Hope is RISING

 

 

So let hope rise,

And darkness tremble

In Your holy light,

And every eye will see

Jesus, our God,

Great and mighty to be praised.

So let hope rise,

And darkness tremble

In Your holy light,

And every eye will see

Jesus, our God,

Great and mighty to be praised.

So let hope rise,

And darkness tremble

In Your holy light,

And every eye will see

Jesus, our God,

Great and mighty to be praised.

God of all days,

Glorious in all of Your ways.

Your majesty, the wonder and grace,

In the light of Your name.

So let hope rise,

And darkness tremble

In Your holy light,

And every eye will see

Jesus, our God,

Great and mighty to be praised.

With everything,

With everything,

We will shout for your glory.

With everything,

With everything,

We will shout for you glory

With everything,

With everything,

We will shout forth your praise.

Our hearts will cry

Be glorified,

Be lifted high,

Above all names.

For You our King,

With everything,

We will shout forth your praise.

With everything,

With everything,

We will shout for your glory.

With everything,

With everything,

We will shout for your glory.

I have been singing this song today. I woke up feeling a little lighter after speaking to my Barrister and Solisitor yesterday afternoon. 

I had a shower and grabbed a fresh tee out of my draws, only to grab a tee that said 'HOPE ARISING'. How apt to how I was feeling and what I am going through. So it's a part of my uniform today. 

I have court next week and I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as this could well be the last time. I don't believe in jink as I am faith filled so I am believing that God will be with me and the outcome will be his will. 

The thing is, in nearly 5 years. I have been to court 31 times. Yup 31 times. My ex uses the court system to continue to abuse me. More about that another time. Definitely after the court case. 

So today I am shouting for Gods glory and thanking him for his presence in this time. He is always with me, always championing me and supporting me. I know that it's going to be ok in court as he has done it before and he will do it again. Out of all the 31 cases. I have won all of them. With all glory going to God.

He has seen the beginning and the end and it is finished. 

I will praise the end of all this court malarky as if it has already happened.  

Long time no see

 

I last wrote in 2020 when things were just a little bit crazy. Not only did we have the pandemic but my father passed away from pancreatic cancer. 

It was such a difficult time as a family however God was so good to us all and especially my dear Dad. Even the evening that God called him home. 

let me explain. 

It was time for Dad to have a needle inserted into his leg to give him some pain relief and some anti sickness. The nurse suggested putting a mild relaxant in with his drugs so he can rest. He had been throwing up for quite a few days and it was really hard to watch 

Dad was given the drugs and fell straight to sleep. 

I felt the Holy Spirit talking to me about having me, my sister and my brother (who was staying a few weeks to help out) take it in turns to watch over Dad as he was in a hospital bed in the lounge. My sister did the first stint. She ended at 12. My stint was from 3 onwards. My brother was sleeping over so he slept in the same room as Dad and kept him company until it was my turn. 

I remember praying when I went to bed. I remember saying to the Lord. If you want to take Dad before I get there. Then I'm ok with that. I had said everything I wanted to say to him. I had spent most of lock down and the summer over at my parents house helping out and watching my Dad gradually decline whist helping my Mum (an ex nurse) look after him and help him walk to the garden (until he couldn't). 

I got a call around 3am. My brother. He said - "we think Dad has died, do you want to come over"? I chucked on some clothes and drove over. He had passed. I kissed his forehead and held his hand. 

Its funny what the mind does to you in these sort of times. The reason my brother said "we think", is because he was imagining his chest going up and down. He looked like he was sleeping. Even my Mum questioned it and they got a spoon to put up to his nose to see if breath came out. 

I called my Sister and other Brother and they said they would come straight over. But before they did I sat on the floor next to Dad and held his hand. I linked our little fingers like he used to do with me instead of holding hands. And I sat. When my Sister and Brother arrive we sat as a family and talked about things. No idea what we talked about, but we talked. And we stayed in that same position until the nurses came and washed and changed my Dad. 

Mum was thinking of what to put Dad in. And again the Holy Spirit reminded me of the t- shirt that I gave Dad for fathers day that said FREEDOM on it. So the nurses put that on him and his cross. His cross that has now been gifted to me and is so precious. 

I felt God so close in that moment. He was taking care of all the little details which were important to us. 

So Dad was lying in his freedom t shirt and his cross with his legs under a blanket. He looked like he was sleeping. He looked so peaceful. I knew he was no longer in his body and that he had gone home to be with Jesus. 

It was so peaceful and not at all weird sitting in that room with my Dad's empty box of a body. His earthly body was done and finished. 

Early in the morning, around 9 the undertaker's came and wrapped him up is some lovely linen cloth and took him away. That is when I broke. I realised that I would see his face again. I remember just before he was wrapped that I again kissed him goodbye. I wish I hadn't as his face was cold and it was weird as it didn't feel like him. 

I stood by the door as they took him down the steps and into their van. And then watched them drive away with the body of my Dad. Suddenly it was very quiet. I think I went home to shower and change, then I was back with my Mum, calling the rest of the family and letting them know. 

I feel so grateful that I had the time I did with Dad. I was able to love on him in his final days. I told him that one day I will get married again and he said "who too"? I said a lovely Christian man that God has for me. I said that I will miss him on my wedding day and that makes me sad. I told him that I loved him. 

That was 2020. The year of covid, the year I went through the court system too many times.( More on that another day. ) That was probably one of the hardest years for me. However I felt God so close to me, walking with me every step of the way. I wouldn't be here today without God being on my side, supporting me every step of the way. 

Faith without borders

I have been filling my house with worship music whilst going through this season. In the background and intentionally. 

Today I stopped the spring cleaning to worship with a song that caught my attention. 

God often does this to me. He gives me little nudges. So I stood still in the middle of my lounge and sang and worshiped. 

Oceans

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your name

Keep my eyes above the wavesMy soul will rest in Your embraceI am Yours and You are mine

This is what he was saying to me - 

His is grace is huge. Lead us where our trust is without boarders. This is it. Our trust is in him. OUR TRUST IS IN HIM. 

This is the time where God has led us where our own feet could not wander. We could never imagine this time in history happening. This is our time as Christians to lean on God, praise his holy name and trust and communicate with others showing his grace and love by how we behave. 

There is a bit in the song that has a break, the holy spirit is giving space to rest upon you. REST.

He is taking us deeper than our feet can ever wander and our faith will be made stronger in the presence of our saviour. 
Rest in his embrace at this time. REST in his embrace. 

I was a victim but now I am a survivor

As I came up to this Valentines day, I realised that it has been a year and 6 months since he was removed from my life and I have been free from his control. 

control

/kənˈtrəʊl/

noun

noun: control

1.     1. 

the power to influence or direct people's behaviour or the course of events.

"the whole operation is under the control of a production manager"

Similar:

jurisdiction

sway

power

authority

command

dominance

This is what came up when I looked it up. 

The power to influence or direct people’s behaviour.
You see I was married for 12 years; in fact, I am still married until the final financial settlement then I can apply for my decree absolute. But I don’t count the last year and a half as married as he has not lived in the house. I actually already see myself as divorced under the eyes of God. Just married in law. 

Did X have the power to influence me? 

Control is a funny thing. It isn’t just there. It takes times to build up. It starts off slow as if you are practicing balancing something. 

Like one of those electric buzzing games that you have to handle a metal hook around the wire careful not to make it buzz. If you buzz it 3 times you are out. Control starts off slow. With questions – “where you are going?” “What times will you be back”, the kind of questions that make you think that they are actually worried about you. 

Then they come a bit thick and fast after that. More and more questions. Questioning why you are doing things and that way! 

Then the security goes up on the front and back door that is controlled by X phone. He can control the heating, the lights and also know when you are coming and going. 

And even though he leads you to believe it is security so that no one breaks in, the reality is he is watching your every move and questioning you.

Over the year the worthlessness comments come and go. Don’t cut your hair, don’t wear that. Making snide comments about who you are as a person. 

Saying I don’t do anything, and I am lazy. Expecting freshly cooked meals every day and no leftover meals.
Expecting me to walk the children to and from school and have all the housework done and cleared away as well as dinner for them then dinner for us ready. Expecting me to do all the bedtime routine and wondering why I want to go to bed early and how can I possibly be tired. Oh, and then expecting me to service him! 

Exhausting. 

Over the years I was kicked repeatedly on the floor, punched, hit, shoved, had a Stanley knife thrown at me, another knife thrown at the wall. Had a loaf of bread thrown at my head. A bag of popcorn tipped over me. Not let through doors, tables overturned. He kicked a hole in the new kitchen cupboard door, punched a hole in the wall, scratched and wrecked my newly painted baby changing table, my ray bans thrown off a table with my new art prints which were destroyed. 

In fact, everywhere I looked had been effected by that angry controlling man boy. 

I tend not to look back to the beginning of our relationship as at the beginning while we were engaged, he dragged me through my house by my hair. 

The reason I don’t look back as people say, “why did you marry him”. 

I can’t think like that as I have 2 amazing children who are my world. It took his DNA to produce that. Looking back leads me down a dangerous path. 

Besides I don’t live in the past. I live in the present and I look into the future. Without fear. 

I don’t want to look back as I don’t want to remember him. 

There are no happy memories as everything was tainted. 

Every year on my birthday he gave me free speech. I could say what I wanted one day of the year and the next day we would go back to normal. 

A year and 6 months ago it came to an end after he attacked me, my parents and pushed a police officer out of a window. 

That night I heard the holy spirit talk to me and say that it was ok to walk away now. 

That night I was freed from his control and years of abuse. 

The crazy thing is he is still trying to say that I was the one who has made everything up. A conviction and 2 restraining orders later and he still doesn’t believe he has done anything wrong. He wants to get his conviction overturned. 

He wonders why his children don’t want to see him or talk to him. Because they are also traumatised by him. My daughter mainly due to seeing his actions the night he was removed. 

He still tries to tell anyone who will listen that I am stopping the children talking to him and I am manipulating them and turning them against him. 

The reality is. I just love them. Love them in a way X would never understand as he doesn’t know what love is. 

Love isn’t abuse

Or control.

Love isn’t showing off your children or buying them lots of things all the time. 

Love isn’t letting them do whatever they like or not letting them walk to the shops on their own. 

So, what is love? 

God sums this up perfectly in 1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love isn’t hard. It is putting the other before yourself. Year after year I did this without gain. This was so difficult to love someone who was so hard to love. 

6 years ago, X punched my daughter and was removed from the house for 6 weeks. TBH I wasn’t ready for it to end. And after many a promise from X I took him back as I wanted our marriage to work.

I wrote in my diary the next day, he went back to normal and I continued to cry myself to sleep every night. 

Why am I writing all this?

Well I’m real. I am a real girl and I went through these real experiences. And I want to help others. I don’t want anyone to be stuck in a relationship that they think is ok and they will just get on with it, but they are extremely unhappy. This isn’t a pity post. I don’t want or need people to feel sorry for me. I was a victim but now I am a survivor. 

I mean let’s get real Valentine’s day sucks. My head tells me that it’s a commercial day that came from America. 

But my heart says I would love to have a boyfriend for Valentines.

You see I believe in marriage. I see and am surrounded by some amazing marriages. I know that God intended marriage for good. But It takes 2 people to put in the effort in a marriage. And it takes self-sacrifice.

I guess what I’m saying is that this was a season of my life and I am hoping and praying that the next season is one full of joy. 

I walk into the next season with my children and no one controlling me. 

One thing I am doing is rediscovering myself. My likes and dislikes. I haven’t been able to know what I like as I have been told what I can and can’t do. 

I lost my identity along the way. 

But is gonna be a whole lot of fun finding out what I like as God shows me and opens up new adventures for me. 

If you are struggling. Message me. If I can find a way out then you can too. 

On line Christian dating

Right the part I need to write. I need to make myself look cool, normal - but not boring. Funny, everyone loves to laugh - but not crazy. I need to look open for adventure but also happy to enjoy quiet nights in. Not a couch potato. Oh and I need to love sports and be outdoorsy for a lot of my time. Love animals but not be a crazy cat lady. I have that one down as I'm totally allergic to cats.
Oh and I can't write anything about my children as that is just a put off. It doesn't matter that they are friggin awesome and a joy to be around. That we come as a 3 for the price of 1 package and that any man should be blessed to have the 3 musketeers. No, they are seen as baggage.
Then there is the faith side.
I need to look like I know what I am talking about but not be a religious freak. I know my faith is real and I go to church and I am active in my walk with God. But I don't want to have to explain all that.

This is just a minefield.

Then its what do I want?. Well I'm not sure I can put what I want. But here goes - What I want is a man who loves the Lord, who would put God in the centre of our relationship. Who walks with God daily and prays with me. Who loves my children as his own. I also want someone who isn't on their phone 24/7, who feeds our relationship, who is romantic (skip the flowers and chocolates, just buy me stationary), who wants to go on family holidays, trips away and spend time as a family at the weekends.
Someone who wants to do the boring everyday life with me and slouch on the couch after dinner in our jammies and watch crap TV and pretend were on goggle box.
A man who encourages me in my walk with God and helps me flourish.
I want a life partner who wants to build life with me and my kiddos.

And then there is the waves. Shall I wave?. It is a bit full on if a girl waves? Should i bite the the bullet and message. Then I press wave as I hold my breath like my computer is going to explode and suddenly I am exposed. But then no wave back. And really I want to be chased and waved at but maybe men just don't bother anymore.

And if your gonna wave men, don’t be over 60. I’m not looking for a sugar Daddy. I’m not looking for a Daddy at all. 

And if you say Hi, and I reply. I do not want to be the one asking all the questions. I am not going to up keep the conversation. If you want to know more about me. Ask. 

And then I think I shouldn't be on a dating website at all as God will bring the right person at the right time. But then maybe I need to go with the changing of times and go with the flow.

Why is it all so hard.
What happened to just asking a girl out for a drink or a coffee?.

Running from Abuse into the fruitfulness of God.

Its been a year to the day since my ex husband was removed from the house.
I had lived in a 12 year abusing relationship that stretched from verbal abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, finacial and sexual abuse.
As it happens we are still officially married. He didn't agree to the divorce so I had to go to court. Now I am waiting for some more court dates to happen so then I can finalise the divorce.

So a year on and I'm doing great.
Im free. I can actually go out without being questioned. I can talk to who I want. I can spend my own money on what I want.
He was very controlling.

Why did I stick with him for so long?.
Because I am a woman of God. I trust God and his timing. I believed that he would get on his knees and give his all to God for the sake of me and our 2 children.
What did I do whilst I was being patient in the relationship.

I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed.
I spoken to my pastors, I spoken to my best friend. I had pastoral care. I wrote in a journal. I fasted. I bought books and read them on support. Whats it like to be married to me and The power of a praying wife. 
I read so many self help books.
And I cried. A river.
God collected all those prayers and all those tears. None was wasted.

I forgive him. And I keep forgiving him.
It hasn't been easy as my ex hasn't stopped making things hard.
He isn't a nice guy and he doesn't think he has done anything wrong. He does not realise that his constant harassment, hurts our children.
They don't want to see him. He is not allowed to see them at this point in time. He doesn't respect that.
And I forgive him some more. 70 times 7 and more.
Not because what he did was ever ok. Not because how he treated me for years and years was ok either.
But because I am not going to let un forgiveness to define me. I am not going to let the enemy have a way into me.
I am letting go as what happened to me is going to be used for the glory of God.
This is my testimony.

I have a great new job, church and family and friend and things are so good.
The relationship between me and the children has never been better. They both love God and are happy.

What does the future hold?

For me - only good things. Restoration, peace and finding myself again as well as my voice. A closeness with the Father that is unbelievably good.
His presence is ever so real and comforting. I am believing and hoping for more than ever.
I also have not given up on marriage. I believe in good marriage and am surrounded by good marriages.
Where both parties are willing to put the other person first. Putting God in the centre.
I believe God is preparing someone for me. When the time is right.
Gods timing has been perfect in everyday this past year. He has guided me as I have leaned in closer.

For my relationship with my ex. - This is a tricky one. Tricky as it is going to be a while before I have to face him in regards to the children.
There is a restraining order in place and I will seek another.
But in the future there will come a time when I will have to face him. But not now.
So I don't need to think right now. God will be with me when the time comes and in his timing. And he will give me wisdom to deal with him.

Divorce. So what about divorce.
God doesn't like divorce. Its because it destroys relationships, connection and tears families apart.
But did God want me to stay in an abusive marriage.
A year ago after the hurricane had settled. I sat on my sofa with a police officer in front of me and I felt the presence of God surrounding me and the holy spirit whispered in my ear. "its ok to walk away now. "
You see I never wanted to walk away in my own strength. I knew biblically what my husband was doing was not ok -

The lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And his soul hates the one who loves violence - psalms 11:5

I wanted to walk away in Gods strength. As I knew if it was in Gods strength then God totally had me.

This is from a book I have just purchased called 'not under bondage' It is about abuse as a Christian and I believe this sums it up. -

One of the problems when dealing with domestic abuse in a Christian context is, “What does the Bible says about divorce for domestic abuse?” I believe the Bible allows divorce for domestic abuse, and the key text for this is 1 Corinthians 7:15 – But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. For God has called us to peace.This verse has been generally assumed to relate to desertion: when an unbelieving spouse walks out, abandoning a marriage with a Christian spouse, but not legally divorcing them. However, in the Greek text the word “depart” (chorizo) means “to place space between, to separate” and it was one of the standard terms for legal divorce in the first century. Typically, perpetrators of abuse do not walk out of their marriages – they want to stay in the relationship because they enjoy the power, privilege and control they obtain therein. So the victim of abuse thinks this verse does not apply to her. However, when correctly understood, it is the verse which gives her freedom.

I don't want people to feel sorry for me. Or act shocked and say I had no idea. Well of course you had no idea.
Its not something you announce to the world. And its not something that he would ever admit as he is the one in control.
I don't look back and regret my choices. I have 2 beautiful children and they are the fruit and the blessings of the relationship. God chose our DNA to produce them.
There is never a point to regret things in life. Its a bad spiral path to start going down and you just end up hurt.
I embrace my past but don't live in it.
I live in the present and look forward to the future.
And the future awaits me.:)

If you are in an abusive relationship and don't know what to do. Let me advise you.
Speak to someone you trust. A good friend. Mum. Or someone else's mum.  Its not your fault what is happening to you. It never was.
Don't question why he is doing those things to you or justify them. Just speak to someone.
If you don't have money. Don't worry. God will make a way for you. I promise.
I promise that speaking to someone and getting help is better than being in the situation you are now. This is not Gods best plan for you.
He has a better plan for you, a plan to help you flourish and thrive.
And if you feel you have no one to talk to.
Im here for you. Message me. I will help.

My month without Facebook

Fasting -is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast or dry fasting is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days. Water fasting allows drinking water but nothing else. Other fasts may be partially restrictive, limiting only particular foods or substances. A fast may also be intermittent in nature. Fasting practises may preclude intercourse and other activities as well as food.Well that's what wiki says. The bible mentions 3 kinds of fasting - 

Absolute Fast: No food or water.

Normal Fast: Abstaining from food.

Partial Fast: Daniel’s fast – abstaining from meat, sweets, bread or you can only eat bread.

We were called to fast over January. Immediately i felt God press upon me to fast Facebook. It may seem strange to some but social media, activities and other things that take up your time instead of spending time with God is a good thing to fast from time to time. I didn't question it. I pondered on how much time i actually spend on Facebook. Here are the scenarios - 

- After i read my bible app in the morning, i like to see my Facebook memories.- when i come back from swimming i may have a little look to see who is about. - lunchtime, i would sit down and have my lunch, watch some TV and look at fb.- instagram pictures and link to fb- when the kids get home from school i can find myself looking whist stirring the mac cheese in the pan.- once the kids go to bed and we've had dinner, i will while away the times dropping in and out of fb.- bedtime, a quick look on fb before I sleep.

Now this is just a random list of when i would look or could look. I am not saying that I actually did this everyday. But maybe I did?. I sat down on the last day of December and scrolled through fb and pondered long and hard.What was I going to miss?. Family and friends that live abroad. Yes. This is a genuine yes. Anything else?. Posting on my kids church page...... this is something i could get someone else to look at for a while. Ok, I thought. What am I not going to miss?Friends (and i use that word loosely) moaning and airing out all their dirty laundry to dry.Constant requests for silly games that i never have time to play (AS I HAVE A LIFE)Reminders for events that I never want to attendThe random food pictures of what people are having for dinner (yes i am also guilty of that)The weather updates from 20 people all saying the same thing - Its cold, its too hot, its snowing!!!I can't do this I said to myself. Its not going to be hard since the things I might miss list is much smaller than the NOT list. 

I wanted breakthrough in my life, in my world. I wanted direction from God on where i was going and what i was supposed to do. I wanted to fast as i believed that getting closer to God and putting aside something that had gotten in the way was the best way to get the breakthrough that I desperately needed. Facebook had been in my life for 13 years and it was time to not only fast but to break the cycle. 

So here I sit at my desk on the 1st February and how to I feel? Did I do it?. Have I looked on fb?Well let me first tell you, I didn't rush to fb as soon as my fast was over. It also wasn't because i had forgotten. I remembered that i could go on it but I thought.... Meh. I don't need this straight away. But I have looked. I looked about half an hour ago. I deleted all the rubbish that had been posted on my wall. Deleted the silly messages that I had been tagged in. And saw that 60 of my friends had wished me a Happy Birthday. Which was very nice, thank you. But I felt dirty that i had been on fb. I didn't see anything positive in the few minutes that I was on there. 

You see people and I include myself in that, people have got so used to being on FB and thinking that what they see is real. People only post the best pictures, their best sides, unless they want to moan that that is generally seeking some other kind of attention. People think that they can hide behind the social media that is fb and not venture out into the real world. What happened to RELATIONSHIPS?. You actually have to spend time with someone to build a relationship. Its like a dating app. You all look great on the screen. A perfect match. But that doesn't mean that you should meet up and get married. That just wouldn't happen straight away. You would spend time with that person and build a relationship with them. Get to know them face to face. Now I am not slating dating apps, or any apps for that matter. I am just saying that if people stick to social media for their every need then they are going to be disappointed as online you are missing the social bit and only getting the media bit. 


So what have I taken away personally from this time away from one (if not the) of the biggest social media outputs?. 1- I am not re installing fb on my phone2 - I am and will continue to spend time with people and make new friends face to face3 - I will look at Facebook, when i can be bothered, not because i am bored.4 - The extra time that i have will be (and has been) spent, reading books.So on conclusion to my month off fb. Is it all bad?. No, it can be a great tool to - make quick connections (then arrange to meet up) Keep up with family living miles away, catch up with old school chums, sell stuff , be notified when kids cubs or guides change whats going on, school mum's page, church page and lots more. But I'm saying all in moderation. Get out there and breath the air, chat to people, make new friends and catch up with old friends. Connect and appreciate that we can have relationships with other humans. Don't shut yourself away and struggle with things on your own. The enemy loves that. Connect with someone who will listen on fb and meet up. 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25