I Love My High-Tech Life

See that alarm clock! I remember every night's routine of winding it up to keep it going – especially so that the alarm would go off the next morning. Fast forward to today and my “Alexa” plays a comfortable sound that wakes me up!

A few days ago, I blogged about high discernment being better than high-tech. Don’t get me wrong! I’m not knocking our world of technology. Even when one of my high-tech devices goes on the fritz, doing life the good-old-days way, is a hassle. You know – the microwave, the dishwasher, etc. We are so high tech that we get whatever we need for whatever we are doing at the time -- from driving to all kinds of gadgets in every place -- the kitchen, the car, garage, music, fitness, watches. I'm so grateful to be able to move through my life with less to be concerned about – like when I drive so many miles to Tulsa or down to Austin. The technology in my car -- a GPS sytem and indicators let me know when a tire is too low or it’s time for an oil change.

I can’t imagine how long it would take me to write my daily blogs without my computer and access to the internet. The Internet has forever changed the way we relate to one another. Getting messages out to a large list of people in an instant, at one time, unlike the days of phoning all those people or snail mail. The good old days, were good, but, hallelujah, for these good NEW days when we get so much accomplished so much faster.

My little world of technology makes so much difference to me, but it's truly a miracle for those who can see now because of specialized glasses, for those who can hear because of implants, and those without limbs or even a voice have access to technology that gives them the ability to speak.

What a privilege it is to be alive today and see how many people are benefited because of man’s creation. Our Great Creator creates through His children. Every creative act is a partnership with The Creator! I am so privileged. You are so privileged. How often we take our blessings for granted. I’m impressed to consider the gifts in my life that are not available to others -- the ability to see, read, write, or have access to running water, electricity, the internet, transportation, a safe space to call home. If you are reading this blog -- you are so blessed!

God started all this “technology” business. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He created life itself. That is who we are: Children of the Creator. This blog today is pretty basic in its message but quite advanced in us recognizing that technology is a gift from Him, our Creator, and He operates through His skilled image-bearers. It is His Genius that inspires innovators with innovations, artists with art, creators with creations AND you and me who should open up our hearts and lives to Him -- and just perhaps, we might come up with the next technology that creates something that will be used to know Him better, love each other more and glorify Him above all! Let's live with expectant, anticipatory waiting -- not listening like we are chilling in a rocking chair, but listening like we are on the edge of our seat … like we are anticipating a God-idea!

High Tech Versus High Discernment

I heard about a GPS app where parents can know where their kids (who have a cell phone) are at – at any given time. But, beware, parents! I also heard about an app that is called GPS Spoofing where the kid, or anyone, can make it look like they’re somewhere, but in reality, they’re not there at all.

My #2 grandson (in age) is 24. While I was in Austin, he told me that his mom and dad have that GPS app on their phones. I burst out laughing when he said, “I asked them to download that app because I want them to know if I’m stuck out in the middle of an ocean! It gives me security for many reasons.”

But, there are reasons for paring back on high-tech to going after low-or-no-tech that slows us down to draw upon our Most High God's HIGH abilities. Back to the GPS app that identifies where our kids are at any given moment. My mama made it without high tech. She had a “discerner” that knew what I was up to at any given time. My daughter has that “discerner” also because her kids say “Mom has eyes in the back of her head!” It’s true – those eyes are her discerner.

That sounds like the HIGHEST ability of our Heavenly Father Who offers us the Gifts of the Spirit, found in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and one of those Gifts is discernment. I’ve used that Gift for years when it comes to my children, my grandchildren, my friends and my husband. Discernment is being able to distinguish, discern, judge or assess a person, statement, situation or environment. Hebrews 5:14 it tells us it helps us discern good and evil. Oh how we need this low-tech, but high ability in our lives today – for so many reasons. We need to make decisions on family matters, political matters, employment, change of locations, and even giving wise counsel to friends. Discernment is a Gift from God and we need to have a heart-to-heart chat with God – asking Him daily for this Gift.

Discernment is not something we have apart from God. It is something we acquire as we walk closely with Him. If you’re in a struggle with one of your children or your spouse or your employer, it’s time to ask God for discernment – the wisdom and perspective for that situation. God knows exactly what’s going on. He is the Giver of wisdom. Instead of facing all the challenges and changes of life on our own, we have the Creator Himself walking alongside us. Want to know what is going on in a situation that is challenging you? Spend some alone time with God. Ask Him. Wait for His guidance. Freely He gives.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” Philippians 1:9

Greater Things Shall You Do

I walked in the door of the Wuerch's home and there came my youngest grandson to me -- not running -- but riding (standing up) on his hoverboard -- with perfect balance and agility. I remembered the one he had a couple of years ago -- more of a starter version. This one has lights, off road wheels, bluetooth that provides music, is weatherproof and there is no weight restriction.

Older brother, Brennan, was sporting his high tech camera that gets crystal clear, high definition shots with a flip video screen. Larry gave Staci a sweet gift of taking all her music from her five CDs and getting them all listed on iTunes and Spotify. (Check it out if you get a chance.)

And my oldest grandson received a "vlogging" camera, stablizer and headset with retractable earbuds. All the kids received iPhone cords in their stockings. Bear got an Apple watch. Ryan got an Echo-Plus and Dots which all synchronize in room to room or different, which also serves as an intercom system.

All this technology -- wonder if that was what Jesus had in mind when He said, "And greater things than what I do, you will do." John 14:12. Goodness gracious -- Jesus walked everywhere, he was so in touch with others that He knew what they were thinking, his eyes were looking to see what He could do or help someone in need. He was multi-tasking all the time. Yes, we are in the age of the greatest advancements in technology and it is moving at warp speed. What a day it is to be alive to experience so much innovation, witness brilliant minds coming up with such creativity (I love "Shark Tank" where week after week people are coming up with innovative ways ways to do things.)

We heard the song, "Mary, Did You Know?" so many times, by so many different artists, over the Christmas season, and I think about all the Mamas out there who could have been asked similar questions "Mrs. Ford, DID YOU KNOW that your son would invent the car?" "Mrs Wright, DID YOU KNOW your boys would invent the first airplane?" "Mrs. Gates, DID YOU KNOW your son, Bill, would be a world leader and innovator in computer technology?" Mrs. Zuckerberg, DID YOU KNOW your son, Mark, would create Facebook?"

Sincerely, we are the only one who can put limits to what we can achieve. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said "I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) won't come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7. How awesome is that? He is in us, and greater things and greater results and greater accomplishments we can achieve because our CREATOR, came to us as the Baby in the Manger. Oh, but He grew up and opened the door for our creativity and our freedom of being and doing anything we set our minds to do. After all, He Who knows everything about everything lives BIG in us! EMMANUEL -- God with us!

Greater Things Shall You Do

Day 361 of Photo Inspirations -- Greater Things Shall You Do
I have to laugh out loud as I watch my two youngest grandsons enjoy their high tech Christmas gifts. The one that has grabbed the most attention is their hover board.  For most of the day, they're counting the minutes until it's their turn to use it.

Last night, we went to the grocery store and as we exited the car, Brennan said, "Nana, can I take my hoverboard in?"  I was surprised he brought it with us, and at first I said, "No", but then I thought that it may be a good way to keep them locked into me at the store.  After all I needed to be their responsible grandmother.  They took turns riding it up and down the aisles, following me closely.  Several people stopped us to ask "Where did you get that?" Their reply?  "Santa".  A friend said, "Michael J Fox from Back to the Future!"  Hilarious!  When it was time to check out, we were warned by the cashier, "Better not bring that in with you next time. We've had to ban skateboards, skates, hoverboards and heelies from the store.  The risk is too high!"   I get that, but the boys sure were able to enjoy themselves going down those long stretches of "landing strips" before their fun came to an end.  Leave it to Nana to stretch the limits.  LOL!  

My first photo inspiration today was catching Brennan -- not only on the hover board, but, as easy as walking, he had on his Beats headphones and using his iTouch -- operating 3 high tech items at the same time!  Wonder Boy!  LOL!   First it occurred to me -- "Look at the coordination of that boy. He's just like his Nana........NOT!"  I fell yesterday just going up the stairs while talking on the phone to Mom in Tulsa.  Brennan came running to me.  He and  Mom, both, where shouting, "Are you okay?"  I was.

All this technology -- wonder if that was what Jesus had in mind when He said, "And greater things than what I do, you will do."  John 14:12 -- Goodness gracious -- Jesus walked everywhere, he was so in touch with others that He knew what they were thinking, his eyes were looking to see what He could do or help someone in need.  He was multi-tasking all the time.  Yes, we are in the age of the greatest advancements in technology and it is moving at warp speed.  What a day it is to be alive to experience so much innovation, witness brilliant minds coming up with such creativity (I love "Shark Tank" where week after week people are coming up with innovative ways ways to do things.)

We heard the song, "Mary, Did You Know?" so many times over the Christmas season, and I think about all the Mamas out there who could have been asked similar questions "Mrs. Ford, DID YOU KNOW that your son would invent the car?"  "Mrs Wright, DID YOU KNOW your boys would invent the first airplane?"  "Mrs. Gates, DID YOU KNOW your son, Bill, would be a world leader and innovator in computer technology?"   Mrs. Zuckerberg, DID YOU KNOW your son, Mark, would create Facebook?"

Sincerely, we are the only one who can put limits to what we can achieve.  Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said "I am telling you the truth: It's good for you that I'm going away. If I don't go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) won't come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7.  How awesome is that?  He is in us, and greater things and greater results and greater accomplishments we can achieve because our CREATOR, came to us as  the Baby in the Manger.  Oh, but He grew up and opened the door for our creativity and our freedom of being and doing anything we set our minds to do.  After all, He Who knows everything about everything lives BIG in us!  EMMANUEL -- God with us!