Within the past Ten years Advertising during Christmas has definitely advanced. I feel like we get hit on all sides to buys certain products. We see advertisements online on websites, in the ads in newspapers, on TV in our email - everywhere. And this makes me wonder if this has had an effect on the consumerism that has increased in our country. I doubt Walmart had people standing outside in the cold and 4am on Black Friday Ten years ago.
Also I wouldn't be surprised if the amount of money being spent as also increased because what is being purchased, which I would submit that more Communication Technologies are being purchased. Is this a new immutable law? The more Communication Technologies that get developed more we will be consumed with consumerism?
We have so much visual stimuli That comes at us during the Christmas season because that is something that our culture values and uses as a way to promote us to buy things. I think we have substituted image for truth. In advertising we see people very happy with the new item they use. Then is that the reality when this item is bought and given as a present? Is the truth that that person is more happy after they own this item?
Are we valuing Consumerism over the Christmas season? And are Communication Technologies pushing toward this as well... I would argue- in some degrees- yes.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Men and Women What appeals to whom?
When it come to new technologies what appeals to whom? I think this may be more of a questioning blog than one that provides many answers. Lets take me for example, I participate in and use many technologies as a woman. Things I use most, are the features on my cell phone (i.e planner, Text messaging, calling) Email, internet, Instant messanger, Blackboard, registering for classes digital music, MP3s etc. I think that men tend to use these things plus more. For me I use Com Techs that end up aiding me in my job or my social life... most of the things that I use are effecting me so that I can participate in society.
Men I would say use these things and Com techs associated with entertainment. Why do guys find Games (generally) more fascinating rather than women? I asked a guy and he said video Games were: fun, tied into action and movement, along with visual stimulating aspects to the action- these were all bonuses.
As I was thinking about why women don't find this form of entertainment as appealing and I think possibly because the opportunity to relationally socialize is not as high? I ask these questions with and openness to respond. Why did I find video games more fun when I was younger... but not as much now?
Gender does have an effect on our choice of Com techs but I am unsure how... I am wrestling with this and will be seeking to observe these differences to gain insight on this topic.
Men I would say use these things and Com techs associated with entertainment. Why do guys find Games (generally) more fascinating rather than women? I asked a guy and he said video Games were: fun, tied into action and movement, along with visual stimulating aspects to the action- these were all bonuses.
As I was thinking about why women don't find this form of entertainment as appealing and I think possibly because the opportunity to relationally socialize is not as high? I ask these questions with and openness to respond. Why did I find video games more fun when I was younger... but not as much now?
Gender does have an effect on our choice of Com techs but I am unsure how... I am wrestling with this and will be seeking to observe these differences to gain insight on this topic.
"Get a life"- online gaming
Online Gaming has become very popular within the past two years. We are seeing these "online communities" emerge and they have brought in people (generally of the male gender) of all ages. Online games are simple enough where you can just download the operating system then sign on and play the game. To be able to talk to the other players while participating in the game you only need a headset. The diffusion rate is incredible because it reaches people from all ages. Which can have both postive and negative implications. It caught on very quickly with a wide area of people but I feel as if a person would either know about online gaming, heavily participate in it or be completely out of the know.
My little brother has recently become very interested in this form of entertainment. He has always been interested in video games but his free moments are filled with playing this game. So with the ability to talk to the other players this gives a real sense to the game. However I was disappointed and somewhat disturbed when I heard the conversation going on throughout the game. There were at least 4 people who were participating in the conversation ages 12, my little brother 14, another teen ager then an adult who was mocking the other players. This man who was doing most of the talking was using profanities left and right making vulgar comments and just being rude. I could not believe what I was hearing. I thought to my self does this person have anything else to do? Why is he talking to these kids like he is? I was disappointed and annoyed.
I think this has implications for us as a society as well. I think that we should have age limits or more restrictions on these types of games so low lifes like the guy that i was hearing would not be able to play a game like this with my brother. This was like a cheap entertainment form... out of convenience and I think that these people are spending a lot of time with this entertainment rather than socially participating in society.
What is interesting is that Online gaming- with the ability to communicate with other players- has become a Com Tech, while video games before was not. Entertainment has become a form of communication as well.
My little brother has recently become very interested in this form of entertainment. He has always been interested in video games but his free moments are filled with playing this game. So with the ability to talk to the other players this gives a real sense to the game. However I was disappointed and somewhat disturbed when I heard the conversation going on throughout the game. There were at least 4 people who were participating in the conversation ages 12, my little brother 14, another teen ager then an adult who was mocking the other players. This man who was doing most of the talking was using profanities left and right making vulgar comments and just being rude. I could not believe what I was hearing. I thought to my self does this person have anything else to do? Why is he talking to these kids like he is? I was disappointed and annoyed.
I think this has implications for us as a society as well. I think that we should have age limits or more restrictions on these types of games so low lifes like the guy that i was hearing would not be able to play a game like this with my brother. This was like a cheap entertainment form... out of convenience and I think that these people are spending a lot of time with this entertainment rather than socially participating in society.
What is interesting is that Online gaming- with the ability to communicate with other players- has become a Com Tech, while video games before was not. Entertainment has become a form of communication as well.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Generations
I find generational gaps fascinating. I use email, my cell phone, and digital music on a daily basis, where my grandparents find many of these technologies very foreign to them. My grandma refuses to learn how to use email even though she is quite the talker on the phone, or my mom blames myself or my siblings when something goes wrong with the computer, because since we use it more we probably created the malfunction in the computer. My parents have used the internet for some practical purposes but for the most part still rely on paper or conventional methods before they turn to a computer. This makes me think of the various changes that will emerge in our generation.
As we marry have kids, will we be a past generation who is inept at the new technologies, having us at the mercy of our kids to teach us? Or will we be a generation that will keep up with the times? Since we have been so used to constant development and advancement in technology I wonder if we will be able to progress right along side the next generation because we are used to learning new Com Techs.
Obviously only time will tell, because Diffusion come into play, which generations will accept new technologies, or if our generation will continue to place the same importance on technology as we do today, ( what we will value in the future), or what our motivations will be in adapting in society. As I said only time will tell.
As we marry have kids, will we be a past generation who is inept at the new technologies, having us at the mercy of our kids to teach us? Or will we be a generation that will keep up with the times? Since we have been so used to constant development and advancement in technology I wonder if we will be able to progress right along side the next generation because we are used to learning new Com Techs.
Obviously only time will tell, because Diffusion come into play, which generations will accept new technologies, or if our generation will continue to place the same importance on technology as we do today, ( what we will value in the future), or what our motivations will be in adapting in society. As I said only time will tell.
Technology Failing
In the past two weeks I have heard about more and more people speak of how slow their internet was, or their cell phone breaking or blackboard not working and this has turned into a feeling of frustration in their lives.
When technology fails it messes with our daily lives and makes us not only think about how much we may rely on technology but also we find other alternatives in completing our task. Now I was thinking about whether we are unhealthily dependent on technology or if has just simply become a method that we rely on just as we do in our ability to talk or hear. Email has become just about as effective as a phone call. Or where a hundred years ago when the writing letters was an important mode for communication, we would naturally get frustrated if the post services were down.
My theory for why we see technology as the bad guy is because technology has come into our lives very quickly and penetrated into many areas of our lives in both a good and bad manner. It diffused quickly and was first seen as a luxury and now it is becoming more and more of a necessity.
Unless it consumes us completely I have decided I am not that opposed to the way in which technology has diffused. And I think that we should acknowledge the realistic role it plays in our lives so that we can better examine it in the future...
How it affects our relationships- with God, family, friends.
How it affects our temperament.
how it affects society as a whole.
When technology fails it messes with our daily lives and makes us not only think about how much we may rely on technology but also we find other alternatives in completing our task. Now I was thinking about whether we are unhealthily dependent on technology or if has just simply become a method that we rely on just as we do in our ability to talk or hear. Email has become just about as effective as a phone call. Or where a hundred years ago when the writing letters was an important mode for communication, we would naturally get frustrated if the post services were down.
My theory for why we see technology as the bad guy is because technology has come into our lives very quickly and penetrated into many areas of our lives in both a good and bad manner. It diffused quickly and was first seen as a luxury and now it is becoming more and more of a necessity.
Unless it consumes us completely I have decided I am not that opposed to the way in which technology has diffused. And I think that we should acknowledge the realistic role it plays in our lives so that we can better examine it in the future...
How it affects our relationships- with God, family, friends.
How it affects our temperament.
how it affects society as a whole.
Effective Presentations
For the past few class periods we have sat through a number of various presentations and some obviously stood out above the rest as better presentations. A thought that I would like to process through this blog is what makes a great presentation and what makes another boring. I believe that technology has a role in this and can work for or against the presentors.
A pet peeve that I have developed is when the person goes up to the front and seems to have spent a decent amount of time preparing the information to present in a power point form and he or she simply read the information off of each slide. To me this is incredibly boring. I do not see why people see reading off of a power point as much different than reading their notes. Because the only difference in my opinion is that you can make the words move, the audience can see the notes and there may be a cool background. This is an example when technology has become a crutch in the art of presenting. The time taken to prepare the power point only brings out a boring slide show rather than a stimulating presentation. So I think that if a person chooses to use technology they should make an effort to spice it up a bit with interaction, inflection in their tone, better eye contact, the ability to move around, and not as much detail on the slide but providing that detail in explanation when presenting.
People are using technology out of convenience, because sometimes it does not require much creativity. And because the technology is between the presenter and his or her audience, a social distance is formed... where the notion that people can feel like they can approch the presenter is lost.
I frankly admired the people who got the audience involved, smiled, seemed to have fun up front... and unfortunately only and handful of my classmates come to mind. More information is not always better. Personality, simplicity and quality is more widely appreciated.
A pet peeve that I have developed is when the person goes up to the front and seems to have spent a decent amount of time preparing the information to present in a power point form and he or she simply read the information off of each slide. To me this is incredibly boring. I do not see why people see reading off of a power point as much different than reading their notes. Because the only difference in my opinion is that you can make the words move, the audience can see the notes and there may be a cool background. This is an example when technology has become a crutch in the art of presenting. The time taken to prepare the power point only brings out a boring slide show rather than a stimulating presentation. So I think that if a person chooses to use technology they should make an effort to spice it up a bit with interaction, inflection in their tone, better eye contact, the ability to move around, and not as much detail on the slide but providing that detail in explanation when presenting.
People are using technology out of convenience, because sometimes it does not require much creativity. And because the technology is between the presenter and his or her audience, a social distance is formed... where the notion that people can feel like they can approch the presenter is lost.
I frankly admired the people who got the audience involved, smiled, seemed to have fun up front... and unfortunately only and handful of my classmates come to mind. More information is not always better. Personality, simplicity and quality is more widely appreciated.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Technologies in the faith
Nooma Videos. These videos are considered wonderful teaching tools. Rob Bell, who is the pastor of Mars Hill Christian Church is the creator of these thought provoking messages via video. His ministry is all about being relavant and challenging people to seek God through truth and finding meaning in things again. However one of his teaching tools is the videos he has created.
I think that there are pros and cons to using video. Pros is that it can be distributed to a large array of people all over the world communicating the message of Jesus Christ, it can add special effects that may keep the attention of contemporary audiences better than a speaker could. Cons is that he is not right there with us... it could be seen as impersonal, it could be seen as just a money maker or as acting. I think that the older generation may feel a greater social distance between the speaker and themselves than perhaps the newer generations. Some may feel a lack of personal interaction which can be perfectly understandable. However is the technology getting in the way of the speaker or is it aiding the speaker to communicate I would argue it aids the speaker in the case of Ron bell. It does give me a sense to want to see him in person, thinking that his biblical teaching would perhaps be more profound in person than on video.
After all this I think we still desire face to face communication above all.
I think that there are pros and cons to using video. Pros is that it can be distributed to a large array of people all over the world communicating the message of Jesus Christ, it can add special effects that may keep the attention of contemporary audiences better than a speaker could. Cons is that he is not right there with us... it could be seen as impersonal, it could be seen as just a money maker or as acting. I think that the older generation may feel a greater social distance between the speaker and themselves than perhaps the newer generations. Some may feel a lack of personal interaction which can be perfectly understandable. However is the technology getting in the way of the speaker or is it aiding the speaker to communicate I would argue it aids the speaker in the case of Ron bell. It does give me a sense to want to see him in person, thinking that his biblical teaching would perhaps be more profound in person than on video.
After all this I think we still desire face to face communication above all.
Handwriting...
The test that we took in class on Thursday is a very explicit example of the handwritten fading out and the typed form of communication becoming more prevelant. I feel like this trend will become more and more popular in the next few years and very quickly as well. I have heard many people comment on liking typing rather than writing things out by hand. I think there are many reasons for this.
1. Some people like the neatness and professionalism of typing better than something that is hand written
2. Some are just more fluent in thought and word when typing.
3. It takes less time.
THere are two theories that come to mind here and that is the FAST fast fast of Sochay's immutable laws ... typing is faster why not just type? Why take the time to personally write a note with a pen or email it?
Secondly people may have spent the time to hand write their work. People may have spent the time to think things through while writing it out. However people are replacing that time with the time it takes to type (less time) and adding other activities. Still spending the same amount of time just differently. (Relative Consistency)
1. Some people like the neatness and professionalism of typing better than something that is hand written
2. Some are just more fluent in thought and word when typing.
3. It takes less time.
THere are two theories that come to mind here and that is the FAST fast fast of Sochay's immutable laws ... typing is faster why not just type? Why take the time to personally write a note with a pen or email it?
Secondly people may have spent the time to hand write their work. People may have spent the time to think things through while writing it out. However people are replacing that time with the time it takes to type (less time) and adding other activities. Still spending the same amount of time just differently. (Relative Consistency)
Why haven't we heard?
The first time I heard about the "big Digital TV" switch was in class this week. My question is why have we not heard about this information that will surely change the face of Television forever? Television is the way that many messages are sent, whether it be about new products, communicating cultural characteristics in our society, or important news that is vital to our understanding? With that said why has the FCA hesitated to educate Americans about D TV? I have few thoughts on this.
Well as we mentioned in class the timing has been really off. It is proven that an effective Communication Technology is one that comes out when society is ready for it. Digital TV has been around for a few years but has been far too expensive for anyone to buy... so how can people be knowledgeable about DTV when it is seen as an outlandishly priced electronic. Slowly the price has been declining and which is paving the way for a DTV or HD-TV to be the household standard.
Another thought is that with the postmodern view and lifestyle becoming more widely excepted the value of image has increased. One of the selling factors of HD TV is image clarity. Image has been the way we see reality- "seeing is believing" was THE advertising slogan for Disney when they were marketing the Blue Ray HD -dvds. So as word has faded out, better image quality has become a priority.
With these two movements now in place and the foundational knowledge about DTV, the campaigns will most likely become more common, that is my prediction at least. And People rememeber what is right in front of them, not things that was advertised years before hand.
Well as we mentioned in class the timing has been really off. It is proven that an effective Communication Technology is one that comes out when society is ready for it. Digital TV has been around for a few years but has been far too expensive for anyone to buy... so how can people be knowledgeable about DTV when it is seen as an outlandishly priced electronic. Slowly the price has been declining and which is paving the way for a DTV or HD-TV to be the household standard.
Another thought is that with the postmodern view and lifestyle becoming more widely excepted the value of image has increased. One of the selling factors of HD TV is image clarity. Image has been the way we see reality- "seeing is believing" was THE advertising slogan for Disney when they were marketing the Blue Ray HD -dvds. So as word has faded out, better image quality has become a priority.
With these two movements now in place and the foundational knowledge about DTV, the campaigns will most likely become more common, that is my prediction at least. And People rememeber what is right in front of them, not things that was advertised years before hand.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Journal 1
REBELLING AGAINST VIRTUAL LECTURES. Using a video or even the discussion board was not a very positive experience. Because I tend to be an optimist, I did not mind going through these methods of learning because I see the value in using Communication Technology but I think it did multiple negative things.
First of all with the video there was a definite gap created between the instructor and the class. We could see him as impersonal, and frankly irresponsible not willing to interact with us. He could not have answered any questions.
The discussion board gave us no visual and could have been very selective to certain types of learning. Personally I do not think that our culture has enough value in the Technology way of communicating and values face to face conversation and interact much more. The negative theories all come into play here. We are feeling more and more distant (at this point) when technology is valued more than face to face interaction.
First of all with the video there was a definite gap created between the instructor and the class. We could see him as impersonal, and frankly irresponsible not willing to interact with us. He could not have answered any questions.
The discussion board gave us no visual and could have been very selective to certain types of learning. Personally I do not think that our culture has enough value in the Technology way of communicating and values face to face conversation and interact much more. The negative theories all come into play here. We are feeling more and more distant (at this point) when technology is valued more than face to face interaction.
What does God say about us being techy
Journal 4
The biblical perspective of communication technology can be quite difficult I believe. Because I am pretty sure that we never find the word technology in the bible. However even though that exact word is not used I think we can make some interpretations by listening to other passages that include things such as integrity or fulfilling the great commission or other holy mandates in the Word.
The God I have come to God is a personal God, he is loving in the purest sense of the word and he desires to restore and redeem creation, asking us to become more and more like himself. So if God is a relational God does he feel threatened through computer mediated communication or does he just role with the punches? I think that when relationship is at risk of being injured, whether that be with his people and himself or we are hurting each other, then Communication technology is creating a gap, and has a negative affect. But Communication technology has also helped mass audiences hear the message of Christ. Some of the largest worldwide broad casts have been through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and I am sure many have made a decision to have a personal relationship with Christ through these video broadcasts. However I think that as followers of Christ that we should have follow up with as many people as we can, to make a bridge between just a decision and a relationship.
Many people are affected my pictures, movies, music, and all these things can be associated with ComTech. All of these things have impacted the masses in positive ways. But I would also submit that because of the readily availability of pictures, these can be pornographic and because people can be isolated from accountability the person may develop addictions to such things. And this can be in reguards to gaming, gambling, unhealthy relationships that developed online etc.
Ellul's theory about images not always being truthful applies here. It is unhealthy or perhaps even sinful when our reality becomes what we see on the screen. We rely on pictures to tell us stories and to entertain us, but who said that pictures always tell the truth. They may be powerful but that does not mean that they are truthful.
The biblical perspective of communication technology can be quite difficult I believe. Because I am pretty sure that we never find the word technology in the bible. However even though that exact word is not used I think we can make some interpretations by listening to other passages that include things such as integrity or fulfilling the great commission or other holy mandates in the Word.
The God I have come to God is a personal God, he is loving in the purest sense of the word and he desires to restore and redeem creation, asking us to become more and more like himself. So if God is a relational God does he feel threatened through computer mediated communication or does he just role with the punches? I think that when relationship is at risk of being injured, whether that be with his people and himself or we are hurting each other, then Communication technology is creating a gap, and has a negative affect. But Communication technology has also helped mass audiences hear the message of Christ. Some of the largest worldwide broad casts have been through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and I am sure many have made a decision to have a personal relationship with Christ through these video broadcasts. However I think that as followers of Christ that we should have follow up with as many people as we can, to make a bridge between just a decision and a relationship.
Many people are affected my pictures, movies, music, and all these things can be associated with ComTech. All of these things have impacted the masses in positive ways. But I would also submit that because of the readily availability of pictures, these can be pornographic and because people can be isolated from accountability the person may develop addictions to such things. And this can be in reguards to gaming, gambling, unhealthy relationships that developed online etc.
Ellul's theory about images not always being truthful applies here. It is unhealthy or perhaps even sinful when our reality becomes what we see on the screen. We rely on pictures to tell us stories and to entertain us, but who said that pictures always tell the truth. They may be powerful but that does not mean that they are truthful.
Next Generation Communicators
Journal 3
When I think about the students that will be coming into college and then into the adult world, I get a little apprehensive and anxious. My reason for these feelings is because although I have seen communication technology aid interpersonal communication, I am also seeing a greater gap in the art of person to person communication.
More and more people are communicating over the phone, through text messaging, IM a video web cam, etc. And although much of their conversations may be casual, some are indeed very heated, or deal with conflict or even deep relational topics. As we learned in class on Tuesday, the most common way for a Junior high student to end a dating relationship is through an online conversation. In my mind this is wimpy and cheap. They do this because the risk of seeing someone's reaction and having hurt feelings is to high in person, so the conversation takes place online.
Perhaps that is only one example, but my question for us is, How does that affect our ability to vulnerable to one another? Are we going to need CMC (computer mediated communication) to voice or hurts or concerns because we are uncomfortable with someone's reaction. The art of speech, the joy of close friendship through experience could be lost.
So in effect our society is changing. These changes are altering the face of the next generation. There are both positive and negatives to this affect. They are seen above. My question is I wonder if we will progressively get more technologically dependent that it is unhealthy, and for some it already is. However I wonder what the future will look like, if technology will continue to drive our society or if we will get fed up and revert back to more "old fashioned" types of communication. I guess only time will tell.
When I think about the students that will be coming into college and then into the adult world, I get a little apprehensive and anxious. My reason for these feelings is because although I have seen communication technology aid interpersonal communication, I am also seeing a greater gap in the art of person to person communication.
More and more people are communicating over the phone, through text messaging, IM a video web cam, etc. And although much of their conversations may be casual, some are indeed very heated, or deal with conflict or even deep relational topics. As we learned in class on Tuesday, the most common way for a Junior high student to end a dating relationship is through an online conversation. In my mind this is wimpy and cheap. They do this because the risk of seeing someone's reaction and having hurt feelings is to high in person, so the conversation takes place online.
Perhaps that is only one example, but my question for us is, How does that affect our ability to vulnerable to one another? Are we going to need CMC (computer mediated communication) to voice or hurts or concerns because we are uncomfortable with someone's reaction. The art of speech, the joy of close friendship through experience could be lost.
So in effect our society is changing. These changes are altering the face of the next generation. There are both positive and negatives to this affect. They are seen above. My question is I wonder if we will progressively get more technologically dependent that it is unhealthy, and for some it already is. However I wonder what the future will look like, if technology will continue to drive our society or if we will get fed up and revert back to more "old fashioned" types of communication. I guess only time will tell.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Communicating Personally
Journal 2
SO to relate my position to Communication Technology, like I was supposed to. Actually there has been a huge impact of com tech on my way of life. I am learning that efficiency is not an enemy to people. I used to think that having everything organized to a tee or scheduling people in was almost dehumanizing them, fitting them into a slot. However I have realized if I am constructive and careful when using these technologies they can actually aid relationship, and organization can have a very positive effect on my life.
I have used Email more than I ever have. Whereas before I would simply check my email and not respond very often to the messages. Now I have realized that the sooner I can make a reply the less stress is applied to my life later when I would have had to make a decision last minute. Technology has aided my time-management. A Theory by George Simmel is that that with technology comes social distance. I would say that although this could be a possibility I have used technology to create relationship and connection. Through being instrumental in using my email along with texting and using my cell phone I have contacted people to get together for coffee dates, one on ones and organize group social events. I have tried to use technology as something that implements relationship. It has has helped me make face to face contact with many.
I would say that Sochay's third law that-
"There is an inverse relationship between new communication technologies and our ability to hear God's voice."
is something I fear may happen. Although I have used technology to aid my ability to build relationships... this could potentially hurt my relationship with God. That perhaps (indirectly) through Comtech, allowing me to get together with more people, I may minimize my time with God because of the business created. I think it is so very important to to be able to slow down and be still before the almighty, to have space in which he can be heard.
So I would have to say that the communication technologies that I use the most and find most helpful would be these: Cell phones, Internet, email, text messaging and instant messaging. Many times I would like to sit down and write a note, or a letter to a distant friend but then our of convenience I don't. I was an exchange student in Germany my sophomore year of high school and could only use letters or SNAIL MAIL as it is now called. And I really learned to value the time that it takes to do such a thing. The fact that they were touching the same paper that you are now reading, they wrote that in their personal handwriting. It meant a lot and continues to, however I get very small glimpses of that similar meaning. I am finding meaning in other ways.
SO to relate my position to Communication Technology, like I was supposed to. Actually there has been a huge impact of com tech on my way of life. I am learning that efficiency is not an enemy to people. I used to think that having everything organized to a tee or scheduling people in was almost dehumanizing them, fitting them into a slot. However I have realized if I am constructive and careful when using these technologies they can actually aid relationship, and organization can have a very positive effect on my life.
I have used Email more than I ever have. Whereas before I would simply check my email and not respond very often to the messages. Now I have realized that the sooner I can make a reply the less stress is applied to my life later when I would have had to make a decision last minute. Technology has aided my time-management. A Theory by George Simmel is that that with technology comes social distance. I would say that although this could be a possibility I have used technology to create relationship and connection. Through being instrumental in using my email along with texting and using my cell phone I have contacted people to get together for coffee dates, one on ones and organize group social events. I have tried to use technology as something that implements relationship. It has has helped me make face to face contact with many.
I would say that Sochay's third law that-
"There is an inverse relationship between new communication technologies and our ability to hear God's voice."
is something I fear may happen. Although I have used technology to aid my ability to build relationships... this could potentially hurt my relationship with God. That perhaps (indirectly) through Comtech, allowing me to get together with more people, I may minimize my time with God because of the business created. I think it is so very important to to be able to slow down and be still before the almighty, to have space in which he can be heard.
So I would have to say that the communication technologies that I use the most and find most helpful would be these: Cell phones, Internet, email, text messaging and instant messaging. Many times I would like to sit down and write a note, or a letter to a distant friend but then our of convenience I don't. I was an exchange student in Germany my sophomore year of high school and could only use letters or SNAIL MAIL as it is now called. And I really learned to value the time that it takes to do such a thing. The fact that they were touching the same paper that you are now reading, they wrote that in their personal handwriting. It meant a lot and continues to, however I get very small glimpses of that similar meaning. I am finding meaning in other ways.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
My life as an ARD
Well I don't expect this blog to be incredibly profound or detailed but but I think at this point it would be good for me to process my position thus far in the year. So far I would say I love what I do. I find it challenging and life giving all at the same time. Through this position I feel like God knows me well, he knows my talents, my downfalls and my heart. Of course God knows me... he shows that to me often, but with this position, I feel I cannot deny the work he is doing in my life.
Everyday I am being taught, by God and by those around me. The support in my life right now is so great that it is almost beyond words. Sometimes I feel as if I don't deserve to be supported like I am but I realize it may not be best to think that way. I just hope that I always appreciate my current situation in life.
I seriously learn what I am doing as I am doing it... which is so exciting for me and just allows for so much dependence on God. The people that I influence are many, about 150 in fact. And that is a huge responsibility... that I hope I always treat with care.
"perhaps you were called to this position for such a time as this..." I do feel called to what I do. I even feel prepared for it, but in a very unspecific way. I think my heart is prepared for the position as a whole, I am just learning that in little or big things, this is position is becoming a lifestyle. My involvement the freshman's lives is different than the involvement that I have had with past ministries. I am a little more removed, but constantly being watched. I have big group interactions and not as much one on ones... Of course I am still overwhelmed by learning everyone's name but even though I may not be able to know their name I do care for each person so much. And as I pass each student I hope that I can communicate with my smile that I would be here for them. That if they were to say their day isn't going to well, I would stop and listen. But I realize I cannot do that on my own... and that that kind of care can only be communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit. I hope not to be driven by my own ambitions, but driven by a selfless love.
I am learning patience, humility, and something a little more practical as well- time management... I still need a lot of work in all of these areas... but that is what the whole year is for right?
Everyday I am being taught, by God and by those around me. The support in my life right now is so great that it is almost beyond words. Sometimes I feel as if I don't deserve to be supported like I am but I realize it may not be best to think that way. I just hope that I always appreciate my current situation in life.
I seriously learn what I am doing as I am doing it... which is so exciting for me and just allows for so much dependence on God. The people that I influence are many, about 150 in fact. And that is a huge responsibility... that I hope I always treat with care.
"perhaps you were called to this position for such a time as this..." I do feel called to what I do. I even feel prepared for it, but in a very unspecific way. I think my heart is prepared for the position as a whole, I am just learning that in little or big things, this is position is becoming a lifestyle. My involvement the freshman's lives is different than the involvement that I have had with past ministries. I am a little more removed, but constantly being watched. I have big group interactions and not as much one on ones... Of course I am still overwhelmed by learning everyone's name but even though I may not be able to know their name I do care for each person so much. And as I pass each student I hope that I can communicate with my smile that I would be here for them. That if they were to say their day isn't going to well, I would stop and listen. But I realize I cannot do that on my own... and that that kind of care can only be communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit. I hope not to be driven by my own ambitions, but driven by a selfless love.
I am learning patience, humility, and something a little more practical as well- time management... I still need a lot of work in all of these areas... but that is what the whole year is for right?
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Learning in Com tech and Soc.
What do you want to learn about his semester with respect to com tech soc?
I would really appreciate learning about the affect Com/tech has on morals and faith. I specifically am interested in the unconscious effect that media has on people of all generations. I would just like to expand some practical knowledge in knowing how to opperate better as a college student in such a "techy" world. Thats it in a nutshell.
I would really appreciate learning about the affect Com/tech has on morals and faith. I specifically am interested in the unconscious effect that media has on people of all generations. I would just like to expand some practical knowledge in knowing how to opperate better as a college student in such a "techy" world. Thats it in a nutshell.
kingdom
"The Kingdom" by Bethany Dillon
It tapped me on the shoulder today when I got home
I saw everything collecting dust
It made me hope there was something more
I pour over pages, desperate to find out why
The cripple at your table has what I'm longing to find
Teach me how to hum it
Because I don't know the words yet
Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Why are some women barren?
While the wicked's house is full
The stories never seem to end
Give me evidence I'm not alone
You said the weak would be lifted up
But maybe just not yet
So while I wait in this flesh and blood
I'll learn to lean in
Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
This song is so profound to me... it echos victory and struggle in the Kingdom of God. It also seeks to understand why God allows the Kingdom to be the way it is, however then it teaches us to wait on Him... Trust in Him even if we do not always recieve and answer. I pray that our eyes would be more fit to see the Kingdom here on Earth. "They Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." What if we really prayed that prayer? Let his will be done JUST as it is in Heaven? I thnk we would be surprised, and if we open our mouths and hearts to speak these words... wonderful, crazy, Spiritual things would be done by the power of Christ. God let us hunger for your Kingdom!!
It tapped me on the shoulder today when I got home
I saw everything collecting dust
It made me hope there was something more
I pour over pages, desperate to find out why
The cripple at your table has what I'm longing to find
Teach me how to hum it
Because I don't know the words yet
Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Why are some women barren?
While the wicked's house is full
The stories never seem to end
Give me evidence I'm not alone
You said the weak would be lifted up
But maybe just not yet
So while I wait in this flesh and blood
I'll learn to lean in
Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
This song is so profound to me... it echos victory and struggle in the Kingdom of God. It also seeks to understand why God allows the Kingdom to be the way it is, however then it teaches us to wait on Him... Trust in Him even if we do not always recieve and answer. I pray that our eyes would be more fit to see the Kingdom here on Earth. "They Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." What if we really prayed that prayer? Let his will be done JUST as it is in Heaven? I thnk we would be surprised, and if we open our mouths and hearts to speak these words... wonderful, crazy, Spiritual things would be done by the power of Christ. God let us hunger for your Kingdom!!
You know, who knows
mmmm... as I am being pensive in class trying to create emo names for my blogs, I am excited about this new online adventure in journaling. I honestly don't know how committed I will be to this idea of blogging. However for this class- Com Tech and Society, I will try to be a "blogger" as they call it. So we will see. So far I like this class,
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