Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

Claire
Texting
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 2:53 pm
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Texting is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate going places and see teens walking while texting, hanging out with other people while they text, and even texting in sunday school. I don't even have a cell phone or know how to text. At least I can say I personally don't have a problem with that. However I do have certain media issues with the computer. Every morning I go on the computer to see if anything is new.I've been praying about this and at least I don't feel like I have to go on it every time I walk by it. Please pray for me with this.
Simone
Re:
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 2:58 pm
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omgoodness this is so true!! I've been trying to cut down on the amount of texting I do, and I turn my phone off when I'm doing stuff like church, bible studies, or spending time with other people. Thank you for this post, I really needed it! :)
Elise
Re:
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 3:04 pm
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I don't have a phone so I don't really care about texting. But I do love to check my e-mail. . . is it wrong to check it when friends are around????
mariebeth
Re:
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 4:48 pm
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Oh wow. I always thought this was just me...if I'm hanging out with one of my friends and she's just texting away...it really does feel like they're saying "well, shucks, you're just not that important." and that does hurt! Hey, don't get me wrong, I don't think texting evil either! But, I do that 'texter's' - including myself - should set up a little rules.
katherine
Re:
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 5:26 pm
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o my goodnes..i should foward this to my friends!!!
Susanna
I agree!
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7:00 pm
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Great thoughts! Thanks for sharing. I find that I do the same thing. It's easy to get so caught up in the here and now that we forget about the big picture. Thanks again!
Colleen
texting
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 7:42 pm
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I totally agree with you- a few of my friends have done this to me while we are hanging out and it gets on my nerves.

(Currently I don't have a texting plan...but when I do next fall I will apply this to myself also.)

Thanks for you thoughts!! I look forward to checking my email for Lies Young Woman Believe updates!!!
christa
texting taboo
on Friday, June 12, 2009 at 8:47 pm
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whenever my friend text while hanging out with me, it gets REALLY annoying, like I'm not enoupgh for them, they have to have someone else too. I'm gonna try not to do that to God or my friends anymore.
Sierra
Totally True
on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 10:27 am
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i hate it when my friends start texting when i am talking because then you feel like they arent really listening to you becuz there talking to someone else.
Lydia
Texting
on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 12:50 pm
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I agree that when people text when they are with other poeple is just rude. Like if I am with friends and they are texting,they want to be with other poeple, not me. And at church you are suppost to be focused on God, not what you are going to do when you get home, or when you are going to your friends house.Also if you text in church you are not listening to what is being said and you may be distracting other people.
ashley the "i need advice girl"
Re:
on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 2:17 pm
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this doesn't have to do with the article, but i want the people to know (who read my problem i posted a while ago) is over. it was about my friend who became a different peronality. well, i emailed her, then we went to the park and had a long talk. it was great. everything is awesome now.
Jade Brinee'
mine is talking to them
on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 4:39 pm
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My use of media habits are talking to them
Anonymous
Re:
on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 8:36 pm
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this made me think a lot. you are so right. esp when you said, "when my friends do this, they might as well say, 'this is more important to me than you. you come second'" i never thought about it that way! i have friends that do that to me all the time, and it's annoying.
thanks for the post!
Regina
Re:
on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 9:15 am
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Just what I need! I've been guilty of my media habits getting too much in the way of my relationship with the Lord.
Nessa
Re:
on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 3:15 pm
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My parents won't let me have a cell phone because of texting. They say that they have seen way too many teenagers that are texting during movies and stuff and not paying attention to the people right there with them. I'm the only person in my middle school that doesn't have a cell phone and texts. I feel really left out of the coversations that talk about the texts and stuff that they get. I don't think that it's fair.
Nessa
P.S.
on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 3:20 pm
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After reading all the posts I understand that media can get in the way of God, but a lot of things can. I'm guilty of spending a lot of time watching TV.(I never get to go on the computer because having 8 people in your family, 3 being teenagers, me 1 of them, I never get to go on.)
But I think watching TV can be as worse than texting, right?
Steph
i agree
on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 4:13 pm
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texting can be great if you're in a movie and need to contact someone, or are contacting someone in a meeting or something (when one of you can't make a call) but it can get WAY annoying and is WAY overused. when im at a sleepover, i dont even have my phone around me! and im very annoyed when the girls at the sleepover are constantly texting. ehhhhhhhhhhh.
chloe
i LUV, absoulutely LUV 2 text
on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 6:49 pm
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i never stop texting. except for when the pastors preaching at church. other than that i never do. of course i sleep and i don't text when i'm doing that but pretty much every other time.when i hang out with my friends i'm usually texting and their usually texting to. we just text and talk at the same time. it works out suprisingly well.
Sierra
Nessa
on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 7:53 pm
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totally true my parents wont let me have a phone till i am 16 and i think it kinda stinks becuz u r kinda outa the loop with he phone talk plus i am in three dif. sports so it would be nice to have a phone......im still trying to talk them into it lol :0)
Paula Hendricks
To Nessa
on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:12 pm
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Dear Nessa,

I understand how it feels to be the only one who doesn’t fit in. My parents pulled me out of square dancing in PE class, out of several movies that we watched as a class, etc. Our parents try to do what’s best for us, but they aren’t perfect.

Your responsibility, regardless, though, is to obey and honor our parents (check out Eph. 6:1-2). So, while you’re not happy about their decision, you can count it a privilege to honor and please Jesus by honoring your parents.

One more thing: Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” God is powerful enough to change the most powerful man’s mind. He can also change your parent’s minds. I would take this frustration to God and say, “God, if texting really would be a good thing for me, would you change my parent’s mind? If you don’t, though, I will trust that this really is best for me.”

Thanks for sharing, Nessa. Let me know what you think.
Paula Hendricks
Yahoo!
on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:15 pm
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I'm so happy to hear that, Ashley! Good for you--talking it through. God answered our prayers!
Paula Hendricks
To Elise
on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:19 pm
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Hey, Elise,

Do you have a copy of "Lies Young Women Believe"? If so, I'd recommend reading Nancy & Dannah's chapter on media. It's short, but good. As you read it, ask God to show you what boundaries He wants you to set up with your email--so that you're controlling it, and it's not controlling you.

Let me know what He tells you!
Paula Hendricks
To Claire
on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:20 pm
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Happy to pray with you about this, Claire!
detty
Re:
on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:30 pm
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ohmygosh!
its sooo annoying when people text in church! and RUDE!
Anonymous
Re:
on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 5:56 pm
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i think life would be boring with out email, but i don't text. i don't like the filling of being on a lesh by my friends where i carry my comunication areound. i like peace.
anonamous
WOW!!!
on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 2:05 pm
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i was just praying about this. My half sister texts in church ALL the time!!!
It drives me CRAZY!!!
I wasn't gonna say any thing to her.
any suggestions????
Leigh
Texting a prob
on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 6:07 pm
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I luv texting. I don't have a phone but I think it is fun when I do it on others phones. I do agree though that you should not do it with others. I have a friend he is totally awsome but he ALWAYS texting and I often feel left out. So text only when alone please.
laura
texting: not a problem for me.
on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:50 pm
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thats the thing...my parents HATE texting! my mom just can't stand the girls who just walk around having their face stuck in their phones! i dont have a phone, and won't have one till i can drive so right now by time with God is in jepdorady due to texting. i do get dristacted sometimes though. i need to fix that. but otherwise, im good. i dont know what to think about texting really. moms description is iffy. but by college brother has texting and it doesnt seem to bad. so idk. i just think its rude when someone texts while ur having a conversation with them. its like they are carrying and 2 conversations at once and i cant even be sure they are actually paying attention to me.
Paula Hendricks
To Anonymous
on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10:29 am
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Dear Anonymous,

I’m so encouraged to hear that you were just talking to God about this. You chose the right Person to take your frustrations to! Truly, there’s nothing more important you can do than pray for your sister. Ask God to give her ears to hear Him and a desire to know Him.

It’s a little tricky since she’s your sister. Are your parents aware that she’s texting in church? Can you talk to your parents about this?

In general, Galatians 6:1 is helpful when you’re considering confronting anyone:

“If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Notice these things:
1. There seems to be a habitual pattern. This person is “caught” in a transgression.
2. Confront with gentleness, humility, and love. If you can’t do this, don’t confront.
3. Examine your own heart and actions. Is it possible that you could be tempted in a similar way without even knowing it? Ask God to convict clearly if there’s something you need to repent of.

Let me know what your parents say.

Praying for you,

paula
Lindsey
Life Without Texting!
on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 6:39 pm
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I used to text all the time, around 8,000 a month! My parents finally decided that it wasnt doing any good and cancelled my texting plan. I thought i would go crazy without being able to text. However, its not bad at all! I have really gotten closer to God throught this time, and im so happy about that!!
Lindsey
Life Without Texting!
on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 6:39 pm
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I used to text all the time, around 8,000 a month! My parents finally decided that it wasnt doing any good and cancelled my texting plan. I thought i would go crazy without being able to text. However, its not bad at all! I have really gotten closer to God throught this time, and im so happy about that!!
Mikayla
texting
on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:35 pm
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i just recently got a phone and texting and i text all the time but not in church my parents call me the texting queen but im not allowed 2 have my phone past 10 so i feel some wat deprived but thats ok and im on my email and watching tv all the time plus i do sportz so i rly needed a phone but some times i feel like im on my phone and im with my friends a lot more than i am with God and ive been praying that he will show me how 2 balance my time with him and my friends.....
Anonymous
Re:
on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 12:36 am
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i dont like it when people text in public places in general, it's pretty rude and i feel weird doing it. why go to a party if you're more interested in texting someone who isnt there? why go to church if you aren't going to listen?

you dont get 'bonus points' for showing up.
infact christianity is not a point system! stay home if you're just going to annoy me with your constant clicking.
Last Edit: on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 12:52am by edavis  
emm
your half sister txting in church
on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 8:41 am
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if you hava a phone, right before you get in church send her a txt that says how rude it is to your family AND God! if that doesnt work try to talk to her face to face in a loving way. Good Luck!
emily
txting
on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 4:26 pm
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OK. I know this is off subject, but... I need help. I met a girl at a class and we xchanged numbers. Now i'm trying to witness to her through the phone by way of txting. Can you help???
Erica
My friend is always texting
on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 9:16 pm
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My friend is always texting everwhere we go even when she is driving which is very dangerous not to mention she is not paying attention to her surroundings like missing out on cool things. It is getting very annoying and is ruining our friendship. She rather be texting then spending time with friends. What should I do or say?
Paula Hendricks
To Emily
on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 11:38 am
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Dear Emily,

Hmmm . . . I’ve never done that before. Above all, pray, pray, pray for her! Nothing’s more effective, as the Holy Spirit is the only One who can open blind eyes.

The best way to share the Gospel with others is to spend time with them. Can you get together with her in person to talk?

Anyone else have any thoughts?
Paula Hendricks
To Erica
on Monday, June 29, 2009 at 11:39 am
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Dear Erica,

Have you talked to your friend about this? She may not know how much it bothers you. I’d really ask God for wisdom about how and when to approach her about this. He promises to give wisdom to those who ask Him for it (James 1:5)!

One way to do this would be to approach it from the perspective of how much her friendship to you means. Tell her specifically what you appreciate about her, and let her know that that’s why you want to spend quality time with her, and why you don’t want her getting in a car wreck.

Let me know how it goes!
me
texting
on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 11:38 pm
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i text about 2-4,000 a month...but i dont text when i am with my frineds. i dont text at church. and i dont stay up and text all night...i text when i am on break at work, when i am not doing anything, and when i have nothing that i am supposed to be doing. i am not really allowed to text during family time. i very much enjoy texting and would be at a major loss without it...
Lulu
Re:
on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 11:34 pm
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My older brother just got a cell phone today and already he's texting all his friends. To be honest I felt a little jealous when I saw him with his phone but he actually needs a cell phone because he's in plays and sports a lot. Why would I need a cell phone anyway?
Just my thoughts on this topic.
-Lulu
Abby
Whats the prob?
on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 9:36 pm
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i honestly dont understand what the problem is with texting... i enjoy texting, but i dont text all the time... i dont know exactly how much, but probly a lot... i dont text during church or when im with a friend... i hate to admit it but once in a while ill txt in class... so wat is the big problem? i just dont understand it im not offended or anything...
Paula Hendricks
To Abby re. "What's the prob?"
on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 5:02 pm
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Hey, Abby,

First of all, I’m glad you can have texting, and that you have friends to text to. Those are both good gifts—as long as you’re approaching them in a healthy way. There might not be a prob at all; I don’t know you--you might have control over texting, rather than it having control over you . . .

I’d encourage you to ask your family and friends if they think your texting habits are healthy, or if you might need to cut back a bit. Do they think it’s taking away from the relationships around you--and more importantly—from your relationship with God? I’d also ask God. Am I using this in a way that’s pleasing to you? If not, would you show me how/why?

Hope that helps answer your question, Abby.

Love,

paula
Smilin' through the tears
limited texting
on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 10:28 pm
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I don't have a phone,but I get one soon and I think I will probably text! Both my older sibs text and sometime its annoying like when thier sitting in the same room and doing it! I really hope that i have self control with my phone! My parents have a rule of no texting at the table(during meals or games) and not during family time! Definately no texting in church!! I think these are good ideas for anyone with a phone, and remember if you restrict yourselves your parents won't have to!! : )
Livn4daLord
Texting :) :)
on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 12:24 am
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Okay, with me I do have a cell, but I dont have texting I got my cell when I was 8 and I wasnt really into texting cause I was to young to really know about, but when i got older like I am 13 now I was getting into it, one thing I did was tell my parents I dont want it (when really I did)
but I had to fight the battle of wanting it, cause I have seen my friends with texting, and they sit at the table while eating and text or when I am trying to talk to them, it is really annoying, and some of them are obsessed with it, my one friend has over 5,000 texts in 1 hour WHOA!!!!!! I dont want to become like that a text freak, so have prayed to remove the wanting of texting, once in a little while i would want it, but I have an e-mail and I am satisfied with that. :)
Rosalinda Grace
RE:
on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 8:30 pm
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Haha well texting in church is not a problem because there's no one under the age of 22...besides me of course and I don't even have a phone.

What bothers me the most is seeing people working in stores and they are texting while they're supposed to be working!!! I have had a cashier totally ignore me because he was too engrossed in his texting that he didn't see me ready to buy my items. Sheesh!!

Another time I was trying on some clothes at a mall and the attendant had to finish her text before having the courtesy to go open a changing room for me!!! I think there should be a law on "no texting while working." Arghhhh!!!

Finally, I can't stand it when I'm spending time with friends who I haven't seen in a long time and they're texting the entire time! This happened to me just this last weekend with a friend I hadn't seen in a year and she was glued to her phone the whole time!

Sorry I vented a little bit but I really want to see a change in today's "texting culture."
niya
Re:
on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:08 pm
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idk
Anne
OH, IS THIS MY PEEVE!!!!!!!!!
on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:33 pm
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texting is one of the most terrible and wonderful inventions ever. Like this. I HATE IT when you can't even make eye contact with someone when they are talkin' to you cause' their eyes are glued to a 3 inch screen. (I'll bet they can flex their thumbs:) However, it can be used as a great witnessing tool. I have a friend that does that. Also, my awesome bro texts his GF and sends her Bible verses. I think texting can be good, as long as you aren't obsessed with it.