The Billboards, Banners & Flags of Facebook

Billboard

I've grown weary of the billboards, banners and flags of Facebook.  It used to be that we got on Facebook to communicate with one another.  I was able to catch up with friends from my past and stay in touch with my family and know what they were up to.  Of course, my favorite thing was to see adorable photos of my grandkids which my kids posted.  But out of 7 kids, I only have 2.5 surviving Facebookers.

But now...now I have to wade through mountains of billboards, banners and flags.  I got caught up in it myself...until one day I realized I was clicking "like" on one banner after another.  It's hard to find anyone putting original thought out there.  One day this week, I realized I was having to wade through so much junk to find anything my friends were actually doing.  And heaven forbid if a ball game or popular TV program is on--that's the only updates you see.

Banner

And then there are the banners of political persuasion that people wave.  For the most part, I already know how my friends/family fall on the political lines.  I'm all about being informed of what is going on politically.  We live in a country where we have the right/privilege to speak up, vote, and inform our authorities of our persuasions.  Just give me a way to make a difference--a way to make my voice heard where it matters!  Otherwise, it's just banners flying in my face.

Flag

I love Pinterest.  I'm all for Pinterest.  I belong to Pinterest.  But when/why did Pinterest invade Facebook?  I've already seen the recipes, DIY projects, home decor...on Pinterest.  Pinterest is clogging my Facebook highway.

I encourage you to go and take a look at your Facebook page.  I have more billboards, banners & flags than original thoughts, photos or stories on my Facebook page.  I have some friends that that's all they do---post billboards!

Here's my solemn promise to you.  I'm going to do my part to clean up the Facebook highway.  No more billboards, banners or flags from me.  I'll only post original thoughts, photos or stories on Facebook--things which will share who I am and which will hopefully interest you.  We're quickly forgetting to communicate--we're just regurgitating what someone else posts.  And if we're not careful, we're all going to get disinterested and lose contact again...or become zombies who can't think for ourselves!

Whew!  I feel better.

Political Politics

Politics have become more and more political.  Not only do politicians spout their expected rhetoric, now they have to follow the political guidelines of posture, tone of voice, turn of their heads, intensity, etc., etc...ad nauseum.

What do I want?  I just want someone to come out and totally be themselves and share their hearts.  If they shed a tear, that would be acceptable.  I want someone with such honesty that they'd be apt to tell on themselves.  But I want someone who loves God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength--unashamedly.  I want someone with strong, godly convictions.  I want someone who appreciates how our country was founded and the sacrifices which have been made to maintain our freedoms.  I want someone who wants to hold to the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence.  I want someone who loves and serves others more than themselves.  That pretty much sums it up.

Manipulation of Your Mind

I finished reading the book, Hidden in Dreams, by Davis Bunn.  This fiction book is about a medicine which was developed for ADHD but a side effect was manipulation of the dream state in people.  And people wanting power and control used it for their own evil purposes to create dreams in people who were in positions of power and leadership.

And this morning, I began reading The Bishop of Rwanda by Bishop John Rucyahana.  (On sale on Amazon)  This book tells the story of how the Belgians created so much animosity and division among the Tutsi and Hutu people that the end result was a genocide of over 1 million people.  Bishop John makes the point that before the evil work of the Belgians to divide a nation, it would be like trying to find a difference between the Irish & Norwegians who'd been in America for generations.  There was no tribal or language division.  In fact, there had been so much intermarriage, you couldn't tell substantial differences between the two peoples.  They'd lived in peace for over 500 years.  And yet...there was a mass genocide.

Reading these two books back-to-back has startled me.  Both books are about manipulation of the mind.  In the first book, people had no idea they were being manipulated.  The second book was a slow and subtle division of people by manipulation.  And it made me start thinking about how our minds are being manipulated today.  I remember the first time I went to Tibet (well, actually, the only time!).  A loud speaker came on across the city of Lhasa each morning.  The message lasted about 30 minutes.  When I asked Marcy what they were saying, her response was, "The government's propoganda."  Immediately, I began to think of our own government.  Do we have propoganda?  And if so, how is it issued?

Recently, I've been very disturbed by the political anger and seeming hatred being thrown about on Facebook.  It disturbs me.  I'm not suggesting that we be silent when we need to speak up.  But I'm wondering if the hatred is a part of our minds being manipulated.  Bishop John said that by the time of the genocide, pastors were luring their membership into the safe haven of their churches with the intent of killing them.  How do church leaders get to that point?  By allowing their minds to be manipulated.

I'm just advocating that each of us examine ourselves.  Have we been manipulated by the enemy?  I'm reminded of the Bible verse that says, "[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)..."   Take your thoughts captive.  Don't be manipulated.  Be a seeker of TRUTH and love.  Anger leads to murder...even if it's only in your heart.

Is it really about politics?

"Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment.

Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them]." 

Romans 13:1-2

Bill Smith has been teaching on Romans in Sunday School and it's been awesome.  Not only does he know the Word, but he's also a history buff and really knows his stuff.  We haven't even gotten to these verses yet (we're taking the slow way--which I love!), but I had to ask him last Sunday, "Can you think of one instance in the New Testament where we're told to be politically active?"  None of us could think of an instance.  But Bill did go on to spell out what was going on in Rome at the time and how some verses referenced it.  (I know someone will come up with some verses for me!)

But my point was this:  I think we spend way too much time discussing politics and getting upset or even angry about our particular political stand.  Rome had some pretty nasty leaders and yet here they were told to submit to the governing authorities.  GOD had appointed them!  Now I also realize that sometimes God gives us what we deserve--there were some pretty bad kings in the Old Testament who were set up to bring discipline on a nation.  But if I'm reading this correctly, it's our own unsubmissive hearts which brings judgment.

This doesn't mean that I don't think we should be salt and light and affect our society.  But don't we do that with love?

I've also been reading Deuteronomy 30-31 this week.  Moses is giving a speech before he dies and the children of Israel go into the Promised Land.  Moses has been their leader for over 40 years.  I put myself in their place and thought, "They had to be afraid!  They'd put their focus on this one man for so long and trusted him.  That's why he keeps telling them not to be afraid."  In 30:20, Moses says, "And (you) may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days..."  Moses was trying to tell them, "Don't focus on me or Joshua.  It's not about us.  It's about God.  He wants to lead you.  Trust HIM!  Give Him your hearts!!"

I know that I've put a lot of confidence (or distrust) in men.  Even though this chapter in Romans is talking about civil authority, I think it relates to the church, as well.  CHRIST is the head.  Not man.  We like a pastor as long as he can be controlled or if he's doing what we think he should be doing.  Man may have voted, but it's GOD who put those leaders in those positions.  Many of us "leave" a pastor before God ever takes him out of that appointment.

I think our homes, our churches, our nation, our world would be a different place if we looked to God and not man...or politics.  It would be different if we gave God our whole heart and submitted to His plan.  In fact, the crux of the matter is just that...submission.  Do I think we should vote?  Absolutely!  It's a privilege we've been given.  But I don't think it's political.  It's spiritual.  We submit our hearts to God and trust His appointments.  If we resist and rebel, we bring judgment on ourselves.

Waiting

I am NOT a good waiter.  I'm a do-er...let's get things done...in a hurry!  I particularly dislike waiting in line or on inept people.  Pretty harsh, I know.  But God keeps taking me to those waiting rooms.  Today, I had to take some paper back to Sam's.  I inadvertently (ineptly?) ordered paper that feeds through a computer instead of copy paper.  How I did that, I don't know.  I didn't even know they still made that kind of paper!

Anyway, I had exactly one hour to get into Sam's, return the paper and shop for more paper and some things I needed at home.  And I got her!  The lady who pulled out the three-ring notebook with instructions on how to return charges on a credit card on paper which was originally shipped to us.  Not only were the instructions long, but she couldn't get the numbers to enter on the spaces on the computer.  She not only had trouble entering numbers, she couldn't stay on task.  She had to talk to every employee who came behind the desk and walk to the printer (when she wasn't printing) and put kleenex in a drawer.  After 20 minutes, I began tapping my credit card.  (And thought I'd been patient to wait that long!)  She apologized for her slow computer.  (Really??  It's not the talking and walking around?)  At 30 minutes, I was about to tell her to keep the paper, I'd just get more.  But God interrupted me before I spoke.  He said, "Bless her."  I was stopped in my tracks.  And...I began blessing her through prayer.  I prayed for her, her family, her relationships at work, her life.  And as I prayed and blessed, my heart changed....and then my attitude changed.

I got to test that out 2 more times before I left that store.  I had to wait in a long line at check-out.  And because I ordered an electronic that was locked up, I had to wait at the door.  And I blessed those on whom I waited.

I left Sam's in exactly an hour.  And with a different attitude.

Duggars

I love the Duggar family and what they stand for and watch their show every chance I get.  I was very saddened to learn that Michelle recently had a miscarriage.  God bless her and the whole family!!  It particularly disturbs me when I read comments on Facebook from Christians about the size of their family.  First of all, it's none of our business.  Period.  I remember years ago when I heard Major Ian Thomas teach on Nehemiah.  He asked, "What was a Jew doing in the palace of Shushan, serving an ungodly king?"  And he made that same comment--it's none of our business.  God had a plan.  Just like he does for the Duggar family.

Secondly, when God tells us that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127), how in the world can we say their family is too large?  I wonder which child you'd want them to give up?  Either we agree with the Word of God, or we don't.  Each of their children is a gift.  Each single one of them.  I know they agree.

Thirdly, how can you argue with the organization, discipline, strength, morals, and values of this family?  I think it's interesting that all of the larger families I know are this way.  I think the larger your family gets, the more organized and disciplined you have to be.  When I daily see families with 1, 2, or 3 children who are out of control, it's heartwarming to see a family--a family of any size--who has it together!  Not perfect, but together.

I can't imagine the criticism they hear on a daily basis.  I can remember the many comments I received when I was pregnant with my 4th child.  I heard it all:  "Just because God told man to replenish the earth doesn't mean you have to do it all."  Or..."Don't you know what causes that?"  Or how about:  "Are you going to get 'fixed' this time?"  REALLY?  And it's your business because...?  After my experiences, I've tried my hardest to encourage and edify couples having large families.  They certainly don't hear enough of it.  And, by the way, I can't imagine my life without my 4th child!

Just because we're not saying it to the Duggar's face, we're sending out a message when we make negative comments.  And a message that certainly smacks in the face of God who says each child is a blessing and a gift.

Ok...I'm standing off my soapbox now.

Creepy

Does anyone else find emails like this one I received from Amazon creepy??

Dear Amazon.com Customer,
Customers who have shown an interest in camcorders might like to know that for a limited time we're offering a free accessory with the purchase of a qualifying Flip MinoHD video camera from Amazon.com.

 
What they don't know...I wasn't looking at this flip camera at all.  It's not the one I was checking out.  But still......I hate being tracked!!  It's just plain creepy!

Competition

Have you noticed how many competitions are on television today?  I think it started with American Idol.  And boy--has it grown!!  Not only has it grown, but I've gotten sucked in.  Give me a good competition any day.

In fact, I'd like to join this competition.  I don't know that I'd be very skilled at it, but I'd like to try my smarts in it.  While we were in China this year, Ember & I decided we'd take on Andy & Derek in this race.  We think we could take them!!

This is one of my favorites.  I love watching the white box challenge the most.  And I really loved it when anyone could join---now I think they have to have some design background.

I guess by now, you see which channels I watch the most--HGTV and Food Network!  (Is there anything else on tv that is decent anymore??)  I'd like you to know that I called the winner of this competition the first night this year!

And currently, I'm watching MasterChef.  If you haven't watched it, you can catch it on Hulu.  (And if you don't know about Hulu, you need to check it out!  You can catch all kinds of tv shows and movies on there.)  And oh...I really hope Whitney wins!!!

I'm not sure what all these competitions tell us about our society right now.  What do you think?  I think it's interesting that adults are watching these competitions while we're teaching our children in school that there are no winners, we don't keep score, and everyone takes home a trophy! 

But more importantly, why am I watching?  

And what do you watch? 

(I may need one more competition in my life...)

Does it bug you...

...like it does me? I'm seeing more and more people out in public in their pajamas!! I hate it! In fact, yesterday, I was going to Wal-Mart and saw a mother/daughter duo in their matching pajamas. What were they thinking? Now I'm all for comfort, but seriously...pajamas??? Have we quit caring? I heard an employee of Wal-Mart say that our manager had to send another employee home from work to change out of their pajama pants. What???

I'm just wondering what this says about our culture...?

Debt

I'm no stranger to debt. I've had it most of my adult life. And I haven't always been a good manager of money. But it's something I've learned---a journey God has taken me on. In fact, I now manage thousands of dollars each month for a ministry. All of that to say, I'm not a financial wizard. But I do think I'm reading some signs in our nation.

I'm sure you realize that the United States of America is not mentioned in the last days in the Bible. I used to wonder what the big deal was. I mean, Australia isn't mentioned either! But...the reason it's so important is that something must happen that we are no longer a world-player politically. We lose our power.

I love Bible prophecy. I don't understand all of it, but I love to study it and compare it to world events to see where we are on the timeline of Jesus' return. And I think it's soon. And I'm guessing the way America will lose it's power is through financial collapse. Of course, there are any number of ways it could happen--terrorism, nuclear holocaust, natural disaster, civil war--and the list goes on and on. But it just makes sense that it will be economic collapse because of the shape we're in now. Isn't there a verse that says, "the borrower is servant to the lender?" Look at who we owe. China. Japan. All it would take is for those countries to call in our debt.

It actually makes me mad when someone comes to Living Water needing help with a bill and they have the bill in their child's name. (A minor) I refuse to help them until they get the bill in their own name. Usually what it means is that they've ruined their credit, so they've opened an account in their child's name. Or they closed an account owing money, so they opened another in their child's name. Either way, those kids' credit is ruined before they're ever old enough to need credit! America has done the same thing. They've opened accounts in their children's names---accounts our children/grandchildren will have to pay. They'll have to pay for it financially---or through ruin. And that makes me mad, too.

I'm just guessing. But we need to be prepared. Something is going to happen to cause America's power loss.

I know you don't believe it...

But there are actually 7 days happening in a 2 day time period now. It cannot be Friday tomorrow. It just can't!

Aren't Sundays a Day of Rest?

When did Sundays QUIT being a day of rest? Is it like this for everyone---or just for church staff? Let me outline my day for you. The alarm went off at 7. I got up and put a breakfast casserole into the oven for our Sunday School breakfast for all the adult Sunday Schools. I also put on a crockpot full of green beans for the Deacon/Widow lunch after church. (Thanks for that idea, Sandra! Worked great!) I got to church at 8:30 and helped get the tables set up for the breakfast. Then I went and opened the library for 30 minutes. We ate breakfast, Andy taught, I cleaned up and we went to "big church." We had a great service, by the way. As soon as church was over, I went to see if the library was manned (it was), so I went to the fellowship hall to help set up for the lunch. We ate and I gathered my dishes and headed home. I came home and cleaned up my kitchen that I hadn't cleaned before I left this morning---and then made a batch of brownies for the Adopt-A-Student cookout tonight. Then I cleaned up more mess. I did get to lay down for 1 1/2 hours. I left the house at 3:30 to go to the church to fill the goodie bags for the college students. Then I drove the church van to the college and began setting up for the cookout. Donna M. & I decided the men hadn't gotten enough food, so I made a run to United for more of everything. Got back, helped serve food, greeted students, handed out goodie bags and came home. I got home at 8:30 p.m.!! I am EXHAUSTED!!! I know not every Sunday is like this....but come on! I'd like that day of rest that God promised!!

One thing I've learned....

I've learned, that for some reason, if you post more than one blog a day, the earliest one is the only one that shows up! So I've started clicking on the person's name, rather than on the blog post, so that I can see everything they've said that day.