Enjoying the Journey

How’s Your “Screen Time”?

Mobile devices and on-demand media have changed our world forever. More specifically, they have changed our families and our lives. Homes no longer revolve around a big screen in the living room, but around little screens in our hand. That is a greater danger now than ever. As we spend less time with people there is a tendency to spend more time engaged with technology. Perhaps you have noticed your “screen time” is up a little lately. Here are a few practical ideas for controlling your technology and your time: Refuse to reach for your device first in the morning. Speak to God and others before you allow your thoughts to be consumed by online interactions and information. Turn your…

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3 Positive Ways To Use Your Social Media

There is a lot of negative talk in this world. Social media has only amplified it. Sadly, many believers use their social media just like those who do not know God. Disagreements are aired for the world to see. Accusations are thrown flippantly. Complaining is the norm. “My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10). Social media is not going away. For sure there are checks and balances that we all should place on the amount of time we give to it and the type of content we post on it. Perhaps the greatest thing we can do is learn to use it for good and for God. When social media platforms are engaged in things that…

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One Thing I Do Not Do With Social Media

Some time ago a friend said to me, “Do you ever have a bad day?” I laughed. Of course, we all have bad days. When I inquired as to why he would ask such a question he said that my social media posts always seemed to be very positive. He was right. I have purposefully not announced struggles and stresses on social media. In fact, I promised God that I would not use it for that reason. Too often social media is used as an outlet for the flesh. It is a convenient way to “vent” and complain. Perhaps we do so because it fosters pity. The flesh likes pity. Words matter…even words on social media. “Death and life are…

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3 Dangers of Technology Overload and What to Do About It

Look around you.  Heads are bowed.  People are quiet.  No, they are not praying.  They are all looking at the device in their hands! The technological advances of the last few years have placed the whole world in the palm of our hand.  And, yet, is it possible that we are actually missing the world that is going on around us?  Plugged in and yet disconnected at the same time! Our iPods, our tablets, our phones, our latest, greatest, “smart” device have become the focus of our attention.  Take a test: go one hour without picking up your phone!  Live a day without checking social media.  We have become so enamored with it all that we have often become distracted…

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Social Media and the Great Commission

Social media is here to stay.  Over 2 billion people actively use the internet and it is estimated that more than 69% of them now use some social network site (Pew Research).  Of course, young people lead the way in this trend.  One research group suggests that 98% of 18-24 year olds now use social networking!  If we are to go to where they are then we must go to the internet. Like any other means of communication it can be used for good or for evil.  Tools are just that – resources to be used.  We must choose how they will be used.  Social media platforms can be a platform for the gospel. For years we have warned our…

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