I stand amazed at the social network craze and the numerous choices we encounter every day. Since I joined the Twitter network, I find myself strolling to my computer every morning to get my tweet quote for the morning. I actually enjoy the twitter stuff; although, it is not in my personality style to share a bunch of my thoughts. I am actually a person who requires some level of solitude to function well socially. I am very social, as long as I have experienced some quiet time of prayer and meditation. After that, I am good.
Recently I decided I would do some searching on Twitter for some ministers I admire and catch their tweets. Well, one discovery led to another and before I realized it, I was all over the place checking out blogs and tweets. In a twinkling of an eye, an hour had passed.
Since my primary learning skill is through listening I am an avid iTunes listener. This is my main pursuit of new information and source of adaptive creativity. Therefore, every week I am downloading sermons and seeking audio mentors. After simultaneously engaging in Twitter and iTunes, a considerable amount of time had escaped my normally very busy schedule.
I began to reflect on the loss of time and the little benefit I received from this activity. I do not mean to minimize the contribution of the speakers, bloggers, or twitter contributors.
After more reflection, the main lesson from my experience hits me in the face. I do not think the teachers, tweeters, and bloggers I was seeking became great by discovering the gifts of others, but by developing their own.
I have resolved that many of us should spend equal time in our own personal development as we do seeking lessons from those we consider more developed than ourselves.
Would love to hear from you.
Pastor Tom
The Favored Life 
If I don’t spend quality one to one with God, and in His Word, all the words of others can only take me so far. Not far enough. Only quiet, before Him can I gain His Peace for my life. So much noise these days, not much revelation on which to meditate, as from Stars Wars “a wretched hive of scum and villainy we must be careful” often come to my mind.
Cheers Pastor Tom
These are actual things that I have been praying and fasting over! How much time do I spend on media/internet/social networks? Is it equal to the amount of time I spend with God? How much money do I pay for the things? Does it far exceed what I give to God in tithes, offerings, and mission? Are we fully reliant on the internet for school, work, church, social settings, shopping, bible( electronic forms on internet and apps on cell phones),etc…? The only thing we should be fully reliant on is God. He is always first and foremost Lord of my life! Your teaching definitely helps us put our self-development in motion daily! Get outta my head Pastor Tom! It’s like God always confirms to the shepherd (Pastor) what the sheep (members) are experiencing. Thank you for being an awesome Pastor!