Media Development in Family

This weekend I was taking a nap when I got a series of texts from my friend. She was complaining about her husband and how he said he would help with dinner and laundry (they were having my boyfriend and me over for dinner) but he was playing video games. He played an hour longer than he said he would and when we got there they were arguing about it. This made me realize the negative effects of video games not just on one's life but on a person's relationships. I want to keep those out of my marriage and set media guidelines for our family including us, not just the kids.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! Now that Thanksgiving has past and the world joins me in the Christmas hype I get so excited. The lights, music, trees, hot coco, movies, treats, JESUS!! There is no better time of year! The way that Christmas music makes me feel is funny. Last night while my boyfriend and I played a game we listened to Christmas music and wow I felt so much happier. Although a lot of the music is not centered on Christ it still brings that spirit of love in. That is why Christmas is the best. 

I was traveling a lot these last two weeks for Thanksgiving. The week before I was home with my family and then with my boyfriend's family for Thanksgiving. With all that flying we needed to be prepared for the airplane mode time. We downloaded movies, TV shows, and music. I make sure I have a book or two. But every time, even though I am prepared to entertain myself for the whole flight, I fall right asleep and stay that was for the whole flight. The music will play through my headphones but I am out. Even with all the media in the world, my body chooses to sleep. What is in the airplane air that makes me so tired?

I have not had TikTok on my phone since the social media fast a few weeks ago. I redownloaded it because I saw on Instagram one of my favorite TikTok couples' baby was born!!! It reminded me of the goodness of the internet and social media. From my desk in Provo, Utah I can interact with a couple from Norway who just had their first baby. I can feel like I am apart of their lives. From IVF to a miscarriage to a rainbow baby being born. I get to watch them renovate their home and enjoy life together. I love Cam and Julie and now their baby boy!

This weekend one of my closest friends came into town after living in a different country for the last year. He surprised us all and it was awesome. He came back with his XBOX might I add. I personally do not play video games often if at all. Before this friend left a year ago I started to play more with them because they liked to do it and I mean I was already there. Playing was better than watching. I participated in some puzzle games, some challenge games, and occasionally a round of Call of Duty. This past weekend we got back into gear and I started playing some Zombies again. Another friend and I started playing before everyone was over cause we were the only girls and knew once the boys got there it would not be as welcome for us to join. We knew we were trash but wanted to have fun. Also, it was Halloweekend and we figured a round or two of zombies would get us into the spirit. It was actually super fun but I could see how it could negatively impact someone. I think because of h...

Day One: Sunday. I did good. I was able to focus at church and wasn't on my phone. I still colored on my coloring app like I do most of the time. It helps me focus on the speakers. Rest of the day I was able to spend more time with those I love and be engaged. I got to talk to my boyfriend about some pre-engagement questions about how our life would/will be when we're married. We played some chess and got to chill. Going to bed without scrolling was different, so I played chess online for 10 minutes and then went to bed. I fell asleep much faster than usual. Day Two: Monday. Much worse. I can't actually delete Instagram off my phone because I run an Instagram account for a club I'm in. I accidentally opened it a few times then realized I could remove it from my home screen so I do see it. (I deleted the other apps off my phone). Just scrolled a little then got off. I have a one-minute time limit set as well so I couldn't stay on that long. Also almost went on social...