Can I do it?? No Facebook for 6 weeks!!!

Well, here comes the big question!!! Can Lisa give up Facebook for 6 weeks?? The scary thing is, I DON'T KNOW!?! It totally freaks me out that I'm so addicted to something, especially something I told my son less than a year ago, was stupid and that I would never do! But, let me sing the praises of FB (that's what we users call it). I think like any other thing in this world, that if used properly, Facebook is a wonderful thing. Since signing up for FB, I have reconnected with so many old friends, kept in touch with my neighbors, and even talk with people I've never met. I have been shown love, support, and kindness by so many people (and everyone seems to know my birthday, haha). As a communication tool...it rocks!! But, with the good comes the bad...it lacks physical presence and speaking via text doesn't always help some conversations. One cannot discern the tone and expression of others and that makes some people jumpy and defensive. I've had my share of family arguments via Facebook and it's not something of which I'm proud. It does have a touch of voyeurism too...I know what my neighbor is cooking and when one of my son's friends pierced her ears for the 3rd time without her mother's permission! It seems to swallow up whole hours and keep one from getting a good nights sleep. 15 minutes at 11pm, turns into 2 hrs., and before you know it...it's 1am!! I'm definitely not saying I'm giving it up forever!! LOL (that means laugh out loud)!! But, I am thinking that I might could do this for 6 weeks. Of course, I'll miss out on what all my friends are doing and when their next haircut occurs, but I'm going to try and devote a little more time to my family. And give more time to my Lord and Savior, who has given up so much for me. Turns out, after a Google search, I'm not the only person addicted to Facebook that plans to take a break for Lent!! Don't worry about it...I'll be back!! I get much joy out of being there for you, supporting you and praying for you. I feel honored to share in your joys and sorrows. And I thank all of you for being there for me too! God bless you my FB Friends!!

Keep on Dancing!!

Let's "Give it Up" for Lent!!

The season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17th, is an awesome time to refocus our lives. As Catholic Christians, we take this 6 week period before Easter to peel away the layers, to look inside at what may be keeping us from having a closer relationship with Jesus. We evaluate our sinful nature and try to recommit our lives to Him. It's hard to look inside at the ugliness of sin...to really take responibility for the things we do...or don't do for that matter!! What's keeping me from Jesus and my ultimate goal of spending eternity with Him?? Is it a preoccupation with worldly possessions? Is it to much time on the computer or some other addiction? Is it a hatred for someone or an apathy for my job? To be honest, I often find it's the little things...like being late (for which I'm famous), or not giving time and attention to my spouse, or not giving 100% to the task at hand.

To get refocused and recharged we use certain practices to retrain ourselves. I'm often asked about the practice of fasting and abstaining. During Lent, we fast at certain times and abstain from eating meat on fridays. Most Catholics "give up" something as well. It maybe a certain food, or some habit of which we aren't proud. Some people give up watching TV or they may decide to give up sweets, or a favorite drink. Yes, these are trivial things, but it's not necessarily what your fasting from, but the ability to practice self-denial, obedience, and self-discipline. Our ultimate model, is Jesus himself...who was obedient to the Father and willing to sacrifice his own life for our sins. While practicing this self-denial we can relate in some small way to our Lord. It allows us to open the scripture and be more spiritually focused.

We try to take up habits and practices that are more pleasing to God. We can decide to help a neighbor with a task, or sponsor a young girl who is with child. We can donate clothing or food to the homeless shelter or spend more time with family in prayer and devotion. We're reminded that our lives are like waves which crash upon the sand, our mortal bodies are fleeting...we want to focus on what will last, and that's the soul!! We're preparing for our heavenly home which will be filled with richness, goodness, and abundance beyond compare!

So, let's be committed to "giving up" that which is keeping us from Christ! Let's turn away from sin and be faithful to God's message in the Gospel! Let us be cleansed from our sinful ways and open our hearts to what God is offering us!!

Keep on Dancing!!