Are we accomplishing anything....really?

Recenly I shut down my facebook account. I really missed it at first but have started to realize how much time I wasted on it. AND...who my real friends are and who are not my real friends. I mean, just because you keep up with someone through social media doesn't really make them a real friend. Just because you 'friend' someone does mean they give two rips about you. It just is what it is. So, I got rid of facebook and it actually has saved me a lot of time. Around the same time I got rid of facebook I started posting on my profile at weightwatcher.com and also sparkpeople.com. It is cool reading other people's journey to weight loss and their healthy lifestyle but it also has kinda just taken place of facebook...LOL! Now I spend more time on these sites then I should. So....I am going to stop with all social media. I am even going to quit texting. I am not giving up my cell...just not texting. If someone texts me I will call them back. No more texting for me....it will be a beautiful thing as I HATE typing with those little buttons! No more randomly posting status updates for really no apparent reason (do you really even care when I get up, go to the store, go to curves, go to coop, and then go to bed...LOL). I may type a blog from time to time but that is it. Unfortunatly I have to keep my email because of school BUT...if a 'friend' sends me an email I will call them back. No typed replies from me. I want my relationships to be with people who I actually talk to and see. I read an awesome article that I want to share with you guys. It is about a guy that put down all social media for 90 days and what he has learned from it. I think we could learn alot if we spent less time type type typing! Cheak out the article: http://news.yahoo.com/90-days-without-cell-phone-email-social-media-015300257.html

Now, I am not taking it as far as he did. He could go with no phone and everthing BUT...he only did it for 90 days. I want this to be a life change for me. If I can go without facebook I can go without these other things. So, first I am going to stop with all the posts to weightwatcher.com and sparkpeople.com. And youtube is out also. Then no more texts. Email will always have to stay but that really isn't what takes the bulk of my time anyway. So...here goes. I will miss everyone on my social sites but if you want to get up with me send your phone number to my email and I will call :) dawn.believes@yahoo.com

Be blessed,

Having a rough day? Thank God for it!

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come you way, consider it an opportunity for great joy" James 1:2

Seeing trials as building blocks and lessons from God can help us change our attitude during hard times. When having a bad day just smile and thank God for teaching you patience and leading you through difficult times :)

Our Journey Toward or Away from What is Important

Well, here it is, Jan. 21st and I am well on my way in working on my New Year's Resolutions:

1. I want to reach my goal weight of 145 pounds this year. Well, I havn't lost much this year...only half a pound so far for Jan. but I have lost a total of about 13 pounds. I am at 162 but I started on 175. When I weighed in on Thursday I had lost another .6 lbs. Not bad....slow and steady works for me. That way I will keep it off. 17 pounds to go...I can do this!!!

2. I also resolved to not get behind in my homework this year. Well, that hasn't really been put to the test yet. I don't start back until March 19th. That is if I can even start back then. There are some issues with my financial aid. I just have to wait and see if I get it back. If I don't then I will be unable to complete school. That would be very upsetting for me BUT I know that God is in control and that He has a plan for my life.

3. I want to loose the spirit of indifference to sin around me this year. Well, that is kind of hard to gage if I am doing 'good' at or not. I have been spending more time in God's work and setting aside more prayer time. I have also started a Bible study with the Women in my church that focuses around the Courageous movie and that resolution...of course the Women's resolution is a little different than the men's. This study is definitely a life-changer. I am also watching what I listen to or watch. No more rated R movies or rated TV-MA shows for us. We will also be careful about the PG13 and TV-14 things we decide to watch. Yes, it is very true that God tells us that it is not what goes in us that makes us clean or unclean...it is what comes out. But if we surround ourselves with stuff that deadens our ability to tell what is real or not....what is right or not....what is acceptable or not.....well, that can lead to problems also. In Genesis chapter 19 Lot's moral compass shows signs of wear and tear because he had been surrounded my sin for so long. It is really something we should all think about.

4. I have decided to not waste so much time this year! I wasted alot of time this last year on facebook, watching TV, and just doing things that were so not necessary. I have cleared ALOT out of my life. I was voluntering with things that God wasn't really calling me to do. I have stepped out of most of that. I also shut down my facebook and it will stay shut down at least for 2012. I also only watch 2 1/2 hours of TV a day at the MOST. Some days not even close to that much. That is just the amount I have allowed myself per day for 2012. This opens up some time for other things....reading my Bible, prayer, time with my daughter, and of course homework when/if school starts back in a couple months.

Has anyone heard of a book called Seven written by Jen Hatmaker? It is supposed to be a great book written about some resolutions the author's family made over a period of 7 months. I have not read it yet. I have only read an article by her and some reviews about the book. I can't wait to get out there and buy the book. Super excited about it!

Also, if any is really interested in making some changes in life you really should look into the courageous books and Bible studies. They are amazing.

So, what are New Year's resolutions and how are you doing with them so far? What things do you want to change in your life? We are always on a journey...either toward God or away from God. Which way do you want to be pointed? What kind of steps will you take to be sure that happens?

Be blessed,
Dawn