I didn't mean to...

...it just sort of happened. A week goes by, and I haven't really turned on the computer. I haven't felt the need to check Facebook every hour. I didn't read 60 blog posts. I just lived the life going on around me. And the good news is, my world didn't fall apart. Apart from the occasional school webpage check and email, and what ever is available on my Blackberry, I didn't hit the computer. I have to say, it was a freeing week. I enjoyed time with family over the long weekend. Steve's sister and brother-in-law came down to our Nebraska acreage and we played. We had fresh air and enjoyed the mild fall days. The cool evenings around the campfire, the crisp mornings in the porch with a piping hot cup of coffee, a late night stroll in the dark through the woods to seek out critters, an even later night of card games and laughing. No computers necessary. (except to check those rules we always seem to forget between Labor Day weekends).

I have been learning a lot about addictions and strongholds lately and realized how dependant I've become on the computer for my entertainment. I feel that I can't start my day until I've read what everyone else is doing until I do something. I have found myself coveting other people's lives because of what they are doing and what they are making or what they're writing. I needed a little perspective.

I was able after the weekend to enjoy some girlfriend time. We laughed, drank coffee, made rich pasta dishes, and I frightened her to death with pregnancy horror stories. That's what friends do. No computer necessary. (except to help her find a crib online after it wasn't in the stores.)

So, if you missed me, I am sorry. I needed to take a little time to find my way back to the One who gave me all that I am. The One who blessed me beyond measure with amazing family and friends. I needed to step back and see all that I have and all that I am, yet I am nothing without Him. And if you're reading this, thank you for coming back, even after I disappeared. I'll try not to let it happen again, unless He calls me to. I look forward to catching up with my friends, especially with a little better perspective.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14