So I revert, now only doing my own computer work (because if I can for myself then why not, and I am not up-to-date enough now to do it for anyone else) but for the most part shunning the glowing screen in favor of a sturdy composition book and a fine point pen, gel of course.

Your writings, short and long are a blessing.

Logan

What would Jesus do here is another matter on top. And it adds an extra stress on Christians. I spend a lot of my time helping as an unofficial IT person. But nowhere near as much time as I do ‘messing around’ with software. Having to do software upgrades on your phone sucks!
No answers here but we need to raise the questions!

Chris

I personally don’t have a cell phone or organizing software. I still do most of my writing and sketching with a pen and paper, and only later do I use a computer to add the graphics/layout.

I wonder which was the “Christian” thing to do? I think Jesus would stop along the way and not “just get the job done.”

Air nailers have almost completely replaced hammers as the primary nail drivers, and large, fancy saws do the cutting. The problem is, all these tools take time to set up and take down. Many times I catch myself spending more time setting up the tools than a small job takes. Often I’d be better off with a handsaw and a hammer.

There’s an interesting story about a U.S. army base and airstrip in Vietnam. (I’m not sure if it’s true or not; however, it’s still a good story). The base and airstrip operated for quite some time before some smart cookie figured out that the base was there to protect the airstrip, and the airstrip was there to supply the base. They were both abandoned shortly thereafter.

When I look around at the lives of those around me (including my own), I often wonder how much of what we do will endure. So much time and energy is spent “setting up the tools”, or maybe we’re stuck in a closed loop like the guys in Vietnam. I’m reminded of the Lord’s admonition to “Be still, and know that I am God.” I don’t find myself being still very often. I’m also reminded of the warning, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”

Not that all action and business is barren, but much of it, truth be told, is.

I’m currently reading about and researching some of the Christian monastic movements over the centuries. Surprisingly refreshing. Some of those ideals are very badly needed by the church in general these days, but to follow through with them would be such an uphill swim!

One saying that I regularly preach to my workers is that “It’s all in the tools, and knowing how to use them.” With the right tools, and the right knowledge, you can do anything. And I think that applies to pretty well every arena of life.

Take care.

Terry

All I can say is that the editing is well advanced and the edited manuscript ought to be back at Tyndale in a months time. I have also seen (and approved) the draft of the artwork.

And what I can say is that those few that have read the MSS really like it.

I will post more news when I get it.

Chris

It’s like I wrote your bog today! I completely understand your view point and hopes. Previously I had not mentioned that aside from my graphic design business I also teach graduating students at a major local College several design disciplines.

We are, as are most industries, completely inbred with computers to get our work done and to press or online. I am forever telling my students not to rely on the computer to solve even a simple conceptual direction for them. Rather they should rely on sketching out their concepts to paper then make the computer do what you want it to to bring their idea to life.

I will continue to preach that “the graphite pencil is the best computer for creating that our industry has ever seen.”

On the calendar front, being a complete Mac user, I use the ical program and upload it to my ipod nano so I have it with me at all times. It does not have remote adjustability but is really convenient and is easy to operate. I keep all my boys hockey schedules and class times etc. as well all home based activities, all current and uploaded before I go home. I am in the midst of figuring out the isync capabilities so I can have my editable schedule at home on our brand new imac.

Quick humerous note, when I first started my design business over 20 years ago, and computers were starting to infiltrate (infect?) the creative industry, I held firm and spread the gospel of having a “computer free studio”. I spoke with deep conviction and pride. Ahhhh the good old days. I would be lost today but for the 6 computers we have now. Gotta love em.

sigh.

Take care,

Doug