gadgets

Bye, Bye Radio Shack

/ Ragamuffingospelfan / Leave a comment

radio_shack_store

I had a bit of a surprise at the mall yesterday. I made the usual rounds of my favorite stores (at least the ones that are still left): the Apple Store, Starbucks, Best Buy Mobile. I was going to peruse the offerings at Radio Shack when I got a shock: there was no more Radio Shack, only a vacant store with the Radio Shack logo still attached but glowing futilely.

I’ve read that Radio Shack in all likelihood will be going away soon. That makes me sad.

Nothing satisfied my inner nerd kid more than browsing through all the gadgets in Radio Shack, from flashlights to portable radios to all sorts of adapters and batteries for all those amazing gadgets. I remember I got a 3-in-1 do-it-yourself kit that allowed me to build a short-wave radio.

I hadn’t bought anything from Radio Shack in a long time, but the idea that it was still around was comforting to me. Like a bit of my childhood still existed and I could relive a bit of the old glory days if I wanted to.

But Radio Shack is no more. It has ceased to be, like that parrot from the Monty Python skit.

So they’ve taken away most of my favorite places now. There are no more music stores, no more bookstores, and now no Radio Shack. And as much as I love Amazon, I have a feeling that they, along with all the Wal-Marts in the world are partly to blame for the demise of Radio Shack. Darn you, Wal-Mart and all your amazing discounts and low, low prices.

C’est la vie. It is what it is. Businesses come and businesses go. A new store will move in to the spot vacated by Radio Shack and probably sell upscale children’s clothing or vegan-friendly sandals. At least I still have my Starbucks.

 

Kairos and Other Random Tuesday Thoughts

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image

I’ve probably said it before but I do so love Kairos. I probably look forward to that night more than any other during the week. Whether it’s Michael Boggs or someone else leading worship, whether Mike Glenn or someone else is speaking, I’ve never walked away without at least one fresh new insight into God and His love for me.

Granted, I’m still not quite to that “super-spiritual” level. I confess that I still covet. Like for instance on Monday when I went into the Apple Store and immediately began coveting half the stuff there. Especially those iPad Airs and the MacBook Pros. I admit it. I like cool gadgets.

But the point of tonight’s sermon was whether I’m willing to be like those first four disciples who laid down everything to follow Jesus. Everything. They left behind jobs and family to follow Jesus without knowing where He would take them. I don’t mean they took a week or two to think it over then went. They dropped their nets and IMMEDIATELY followed Jesus.

If Jesus called me to leave my stuff and my familiar people and places, it would be hard. I’d like to say I’d obey right away, but part of me is too attached to my stuff. Just keeping it real. I mean I’m typing this on my iPad 3 for pete’s sake.

I know that the gain from following Jesus is way more than worth whatever I give up. Jesus even said that whoever followed Him would receive a thousand times over what they had given up or lost in the process.

You don’t follow Jesus for blessings or peace or security– although those things are all well and good. You follow Jesus because He’s Jesus. You may get those things as a reward for following, but you may also get suffering and persecution and alienation, too.

Oh, and sometimes you will leave behind bad stuff to go after Jesus, like addictions and pain and struggles. But some of what you leave behind will be good. Just not as good as Jesus.

That’s all for this Tuesday evening.

A Tribute to My Old Cell Phone

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samsung

Dear cell phone,

I’ve had you for a year or two and you’ve treated me well. For the most part. There have been the occasional dropped calls, but mostly you’ve done right by me. You were only meant to fill in the gap until I could end my present cell phone contract and get a new one, but you served your purpose.

You’ve taken many, many pictures and videos of my cat (way more than any cell phone of a normal person should) and you’ve transmitted many texts to family and friends, including some emergency prayer requests.

You still worked after I dropped you on the pavement when I got hit by that car in downtown Franklin. I lost your back, but you still power up for me faithfully every time.

I guess you know you’re being replaced. I hate to do it, but I’ve found someone else. Actually, I’m switching to Verizon and getting an iPhone 5 somewhere around March or April.

Don’t think it hasn’t been fun, because it has. I just need more than you can give. I hope you understand.

PS I’ll keep you in a desk drawer if that makes you feel any better. Maybe one day I’ll find a back for you again so you won’t be embarrased about your battery showing. Thanks for all the good memories.