Being In The Know

Today was a bit different than in the past. I didn't use Facebook for the first time in a long time. I'm a Facebook junkie. It's weird voluntarily not using FB. I have gone a day or two in the past not using it because of camping, lack of service, or being sick but never because I was choosing to not use it.

I use it for so many things other than just FB stalking people. I used it for my photography business, for my boss' real estate business, to solicit prayer, keep family updated, and so on. The list is never ending. And so were my excuses to not get rid of it. 

Literally speaking, I am addicted to Facebook. I find the whole thing fascinating. But all too consuming. My life started revolving around checking it when I got up in the morning, before I went to bed, 90,000 times during the day. It is quite a problem.

When my pastor asked me to lead a study on idolatry, I thought about it and was confused. Why would God call me to lead a study on idols? I don't have a thriving career; I'm not a materialistic person; I'm not consumed with thoughts or actions of money, power, sex, etc. So really, why would he choose me? I was sitting on my couch, talking with my cousin on Facebook, telling my kids to wait for the umpteenth time, when it hit me.... Facebook.

I could almost hear God say "ding ding ding ding ding!" Like I had hit the jackpot.

The conclusion made me think about how much time I had spent on Facebook, and it was quite a bit. I also realized I was pushing my kids needs and desires aside to look at one more picture, have one more conversation, share one more pointless picture. 

Facebook isn't bad. The idea is genius. The connections made are awesome, but the reality is, it's a very consuming Website.

We live in a society and culture that is always "in the know." I'm in the know as to who is pregnant, in the know of who is back stabbing who, in the know of who is drinking what where with who. In the know isn't necessarily a good thing. Being in the know also means, you know what your friends are doing and that they didn't invite you. Being in the know also means that you know more about other peoples marital and/or relationship problems more than you need to. Being in the know means you are likely sharing MORE about your personal life than you need to. Being in the know is what helped me realize I am TOO much in the know.

I am thrilled to say I have made it through day 1 of 50 days without Facebook. I say 50, because after realizing that Pentecost (10 days after the final ascension of Jesus and the day that the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles) was 50 days post Easter, I thought "why not?" I am trying to work on my relationship with Jesus. Focus on him. Remove all idols from myself to let him be in charge of my path, and follow in his light.

I have no idea how I will change at the end of this process, but I know that God does!! And that is just fine with me!

I hope you had an AMAZING Easter celebration. We celebrated with six of our friends and their kids! It was beautiful!

Risen Redeemer

Easter is in a few days. Christ was risen lifetimes ago. He lived, served, died and rose for one and all of us.

This year, our culture in the U.S., is responding to desperate desires of human rights. I read a blog post a bit ago about Satan's games. And boy does he have a bunch. This post on being Distracted, is exactly what Satan will do to divert any attention he can from the Risen Redeemer.

Please don't let this Easter Season be bogged down with disagreement, debate, or issues of diversity. We are all love equally by our Creator. He sent Jesus to die for all of us: John 3:16. The WHOLE WORLD can be a recipient of our loving Christ!

Tomorrow is Good Friday. It is my hope that tomorrow, everyone will realize what Jesus suffered for all of us. There is not one person that is a better recipient of Jesus' sacrifice than anyone else. We are all creations from a perfect and loving God!

Good Friday to all!

A Mother's Responsibility

There has been a lot of well-made arguments spread lately as to the "distasteful" nature of a clothing line, or how our girls are being taught and perceived as objects. While, I agree to an extent this is taking place, I can't help but also disagree.

I am a mother of a daughter. With that, it means I am responsible for encouraging her self-image. She also has a father. He is also responsible. As parents, this means we take on responsibility for her, her upbringing, her well-being, her self-interpreted image.

Mothers have a HUGE responsibility in creating an environment that promotes self-positivity. If moms are constantly trying new fad diets, starving themselves, belittling various aspects of their appearance, always looking to better their appearance for vain purposes, what chance do our daughters have in growing up with a healthy self-image?

There is a significant absence in father/daughter relationships. Dads really have no idea the impact they have on their daughters self-esteem. It is my personal conclusion that if daughters had more interactive dads, clothing lines like the new Victoria Secret one, or shows, magazines, and other media wouldn't have much of a market.

Teaching our daughters their self-worth doesn't come from a clothing line. It comes from the home. It is my goal as a mother to be sure that I encourage my daughter in all things she sets her mind to. To encourage her to make healthy decisions, not because that will make her slim and "hot" but because it's important for our bodies that we make healthy choices. It is my goal as a parent to encourage healthy physical activities for my kids. It is also my job to raise them to be adults.

The actions I take as a mother now, will have unknown impact on my daughter's adult life. If I am concerned with being skinny or objectifying myself, I can only expect that she, too, would view herself in the same manner.

Teaching our daughters that loving their body doesn't start with preventing a clothing line from developing. It starts with the words and actions we take in our homes, the result would be less provocative clothing.