With my One-Word Simplicity in mind, I’ve been toying for weeks with the idea of disconnecting.
While I love to keep in touch through this blog, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram I wonder sometimes what the noise does to my spirit.
Last week I found out, when in my tiny storm, instinctively, I pulled back. For a week I had minimal phone time, stayed away from the internet and never turned on the TV.
Like a wounded animal hiding out in a safe place to heal, I went underground for a few days. I listened to Christian music or the book One Thousand Gifts. (Ann Voskamp’s voice is so calming 🙂 ) I took more time to read my Bible, sometimes copying encouraging scriptures into my prayer journal. I talked out loud to the Father, telling Him honestly how I was feeling…because He knows anyway.
Those days of disconnect have been good for me in so many ways, but mostly the disconnect allowed the Holy Spirit access to my heart, bringing convection and restoration with nothing competing for attention.
I can’t find words to thank those of you who prayed for me. Every prayer has been felt and there is such comfort in knowing someone’s got your back.
*****
I’m wondering if you guys ever disconnect or if there are other ways you cope while weathering a storm?
Good morning Robin, it is lovely to see you! 🙂
I tend to withdraw when in one of my life or personal storms. I kept feeling that I should disconnect from Facebook and had deactivated my account a time or two (okay so it was 3 or 4 times….hanging my head & blushing). I would miss hearing how others were doing and would reactivate it. But then I’d feel the nudge to step away from it. I could not understand ‘why’ I felt the need, but guessed it was a nudge from God to change my focus.
I did delete, not just deactivate, Facebook and I’ve felt so isolated & lonely.
I do not have a smart phone (cell service at my home is not good) so have never gotten into Twitter or any of the other ways of social interaction so FB and reading blogs have been my way of interacting with those I enjoy but have never met.
Gosh, why am I writing all this?! I guess it is to say, yes….disconnecting and focusing on my relationship with God has been placed on my heart & in my mind quite a bit in the past months. I’ve chosen to obey that nudging and I feel blessed to be spending more time conversing with God—but I deeply miss so many of my FB contacts.
I’m thankful you have a blog 😉
May your week be filled with blessings and praying your storm has passed.
Teresa
Teresa…praying that God continues to lead you in your journey of disconnecting and that He brings you (and me) balance my friend. Sending you love and thank you so much for your prayers. xo
sim-plic-i-ty: simplicity……..Simple City ~ Time slooooows when we awake in
Simple City ~
Daddy, love love love this. Simple City…time slows. Yes.
Continuing to pray for you in your storm. Being alone with God is above all else. Spending more time in what draws us near to Him and stop trying to serve other gods. Blessings and prayers.
Tom, thank you for prayers…I’m way behind on my favorite blogs, I need to catch up with you 🙂
You’re so intune to His voice. He called. You listened. You honored. You drew near to Him and He drew near to you.
I love you. Still praying…
J…love you
I believe that is what God meant when he said “Be still and know that I am God”.Psalm 46:10.
Faith, Love that reminder my friend…thank you
I think even “disconnecting” takes dicipline these days. I have disconnected totally before and I often feel that nudge. I’m pretty disconnected compared to others anyway though. 😉 No smart phone, no twitter, mostly just family/church family on facebook, never watch tv during the day (husband is total tv addict =P) and I really don’t listen to much. Honestly, I think I’m too disconnected. =/ 🙂 Glad to hear it was benificial for you. I love what your dad said in the comments too. 😉
Gina! Soooo true! Sending you a hug through all the disconnect my friend…xo
You don’t know me and I hope you won’t be offended by this comment, but I’m just going to share my personal experience. Several things you’ve shared such as carb and sweet cravings, desire to withdraw and then craving those contacts (not what you said, what another reader mentioned) are symptoms I had before I basically reached an impasse and had a total breakdown. Now that I am treated by a psychiatrist for anxiety and depression the medication is really helping those things. My Dr. is an “anxiety expert” and explained the adrenal reactions that happen from anxiety that lead to the intense sweet/carb cravings. I hadn’t known anything about that until I started the medication he prescribed and my food cravings have been much more normal as well as my desire for interactions with others. Anyway, not trying to diagnose you or anything, just giving my two cents on something I’ve been experiencing myself.
WesternWarmth…thank you for sharing your story. I’m not in the least offended my friend you’ve made me want to do some research on the adrenal issue. What an insightful doctor by the way. And again, I’m so very thankful you reached out to me. sending love~xo
you are doing the opposite of what i do in a storm. i try to drown out the howling wind with distraction, and it’s only when i get blown about that i realize the only harbor is being in the Word and choosing quiet.
i usually try to process my storm through words, but often that doesn’t work. i think the way you’re approaching your situation is best. keep reflecting on those truths. that’ll help MOST.
hugs…i’ll miss hearing your voice, but perhaps that’ll help me dial into His instead.
Jenn…I love your personality 🙂 Thinking of you every day. xo
Hi, Robin.
I sometimes disconnect by going to a serene place (the lakefront) for a few hours to read or just listen to God. When I’m in a storm, though, I’ve found comfort in my online friends (like you!!) who support and pray me through. I’d sure miss you if you disconnected from your blog. Your posts are lovely, both visually and insightfully. I’m praying for you sweet friend! Email me if there’s anything else that I can do.
Hugs,
Jean
Jean, I love the thought of you sitting by the lake. How peaceful. Love to you my sweet friend. thank you for praying for me. xo
How important silence is sometimes. Inward silence can provide a profound effect of peace. Breathing and space.
My best.
Julie…thank you, and I love the way you put it…inward silence. xo
Robin,
I have told my self I need to step back from FB and I do that once in a while. I am not very good with my blog and I should do a little more than I do. You are so busy with all in your life that I am sure you need some time to be just you and not have another thing to do on your list. When I feel a storm I try to pray more . I tend to be the person who likes to be at home and I have to be careful to go out and not forget about the things I need or need me. Balance can be hard for some of us. Your blog is my favorite ever . Please know you are in my prayers often. Last night I even woke up thinking about you.( I know we have never met but maybe someday.) I know it was a God whisper for you.I also look to your blog many times to copy.. or try 🙂 things you have done and just read your words. Before I sound like a stalker I will stop . Please do something for you and then something for HIM. friends online can wait and will be praying for you. Proverbs 27:17…
I am so thankful for all you do.
Jen
you can email anytime if you want.
Jen, your words have given me such a happy heart. Thank you for the gift my sweet friend and I’m so humbled that you woke and whispered prayers in the night. Blessings~xo