Entertainment Fast

Last week Matt asked if I wanted to do an entertainment fast. We decided that for a week we would not watch movies, play games, or general pointless things on computers. Even though neither me or Matt did perfect on our fast, we did learn from it. It made it much easier to critically analyze the use of my time. I normally would spend a minimum of 10 hours a week wasting time on my computer, just entertaining myself. I blew off time that I spent an hour here or there as 'relaxing', as a break between studying. This past week I instead would spend time with people as breaks or take a nap. It was also much easier for me to set aside time to spend focusing on God, without a game in the back of my mind. It all came down to other things, in this case games and entertainment, taking too big of a place in my heart.

Although the fast is effectively over, I am deciding to spend much less time with games and movies. There are many times, like right now, when I would normally be playing a game instead of listening to what is telling me that I probably shouldn't. I know there were many times when Matt would be playing a game, and I would think 'well, if he is, then why shouldn't I?'. But that was letting him inhibit me, and in turn likely inhibiting him.

I do not think that I should stop playing games or watching movies altogether, and there are times when I expect to relax with friends using those things. I just notice in myself a potential (and history) to entertain myself to where God has less priority in my mind, and things of this world have more priority. I consider the loss of a little happiness well worth it in consideration of what God has promised those who follow his ways.

Volunteering Update

Jeff, Justin and I decided to have one monthly Saturday project this semester that would be the same organization each month. For spring break, we decided to have 3 bigger projects, one for each of us. The projects would likely be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of that week.

In the mean time we wanted to get the monthly projects going. I just heard back from Shoes for Orphan Souls that they would not be able to have any shoes to handle until April. This means that we need to find another consistent project to start in February.

I am very excited about these projects, and I look forward to maybe leaving class early on Saturday occasionally to attend.

Proposal

My proposal for an outreach project this semester is doing five service projects monday through friday of spring break. This will entail working with the organization on planning the project, and other needs the organizations have. Due to the planned extra involvement (other than just showing up), me and Jeff plan on working on this together. We will also help with the weekly projects when needed.