I know that I always date myself with my old-fashioned ideas, values, and love of 70's music and television but I cannot help it!  Being social, used to mean actually talking to people, seeing their faces or at the very least hearing their voice on the telephone.  Our kids have been inundated with social media, email, the web and cell phones/texting since they were born!  I know this seems like a contradiction, because clearly I am using social media to get my messages out.  But let's be honest, there are good and bad ways to handle this media. And I love my soon to be daughter in law because she suggested the need for this particular message.

When "Mini Me" and "The Blonde" were in college, instant messaging was the big new thing.  My highly intelligent daughters would leave messages like "Going to class, be back at 4:00" or "Going to take a shower" or "Heading out to party!"  The implied message (at least in my mind) was "Rape or attack me, I am in the shower"  or "My room will be empty long enough for you to rob me".  A little mom-sense here pleas!

I argue with my children all the time that texting is a great tool, just not when you are driving!  It is also a tool to be used for quick messages, not in depth conversations with boyfriends.  It should be used for things like "Meet me at a restaurant at 5:00" or "Good luck on your test".  Deep conversations or discussions or arguments should not be done via texting.  You really need to see a person's facial expressions and body language.  They tell so much.  If you need to handle things by phone, for God's sake at least talk!  There is so much to hear in a person's voice!

There is so much personal information flashing daily on Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc.  Do I really need to know that you went shopping for three hours and tried on 25 pairs of shoes!  Do I even know you?!  I lose my mind when I see personal information about the where you are and what you are doing.  Don't tell the world that you are on vacation or away from home!  Just put up that "ROB ME" sign!

And then there are the photos!  Oh Dear Lord!  If I see one more drunken bash, inappropriate outfit, bathing suit picture, beach picture, or kissing picture I might snap!!!!!  Am I the only one who understands that this stuff is out there forever?!  Do you not understand that potential bosses and even graduate programs in college check these things out.  What you post says a lot about you and often too much!!!  Portraying yourself as a "Slutapotamous" as my boys say, is not a good thing ladies.  I am sure there is a similar word that you girls can think up to describe the guys that seem to be so "full of themselves" on media pages.  I am drawing a blank. 

It isn't just the kids that do these things either. Adults, you are not off the hook.  I cannot tell you how many educators and other professionals use social media inappropriately.  Stop it!  Live your life for real and not through technology.  Social media is a great tool when used properly.  Adults, let's set the example.  Kids, prove that you are smarter than us.  And everyone, could we practice saying the key word here?  P-R-I

Did a little research this morning on Memorial Day.  I was curious as to the history behind it.  In 1862, General John A. Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance.  It was first observed on May 30, 1868 and was called Decoration Day and was intended to honor those who died in service during the Civil War.  This observance was conducted on a statewide level for decades.

World War I brought attention to the need for all soldiers who died in all wars in service of their country to be honored.  Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day and was still observed on May 30.  Finally, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.  This established Memorial Day as an official federal holiday and gave federal employees a three-day weekend.  The commemorative day was also changed to the last Monday in May and was first observed in 1971. 

Today, there are many who feel that the original meaning of the observance of Memorial Day was tainted by Congress with the changes that they made.   The date is often better known as a holiday weekend signifying the beginning of summer and rather than Honoring Fallen Soldiers, the weekend is marked by parties and barbecues to kick off the summer.

Abraham Lincoln was correct, when in his Gettysburg Address he stated, "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say her, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated her to the unfinished work which they who fought her have thus far so nobly advanced.  It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."  Remember these words, today and always and especially each time you enter a voting booth.  These men and women died for your freedom to do just that.

I ask you today to remember all soldiers who have died in defense of freedom for this country.  Take a quiet moment and thank them because their selfless service has made it possible for this country to exist.  Take another moment to remember the sacrifice that their families have made.  Our church honors those who serve in defense of freedom several times during each Liturgy.  Remember to also thank God for them and ask Him to keep them safe with Him in Heaven.