My Tweeps

Up until recently, I had kind of dropped off the "social networks" of my life. I haven't really utilized Facebook for months, maybe, but I even lost interest in "tweeting," my most used social networking tool.

I'm not really sure if either has added any value to my life, but they are a neat way (or sometimes obsessive way) to keep up with friends.

I had really enjoyed Twitter for a time, yet it lost some of its value in that most my friends didn't use it. It seems much of Twitter's draw and fun-factor comes with it's ability to help you interact with friends/tweeps.

All this to say, I have had a rejuvenated desire to tweet lately, and I am hoping to increase my interaction with my tweeps (twitter peeps) this time around.

So check me out, follow me at twitter.com/jfollman. Would love to catch up with you both here at my blog, as well as in the world of "tweets!"

Media Freedom

This past Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I seem to remember participating in the Ash Wednesday ritual growing up in the Methodist church. Even so, I really had no idea regarding the meaning behind the tradition. After a quick "Googling" of the topic, it seems to me a time of fasting, repentance, inward reflection and the like 40 days out from Easter (Sunday's not included in the count - read more here).

Though we don't participate in the practice, we did find ourselves starting a bit of a fast as a family this past Wednesday. And so far, I am soo glad we did.

We decided as a family to fast all extraneous media. For example, no movies, no Wii, no internet surfing, no iPod games, limited Facebook and Twitter except for specific communication, and similar things, for a week. And all of us - parents and children - are participating.

Talk about eye opening.

We knew the kids had been playing too much Wii lately, what I didn't know is just how much we all needed to step back from all these things and smell the fresh air of media freedom.We wouldn't have said that media was a controlling thing in our home as we had taken strides years ago to remove live television from our home, and trying to monitor and limit media intake. However, we all know there are plenty other of avenues for our thoughts, desires, imagination, and energy to be taken up and spoiled by other media outlets.

I am seeing that every little bit that I am caught up in these media mind mushers, means my attention is taken from the more important. If my energy, desires, etc. are wrapped up, even a little, in these things, that means the most important - my wife and children, are not getting my best. Even worse, God isn't getting my best.

It may sound strange, but we are honestly feeling and breathing the clean air of media freedom. We don't feel as rushed, we're more attentive, which means we're more involved in each other and God. And it seems crazy! We wouldn't have said we were overrun with media overdose, yet, that's in some ways exactly how it feels!

So, Ash Wednesday or not - I would challenge each of you to do the same - fast media for a week. Or maybe even for the 40 days leading up till Resurrection Sunday. And I mean specifically media. Doesn't matter how affected by media you think you are, you may be surprised by what happens to you and your family during the fast. If you absolutely already have no media in your life (which I highly doubt because you are reading this post on some sort of media channel!) then find something that preoccupies your time, thoughts, and energy, even if it seems little, and give it up.

For a time. Or longer.

We are already discussing long term changes to our home and lifestyles as a result of this fast. I hope you find the same.

No Fear

I tweet. I enjoy it. I get to follow the people I chose that I have an interest in, a relationship with, or who add value to my life through the 140 characters they have to write their thoughts.

One person I recently started following was Taffi Dollar, wife of Creflo Dollar of Creflo Dollar Ministries. I know little of the Dollars, though, I am amused by their last name, and I have enjoyed some of their tweets. One in particular caught my attention the other day that I found beneficial and spoke into my life. Mrs. Dollar's tweet said this:

"TaffiDollar: Pray for your children. No fear! Shut the door on fear with faith. Live the fearless life. Fear robs you & robs them of their peace."

So true.

I struggle with fear when it comes to my children. When I give into that fear I am giving into sin. God commands us to not be afraid. Nor did He give us a spirit of fear, rather perfect love casts out fear. God through His Word has made it clear that we are to live a "fearless life," but the reality of my life right now is that I allow myself to live with fear. I have allowed fear to creep in, not only in regards to my children, but other areas of life as well.

And so I chose, today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live a life without fear. I chose, instead, to live a life of faith.