Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Why am I going on a Facebook fast?

I'm not a highy disciplined person, but I have done a few fasts in the past - food on Mondays, Scrabble on my phone, summer TV, 30-hour famine, cream in my coffee, etc.  I find that, for me, they are a good way to break a bad habit and draw closer to God at the same time. 

Lately God has been showing me that I tend to put food, shopping, and/or Facebook/games ahead of Him when I want comfort, joy, or entertainment.  It keeps me from giving my life to Him completely. 


Sometimes when I'm babysitting I let my granddaughter watch movies for a long time because I'm occupied with my computer.  I want to make more of an effort to make the most of my time with her.  Here she is, watching Snow White.





This is today's mail - ads and bills.  I tend to live beyond my means.  Spending more than I should, relying on Visa instead of God's provision.  Buying new stuff is fun, but it does not compare with the joy of living within God's will.  I know it in my head, but I struggle to put it into practice.



This is my craft room.  Rather than the haven of creativity that I want it to be, it's started to represent a scene from 'Hoarders - Buried Alive'.  I have good intentions, but it's easier to sit on a reclining love seat with my laptop.  I just need to get started - that's often all it takes.  Maybe in 46 days I'll have an 'after' picture.




This is the journaling bible that my husband got me for our 30th anniversary.  It needs more use.  I want to see notes all over it.  To use it up and then get another one.



Fasting during lent is kind of a new tradition for me.  I like it.  This year I plan to give up Facebook, computer games, and unnecessary spending.  I will also continue the dieting and exercising that I began in late 2010.  I may blog about what I am learning - if that's where God leads me.  I'm looking forward to the journey. 

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Be strong and steady - and Celebrate Recovery

I guess it's been awhile since I posted.  Lately, I've let my 'retail therapy' get out of control.  My only criteria has been 'do I want it' and 'is it on sale at a good price'.  Never mind do I really need it and/or can I afford it.  So I've bought a lot of junk lately - lots of Old Navy t-shirts and such that I like, but don't really need. 

So I'm plan to work on recovery (Celebrate Recovery style):

Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable.
“Happy are those who know that they are spiritually poor.”
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover.
“Happy are those how mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.
“Happy are the meek.”
Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
“Happy are the pure in heart.”
Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects.
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires”
Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others.
“Happy are the merciful.”
“Happy are the peacemakers”
Reserve a time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will.
Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and my words.
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.”

So, I'm admitting that this has become a problem in my life.  I decided I HAD to go to church this morning even though Brian was home with a headache.  Church was awesome.  Then I covered a folder with pictures representing my longer term financial goals and covered it with modge podge.  I intend to use it to store my bills.





So I ask myself - Do I want visit family far away, or have more t-shirts?  Do I want a new vehicle when mine dies, or do I want to have a lot of t-shirts?  Do I want to serve God, or have a lot of t-shirts?  Seems simple, doesn't it?  So why isn't it?