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10 August 2009

What is best for YOU

While it may not be insidious by nature, with my present circumstances it is most certainly insidious to me.

insidious - awaiting a chance to entrap; harmful but enticing; having a gradual and cumulative effect
syn. treacherous, seductive, subtle

Facebook is the beast of which I speaketh.

I think we can all agree that by nature, Facebook cannot be called a beast.

What I'm talking about here is conviction. Mine. I've been under some heavy stuff since I was recently challenged by this question:

What is the purpose in your pursuits this past week?

These words struck me, too:


Every commitment needs a purpose you can articulate & define.

We must learn to differentiate between distractions & duties.

Well okay then. That certainly clears things up then, doesn't it?

How does Facebook fit into my life? Distraction or duty? Can I articulate the purpose of it for me? Yes. It's a diversion from my duties, which is to say it's a diversion from my family.

For clarity's sake, the only reason I felt any conviction at all is because I know the time I've spent there, "just checking". I've begun to think in terms of status updates. My life is not a series of status updates.

We're homeschooling this year for the first time, and when I consider the purpose behind that, it makes the whole issue of Facebook very clear for me... and nothing grand just happens, I must remind myself.

Self to self talk: Well then ya know what ya gotta do, huh? You gotta drop it like it's hot!

And so that's what I aim to do - because I want to run as to get the prize, not chase multiple pursuits aimlessly.

So, at some point today, Facebook will suddenly drop off my radar.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When I went to Bible Gateway (which is a great site, by the way) to get the "prize" reference, this is what greeted me at the door:

This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you
,
who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17

Left to myself, I would chase rabbits and shiny things (and Facebook) all day, and then complain at the end of the day (or at the end of my days) that my life is what it is. I know, because I already have that nasty habit.

I am so grateful for the leading of my Redeemer (who redeems me from myself, among other things) because His guidance leads down the roads that lead to the desires of my heart...
family togetherness and a house filled with love...

9 people love me:

Chel's Leaving a Legacy said...

Sweet Jodie, I am so proud of you for being willing to put God and family first. I have been two weeks without FB and it was a good decision. I miss some things, but not nearly enough to warrant the time I was spending with "it" instead of with my real life.

Good for you for following your convictions!

r salvage. said...

You go girl!

I've found myself spending less and less time on Facebook, and even less time on Myspace. I mean, it's been fun being a voyeur into other people's lives, but it all serves very little purpose for me. The only redeeming factor is that I can share things easily with old classmates and friends who I don't get to see often enough. Otherwise I'd shut mine down too!

Unknown said...

you go girl! I'm proud of you!
and welcome to my Facebook-less world :)

Anonymous said...

I heart you so much Jodie. I have not been messing around with all the facebook "extras" lately since starting homeschool with the kids. I still get on, but only to check messages, because honestly I get more emails there than I do my regular email, lol. But I dropped all the little games and what not like they were hot too! haha. I too had to come to grips with my priorities, and you know what? My house has been a lot cleaner since! HAHA I love you girl and even if you're not on as much, I do hope you stay in touch with me. I miss you so much and I cherish our friendship even though we're miles apart now. :) You de best! hehe

here's my email in case you've lost it apple at watchmanentertainment dot com.

ps, why's everything in Franch? lol

-Mrs. Apple

Anonymous said...

Sometimes I think in status updates too. That's scary.

bren j. said...

I'll miss you around FB but if you needed to give it up then so be it! :)

It sure came in handy today - without it our car might not have gotten fixed. In honour of Labour Day, you know, it decided to stop working....

Tracy G said...

Thank you for this post! I've been feeling convicted about FB as well.

How do I set up a profile? Would I need a google account? I've commented a few times before and one time you even responded ON YOUR BLOG --because you couldn't reach me--about my camping with kids comment :). Welp, here's how to reach me:

pntgrubb at mchsi dot com

Unknown said...

Great! I just left you a birthday message there, but don't feel obligated to check it.

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Love ya' and hope your birthday was great. Wish we could have been there.

myletterstoemily said...

ok little mommy,

i just am checking to see,

1. if homeschooling is going well.

2. if you have survived without
facebook.

3. if you are ok.

blessings,
lea