Technology Age

If you really sit back and think about how technology has evolved over the past 20 years it will blow your mind. I grew up with Nintendo. At that point and time we were on the cutting edge of technology having surpassed the Atari. Now those games that we once thought were so cool are put to shame by games and gaming systems such as the PS3, XBOX 360 and the Wii.

My first memory of a cell phone was a bag car phone. Now we have phones that are not only much smaller but they are mini cameras and computers as well. Computer monitors and television sets have decreased in size yet have increased in visual effects. Gone are the days of paying with cash even at fast food restaurants and vending machines. Banking and shopping are done via the internet. People no longer make phone calls to see how someone is doing or write letters for correspondence but rather text and e-mail.

Facebook and Twitter capture our time and attention as we use them as ways to express ourselves as well as to keep track of family and friends. It amazes me that we live in a society that wants to keep their affairs private yet through technology we put ourselves out there for all to see. We say that we don’t but we have hundreds of friends or followers on our social networking sites and then get upset when people comment on our status or pictures in such a way that we don’t agree with.

When we are angry, sad, happy, sad etc… we rush to our social networking sights to quickly make that information available. Not only do we make it public knowledge how we are feeling but we make public our location and the reason for us being there. Very rarely do you see someone in a public place when they are not communicating via text messaging, phone call or mobile web. After all this is the technology age. I am not opposed to the technological advances because it is just a part of the world we live in. However, I would caution us to be careful what we share. It seems as if we are more bold, open and honest when using technology then when we are having face to face communication.

Although we are living in the technology age let us not forget to take a break from it all and have some human contact without typing, scrolling or dialing. I to enjoy technology as I very rarely hand write anything. Much of my work is accomplished through e-mails, text messages and phone calls. However, it is still good to hear an, I love you face to face and to share your feelings with someone and see their reaction holds great value. In conclusion I would encourage us all to stay on the cutting edge of technology as we need it in this 21st century to keep up with evolving times. Yet let us be ever mindful to take time and share those God given emotions that we have with those around so that they do not become numb. Just a few thoughts.

"Change"

   Change. One word that impacts lives like no other. “Change” always brings about something new. As a result some things have to be left behind and others have to be embraced and accepted. The past 5 ½ years of my family’s life has been spent laboring in Seneca, SC as the Lord used us to build a great church. The church had been through lots of “Change” in its first several years of existence.

   Through the grace of God we were able to have had the longest tenure as Pastor of that wonderful congregation. We poured our lives in the work of the ministry to see the church become established in doctrine, relationships, finances as well as Spiritual growth. Attendance records were broken as an outpouring of the Spirit of God came to our city. People were healed of cancer and diabetes, drug addicts were delivered and marriages were rescued from the brink of destruction. Many were filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus Name! “Change” was taken place.

   However, the “Change” that no one expected came like a punch right in the stomach. Through God’s sovereignty He called our family back to our home church to serve as Pastor of that congregation. Everything in Seneca was going so well which made the call to change so difficult. However, since the “Change” took place I have been thrilled to see Living Water Church in Seneca doing so well. As we visited to preach one last time I could not find a parking spot and had a hard time finding a seat. “Change” has not been easy but “Change” has been embraced. Living Water now has a wonderful Pastor and the church is headed for heights in which it has seen in vision only for the past 5 ½ years but will now be able to embrace as reality all because of one word, “Change”.

   Now as my family and I embark on “Change” our new journey in God’s will we are walking with anticipation of what the Lord has in store. We give honor to Pastor and Sis. Goddard! It is our honor to serve with you in this time of “Change”. This is not a decision that we have taken lightly nor has it been easy but we do feel the will of God at work. “Change”. One word that impacts lives like no other. What will you do when “Change” comes knocking on your door? Don’t run from it. Seek God, embrace His will and get ready for the “Change”!