Hi Jane,

Reality shows are not my thing either. We don’t have cable, so the only way we can watch TV is to rent movie or TV series without commercials. I like this because I’m consciously choosing what I’m watching.

Thanks for reminding me how fun nature shows can be – Melissa has a nature series she’s been wanting to watch for a while. We’ll have to check it out! 🙂

XOZ

Some TV is mildly interesting. I like watching TV shows about nature, animals, etc. because of the glory of how God shows up in such amazing forms!

Not fond of reality shows – they seem to bring out the worst in people (do they get paid to be nasty to each other?) I struggle with lots of sit coms because of the need to put each other down, etc. They make me feel judgmental and kind of sad.

I spend lots of time in the silence – that does it for me! It’s the real deal!

Hi Karen,

Of course you’re a fan of Sponge Bob! Great minds think alike! 🙂

Actually, I have to confess that I haven’t watched that many Sponge Bob episodes. I just like his positive, zany attitude. And looking at him makes me happy.

It’s funny that you mention “Mad Men.” Melissa and I watched it for a while and, like you, appreciated that it was a well-done drama. But we reached the same conclusion that you did. We noticed that we felt worse after the show than we did before it started. So, like you, we pulled the plug. It’s great to know that I don’t have to watch anything just because I “should,” or because it’s won a bunch of awards.

Thanks, as always, for your comments. 🙂

XOZ

Hi Karen,

Yay! Another Abe fan. 🙂

Your story about talk radio is such a great example of how input affects output. The best part is being able to pay attention and make changes accordingly. And that we all have the power to do this, every day.

As for the dried-up Sponge Bob, it’s a great metaphor. It makes me hurt just to think of SBSP all shriveled up on the beach. No fun!

XOZ

Hi Nita,

Fun to “see” you here! 🙂

Ooooooh! Square dancing sounds fun. And Waltzing. And night club two step! One of the things that Melissa and I want to do when we’re finished with ministerial school is take some dance lessons. I love your descriptions. If dancing is addictive, it seems like in only the best way. Plus it’s such a great way to bond with your sweetheart. And with music. And with your body. And with the Divine. Delicious!!

XOZ

Hi Sherry,

Yes, I hear you. Being steeped in Abe has made me more and more choosy about what I read/watch/listen to as well. The best part is that I just seem to keep getting happier and happier. I also like that you say that Abe’s philosophy helps with both good and bad times. That’s been true for me as well.

Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

XOZ

Hi Ren,

Thanks for stopping by! Always nice to meet another Friend of Abe.

I like that you focus on the freedom in all this. That’s one of the reasons I love Netflix so much – I’m free to watch whatever I want to, whenever I want to. I also like your reminder that we can always focus on what we like about something – and that modern entertainment options, no matter what the subject, are filled with creativity. These are great things to remember and give our attention to.

Stop by again any time! 🙂

XOZ

Hi Becka!

I like that you applied the ideas in this post to another medium entirely. What an awesome nerdly thing to do! I also love the results you got from this creative application! 🙂

And I’m grateful that you were able to move to a place of accepting yourself Exactly As You Are!! Yay!! Nothing’s better than that.

XOZ

I can’t believe you mentioned Sponge Bob! I couldn’t tolerate that cartoon when my daughter watched it years ago, & when my granddaughter began watching it this summer, I strongly suggested another choice. Then I began consistently watching it with Claire and absolutely love it now. I recently got her a Sponge Bob Lego set. We had such fun putting it together. Crabby patties, anyone?

And I love the way you approached this topic of entertainment, Z, and your references to Abraham. It really is so important to partake in entertainment that leaves us feeling good — or at the very least, no worse! Mark and I stick almost exclusively to sports and comedies on TV. We get such a kick out of “Modern Family” and “The Middle” and several other sit-coms. And then we began following “Mad Men,” a very well-done drama, no question. But like you and “Weeds,” I’m noticing that I just don’t feel uplifted afterward. I do like the drama and suspense, but it’s just not worth messing up my vibration, even a little bit, I’ve concluded.

“Mad Men,” adieu. Sponge Bob, Patrick, and Sandy, sit yourselves down and stay a spell.