Menu Plan: Summer (June 29 - July 5)

**There is now a photo album on the RH Facebook page just for food photos. If you like to see a photo of a dish to judge whether you want to try it or not, then follow the link to view the album. (I tend to like recipes & cookbooks that include lots of photos). Let's be honest, some dishes are just too pretty to not take a picture! ;) **

  Strategies

• I'm enjoying more leftovers for lunches nowadays. Some days I have a bit of extra time to cook a full meal for lunch. Other times, though, I'm more pressed for time and we end up doing breakfast for lunch at the last minute. (Plus, leftover lunches is also a great way to reduce expenses because I don't have to purchase as many meal ingredients).
• Fridays has become pizza night in our home. But we're not talking the standard cheese and pepperoni pizzas. We try to find a new pizza recipe each week, and we've come up with some interesting ones over time! Last week we had caramelized onion and white bean pizza, and this week's selection will be black bean nacho pizza. It's fun to end the week with pizza (and it still be plenty nutritious!). 
• There are some types of meals we include each week such as grill, sandwich, pasta, pizza, and brunch for lunch/dinner. I've noted these meals with [ ] in the menu plan below. I'm adding a new one- slow cooker/make ahead. It would be nice to have a meal ready to go on Sundays after church. The only problem is that I've not used my CrockPot for cooking meals. So, I need your help! What are your favorite slow-cooker or make-ahead meals?
• 
  

OUR MENU PLAN FOR THIS WEEK

*Note: I include links to the recipes if they are available online. Some recipes are from cookbooks we have at home, and while I can't share the recipe I can direct you to the source. Other dishes or meals are created by myself or my husband, and we can do our best to explain how to recreate it. If you'd like additional information on any of the meals or our menu planning, then please feel free to contact me. :) 

Breakfasts

- mixed berries green smoothie, toast with jam

- eggs, strawberries

Lunches

- beans & cornbread 

- David- packed lunch & Whit- meet friend for lunch

- [sandwich] ABC sandwich (apple-bacon-cheddar)

- [sandwich] avocado egg salad

- [pasta] leftover spaghetti and meatballs

- leftover fried chicken

- (next Sunday lunch) pot roast with carrots, potatoes, and cabbage

Dinners

- Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans

- steak fajitas

- [pizza] Garden Pizza (I make a homemade whole wheat pizza crust each week)

- [grill] 4th of July party 

- [breakfast for dinner] french toast with bacon

- [pasta] spaghetti and meatballs

-Summer veggie crepes

Snacks

- apple, yogurt

- carrots, (cheddar) cheese slices

- Chocolate apricot-almond bars

Weekly Menu Planning Sheet

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not affiliated with any of the sites or companies included in the links, and was not asked to include or recommend them or their recipes in this post. (I simply like what they have to offer!)

What's on your family's menu plan this week?

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Book Series: Women Living Well - Chapter 8

Banishing Bitterness to Find Happily Ever After

     "Does your husband come home to a quarrelsome wife or a wife who has a sparkle in her smile when she looks at him? (pg. 82). This evening, he came home to a quarrelsome wife. Actually, I wasn't so much quarrelsome as I was tired and moody. After a long day with a fussy baby, I wanted a break and quickly became rather bitter about rarely getting one. I later opened the Women Living Well book to begin writing on the next chapter and was struck by it's subject matter- bitterness in marriage. Oh dear. If a book can call you out for poor behavior, then it just did!

     Bitterness has appeared in our marriage many times (I almost always being the carrier). It's a hard ingrained response in me, but one that I am constantly attempting to correct. I've discovered that at the root of bitterness is often a "what about me?" mentality. Consequently, a critical and cranky disposition arises when I feel that I haven't been given equal consideration and/or my feelings were hurt. Grace and forgiveness are lost as the offense is held onto tightly. When a conflict arises again in marriage (because it will), those old hardened and bitter places resurface. The matter and marriage get nowhere positive. 

      Courtney suggests a wonderful solution. She says, "Whenever I start to feel critical or bitter towards my husband, I must choose instead to forgive my husband and to pray for him. I confess my sin of bitterness and ask the Lord to give me eyes to see my husband as He sees him" (pg. 88). Another solution is to replace every negative thought with a positive. Little by little bitterness can be weeded out so that the marriage can flourish!

     

Spend time now in prayer. Be honest with the Lord about any unforgiveness you may be harboring in your heart toward your husband. If you are carrying any, confess it and repent. Then, go to your husband and ask his forgiveness too.

Follow link to download a copy of the series schedule

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not an affiliate of www.womenlivingwell.org or the publishing companies (Thomas Nelson & HarperCollins Christian Publishing). No compensation has been received by either of these entities for the review of the book. All opinions are my own. 

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Book Series: Women Living Well- Chapter 7

Marriage In the Age of Marriage

     According to ScienceDaily, media consumption is predicted to increase to approximately 15.5 hours per day by 2015. A significant portion of this media can be found within the home. A determination of the potential positive and negative effects of this presence on marriage must be made, and then boundaries set in place to maintain a healthy relationship.  

     In chapter seven of the book, Courtney speaks to the impact media may have on marriage. She begins by asserting that, "technology is amoral. In and of itself it is neither good nor evil, but rather the way you use technology, especially in marriage, determines its morality" (pg. 71). As in any area of life, media can serve to both build up and tear down a marriage. 

     For instance, media usage can be a tremendous distraction. It distracts us from our relationship. My relationship with my husband isn't going to grow if I'm fixated on a screen. I must be attentive to him and us as a couple if I expect our relationship to grow. We must use the time we have together to interact with one another, not with a screen. Another way media can be a distraction in marriage is in regard to responsibilities. Media has a way of sucking me in. Before I realize it, I've spent more time and attention on media than I have on my responsibilities. I've learned one key to getting everything done in a day is to leave the computer closed and television off. Productivity soars with out the distraction of media! When I get more done during the day, I have less to do when he's home in the evenings and we can spend that time together. 

     Another way media impacts marriage is in the provision of my perceptions. In subtle ways the television (and movie) screen(s) are teaching some poor lessons on marriage and the roles of husband and wife. (I wrote a post on the subject titled, "The Portrayal of Husbands and Wives on Television"). I've had a lot of learning and relearning on marriage and being a wife! One lesson learned was to not expect the kind of romanticism flaunted in films. If I fixate on the type of romantic acts that I've seen on the screen, then I will likely miss the unique acts of romance demonstrated by my husband (ie, big and elaborate shows, or sweet and sincere). Discontentment can easily creep in when comparison is involved!

     Finally, one of the most negative impacts media has on a marriage is in regard to inappropriate content. Sadly, it doesn't even take entrance to "one of those" sites. I've been surprised to discover just how many immodest and inappropriate images are on seemingly benign sites (even a news source!). My Facebook feed inevitably has someone who has shared photos of themselves with less than their clothing and a camera angle that showcases a particular feature. It seems that inappropriate and lustful imagery is everywhere, and it becomes a stumbling block in marriage. In my heart, the only intimate image in the mind should be one's spouse. 

     With all that said, there are still some positive influences of media on marriage. As I mentioned earlier, I'm constantly learning about marriage and being a wife. I've had quite a bit of relearning to do (more on this later this week)! I've found wonderful resources through certain forms of media. At times, my husband and I have shared various articles with one another. My heart is always warmed when he reads something and then thinks of me. 

      I also enjoy receiving messages throughout the day from him. Despite his busy workday, he takes a moment to be concerned with my day. I like to show affection in a similar fashion by sending him messages or photos of our son. While this quick messaging doesn't constitute real conversing, it does successfully pull each of us into the other's day. 

     We've also enjoyed media that provides us with an activity we can do together. We enjoy watching movies or a television show together some nights. We've also enjoyed learning new activities/hobbies that we can do together, like dancing (and no, you'll never catch either of us dancing in public!). 

     Media can be positive for our marriage when we direct it towards bringing us together and building our relationship. In order to achieve this goal, I try to follow a few guidelines I've set for myself. 

• Limit media (television, computer, phone etc) when in the presence of my husband or son. I try to reserve usage for such as that for my personal time during the day, ie Tennyson's nap time. (Currently nap times are used for either rest or cleaning. Thus, the blog has been very, very quite for the last..5 months. I desire to not be on the computer while he's awake during the day or while there are more productive things to be done in the home. This has been a very helpful boundary for me). A good rule to follow in life is to be present when in the presence of others. 

• Designate a time for watching television, movies or being on the computer. The greatest issue with technology/media/gadget use is doing so at inappropriate times. It's unfortunate how often families are together and yet the television is on, one person has a computer in the lap, another has an eReader or iPad, another is texting etc. What a waste of time together! Ideally, I have a limited "computer time" built into my daily schedule, and this keeps me from having it on and being distracted from my relationship with my husband and son and responsibilities in the home. 

• Unsubscribe to blogs or websites if they create discontentment or discouragement that leaks into the home or marriage. I found that certain blogs or sites would actually leave me discouraged and discontent, which spilled into my marriage. I then decided that if they aren't really edifying or encouraging me, then they no longer have a place in my news feed or blog roll. 

• Guard my tongue when I'm talking with my husband so that it does not include anything related to "did you see on Facebook...." It's interesting how the Facebook newsfeed has become a part of in-person social interaction! Oh, the temptation of becoming nosy gossipers! We don't need to discuss or have an opinion on someone else's life, even if they are posting the news publicly.   

Take a few moments in prayer to ask God to reveal to you any way that media 

might be detracting from your relationship with your husband. Commit to keeping 

any boundaries in place He may show you are needed to have a distraction-free 

and healthy Christ-centered marriage.

Follow link to download a copy of the series schedule

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not an affiliate of www.womenlivingwell.org or the publishing companies (Thomas Nelson & HarperCollins Christian Publishing). No compensation has been received by either of these entities for the review of the book. All opinions are my own. 

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Book Series: Women Living Well - Chapter 6

The Time Warp Wife

*My husband and I at the top of a fire tower in Bloomington, Indiana. Despite my fear of heights and climbing all those rickety stairs (and in a dress), with his help, I made it to the top! :)

I love how Courtney Joseph (author of the Women Living Well blog and book) describes modern women: "The modern women of today, want it all. We want husbands, children, college degrees, corner offices, a big house, weekends away with the girls, designer bags, a size zero waist, no wrinkles and to be –world travelers."

The truth of the matter is we can't have everything. This is a truth that is very hard for me to accept at times. As women, we are very good multi-taskers and hate admitting our shortcomings. I am learning it is better to focus on a few things and do them well, than to do a lot of things half-way.

God has called me to be a wife, which is my primary responsibility. However, that does not take all of my time at this season of our life, so I am focusing on a few things in my extra time. Right now I am volunteering a couple days a week at a local women's homeless shelter, being a guest contributor to this blog, and spending extra time with my family. I also enjoy reading, watching HGTV (and dreaming since we are currently house hunting), and attempting new Pintrest recipes in my leisure time.

Family is the first priority in my life. This means I gave up a career which made it impossible to put family first. My husband is a wonderful provider, but financially it will make things easier if I am able to work part-time to help out. I am currently looking for a job which allows me to help out and keep our priorities in check. I am thankful my husband is supportive of my dream to be at home as much as possible.

Ephesians 5:
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- 30 for we are members of his body. 31 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Husbands are told:
1. Be a leader, especially a spiritual leader to your wife.
2. Love your wives as Christ loves the church.
3. Love your wives as your own bodies.
4. Leave your parents, and be united with your wife. Create your own family unit.

Wives are told:
1. Submit to your husband in everything.
2. Pursue purity.
3. Respect your husband.

Society tells us many lies about our role as women in society and our marriages. It tells us to be independent, strong, and not to depend on a man. It tells us to act like men in the workplace and in our homes. However, God has called us to be feminine and not rule over men. God created us to be helpers  to our husbands and created men to lead us, protect us, and provide for us.

Society tells us many lies about marriage. It tells us marriage does not last. It tells us to divorce our spouse when marriage no longer makes us happy or fulfills our needs.

God tells us the following about marriage:

Mark 10:
6 But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

I Corinthians 13:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Genesis 2:
18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

We were created to provide companionship and serve as helpmeets to our husbands. It is our role to take care of the home and help our husbands fulfill their role as provider. Does that mean we can't work outside the home? Not necessarily, but I feel it should never be at the expense of our roles as wife and keeper of our homes.

My husband's primary love language is "acts of service" so making sure the house is clean, the laundry is done, and there is a home-cooked meal on the table when he arrives home from work is a major part of how he feels loved by me.

I am learning how to keep our grocery budget as low as possible through meal planning, coupon clipping, and making a lot from scratch. This is a way I can help keep our budget on track.

THINK ABOUT IT:

Now, name one specific action you will take this week to help your husband or to show him respect. Call a friend and tell her your plan. Ask her to follow up with you to help keep you accountable to do it.

In Christ, 
Arin

Follow link to download a copy of the series schedule

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not an affiliate of www.womenlivingwell.org or the publishing companies (Thomas Nelson & HarperCollins Christian Publishing). No compensation has been received by either of these entities for the review of the book. All opinions are my own. 

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Menu Plan: Summer (June 22-28)

**There is now a photo album on the RH Facebook page just for food photos. If you like to see a photo of a dish to judge whether you want to try it or not, then follow the link to view the album. (I tend to like recipes & cookbooks that include lots of photos). Let's be honest, some dishes are just too pretty to not take a picture! ;) **

  Strategies

• I'm enjoying more leftovers for lunches nowadays. Some days I have a bit of extra time to cook a full meal for lunch. Other times, though, I'm more pressed for time and we end up doing breakfast for lunch at the last minute. (Plus, leftover lunches is also a great way to reduce expenses because I don't have to purchase as many meal ingredients).
• Fridays has become pizza night in our home. But we're not talking the standard cheese and pepperoni pizzas. We try to find a new pizza recipe each week, and we've come up with some interesting ones over time! Last week we had caramelized onion and white bean pizza, and this week's selection will be black bean nacho pizza. It's fun to end the week with pizza (and it still be plenty nutritious!). 
• There are some types of meals we include each week such as grill, sandwich, pasta, pizza, and brunch for lunch/dinner. I've noted these meals with [ ] in the menu plan below. I'm adding a new one- slow cooker/make ahead. It would be nice to have a meal ready to go on Sundays after church. The only problem is that I've not used my CrockPot for cooking meals. So, I need your help! What are your favorite slow-cooker or make-ahead meals?
• We picked up the idea to have a pork shoulder cut into steaks from my sister in law. Season them up, and they taste similar to grilled steak (but more economical!). 

OUR MENU PLAN FOR THIS WEEK

*Note: I include links to the recipes if they are available online. Some recipes are from cookbooks we have at home, and while I can't share the recipe I can direct you to the source. Other dishes or meals are created by myself or my husband, and we can do our best to explain how to recreate it. If you'd like additional information on any of the meals or our menu planning, then please feel free to contact me. :) 

Breakfasts

- mixed berries green smoothie, toast with jam

- eggs, strawberries

- cereal, fresh juice

Lunches

- leftovers 

- [baked potato] broccoli & cheese

- [sandwich] salmon salad

- Corn, black eye peas, tomatoes, cornbread, yellow squash etc. (pretty much a plate of seasonal vegetables. Reminds me of summer time at my Grandmoms!:) )

- [pasta] Inside-out Lasagna

- repeat lasanga

- (next Sunday lunch) ???

Dinners

- cheese fondue (leftover focaccia bread, broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, apple)

- steak fajitas

- [pizza] black bean nacho pizza (I make a homemade whole wheat pizza crust each week)

- [grill] pork steaks (pork shoulder cut into steaks), sweet potato, asparagus

- [breakfast for dinner] asparagus and cheese souffle

- chicken enchiladas

Snacks

- apple, yogurt

- carrots, (cheddar) cheese slices

- Chocolate apricot-almond bars

Weekly Menu Planning Sheet

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not affiliated with any of the sites or companies included in the links, and was not asked to include or recommend them or their recipes in this post. (I simply like what they have to offer!)

What's on your family's menu plan this week?

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Book Series: Women Living Well - Chapter 5

Never Walk Alone

I had the privilege of growing up in the church and was raised in a Christian home. Thus, I had many opportunities to participate in Bible studies and small groups. In high school I had a small group of girls from my high school, church, and youth group I invited to participate in an accountability group. We got together and prayed together (but mostly was just a good opportunity to get together and eat junk food my mom bought for our times together!). It was nice to have this group of Christian girls to get together with and encourage each other in our faith.

Bible college provided many opportunities for small groups, Bible studies, and my relationships with both the volunteers and homeless women in a local homeless ministry. Post-college, I have lived a very transient lifestyle. Through the loss of my job two times in three years, I moved to two separate communities in Kentucky alone. With all the moving around, I have not had much opportunities to put down roots yet. However, through all my different moves, God has always provided me with at least one close Christian girlfriend and also allowed me to stay in contact with many friends I have met along the way.

My husband made the move to our current community when we got married even though I lost my job a couple months before our wedding. We are hoping to make our current community our home, but are still settling in and making connections in our area. I am looking forward to developing relationships with women in our community and church. Although I have several encouraging Christian women locally in my life who speak encouragement into my life and provide accountability, I don't yet have a small group I am a part of in our area.

I have always had one or two Christian girlfriends at any given time (different ones in different seasons) which have provided me with accountability and encouragement. Although I have walked with God for most of my life, I haven't had a perfect faith journey. These girlfriends have prayed for me and spoken truth into my life when I desperately needed it. My relationships with my girlfriends meet a need my husband can't at times and I can't imagine walking through life without them.

Although I have never had a mentor, I have been blessed with godly women in my family as well as close family friends. These women have provided me with godly role models and provided me encouragement through my growing up years. Prayers, cards, and care packages have been showered on me while I was away at Bible college and also in my adult life. I was humbled by the outpouring of love last spring and summer as these women threw me six bridal showers, helped with wedding preparations, and even brought lunch to us while we were getting ready for my wedding ceremony.

My mom and I recently threw a friendship shower for a young expectant mother in my home church. It was a special time for women in our church to gather and share wisdom from their own parenting experiences. We had a time of sharing where every woman present shared a story of friendship in their own life. There was lots of laughter and tears as these women of varying ages bonded through these shared stories of real life and sisterhood.

Ecclesiastes 4:
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
What other tangible benefits do you receive from walking closely with another person as you process life with its ups and downs?

This is a beautiful picture of both friendship and marriage. My girlfriends have been there through the years to listen, pray, and empathize with me in my hard times. Sometimes they have just been present while I vented and helped me devour lots of ice cream and junk food. These girlfriends have most importantly pointed me back to Christ and continued to encourage me through the hardship and afterwards.

Likewise, for those of us who are married, our husbands are there to hold us as we cry. My husband has been a strength this year as I have gone through a season of unemployment and trying to figure out what comes next. He has prayed with me and for me to continue trusting God to open and close doors according to His will. He has brought me flowers and donuts when I have a bad day. He has been my rock and provided me the spiritual leadership I have needed when I just want to cry and give up at times. Marriage is truly a blessing and has shown me so much about Christ's love for us.

THINK ABOUT IT:
Take inventory of your life right now. With whom are you walking in an Ecclesiastes 4:9 way?
If the answer is “no one”, spend a few moments in prayer asking God to bring someone in your life who will walk alongside you as you seek to love and serve the King.

In Christ,
Arin

Follow link to download a copy of the series schedule

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not an affiliate of www.womenlivingwell.org or the publishing companies (Thomas Nelson & HarperCollins Christian Publishing). No compensation has been received by either of these entities for the review of the book. All opinions are my own. 

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Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Book Series: Women Living Well - Chapter 4

The Effects of the Media Revolution

    (Social) media has undoubtedly transformed our society. It's absolutely remarkable how quickly that change has occurred! An extensive sociological study of society could easily be conducted by simply using Facebook alone. Information sharing and social interactions are not what they once were! The various media forms have had both a negative and positive impact on myself and my walk with Christ. 

      

List all of the various media forms you use or encounter in a typical day both inside and outside of your home.

     We are surrounded by various forms of media- traditional (television, radio, newspapers, and magazines etc.) and modern/digital (computers, iPods, iPads, eReaders, and cell phones (especially smartphones) etc. There is also a strong presence of social media (Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, blog sites etc.). Many of these are daily components of life. We associate with our gadgets throughout the day without much thought. 

       Despite the proliferation and normality of technology and gadgets in modern life, I've desired to maintain a simpler kind of life. Within our home is a television set, but no broadcast service. I own an inexpensive laptop computer that I purchased for myself five years ago. It's a beast compared to the newer and slimmer styles available now. My husband and I each have basic cell phones without data packages or internet connection. (He does have a Blackberry for work). The gadgets have just not held much appeal to me. 

       Media's appeal has struck me in the form of social media, however. I, of course, enjoy writing on this blog page. I also frequent sites like Facebook, Pinterest, other blog sites etc. I also have an Etsy and Ebay shop. To me, that's plenty of avenues for media's entrance into my life each day!
  

How have modern media devices distracted you from your walk with Christ? 
Have they helped in any way? Describe their effects below, both the negative and the positive.

         Modern media devices can serve to encourage one's walk with Christ, but it can also detract from it. For instance, media can display a faith-based encouragement or reminder.  
Quotes set against a beautiful background image is the quickest way to spread a message on sites like Facebook. This can only have a momentary presence though. There must be more to my walk with Christ than a quick and convenient worded image. How often do I see or share that image without stopping to truly contemplate it's meaning (or often times, research it's truth!)? The danger is becoming a Christian that is well-versed in all those quotes and sayings, yet lost in knowing the Word or character of Christ himself. These quick bits of faith should always serve only to inspire me to seek Him deeper. 

       In order to seek Him fully, I must also seek to limit or eliminate distractions. Modern media poses a tremendous distraction to me! I'm so easily sucked in! Media loudly beckons for my time, attention and even heart/character. "I don't have time for/to..." is a common assertion. I've said it countless times. Truth is, if a timer began counting every time a media device was in use, then the mystery of the daily lost time would be solved. How much time would be counted just for the television, computer or cell phone being on and/or used each day? I guarantee the total would be shocking. For me, I realize that I would have much more time and attention to be devoted to God if I put down the cell phone, shut off the television, and close the computer. 

     Conversely, modern media can also have a positive effect on my walk with Christ. They can break through geographical barriers to make connecting with like-minded people possible or listening to specific speakers or preachers. It can also be a means of filling the home with pleasant music. These are wonderful resources! (I shared a few of my favorites the post, "Selecting Background Noise for the Home")
   

What about the ways media has strengthened or hurt your friendships? Can you name a time where a relationship with someone was either damaged or fortified by a modern media form?

     It's fascinating the extent to which (social) media has completely transformed social behavior and interaction! Thoughts that were previously considered too impolite to voice are now boldly exclaimed. Insecurities and boastfulness are displayed for all to see. Phone calls and in-person visits have given way to wall posts. Conversations now include phrases like, "Did you see on Facebook...." As Courtney said in Chapter 4 of the book, "Media is amoral. In and of itself it is neither good nor evil. It is our use of it that determines its morality" (pg. 37). Depending on ouruse, social media can both strengthen and damage relationships. 

     Facebook emerged while I was in college. I resisted the trend, and by the end of that year of college felt as though I was the only one without a Facebook profile (and this was when Facebook was for college students only)!  I transferred schools at the end of that year, and found value in the site as a means of staying connected to the friends I had made at that university. I still enjoy using Facebook as a means of staying connected to friends and family at a distance. After all, it's not like we're in the same town and could physically get together. 

     However, I've recently observed that same usage for individuals that are local to me. Despite living in the same town and having access to one another, we permit interaction to be limited to media devices. Simply take a look through the Facebook friends list of individuals who are local and then think of when you two last purposefully got together. Shocking, isn't it? Interacting through (social) media when you have the opportunity to interact in person is a poor trade. We (uh hem..I) can do better than this! I've contemplated limiting my Facebook friends to those who are at a distance, and thereby challenging myself to not be lazy but make that investment of meeting in person with those who are local. 

      This isn't the only way in which (social) media has strengthened and/or damaged relationships. There are many, many ways in which relationships have been positively and negatively impacted. 


Read John 15:4-5. What do you think it means to “remain” or “abide” in Christ and have Him do the same to us?

John 15:4-5

English Standard Version (ESV)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (Source: BibleGateway)

     The verses are describing a close union, in purpose and/or spirit. To abide in Christ is to act or live in accordance to his teachings. As we abide in Him, he remains in us through the demonstration of His qualities within us. 

What are we promised if we are careful to do this? 
     Verse 5 states, "he it is that bears much fruit." The term fruit is also used in Galatians, and includes the following qualities: "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (source: BibleGateway). If we abide in, or live in accordance to Christ's teachings, then we will come to demonstrate His qualities. 

Take time now to whisper an earnest and honest prayer asking God to help you learn to remain in Him despite the media distractions of today.