We live in a world that feeds on technology. We rely on technology such as computers in our jobs, social networking, organizing our homes, storing our photos, and the list goes on. Cell phones provide instant connections between family members, friends, co-workers, scheduling meetings with clients, making doctor appointments, and so on. Some of us also use our phones to keep track of our calendars, do our banking, check and send emails, text messages, twitter, etc. Television has come a long way. Technology has allowed us to have a thousand different channels to choose from, the capability of recording a program to watch later, fast forward through commercials and even watch a football game on one channel and the cooking network on another channel all at the same time. Oh and not to forget you can get in shape with TV too with the Wii Fit program.

This generation of children do not know any different. They don't know what it's like to have to come up with their own games, use their imagination, or wait for anything - we live in a "microwave society" where we can generally get what we want within seconds.

It hit me hard the other day while laying in bed watching TV when I caught myself texting my son that it was time for him to get into bed. Was he way out in the guest house in the back? Nope. He was ten feet across the hallway in his room. I realized how ridiculous this was and laughed out loud at myself. Yes, I was tired and could justify my laziness after a long day. But I lost out on physically saying goodnight to my son, saying our prayers together like we have every night for the last fourteen years of his life and kissing his forehead while wishing him sweet dreams.

It made me start thinking about all the other shortcuts I take and the things I've been missing out on in life. Email has replaced writing letters by hand. Texting and Facebook have replaced verbally talking to people in person or over the phone. And also eliminates the need to visit people at their homes. The ability to record television shows has given me more TV time at night which has replaced family time around the table playing games or going out for ice cream.

My children are inundated by the media between TV and the computer. There is less and less socializing away from the home.

It doesn't take much time for things to get out of hand.

For the last two weeks my husband and I have participated in our church-wide fast. It's during this time that it has come to both my husband and my attention that we need to do something about our technology-ridden home. We felt the need to bring our family back "down to earth" engaging each other in some much-needed meaningful bonding.

Don't get me wrong, I do believe technology for the home and life can help things run smoother. Schools rely on computers for home work assignments, projects, research, etc. And my husband's job centers around computers. Cell phones are great in the case of an emergency or if you're running late to a meeting. I just believe there needs to be a balance. I think we have a responsibility when it comes to technology, that we make sure it doesn't take over or cause us to become isolated.

In order to find out how much we need to "downsize" we will be conducting a test.

The best way to run the test is to unplug for a week. What does that mean? It means we will be unplugging the TV, computer, cell phones, and iPods. Basically removing our children's limbs.

Thousands of texts during a month's time. Is that even possible? Yep. Unfortunately I know.

And yes, it's true. Texting is an official sport.

And Facebook has become their social network. Between them and their friends, everyone knows when they go to the bathroom and eat their meals. When they go shopping and go to sleep. What their mood is every ten minutes. Who they like and don't like.

Because you see, their cell phones have become an extension of themselves.

We will quickly realize just how much we have been relying on these things in our lives when we are without them. Our desire is that we will gather around the table and spend time together talking, laughing, playing games, etc. To help with our pale sun-deprived skin, we will be getting out of the house and into our community. We've planned a few outreach projects, writing thank-you notes to friends/family, visiting a couple of museums. At the end of our test two things will have happened.

One, my hubby and I will have been tied up and locked in the hall closet by our kids when they find out about the test.

Or two, we will all learn some valuable lessons. Making some great memories in the process. I will report back and let you know how it went. Unless of course, I'm still in the closet.

Our hope is that we will come to appreciate these "luxuries" in our life and start using them appropriately and responsibly. That we will see them as helps and not habits.

I challenge you to try this maybe for just one day. If this is something that has been weighing you down too. Make sure to report back!

I woke up this week feeling the need to make my obligatory annual New Year's Resolution. Along with ninety percent of the nation my yearly top-of-the-list "must accomplish" item is getting in shape. I am gung ho the first couple of weeks. I print out my weekly work-out schedule. I plan out my menu of low fat meals. I have an accountability partner checking in with me to make sure I'm following through with my goals.

What does "gung ho" really mean anyway? According to Webster it means to be wholeheartedly enthusiastic and loyal. Eager and zealous.

Well that's never been the way I've felt about getting in shape. A trip to Starbucks? Definitely eager.

By the third week I fizzle out. I quit writing on my work-out calendar several days prior. And then I feel guilty for not keeping up on it. I'm sick of eating yogurt and salads. And my accountability partner has asked if we could sneak out for dessert.

Somehow I'm back to square one. I failed. Let myself down. Disappointed, I try to tell myself that I like my "shape" and I should be happy the size I am and that there are worse things in the world to be worried about. I quickly put my getting in shape resolution at the bottom of the priority list and go on with the year ahead knowing that I can try again the following new year. It's an ugly cycle.

Now, I am not against exercise, don't get me wrong. I feel that it is very important to take care of one's self. But I also know that there needs to be a balance between the physical and spiritual in my life. And I know that when I am "working out" spiritually, the other things in my life will happen naturally.

Instead of going down the same dirt road as in years past, I decided this year I would resolve to accomplish something different. Something of a more spiritual value. I am setting a goal for myself to be in a devotional every morning. To set aside much-needed time to contemplate and meditate.

I've always been pretty disciplined in reading my Bible or doing some sort of study. The last six years I've attended a Bible study group called CBS "Community Bible Study." I have learned so much. And have enjoyed the fellowship of other women seeking the same thing. Growing closer to the Lord.

However, there's something extra special about that alone time in the morning with just me, my Bible, and the Lord. It's quiet. Before the hustle and bustle of the busy day ahead. A chance to clear my mind and put myself in alignment with the Lord's schedule instead of my own. A chance to get filled up and inspired. Encouraged. Empowered to go into battle feeling like I have my act together. A day of purpose.

My speech is always better. My mood is mild. My temperament is even and calm. And I've equipped myself with God's armor to face the challenges in the day that may arise.

Doing this daily is not easy. It takes consistency and dedication. A sense of urgency. And I have to protect it from other seemingly important things that try to get in the way. Like phone calls, email, TV. All those things can wait. There is nothing more important than this special time with my Lord. It should be a priority.

What I have learned when I am consistently setting aside this time each day is that my life is better. I'm happier, my family is happier. My marriage is better because I'm more sensitive to my hubby's needs. My home is calm and running smoothly. The other relationships in my life are sweeter. And even when life throws those curve balls, I feel like I can handle them with more confidence when I'm in alignment with God.

I feel it's such a blessing that we live in a country where we don't have to hide to read our Bibles. That we don't have to go under ground to be a part of a Bible study. We can be bold in our beliefs and not have to worry.

That is...for now. I know there will come a time when things will change.

For the time being I will enjoy my freedoms.

So I am pledging to "leave behind in '09" my ritual of trying to get into shape and replacing it with getting into shape spiritually. The best part? I can do it sitting down while enjoying a big bagel and a Starbucks mocha frappachino!

Who's with me? What are you going to leave behind in '09?

As far back as I can strain my brain to remember I've wanted to be a Mama. In elementary school I loved playing that game with the folded up piece of paper to find out how many kids you're going to have. I always hoped it would tell me I was going to have 12 of them. A little dismayed when I found out I would be raising them in a shack. But that's okay as long as we were happy. By the ripe old age of six, I had names all picked out for my imaginary children. One name actually stuck all through the years and is our oldest son's name - Brandon.

Well, although I didn't end up having twelve children, I have been entrusted and blessed with four. I was twenty-one when our first son was born. Three years later I experienced a miscarriage almost into my second trimester. It was a very sad time for our little family. Sadness was soon replaced by a healthy pregnancy and delivery of our second son. We were overjoyed and completely humbled that God had allowed us another chance. That following year I had such a strong desire to have another baby. Our goal when we got married was to have "three by thirty." But how could I be so greedy after God so graciously lavished upon us another child after losing our second? Still, the yearning was there in my heart and soul like only a Mama can feel.

Being that God wants to give us the desire of our heart if it is in His plan, he did answer the cry of my heart for another child. Oh the delight I felt when we learned I was pregnant! Delight soon turned to worry during the first trimester as complications arose. Bleeding. My mind flew back to the night I had miscarried. Clinging to my belly, we rushed to see the doctor who told us there wasn't anything he could do. There was a fifty-fifty chance of miscarrying or surviving. But I already loved this child who had been growing in my womb! I prayed hard. I fought hard. It took all of my energy to focus on good thoughts. Blind faith.

It was a cool evening in December when we brought Elizabeth into the world. Eight pounds of perfectly pink goodness. Fuzzy, feathery soft blond hair. The most gorgeous pair of bright blue eyes I'd ever seen. Round cherub cheeks begging for kisses. My heart melted right there in the delivery room.

Then it hit me.

I'm holding my daughter. Suddenly things shifted in my world. Actually, to be more accurate, it ROCKED my world. The prospect of having someone follow in my footsteps. She would be watching me. Emulating me. Talking like me. Choosing friends like mine. Someday looking for a husband like mine.

What if I do it wrong?

God so gently reminded me that Liza is His daughter first. And that even though all those things that consumed my mind were important, the most important thing was to make sure she follows HIS footsteps. She will be looking at my spiritual life. Watching me nurture my relationship with Him through prayer and devotionals. She will be listening to what comes out of my mouth as I praise His Name and worship Him. Watching how I treat others.

She turned thirteen this month. Becoming a young woman after God's heart. The beautiful part is, those things I had been consumed with when she was born have come naturally to her. She is modest. She chooses her friends wisely. She is intelligent and diligent in her work habits.

She loves her Lord. Teen girl's Bible study group that meets on Sundays.

Revolve Tour Teen Girl Conference 2009.

She enjoys life. Spirit Flag Christmas Parade 2009

I can't imagine my life without her.

Happy Birthday, sweet daughter.

Yes, it's true. But I'm not talking about literally falling down like tripping over a toy left directly in the path down the hallway. I'm talking about getting tripped up in life's troubles. The things we didn't see coming around the corner. And sometimes it's hard to get back up on the saddle or pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. Or keep our chin up. Sometimes life just knocks us over. Do you ever wish you had one of those buttons to push "help, I've fallen and I can't get up." Yah, me too.

It's in these times a girl needs support. Someone to talk to. Perhaps it's your hubby. Your Heavenly Father.

Or maybe it's your sidekick. Remember her?

I encouraged you to hurry up and get one. Because there are times when the best medicine for those skinned up knees and broken hearts are the soothing words of a trusting friend. When all of the strength has been zapped, she comes along and picks you up and gently places you on her stretcher. She patches up the wounds and gives you something cool to drink. Wipes your brow. She lends you some faith if you're running low. She kneels down and prays with you at your side.

My sidekick is my best friend and she just happens to be my sister. Lyssie is such a blessing in my life!

So what do you look for in a friend?

A friend loves at all times. She loves sometimes? Nope. At ALL times. Even when we are down on the ground in the middle of our situation. She loves when we don't look pretty. She loves when we are hurting. She shares in as many downs as there are ups. She doesn't tear us down with words but rather helps to build us up with kindness and encouragement. She's a good listener. She has a strong shoulder on those days when you need a good cry.

She doesn't only tell you what you want to hear. There are times when she knows when to be bold. She has the discernment to step in and say it like it is.

Always out of love. Never judging. She is in alignment with your beliefs and convictions. She is quick to forgive. She always has your back.

There are lots of expectations put on our sidekick, isn't there? That's true, but it's important to realize that we have many "friends" in our lives who are there only on a surface level. In our lives for certain seasons. They come and go. Maybe she's a shopping buddy. Or a lunch buddy. Or someone you see on Sundays at church. Maybe she's a neighbor that you wave at when you go out to get the mail. These friends always say just what we want to hear. They always ask us how we're doing, but don't want to know "how we're reeaaalllyyy doing." But that's okay. We need to be surrounded by several good friends even though they may not know the "real" us. Being a part of a community of women is important. A Bible study group. A group of volunteers. A book club. A blogging community!

One of the worst places you could be in life is in isolation. Having a mindset of "I don't need a confidante" is dangerous. I know this firsthand. There was a time in my life that I felt this way. I felt like I was not vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. And boy was I wrong. And unfortunately learned a hard lesson. At this season of my life I have learned the value of a close friend. I may not have the time and energy to nurture several close friendships, however I know I do have time for one. She's an accountability partner. A prayer warrior.

There are some rules.

A sidekick should never take the place of your hubby. Or your Heavenly Father. You must never talk down about your hubby to your sidekick. Even when he hurts your feelings and you feel like screaming. Hold your tongue. His integrity is always your number one priority. Sidekicks need boundaries. You are the only one who knows what those are and you need to establish them up front. Rules are okay and necessary in a friendship.

What are some important characteristics about your sidekick?

I'm joining Rachel Anne for Company Girl Friday!

Rudyard Kipling, who in the late 1800's wrote The Jungle Book, once received an unusual letter from a student at Oxford University. Gossip had it that Kipling received a shilling a word for whatever he wrote. The student enclosed a shilling and requested, "Please send us your best word." Before long, the reply came. With great anticipation, the students opened the envelope from Kipling to find a single word printed on the piece of paper. It simply said, "Thanks."

Waves of thankfulness this morning as I lay in bed. Trying hard to go back to sleep and enjoy the warm coziness in the little cocoon I had created during the night. Fighting to close my eyes for a few more minutes before the busyness of the day starts. My over-active mind won. Now wide awake. One after the other, thoughts of praise for the blessings in my life.

That word "thanks" is a little word. But one of great power.

The feeling after someone says it to you.

It transmits an immediate smile. A warm feeling. A heart-hug. Dwelling on thoughts of thankfulness can change the outcome of a day. Of an attitude.

It's a humbling word.

Today I'm thankful for the little things.

sounds of my daughters giggling.

softness of my puppy's curls.

taste of icy tea on a hot day.

watching Emma dance without her seeing me. the look on her face when she notices.

the feel of grosgrain ribbon between my fingers.

twinkling white lights.

the words "I love you" scrawled out on a sticky note left for me to find in the morning.

the ability to worship God without fear of being found out.

seashells glistening in the sand.

fuzzy slippers on my feet.

spontaneous hugs from my children.

songs of birds.

sparkly stars in the night sky.

the nice lady at See's Candy who went the extra mile without having to.

"Mama will you read me a story?"

On and on my list goes like a record being played over and over. These little things that easily slip by unnoticed because of the busyness of life. Stopping only to acknowledge the big things along the way. The obvious things. But the million seemingly insignificant little things are equally if not more important. For without them we would lead a cold existence. The "color" in our life are those tiny happenings. Glimpses that pass before our eyes. Snapshots captured for the collection of photos in our mind.

What little things are you thankful for today?