The Folly of Facebook

It was an ordinary evening. My husband and I were preparing to go to bed, but decided to check in on Facebook before doing so. Big mistake.

We eavesdropped on a young woman having a vicious cyber-argument with another. It was very colorful and would probably get her convicted in a court of law.

Another night I was awake for a late night feeding and saw someone venting about her lying, cheating boyfriend.

Still another posted photographs of herself scantily clad at underage drinking parties.

I've seen break-ups and make-ups, all played out on Facebook (or Twitter).

While we all do stupid things, most of us like to keep those things private. I have no desire to publish every stupid thought I have or broadcast arguments for all to see.

In this digital age, what you post is permanent. Someone can find it. Parents and potential employers alike can see what you're really like.

When I read teenagers pining away for significant others, I usually laugh. Not because their feelings aren't real, but because I remember how I was at that age. I'm glad there are no public records of my fleeting feelings. Old diary entries are painful enough.

When I see grown women discussing drunk driving excursions publicly, I wonder if they're still drunk when they're writing. It would be pretty sad if you're trying to beat a DUI, and the prosecutor has a printout of your own Facebook post to use against you.

Using caution is wise. The problem with social networking sights is that many people type first and think later. What I feel right now is bound to change. And while I may later delete the post, someone has already seen it. I would caution girls to hold off writing about your argument with your man. What if he sees it or hears about it and you're still together? Hold off posting pics of the wild weekend party you attended if your coworkers could be your Facebook friend. Refrain from using profanity if your aunt and dad also see your posts and don't realize that your language is reprehensible.

In God's Word, Job 28:18 teaches us that the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. As a woman, I often talk first and think later. I'm sure Tre will attest to that. As a writer, I must be conscious of what I put out there for others to see. So while we enjoy our social networking, we must be wise to protect our dignity and our future.

Imaginary Rivals

Happy Holidays! Seasons Greetings!

Some of you are probably cringing right now. She's a Christian. Why didn't she say Merry Christmas? You can't have Christmas without Christ! And yes, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of good Saint Nick in our house.

We've all heard the controversy surrounding the proper way to state your holiday salutations, and frankly, I don't get it! I may make enemies here, and although it's not my intention, I'm willing to risk it.

I've seen people get very angry when wished Happy Holidays. In a hostile tone, they respond with Merry Christmas (emphasis on the Christ part). Now if I say Merry Christmas in a hostile way, I'm pretty sure it takes the "merry" out of it, but that's just me. Folks respond as though you've just told them to take a long walk off a short pier!

And, oh my, if you're a person who allows your child to believe in the magic of Santa Claus, some Christians treat you like a freak of nature. According to Wikipedia, the legend of Santa Claus is based upon the man of Saint Nicholas who is revered by Catholics and Orthodox Christians all over the world as a gift giver. Sounds like a nice guy.

Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying. I know that the meaning of our Christmas celebration is to commemorate the birth of our precious Savior with His humble beginnings. That is what we believe and what we teach our children. However, Santa Claus is everywhere this time of the year, and I think he's a happy looking guy. My precious children think so too.

I'd actually never remembered believing in Santa as a child, and for some reason Mimi does. She asked questions based upon what she'd heard from other kids. I actually enjoy believing in the magic of Santa through her and now Xavier. It's fun. Last year we put out reindeer food. Perhaps Santa will get cookies this year. We're definitely not too traditional in our Santa rituals! I think this jolly guy is as harmless as the Easter Bunny, Goldilocks or the Tooth Fairy.

While the greatest gift of all came to Earth in the form of a baby, many parents go into hock to buy Jr everything in the world. There are lights draped everywhere. The center of the party is a huge tree and unhealthy foods! My point is, why have we chosen to attack only Santa? Why not only give presents to others in need and receive nothing? How "merry" would that be? We know that we are seldom buying things that we need any way. Why not avoid unhealthy Christmas cookies and eat only vegetables? Sounds silly right? That's my point.

Christians are very good at alienating others. Christmas is another opportunity for us to do so. If a non-Christian tells me Happy Holidays and asks what I want from Santa, I have a choice in how I respond. I can happily wish them Happy Holidays and tell them that I've already received the greatest gift. I can also say that I wouldn't mind a laptop to go along with it! Or, I can glare at him, say Merry Christmas , and make sure he knows that Santa is evil! With approach number two, you also need to forget that the person is Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah. This is why I don't mind Happy Holidays. There are other celebrations taking place during this time of the year, and this allows us to acknowledge them without leaving anyone out, except Scrooge or the Grinch maybe.

No fictional character can rival the truth of Jesus Christ. Not in birth or in death. Santa and Jesus can peacefully coexist in our home. At least for now...

The Power to Persevere

Before our daughter was born, I had already decided to nurse her. They always say it's best, although I don't know if "they" have ever tried it. Warning, the following may not be for the faint of heart, but stick with me, I'm going somewhere.

The first day of nursing is filled with anticipation as the long awaited little bundle lays snuggled in your arms awaiting her first meal. I remember this day clearly with each of my children. As I wipe back tears of joy, I draw my child close to me and nourish her. But by the end of day one, those tears of joy have turned to tears of pain! Picture cracking, soreness and bleeding. Use your imagination.

Many days I wanted to reach for Enfamil. Other days I wanted to have my head examined. When the milk did not come, I wanted to give up. When I awakened in a pool of milk, I wanted to scream. When engorgement happened, the pain drove me toward a bottle. When, after all of this, my daughter refused to eat for no apparent reason, I was certain this sacrifice was too much for me to endure.

My husband encouraged me to persevere. He reminded me of the struggles I'd had with the other two and let me know it would all work out. I prayed. I cried. And prayed and cried some more. I'm pleased to say that it is working out. Everything is alright. I'm persevering, and it's paying off. Our daughter is healthy. She is growing exponentially. Praise God!

My point is this, I could have given up. Many times I wanted to do just that. It is often tempting to quit when it hurts. When love is painful, we want to throw in the towel. When a friend betrays us, we become reclusive. I'm learning to pray in the strangest of circumstances.

As I breathed through contractions, I prayed. As I subsequently pushed and felt every pain, I prayed, imploring God to help me to get through it. I knew that I couldn't do it in my own strength. I chose to nurse, and I chose to deliver naturally. For me, it was best. And when my alert baby looked at me for the first time with amazing clarity, I knew it was worth it!

When we struggle to endure, we should go to the God who never leaves us. We should realize that difficulty doesn't need to conquer us.

Many times it is necessary for us to go through the fire to get to the gold. If distractions are keeping you from quiet time with God, persevere. If you feel distant from Him, persevere. Don't let our enemy steal from you. Don't settle for second best. Push through the pain and persevere.

Reborn

It feels so good to write again. Even as a I do so, a small person is resting in my lap. As her hand clasps my shirt, I feel incredibly blessed. I've missed writing. I'm so passionate about it, and I've felt a void in its absence. I have missed the camaraderie with my friends who enjoy my musings, and even those who don't enjoy them!

As most of you know, I safely delivered our third child on October 22nd! We are so thrilled and thankful beyond words. I have since been immersed in mothering. For the first time in years I feel like a real wife and mother. Most importantly, I feel like me again! I'm tired, but fulfilled. I am enjoying my life. I got to visit my husband at work in the middle of the day. Although my body aches, and I feel like I need a hip replacement, I am overjoyed! Sorry for all of the exclamation points, I'm just very happy.

As I transition into a new chapter of my life, I ask for your prayers. My husband is ministering to the youth at our church now (an answer to a long-time prayer), and I long to be by his side in service. I also wish to involve myself in women's ministry but feel pulled in too many directions. Right now I need not to worry, but my mind is not listening. I do trust God for His direction, but I have Him on my schedule. Fail! Please join me in prayer. There is a fire burning inside me, and I can't wait to see how God brings it to fruition. Trust Him with and for me. Stop by and say hello.