Facebook had what was called a 'Profile' page, which was all about us. It is now called our 'Timeline'.

We often change how we think ...over time.  And though it may not entirely reflect who we are, it does give an idea of what we were thinking about at that time ...and keeps a 'timeline' on us.

Our computers, in the privacy of our homes, have a section at the top right next to our name ...labeled 'Home'.  And our 'Home' is open to 'Friends' ...so very nice.  The place is called the 'Wall'.

Yes, the 'Wall' ...it's like we all come to it with our bucket of paint, then realize others are there with different colors.  So, we often stand there with our brushes hidden behind our back ...not wanting others to know we have a different sense of creativity, and what our idea is for what that wall should be.

It shouldn't really be a problem ...why can't we all just get along???  And just do  it!!   Wasn't that a Nike slogan?

We may want to paint the town red ...or maybe white.  Hey, where's the door??

Or we could be just like this guy ...and do our own thing.  Makes for a cute photo ...but I hope that's blue food coloring on the brush.  Could be really toxic.

We could possibly cross our eyes, and still appreciate Picasso ...or some of these other guys.  I think this little guy may be a protege.  But, depends on what our purpose is ...our subject, and what we have to work with.

Back to the 'Wall', instead of paint rollers ...we have 'scrollers'. You can scroll down and find what you want, and be very efficient at it ...without being bothered by what others are doing.

But, be aware that there are those who are bothered by what others are doing.

And they may not be who you think they are.  Actually, they are your 'Friends'.

What you find on the 'Wall' varies according to who are your 'Friends', the time of day, and how much time you spend scrolling.

So, between family, faith, 'funnies', politics, people, and prized possessions ...it can all come out relatively even.

You can look at who's on there now, and what's current with what they are posting, scrolling down the 'Wall' as far as you want ...or you can go to the site of a particular 'Friend', and see all about them & what they've been up to over time (on their 'Timeline').

Let's scroll down memory lane.

I like to see sunshine ...whether it is casting its brilliant rays through delicate branches, or the light of smiling eyes enjoying life. 

I like to see people enjoying life, whether it is with family, friends, their pets, or pet projects they may have.  But, I also see people not very happy ...and perhaps it's good that they can have a readily available group of friends to see that, so they can either talk with them or pray for them.

There is a condition called Facebook envy.  One study found that college students felt worse about their own lives following an increase in the amount of time spent on Facebook.  

But, I find much value being able to encourage and pray for people ...yet, without caving in with what I believe. And I don't think anyone would be envious of me if I say I'm going to pray for them.  I would hope they would realize what I realize ...that they are a person of value. 

Of course, I do realize also that others get upset if told someone is going to pray for them.  If they think we are saying that we are better than them to think that we can pray for them ...it is not that way at all.  Sadly, it seems they don't readily accept that there is Someone who is better than any of us ...who died for us.

We all have things we are interested in, and things we are passionate about. Dad & Mom have interests that are not selfish ...they lovingly have similar interests.

Mom & Dad don't have a computer ...if they did, and if they could access Facebook, they would enjoy all the family photos. And Mom would probably copy down a bunch of recipes.  But, aside from that, they would probably keep fairly close to there regular routines ...with each other.  They would look forward to hearing from their children, five who have moved away & one who lives in a nearby town.

I like to build things ...but the result is usually near equivalent to a two year old making cookies on the back porch, and attempting to cook them in the sun.  I would not say I am much better at writing, but I like doing that too ...and it is not as messy, if I do it on the computer.  I also like art work, so blogging seems to fit me.  I do go to Facebook, but not nearly as often ...and I have witnessed Facebook getting a bit messy at times.

Why is that???

There are things we like, and things we dislike.  Facebook is user friendly, because we can press 'like'.  But, I guess that's not passionate enough for some of us.

I think some people would like more opts, such as:

• 'Hater' ...are they actually a hater, or do you hate what they say?
• 'Baiter' ...would you know if someone was trying to bait you, and if you think you know, isn't that being rather cynical?
• 'Caterer' ...serving others is a good thing, but not if we blindly cater to whatever someone wants.
• 'Gator' ...this could be a mix of 'baiter' and 'waiter', as one can bait and wait.  But, we can also be consumed with ourselves, and can unknowingly consume others.  Yes, gator breath, I know you're just flossing!
• 'Later' ...puts everything off, that could be called a procrastinator.  But, often "Later!" is a cliche for "I'm done with you!"
• 'Rater' ...this a often linked with the cynical person, but I find it a bit comical to think anyone could imply cynicism without being guilty of it themselves.  After all, who thinks they are so wise as to know with certainty someone else's motives? 
• 'Tater' ...could be a common tater, or a commentator.  But, generally, it's just a couch potato.
• 'Waiter' ...could be like a caterer, waiting on people.  Or it could be like the 'gator', lying in wait.  Then again, it could be a person who is always waiting for the other person to act ...to apologize, to make the call, drive the distance or the extra mile.  You'll have to wait for a more accurate definition.

It can get sadly worse ...just because someone hates the fact that someone has a different opinion should not be reason enough to call the other person a 'hater', yet in the same breath someone can be called cynical.  Who's judging whose motives?  

And another label is 'legalistic', where a person who has firm convictions and is not fickle about making their feelings known is accused of "just being legalistic" by one who is rather amorphous and vague within their own stance, yet readily does not hesitate to utilize labels.

I've been accused of being 'legalistic' and this is not the purpose of this blog to address that, nor defend myself personally.  I was not affected much by the time I was called names, but this time someone else was put in the hot seat.  I don't think that is entirely fair, and I just want to bring awareness to trends that appear to be very unhealthy.  

As long as I've mentioned 'legalism' ...by the definition that is addressed in the Bible, it means salvation by works.  That is not how we are given the gift of salvation.  It was through Jesus' death on the cross that we can accept that loving gift.  

It is well described in the 2nd Chapter of the Book of James, an approach to answering those who may still choose to argue the point, "You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."  

Don't accuse someone of not being who they say they are, be pleased and encourage or lovingly challenge them to show forth their own love. 

Showing we believe in Jesus, enables us, not excuses us.  Don't aspire to excuses.  We are excused as a result of His love, because we can't be accused by the enemy.

It's true that "nobody's perfect" and we are to "look at ourselves first" ...but those should not be what comes out of our mouth as a result of not wanting to be accountable, or responsible.

So, I could say this is not what Facebook is supposed to be ...but, I didn't create Facebook, so I can't say at all what it should be. Yet, the One who created me let's me know who I am supposed to be ...and I am not making excuses when I say I'm not perfect, but I do look to the One who is.