Appearances are deceiving! Facebook is a good example. As much as I love it, it can be overbearing on and in our lives. As you read status updates, one can wonder about the real lives of their neighbor and if other peoples’ lives are really better. “Tired of hating the friend who ate a dozen cupcakes and doesn’t know how she didn’t gain weight?” Another friend just happens to be packing for a trip to the Mars and Venus space stations. “It’s kind of like watching a stock index of peoples’ lives, but in a perpetual bull market.” Another person said, “It always seems like there is a party going on and I’m not invited.” My advice: Enjoy the ease of connecting with old and new friends. It can be a great tool for churches and businesses, but do not allow it to develop in you an inferiority complex while feeling like the grass is perfect on the other side. News flash: It’s not! Trust me! Perception is not always reality! Most people hide their stuff and never face the authentic side of their lives. It’s called plastic….and plastic is quicker, easier, and cheaper to use than putting a new roof on the house.