Good morning, Five Minute Families. We live in the digital age. As a five-minute family, let’s honor God with our technology use. But, how exactly can we do that? By making the most of technology.

Let’s explore five examples, though I am sure there are many more.

For family time, use online games to get everyone doing the same thing, even with a cell phone, computer, or tablet in their hands. We went to dinner at a friend’s house, and we were surprised when our hosts suggested we all gather around the television to play a game. We all took out our devices, turned on wifi, logged onto a specific webpage with a code that showed on the television, and began to play TOGETHER – young and old, smart and, well, maybe-not-as-informed. There were a variety of games, and we all had strengths and weaknesses that made us laugh. It was friendly competition that allowed us all to participate.

To deepen family relationships, we need time together. Yet, we live in a world where work and hobbies will take us around the world from our loved ones. We can use technology to our advantage. I missed an opportunity to stay in better contact with a friend when we moved years ago. She wanted to video chat, but I felt uncomfortable with both the technology and my own appearance. We are still friends, but I miss seeing her more. With two adult sons who do not live close by and one itty bitty grandchild, we decided that as awkward as it might be, we are going to use technology to deepen our relationships with one another. So, do those video chats even if your hair looks awful. It is the smiles, the laughs, the connection that matters; that is what we will each remember, not whether mama’s hair looked good that day.

To free up time as well as aid in visual noise reduction, use technology to reduce your mail time, organization time, and cleaning time. You will still need to go through your now online bank statements, or read your now online work journals, but digital options of those and many other items will allow you to better focus the time and efforts that the hard copy options required.

As we have mentioned before, one of our sons is a medical mystery. Even when he receives a diagnosis or a piece of the medical puzzle, the results are almost always atypical. This has made daily living a challenge for him. By employing digital options, it has become much easier to journal all the various parts of his day that need evaluation. The digital journal not only helps take the guesswork out of related events, but it also allows for a much more easily searched database. We still have some work to do to fully employ digital use for his medical journey, but the steps we HAVE taken have allowed more consistency and peace in a discomforting and difficult time.

And, last, never forget that technology gives us the option of learning together, whether looking at the same educational video cuddled on the couch together, or by looking at the same video and messaging one another from across the globe. Be intentional with your technology and time together. Also, discuss what you just watched.  We love movies and good stories, and seeing deeper lessons in the simplest of stories will take those stories from entertainment to education. Just do not turn that opportunity to lectures.

1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds us, “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” Don’t let your family life be dominated by technology, but use it to your advantage. Just as 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

That’s why this Five Minute Family devotion and podcast exist. We know that all of our listeners cannot come to Clear View Retreat for a family camp or marriage retreat, but every family can learn and grow and glorify the Lord TOGETHER.

Speaking of learning together, although we were just talking about using technology as a way to connect with each other, we must remind you of the importance of time away from technology and engaging in some old school analog time – one-on-one time growing your marriage or bringing the whole family out to connect deeply with God and one another.

Clear View Retreat provides that opportunity. With a mix of structured learning time, family object lessons, and relaxation time away from the craziness of daily stresses, you will have plenty of occasion to refresh your mind and allow God’s transformation to surprise you and your loved ones.  We welcome your visit and look forward to seeing what God has for you and your family.  Be blessed!