iPhone breakup!

My iPhone and I had been secretly struggling for a couple of months now.  I kept wanting to break it off, but felt like it wasn't the right timing, or something. In reality, it was just me being selfish and wanting to ignore Gods voice. Literally this was a daily struggle with my thoughts. I knew what I needed to do, but didn't want to face the "heartbreak." Did you know that you can seriously be IN LOVE with your phone?  It's true- there are studies that have been done (New York Times-link below). You think of it as a companion, a loyal friend, someone you can trust, and someone/thing you can't live without. You feel anxious when it's not around. You want to go crazy when you leave your house and realize it's not in arms reach. You get upset when you can't get to it right away. You'd rather be in a room with your phone than interacting with others in real life. You never want to be without it. These are actual real feelings that some people have towards their phone. These are real feelings that I had towards my phone. 

A couple of days ago I happen to come across a blog. The name of the blog is "Hands Free Mama." At first, I was like oh that sounds cool, but when I started to read what she was all about I couldn't believe it! Everything that I was reading made total since. I was living in the present, but not living the moments. This made me incredibly sad. I realized I have missed several moments of my life for the past 3 years. Most importantly, moments with my husband and daughters. Guilt hit me really strong after reading some of this lady's posts. I kept having flashbacks of where I would be with my girls, and they would be wanting my attention, but my phone was more important. After researching, I now know that this has a negative affect on my children, as well as you who have access to any type of smart phone. When your children see you on your phone, and not interacting with them, they honestly feel like they aren't worthy or important enough for your love and attention. That broke my heart. Right. In. Half. I began to recall times I've been at the park, mall, amusement parks, homes, etc. and I've seen parents/friends on their cell phone while their kids are trying to talk to them and I thought wow that is ridiculous why are they doing that? Oh, but he who has no sin cast the first stone, right? Yeah smack dab in the face, Shayna. You do the same thing. Your beautiful daughters have wanted your attention, but you had more important things to do on your phone. You ignored them and made them feel insufficient. What a great parent. A Godly example, right? 

Just an added bonus to this is that instead of being on my phone, I'm thinking about God more, I pray more, I read more of his Word. Pretty much nothing better than that! My iPhone has personally kept me from doing those things, which I should have been doing on a daily basis, not just whenever I happen to think about it. Now I have time to think on what is pure and good, all the time. It's amazing, I tell ya!
Proverbs 4:8 "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Also, I do understand that there are some people out there who have an unsurpassable amount of self control and don't have any of these issues. Or, just don't have any interest in being in engaged in this type of technology.  That is wonderful. I wish I had that, but I don't. If you're one of those people, kudos to you. If you put others before your technology, high-five.
 
I love the quality time I am spending with Ty and the girls now. It feels so good, I feel like I am back to the basics now. I've missed that. All that matters in this life is being a follower of Christ. I'm pretty sure Jesus never would have had an iPhone attached to his hip. He had better, more important things to do and accomplish. Now I can say I have better things I have to do! I can tell you that since the breakup I have felt like a weight has been lifted from me. I have felt nothing but goodness. I have felt real love. I no longer feel anxious like I'm missing out on something. I feel like I am living in the moment with my little family now and that is most important to me. I'm thankful that we serve a loving and forgiving God. That same forgiveness is what I need from my girls. I can't tell them I'm sorry enough. What an amazing feeling it is to get that forgiveness and know that I don't have to live that same way anymore.

 Thank you God for opening my eyes and helping me to see this wonderful change I needed to make in my life. Thank you for giving me a peace that was much needed and leading me in the right path. I pray that this will help others who are feeling the same, and have been wanting to breakup, but not sure how.  Proverbs 4: 10 My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11 I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. 12 If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won't limp or stumble as you run. 13 Carry out my instructions; don't forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life. 

In Jesus name, Amen.

Phones anonymous, anyone????

Read this now:  In love with your iPhone 

P.S. If you see my out with my flip phone, don't make fun! :D 

Until next time,

A proud non iPhone owner!