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.

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?

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.

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!!

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,