Distractions

I really like technology.  I love having 1 device that can connect me to all my favorite people, play my favorite tunes, take pretty good pictures, tell me how to get to a new restaurant, and read the news.  The problem is, I don't just own one piece of technology.  I have lots.  It's a layering effect.  You start with something basic.  My laptop.  Being in school, it's kind of a necessity.  I got my iPod back when I was in college and smart phones were not even on our radar.  I've always loved tv and movies.  Now I have an iPhone.  I stepped on my Nook so that was the end of that one... There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things.  The problem?



I've forgotten how to unplug. 



I constantly feel the need to be checking something.

The news.  Facebook.  Weather.  Instagram. Texts.

I used to sit through a movie and just watch.  Now I find myself multitasking to the max and I'm enjoying movies less.  Now I feel like there are always multiple screens going and I feel like I'm missing out if they're not.

I want to control my technology.  I'm done letting it control me.

I feel like I've gipped myself on some really great experiences.  I feel like I've compounded my stress by not being able to disconnect.  I feel like I've stopped living my own life and my technology is living it for me.

I'm going to turn my phone off during dinner and movies.  My iPad will stay in my dresser unless I'm getting ready in the morning (I use it to watch tv shows while I get ready) or travelling.

My laptop is a necessary evil right now while I'm still in the world of homework and writing papers.  Other than that, it stays under my bed.

I'm not going to turn the tv on until my Bible study is done.

I'm going to give myself at least 30 minutes to read before bed.



All of this technology has distracted me from being focused on what's really important to me.

Rather than living life through a screen, I'm simply going to live my life.

I'm done missing out because I was trying to capture the moment on my camera.  I'm going to savor the moments as they happen.

Rather than checking in on everyone on Facebook every 5 minutes, I'm going to enjoy the company I have in front of my face.

I am done letting technology be an excuse.

It certainly isn't going to be easy, but I'm ready to fill my life with the good stuff.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable

--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--

think about such things.

Phillipians 4:8

One Little Word: 2015

2015 had a bit of a bumpy start.  I found myself in a situation that I've been in before.  It is a situation that is out of my control.  I don't like it.



I want to escape to a beach to clear my head.  Refocus.  Recharge.

A beach is not in my near future.



The last time I was in this situation, I handled it less than gracefully.  I was spiteful and bitter.  Rash.



I am a different person now.  God has shaped me into a person I didn't know I could be.  This new, God-given, me is desperately trying to work through it in a whole new way.



I am holding my tongue.

I am choosing not to react.

I am praying.  A lot.

I am seeking wise counsel.

I have to Be Still.  Lean in.



All this to lead me to my one little word for the year 2015:  Authentic,

I have a desire to surround myself by reality.  Social media makes it far to easy to hide the imperfections.



I serve a very real God.  An authentic Savior.  There is nothing false about having faith in someone who time and time again extends His perfect and wonderful grace to someone who doesn't always act like they deserve it.  (That's how grace works, thankfully).



I want this year to be one of real relationships.  People who are willing to call my out when needed.  Who give life giving and soul growing wisdom.  People with no other expectations other than to be your true friend.  I'm letting go of the fake relationships.  Of trying to maintain things that aren't there.

I want this year to be one of real experiences.  Not doing things for the sake of doing them.  Seeking out opportunities to experience life, not just live it.

I want this year to be the year my faith gets even more real.  I expect that means things I am afraid of.  Letting go of things I continue to cling to even though they are long un-needed.  Nothing between me and my God.  Stripped down.  Face to face.  Faith.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

Romans 12:2