End

So, I've thought a lot about this. Probably more than I should. At least you can never say that I make a snap decision. In fact, by the time you see this, I've probably already typed it and let it sit for several days to think about. (It's actually been over a month.)

I am shutting down my blog. Oh, I'll probably still write, because I want to have the personal history. But, I am not going to put it out there for the entire world to see. I originally set up my blog as a way to keep in touch with my brother in North Carolina, and as a way to keep my family history. I still see the value in that. Maybe, if they're nice to me, I'll let them see my blogs too. :-)

Part of the reason stems from a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar at a CES broadcast in May. There are some snippets that really hit me.

"Sadly, some young men and women in the Church today ignore “things as they really are” and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value." I realized that I don't talk to others anymore. Why do I need to? I can read everything that is going on with them on their blog. I love reading blogs, yet rarely actually talk to those whose blogs I read. I'm pretty sure that is not healthy.

"We live at a time when technology can be used to replicate reality, to augment reality, and to create virtual reality." I thought long and hard about this one. In what I write, am I writing what is reality, or am I writing what I want people to think is my reality? And on the flip side, there are times when I feel inadequate when I read others' blogs about all the wonderful things they do. Yet, that is probably not their reality either.

"If the adversary cannot entice us to misuse our physical bodies, then one of his most potent tactics is to beguile you and me as embodied spirits to disconnect gradually and physically from things as they really are." This is somewhere that I never want to go.

"Please be careful of becoming so immersed and engrossed in pixels, texting, ear buds, twittering, online social networking, and potentially addictive uses of media and the Internet that you fail to recognize the importance of your physical body and miss the richness of person-to-person communication." I know he didn't mention blogging, but I think it has the same addictive potential as Facebook or Twitter. I have seen some of that in my own life.

Elder Bednar gave two questions to help us judge where we stand.

1. Does the use of various technologies and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in your life?

2. Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?

The second reason why I am shutting down my blog is part of my answer to the first question. I have witnessed several times over the last several months where blogs have become forums to complain, or to vent, or to gossip. I have seen mean-spirited comments and been offended by them. I have become angry, and that has impeded my ability to have the Holy Ghost with me. And on the other side, I have tried so hard to keep my blog light and to not hurt anyone. But, I don't know if I have succeeded, and I don't want to run the risk of being the cause of someone else losing their constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Now, I want to let you all know that this is something that I have decided for me because I know my own weaknesses. Please do not think I am judging anyone who blogs. I have read some fantastic things and been uplifted by much of what I read. I have smiled and laughed and cried. I have loved keeping up with my friends in other places. You are all amazing, and I am so grateful to have so many wonderful friends.

So, our blog will go away in a week. But, if you wonder what is going on with the Gees, feel free to pick up the phone and give me a call! Although, I will warn you . . . I'm as long winded on the phone as I am on my blog!