Sunday, March 9, 2014

Taking a Break, But A Giveaway is Coming!

I'm not Catholic, but I started kind of participating in Lent during high school just to see if I could give up chocolate for that long (nowhere near the right reason, I know). I kept it up through college with similar things: coke, Chick-fil-A, or something that might save me a few dollars but wasn't TOO crazy or life-changing. But I've been thinking about it this week and really trying to consider something that takes me away from things that matter more. And when I'm really honest with myself, it's blogging. I may not post every day, but I do spend a LOT of time reading other blogs. I enjoy these things and think they have helped me become a better teacher. I have made some great friends and connections across the country, and my Pinterest boards are filled to the brim with amazing ideas that I can/have/will use in my classroom.

However, I've decided to take that time and spend it becoming more intentional building relationships with the people physically surrounding me during the remainder of Lent (I know I'm a few days late). My husband and I started attending a new church over the summer, and we talk a LOT about being intentional with our relationships and bringing people to Christ. I have friends and talk to my co-workers and neighbors about going to church occasionally, but I can't honestly say that I'm doing my best to make sure they are Christians and understand how much God loves us and what He did for us. Now's the time.

I know that I passed 800 followers this weekend (that was an exciting email from Bloglovin!), and I thought about throwing a giveaway before I took my break. But I decided that I would hold it after and just gather support with a simple Google form. If you would be interested/willing to donate to my giveaway, I would LOVE to have you! It's been a little while since I've done one, and I want to make this a BIG giveaway!


In the meanwhile, don't forget to check out Erin's big giveaway going on all week! I know that's where my most recent surge of followers came from after I donated a product yesterday!


9 comments:

  1. Congratulations on the blogging milestone! Enjoy the time away from blogging. It is time consuming. I took a mini break from blogging/Facebook in January. During that time my husband and I also found a new church. It was refreshing to step away, get to know new people that the break brought. (Although I'm excited to meet up with some blogging buddies in Vegas this summer!)

    Hope you enjoy your break too!
    Christy Teaching Tales Along the Yellow Brick Road

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  2. Congratulations! That is wonderful! I think taking a break from blogging is a good idea. I agree, it can become very time consuming. I've tried to step back a bit this year myself.

    Amy
    Eclectic Educating

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  3. Hi, would love to donate a winner's choice. I filled out your form in your blog post - but there is no enter/accept option. Happy if you email me pjshaw2@gmail.com
    Paula from Paula’s Place and iSURF Maths

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  4. Congrats on the milestone! That is fantastic. I completely understand the need to step away for a while. I took a break over Christmas break and it was really a nice change. I hope you enjoy yourself and those around you!
    Courtney

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  5. Congrats! I filled out the form to donate! I definitely understand taking some time to take care of some of your "real life" relationships!

    -Nick
    Sweet Rhyme – Pure Reason
    Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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  6. Congrats, Melissa! Also, I commend you for what you've chosen to give up. It's very true how fabulous "cyber" relationship can be, but the physically ones can bring such joy as well, but they do often take more effort. I'll miss reading your posts, but hope you have a fabulous "break" from blogging. :)

    Kelli
    Tales of a Teacher

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  7. I don't think there's anything wrong with setting your priorities I know I have to be very intentional about putting down my phone and turning off the computer to spend time with my boyfriend without distraction. It's easy for me to plan some posts in advance, but it almost gives me anxiety when I skip a day of reading posts because I get so far behind. This is a good reminder about keeping the important things in focus!

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  8. I have to admit that I am not good at reading blogs lately. I have been intentionally spending time with my family. We started to attend a new church before Christmas, and I have begun to build relationships there too. I completely understand! Enjoy this time, and we will see you soon enough!

    Andrea
    Reading Toward the Stars

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  9. I appreciate your commitments - you are inspirational to me.

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