--which also wouldn't have been my first choice, but I took it, and it worked out as well.

My husband isn't typically so straight-forward about giving advice, so when he does, I try to listen. :-) God works in many ways.
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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Julie · 695 weeks ago

Balance In Blogging...sounds like a mission for this current cultural daily lifestyle...It is our struggle in this world isn't it?...to put things into their proper place...to have a healthy perspective about what is acceptable and what is possibly not necessary in our "walk"... to prioritize what is vital for us as Christian women...(seeing that our hearts always want God to be pleased with our choices.) yes...I'm with you... Enjoy life...Delight in the modern day blessings that allow us more contact than ever with other sisters all over the WORLD!! and Intentionally do self-inventory...keeping ourselves in check that we are maintaining the "balance". Thanks for the reminder and inspiration and sharing your struggles! Appreciate!!!!!!!!!! Hugs to you Lisa. xoxoxo
My recent post Merry Monday and Mantel Metamorphosis

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

It is definitely a 21st century struggle, to be sure. I didn't even know what a blog was 10 years ago. Wonder what temptations will arrive for us in the next decade?

At their root, I suppose they're all similar though, just in different forms. Like you say, Julie--we aim to please God in how we prioritize; keeping a healthy perspective on honoring him; staying balanced in our walk. Thanks, sweet sister. You share such words of wisdom!
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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floyd · 695 weeks ago

I'm with you, I've never been one to be very good at balancing things. I'm an all or nothing type of person. I have to say, when I began connecting with brothers and sisters via my blog, it opened my eyes to a world that was constantly being all about God. While that's a good thing, the encouragement we get with our heads down can begin to take away from our home lives. I too am trying to strike a better balance. I'm encouraged again. Good for you for having the discipline to do this. I kinda figured that's what you were doing.
My recent post BOLOGNA!

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Glad you figured me out, Floyd. It is hard to walk away from something that brings such encouragement in our Christian walk, but I guess we still have to keep lines drawn between what is good, better, and best, and choose the best as often as we can. I appreciate your steady presence as a light in the blogging world.
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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kingfisher · 695 weeks ago

I only post a blog once a week. And I try to limit the number of blogs I read each week. This is hard because so many have good beautiful things to say. But the more time I spend reading others' works, the less I have time and inclination for my own artistic endeavors and "listening to God" time. The internet can have the effect of impelling me to read things just as rapidly as possible, without stopping to ponder them, just so I can get through all the e-mails and blogs before the next batch drops. Pretty soon I just want to not open any for a few days so that my thoughts can roam elsewhere. And if I happen to read something about us being energetic and focused and doing great things for the Lord, I'm prone to back out of the internet and spend a day or two not connected. There are so many opportunities living in my computer that don't require going online but allow me to express my true inner self for the sake of worshipping God and holding on to my sanity of not "pushing" to compete and complete.
But yes, there are some posts that I'm extremely touched by and so glad I took the time to read.

Thanks for the comment you left at my site. I hope we can somehow manage to grasp how large and mighty God is, and rest securely in his great love for us. Truly, Jesus is our joy!
My recent post Grief and Joy

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Ooh, you nailed me. So often I rush through all the blogs I want to read. I'd be better served and serve others better if I'd eliminate a few, and invest more in the ones that remain. Slow it down without adding more time spent. Hmm... I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me; they help.
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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Sharon O · 695 weeks ago

I try to write monday, wed and friday if at all possible. Then the off days I think about the blog and the direction I would want it to go towards. The goals is to not publish too much, one blog I read sends out stuff almost daily and I often don't read it. A few times a week is plenty.
.

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

There definitely is something to be said for quality over quantity. Thanks, Sharon.
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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Dolly · 695 weeks ago

I blog about three times a week, Mon, Wed, and Friday, on average...but I usually aim to pray first then blog because I need God's guidance on what to blog about... if life happens, and I don't get to it, then I try not to beat myself up over it. Blessings to you, Lisa as you find what works for you : )
My recent post What Does Flying a Kite Have to do with God?

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

"Pray first then blog." Excellent advice for all of us. We definitely do need God's guidance on what to blog about. Your comments are helpful. I like hearing how other people schedule when to post, and how rigid they are about it. Sounds like you have found a healthy balance. Thanks, Dolly.
My recent post Can different be delightful?

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Sel · 695 weeks ago

I kept meaning to ask you where you were! I did miss your thoughts, insights, encouragement.

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Thanks, Sel. It was a weird week in several ways. God was moving the furniture around. :-) We need to set up a lunch date soon and talk it out in person.
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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Michelle Derusha · 695 weeks ago

I did take a 2.5 week blogging break over the Christmas/New Years holiday. It was wonderful...but I missed the writing (I think I was still writing posts in my head nearly the entire time I was away!).

I don't think it's the writing per se that bogs me down (blogs me down!) as much as the reading and commenting. I truly love to do it, but I spend way, way too much time on it.

I need to be like Amy and be more regimented about the visiting. I like her approach of dedicating only an hour or two to commenting.

Good stuff to think about here, Lisa.

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

I do that "writing in my head" thing too, Michelle. ha. It's hard to turn off the spigot.

I think you're right--the reading and commenting probably bogs me down more than the actual writing. I see it as a complete package, but sometimes I don't have time for both parts. I need to come to grips with that too...

Maybe you can figure it all out, then let me know and I'll follow. :-)

Thanks for all the excellent writing you continue to do. You always make me smile along the way and then leave me with bigger thoughts than I started with.
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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shanda oakley · 695 weeks ago

I have cut back at times, but always miss it. i think people who do not blog have no idea the fulfillment, friendship and joy it brings us.

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

I agree with you, Shanda. I would never have guessed myself how much I would enjoy it, and how much true encouragement and friendship I would pick up along the way. It's been such an unexpected blessing.
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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Carolyn Counterman · 695 weeks ago

I haven't been blogging as much lately due to some health concerns and I really miss it. I haven't had as much time or energy to read and comment. I miss that too. But I suppose there are times when there are other things I need to take care of. :)
My recent post Desde el Monte... Find A Husband

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

I'm sorry you've have health issues, Carolyn. Those kind of things demand our attention and can't be ignored. I pray you heal quickly and can return to your writing and reading soon.
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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beverleyhirst63 50p · 695 weeks ago

I have been doing some un-subscribing i had my fingers in too many pies who weren't serving me very well any more and i started a new blog here - http://januarytodecember.wordpress.com/. It's more about the whole me and not just the God bit. I didn't think I had deleted you but a break is good. I may not comment much but I read a lot so please keep going.
My recent post Records

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Thanks for your encouraging words, Beverley. Unless God decides to put a stop to it, I do intend to keep blogging, just maybe not with as much frequency; still working that out.

You were smart to clean out and unsubscribe. I do that periodically. It's probably time for a fresh reassessment of what is helpful and what is not. So I appreciate your comments to remind me of that too!
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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pamela · 695 weeks ago

I've had to take a step back from my blog because I was overwhelmed with some of my other (paid) writing projects. I write at least a post a week although I'd like to do two. I think like with everything else in my life, blogging has to be given to God. When He leads me to slow down I try to be as obedient as when He urges me to write on a certain topic. Please don't leave forever -- your writings has been such a blessing to me.

1 reply · active 695 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

Aw, you're sweet, Pamela. Your posts have been a blessing to me as well.

You have a wise and obedient stance on this whole blogging thing: write when he says go, and obey when he says stop. I pray for that attitude as well. Thank you.
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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laura · 695 weeks ago

I missed you! It's a slippery slope, isn't it? Finding that healthy balance is difficult. For me, it ebbs and flows...never stays the same. It shows a lot of insight that you heard this with your heart. Staying aware...cautious--I think this is wise.

But I'm so glad to have found you in this bloggy world.
My recent post Visionary

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Lisa notes 103p · 695 weeks ago

I'm glad to have found you too, Laura. You are making a difference both in the virtual world and in your in-body world.

Yes, finding balance can be a tricky thing; just when I think I've found what works, something else changes and knocks down my intricately build domino train. So thankful that the Lord has it all in control, with or without my help. :-)
My recent post Why I quit blogging

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sarahkocischeilz 16p · 694 weeks ago

Lisa, so hard to find balance! I've been casually blogging for a long time and become serious about it only recently. I'm already finding that I need to keep a balance so I do not burn out. Would love to hear your tips and tricks on it!

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Lisa notes 103p · 694 weeks ago

What I've discovered is that not only do I need to balance my writing time, but I also have to balance my commenting time on other blogs. We could spend all day doing that if we let ourselves because there are so many encouraging blogs out there.

I often find that my family is a good test for if I'm on the computer too much. If I start hearing negative remarks, I know I probably need to back off and watch my time.

It's been a difficult journey to find that balance. I'm still not there yet, but I feel a little closer to it. If I had all the time in the world, I'd probably write and read all day. :-) But I do KNOW that's not what I need to be doing, so I have to limit myself.

I pray you find the right balance for you!

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