Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all time in every way.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV)
But what do we do with the peace that the Lord provides? Do we even slow down long enough to recognize it for what it is? Do we let the world bombard us with its messages so that God's word is obscured?
J & MJ, our "couple friends" have chosen to limit use of their devices and to disconnect completely from television. NO TV. Highly educated, fun-lovin', caring, NORMAL folks choosing to pull the plug on media influence and its overwhelming interruptions. (For skeptics, there's no live streaming at their house either.) My hubby can't even begin to imagine a "NO Sports" life.
Such a deliberate decision would at least give a person control over one aspect of the world's influence in his/her life. Just having the TV "on" can draw someone in. Certainly a TV program can blindside anyone---planting a word, idea or picture that can be difficult to get off one's mind.
TV ads can influence a person's actions. This is no surprise when one considers that a 2014 Super Bowl commercial is $5m for a 30 second spot or a heftier $10m for a 60 sec spot. A captive audience for their product is pricey. I admit to watching the ads as much, if not more, than the game but I don't tend to retain enough info to warrant companies opting to pay that kind of money.
I love having "NO TV" friends. They inspire me to choose"peace and tranquility." Friends who have chosen to decide what controls, not only their minds but also their time. Living "out" from our city limits in a 100+ yr. old home, filled with overflowing book shelves, Bibles on side tables and a wrap around porch, offers positive options.
Result = Peace. Tranquility in living.
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| This morning, with the TV off and no extraneous noise, I picked the tea I wanted to "brew." It added to the tranquilty of my "Tea With Thee" time. |
J & MJ understand that they get to pick what they "brew" in their minds.
Cuppa of choice---tranquili-TEA.
