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Thursday, January 31, 2013

I'm Giving Up My Blog for Lent

So, two weeks from yesterday (February 13th) is the start of Lent.

I'll be honest, I don't usually observe Lent in any of the traditional ways like fasting from certain foods or other luxuries.  Growing up in the Baptist church, it just wasn't something we did.  Of course, my sister and I did love "Bread and Broth Day" at our Catholic elementary school; and, in college,  I gave up Diet Coke one year because it seemed like everyone was giving up something; but, other than that... Not so much.  (I'm also pretty sure my high school boyfriend gave me up for Lent one year; apparently he never broke that fast. #forthebest)

Then, this year...

Last Sunday, sitting in church, I felt this strong sense that I needed to give up my blog and other internet/social-networking vices for Lent.  And, well, mostly because of my word for the year, I'm going to do it.  I'm kicking and screaming a little bit inside, but I just know I have to do.  I can't really explain it other than by pointing to my word.  This is the year of surrender.

I will not be reading or writing blogs from February 13th thru March 30th.  I will also be fasting from Facebook and Twitter during this time*.

Truthfully, I'm not really surprised that this is an area God would "ask" me to give up for Him.  While being a part of the blog community is good for me in a lot of ways, it can become an idol sometimes.  It can also foster feelings of jealousy and comparison sometimes.  And, if I'm really being honest, It can be a distraction from my real life - like precious time with Sam who seems to grow up a whole year every four minutes. 

Forty days to focus on my family, my students, my project-list, my reading-list, and - most importantly - my spiritual life.    If you feel so inclined, I'd love to have your prayers for this!

To be clear, this isn't because I'm just "not feeling the blog" or anything like that.  I don't want to take this break; but, I do need it.  It will be good for me.  And, I'm excited to tell you about what I learn and accomplish and experience during that time.  

So... What does this mean?  Well, it will certainly be a little quiet around here; but, I would love to use this time for some of you to "introduce yourselves" to this community in the form of a guest post while I'm gone.


If you are interested in writing a guest post, I will need it completed and in HTML (ready-to-post) format no later than Sunday, Feb. 10th so I have time to get it scheduled before the fast begins.  Email me for more details at e@emyselfandi.com.  

In the meantime, I'll still be going strong until then so stick around - there are plenty more confessions and Bachelor recaps to be shared (and, yes, it breaks.my.heart that I won't be blogging for the final rose ceremony).  

Thank you so much, as always, for supporting me and walking beside me.  I am blessed by you all.
*At least for now, I'm not including Instagram, Pinterest, or email in my fast.  That might change, but right now I don't feel as convicted about them being a time-suck in my life.  I will, however, be limiting my overall internet time - so don't expect to see as much of me even there.

14 comments:

  1. Great post-- excited for you on this upcoming fast. So proud of you for tuning in to the surrender theme. Love you lots :)

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  2. Great post--will be praying for you! Random (off-topic) question: What program do you use to make your graphics (i.e. the one above requesting guest posters)?? You do such a good job on those! :)

    Happy Friday Eve!

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    Replies
    1. Sabrina, I use www.picmonkey.com which has free tools for editing photos and making graphics. The key is the save a plain white image in Paint (or something like that) and then upload that instead of a photo for graphics like the one above. It is such a simple concept, but it took me forever to figure that out.

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  3. I wish you all the best. I think it's fantastic that you are doing this. I will miss your blog though. Enjoy your time away.

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  4. Nooooooooo!!!!!!!! I will misssss you!!! I mean, I'm glad you're doing what God told you to do, but why must the rest of us suffer?? :)

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  5. This is exactly what I gave up last year - blogging (reading and writing), facebook and twitter. It was the best thing I've ever done and I plan on doing it again this year for lent but I did not realize it is so close already! I'm not sure I'm ready!

    It truly gave me time to focus on IRL things - like friends, family, God - all those things that should be primary focus anyway, but sometimes get put on the back burner while you're 'just checking facebook'.

    Good Luck!

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  6. Wowsers! You go girl! That is really powerful. Enjoy turning off for a bit. Though, you'll be missed. xo

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  7. Amazing choice! I think it will feel sooo good. You know, once the shakes wear off ;)

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  8. Good luck.... It's great you have the courage to do go off the grid....I tried it on the weekends in the summer. Internet use is something always on my mind how we have become a society that hardly speak to each other anymore....no eye contact ....hmm I think I got my next post, I am trying to get my own blog (blogs) on....having set up 4. Two I want to be committed two, the third one is my indulgent, and the 4th I haven't been inspired yet...ideas are brewing so Not only are using your word....but courage also comes to mind for giving up something that I can see means a lot to you! Btw one of my dear friends tries to convince me each year that Sunday is the cheat day during lent. I don't buy it, lol! But something to think about.

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  9. Wow what a great idea for Lent! I hope it comes easy for you but you will be missed! I would love to guest post for you :)

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  10. Hi I'm a new follower. I love that you are doing this not because you want to but because you are being obedient.

    Our church is doing a February fast and I still haven't decided what I'm going give up yet. You have inspired me to pray about it and see what God has to say.

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  11. I follow since few I liked the way you put threads
    And diplomatic responses to visitors
     Effort made ​​to always offer
    Wishing you success and waited impatiently for next topic
     For communication between us in order to learn from your experience high
    http://toktokdiary-e.blogspot.com/

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  12. Kudos to you for doing this for Lent!

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Your comments are what makes this thing fun! I LOVE to hear from you and do my best to respond to everyone! THANK YOU!


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