Thanksgiving Technology Challenge

Today in worship I shared research from the following websites about the negative affect that technology is having on our health, our communication skills, and our children.  Here are the links in case you want to read up on it again:

http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/mobile-technology-fact-sheet/

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/clinton-steyer-internet-kids/

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-your-cell-phone-hurts-your-relationships/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/09/children-texting-technology-social-skills_n_1137570.html

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/10/tv.heart.health/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/10/6-ways-tv-affects-your-brain-and-sperm.html

http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/08/31/new-study-finds-cell-phone-addiction-increasingly-realistic-possibility/74312.html

The Gathering also issued a technology challenge to you on your Thanksgiving weekend.  Turn off your phones, lock them up, hide them for an entire day while you reconnect with God and others.  Here are some suggestions for how to make the most out of your unplugged holiday:

1.  Read some Scriptures about thankfulness (here are some suggested verses):

1 Chronicles 16:34

Psalm 28:7

Psalm 100:4

1 Thessalonians 5:18

2.  Share one thing that you are thankful about for every member of the family

3.  Write a letter to someone in your life that you are grateful for, thanking them for the difference he or she has made in your life.

4.  Write a letter to God giving thanks for the many blessings in your life or the difficult times you have endured with God’s help.

5.  Clean out your closets and bring blankets, hats, mittens, and sweatshirts to give to homeless teens and adults in Virginia Beach.

Research has shown that people who show gratitude on a regular basis are healthier and happier in their own lives, so continue these activities throughout your lifetime for spiritual and physical wellness!