Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hello.... Post?

I went on my social networking fast and totally lost track of time! Since my fast I have been on a fabulous 4 day Girl's cruise and conquered a few hurdles of motherhood! I feel like the fast gave me a true idea of how I was spending my time. My kids enjoyed me looking them in the eye and sharing with them. I am sad to say that giving them my full attention was something that they weren't used to. I guess I take for granted my time with them.

I am always worried about working or making the most of my time, when really they are the most important piece of my life right now! That is where selfishness comes in. I never realized just how selfless motherhood is! For someone like me that is admittedly selfish, I have totally had to re-train myself! God tells us to "Put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me." Matt 16:24. This is a verse that I need to repeat over and over again!

Since the fast, I have spent less quality time on social networking and more quality time with my family! It is nice to be back in the networking world, but I am glad that I took a break to put it into perspective! One day, my babies will be all grown up, and then I will still have plenty of time to do everything that I want to do now! When that day comes, I know I will look back on this time and wonder why I was worried about being so busy!

Monday, September 14, 2009

One Week Down-One to Go!

Yesterday started week 2 of my social networking fast! So far so good! I have really spent a lot more time looking my children in the eye when they talk to me as opposed to listening with my face glued to my iPhone. Honestly, I think God was right on track with this conviction! Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with social networking but you can get caught up in it and loose track of just how much time you are spending on the internet!

Over the past week I have had time to pray more, read more, play with my kids, help out with school projects AND keep my patience, make cards and mail them to friends and tonight I am making dinner for a sweet family who just welcomed a baby girl! I think I am going to have a whole new prospective when this fast is over! Above all this has taught me that balance is a good thing! Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think!

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Day 3-Dirty Hands and Sand in Toes

So far so good, I haven't even clicked on my twitter or facebook app on my iPhone! Yesterday was MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers at my church. I just love this group! What a wonderful ministry for young mothers to meet and compare notes and confirm that we are all in the same crazy boat! Yesterday our bible study was on prayer and focused on the fact that it is communicating with God, not just asking him for things or complaining. I know I loose sight of that at times, that He really desires to be my friend!

God has really been showing me through these few days of the fast the value of time with my children and family! Today, I ran into a friend in the park while playing with my daughter and she was telling me that her brother just lost his 10 year old due to a serious illness and it happened out of the blue. I can't even imagine! She was telling me how this situation totally opened her eyes to just how short life is and how important her job was as Mom. She appreciates now more than ever every minute playing in the park with her little girl.

After seeing her I felt so selfish. I have been complaining for months about not working and how I feel so isolated here at home with my two babies. I haven't wanted to sacrifice my time or give up my work to be a better mom. In all reality, I should be celebrating this time instead of wishing it away! With that said, day 3 for me has been playful! Park, giggles, dirty hands, sand between the toes and ALL!

Monday, September 07, 2009

Day One: Social Networking Fast

The Challenge: Two week fast from social networking! Can I do it? Yes I can!!!

Over the past few weeks I have been hearing God tell me that I am spending too much time social networking and then that conviction was firmed up at church yesterday when my Pastor talked about fasting! I am praying this time will bring me closer to God and help me evaluate the time that I am spending on the internet!

I depend on social networking to help my business, to learn from others and share tips and advice in my field. But sometimes the time spent gets out of hand and I find myself glued to the computer or my iPhone instead of focusing on the child that is grabbing on to my leg! Also as a stay at home mom, I feel disconnected to people that can actually talk back to me...so the social networking is my way of feeling connected!!! But I have to remember to keep that time in check and focus on what is most important, and that is GOD and my family!! So the countdown is on and I have 13 days to GO!!! Wish me luck!