Fasting Discoveries—While AWOL from Facebook

While AWOL from Facebook: Fasting, Part 2 

Read part one here

It’s been two weeks since I set out to surgically remove Facebook from my daily routine. You may think it extreme; it is. Cutting out my Facebook surfing time was difficult but necessary. I needed the break.

Is it forever? I don’t think so.

But taking the hiatus was a good thing to do and the discoveries I made while unplugged—helpful.

I learned that:

• Facebook isn’t going anywhere.
• Checking Facebook multiple times a day isn’t necessary.
• Most of the messages lit up in my toolbar aren’t important.
• I get a lot more done when I ignore Facebook’s presence.
• People who need to reach me know how to find me.
• I need to use Facebook for my ministry, but I don’t need to be tied to my timeline.
• I can take advantage of pre-scheduled posts to be more hands-off during the week.
• I can get by without a news feed.

For those of you who write or speak, you constantly hear you need to:

• Build your platform 
• Create a web presence 
• Be visible

But, how many hoops do we need to jump? 

I can’t help but think that God is able to open doors that no man can shut…and shut doors that cannot be opened. God is my agent. He is the one who causes kings and rulers to rise up…and ministry leaders to shine.

So, the power that indwells me—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead—will equip me to do all God asks because:

• His ways are not my ways.
• He confounds the strong and raises the weak.
• His Holy Spirit is my ghost writer.

And I trust Him with every part of my being that His plans for me will succeed when I listen to His voice and respond to His timing.

Facebook is a frail, human institution that is not all-powerful. 

Facebook's ever-changing algorithms cannot compete with my immutable God (Click to Tweet) —the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

He is known for parting Red Seas, toppling city walls, healing the sick, raising the dead, calling those who will hear, to follow Him….

And, He will establish my ministry in His way and His time. 

I often have presupposed ideas of how things are going to turn out, but His ways are ALWAYS more amazing.

I don’t want to miss His miracle because it doesn’t look like my preconceived idea.

• It didn’t work for the Jewish or Roman rulers.
• It didn’t work for Jesus’ brothers.
• It didn’t work for Judas.

God works the most miraculous things when we refuse to keep Him in a box. 

I know all this. Yet, I can fall into being a sheep and following the herd. Doing what everyone else is doing. I need to be reminded that I am me.  

I am not a carbon copy or a cookie cutter girl. (Click to Tweet)

And the most wonderful thing is, God has created me to be just the right person to do the things He needs done in my world. My story. My personality. My gifts and talents—and yes, even my weaknesses are all known by Him.

I am unique.

And, He has created you a one-of-a-kind too.

So, How will you trust Him beyond your limited view? (Click to Tweet)

My Hopes for My Facebook Fast

Fasting isn't for sissies. And fasting isn't ALL about food.

This past week I decided to fast from Facebook.  (Click to Tweet)


For those of you who are raising your eyebrows, bear with me. For those who aren't, I know you understand.

Facebook is a time robber

Facebook is like sifting through gobs of garbage to find a gem

Facebook isn't the only way I can contact people

Facebook has news that isn't news, and truth that isn't truth. Often we find it difficult to tell the difference unless we research every page that shares a link.

I guess I finally decided that something had to give. 

I found myself scrolling through the news feed much to often and really am not gaining anything of real worth. 

Out of boredom? Maybe.
Because I crave interaction? Getting warmer.
Because I desire the connection and kudos of others? Bingo!

If any of you struggle with this too, I would love to hear from you.

I have way too many things to be attending to and taking a break from Facebook is a good idea.

I am designing a new website.

I am writing retreat messages for this fall.

I have two book projects in differing stages of un-doneness.

Not to mention clutter that has taken over areas of my house like uninvited house guests.

Just a note: I have tackled much of the clutter and it feels like a burden lifted.

Someone suggested I put a dollar in a jar for every hour I resist the temptation to check Facebook. Not sure I have enough dollars for that plan, but I do plan to reward myself for the productivity increase I anticipate.

Any suggestions?

In the meantime, the Lord has whispered a word during my quiet time I would like to share with you. 

If we know Christ we are called to be:

• Ambassadors
• Ministers of Reconciliation

WOW!!

What might that look like for you? 
I can tell you that I am doing lots of thinking about it.

Here is an free image you can share:

I'll keep you posted on the fast....in the meantime, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Be sure to read part two of this post: Fasting Discoveries--While AWOL from Facebook

Jeanne

When Clouds Roll in and You're Not Sure What to Do Next

Join me today at the Christian Communicator's Blog where I share a time the clouds had rolled in...

My message then is just as true today as I struggle to discern the path to take for my writing and speaking. Timeless. Relevant.

Because it is all about our day to day relationship with the Lord of Glory. Stop by and leave a comment about what cloudy circumstances have taught you...


Ministry (and life) is all about discerning the open doors and invitations to use our gifts to share the message of Christ. So, how do we handle those times of lull, when not much is happening and we are unsure of what to do next?

This is a question I’ve asked myself recently, after breaking my foot while speaking at a women’s retreat. My plan to leave my job and pursue writing and speaking full-time seemed to have a huge YIELD sign descend from above. Because of the fracture, I wasn’t able to finish my last week at the office, leaving without any goodbyes; I had to cancel the second weekend of speaking at the women’s retreat. What did it all mean? His plan obviously altered mine, but for what purpose....

Read more of, When the Clouds Descend... and join the conversation.


See you there,


Jeanne

Someday Home by Lauraine Snelling - A Book review

Reading is one of life’s pleasures.

Finding a good author is discovering a friend with a great imagination.  (Click to Tweet)

If you are looking for a good story, I recommend a new book by Lauraine Snelling.

I have never read anything by Lauraine Snelling until now. Her book called, Someday Home: A Novel, is delightful. She drew me in right away with her characters—three women who find themselves needing a home. 

I identified with each of them in a different way.

Lynn has lost her husband and doesn’t want to leave her home. Her situation made me think of my mom who just lost her mom last year and my dad five years ago. She is trying to make all of those financial decisions based on whether it’s best for her to move to a smaller house. None of them are easy.

Judith spent her life caring for her parents and their stately home with the promise that she would be cared for after they’re gone. She discovers that’s not the case at all. She has nothing; no home, not even an education.

Angela has just been served divorce papers. Enough said.

The author weaves a wonderful tale of friendship, forgiveness and discovery as they become housemates; and I loved every minute of it. 

Because of reading, Someday Home: A Novel, I am on the lookout of more stories by Lauraine Snelling. She is a wonderful writer and has a deep understanding of what women face along life’s pathway.

What are you reading this summer? (Click to Tweet)


Jeanne

Someday Home by Lauraine Snelling is published by FaithWords. It released on July 7, 2015. You can order a copy from Amazon—a perfect book to take on your summer vacation.

Available in Kindle, paperback or Audible versions.

An advanced publish copy was provided for this review by FaithWords

A Whirlwind Month - Catching Up

Happy Summer! I can't believe it's July already.

June was full of fun stuff like my birthday (June 25) and a family vacation to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Our kids are spread out all over the country so we planned a week where we could all meet and chill out together.

Luray Caverns in Virginia Photo by Jeanne Doyon

We enjoyed visiting Luray Caverns and Harper's Ferry. We loved our family time together around the table.

The end of a grueling hike - Looking on Harper's Ferry, VA

Then I spent a week in Maine with my daughters to visit family there.

I think I am finally caught up on laundry; I grocery shopped to restock the shelves; And, I am home for awhile.

I did have two guest posts air if you would like to take a look. Both are at Everlasting Dust Blog. Tiffany Small is on a missions trip and she asked if she could reprint a couple of my previous posts while she is out of the country.

Gleaning By the Ocean

Spiritual Skeet Shooting

What are you doing this summer?

Jeanne