Tomorrow marks the official end to our media month. I have to be honest, it was much harder than I thought to give up TV, but not difficult at all to give up Facebook. That really surprised me. Since I keep in touch with family and life-long friends through Facebook, I assumed it would be much more difficult not to see them on a regular basis. But I guess my busy summer made that easier.
Giving up TV was much more difficult than I thought. I have learned something about myself through this process, and I'm not proud of it. I cannot stand silence, and I don't enjoy being alone at home. It was those nights that I caved. When I was alone, the silence in my home was too much for me. The record breaking heat didn't make things any easier. The last thing I wanted to do in this heat is work out side or go for a walk. Stuck in my house, I quickly caved and started watching movies or TV to occupy my time. The thought of knitting or crocheting, or reading a book just didn't cut it. Spending time in the Word or conversation with God was great, but unfortunately, many nights I was so emotionally and spiritually tapped I just couldn't muster much brain power to focus.
But I will say that in the midst of my weakness, I did find many sweet moments with my family. We spent five glorious days in Colorado. Many nights and days were spent with my sister, her husband, and my three adorable nieces. We celebrated the 100 year wedding anniversary of my great grand parents through a festive family reunion. Titus, the kids, and I logged many hours and miles in the car visiting family and friends.
As we come to a close with this I will continue to pray for God to fill me in those times when I want to check out. I have identified an area where I need to grow, and I will pray for God to change my heart and my behavior to draw me closer to Him in those times.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Media Fast: Day 18
Confession time for me. Last night I blew it big time with the media fast. Even though we haven't been being legalistic about the fast, we have been keeping a pretty tight lid on things. We've watched some Tim Hawkins movies with the kids. Titus and his friend watched the NBA finals on Tuesday night. But no late night TV, no cooking shows, none of that for me. That is, until last night.
When I got home from work I was just done. You know the kind of "done" where several days of little sleep and long work days catch up with you? The kind of "done" where you are numb and even conversation takes effort and energy you just don't have. That kind of "done." After we watched a movie, I turned on regular TV. I knew I should go for a walk, but I was too physically tired to get out of the chair. I knew I should talk with my husband, but I was mentally too exhausted to muster up a conversation. I knew I should pray, read, journal, something...but I was too spiritually tapped to even care at that point.
And today, I realized something. This media fast has been great. But fasting from media doesn't automatically fix the human condition of being over-tired. It doesn't automatically mean you are going to have energy to be with your loved ones or the Lord, even when you have the time.
I still feel at a bit of a deficit this morning. But I praise God that His mercies are new every morning, and today is a new morning.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Media Fast: Day 13
This past week we spent some time in Colorado. It made the media fast seem pretty simple, for the most part. We didn't stick as hard and fast to the media fast while we were on the road. The kids watched Tim Hawkins comedy DVD's on the drive and we listened to and sang along with some worship music. The trip out was great. The hike was long and hard but rewarding.
When we returned to the hotel we did watch some TV. After 9 hours of hiking, I wasn't going to complain. We were just exhausted and wanted to unwind with some fun. So we watched Cake Boss before bed. I didn't feel guilty. As I told my husband - there aren't any rules with this fast. The point is that we are unplugging from media most of the time and engaging with each other and our Savior.
Now, the next two weeks I think will be more difficult for me. We will be home without any big plans or preparation for any big trips. That is when I'm more likely to be tempted to sit down and watch some cooking shows on Create TV. So, I will game plan this weekend and have some projects, prayers, and books ready to go for my time after work.
When we returned to the hotel we did watch some TV. After 9 hours of hiking, I wasn't going to complain. We were just exhausted and wanted to unwind with some fun. So we watched Cake Boss before bed. I didn't feel guilty. As I told my husband - there aren't any rules with this fast. The point is that we are unplugging from media most of the time and engaging with each other and our Savior.
Now, the next two weeks I think will be more difficult for me. We will be home without any big plans or preparation for any big trips. That is when I'm more likely to be tempted to sit down and watch some cooking shows on Create TV. So, I will game plan this weekend and have some projects, prayers, and books ready to go for my time after work.
Friday, June 8, 2012
My new favorite Granola Bar Recipe
Truly simple and so much tastier than the one I used before, this granola bar recipe is my new favorite. I have made this about three times now, and it is pretty fool proof and extremely versatile. The base remains the same each time. The add-ins vary depending on what I have on hand, what I'm in the mood for, or what the family requests.
The Base
1 cup Almond Butter
3 mashed bananas
3 cups Oatmeal
The Add-ins
Add in up to 1/4 cup of any variation of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. We like to use dried cranberries or raisins, along with chopped almonds and walnuts.
The Preparation
Put a large sauce pan over medium heat on the stove. Add the almond butter and mashed bananas and mix. Continue to stir and mix together until smooth. Be careful not to scorch the almond butter. Once smooth and well blended (there will still be some banana lumps) turn off the heat.
Add the oatmeal one cup at a time and mix well. Continue adding any additional nuts, seeds, dried fruit and mix well.
Spoon mixture into a 9x9 pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let cool for five minutes and then remove on parchment paper to a cooling rack. Cut into bars and let cool completely. Once cooled, I put them into snack size ziploc bags and store in the pantry.
The Verdict
These remind me of a oatmeal type cookie. The bananas offer sweetness without adding any sugar. And the almond butter offers the creamy taste and good protein. I have used these for breakfast as I'm walking out the door. They sustain me throughout the morning and have gone as late as 1pm before I was feeling like I needed lunch! My husband said these are his favorite by far and is excited to have them on our 14ers trip, road trips, and camping trips to come this summer.
The Base
1 cup Almond Butter
3 mashed bananas
3 cups Oatmeal
The Add-ins
Add in up to 1/4 cup of any variation of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. We like to use dried cranberries or raisins, along with chopped almonds and walnuts.
The Preparation
Put a large sauce pan over medium heat on the stove. Add the almond butter and mashed bananas and mix. Continue to stir and mix together until smooth. Be careful not to scorch the almond butter. Once smooth and well blended (there will still be some banana lumps) turn off the heat.
Add the oatmeal one cup at a time and mix well. Continue adding any additional nuts, seeds, dried fruit and mix well.
Spoon mixture into a 9x9 pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let cool for five minutes and then remove on parchment paper to a cooling rack. Cut into bars and let cool completely. Once cooled, I put them into snack size ziploc bags and store in the pantry.
The Verdict
These remind me of a oatmeal type cookie. The bananas offer sweetness without adding any sugar. And the almond butter offers the creamy taste and good protein. I have used these for breakfast as I'm walking out the door. They sustain me throughout the morning and have gone as late as 1pm before I was feeling like I needed lunch! My husband said these are his favorite by far and is excited to have them on our 14ers trip, road trips, and camping trips to come this summer.
Media Fast: Day 6
I am closing in on the first week of the media fast. This week has been surprisingly easier than I expected. Part of it could be that with the kids in town, we have been busy enjoying time together with them. And, getting ready to climb 14ers in Colorado has kept us busy as well.
Monday night and Wednesday night we walked six miles. All at once. All together. With our backpacks. My husband called these "training hikes". Really, I'm not sure how these training hikes will translate to our hiking 14ers, but I'm glad to know I can walk six miles without dying. It is also good to know that we all have daypacks that fit, don't rub funny rashes on our arm or necks, and we all can now use our "hydration reservoirs" with ease.
Tuesday night we enjoyed time with friends. We grilled burgers and chicken, shot guns in the back field, and finished the night off with a campfire and smores.
And tonight we will be doing laundry, making homemade granola bars, and packing for our trip. Who needs TV or Facebook when you have so many other activities to keep you busy? In the midst of all this business I have found joy in simplicity and connection with my family.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Media Fast: Day 2
It is the morning of Day 2 of the media fast month of the "7" experience. I only have one observation at this time. Since it's rare that I sit and watch TV all night, I just assumed I didn't watch a lot of TV. I didn't realize all the sneaky little ways I used TV to pass time until yesterday.
Normally when Titus and the kids get a campfire ready, I hang out inside and watch some Create TV until they are ready for me to join them and cook dinner, or smores. I don't usually join them to gather sticks and get the fire started. That's always been their thing. I would have it on "in the background" while I puttered in the kitchen, put away laundry, etc. Since my TV is unplugged, yesterday while they were working on that project, I grabbed a book on Women's ministry and began reading. And when they went for a bike ride, I read some more.
Right now, starting Day 2, I am loving this. I'm sure that won't last for the next four weeks, but I will ride this as long as I can.
Normally when Titus and the kids get a campfire ready, I hang out inside and watch some Create TV until they are ready for me to join them and cook dinner, or smores. I don't usually join them to gather sticks and get the fire started. That's always been their thing. I would have it on "in the background" while I puttered in the kitchen, put away laundry, etc. Since my TV is unplugged, yesterday while they were working on that project, I grabbed a book on Women's ministry and began reading. And when they went for a bike ride, I read some more.
Right now, starting Day 2, I am loving this. I'm sure that won't last for the next four weeks, but I will ride this as long as I can.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
And so it begins...
Today I am five days away from the beginning of a journey that will last until about spring break of next year. It's hard to even fathom such an idea. So much life can happen in that time. And while life unfolds and we see how God leads our family, I will undergo my own journey within the journey.
Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 starts the "7" project. Based on the book 7: an Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker, this journey looks at seven areas of excess in our modern American lives. Each month, for seven months, we will tackle one area, and in the spirit of a fast, remove the excess from our lives. During that month, my desire is to see how God would reveal himself to me as I remove the clutter and fill those spaces with Him.
The first month is media. And I'm terrified. I enjoy my cup of coffee with the top of the hour news and weather on Good Morning America. I love keeping up with friends on Facebook. Honestly, it is the best place for me to know what is going on with my family and friends who live in other states. And, when a friend here in town dealt with the death of a family member, she kept us all informed through Facebook as to what was going on with her situation. It is just so convenient to keep in touch with people. But it can also be a time waster.
The same is true of cooking websites, online grocery store ads, email, and so many other places online. But when I spend so much time online that I don't have time for prayer or meeting God in His Word, well, then there's a problem.
So here's what's going down for the first month. I am using these filters to help me determine what media I will avoid and what I will allow.
1.) If it is necessary for me to earn my paycheck, I will keep it.
I use email for my job all day long. It is how we communicate the most efficiently. There are times I order books and resources for the pastors. I log in to mass text our students about the trip coming up in July. I am doing an online Bible Study starting at the end of the month to preview for our Women's ministry. These type of online "media" I will keep.
2.) If it brings me closer in my relationship with the Lord, I will keep it. If it is a distraction to my relationship with the Lord, I will forgo it for the next four weeks.
This means I will keep sermons I listen to on my ipod when I exercise and Christian radio in my kitchen while I make dinner. However, the TV and DVD player will be unplugged for the month. I will blog once a week about this experience and check personal email about once a week. Those area honestly not big distractions for me with my relationship with the Lord. The TV, movies, Facebook, and recipe websites are the ones I feel most led to give up. Those are the areas where I "check out" and need to focus on "checking in" with God.
3.) I will be reasonable with my expectations of my family joining me on this experience.
My husband has no problem with turning off the TV and DVD player for the month. He has no problem with not checking ESPN or 14ers.com for the month. But he does have a hard time figuring out how we are going to do road trips with the kids without any using the portable DVD player. And I agree. I want our children to live through this experience. And a long road trip without movies to watch is just asking for trouble. So, in those areas we will be reasonable, and not legalistic.
Five days. June 3rd will be here before I know it. And honestly, as terrified as I am, I look forward to what all God will speak to me when I take the time to listen.
Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 starts the "7" project. Based on the book 7: an Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker, this journey looks at seven areas of excess in our modern American lives. Each month, for seven months, we will tackle one area, and in the spirit of a fast, remove the excess from our lives. During that month, my desire is to see how God would reveal himself to me as I remove the clutter and fill those spaces with Him.
The first month is media. And I'm terrified. I enjoy my cup of coffee with the top of the hour news and weather on Good Morning America. I love keeping up with friends on Facebook. Honestly, it is the best place for me to know what is going on with my family and friends who live in other states. And, when a friend here in town dealt with the death of a family member, she kept us all informed through Facebook as to what was going on with her situation. It is just so convenient to keep in touch with people. But it can also be a time waster.
The same is true of cooking websites, online grocery store ads, email, and so many other places online. But when I spend so much time online that I don't have time for prayer or meeting God in His Word, well, then there's a problem.
So here's what's going down for the first month. I am using these filters to help me determine what media I will avoid and what I will allow.
1.) If it is necessary for me to earn my paycheck, I will keep it.
I use email for my job all day long. It is how we communicate the most efficiently. There are times I order books and resources for the pastors. I log in to mass text our students about the trip coming up in July. I am doing an online Bible Study starting at the end of the month to preview for our Women's ministry. These type of online "media" I will keep.
2.) If it brings me closer in my relationship with the Lord, I will keep it. If it is a distraction to my relationship with the Lord, I will forgo it for the next four weeks.
This means I will keep sermons I listen to on my ipod when I exercise and Christian radio in my kitchen while I make dinner. However, the TV and DVD player will be unplugged for the month. I will blog once a week about this experience and check personal email about once a week. Those area honestly not big distractions for me with my relationship with the Lord. The TV, movies, Facebook, and recipe websites are the ones I feel most led to give up. Those are the areas where I "check out" and need to focus on "checking in" with God.
3.) I will be reasonable with my expectations of my family joining me on this experience.
My husband has no problem with turning off the TV and DVD player for the month. He has no problem with not checking ESPN or 14ers.com for the month. But he does have a hard time figuring out how we are going to do road trips with the kids without any using the portable DVD player. And I agree. I want our children to live through this experience. And a long road trip without movies to watch is just asking for trouble. So, in those areas we will be reasonable, and not legalistic.
Five days. June 3rd will be here before I know it. And honestly, as terrified as I am, I look forward to what all God will speak to me when I take the time to listen.
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