Why I'm Not Giving up Facebook for Lent

In the years that I have been on Facebook inevitably every spring comes the status update "One more day until I sign off Facebook for Lent! If you need me you will have to find me in REAL LIFE! I spend way too much time away from my family and friends on the computer. See you after Easter!"  Typically the status update comes from one of my Presbyterian friends, of which there are many, or from another Christian non-Catholic denomination. This pronouncement makes me a little bit crazy.

The Presbyterian church I grew up in did not encourage giving something up for Lent as a spiritual practice.  I do not have a good understanding of it, but I do see how denying yourself something could be a meaningful experience.  I don't like the whole "giving up Facebook" thing because does it accomplish the goal?  Do you really grow closer to God and to your family through giving up Facebook for a few weeks?  That's one of my issues.  Another issue, is spending time on social media sites a negative in your life?

My first issue is with the whole "Facebook is evil" mentality.  I know that it does allow some people to isolate themselves within our society.  Facebook also does amazing things.  I am able to keep up with friends who live far away.  I would love it if I could visit more, or even sit down and write lengthy letters to them, but I do not always have the time.  I can jump on Facebook and see what they are up to and let them know I am thinking about them.  We can keep up with each other and still KNOW each other through social media.  I won't even get started on the people I have met online and become good friends with.  One of the best gifts of Facebook came to me yesterday.  I had two friends give birth yesterday, one a beautiful boy and one a beautiful girl.  I was able to see pictures of these beautiful babies within hours of their births.  Both families have friends and family around the world who were able to see these sweet babies.  Facebook can be a gift if you use it wisely.

My second issue is does what you are giving up accomplish your goal?  I'll admit that for several years I have not thought in terms of what I should give up for Lent, but what should I be doing to be more of the person God is calling me to be.  I know lots and lots of people do this.  It makes more sense to me in my relationship with God.  This year I have been focusing on being healthier so my Lenten pledge is to get 30 minutes of exercise every day.  I hope to pray every day while I walk to help me remember why I am doing it.  Hopefully at the end of Lent, I will not only feel closer to God, but be a healthier person.  If you are giving up Facebook, what are you replacing it with?  Websites? Books? Are you making an effort to consciously exchange that time for what you think your life is missing?  If you think Facebook is letting you miss out on time with your children, your family or your friends, are you giving your online time to those people to regain your connection?

I would love to hear if you have made a Lenten pledge this year! Have you given something up?  Are you adding something to your life?

Whatever faith you do or do not practice, I hope you have a beautiful spring!

Cinderella's Fountain ~ Wordless Wednesday

Cinderella's Fountain

This is one of my favorite pictures from our Disney World trips.  I absolutely love Cinderella's mice!!

Disney's Grand Floridian ~ Disney Social Media Moms

In just two short weeks my family and I will be traveling to Walt Disney World, AGAIN!  It is no secret that we love going to Disney World, but this time I have an actual purpose behind the trip.  I am attending Disney's Social Media Moms Celebration.  I attended last year when I had first started my journey into social media.  It is very fun to be returning this year with more experience and knowledge under my belt. (translation-this year I will understand more of what Chris Brogan is saying!)

We are staying in one of my favorite resorts in Disney World, the Grand Floridian.  We have been lucky enough to stay there a couple of times and now I am dreaming about our return.


From the minute we see the sign


To our first view of the resort


The comfortable beds


The beautiful couch that turns into a comfy day bed


The desk and TV hutch.  The desk has a little table that rolls out, and the hutch has drawers and a small refrigerator.


The Mickey Mouse lamp that lives on the desk.


The convenient double sinks in the bathroom (yes I take pictures of bathrooms!)


Turndown service in the evenings.  And yes, that is almost a full box of chocolates.  My kids became good friends with the Mousekeeper and she was very generous on our last night!


The beautiful view out to the water


Watching the Electrical Water Pageant every night!


I hope it will be warm enough to swim in the Beach Pool!


The view over to the Wedding Pavilion where our celebration will start!

I could probably post Disney pictures all day and all night because I am so excited about this trip.  I hope to have a lot of pictures to post and stories to tell from the conference so stay tuned!

I have paid a greatly reduced rate to attend the upcoming Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, however that will not influence my opinion or determine what I choose to post.