I have an addiction. In fact, I have two addictions and God has been working on me with both of them. Therefore I am going to do something about them because addictions are serious and should not be taken lightly, no matter what they are. Trust me, I've been fighting this battle in my mind for a while. I've decided that God is going to win this one.
I have an addiction to screens. TV screens, Computer screens, and my tablet screen. If I do not get on my "screens" at least once a day, I struggle with feeling out of the loop or even not in control. Here is a definition of an addiction from Dictionary.com
ADDICTION: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.
Here's another one from Merriam-Webster dictionary.
ADDICTION: compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.
Now you may be doubting whether or not I am truly addicted to screens by this definition and I may not be. I may simply be wasting my time with screens. But God has been making it ever so clear to me that I spend too much time with them and
when you say yes to something,
you are saying no to something else
My time on the internet and the TV has become potentially harmful not only to me, but to the state of my family.
My second addiction is to Cherry Coke. Yes, I know, you may laugh but if you've ever been around me when I have gone for 24 hours without my Cherry Coke, it's not so funny. I get migraines and I'm crabby and irritable. I'm often making runs to the gas station when I run out for more Cherry Coke. It all started with pregnancy cravings and then grew and became a dependency. This one I know is a true addiction and I cannot stop it cold turkey without it affecting me negatively.
1 Corinthians 6:12 has become a verse that has been resonating around in my mind in regards to my "addictions."
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. (1 Cor. 6:12)
My screen time and my Cherry Coke have definitely been dominating my life and it needs to stop. So I am. Now before you get all worried about what will happen to my blog, it's staying put. God has plans for "Stringer Mama" and He has laid this blog on my heart. But what I am doing is going on a fast. A No-Screen Fast for one week. Starting today, even as you read this (I scheduled it to post!) all of my screens are unplugged and sitting in the basement for a week.
My plan of attack? To see what my life is like without screens. That means no allrecipes.com so I'll have to start cracking open some of my own cookbooks. That means no emails, so I may just have to CALL the people I want to talk to. That means. . . TIME. To do . . . I have no idea. But I'm concerned about it. Crazy I know! I'm concerned about what that time will look like. All I do know is it will be good for me, and good for my family and at the end of the week, I will come back and share my experiences with you. But I will also be doing something else - yup, weaning myself off the caffeine.
But can I ask you to do something for me? I need your prayers! My addictions may seem piddly to you and I know I am not trying to stop smoking or alcohol or drugs or anything. But this is going to be HARD for me and I could use your prayers.
Pray:
- That I stick with it.
- That God packs in the HUGE lesson that He has been trying to teach me.
- That my family is understanding and survives (my kids will be going without Curious George and Busytown Mysteries for a week!).
And who knows what my perspective will be when I come back? I don't really know, but I'm looking forward to finding out! So here's me, signing OFF for a week!
In HIS Grip,
In case you were wondering about the Life In Our Fishbowl Link-up, I'm afraid there really wasn't very much interest. If you would like to see it come back, leave a comment or email me at Ann@StringerMama.com. I will bring it back but only if there is enough interest! Thank you!
You go girl!! I have already been through this and let tell you it was AMAZING@ God was able to show me how to put HIM first, then hubby then kids and then everything else. It was great to take a break and get my priorities in order. Will be praying for you friend!! Hugs
ReplyDeleteThis, girlfriend, is a recurring theme in my life right now. And I just went on a 2 week "fast" from facebook. It was the most peaceful time in my life. I pray right now for you to have the strength to do through this time and that obedience to God will cause you to breakthrough some things in your heart and life and that you will experience God's joy and peace like a river. :)
ReplyDeleteI also have an addiction to coke. I can beat it for awhile and then after a time I feel like it's safe to just have a glass when dining out. Before I know it I am caught up in the downward spiral and drinking it all the time again. My health is a little sketchy right now and that was one of the first changes I have made. By the grace of God, and not through my own feeble strength this time, I WILL stay away from it.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you that this time away from all screens will be a blessing! And that your body will quickly get beyond the cravings for the sugar and caffeine!
Blessings!
Wise woman! I am planning a 1 month fast after completing the Help Meet Study the end of March for the same reason. The last time I fasted 3 weeks from media, I was able to really open my heart to the Lord and gain a fresh perspective. I'm praying the same for you this week. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! It takes a wise woman to do what you know you need to do - even when it's hard! {I must confess Cherry Coke has NEVER tempted me in the least! lol Dark Chocolate is my problem - and I'm actually working on that one right now too!} =D
ReplyDeleteGod knows what you're going through and he will bless your efforts! I will be praying for you.
~ Angela
You can do it! I'm sure on the other side you will feel so much better and have a fresh new perspective on priorities :) we all love you! We all struggle with things like this. And the computer is one of my biggest time consumers :(
ReplyDeleteI def can agree with you, I am addicted to screens, not so much the tv but computer and texting. I got rid of facebook and that helped alot. I am also praying about ridding internet completely, using wifi when need be. I want to put big obstacles infront of these things!
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for you and all the other ppl in this world that share the same addictions~which is many! I cant go anywhere without seeing someone online or texting on their phones.
I love pop too, I try not to buy it so that I cannot drink it. I bought a neat water bottle with a straw so i can suck water down! The more water I have the less I crave of sugary drinks..I pray that I thirst and crave water and only water! praying!!!
I'll be praying for you too! There are times I need to "unplug" just to pull back and make sure things aren't getting out of hand. Don't worry though - you'll find PLENTY of stuff to do. :) I'm sure it will be a revealing time for you as it has been for me in the past!
ReplyDeleteTauna
I haven't totally given up screens...but have cut back quite a bit. I also decided to give up soda for 2012. There have been a couple of hard days but so far I'm surviving! Can't wait to hear what you learn from your screen free week.
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