Technology Challenge

I must first tell you all "Thank you" for your prayers over my back. I don't mean to be a wimpy wimp, but I've just never had this kind of pain before, and back pain is kinda scary. Especially since I am pretty active, I don't want this to stick with me for long. So, I'm still on all my meds minus one of them, because that one made me dizzy and sick. My tummy is getting used to the ones I'm taking and my back feels a little bit better :) So thank you for lifting me up in prayer.

Today's been a great day so far! I woke up with Jamie, had breakfast together, took Leia out for a walk, sat on a heating pad while watching The Today Show, went on a long walk by myself, took a piping hot bubble bath, had lunch with Jamie at his work, went to Arlington to shop at an antique store, and now I'm home. For dinner, Jamie and I are going to have grilled chicken caesar salad :) Yummy in my tummy!

This is what I bought at the antique store:

Who remembers having these? I remember having Disney ones and Barbie ones! They're the best, and this thing was only $1.50! This was one of Jamie's favorite movies of all time, so I just had to have it! Jamie and his sweet mama danced to "Somewhere Out There" at our wedding for the Mother/Son dance, and it was just precious. All that to say, this thermos had to come home with me. I also got "Beezus and Ramona" by Beverly Cleary and "Mister Seahorse" by Eric Carle. 2 authors and 2 books that I love! Only I would buy children's books when I should probably buy grown-up books....nah!

Technology Challenge:

Okay, here is something that has weighed very heavy on my heart for a while and it has just recently become a bigger deal. Let's just be honest with ourselves: technology is awesome! I love watching TV and movies. I love having Netflix. I love my cell phone and that I can text, take pictures, use GPS, look things up on the internet, play games and so on. I love having a lap top that I can prop on my lap and write this blog thing. I truly do love technology, but recently, I've noticed that it is an all-consuming issue for many people. Several months ago, Jamie and I were eating at On The Border in Edmond, OK, and I looked at this family of 5, and ALL 5 OF THEM had their cell phones out and were not talking to each other. Me, being the nosey person that I am, kept watching this family, and the only person they talked to throughout the meal was their waiter. Oh. My. Shockingness. I was appalled at the lack of communication with this family, and immediately being talking to Jamie about how that WILL NOT be our family once we have babies. No way! Notta chance! Yeah right! Heck to the No!

All that to say, I think that ALL of us need to take a proactive approach in putting the technology away from time to time. I'm not saying to get rid of your smart phones or shut down your computer and to give away your DVD's, but this is what I am suggesting:

1. Put the phones away while you're having meals with family or friends

2. Do not text over and over and over again when you're with family or friends. When you do that, it tells that person(s) that you care more about the person whom you are texting rather than who you're hanging out with. Personally, that's a huge pet peeve of mine when people constantly text when they're with me. Just bein' honest...don't do it around me. For real.

3. When watching a movie, whether in the theater or at home, put the iPad and cell phones away. Enjoy that movie with the people you're watching it with. If you're with your spouse, use that as valuable cuddle time, and curl up close together.

4. When you go out to eat, take that stinkin' phone off the table! Everyone has caller ID and voice mail. If it's that important, they'll leave a message for you to call them back. Just leave it in the car, in your purse, at home...anywhere BUT the table!

5. Get your work done before or after you're having family/friend time. If you are doing your work on your phone, try your best to do it on your own time and not when you're around others. It will mean so much more to them to have you fully there, rather than worrying about work/business junk.

I don't mean to sound like a Granny Grunt, but I just feel passionately about people having intentional "hang out" time, and embracing the chance to talk, play, laugh, share stories, play games, etc.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14.

Folks, that is what I am talking about. We are not here for long, so embrace the time that you have with family and friends without all the technology junk distracting you! Instead of watching TV in different rooms, find something to watch together. Take advantage of your time together, whether it's with your parents, spouse, sibling, child, or friend. Alone time is great and much needed, but spend time with others too...WITHOUT the technology. I'm not saying that technological devices are the bad guys. You are. It's your choice to spend time with people with your whole heart or with part of your heart and your cell phone.

As I always say, I love you guys, and pray only the best for you! Spend time with others! Love on each other and try to live up to my challenge for this weekend. Just try to put the technology away for just a little bit...you can do it!

Love Always,

Abby Scho