Wednesday, February 3, 2010

You say tweet, I say twit...

I have to be honest.

I sometimes hate it when the Holy Spirit lays it on my heart to change a behavior. 

But the problem is, my heart becomes convicted, and then if I don't follow through with the change, then that conviction is vulnerable to satan's strongholds of guilt and shame.  So...I'm backing up, listening for a change as well as I can, and trying to follow His direction right now. 

All this sugar fasting many of us are trying to do, and being good to one's body is so hard, and yet, we know the benefits. More energy, clearer skin, brighter eyes, strength, etc. 

I've been led to think about doing another type of fast (Dear Lord, I'm already off sugar!):  A Twitter fast.  I love Twitter.  I do.  And, as I sit here and proofread this message, I realize how silly this all sounds.  Feel free to leave now and come back for another post on another day. :).  But I've realized that I love Twitter too much.  Is it an idol for me?  Hmmm...maybe not, but at times, it's been close.  I focus way too much on it.  At first, I lurved that many of my bloggy friends could be reached all at the same time, and it's wonderful for quick prayer requests.  But, more often than not, I'll find myself musing about something funny to say, or even feeling guilty if I don't answer a tweet, etc.  In other words, I abuse it.  And I've got things to do and people to love, right here. 

I have never been one of those "eat one cookie and put the rest away for later" people.  I tend to be "in for a penny, in for a pound."  Moderation eludes me.  So...I'm cutting myself off.  Starting today... After I tweet this. :)

As I sit here, I realize that I have lovely friends who give me their emails, cell numbers, and home numbers.  I can call or email or even text if I want to make contact.  Thus, going on this fast--for me--will force me to be more intentional in my communication, and hopefully, more personally involved with each relationship. Plus, being totally honest, I have a blog and am a Facebook friend, so I am not sitting in an Amish farmhouse, in the dark--I will remain socially networked.



My plan is to drop off today.  I do plan to break my fast just to send a quick pic or tweet from NC in a couple of weeks because that's such a special event for me, but other than that, I'm not going to check Twitter or tweet again until my b'day, which is March 7.  Oscar night, BTW, holla! Over a month.  Ouch. 

Please pray that I won't allow my feelings of being left out to bug me. In other words, please don't have any fun with Alice.  Also, pray that my relationships, especially the one with the Holy Spirit, thrive during this fast. 
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18 comments:

Cathy said...

I love you. The end.

Ok, not really the end...I'm proud of your bravery, for it's no easy task to set aside something that you feel the Lord asking you to set aside. And I TOTALLY understand, some days I strongly consider giving up Twitter all together. (Guess I haven't listened to that prompting yet.) But like you said, it's a good thing to focus on other things. I'll miss your encouraging tweets to me...you always seem to have ears and heart for me. But I suspect that you'll still "hear" me on facebook.;)

Lurve you and thank you for encouraging me in your own way to "listen" to the Lord a little better.

Tanya said...

I did a social networking fast last year. I cut myself off of twitter and facebook for 40 days. I still blogged, but other than that, I wasn't online. IT WAS HARD. Really, really difficult. But I had the most productive 40 days of my life since having children. Seriously.

You can do it, girl!

Anonymous said...

I'll miss seeing your sweet face on my Twitter page, but I get it.

Obedience. It's the smart choice. Not the easy one, but always the wise one.

Love you.

Marla Taviano said...

Is it cheating that I just added you as a FB friend? :)

This has given me much to think about. I haven't fasted from anything in awhile. I hate that it hurts. I think that might be the point.

Love you!

p.s. All my tweets go directly to my FB status... ;)

Tiffani said...

Oh my darlin' girl.

I am just thankful for a friend who follows the Holy Spirit's prompting even if that does mean leaving something I love seeing you on...BUT, just like the other day it'll give us the perfect opportunity to hear your sweet reporter voice and my southern (very southern) twang!

Love you muchly!

Mich said...

I totally get this...

I may not be hooked on Twitter, but unfortuantely there are other things that i sometimes let control my free moments and some moments that are not so free.

Prayers and blessings as you do what you are called to do.

His Girl said...

check.you.out, mz.self discipline & obedience...

I feel compelled to leave this comment in 140 characters or less so as to wean you slowly.

glad you won't be going all amish on us. xo

Lisa Smith said...

i'll be praying for ya! i just don't get twitter. i can't remember to use it :/

Amber said...

Tiff was telling me about your decision to do the TweetFast before I had a chance to come over and read it for myself. And I was telling her how much you will be missed because you are such a source of encouragement to me. But I SO get it, friend.

And I'm so so proud of you. Listening to the calls of conviction are hard. But you are rockin' it, sister.

Carrie B said...

Wow, sounds like a Lenten observance and way before Lent even starts. haha
Good Luck, I will pray for you to succeed. :)

Unknown said...

I'm with you, friend.

Call me. You've got my numberz.

And soon, you'll know where I live!

Holla!

Carpool Queen said...

As long as you're still texting, I'm good. B/c we've got some GH to discuss.

For realz.

Bev said...

My husband asked me last night what tweeter was - I told him it was twitter. I sort of love that he has no idea about being connected, and no desire to do so. BTW thanks for the heads up on Oscars - didnt know the date and will be marking it down.

Julie said...

Oh dear Gretchen... I love your heart... such a tender heart it is!

I can't believe you are going to be in NC... that's only a state away from me......

Thanks for stopping by my blog and your sweet words left for me. You always bless me with your visits!

Jen said...

I'm not totally into twittering, but am slightly ashamed that I'm sitting here thinking, "dang, I don't have these girls on twitter...wonder what their usernames are?"

yes, I'm ashamed. :(

You go girl!!

Jen said...

I'm not totally into twittering, but am slightly ashamed that I'm sitting here thinking, "dang, I don't have these girls on twitter...wonder what their usernames are?"

yes, I'm ashamed. :(

You go girl!!

Becky said...

I totally understand this and am proud of you for listening to that still small voice.

It's also why I didn't DARE start twittering. Already this ol blawg and FB garner waaaay too much of my own time. I don't want my little Judah to grow up with hearing me say, "I'll be off the computer in a minute..." and have it be an hour later that I finally get off my duff.

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Okay. If I'd read your blog, I'd know WHY I'm missing your tweets.

It's been a little lonely without you.

You're brave. And dedicated. And you have my numbers if you need a fix.

Your obedience is inspiring.