X-Out Social Media X-perience Social Life

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to participate in a Social Media Fast. It didn't take a lot of thought to know that the Lord was compelling me to be a part of it. I had done a semi fast from Facebook before but really didn't have anyone to hold me accountable so it was a little easier to "slip up".  I challenged my children to be a part of it as well.  We fasted from Facebook, instagram, twitter, games, as well as limited t.v. and radio. 

Day one was rough! I found myself going to my phone almost as natural as I picked up a cigarette and smoked before God delivered me. Without even thinking about it, it was so easy to start something and then get distracted by Facebook before. Honestly, I had to delete the whole app off of my phone and deactivate it. That evening my middle son and I had gotten into an argument because I had asked him to turn off the music he was playing. I was beginning to enjoy the quiet, with four kids that is simply rare.  I was able to expose the stronghold that  cell phone music had on him because of his reaction. 

Almost every night that week we read either a chapter out of the Bible or a devotional, talk about it and then we pray. Our usual 15 minutes lasted an hour. I was elated!! I even asked the kids  if there was anyone at school that was in need of  prayer and they came up with quite a list! It was awesome for them to be able to see all the people around us that are in need. 

That Friday, an Ice cream shop called Sweet Frog was having a Father, daughter "Princess and the Sweet Frog night."  I took my daughter because her father doesn't live here.  It was quite busy, there were lots of  pretty little girls dressed up in princess dresses with Tiaras. We had to wait a little while for a table but once we got one I noticed a dad holding his daughter,  trying to feed her too.  I offered him to come sit at our table. He gladly accepted. When he sat down I began to reach for my phone so I could  "hide behind it" so to speak. BUT I was fasting, so I pressed passed that awkward feeling and asked him a few questions.

Its amazed me how we were in deep conversation about life. His young daughter showed me pictures of herself, her mommy and  her daddy on his phone. It was great. I thought 'wow, this little girl is so proud of her daddy. (Isn't that how we feel about our Heavenly Father?)' He shared how he had just got off of work and rushed her over here to get ice cream.  I wondered what MOM was doing home alone for that little bit of free time too. 

Well, as we got ready to leave I was waiting for my little ones to finish up, I paused and looked around at all the little princesses and their daddy's. I then noticed that out of about 7 dads, 5 of them were on their phone, not even talking to their daughters as they sat there eating ice cream. My heart began to physically ache and I thought wow, look at all these little girls sitting "alone" entertaining themselves with ice cream as daddy plays on his phone. 

I walked behind one man and saw that he was playing Ruzzle. :/   I instantly began to pray and ask God to forgive me for anytime I may have made it seem like my phone was more important than talking to my children. It took me all the way back to my childhood, having parents that were there but not there if that makes any sense. It made me ill to think that we have come to a place where we hide behind phones, text messages and social media. We don't TALK to each other anymore. 

I'm so grateful that God allowed me to fast and see this for myself. I got so much accomplished this week and was able to focus on the more important things in my life. I would encourage anyone to try it for yourself and see what you have been missing out on!!!

Meet Tabata~ You can email her at here

I am so full of joy just to be loved by Jesus. I have a heart for children and making people feel special, valued and loved. I think every woman should know she is BEAUTIFUL, I'm still learning that for myself.

Social Media Fast Update

Last week many of us embarked on a Social Media Fast. Plain and simple: no social media outlets of any kind for seven straight days. You can find more info about it's details here.

Was it easy? It depends on who you ask. So I'll speak for myself here. Before the fast I was checking my phone almost out of habit. I was having social media attention deficient disorder. We've all been there; meaning to start something but getting side tracked because of facebook, ect. I knew it was time to get back to the basics, clear my heart and mind.

I asked you wonderful people to join. I had no idea that it would get so big though, with countless people committing to give the fast a shot and even more participating now on their own time periods. I am overwhelmed with some of the testimonies we've received. Whether it was starting to write a book, catching a 'big break', spending more time with God, speaking with some long lost friends or giving your personal focus your 100%, I applaud you all.

I am so blessed to have people who sincerely support me and the vision of Let's Keep It Authentic. It's always been all about you guys. I love you all and I look forward to the new journey's that we will embark on together.

Remember, this world can be heavy. Sit down, shut off your phone, go for a run, get on your knees in prayer whenever you need to with no reservation. Don't allow this world to withdrawal so much from you and forget to deposit within yourself. You deserve it. Love on yourself often, repeat, now you're ready to love on others better.

God Bless,
Paloma

Social Media Fast: February 20th-27th

It's no secret that social media has taken the world by storm. Checking our social outlets has almost become second nature for many. Just as the smoker of twenty years will say, 'sometimes it comes without thought'. That is where we come into dangerous territory.  Over the last couple of years I've seen this common trend of people choosing to ‘ Facebook’ their problems before facing them. Every few months or so, the Lord will put in my heart to back away from the public for a while. This time it goes way beyond me. I am inviting you, friend, to join us.

Most studies show that to break a habit it takes approximately thirty days. All we’re encouraging is seven. Seven days to not put your feelings and happenings out there to others. Seven days to be ‘out of the loop’. Seven days to get back to focus.

“What should you do in these seven days?”

-Use this time to spend more time with the Lord by reading his Word

-Read those books that you've been meaning to get to

-Build and/or develop your business plan

-Each time that you need to get something out, write it down or call your accountability partner (below)

-Make those steps that you've been meaning to make before social media ADD got ya
-Get to movin'! Take that jog, go visit that old friend or family member...

-Cleanse your spirit, follow your heart

“How is this possible? I can easily change my password and go back on.”

That’s why we are encouraging you to get an accountability partner. This is the person who will change your passwords (Facebook, twitter, etc) and not give it to you until the end the seven days are up. This is also someone who you can call for encouragement and/or prayer. Make sure that your accountability partner is someone that you trust, as I know some of these outlets can hold some personal information. (To be safe, I encourage you all to first remove any and all things that you don’t want anyone seeing.)

As for the apps such as Instagram, delete them off of your mobile device. It’s easy and prevents you from going on there without thought. When the week is over you can simply download the app again and use your old information.

What social media applies?

So happy you asked. Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, Instragram, Youtube, Tumblr, online instant messaging and any other game apps that open a window for mass communication.

We will begin on February 20^th and go through February 27^th. After the seven days are done, we want to know how this social media fast went. What did you learn and how much more you got done.

Even if you believe that this is something that you personally do not need or absolutely cannot participate in due to work, please share it with others. As you do not know who may be blessed with this opportunity.