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.