What a crazy world we are living in right now. Just eight days ago, I was hanging out with a friend, going to McDonalds, and feeding my dog her very own vanilla ice cream cone. The next day, Eric sent me out to stock up on food. And, since then, I have not left my yard. It is amazing how quickly life can change. During this time, my mind and heart have turned to those expecting babies! One of the couples with whom we previously worked recently gave birth and, thankfully, all went well. We wish them so much joy and health in this uncertain time. Not only babies, but weddings! A super sweet … [Read more...]
Put Down Your Phone and Prove Your Love (Blessing Your Sweetie, Part 3)
Spouses have been ignoring each other for centuries. Since the very beginning, there has been something available to put a wedge between husbands and wives. These days, we blame it primarily on technological entertainment, but I am sure there was something before television, video games, and iPhones. Maybe in the 1940s it was the radio or evening paper? Before that, perhaps out cruisin’ in their Model T Fords? We all have within us a human instinct to care for ourselves. Even the most selfless people, if they were honest, would admit that they sometimes struggle with contentment. At our … [Read more...]
How to Give Yourself 30 More Minutes Per Day (or, Spend a Day Unplugged)
The idea of going off the grid excites me to no end (at least, for a day ~smile~)! But, that is, until I think about having to give up my computer and TV. When I consider a day without electronics, I imagine my husband being free! No iPhone, no iPad, no computer games, no Facebook, and no e-mails. Ahhh, what an exhilarating thought for me (and terrifying thought for him ~smile~). Even though such a day would require me to sacrifice a few conveniences I’ve grown to appreciate, I still think twenty-four hours without so much as a quick Facebook check would be incredible! ~smile~ According … [Read more...]
Does Social Media Encourage or Discourage Healthy Connection?
It may be wrong, but I don’t care... I love Facebook. I can wake up in the morning, reach for my phone, search my mini-feed, and find out how many of my loved ones are doing. ~smile~ Social media is one of those luxuries we have not had very long, yet it is hard to imagine life without it! Do any of my fellow Back to the Future fans remember how strange and awkward it was for Marty to exist in the foreign world of 1955? I dare say we would all feel just as lost if we were sent back to 1985. Think about it. Most people did not have cell phones , – and the cell phones which were available … [Read more...]
Three Ways to Guard Against Technology Toxicity (Technological Love, Part 3)
“We never talk anymore. You just stare at that screen.” “I’m staying in touch with my 1,393 friends. I like to know what is going on in their lives.” “What is going on in my life? Any ideas?” “Well, currently... you are ticked off with me.” What is Technology Toxicity? There is no denying it. I adore my iPhone 5S. Growing up, I was always the last one to go for the latest and greatest anything. We held onto our VCR for as long as possible before purchasing a DVD player. Even now my parents have a VHS/DVD combo. And, I am pretty sure CD players had been out for a decade or … [Read more...]