No TV

It's pretty amazing to me how our tastes/perceptions of things change as we get older. I used to hate peanuts of all kinds, even if they were covered in chocolate like peanut M&Ms.  But I've outgrown that dislike. Heck, cover anything in chocolate now and, odds are, I'm going to like it.  I used to think running was some weird form of torture, but now I really do get a lot of enjoyment out of it and most other forms of exercise although it does take me a while to get motivated sometimes.

As kids, "no TV" was a punishment, but even that view has changed. Earlier this year Taylor suggested we give up watching TV for Lent.  We're not actually Catholic, but for several years I have given things up for Lent just because I think it's a good practice to find ways to bring Christ into my life, and this is a way for me to make a small sacrifice to honor the sacrifice He made for me.

Anyway, when Taylor suggested giving up TV, I wasn't disappointed like I would have been if I was still 6 years old and forbidden from watching Looney Tunes on Saturday mornings. 

 Actually I was pretty excited about the idea. Lately I've been thinking about the different ways we might spend our evenings.  One thing I need to do is call a guy to tune my piano.  Without the TV, maybe I'll be a lot more inclined to practice in after supper! Heck, who knows, maybe I'll even write blogs a little more frequently! I've also need to make sure I've got some good books on hand.  I love to read, but haven't allowed myself the luxury the last few months.  When I get started on a really good book, I have a hard time putting it down, and my priorities tend to become a little skewed. So sometimes it's just easier to avoid the temptation all  together.
For a while I thought the thing I would miss the most about not having TV would be not getting to listen to the national news in the morning as I get ready.  But it seems there's so much junk on the news anymore, maybe it will be a relief instead of a hardship.

Once our "no TV" time is over, Taylor and I have planned to make the first thing we watch be The Passion of the Christ.  I figured it would be a good choice since it would be Easter and the reason we gave up TV in the first place.

Living out away from most of my family and friends, we don't always have a lot of visitors.  But last week was special because two good friends of mine, Bethany and Morgan Parker, stopped by on their way to Colorado, and then my sister Annie and her boyfriend, Abe, came out to visit for the weekend.

Bethany & Me - so great to have such wonderful visitors take time out of their busy schedule to stop by.
(Annie and I are terrible at remembering to take picture so I don't actually have any with her from her visit - guess we were too busy watching Disney movies and other fun things) :)

Annie and I decided one of the first things we needed to do together was watch the new Disney movie Brave - so good, I highly recommend!!  I don't think we will ever outgrow Disney movies.  One day when I have kids, I'll probably use them as an excuse to watch these movies more often. :)
The rest of the weekend was wonderful, too, and I cherish any time I get to have my loved ones with me.

Time sure flies when you're having fun ... staying busy. Before Christmas one of the girls in the office at the feedyard found a job closer to home and the other one retired.  My mother-in-law, Roshel, has been filling in full-time and I've been helping out quite a bit as well to keep the office running smoothly.  Hopefully we'll get someone hired soon.

Western Kansas Fact:  There is A LOT of truck traffic down here (especially by my house).  With all the cattle coming in and out of the area, plus all the corn, hay, etc. needed to feed them being moved constantly (and all the other regular goods that are hauled around), there are semis everywhere.

Martha was distracted by much serving...But Mary had chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her.  Luke 11:40-42.
This was a scripture I read recently, and it's one I definitely need to be reminded of often.  I love to make "To Do" lists and mark things off them.  Sometimes I get so concerned with "getting things done" I fail to take time to enjoy the things I should, especially the everyday little gifts God gives to me.  I need to remember that my world shouldn't solely revolve around whatever my plans are for the day.  God's plans may differ from mine, and I don't want to miss out on the good things He has lined up for me because they weren't on my list of things to do.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Also, if anyone else thinks they would like to give up TV for Lent, I'd love to hear how the experience goes for you!  I'll be sure to write about what it is like for us.

Lyndee