We’ve been spending some time with Philippians 4:8-9. That’s where Paul says this: “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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen … Continue reading Gobble gobble gobble
technology
Take back your mind
In the previous devotional I said that the battle is waged from a place of stillness. I was speaking about the personal and spiritual battles we face. Whenever we have to face hardships, we want to do so from a place that is calm, focused, rested and ready. In Psalm 131, David says: “I have … Continue reading Take back your mind
Physical rest without mental rest? (1 1-day invitation)
[Note: After today, the Up! devotional is going on pause for August while I’m on vacation. Full announcement below.] Many people are experiencing what I call “soul fatigue.” An article from the University of California describes the situation well: “We’re tired of being cooped up, tired of being careful, tired of being scared… ‘This is … Continue reading Physical rest without mental rest? (1 1-day invitation)
Your (media) diet
Watch your diet. Have you ever tried to do that? Have you ever tried to tell someone else to do that? It’s just so easy to get into the habit of eating things that taste good—but are really bad for your health. Today I want to encourage you to watch your media diet. All of … Continue reading Your (media) diet
Social media torture = less contentment
We’ve been thinking about invisible robbers who steal your contentment. And more specifically, one who tries to convince you to put too much stock in (a) comparing yourself to others (in person or online), and (b) the judgments and criticisms of others. It’s definitely a big topic. Alain de Bottom wrote a book about “Status … Continue reading Social media torture = less contentment
Online disrespect and technotrauma
More and more people are using the internet to communicate. It makes sense. After all, it’s quick and easy to send someone an email, text or direct message. But I think there’s a growing problem. It’s that people write things that are disrespectful. Why? First, let’s be honest. We humans are deeply flawed. Second, instant … Continue reading Online disrespect and technotrauma
Nomophobia and a technosabbath
According to Psychology Today there’s something called “nomophobia.” It’s “the fear of being without a mobile device, or beyond mobile phone contact.” I read about one study that said more people are even taking their smart phones with them into the shower. Maybe that’s you. Maybe it’s not. Either way, more and more of us are … Continue reading Nomophobia and a technosabbath
Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
More and more of us are spending time on social media. And before you think I’m anti-social media, I’m not. I just think we should be realistic about the role it plays it our lives—both positive and negative. One of the negative things is that it can depress us. I’ve read about a few studies … Continue reading Comparing highlight reels to your behind-the-scenes
A rest… from screens
Writer Lettie Cowman tells about a traveler who visited Africa and used a group of guides and carriers to carry their supplies as they hiked and explored. On the first day she was impressed because they went a huge distance. But the next day the carriers refused to move. The leader said that on the … Continue reading A rest… from screens
Continuous partial attention
We live in the information age. And there are some positive things about that. But there are some negative things too. Linda Stone, a former senior executive with Apple, coined the phrase “continuous partial attention.” She writes that we’re “much more motivated by not wanting to miss anything… we want to be part of this … Continue reading Continuous partial attention
