But even if I'm not being rude to anyone by using my phone, even if I'm alone checking my email and texts, how much is too much? When my hand cramps up from too much scrolling up and down? (Has that never happened to you?) When my eyes become blurry from looking at a bright screen for too long? I wonder, how much is too much.
I've found something, though, that makes me feel a little better about my phone usage, something that lifts me up and makes me feel better in general: faith-based apps.
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One that I've been enjoying is an Advent Devotions app which has some lovely daily readings and Bible verses. We've been lighting our Advent wreath each Sunday and saying a devotion and some prayers to go with it, but it's nice to be reminded of the real meaning behind this season on a more regular basis. The hope of Christmas is so renewing and wonderful, and clicking this app each day has been a great way for me to remember that and reflect on it.
The other one I've been loving is the Jesus Calling app (I have the free trial version, but will probably buy the full version because I like it so much). Several of these devotions in the last few days have made me tear up a little because the words just felt so relevant and meaningful to my own life and the things on my heart. This is a truly uplifting app and I'm glad to have discovered it.
Of course, it goes without saying that faith-based apps aren't a replacement for prayer. But it's amazing how a short little devotion or a powerful Bible verse can really make a difference in my mood and my mindset as I go about my day. By clicking on one of these apps instead of checking my email yet again, I feel like I'm doing something good for myself, and making my phone usage just a tad bit healthier.
What do you think? Am I crazy for feeling guilty about using my phone? Do you check any good-for-you apps throughout the day? I'd love to know.
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Wow, Kate, what a fantastic idea! I also feel a little guilty at times over how much time I spend on my iPhone, but using the phone for something spiritual and beneficial like this seems really worthwhile. I enjoy the Magnificat app, but I'd never heard of these two you mentioned before. Looking forward to checking them out!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to find meaningful apps! As for my own phone usage, I actually got my first phone this year but I…just couldn't care less! It's a fabulous little thing but I pretty much like to keep it on silent all day and toss it into my sock drawer as soon as I get home. I forget to take it with me when I go out too. But, what I do use it for is setting a gazillion alarms in the morning and listening to song or two! I don't hate on technology (how can I? My generation is supposed to be obsessed) but I try to keep it to a minimum.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think if you check them out, Tess! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels guilty about time spent on my phone :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a healthy relationship with your phone! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteSomeone else mentioned Advent Devotions awhile back to me. I guess now I need to download it since this is the 2nd time I've heard of it. And, sidenote, we don't have an Advent wreath but my dad's picking one up for us in Germany when he goes for Christmas this year and I am SO excited to carry the tradition on with our little family. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like the app! I love that it's daily. So cool that you're getting a GERMAN Advent wreath! I actually am just using votives around an evergreen wreath, but someday I want a real one too, or maybe I'll make one. It's a beautiful tradition.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I hadn't heard of either of these two but will have to check them out. I've been loving the youversion Bible app and its reading plans from she reads truth. There is also a youversion Bible app for kids which is super cute and my little guy loves it!
ReplyDeleteI really like all of the Christian apps available out there!
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