I struggle at times with the blogging thing as to whether I should spend a lot of time doing it or just a little. I thought I'd sort some of it out with some pros and cons of blogging, and see how to blog in a God-honoring way.
PROS
1. Learn from others who are similar to me.
2. Make online "friends" who have similar interests. (I don't have many friends yet having just moved so it's nice to "chat" online with other women without a long-distance phone bill.
3. Have a place to sort out my thinking on things and be creative.
4.Share what I've learned with others.
5. Personally encourage others on their blogs.
CONS
1. Sometimes I can blog to feel good about myself by getting compliments from others. If I am a child of God, I don't need the praise of man, but of God.
2. It's easy to try to have the "best" blog and have it be a source of pride. I am not to glory in anything but God alone. Any good that I do is only through him and to his glory, and only through his Holy Spirit will any fruit come from what I do.
3. Reading others' blogs could foster a discontent with my situation and cause me to covet what others have.
3. Time spent blogging may be time taken away from time spent reading the Bible and in prayer for family, misionaries etc.
So what is one to do? One thing I've thought I should do is to make sure that before blogging I've spent time with the Lord and in prayer. Then before sitting down to the computer I should pray for wisdom on how to spend my time and have the proper attitudes while blogging. I can pray for the right words to speak as I write entries, and to find those who are hurting and need extra encouragement as I read others' blogs. I also should make sure that my wisdom ultimately comes from God and not from man.
Here's a final verse to meditate on: Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Oh wow. I just love to read things that I've been feeling myself, but hadn't stopped to put into words. Thanks so much. This is a struggle for me. It has been so long since I have done anything that's "just for me." This blogging doesn't yet show any signs of being for the kids or my husband unless I somehow come out of it a better mom or wife.
I've thought about every one of these same reasons for staying and have several of my own for quitting. I've been here 2 months now. I was telling my husband just this morning that I feel I'm learning some things about myself from this blogging. But it takes so much time I don't know if I can continue. We have S L O W internet.
We moved to the country (30 miles out) 7 years ago, and socially, all my friends seem to feel we've fallen off the face of the earth, even though I'm back in town for most activities. It's kind of lonely at times. Gas and phone calls all cost too much to stay in touch. I see everyone at activities, but it's not the same.
I've been so focused on the kids that I've neglected my own relationships. I feel so out of touch, and it's kind of nice reading some of these blogs.
Pretty pathetic eh?
I really like your thoughts about balancing it.
Thanks.
I'm with you. It is so easy to get overly passionate about blogging and our friends here and neglect the weightier matters at home. Comitting our time and words to the LORD is so very important. I have had to just stay off the computer once dh gets home and commit more of my thoughts to God's Word when I go to bed - so I'm not dreaming blogging - sad, but true. Thanks for your words.
Your friend from MN
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• Sat 3 Feb 2007 - Untitled Comment
I've thought about every one of these same reasons for staying and have several of my own for quitting. I've been here 2 months now. I was telling my husband just this morning that I feel I'm learning some things about myself from this blogging. But it takes so much time I don't know if I can continue. We have S L O W internet.
We moved to the country (30 miles out) 7 years ago, and socially, all my friends seem to feel we've fallen off the face of the earth, even though I'm back in town for most activities. It's kind of lonely at times. Gas and phone calls all cost too much to stay in touch. I see everyone at activities, but it's not the same.
I've been so focused on the kids that I've neglected my own relationships. I feel so out of touch, and it's kind of nice reading some of these blogs.
Pretty pathetic eh?
I really like your thoughts about balancing it.
Thanks.