For Reflection Can you imagine God loving someone whom you consider to be evil or unredeemable? Can you imagine that God loves you and that person equally?
My response – This is something that I’ve thought about from time-to-time. It’s easy enough to love those who we consider friends and those who do good in the world. But it’s definitely hard to fathom loving someone who has “done us wrong” or is absolutely evil. But I am told that God loves us each and every one, regardless of our thoughts and actions.
The New Testament is filled with examples of times in Jesus’ life when he sat down and conversed and associated with tax collectors, thieves, prostitutes, and the like. Many times there are those who would question why he was doing so.
We are to learn about the nature of God from the thoughts, words, and deeds of Jesus. In doing so, I realize I fall well short of the goal of loving all, even those I percieve have done me wrong. I can ask God today to allow me to forgive those who have wrong me and to forgive myself when I’m unable to do so. It’s a true work in progress, for I am human.
Yet another member of the ’96 state championship football team at Hickory High… went on to become star basketball player at Lenoir-Rhyne University… now head men’s basketball coach at his alma mater… former middle school student Daniel Willis
You never know who you’re going to run into on life’s path. Today it was former student Michael Collins, former Grandview student. Michael was on the ’96 state championship football team in high school.
He then went on to become a standout offensive lineman for the Wake Forest University Athletics Demon Deacons (1997–2001), named first-team All-ACC in 2001. Hailing from Hickory, NC, the 6’6″, 290+ lb guard was a key starter who helped lead Wake Forest to winning records.
Michael then went to the NFL, signing with the Baltimore Ravens (2002–2003) and Green Bay Packers (2004).
It was a true pleasure to see Michael out and about today and see the fine man he has become. One of the true fringe benefits of being a career teacher.
The rains started last night and continue to fall at the noon hour…we should see the rain stopping around 4 p.m. and cloudy skies for the remainder of the day. – Thursday, 11:40 a.m.
Today marks the one week mark in my time away from social media for the Lenten season. Like in previous years, the change has taken some time to adjust to, but I’ve been able to find more than enough to keep me occupied.
One particular interest I’ve taken is researching the effects of social media, both as individuals and as groups. Several of the videos I’ve watched suggest getting rid of social media for a variety of reasons. These have been interesting to investigate, especially given the fact I’m staying away from social media for a period of time.
I did keep Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat around for several days, but felt like this too needed to be eliminated. I’ve taken those bookmarks off the browser on my home computer and laptop and have removed the apps from my phone.
I know I still need to make more productive use of my time away, but overall I’m pleased with the results thus far.
If I could eliminate one word in the English language it would be “unpack”. I have heard this word used countless times in conversations where you’re going to try to explain something,,,to dissect it. It’s closely related to the term “deep dive.” If you’re going in-depth with a topic, you’re taking a deep dive and like “unpack,” I think this is something we can well do without.
I recently watched a TEDx talk by Dr. Cal Newport detailing his views on social media. Dr. Newport is unique in that he has never had any sort of social media account. In this talk, he details some of the key issues surrounding social media use. I took notes during my second viewing of the talk and am sharing those here.
Social media is NOT a fundamental technology for living in today’s world – It IS an entertainment technology
He considers himself to be better off in life without using social media
Objections to quitting social media: A.) Don’t think I can function in the modern world with interaction with others in social media B.) It is vital to my modern world autonomy – I won’t be able to market effectively C.) It’s harmless, I have fun, I might miss out of something if I don’t use it.
Social media outlets hire employees, attention engineers, whose job is to make the outlets more addictive
The key is to develop skills that are rare and valuable…people will find you without social media
Social media reduces the ability to focus for long periods of time – Permanently reduces the ability to concentrate.
Increases the feeling of isolation and loneliness…can increase instances of depression…our brains are not wired for what social media is geared towards
The first couple of weeks away from social media can be uncomfortable.
No social media equates to higher productivity….no social media means much less stressful leisure time….restorative and peaceful
Social media is like a slot machine on your phone…
Anything a smartphone can do is not going to be what the market rewards.
David Lee 