simpli-fried

We're into day 5 of a week long media fast and trying to simplify our lives by clearing the mind. I've been hearing various reports of how it's impacting everyone. I'd have to say that most are surprised by how dependent they are on media--a little shocked at feelings of withdrawal. Some have entered the fast at different levels. I asked everyone to start with no TV and go from there. Many others have gone from there to no internet, even a few cell phone fasts! Several have expressed frustration regarding being creative with family time. (Hence the title of this post!)

As you can see, I haven't gone totally internet free but I've tried to cut out surfing the web for fun's sake. But I wanted to log on here and record a few thoughts for review later.

As for me, I can't say I've had any moments of glory during the fast. I can relate to what Monty Schrunk said on Sunday...how sometimes when there is no noise, our thoughts feel like they are closing in on us. But I know this is part of the process and how important it is in these moments to invite the Holy Spirit in...to walk through the garden of my heart and identify what needs to go.

I'm already excited about Sunday. I think after a week of media cleansing, people are going to come in to worship with clearer minds! I can't wait. Michael O'Brien (singer/songwriter) is going to be with us. It should be a great day---then later in the day we'll return to media---can't miss the Super Bowl. Go Br. Kurt!

Keep it simple

As I'm preparing for the weekend, I've been noticing how many things are simple:

• The amazing human body is mostly water.
• The way most people feel loved is by listening to them.
  
• People with food, water, shelter and love can be happy.
  
• The great speeches were short and simple like the Gettysburg Address and Churchill's 630 word Blood, Sweat and Tears Speech.

A good marriage, a healthy family life, a stronger career can all be improved with some attention to simple things done consistently over time. Too often our lives are cluttered:

• 150 steps to financial freedom
• 100 ways to a better marriage
• a 500 page book on how to overcome depression

God didn't mean for life to be so complicated. I'm realizing more and more that it's not God or others that complicate my life. It's me! K.I.S.S....Keep it simple Sally, Steve...Shawn.

Simple health....simple life

I'm renewing my commitment to health at the start of this year. Probably like me, you're thinking about that too. The holidays get us out of our schedule.

I saw an interesting article that talked about the myth that small changes don't matter. According to this author, when assistants switched from using manual typewriters to computers, they spent 200 calories less per day. That equals ~20 pounds per year! Small things matter. "It's just another M&M." Turns out that according to this article, you'd have to walk the length of a football field to burn the calories of one M&M. Ouch. Read it yourself here.

I'm getting pumped about the idea of a simpler life. Tomorrow I'll begin this new series. Ryan Stoops spoke last weekend about having a single purpose. I really long for a simpler life.