![\"u\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/u.jpg\")
<\/a>But wait, there are still six letters of the alphabet to get through before it\u2019s all said and done. So let\u2019s get to the letter of the day. \u201cU.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In the magazine article I\u2019ve been using, Ms. Marquez tells us that one way to greater happiness is to unplug at night. She says, \u201cStaying constantly tethered to your smartphone can interfere with your relationships and sleep\u2014both which are key to a contented, unstressed outlook.\u201d[i]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019ve heard this bit of advice before. Electronic devices emit a blue light that keeps our bodies from producing normal amounts of melatonin. Without melatonin, we find difficulty in sleeping. Well, we all know how grumpy we get when we don\u2019t get enough sleep, right? So yes, this one makes a lot of sense. If you\u2019re grumpy, it could be that you didn\u2019t get a good night\u2019s sleep. If you didn\u2019t get a good night\u2019s sleep, it could be that you were on your smart phone, or iPad, or Kindle too late in the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019s one element of this unplug thing. The other is that relationships suffer when one or both are continually on an electronic device. Without relationships, we certainly can find ourselves in grumpy mood. So, for these two reasons, let\u2019s put down those things that get in the way of sleep and relationships!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I have been blessed with some beautiful relationships. My husband. My children. My grandchildren. My parents. My siblings. My friends. My co-workers. But how often have I allowed the \u201cthings of this world\u201d to get in the way of these relationships? More times than I care to share.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I believe that God created us to thrive in relationships. Adam would not have been gifted with Eve were that not the case. Adam needed companionship and God provided the perfect companion for him. A woman. And God took this relationship one step further.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019d like to share a piece from my lead pastor\u2019s (and my boss) Shan Moyers\u2019 email this week. It\u2019s important. See if you don\u2019t agree.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe Bible is very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 says, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and the two will become one flesh.’ In recent years God\u2019s picture of marriage has come under fire.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n On April 28, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for and against redefining marriage in America. The very institution of God\u2019s design for marriage as only between one man and one woman is on trial.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n As Christians I believe it is our job to do three things:<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n God\u2019s truth brings hope. I want to encourage you to be praying for the nine men and women that comprise our countries highest court on April 28th<\/sup>. Pray that God\u2019s truth will be heard.\u201d<\/em>[ii]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I must admit, I\u2019ve been writing this blog for several years now and I don\u2019t really know how many times I\u2019ve brought the political arena into this portion of my life. But I believe this one is pretty important. Please pray with me through this important decision to be made in just a few days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So today, put down that smart phone while eating lunch with your spouse, your children or a friend. Turn off anything that gets in the way of building relationships. Be engaged with the folks around you. Life is too short to miss these significant relationships in your life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just think. What if God was preoccupied with a smart phone?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n\n