I've had so much on my heart the past couple of months but every time I would sit down to write on my blog - I just couldn't. I took that as I should just wait...that He's still teaching me something in those areas...or that some of it will just stay between me and Him.
One of the things that I feel I can finally write about is this.
Blogging.
I read so many blogs in regards to this same subject and I honestly think it's the enemies way of getting in and trying to stir up strife. He just loves to see Godly women tear each other down, or respond in a non-loving way to one another, or see them harbor jealousy in their hearts towards one another, or make them feel inferior because their "follower" number over on their sidebar dropped this week. There was a time that I found myself looking at that number like it actually meant something...and ya know what...it doesn't.
My self worth can't come from how many people read my blog or how many people comment on my blog posts. That's insane.
I know that sounds silly but it's something I read A LOT. Women with hurt feelings because they lost a follower or because they never receive comments. If you fight looking at that number constantly, you know the best way to stop struggling with it? Take your follower button and comments section down. We need to stop looking for our self worth in positive comments from others and look for it in the only One that can fill us up. We need to look UP. He's the only one that can fill that need.
My brother-in-law is currently watching his Dad fight an incurable cancer. A cancer that will take his life unless God sees fit to perform a miracle. Every time I think of it, all I can do is cry and pray for that miracle.
I've been going to my parents since my Daddy had his surgery and though I'm exhausted by the time I return home - I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Serving my parents is a privilege. Many would give anything to have their parents back, just so they could serve them and take care of them. While I'm there we watch things like Little House on the Prairie, Wind at my Back, and The Walton's.
Clean television.
Shows about families spending time together and enjoying the most simple moments. Shows without drama and that lift the spirit.
Alex has been preaching a series called "Building Up The Believer" and it has been so convicting. This last week the Father revealed to me that I must guard my mind and home from the trash that the television brings into our home. THAT I ALLOW IN MY HOME. We can make excuses all day long as to why we watch certain programs but when it comes right down to it, it's either clean or not. There's very little good on television.
I love to write about what my baby girl is up to and love having those memories to come back and read at any time. I have no doubt that I will cherish my blog for that very reason.
I just refuse to miss opportunities with my family because I'm on my computer, phone, or watching a program that shouldn't even be on my television at all.
I refuse to miss opportunities to encourage and edify another believer because I'm so blinded with jealousy.
I refuse to fight insecurity because someone else has a larger following or receives more comments.
I refuse to miss an opportunity to be a servant to someone else because I'm so wrapped up in myself.
Do you hear that devil? I refuse.
He wants us to love like He loves. -John 15:12
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:15-19
Love to all,
15 comments:
I love this and you have a beautiful heart. Big hugs.
I love this so much. Anytime I fall myself falling into the comparision trap I remember that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. he wants nothing more than for me to get into a pit of comparision and self pity and I REFUSE to give him the satisfaction. I am thankful for you and your heart and your willingness to share.
Jill, I just think you're so wonderful. Thank you for this. There is so much negativity with all of these things and so much of it tears us down. You are so encouraging and always building up the believer. I love your sense of humor and your sweet spirit.
pa-reach it!!! this is so true. i love this and and not just because it convicts to me my core, but also because it is so full of truth and wisdom. thank you for sharing. i'll be praying for you to keep refusing to accept the lies! :)
This is such a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your heart. There's so much truth in what you wrote. I think about the TV quite a bit myself. I was raised without a TV in the home but we have one now and it's on far too often. I also agree that most of the shows (heck, even many commercials) are not appropriate at all. Also true about all the blog competition among bloggers. It's hard not to fill bad if you don't have as many follower or comments as so-and-so but really it's not that important in the long run.
Wow! I love the honesty in this post. I am completing the Resolution for Women bible study by Priscilla Shier and she speaks on some of the same issues--allowing pointless things to make us feel inadequate or ill equipped. Since switching from my infertility blog to my family blog I have watched my followers dwindling away! At one point I questioned if my blog was worthwhile. Then you know what I decided??? Anything which glorifies Christ is worthwhile...This post of yours is worthwhile too. I feel certain God will use it to speak to many hearts! Good for you for following His convictions and posting it!
Amen! Proud of you!
I love this post and I totally agree with everything you said. You go girl!! I have stopped so much blogging and tweeting just because it took me away from real life and I didn't want to miss the real thing. And you know my thoughts on TV these days. Lord have mercy! Thank you for such an honest post! xoxo
Love this. You always know just the right thing to say. :) Thanks, friend.
Good for you, Mama. I love your blog and I love watching your sweet baby girl grow up. Selfishly, I hope you continue to write and post.
I hope your father is feeling better soon.
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN. Thank you. Just prayed for your precious family and extended family.
A to the Men! I love this post, and I love your heart, girl. You are an amazing woman of God and this post was something we all need to be reminded of.
Hi. I had chills while I read this post. I speak for so many of us when I say Amen!! You are such a doll, and yes...many of us would like to have our parents back. I miss my sweet dad so much sometimes I can hardly stand it. Hugs.....
I see more and more of your Momma in you every day. So beautiful inside and out. I love you. -Uncle Kevin
Good post, Jill! I was really convicted last year about the kinds of things I'd been watching in television. There are still things I need to turn off once and for all, but I've made progress.
I don't struggle with the blogging stuff so much, but I do experience that kind of feeling at work sometimes. I hate it. I hate that I get caught up in it, and I hate that others do, too. It is so destructive.
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