Really didn't know how to title this post.
But I have been reflecting along with my spiritual director how much blogging can be a distraction. It's not the writing that is quite the distraction for many times, it is a journal of a journey of a soul and it is to give God the glory...the glory of what he has worked in this soul.
Right?
Or is it also to seek praise, compliments, affirmation, fulfillment from this world?
THAT is the distraction for this soul that deviates easily from the original task of writing to give God glory.
It's in my nature. Some bloggers have managed to find the perfect balance and I commend them and look up to them. I am still struggling, I confess.
I have decided, with much prayer, to close comments...for now. To give me time to write for God only. If He decides to lead a soul to my blog and that soul is helped by my fumbling words, then truly it is God working through me, for alone...I am nothing.
Know that I treasure each friendship on here and your words have been nothing short of kind and encouraging. I pray you will understand that this is something I need to do for this soul who so easily digresses from the spiritual life by spending too much time on the computer.
This is the beginning of truly practicing chastity in my life...chastity that manifests itself through moderation on the computer.
I know that I will not completely lose touch since I will be able to keep in touch with many of you over at Suscipio and also through your own blogs.
On that note...thank you for your understanding...and comments are still open for this post (winks).
{ooops...forgot....you can always email at carmelitemom@gmail.com if you would like to get in touch with me}
I hope you still connect on our blogs; I appreciate your reflections but you are doing the right thing. For me some encouragement lifts my heart and soul with joy, other praise makes me uncomfortable. I have to watch that I am not concerned if I get reads and likes
ReplyDeletemelanie...you are too sweet! I know exactly what you cope with sometimes...I figure it's worth a try : )
DeleteI understand this since it has been a problem for me also (and I think it's one of the reasons I take so many breaks). Thank you for approaching this subject with honesty - balance is important in every area of our lives including blogging.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Don't think you are getting away that easy sister insomniac : ) I will be haunting you as well(and I am ugly without coffee haha!).
DeleteYes...I understand your breaks very much. Know that we continue to be united in spirit.
Luvs...
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. Comments or even sometimes the lack of them can become a dangerous distraction. I love the link you made between this and living chastity. Although I never thought of it that way, I can see the connection. Chastity is a part of every aspect of our lives, and we should strive to live purely and chastely in all of them.
Know that you are in my prayers.
Karinann...thank you for such thoughtful words...I know that you too have dealt with this kind of discernment.
DeleteYour blog continues to be a source of inspiration for me and I will be visiting as the Spirit prompts.
Theresa, thank you for allowing comments on this post. Doing so is kind of you, lest we feel too abruptly unable to express our appreciation for all you do! I understand, absolutely, and I would think any of us who strive to blog FOR GOD know just what you mean. I didn't have comments at all on my blog(s)for about - maybe 9 or 10 months. That was because someone else set me up to blog and I knew no different way. That initial set-up and those months of learning the ropes with no comments actually set things off on the right path. I know now that I would've been distracted and possibly even "directed" by comments if I had not gotten settled into a "prayer and blog rhythm" from the outset. I want to be DIRECTED by GOD, and I want to do HIS work, and I know you do as well. But it is a struggle, as we all know... in day to day life and "onscreen."
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to lead you, and I thank you for your ongoing inspiration! I will be reading along! :)
Nancy...you are too good to me you know? LOL!
DeleteIt is nice you still keep the *Cloistered Heart* quiet with comments in another area.
I read every one of your posts but usually it leads me to quiet and I usually don't comment. Know that I am still lurking : )
Theresa, I totally understand this! My personality does seek to be affirmed through comments. Thankfully, God took care of that a long time ago because almost NEVER do I get comments on anything I write :) and I'm okay with that now. I realize that if I did get a lot of comments or had some huge following I would be totally focused on that. Now I just write to write and hope it helps someone :) God Bless you on this quest.
ReplyDeleteThat is a special grace and your made me laugh. I will be praying for that detachment.
DeleteBless you!
Theresa, does this have anything to do with that promised hair update post? :) Just kidding! Hope you will forgive me as I'm typing with a just stitched up finger..long story.
ReplyDeleteI will miss all the sharing that goes on in this space, but I truly understand. I am so happy that God is calling you to such solitude with Him....and you have written often of this lately. Sounds like a wonderful place to be.
God bless you, dear friend, and maybe one day we will "talk" again. May God bless this sacrifice you are making for His Glory! Love and prayers...
OH Patricia...I had to laugh. I had a little update in my CWA but no pics...better get around to that : )
DeleteI am sorry you about your finger...does not sound like a comfortable situation at any rate.
Of course we will be talking. This will allow more time to drop a comment on those blogs I follow.
I am always available at carmelitemom@gmai.com
Theresa, I have always felt you had such courage in facing this blogging battle and I too think chastity is a very wise application to the struggle. It's been my difficulty from day one-- only lately God seems to take care of it for me. My blog keeps crashing despite some of the best hands to manage it. Quirky things that don't happen to any of the other sites. I honestly fall in and out of balance coupled with a fear of losing dear friends and disappointing people.
ReplyDeleteYou've been an example to me in many other regards..I think it's back to prayer for me....and anyways my blog is down again until tomorrow.
Love, prayers and always +
((hugs)) Caroline...thank you.
DeleteI know the quirks can be very frustrating but a good lesson eh? I don't handle them too well : )
I feel a bit of a break is needed. I don't feel inspired to write anything right now...maybe a quote or two. I am finding it all so draining and distracting so I am taking the hint from the Spirit.
Hi Theresa, I was so happy to "stumble" upon your blog. Not only have your posts been uplifting and thought-provoking,but we are sisters in Carmel! I have been an aspirant for the last year! Thank you so much for this ministry. God bless you and yours!
ReplyDeleteAt the feet of Jesus,
Candy
I am always in awe of meeting so many sisters in Carmel through my blog...all for God's glory!
DeleteI will keep you in prayer as you begin your journey in Carmel. Thanks for visiting!