Friday, March 15, 2013

Friday Five: Technology

Jan at RebGalBlogPals writes:

For this Friday Five, let us explore our use of and desire for such items.
1. What types of technologies, like cell phones, computers, tvs, etc., do you routinely use? How frequently?




We have LOTS of technology in our house:  TVs, computers (desktop and laptop), iphone/smartphones, kindles, Nintendo Dsi, LeapPad, Xbox....... and I use the plural intentionally.

I routinely use the tv, computer, iphone, and Kindle Fire, although with some regularity I play on the gaming systems with my boys.
 
2. What social media and/or games do you like to play? How often? On which device do you occupy yourself? Which method of social media do you prefer?


I don't play any social media games, but I like to play games on my iphone, Kindle Fire and the Xbox - my current obsession is Plants vs. Zombies.  
 
I use all devices equally - although the portable devices get more use, I suspect.

I use Facebook and Twitter, but prefer Facebook.  I have a personal Facebook page and one for the church.  Most church members don't Tweet, so I haven't invested the energy in it.  
 
3. Do you separate online activities between home and work? Or is it all the same everywhere?



No separation.  That's why we have portable devices, isn't it????
 
4. Do you have a smart (or I-) phone?




I have an iphone, which I L.O.V.E.  
 
5. What do you wish you had--or do not have--in relation to these devices?



Sometimes I wish I had an ipad or mac, since it would be easier to link all my devices.  But then I remember/remind myself that the devices meet all my needs.

Sometimes I wonder that we ever did anything without them, as I can't imagine going back to the way it used to be.  At other times, I wish we could all disconnect!
 


Bonus: What is the difference between your attitude towards these means of technology and a generation older or younger than you?


The younger generations in my world see these devices as the norm, necessary for living.  They are adept, and much more knowledgeable than I.   Even my kindergartner uses an ipad in the classroom.

I see them as necessities.   I can remember the moment when I first become aware that we needed webpages and now, Facebook pages, to stay connected and be relevant in the church.

However, when I think about adding a new device (especially one for my own use), I still think of them as luxuries - mostly because of cost.  That's why I don't have the newest or even next to newest iphone yet!

Many in generations older than me use technology, but aren't comfortable with it.  Some in my congregations don't use it at all.  I am lucky in that my parents have always embraced technology; my dad is still one that I get advice from when making a new purchase!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Grace is Sufficient


Rachel Hackenberg gives the prayer prompt:


From 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV), "The Lord said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.'"

Oh, how contrary that is to all that we strive after, how countercultural to our daily instincts! We envy the ways in which power begets power. We yearn for favor to pave our way. We pray for our own success to beget further success. Weakness and struggle seem to be stumbling blocks in the way of comfortable living . . . but no. No. Power and comfort and success are neither the goals nor the paths. Grace -- the loving kindness of God -- is sufficient for our living."
 




Inadequacy.  Weakness.
That is all I see.
But you, O God, see beyond.
Beyond my strivings.
Beyond my grasping.
Beyond my limited understanding.

Quieten my soul.
Let me hear you speak. 
May your words pierce my heart.
Your grace is sufficient.
Grace. 


"Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side."  (Catharina von Schlegel)