What I Learned During a 10-Day Social Media Fast

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I had the opportunity to participate in our bi-annual General Conference on October 6th and 7th. Every six months we are blessed to hear the living Prophet of the Lord speak. He is guided through prayer and revelation as to what things we, as a people, need to know. When he speaks, he is not only speaking to members of The Church, but to the ENTIRE world. God loves ALL of His children and is therefore desirous that they ALL receive His word and instruction in these last days. 

President Russell M. Nelson
(www.lds.org)

This conference, in addition to the General Sessions, we had a General Women's Session for women ages eight and up.  Prophet President Russell M. Nelson's call to women was that we might help in the gathering of Israel by doing things to positively shape the future. In this session, he issued four challenges to help us rise to a level to do so. 

1. Participate in a 10-Day social media (or other impure media) fast
2. Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year
3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance
4. Be active participants in the Relief Society

Apparently there was some controversy that followed this challenge. Throughout the world people were ridiculing President Nelson for the 10-day fast invitation for various worldly reasons. As for me, when I first heard this list, I was excited to take on the challenges. I could immediately see benefits and was excited to see what else would be revealed to me.

I would like to share the things I learned while participating in that 10-day social media fast and interestingly enough, how acting on that one challenge helped me move forward in action on the other three challenges! Neat how the Lord works, isn't it? 

Here's what I learned!

• Without social media we have closer relationships and better conversations 
• In the first 24 hours of my fast, so many things were posted to Facebook, even important, vital news. It was really cool to see how friends reached out via other forms of communication to share that with me. Because of that, our conversations meant more than just a quick "comment" or a "like" or even... a "love". We talked about life, caught up, and discussed the news at hand in further detail. We talked about the gospel and other such things and shared real feelings with one another. I felt closer to my friends, even being in far physical distance from them.

• Without this worldly influence, revelation comes more clearly and quicker
• While attending my institute class this last week, I had thoughts come clearly to my mind while we were having a discussion. I could make connections with talks and scriptures. I could remember what I read the previous night and was able to apply it to my day. I was able to hear direction more clearly from the Lord. I honestly felt the whisperings of the Holy Ghost touch my heart and my mind in ways that I haven't had for a while. His words and guidance were not clouded by the loud voices on social media or other impure media. I also filtered out shows on Netflix that weren't bad, but they also weren't good. That increased my ability to learn spiritually.

• It's easier to make better choices without social media (or at least limited social media use)
• This was so neat to me. It's not that I was making bad choices while using social media but it did eat up my time and consumed my thoughts. I found myself using this extra time to workout and to study the scriptures and conference talks. I found more time to serve and love others. Here's a tie in to two other challenges; I really wanted to spend more time at the temple and more time in the Book of Mormon. SO I DID.

• It's okay to filter crap out of your life and out of your news feed
• I actually really enjoy social media, mostly for the sake of keeping up with friends and family that don't live nearby, but I do enjoy it. I think it has the power to be an influence for good if we let it but you also have to learn to filter out the crap! Unfollow, unfriend, and disengage. It's ALL okay to do! When you feel contention because of a post, unfollow or unfriend this group or person. When someone retaliates against a comment you make, LET IT GO. There are times when you might feel inspired to make yourself clear, stand up for what you believe in or share something otherwise, I think that is great! I would just urge that you don't let one comment made take over your day, emotion or happiness. 

• My soul and mind were being held captive
• This was something I didn't realize AT ALL. A few days went by during the first while and I wasn't feeling trapped or tied down anymore. I began to experience more joy, confidence and understanding in my life. Social media and other impure media (like my silly Netflix binges) were holding me down. During my day, I was thinking about a comment made instead of a service I could be doing. I was thinking about how the next episode was going to go instead of putting in more study time for my next institute class. I was wondering what I should post concerning a political or religious discussion instead of taking more time to pray about truth. I was held captive by this fast-paced, fantasy, online world. FOR WHAT? Nothing. Nothing can replace real, meaningful moments in your real, unfiltered life. Do NOT sacrifice those. BREAK FREE from the demands of society and social media.

• People are struggling throughout the world AND in my own family
• Social media was constantly bringing to my attention the trials of others throughout the world. During this fast I was able to see more clearly, the trials within my own family and friends. This is not meant to be a negative realization, just one that opened my eyes and sparked a desire to serve those that are close to me AS WELL as those throughout the world in need.

• It's more interesting and more fun to talk to people (other living, breathing humans next to you) than to stare at your phone
• Now, this is something I firmly believed before this 10-day fast but I too am guilty. When sitting next to a stranger at the doctor, school, store, office, etc. I sometimes use my phone/social media as a crutch to not have to start a conversation with someone I don't even know. You know why? I'm fearful of being awkward. But during these 10 days I watched faces literally light up as I made an effort to talk to new people. One was at a pharmacy, there was a long wait to get a flu shot so in the waiting room I sat next to an older gentleman and I simply asked, "How are you doing today?" He replied with his life story. Haha! But hey! I met someone new and got to learn a thing or two. 

TWO THUMBS UP RECOMMEND THIS EXPERIENCE!

I learned so much during these 10-days, these are just a few of those realizations. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to take a break, to open my eyes and to learn that it's okay to limit my time online and on my phone. I'm grateful that through this experience the desire to serve others, serve in the temple, and study the Book of Mormon became much stronger in my life. 

I would also like to make mention that I do NOT think the Lord is asking we take ourselves off of social media, I think He is only asking that we limit our time online and spend more time in the moment. I also think He is asking that we have a purpose in our use of media; how might we make the world a better place while using social media?

If you're still reading, thank you! Also, feel free to share and comment :) I would also like to point you to another post I made a while back concerning your phone/media and your relationships. Click here!!

Living Waters

While I was in the Missionary Training Center in Provo, we took a walk to the temple. I noticed the water running down on the walls near the sidewalk. That is something that I have noticed before but I always thought this was just for landscaping purposes; water is beautiful and it tends to catch the eye. I don’t remember who, but someone shared with me the symbolism of the water that is found outside of Latter-Day Saint temples. 

The water found at the temples symbolizes Jesus Christ as the Living Waters. Found in the Book of Mormon is an explanation to the prophet Nephi about the dream his prophet father, Lehi, had. It says, “And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.” (1 Nephi 11:25).

The comparison of the love of God and water has stood out in my mind for quite some time. Allow me to share some of my thoughts!

Water makes up 50-65% of the human body. It is essential for us to have, to live! If the body didn’t have the nourishment of water, it would begin to show signs of dehydration. We would experience dry skin, lack of energy, dizziness, fainting, etc. Lack of water puts our physical health in danger. (This wasn’t intended to be a health lesson, but DANG I need to drink more water… haha).

The same goes for our spiritual health when we are not partakers of the Living Water. We show signs of a spiritual dehydration which is just as dangerous. We lack the energy that brings us to a higher level of joy. Our spiritual shields begin to dry up, crack and eventually break leaving us exposed to the world’s darkness. We experience a sense of confusion while making decisions and on occasion, feel a little lost.  At times, it feels almost impossible to stand on our own feet. 

Now when it comes to water, I’m the first to admit I would much rather a Coke. I don’t always like to drink water and sometimes I go the whole day without even thinking about it. The same goes for my daily intake of the love of God. Sometimes, I would rather binge watch Netflix than open the Book of Mormon and some nights I’m laying bed about to drift off and realize I forgot to kneel and say a prayer. Like water, the love of Jesus Christ needs and deserves a place in our being. We need DAILY intake, the recommended “8 glasses”. 

Remember the promise from the Savior to the woman at the well. He said unto her, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The Savior NEVER breaks His promises. He lives and He is the Living Water of which we are asked to partake.

                        

 

Spiritual Serenity - May 19, 2016

Tonight, I have a few things I would like to leave here; things I have come to have a greater understanding of today. 

1. The role of a women/mother is divinely given

Many people today are in uproar because women do not hold the Holy Priesthood keys in The Church of Latter Day Saints. Right now, I ask you to open your heart and hear what I have to say.

This week I have struggled with pain in my big toe and about half of my foot. I thought it was from wearing shoes with no support so I let it go. Today around 4am I was woken out of a deep sleep with excruciating pain in my foot which brought me to tears. My mom was the "first responder" and, having illness of her own this week, didn't even complain; she simply did (in her words) "what mother's are here to do." 

After a while of crying and feeling much pain, my mom asked me if she could say a prayer with me. She knelt to the side of the bed and prayed for my pain to ease up so I could get some sleep until the insta care opened up in a few hours. She prayed that we would receive and answer and ways to treat it and then she thanked Heavenly Father for all we have. Within in minutes, my pain calmed and I fell asleep. 

Women may not have the same Priesthood authority in the church as men but that (in my opinion) is because our "Priesthood role" is to be mothers and caregivers. The Lord desperately NEEDS women strong in the Gospel who can help him perform those divine duties here on Earth. He hears our prayers as loudly, clearly and strongly as He does those of His sons. 

Because of my mother, I was able to find relief today in my physical pain as well as my emotional worry. There are so many reasons to love her and be grateful for her divine role and strong example.

2. Satan knows me just as well as my Heavenly Father knows me.

The end result of what happened today is that I now, for unknown reasons, have an infection inside my foot. It is being treated through antibiotics. (Additional answers to my mom's prayer this morning). 

So this leads me to the second thing I learned today. Satan knows me just as well as my Heavenly Father knows me. I was planning to go to the temple this week and that now, because of my infection, that has to be postponed. I also have very few weeks before I leave for my mission and this concerned me for my health. 

Satan has the agency to cause trial in our lives and HE DOES. He ESPECIALLY does when he sees that you have an opportunity to do good, be happy or serve the Lord. 

IT IS A TRIAL OF FAITH. 

Although he has placed things in my life to slow me down, I plan to walk forward with the Lord's plan. I will heal and then I will attend the temple and I will serve my mission because I have faith that the Lord's plan is FAR greater than Satan's plan and even my own plan.

I know this was a longer post but I felt prompted to share my experience today. Please know, YOU are capable. YOU can overcome hard things. What you are going through may be a trial in your life but it is also a trial of faith so hold tight and KEEP GOING. And if you have questions about your faith or the church, ask someone of authority. Those individuals are called to help, teach and assist YOU.

(If you have further questions or want to try to further understand the role of women in the church, PLEASE read the talk below, it's a favorite of mine, or visit www.lds.org): 

A Plea to My Sisters - Elder Nelson

Spiritual Serenity - March 3, 2016

Because this is my first "Spiritual Serenity" post, let me explain. 

Over the past two weeks, the Spirit has been very apparent in my life. I have been at a steady peace and have experienced the simple, yet miraculous, day-to-day blessings that my Father in Heaven and Savior provide for me and for others. 

One of the best ways to help myself grow and help others understand God's love for them is to share my testimony every chance I get, thus, "Spiritual Serenity." These posts are not intended to be lengthy, just something simple, maybe something for you and I to reflect on as we go about our day. 

My hope is that no matter what religion or belief you are a part of, you can take something from these posts. 

That being said, here's the first one I would like to share:

In the ward I attended this past Sunday, the topic at hand was faith. This is not a direct quote but a paraphrase:

            Having faith in the easier times of our life, makes faith easier to find in the trying times of our life. 

When we have easier times in our lives we might not be as eager to pray because we become content. It is possible that we might not nourish our seed of faith by regular scripture study because we aren't really 'searching' for anything. We are in a blissful state and have found a temporary joy. 

However, this is the MOST important time to build our faith. We should kneel and thank our Father for His hand in all things, we should study the scriptures daily with pure intent to come closer to Christ and we should always have a faith not easily shaken. 

When trial strikes, and it will, we can draw upon our solidified faith to get us through it. That faith is what brings us to put our trust in God and His love for us; it is what reminds us that we are NEVER alone and everything will be okay. 

John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

And an apostle of the Lord, George Q. Canon said, "No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, God will never desert us, He never has, and He never will."


It's true, He loves us and we are blessed beyond measure.