Facebook Temptations

My new jacket

Have you ever been wrapped up by someone you love with a warm, cozy blanket; or someone has given you a soft, comfy robe or big, floppy sweater to envelop you with warmth?

That's what my new pink suede jacket is there - a covering of warm love. Someone dear to my heart has given me that soft, warm jacket. I wore it today and I felt covered in their love and thoughtfulness. Even though we are miles apart, I could feel that person with me the whole time I was wearing the jacket.

While I was in a Bible study today, I had lots of Facebook temptations come my way. I no longer carry a physical Bible with me because the weight of it is too much for my arms these days. Instead, I use a Bible app on my phone and use the hard copy at home for study. 

So, while I was listening to Bible study and using my phone for Bible references, I could see that I was getting lots of notifications from Facebook. Lots. 

I knew this would happen and I thought about stopping the notifications so that I wouldn't be tempted during Lent, but I chose to allow them to come through. I found it thought-provoking that the only time today I have had those notifications come through was during my one hour of Bible study. Was I tempted? Yes. I was tempted to see my cousin's pictures of her trip. I was tempted to read an email. But, I didn't. So far, I've kept my commitment and haven't given in.

I want to see where this fast from Facebook for Lent is taking me. I want to use it to concentrate more on God and less on Internet. I want to take this time to get closer to knowing who God really is. I want to know better how to feel the warmth and comfort of His loving kindness and mercy. I want to feel wrapped in His blanket of love. I want to be wrapped in Jesus and His love for me. And I want Him to know my love for Him. I want to give it all back, as best as I can.

When I have temptations, whether they are from my Facebook fast, or otherwise, I know God is there with me to pull me through.

This morning when I was getting dressed, I heard this song and thought of you. It's one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artist's.  Click here to listen. I hope you like it.

BTW - I know I have a lot readers. Let me hear from you by commenting below. If you comment on the Facebook post, I won't see it. More later. :-)

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Psalm 33:18-22

New English Translation (NET)

18 Look, the Lord takes notice of his loyal followers,
those who wait for him to demonstrate his faithfulness
19 by saving their lives from death
and sustaining them during times of famine.
20 We wait for the Lord;
he is our deliverer and shield.
21 For our hearts rejoice in him,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May we experience your faithfulness, O Lord,
for we wait for you.

First Day Off Of Facebook

Photo courtesy Freedigitalphotos.com by Sura Nualpradid

Usually, when I wake up in the morning, I read my Facebook with a cup of coffee like humans, back in the day before Internet, read their newspapers.

Facebook is my morning newspaper. I look at the weather and only the news that interests me. Then, I'll see what my friends have posted since my last visit (which was usually just before bedtime) and read the recipes, the jokes, look at the art from my favorite artists, known and unknown,all while sipping on my hot cup of coffee.

Often, my dog will jump up on the sofa next to me where I am reading and bop the side of the laptop screen with his nose, indicating that I have been on long enough for his liking, while he longingly looks at his toy that he wants us to play with. I suppose I am neglecting the little fella for Facebook time.

This morning I logged onto Facebook very quickly just to post a "Happy Birthday" to one of my children. I was tempted to check my game "real quick", knowing that it wouldn't be quick at all. I wondered if anyone had tagged me on anything. But, I didn't check. I quickly logged off, feeling a sense of loss and went into the kitchen to start my breakfast.

I needed a distraction and found the perfect one to go with my breakfast. I clicked an app on my phone and found one of my favorite preachers to listen to while I ate my breakfast.

While eating and listening, I wondered if God have given me this perfect trade off - spending time alone with Him while I drink my coffee - instead of spending time with the Internet. I mean, I am giving this up for Lent and I was wondering if He was letting me know that He wants to spend time with me in the morning.

Now, I do spend time with God each day, but not first thing in the morning because I'm just not a morning person. I guess God knows I'm not a morning person and isn't really concerned about that. Maybe, in the mornings, He just wants me to listen to His Love Letter and, later, when I'm more awake, that is when I can talk with Him.

I wasn't tempted to get onto Facebook the rest of the day, like I thought I would be. I didn't miss it, like I thought I would. Maybe giving God the very first part of my day, instead of the Internet, is a better way to start the day off. Just knowing that God was actually interested in what I am doing for Lent was just another reminder that I really do matter to Him and that the little things in my life are actually important to Him.

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Jeremiah 31:3 says, "And from far away the Lord appeared to His people and said, 'I love you people with a love that will last forever,. That is why I have continued showing you kindness.'" (NCV)

God loves us with an everlasting love. And He wants to have a relationship with us.