Something in my heart is changing. Maybe I'm growing. Maybe God is calling me to something more. Maybe both.
Here's the short version of the story.
I've been WAY too affected by the computer. In fact, I confessed to Neal that I have a great life yet something I read on the computer, either on facebook or through blogging, can get me down for an entire day. Something tells me I've been way too obsessed with instant gratification that the computer has brought me. I've been at home for 2 years now recovering and healing from all that I've been through in my marriage. I feel like it's time for me to step out.
I've received countless emails from wonderful women who are struggling in a hurting marriage and I've offered them my story and encouraged them to look to the Lord. But I feel that I've missed something critical and things are going to be changing around here. From now on, when I receive an email from a lovely lady in a hurting place I don't want to offer my story, INSTEAD, I want to stop what I'm doing and start to PRAY for this wonderful woman! The fact is, there is nothing I can do to save anyone's marriage or pull someone out of depression but I know someone who absolutely CAN! And I can PRAY! I feel that it's time for me to stop talking and start ACTING!
When my kids grow up I don't want them to remember their mom as a great blogger. I want to set an example of a godly woman. I've told the Lord that I want to be available to whatever he's called me to. This morning I prayed that God would show me where he needs me this week and how I can serve. I remembered my grandma who is moving and I called her and offered to help her pack in the afternoon. Then I made lunch for a sweet friend today who's going through a difficult time and tried to encourage her. Turns out, she needs some help feeding some high school kids who come from families that can't afford to put food on the table for every meal. So now God is using me to FEED people! How awesome is that! He gave me a heart's desire to feed people and now he's opened a door for me to go where I'm really needed.
I don't say any of this to impress you. In fact, quite the opposite. I'm ashamed about the amount of time I've wasted on the computer. I want to be used by God. I want to pray with you if you need prayer, I want to encourage you, and I want to feed you if you're hungry. I know that God will open doors.
I want to make a difference for the kingdom of God! And I say this so humbly because if you are watching my life to see a perfect christian I will fail you every time! My heart is that you will look to God! He is the only one who will NEVER fail you!
I would love to continue blogging my passion for the Lord, my family, home keeping, and cooking. I hope you will continue to visit me. Please don't feel bad if you don't see a comment from me on your blog. I appreciate you all so much but it's time for me to step out of my house with a servant's heart and I can't do that if my head is buried in my computer.
66 comments:
oh lissa! you are already doing His work! i have been feeling the same! i need to pray and pray hard for Him to lead me where i am suppose to be! you are a true gift! enjoy serving! cant wait to here more! xo
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I like this. :)
Well said....
Well said....I'm right there with you. Blogging can get our focus off of godly things and into just stuff.
xo j
Lissa... I think that is wonderful. That is what God wants us to have:a servant's heart. When you feel God leading you, it is good to be like sheep and follow our great shepherd. I find that whatever our story may be should be used to serve others and to help others who may be experiencing similiar journeys. I love your blog and always will! xoxo
I know exactly what you mean! You do what you need to do for yourself and for your family. I too have remember to get off the computer!
I am doing the same. I think many of us are. We are realizing blogging has taken up too much precious time that we should be giving elsewhere. Now I need to go serve my family dinner. ox
Bravo girlfriend - you are leading by example!
I hope you are enjoying this gorgeous late afternoon,
xx
Can I just say that I have had the most amazing day in my life and reading this post by you has not only given me goosebumps, but I have tears.
You have touched my heart in so many ways. You have inspired me time and time again. My marriage is in no way perfect, but through much prayer things are getting better. I know in my heart that God has allowed your blog to help many women. Thank you. Thank you for being obedient.
Very touching Lissa~ Im so proud of you~ Hugs, Rachel
French Farmhouse 425
I really admire you for this decision...I'd love to do the same. Perhaps you could post on where this takes you ~ I'd love to hear more about it, you are truly an inspiration.
Have fun and God bless!
sarah xo
Good for you Lissa! Yes, the computer can eat you up and swallow you in no time.
I believe actions speak louder than words.
Best of Luck! I will still check in with you~Blessings Kim
Well amen and amen! Go feed those people friend. Love you sista.
If your heart is telling you to step back Lissa then that is what you should do. Although we all love comments ~ I do understand that it also takes time. Take the time you need ~ comment when you can ~ I will still be here reading. xo
Honestly, I have been feeling the same way Lissa. Proud of you. Keep going out for the King!
Tammy
This makes a lot of sense. I, too, think about the time I spend blogging rather than serving the Lord and even being with my family. Your readers will always be here ready when you do post, but you don't need to feel pressured to post all the time. Hugs.
Lissa you need to follow your heart and prayers. It's difficult to focus on family and blog, and not be affected by people reaching out to you. I won't worry if you dont comment on my blog; however, please keep blogging. Your blog is truly different, special, and leading you to great things. You have amazing talent in home decor, tips, cooking, and photography. I could see you involved creatively in any home decor magazine. Follow God's path, but don't let go of the talents he has bestowed upon you. We love you!!!!
I love this....may the Lord use you greatly as you step out and ask for opportunities....He is always faithful to give them. I will be praying for you! I'd love it if you would pray for me, my husband and I would like to start a family and I'd love your prayers....I teach junior high special education students and it's not an easy job....not going to be easy pregnant.
Thank you so much and I can't wait to see how God uses you!!!
Your heart is glorious!!! Can you hear me rejoicing all the way from Houston? :)
I will pray for YOU as you seek to follow the Lord's lead in this. I know it won't always be easy to choose His ways over your own. I think the blogging world has given many of us a sense of community - that we are not alone in this deep, real life thing. And many of us found new gifts in the process of writing and sharing. But I keep wondering how much of my real, right in front of me life I'm missing by spending so much time at my computer. And I'm with you...I don't want my kids to remember me as a blogger. Thank you for reminding me of that!
I feel a change coming in a lot of our lives. Can you feel it too? Thank you for stirring the pot and making me think...and pray!
I look forward to seeing how God leads you (and me) in REAL life.
Love and big hugs!!!
Linsey
I think it's great you're listening to God & finding your path. I enjoy your posts about faith & hope I too can trust.
P.S. Just wanted to add that nothing has been wasted. God has used you to fan the flame in many hearts through this blog. But now you are free to fly! And even as you feel you have wasted precious hours in front of the computer, He will restore that tenfold as you trust Him with your days! Now off this computer and onto my knees!
Xoxo,
Linsey
i know what you mean, lissa. i feel like i spend way too much time in front of the computer screen. thank you so much for sharing from your heart. :)
I think that is fantastic Lissa!! These last couple of years have been really hard on my family and I. I laid down and allowed it to. I have been trying really hard lately to be active in all aspects of my life. Physically, mentally, spiritually. I love that you are taking a stand! I'll still be here to follow along in your journey!!!! ;)
I have been reading your blog for the past few months and I just wanted to tell you that you are such an inspiration to me. I can tell when I read your posts how sincere you are and that your heart really is in the right place. I am only 20 years old but when I become a wife and mother someday I hope to follow in your footsteps as a woman of God who was always willing to serve those in need and bless my family in the process. Thank you for blogging, your example has touched my life.
-Lindsey
*love* you and all you stand for, lissa..you have NO idea how your posts and example have helped me dear girl!
XO
kristin
Spoken from the heart....and kindly received. I, too feel like I have been spending too much time on the computer and not doing enough of what I should be doing. I will be reading your posts when you do blog and I look forward to knowing the ways you will be serving the Lord. Much love and appreciation.
Lissa, what a wonderful gift you have received, your heart is so open that He knew you would be willing to receive his path for you, just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz "You've always had the power." Hope you share your new journey with us.
Best wishes,
Barbara
Super wisdom! Now, I call this REAL! I seriously wonder how some of you amazing wonderful woman have a life AND an active blog life too! You are following God's heart here! Go...spread those wings!
What an awesome way to serve God by helping others . . feeding them even more so. God blessings on you, Sandy:O)
love that God's using something you love to do to bless others! that's awesome! xo
Blogging can be a blessing, but like anything, it can also be a deterrent. God will use you! He already has so many times. I know that I am grateful for the work you do for him!
I wish your dreams will come true some day, and Lord find the perfect way to you. I really hope that in one day we'll meet and talk a little. But now - I'm sure, you will find the right thing to do and make the right step to your future.
Good luck to you in a kind way.
your Eliza.
Do you realize how much you feed through your blog? I understand though about the amount of time. Can get consuming.
AMEN! You share your heart so well! What an encouragement this is! I am so thankful that you have a happy heart in where God is leading you, something we all desire!
Love,
Lyss
beautiful. i was just telling a friend that if we are open to God's direction, we needn't worry about "what to do"...
"this is the way, walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). your post is proof!
First, I have to say that I made your chicken and green beans with the peanut dipping sauce, and it was a huge winner with my entire family. Thank you so much.
Secondly, this is just an amazing decision you made. I don't know that I've commented before, but I'm so touched by this. I can't wait to hear where this takes you and your family.
Proud of you Lissa, lisa.
Lissa, I think you underestimate the blessing your blog is. I love that your heart belongs to God and he is using you to bless others. Keep it up!
Praise to you Lissa! My prayers have been on this same subject the past week; although God hasn't pointed me in a direction yet; I know that He will. :) Thank you for your inspiration.
Amen! My word
for 2011 is LISTEN...
to the Lord, to my
heart, to really really
HEAR my kids. Sounds
like you had a listening
moment. I hope you will
share where it takes
you, Lissa!
xx Suzanne
I have been feeling the same way, Lissa! Very well said! My priorities have been a bit out of focus. Thanks for relaying God's message to me. :-)
Wonderful and convicting and ENCOURAGING post! The computer can quickly become a vice. Thanks for being honest and reminding us all to be mindful or our time and how we use it! And Thank you for being so freshly honest about your desire to serve God in all you do! So inspiring!! THANKS!
Lissa, I understand your dillema and I have been thinking about spending less time reading blogs and more time living my life but I just wated to tell you that you haven't wasted your time.
Your blog touches the lives and hearts of those who read it.
I know it gives me almost strange blissful, peaceful feeling.
Now, I am not even religious and many times I think of myself as jaded and sceptical but you are truly an inspiration to me.
There are all kinds of way to feed the hungry and you have so many gifts to give.
If you need to 'do' more and spend time with your family I totally support you. Go girl!
Just don't think your blog is just 'babbling' or only about 'things'. It is much more than that and I love your honesty and your sweet kind heart.
PS. Your apron is already my favorite :)
Peace, Anita
Beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes as this is exactly what I needed to read today.
May God continue to bless you...
Absolutely..you go girl!! I am guilty of the same!
sometimes it is more then just writing and thinking it is the doing that makes you the better person. you go girl, I am right there with you trying to be the best momma I can be and finding a healthy perspective that will affect my family all for the better!
have fun cooking!
I can relate to you 100%! Those are some of the very same reasons that I stopped blogging. Yay for you, girlie!
xo,
Adrienne
Agreed, wholeheartedly... I have been "slowing my roll" in virtual world and applying myself in th ereal world... This is why my posts have been so few and far ...
I hope you share some photos of your adventures from time to time...you have been a highlight to me!
Lissa, so glad you are feeling this wonderful change in you, to get out into the world and make a difference. Your words on your blog are so encouraging and meaningful to so many, but it's a good thing to get out from behind the computer too. Happy for you.
you go girl! Love you
"wingo" (remember that?? heehee)
Praying for you and the things God is calling you to do.
xoxo
I am right there with you!! God has been rockin' my world these last couple of months. He is changing me from the inside out and it is CRAZY! Things and people that I once held onto so tightly, He is loosening my grip on them. He is has ingnited a passion in me to make His name great to the ends of the earth! I'm tellin' ya, 2011 is going to be the year when we get radical for Jesus! I've been (slowly) blogging about my change of heart...check it out! -Katie
And in this you just brought a big smile to God I know. Love your heart. So in this I am going to pray for amazing opportunities like you have never known before to open up to you, so you just can do what is placed on your heart and say "God, you are just so cool!". Thank you for you my friend.
Stopped over from Tiffini's place--so glad I did. I don't know your story, but I admire your struggle in the present moment. It's so hard to draw hard and fast lines about where/how to invest our time. Something about keeping in step with the Spirit, I guess--something I am ever-so-slowly learning. So nice to meet you. Blessings.
I.LOVE.THIS.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
& you...sweet, "humble", LISSA!
Praise the LORD...I can FEEL what's going on with you...and It is good!
:)
Awesome Lissa. I don't think you realize you have already helped so many - love your post and praying right along with you. xoxoxo
p.s. Love my apron and note pad.
I love this, Lissa. I too have been thinking about the amount of time I spend on the computer. Unfortunately, I have to figure out how to work with it but not let it distract me. I love every word of this post.
Such an obedient heart! Get out there girly...He has work for you to do. I'll be praying for you, lifting you up :)
Lissa,
I think it's so great that you are hearing God with your heart and stepping out in obedience. Please don't think your computer influence isn't "real" because it's to women you may never meet in person. I can tell you that you've been an inspiration to me as I have struggled in my own marriage. Yet, I totally relate to needing to create an example for your children in real-life service to people who are right there, needing help. Your decision is so admirable.
LOVE! Is it sad that I am JUST getting to read this sometimes feel a day late and a dollar short on everyone's "blog news" because I, myself, made a commitment that my kiddos would never rarely see me on the computer. SO, I only get to peek in on my favorite's (including YOU) when my littlest guy is napping or in the evening hours.
THIS is an awesome approach to Life. What an amazing testimony! SO thankful you will continue to blog because your words DO ignite and encourage! If it needs to be less frequently so you can commit your heart to other areas..so be it Girl. Live Your Life. We will all still be here anxiously awaiting when you CAN get a new post in! :)
Great post Lissa! So true! yes I like this too!
Kim:)
Lissa you have been used by the Lord in so many ways you don't know my name or where I live and we are not in the same church or state,but God has used you in my life in more ways than one. I love your fight in life. You fight for your marraige and your girls.God has used you even when you didn't know it.
Lissa just before I visited your blog today I was thinking about how often you post and that it must take so much time and thought. Your blog has blessed me so much in the few months I've been reading it and I think the work of encouraging others that you have been doing cannot be underestimated. I understand competely about the need to be physically involved in something for the Lord and am feeling this in my life too. All the best!
Missing your posts! I selfishly prefer your head buried in the computer so that you can share your lovely photos and weekend projects with me:)
Beautiful post!!
Love your blog and am so glad I was here today. I don't know your story concerning your marriage, but mine is hurting now terribly, amidst financial problems and doubts of my husbands capabilities as a father and husband. I'd love to have you pray for us. I'm reading a book right now, "The Praying Wife" and its amazing...I highly recommend it! At any rate, thanks for a wonderful blog!
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