Keep Breathing...

Everyday I am overwhelmed by the world around me.
Sometimes it's just too much.
It feels like I'm suffocating in an avalanche of...
natural disasters that destroy homes and people's lives
people who come to be to help with problems I can't even begin to wrap my brain around
precious lives being stolen by addiction
people who are trapped by circumstances far beyond their control
power hungry people who use fear and intimidation as a means to control
people who have been hurt and some eternally wounded by those who claim to follow Christ because they
don't fit the mold,
aren't enough,
or any of one million invalid excuses that are given to
exclude
divide
hate
when it should be so simple just love...

it just keeps
pressing
pressing
down.....

In those moments when my breath is stolen from me
I hear the whisper of The One
The One who created it all
Who's heart breaks with mine
Who sees more
hears more
feels more
and He says
Keep breathing.

Because I Am
The Alpha
The Omega
I Am
The Way
The Truth
and
The LIFE
I Am the Ressurrection
I am Hope
Keep Breathing...

40 Day Facebook Fast

I have recently returned to Facebook after a 40 day fast. I did it for a variety of reasons but the overarching reason was to protect and heal my spirit.  It was good. I found myself connecting more with my children, with people, with myself, and with God. There were so many things I learned about myself and others. Here are just a few:

• Boundaries are important. I knew this. I learned it before. But somehow all of my boundaries disappeared for awhile.  I can't be available to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My family needs me and I need time to recharge my batteries with God.  
• It is far too easy to use Facebook as a weapon. When there is an issue, whether big or small, it is easy to hide behind a computer screen and post your issues rather than just sitting down face to face with a person and dealing with it.  One of the most interesting things that I have found is many times the complaints and arguments people post on Facebook are really just temporary rants (that honestly should probably not even be posted) that end up dissipating if ignored. If an issue is really that important than we really need to go and talk to the person/s involved face to face.  If it's important than it deserves face time.  For those who consistently continue with this kind of behavior, there is a hide button, and if it gets really bad there is a de-friend button.  I hate that things have to get to this point but there really has to be a boundary somewhere. 
• I take things WAY to personally, really, it's not all about me.
• Facebook is a great tool to stay connected with friends and family far away  and to build and create new friendships. But that cannot happen if we don't interact with each other.  If you are interested or have a question about me or something going on in my life, please, ask, don't assume. I really value connection with people and friendship. I am very approachable and pretty open. Besides, "spying" is just not a healthy way to build a friendship. 
• Life shouldn't be lived through a computer screen or a phone. Instead of participating with life I was finding it easier to hide behind a screen.  
• I sometimes use Facebook as my filter.  In real life conversations I don't often take time to pause and think about how to respond or even what I am going to say.  Facebook forces me to think for a minute and then respond. I need to slow down when I am in real life conversation with people. 

There are lots more things I learned during my time but these were the biggees.  One of the biggest though is that Facebook is not essential to life.  I can live a perfectly, happy, peaceful life without it.  It's nice to stay connected but sometimes you need to count the cost.  I may fast again from time to time just to hit the reset button but for now I'm back.

Peace.
Tammy