Why I Decided to Give Up Facebook For Lent

It all started with my growing frustration with social media & networking. I don't think it's a bad thing at all, but I do think it is a time guzzler and a vacuum that just sucks you me in. Then, I saw that the lovely Laura was giving up Twitter for forty days and I thought that was a pretty good idea for her because she does like to tweet! :) Still, I didn't think much about making such a sacrifice because I never give up anything for Lent.

Perhaps you think Facebook is a silly thing to hand over? Well, for this stay-at-home military mom it isn't. It's how I connect with my family and friends who are far away. It may sound like it's not a big deal and to you, maybe it's not. But, I'm on Facebook a lot throughout the day. Like, mulitiple- times- an- hour a lot. All of that came to a (temporary) end today when I felt God leading me in a different direction...

I sat down to do my daily devotional and I came to the story in Luke 5. You will remember that this is when Jesus went down by the Lake of Gennesaret and he came to four fisherman who were cleaning their nets after a long, unsuccessful day at sea. Jesus asked Simon Peter to let the nets down one more time. He was hesitant to do so but he obeyed and when the nets came back up they were so full of fish that they needed two boats to haul the fish back to shore. The bible says the men were "astonished" (Verse 9). Then Jesus spoke saying, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will be fishers of men." It was then that the men left their nets and followed Him.

Peter's nets symbolized all he knew, his old way of living.

The prompt in the devotional asked- What are YOUR nets?

I wrote down-



approval of man, comparison, inferiority

And when I thought about why I do these things or feel that way, I thought about facebook. Most people on facebook share what is happy in their lives to the point to where it seems like some people have everything. They never fight with their husband or wife. Their baby never cries. So and so brought them flowers home from work. Job promotion! Their faith in God never ever falters, just look at their status for yet another reminder where you're lacking. I least that's what it can feel like.

Of course, this is rarely anyone's intention yet so often I've written on these various topics on this very blog. I talked about feeling inferior because I'm a stay at home mom. I've compared my life to other young moms by wondering why isn't he growing like their child is? Rolling over? Insert other fears I've had up until this point in raising him- the fears have been many.

And approval of man? It's so easy to fall into that trap on facebook. The other day one of my statuses got something like sixty (ish) "likes" which made me feel good for about a day. It's just ridiculous. It shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks. My life is not my own anyway. It belongs to the Father in Heaven who created me and will use me according to his plans.

When I started reading my study this morning, I had no idea that God would ask me to do something for Him. But by the end of it, I knew he was leading me to shut off facebook for awhile. He was almost whispering, "Give it up. Will you?"

I thought, hmm...can I? Is this really God talking to me? Does He really want me to do something so miniscule?

He did.

And I just did it. I deleted the app on my phone. I signed out on the computer. And I posted a reminder for good measure-



None of this is because I think social media & networking is a negative thing. I didn't do it for any other reason aside from wanting to trusting God and follow His direction. Perhaps He wants to show me to slow down and enjoy my little man more often. Maybe He's saying, "Instead of opening the app out of boredom while you're rocking him to sleep, look at your child a little bit longer. Use that time to pray for him." Who knows? I don't know yet.

I do know that my house will be a heck of a lot cleaner with this new development! Ha.

Anyway, I'll still be blogging and tweeting occasionally if you need me. Feel free to email or call me, too. I'm sad that I won't be able to stalk keep up with you all so write me every now and again and let me know how you're doing, mmkay?

I'll see all you Facebookers in April!

Love,

Mrs. K

To Blog or Not To Blog

There are times when I want to say to this blog- sayonara! Cya never.

It just sucks up so much of my time. As I sit here typing now, there's laundry to do. There's money to be made. There are dishes to be washed, floors to clean. But I can't do it. This is my voice. It's the only place throughout the day that I can have interaction with someone other than a six month old.

Don't get me wrong. I love laughing and playing with my son. I love singing silly things just to get him to smile. But sometimes I want to talk to someone who will talk back! That's where all of you come in. So, for now- the blog will stay.

I've had a lot weighing on my heart lately. Perhaps this is why most of my posts have been fluff  posts- ones that don't really reveal much about me. This is my online journal, though so prepare yourselves for a virtual unload:

1. I'm beyond ready and terrified at the same time to leave the Army behind. I was excited to get out because that meant that we would possibly be much closer to family. But what if all that isn't what it's cracked up to be? What if we're still far away and now I'm isolated as a SAHM with no Army community or Army family to immerse myself in? I wonder how the civilian stay at home moms do it. Is it difficult to meet friends? Friends with other kids? Then I think about Captain J's schedule right now. It's not so bad. I mean, when he's in rotation with JRTC (or in the field), we've been lucky. He comes home every other night usually. Recently, he has been home at least for a few hours every night. When there's not a unit here to train, he is home by 1500 most days! There's no way he'll find hours like that in the civilian world while making the money he makes now. The future is scary, but exciting too. I think I just miss the adventures we had in Alaska and I worry that he'll find a job some place and then what? We have to live there. What if I don't like it? With the Army, it was easy to be optimistic about moving (or PCSing) because if you don't like your duty station- no worries, you'll be moving again soon anyway. One thing I absolutely won't miss? The healthcare system.

2. I've also been missing work. It's probably not work per se but feeling as if I'm contributing to something. I've been freelancing occasionally so that helps me to feel productive, but I find myself searching for counseling opportunities in the area. Or even volunteer projects. I need to be valuable to someone, ya know?

3. I know I am to Baby K. Every day I notice more and more how much he depends on me and how he looks to me for most things. Can I just say how wonderful that feels? Of course I want him to feel safe and secure when I'm not with him, too but I love our time together. He's such a sweet boy and cute as a freakin' button. Sometimes I wonder if I bit off more than I can chew with doing cloth diapering and making our own baby food, but I actually enjoy it usually. Saving money feels good. Not to mention, it's nice to prove wrong all those people who doubted I would last a week with my crazy idea :)

Let's catch up, y'all. What's on YOUR mind?

Mardi Gras

[caption id="attachment_4119" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Not My Photo"][/caption]

Hello, from Cajun Country (Ft. Polk is more like Texas, though *sigh)! Our little town is hopping with Mardi Gras parades and festivities and I'm afraid I let the season sneak on by me. I've been busy writing and taking care of the little one that I must, sadly, report that I haven't done a single thing to celebrate. What a shame! We won't be in Louisiana long and I already wish I had made more of an effort to explore this unique culture.

When we rolled into town back in June/July, I kept seeing front doors decorated. At first glance, I thought that they must be having a party. Perhaps someone had a baby? Maybe that person just likes really tacky decorations? Then I saw another and another and another. What was going on?

Here's what I'm referring to-



Well, there ya have it. Versions of door decorations are everywhere now that we're actually in Mardi Gras season. As you can imagine, these Louisianians get really into it. Our neighbors still have their Christmas tree up and lit and I couldn't figure out why they were broadcasting that to the world as we're nearing March, but then I saw this and it all made sense-



You all know how crazy I am about decorating for Christmas, right? After seeing this, I was sad I took down all four of my trees before we were even a couple days into January. I could have had so much fun with this!

Zut alor.

Oh well. Next year.



(Pin here.)

Do you have celebratory plans? Do tell.

Regardless, may your week be festive and fun and full of beads you don't have to compromise your dignity for. ;)



(Pin here.)

(All other photos source: Mardi Gras Outlet)

Read This/Not That

I like looking at those books that tell you what to eat versus what to avoid eating because of the calories and such. It's not that I follow it necessarily, but it's interesting anyway.

Many of you send me messages about the books I read so I thought I'd give you my take on recent devotionals I have read just in case you were in the market for a new one:

READ THIS!



Road Trip: Five Adventures You're Meant to Live by Jen Hatmaker is a refreshingly witty and fun journey through God's word. It uses modern day scenarios to relate what God might be trying to tell us through scripture in an easy going yet focused way. It's a book you want to read, not one you are only reading because you feel as if you should read it. The chapters (or day by day studies) are short (Can I get an amen?), leaving time for you to reflect on what was written, pray, write, or go catch the latest episode of American Idol ;) This is perfect if you're a part of a women's small group or you're looking to start one!

And now for the...

NOT THAT!



I didn't enjoy He Said, She Said as much. I thought it would be different from what it really is. I was hoping for a couples devotional when I felt like I got a lot of honest personal stories that were prompted from single verses from the Bible, which is fine, but not what I was looking for. It offers some worthwhile food for thought, but overall I didn't feel God speaking to me through this book. It just wasn't my cup of tea, that's all.

(Note: I was not compensated for the review; all opinions are my own.)

Project 365- Week 7

Welcome to Week 7 of my 52 Week journey-

Day 43: Last Sunday we finally started using the Baby Bullet to make K's food. We pre-made carrots and peas.



Day 44: On Monday, K and I made Valentine yummies.



Day 45: Tuesday (Valentine's Day!) my sweetie and I shared a delicious chocolate malt after we put the little one to bed.



Day 46: Wednesday I captured this sweet moment in between a wardrobe change for Baby K. I love this photo!



Day 47: Thursday I finally found use for the little belt I found.

 Day 48: On Friday, one of my favorite bloggers moved here! We went out to dinner with her and her hubby, but unfortunately did not snap a picture (yet again) so  here's this one of my vintage necklace find:


Day 49: On Saturday J left for the field. Baby K and I enjoyed a rainy day in (for the most part). He snuggled with me all morning and gnawed on my fingers to relieve his teething pain. I just love that little boy. I'm so happy to have him in my life.



The first two photos are the only ones that were taken with my good camera (that I'm still trying to figure out how to use). The rest were taken with my iphone. It's my goal to use the real one more next week.

What does your week in pictures look like?

Link up with Laura at-

Home.

Oh, you must be tired of hearing about it now- how I miss Tennessee. But I do. More so today because my cousin just had a baby and I wish I could be there to hold the little guy. If only we were within driving distance!

Instead, I'll just google Tennessee and peruse the photos of my home sweet home.

And I'll dream of when mountains are in my life again.

And maybe I'll blast rocky top and look forward to a better football season next fall.

Until then~ Happy Saturday, y'all!

(Photo credit here and here.)

How To Get Anything You Want

The title of the book is just attractive, isn't it?

How To Get Anything You Want Just Like That!



I don't know anyone who doesn't want to know that little gem of info. We're all searching for something, right? Needless to say, I thought I would really like this book. My background is in the helping professions and I assumed that I would find Janet Poole's book useful and relatable. If I'm being honest, there are several excellent points in it. There were multiple times when I was scribbling in my notebook thinking, "Oh, that's good!" or "Yes. That is absolutely important to remember." The flip side of the coin, though is one that is not so relatable for me. For instance, the very first sentence starts off, "Did you know that you are entitled to have anything you want?" Perhaps this set the tone for the rest of the book for me since I completely disagree with everything about that sentence.

There were other things about this way of thinking that irked me, too. The author describes that each of us are gods (p. 7), a belief that is fundamentally against what I, as a Christian, believe. Poole discusses past lives and freely dishes out lots of feel good advice and tools toward getting what one wants out of the present life.

What did I like about the book? It's food for thought. No matter what you believe, it's important to know why you believe that. It's important to step outside of your box and expand your mind. One of my favorite quotes says:

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - Aristotle

With that being said, the book also contains several key concepts that I wholeheartedly believe to be true. There's an emphasis on making changes in thinking in order to create change in life. This is absolutely something that I've found to be true in my life and in the lives of people I've worked with in a counseling setting. There's also an emphasis on loving and valuing the self which is important for self growth, in my opinion.

In addition to these pearls of wisdom, there are also summaries and exercises to accompany each chapter.

Want a copy? The first person to comment on this post will get their very own! And maybe the second person, too ;) Facebook comments will not count- it must be a blog comment.

(Note: I was provided this book as well as compensated for this review. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours.)