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| Phases of MyChurch usage (See yourself?) |
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In the year and a half since I’ve been active on MyChurch, many users have come and gone. In these comings and goings, I’ve observed what seem to be patterns in the use of this site. As I thought about these patterns, at least five distinct “phases” seemed to emerge.
Phase 1 – Exploration (Is this site right for me?)
New “user account” freshly created, user explores features of the website. Checks out functionality, content, and general atmosphere (“feel”) of site. User is carefully “tip-toeing” along.
Phase 2 – Embracement (Hey, I like this site.)
User develops a complete “profile”, including personal information (“About Me”), photos, background wallpaper, music player, and other content to personalize page. Begins making friends on site, posts first blog(s) and comments on others’ content. Somewhat cautious at first about interacting with other users. Still learning the website’s features, but with a purpose. Pleased with the site, the user is now “strolling along”.
Phase 3 – Euphoria (I LOVE this site!!)
Recognizes the fabulous potential to connect with others, sees interactions as a source of joy (for self and others). Frequently and confidently posting content to site. Rapidly gaining friends, including some close ones. Now familiar with a majority of the site’s features, guiding/instructing newer users on how to use site. May lose track of time spent online. Now “running at full speed” in their use of the site.
Phase 4 – Exhaustion (I love this site, but…)
Has begun to see certain downsides of online social networking. The internet can be very time consuming, leaving little time for “in-person” relationships (family, friends). Also, one or more negative personalities encountered online, marring enjoyment of site. Perceptions may seep in that the online community just isn’t loving enough, praying enough, spiritual enough, biblical enough, outgoing enough, or perhaps too hypocritical, too superficial, etc. Time online may even become tedious or stressful, no longer relaxing or eagerly anticipated. Instead of rejuvenating, time online has now become an energy taker. User is now “dragging feet”.
Phase 5 – Erraticism (I just can’t find time for that site like I used to.)
Has found being offline more relaxing than being on, and/or simply has more important things to do than interact online. Nevertheless may pop in every now and then to see how folks are doing, to see if site has changed dramatically, etc. User has generally slipped into non-active status. Is able to get site completely out of mind when not online. User is mostly “absent”.
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Do these “phases” seem valid? Could they be true with all online social networks (besides MyChurch)? Can you identify with any of these phases?
I’ve befriended quite a few people since joining MyChurch, but to be honest, many aren’t active on this site anymore. Occasionally I wonder how many of the full 150,000 membership are still active? Could there be something inherent in online social networks that leads to burnout, frustration, or disenchantment?
There also seem to be those with a never-ending supply of MyChurch energy (or Euphoria – phase 3). What keeps them/you going?
For me, it’s a shared walk with Christ. But while fellowship and sharing is great, as with everything “under the sun”, even this can lead to burnout (Exhaustion – phase 4) when not continually submitted to the lordship of our Savior. Certainly not everyone who ends up as a phase fiver has fallen away from the faith though! Indeed God legitimately leads some away from this site just as he leads others to this site. My prayer is that those who are here, are here in accordance with the Lord’s will, using the site in accordance with his will—and therefore happily camped out in phase 3!!
And if there are factors nudging us towards something that looks like phases 4 and 5 above, may we see the Lord’s leading more clearly, whether it be an adjustment in how we use MyChurch, or perhaps a graceful departure instead. Regardless of which outcome, if God is leading, then our destination is the right place to be!
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Jen |
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June 04, 2008 at 9:02pm |
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| Hey, friend! I agree with your phases and have seen what looks like others passing through them, as well. The relationships that have developed are such a blessing! I'd actually like to be on here a little more than I am able, in order to keep up with reading and writing blogs, but I'm still not one much for sitting in front of a computer. Oh, if I could only invite you all over for dinner and a chat around the kitchen table! :-) |
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| You're on for dinner, Jen!!! |
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MsSuga |
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June 04, 2008 at 9:27pm |
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Totally valid Mr. Mike...but I just can't see burnout on mychurch when I see the wisdom that shines through people like you....
What I love the most about this site is praying for others, and then watching God answer them...He is a Good God...I know more about some of the people on here than I do my own church family...sad but true....
However, God is in control, and He uses this site to minister to His People...How are these people burnt out viewing mychurch...I see it as an opportunity and a blessing...
Mr. Mike you are a blessing... |
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Ooh. That one hits home, Mike! Why on earth did I think I could quit my job, take on the women's ministry director position at church and start my own home-based business all in the same month?? Something had to give and I guess one thing that gave was the time I spent here. Man, I miss you guys!
And VBS is next week....
MyChurch is a great place to socialize and minister. I've seen and been a part of both here. Somehow the brick-and-mortar ministry stuff is more pressing right now, though.
Just think, when we all meet up in heaven, we'll be able to be together, visiting and praising our Savior FOREVER!! What a day, glorious day, that will be!
Hugs!! ~Sooz |
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LV |
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June 04, 2008 at 9:33pm |
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Mike,
You have touched upon an important concept here.
The fellowship that we gain through social networking sites is really just a way of connecting with others who share our joy in participation with others in the body that we seldom - if at all - get from our fellowships within the corporate church we attend.
Sad but indicative of the society we live in.
But I would would also add that when people realize that it depends a great deal upon _their_ willingness to make their local body "a place to be" that they entere into what we may perceive as burnout. That could also be seen as just taking the flame they had kindled here and are passing it on!
I have been an ardent poster to many forums over the last 9 years and know that people do go through the stages you describe. In fairness, we must assume that in all things those who truly love the Lord know that we must approach all things in moderation! Even myChurch.org! :)
Blessing!
LV |
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| You are right on target my brother! |
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LOL... Oh yeah! You nailed it! And I'm stuck in 3 and hope I never leave it.
What keeps the 3ers there? Praying for and with Gods people!
Seeing the growth in lives and answers.
Yup, it's the shared walk with the Lord.
Supporting and building each other.
Crying with each other when we need and sharing our lives. |
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Mike, Here's my thinking on the matter, speaking for myself only of course, I believe the concept of "social network" is still fairly new to many people as is internet activity, meaning that for most people they are just getting used to being on the internet beyond looking for info and such. For the younger generation this is not a problem, but for many of us older ones, it's still a challenge. We have so much to do and not a lot of time to get it all done, and to top it off we add on a social network or two... wow. For me personally, I've gone through each of the above, however, it's really about time management... first realizing that MyChurch is yet another opportunity to minister and fellowship with people that I know I would never have met personally, and accepting that this is all in God's plan, therefore, I must make the time to fit it all in. For me it's about managing my time, and doing what the Lord says do, knowing that I can't do it all, but then I'm not asked to do it all, just my part. There's a whole lot of "agape" going on in this place. Pastor Aminata |
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| You nailed it MIke! I feel that I am still in phase 3 but phase 4 comes to mind.. For whatever reason the Lord has me being quiet but I am still commenting as much as possible on all the wonderful blogs and trying to keep up with everyone. GREAT Blog!! |
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Thanks Suga, from the bottom of my heart! Speaking of hearts, I believe it's hearts for the Lord that are the ENGINE that runs this place. People filled with the Spirit (in their heart), reaching out to folks in LOVE.
What drives people away? Perhaps they lose sight of God IN THIS PLACE? ...and trust me, he is...he never leaves in fact.
(hmm, those are good thoughts, why the heck aren't in the original blog?) |
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Mike : While reading this I thought about physical churches today......if you think about it, it's the same way in the churches we walk into ;)
People who come and join churches really do go through these stages. I have before! |
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Randy |
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June 05, 2008 at 5:47am |
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| Interesting post Mike. |
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I think I'm at 3.5..no 3.75..3.72..a bit unstable right now.
I've been on many I-net groups. In fact that's how Alice and I met :). I am amazed, impressed. and glad that MyChurch is still going strong with so many members now! Usually it's the numbers that kill us. MyChurch is definitely a CUT-ABOVE!! |
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Thanks so much Cheryl! As with everything I write, this is overwhelmingly positive...but there is a warning, for those who look for it.
Pastor Aminata...how very thoughtful, and thought-provoking. Good analysis! (oh, btw, we miss your participation in all this agape!) |
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Mike, Now I know why my ears were ringing! lol gezzzzzzzzz |
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I can remember not going to church for 16 years and I died spiritually. Well, if is wasn't for finding MyChurch and the friends here, I would probably be in the same situation today...So when I left last month..satan wanted me out of here..and I was prayed back! |
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Restore, this is why you have this name. Pastor Aminata |
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Mike, I am coming to grips that I need to tone down and take time off. I felt myself getting addicted to the free expression of thought and the minstry opportunity, and no doubt the affirmation that comes with people agreeing with or liking what you say. I think the problem with these networks is that fact that there is an aspect that it is not real. Some are real, maybe too rea (honest)l, and others change their names, have multiple accounts etc...and it leads to a lot of confusion. There is a fact that this can be a real time stealer and more of a time drain emotionally and ministerially than what you get in return.
But with all that said, I have found this to be a loving caring community. Good dialouge, and I have been blessed to learn a lot from others. For me too I think it is a great guage of pop culture and where people are in their walk with the Lord. It helps me become a more effictive minister. |
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| LV, interesting point, that the fellowship we get on a website, with people we've never "met", can be (or seem to be) better than the fellowship we experience at our local church. WOW is that an eye opener! I wonder if others see this as well? |
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| Yes, Cindy... it does happen in about the same stages in the Church. Usually somewhere- someone -offended someone- and things change. That happens here to unfortunately. we are the Body of Christ. We should do everything we can to do all in that Agape Love! |
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| Todd, hmm, I think that is exactly my point...or at least one of them. The "too much of a good thing" factor......I've been there. I'm afraid many have, which is why a lot of really nice members seem to run out of gas and disappear w/o warning. Deb speculated recently about those who leave quietly, never to hear from again. I think this may be an explanation more often than not. |
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| Ruth (Bubbles), I too was contemplating what Cindy Lou Who said. It is sad when folks depart from us here, but even worse when they drift away from their brick-n-mortar fellowships for these reasons. We all need community, and face-to-face doesn't get more real! |
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Mike,
I agree with your phases and I've been through them all. There are hundreds of social network opportunities on-line and they can consume way too much time. I have had to cut back. I still use the site to post my blogs and e-mail people to visit it to read them. But one negative is, if you are not a regular on mychurch, it seems your blogs don't get seen or commented on. |
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MT4God |
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June 05, 2008 at 8:07am |
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Right on Target, Mike! I've seen these phases in other online networking groups like Facebook and MySpace. I'm stuck in Phase 3, but as in all things...in moderation. I started my church's site and am happy to see it grow. Several things come to mind: 1) God has intended life to be work (effort put forth). It's not meant to be easy (or the lazy way). This is true in all aspects of our lives, not just online forums. These phases occur in every aspect of our lives. 2) Our phases are dependent on the amount of work put into it. You know...out of sight out of mind. But staying with moderation keeps it in our sight and from burning out. 3) Even though MyChurch is a really good online networking group that is safer than most others, it still isn't perfect. That's because we are not perfect. Therefore our need for each other to encourage, lift up, and hold accountable. And as I tell my daughter, you only post online what you wouldn't mind if the whole world reads. If only we could live all aspects of our lives with that in mind. That would be true integrity! And isn't that what God would like for us? Full of His love! In my mind constantly..."His thoughts! His words! His actions!"..."What next would serve Him best?"..."We are the messenger's of God's love and purpose to the world." "Can God mess up your plans without you becoming resentful?" "Your actions speak so loud, I can't hear what you are saying." "Sin is preceeded by In-Gratitude." I have these posted all over my work space and at home to remind me what I am really here for. For God's purpose! May God infiltrate your lives also!! |
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Brad, good to hear from you buddy!! You said "if you are not a regular on mychurch, it seems your blogs don't get seen or commented on." Yes, that is a drag. Other than folks here being on the lookout for new posts by old friends, I'm not sure what the solution is. One of the bonafide ways to get reads is to participate in the community -- that way folks are regularly stopping by your profile, or are notified of your latest postings in their "What's Fresh" section.
BTW, I too have personal experience w/all the phases I listed....though fortunately my time spent in 4 & 5 has been pretty minimal. I pray your ministry is doing well. God bless you Brad. |
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MT, wow your comment reflects a lot of thought!! Thanks! Great reading! (I expect nothing less from you! lol)
"stuck in Phase 3, but as in all things...in moderation" ... an excellent place to be...in fact I can't think of anyplace better! |
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Glenn |
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June 05, 2008 at 10:11am |
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Mike, "LV, interesting point, that the fellowship we get on a website, with people we've never "met", can be (or seem to be) better than the fellowship we experience at our local church. WOW is that an eye opener! I wonder if others see this as well?"
I was actually thinking along these same lines as you and LV mentioned, the other day. Sometimes I think we here online open up more to each other than we do in person. I don't know exactly why, but I have found myself doing it. I have started thinking I need to plug in more completely in my local church and develope stronger connections there, hopefully without losing the new friends I have never personally met here. I think it takes intentional actions to develope close friends and I pray God will help each of us here take those intentional steps to be fully plugged in both in our local church body and here on the net.
thanks for starting this conversation. |
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Mike n Laura, You are so right! After reading this I realized that I had started to take this site for granted. I really don't want to do that. It has offered me a way to connect to new friends, old friends, and friends from my own church that I haven't yet had a chance to get to know. We're a large church and its easy to get used to the fact that you're not going to know everyone....but through MyChurch, I've been able to really know people from my own church family! What a blessing that has been. There are those that consider online friendships to be less than those in real life, and I do admit that they have their obvious limitations....but let's face it....these friendships are very real and the encouragement we feel when we are "with" our friends on MyChurch is just as real. |
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I agree you are right on this has been a real blessing for me to be able
to connect to our brothers and sisters in Christ God Bless |
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| Cathy, great to meet you!! Thanks for the comment, I pray you find as many blessings here as I have! |
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JanetA, great point....this site gives us a way to introduce ourselves to others within our own churches!! I've met several folks at our church that otherwise might not have met. Having dialogued with one person on here for about a week, I walked up to her at church and we hugged as if we'd known each other for years....awesome!! Glenn, good point! Great relationships never just happen. They always require intentional action! Another poignant comment, thanks bro! |
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Cheryl |
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June 05, 2008 at 11:38am |
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Well as usual...this is BRILLIANT!! I'm basking in Phase THREE!!
God just rocks and so does MyChurch!! |
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Cella, darn right you were prayed back. We begged and pleaded too! Folks (like you!) who have become a part of the community must recognize that where you go, our hearts go too! Thanks Cher! Glad to see you're with us in phase 3!! (had a feeling that's where you were!) |
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Ed |
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June 05, 2008 at 1:39pm |
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Man, you don't need any more comments to your blog, Mike...all great observations. but let me quickly mention that I started out with MyChurch as a way to connect with other church members. Specifically, we were starting to talk about a multi-site ministry and we needed a forum. I chose MyChurch because it was safe, primarily. My church friends haven't been real excited about joining in, but I've tried to keep it interesting for them anyway.
But then I started to read a few blogs, make a few friends, and write a few blogs myself. Here's what I like about it. I've always been a writer (good or bad is up to the reader), so I get the good fortune to write about things that interest me. And a bonus is that there are actually readers out there that provide feedback. THAT I like. So, I'm the one who is benefiting from this forum.
I could go on about how I enjoy the encouragement from others like you, Mike, and how I enjoy commenting and perhaps helping others to be encouraged, and I enjoy reading about things I never thought of before from people of all denominations and regions, but I won't. Suffice it to say that I'm probably a high two or 3. Now if I can only manage my time.....
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Gotta chime in with Ed.... I love writing. So, Phase 3 and blinking. (Enjoying blogging, but trying to be moderate.) Sharing time with family and work is difficult. (I have several blogs in draft mode, and y'all are so blessed that they haven't seen the light of day yet!) But I love it here! My greatest problem is keeping up with all of the GREAT blogs. Mike, your prolific writings come to mind! And I could name many prolific others! Not sure how y'all have time to crank out such good stuff, and not get paid for it! We are greatly blessed, aren't we? Thanks, all, for your thoughts and lives on display! |
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Kathy |
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June 06, 2008 at 6:36am |
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Very interesting post, Mike. As I was reading your phases, I was thinking of how very similar that is to church life. We see the same kinds of phases within our churches.
I too have wondered how many of the 150,000 members have been on the site, in the past month or so. I joined in March 2007 with the purpose of bringing my own church here. 13 have joined. Two of them ever learned to use the site, and none are active, so in my personal church the active/inactive ratio is 1/12. (I'm the 1.) We are currently searching for a fulltime youth and childen's minister, and I am hoping to bring him/her onboard for a new jumpstart of interest. |
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Hal, blog comments are sometimes even more fun and interesting reading than blogs themselves.... the interaction is wonderful! Glad to see you are in ph. 3, what a great place to be! Ed, it has been most enjoyable meeting and getting to know you better here. I see the personal interaction has been particularly enjoyable for you too! Encouragement is the name of the game! Hope you remain in ph 3 forever! ps... You picked the same text color as Jen I think. :-) Kathy, several have commented like you how they see the same/similar phases in their churches as well. Sad... but true! How do we remain in phase 3? Well, a dedicate, disciplined pursuit of the Lord and his will certainly helps, and may even be the key! I too was one of the first from our church to join here. Actually Laura signed us up, then did her own vanishing act. :-( We had over 100 folks from our church sign up, spurred by our pastor promoting the site from the pulpit. Then he stopped blogging and talking about MyChurch, and the people followed suit. :-( Currently there are about 5 people from our church still active here, including our assistant pastor, who actually took an extended break from here himself before returning recently to start posting daily devotions (from the book of Acts). This site is geared mostly towards churches, as a tool to foster communication within them. It does disappoint me that our church hasn't utilized this site more. BUT... as we all know, there are many other benefits of MyChurch.org, namely meeting YOU!! (and the many other wonderful brothers and sisters worldwide!) |
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Well put Mike I think with my current eyesight capabilities.
Blessings,
David |
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| Well, I gotta say I'm a 3! This site is such a blessing for me...you see, when hubby's MS is bad, he sleeps and I don't want to leave him alone (due to the fact that sometimes when he gets up, he falls).....so I'm right here in the room with him and I have fellowship!!!!!!!! |
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| I'm staying put right here in #3! I love, love, love it! I also started here when someone from my church suggested that we use it as a means of information for the students in our Bible College. Most of the students joined, and then some other church members, but I can't understand why they don't all join! I am uplifted by all of you each and every day, and enjoy the fellowship so much! |
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Deb |
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June 06, 2008 at 12:46pm |
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| Hey Mike, great blog, and I can relate to most all of the things you listed...especially right now, as summer is here and there is a lot of outside work that needs done, and my cat being sick, and I am just not feeling like I want to be on the computer as much right now. I still love the site, but I can't seem to find the time I did before. I still try to jump on here every day, but sometimes I don't feel like doing much. I love to write, and I love to read the blogs, so I know when my life slows down a bit, I will be more active. Right now, I am feeling the love and support and prayers of many on behalf of my sick cat. I am so glad that this site exists for people like me. |
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"I still love the site, but I can't seem to find the time I did before." Deb, funny, your words come from my thoughts on phases 4 and 5 almost verbatim. Did you mean to do this? I feel for you!! We all go through seasons where we feel beleaguered and fatigued. The Lord may be leading you to minister elsewhere, or he may be allowing trials for other reasons. Either way, I hope it passes quickly for you!! Hope you continue blogging your insights on life w/Christ, many enjoy reading them!! |
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phase 3, Minstry opportunities are endless. I love the idea of planting seeds in minstry through blogging. The people who have ministered to me have humbled me and helped me become a better minister. I am so grateful to 'mychurch'. The friends I have made are true God connections. Of course we must use restraint. Every God opportunity is not "your" opportunity. Thanks for reminding us all that we should be stewards of our time. |
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Of course we must use restraint. Every God opportunity is not "your" opportunity.
Could it be said any better? I don't think so! Thanks revstarr! |
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Stacey |
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June 06, 2008 at 6:17pm |
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| Hi Mike, Great post. So far I think I'm the only one mentioning phase 2!! I'm also in phase 3 &4, although not for the reasons you mention. It's more time management and being tired after a long day at work and caring for the kiddies. Plus I like to read Mychurch blogs when I'm truly in a place to reflect on what's being said. Having said that, it just amazes me that so many people have developed this kind of a friendship on the internet. |
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Joey |
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June 06, 2008 at 7:17pm |
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Hi Mike,
I'm definately Phase III. I feel safe and very dogly.
I spend 2-4 hours per day reading and commenting on blogs. I love it because I learn so much from so many people. I feel free to open, honest and able to express myself, and the environment is so friendly! I write blogs, some weeks one, some weeks more. Sometimes I go for 2-3 weeks without writing and someone will send me a note to check on me. |
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Joey, you bet. You go that long, we're comin after ya!
Stacey, hang in phase 2 for a while! No hurry getting to 3. It's a lot of fun and all, but we want you with us a long time, so pace yourself! And that goes for C3 too!!
Oh, Ms Carol Hall, I'm thrilled to hear of your residence in phase 3 too! Yes, do encourage the rest of your bible college students to join. Biblically literate kids, that's JUST what w | |
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