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The American Idol.

I've felt convicted lately about my time management. Specifically, time spent on my phone. More specifically, time spent on Facebook and Twitter. A couple of weeks ago, as I was going about my daily routine and something happened, I immediately thought, "Oh! I should share that on Facebook!" ... and it was right then and there that the Lord said to me loud and clear, "Whitney! You are conversing with Facebook more than you are conversing with Me."

And I felt like I'd been socked in the stomach.

The other evening, after a movie with my Husby, we started talking about what time period we'd like to be transported to. I instantly said the 1950's and part of my reasoning was that it was a much simpler time and technology hadn't yet overtaken society. Funny that this is something I long for, considering I was spending so much of my time using that blasted technology. If I want it so much, then what am I doing wasting my time perusing Facebook and Twitter multiple times a day? Talk about a giant waste of time.

I mean, really. Do I really care what my elementary school acquaintance that I haven't seen in 20 years just ate for a snack before bed? Nope. But I could tell you verbatim what she did that day! Ha! Lunacy!

Now I do think there are great sides to social media. I think it's brilliant and can absolutely be used for good. And also, just good fun entertainment. I love being able to keep in touch with people I wouldn't otherwise keep up with. And I love the peek into day-to-day lives that it gives. It's just that anything that comes between us and the Lord is an idol .... and it was becoming something I was NOT controlling myself with. And when I realized that I was spending more time updating my status throughout the day than I was prayer, it was a giant eye-opener. A conviction. Something I am in the process of fixing.

It's scary to come to a sudden realization like that. I don't like that something as trivial as Facebook/Twitter had a greater hold on me than I realized. Often times, I'd open up Facebook in the morning before thanking God for the day. Now if that is not terrifying, I'm not sure what is. I'm abhorrently ashamed!

For me. Personally and for myself. (This isn't a shame-on-you if you spend hours on Facebook post. Your convictions are not mine and vice versa. This is an honest look into my personal life and journey. For me. And only me.)

I dread the day Levi and our future child(ren) feel the need to be on social media all hours of the day. For crying out loud, I am a 27 year old wife and mother, updating five+ times a day - I can't imagine being a teen! I want to fix this now so that I can pave the way and be an example to Levi. I want to set ground rules now so that we are not floundering when he is old enough for the responsibility of a phone. (And my phone has such a hold on me that I just typed "for the responsibility of an iPhone!!")

Forget Crackberry ... more like Heroiphone. (Ba-da-CHING!)

I haven't shut my Facebook down or am getting off of it completely, I am just toning it down and prioritizing my moments. I'm sure there will be days I update more than others and times I waste a half-hour catching up .... but not multiple times a day. I've had a spiritual awakening in my heart and it's not something I am taking lightly this time. I have cut my time back considerably over the week and I can't tell you how GREAT it feels. The longer I'm away, the less I care about it. I want to look back on these "good old days" when I'm a little old lady knowing that I didn't waste my energy and time on anything unnecessary. I want to see where the Lord refined me and pulled me in closer to Himself. This is definitely one of those times.

I'm a work in progress. And will be until He calls me home.
I am a modern day homemaker with a passion for family, cooking, celebrating, decorating, travel, and memory making! The Lord has blessed me with the desires of my heart in my husband and our two sons. We recently built our dream home and cultivating a loving and happy haven for my family is where I find so much joy.

Comments

  1. Thanks for the inspiration, Whitney. I think I'll cut back, too. I'm thinking I can check stuff twice a day, no more than 15 minutes at a time. Isn't it crazy how addictive technology can be?! When I'm tempted to waste hours online, I'll pray for you as well!

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  2. Hi Whitney. I have been reading your blog, and I can relate to your eye-opening realization! I came to the same realization last year at the grocery store. I witnessed something semi-funny happening, and my first thought was how I could best phrase it for facebook posting! I decided to make it my New Year's Resolution to get off facebook entirely. I canceled my account, and I haven't looked back. Thanks for the reminder that where we spend our time is where our priorities lie.

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  3. I don't have a fancy phone but my computer use has escalated because of social media. I have noticed it is really bad since I moved over seas, I'm definitely spending time in front of the computer I could be using to spend with real people on this side of the ocean!!!

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  4. I totally agree with you! The Lord has been convicting me about how much time I spend on Facebook. I guess it's not super important to let everyone know that I'm at the grocery store, is it? :) We just have to remember that social media in and of itself is not a "sin," that it can be used for good, and where our weak spots are. Thanks for the post! :)

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  5. Thanks for sharing! This was a good reminder for me. I'm always trying to sneak in a few minutes (away from my 2 year old) off and on throughout the day to catch up on facebook and read what everyone's been up to. (I'm one of the few people left who don't have internet on their phone. ha!) 9 times out of 10, it's nothing big or important I needed to know or cared much about anyway. I have to be SO careful that I'm not putting technology, including reading blogs I love, ahead of my time with my son and my time with the Lord. I used to immediately check facebook and blogs first thing in the morning to start my day... I'm now finally choosing to spend that time in prayer and reading my Bible. Prioritizing is key! Thanks again for sharing! selphpartyof3.blogspot.com

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  6. Amen, sister! I've come to realize that I think in status updates. Now that's sick! I can't stop at a stop light without checking in on fb. It's like I can't allow myself any time to be quiet and still--I have to have my phone in hand doing something. This is something I'm working on too, but it's oh-so-hard. Thank you for the reminder!

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  7. The Lord must be on the warpath, because I was convicted this past week too when I signed up for Twitter and thought "What am I doing!?" As if I need another time waster!And then the Lord bopped me upside the head with this article (http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank#.TiCKktOPbj7.facebook)and now I KNOW there must come a change in priorities! Praise the Lord for his gentle and loving rebukes!

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  8. So true! I've been trying to do the same lately. It really hasn't been that hard and I don't even really miss it - which makes me really believe I had been wasting a LOT of time.

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  9. I hear ya! I think God is not only convicting me about the fact that I'm not spending enough time with Him, but also that it takes me away from my family and resposibilities. It is definitely time to set some limits. I don't want my son to grow up thinking that the phone and/or computer are extensions of me. :)

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  10. Part of my job consists in interacting with clients and prospective clients via social media- but I too have felt convicted about the time spent online -- It always makes me sad to see so many birthday wishes or condolences for death being put on FB -- the time people need us the most we simply type a few words online to them instead of making face to face visits, sending cards, or picking up the phone. :/

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  11. Thank you for this post. It is a very good wake up call for me as well. Thanks for sharing your journey with the Lord.

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  12. I cut back on my phone/computer time tremendously when Ty was off those months before residency. I thought I would miss it and pick it right back up after he started, but you know what? I haven't. It doesn't quite have a hold on me like it once did. I have a lot more free time now too. Very sad, but true. :)

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  13. I wrote some similar things a month or so ago...mine wasn't only facebook, but my phone, t.v., housework...just all of the distractions that were TAKING OVER to a degree. I, too, do NOT want my kids to remember their Mama transfixed on her phone, or sitting on the computer multiple times a day, or zoned out on a t.v. program. I want them to remember me playing in the floor, reading to them, allowing them to "help" in the kitchen, spending time outside WITH them and not just as an observer...I want to be IN it, not just as an observer documenting my life. The "change" as I call it, has been nothing short of AMAZING. And it was God called too. He basically went "smack, smack" across my face. "WAKE UP WOMAN!" So glad He did...it's changed the dynamic in our home completely. Now, I reserve a little time for technology during naptime or after the kids have gone to bed, and that's PLENTY of time...5-15 minutes and I'm all caught up for the day :-) Sorry this is such a long comment...it's just so close to what I went through a little while back.

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  14. I really needed this today. I've been struggling with this lately, and you put it in to words perfectly. I think God brought me to your blog months ago because He so often speaks to my heart through you. Thank you!!!

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  15. I loved being off of Facebook during Lent and it's so funny to me how I got sucked back in so quickly. Why do I do it if I can live without it?! The plight of the human condition. Good for you. Cutting back is always a good thing!

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  16. A friend of mine and I were talking about this same subject today! She too is a stay at home wife and mom and she asked her hubby to change her fb password because she was spending too much of her time online. I have had my hubby take the cable cord off the tv for my accountability. He reminded me that although we are physically doing these actions to protect ourselves, it's really a matter of the heart and what we idolize. I was putting tv, fb, blog, anything media before the Lord and it was a matter of the heart indeed. I am thankful I have a basic cell phone because an iphone would do me in :) You are not the only one who struggles with the temptation of media and time management, I totally understand where you are coming from! Keep seeking the Lord, trusting in Him, and glorifying Him in all you do! Be blessed sweet sister!

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  17. Thank you for this post. Our pastor has been preaching on all the types of social networking we have and saying how much time poeple spend on them.
    I also found myself at one point and time checking my FB right as I woke up like I had missed something since the last time I logged on. Sad.
    Thanks for a reminder that GOD is #1 and he deserves our FUll attention!

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  18. Whitney thank you. Once again you have allowed me to take a moment and listen to the lord. I agree with the other comment that he is on a war path as he has reminded me as well that I am not only taking time away from my son but that it is becoming an addiction. It is something that I am currently addressing and through much prayer will make the decision if it is not only time to check it less but cancel. God bless you for your honesty and integrity :)

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  19. Oh, goodness. I didn't want to read this because I knew it would convict.
    But I'm glad I did.
    I struggle with this all the time and I KNOW it's something I need to work on. Thanks for sharing what's been on your heart!

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