I am having so much fun writing this blog. It is amazing how therapeutic writing can be. You are able to really sort through the emotions and lessons that God is trying to show you in your life. But it's also addictive, surfing the net to read other christian blogs and then there's the comments on my blog. This is all very time consuming.
Since I'm new at this my husband and I are still in the discovery stages of setting the proper boundaries for me on computing. I do feel a little like a blogger junkie! Because I desire to spend so much of my "spare" time checking to see if anyone has left me a comment, and to check to see if my bloggie friends have posted something new I can read and be blessed by. My husband told me that I've become a feedback junkie. When he said that we both laughed, but it struck a cord with me.
I took it to the Lord in prayer and He showed me that I have become addicted to seeing feedback on my blog. It feels good, it's uplifting and encouraging. The problem is that I need to make sure I'm not writing for the feedback, but out of obedience to God. I need to learn to be content with the fact that I'm doing what God has called me to do and I've done it to the best of my ability.
I am glad that God has again lovingly shown me an area that needs improvement in my life. And I want to warn you fellow bloggers not to become a feedback junkie! I was able to release this and what a freeing feeling. I no longer feel compelled to "check on my blog" but within my boundaries I can blog and be encouraged by feedback, as long as I'm no relying on it to confirm that I am following God's lead.
This can be taken to other areas of our lives, as well. Why are you serving in your church, in your community? If you've become a feedback junkie in the area of service, give it to God and stay focused on being a servant and nothing more. 
Friday, June 13, 2008
Feedback
Posted by Sonya Lee Thompson at 6:00 AM
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11 comments:
I almost feel I shouldn't leave feedback! haha. But I think we all go through this. My blogs on "party of 1" discussed my transition through the same thing. It doesn't matter how many are reading - I am writing for a party of 1 - 1 God. I'm glad God is working on you through this blog. Isn't it a blessing?
Focusing on the numbers distracts from the purpose. Thanks for the reminder. God may use our words to touch one person, who may not leave a comment, but needed the encouragement.
Thanks for visiting my blog. (Although my daughter is persuasive, I plan to continue to avoid roller coasters throughout my life.) Only one week until we'll be at She Speaks. I hope to see you there.
Sometimes the feedback can be educational as CK and Sue J, and you too often leave extra inspirational encouragement from the bible to add to my blog so I am learning from the reserch to write and the feedback. God working through my friends to speak to me! Thanks for writing!
Funny, before I even read your blog, I was planning to ask you how you even had time to write it with 6 kids!! I too, find myself rushing to check my email every time I get a free moment. I love reading comments readers leave me. Thanks for reminding me that it's not about feedback, it's about Jesus. May we all strive not to loose sight of the real reason we write.
Can't help it, though, I love to read the comments and see how God has worked to touch another human being through the words He gave me to share.
If you are coming to She Speaks, I hope to meet you there!
Hi Sonya-- Thank you for always leaving such sweet, encouraging comments on my blog. Also, thank you for leaving Joshua 1:8 on my blog this morning-- that verse was a direct answer to a prayer I had prayed earlier in the morning! God answered my question through your comment. So, I wanted to let you know to continue to be faithful to let God speak through you and to say, "thanks!"
Feeding off the feedback...can lead to a feeding frenzy!!
As you have said, with ALL things-- even as mundane and seemingly harmless as checking one's own blog--consult the One who has given you the privilege to be here today as He knows the work that has been given to you to do.
And you are so right about looking at other areas of our lives. I wasn't seeking feedback for myself but for the group I was leading, and it almost brought things to a stand still, dragging my attitude into the mire!
God not only helped me see the great error of my ways but helped us all refocus on our mission--and we are going forward with great enthusiasm (without seeking the earthly feedback).
Thanks so much! I hope all your kids are well so you can go to conference in peace!
Hey Sonya :)
Thanks for leaving feedback at my blog! I tend to ask God in my prayers to make the answer obvious -- and He tends to do that through common themes in blog posts :D
I hope to meet you next week! Maybe we can start a Feedback Junkie Support Group :)
i really struggled with blogging addiction when i 1st started. i was like you...i was looking for self confirmation through others...i too felt convicted. it's taken me a lot to realize that God could work through my words and blog for just 1 reader...not the masses. that has been a hard truth to accept, but for now i'm at peace with that.
Completely understand where you are at. Been there...still am in many ways, but I'm learning to fix my boundaries in regards to blogging.
Thanks for your honesty.
peace~elaine
I think we have all been in that position! It can be all about seeking approval if we aren't careful!
Thanks for the reminder!
The funny thing is, as I just did a quick check on the amount of feedback your other blogs received...is that this blog received more feedback that most of your others. I suppose that all of us that blog, have a tendency to be feedback junkies. Thanks for reminding us what's important.
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