Weekly Challenge: Get Real

Strap yourselves in, but before you do...go grab a cup of coffee, this could be a long one. I've been thinking and praying a lot this week. I've come to this conclusion - I think blogs can trick many into believing in a false world where creativity is a breeze, parenting comes naturally, struggles are rare, dishes and laundry do themselves and time tends to stand still. This just isn't reality.  And I feel I should be a little more honest with my reality. Here's a glimpse of what I mean...

Marriage:

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Blog life - I woo my husband.
Reality - We argue sometimes. I don't think the best of him always. I don't make him my priority directly after God.

Parenting:

Blog life - I pour into my boys in a number of ways and laugh at little things like impromptu haircuts.
Reality - I struggle to find balance between them and my selfish desires. I can get easily frustrated. There are times I spend more time blogging about them than I do teaching them.

Creativity:
Blog life - Creativity comes to me naturally and feeds my soul.
Reality - It can be a HUGE source of struggle for me, especially when I focus more on being inspired than I do on honoring God and actually creating.

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Chores:
Blog life - I am Wonder Woman; everything gets done and life rolls along smoothly.
Real life - I have dust bunnies in every corner of my home, laundry piled sky high, dishes filling the sink as I type this and mold clinging to every shower tile. While I can laugh at this (a little) it also makes me a bit sad.

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Time: 
Blog life - It stands still so that I can accomplish everything and record it all for prosperity.
Reality - It is moving by so rapidly that I find myself panicked at times at my overwhelming inability to accomplish the things that really matter.

Blog Comments:
Blog life - They encourage me, create new friendships and are an incredible delight.
Reality - They are all of the above AND I put way too much emphasis on them. I check my inbox constantly. I worry when no one comments. I look to my comments to fill me up (my sinful nature looks to you, my readers for approval instead of looking up.) I want to comment on others' blogs, but can't find the time to build the online community that I'd like.

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The list could go on and on. Here's the bottom line... I'm struggling right now. Really struggling. I want so badly to be a lover of Christ, wonderful wife, devoted Mom, impeccable housewife, involved friend, inspired blogger and designer/crafter - and juggle these things well. The reality is that my life seldom reflects the desires of my heart right now. I don't have enough hours in the day to get everything done. At some point, something has to give. So this week, I have been praying about what gives.

With all of that said, I am taking some time away from my blog that I love so much. I will immerse myself in prayer and family in hopes of finding guidance and direction. I plan on discussing things the hubs to find a balance that works for us. I hope to come back in a week or so with answers.  Please know this... every single one of you is dear to me. I have made some wonderful friends through Pure and Noble. You have inspired me and encouraged me beyond belief. xo