Real Life Enrichment

Many Christians are wrestling with how to navigate the digital world in a way that honors Jesus. In this episode, Chris McCurley and Wes McAdams tackle the complex relationship between social media and spiritual formation. They explore questions like: Should Christians even be on social media? How can we be present in digital spaces without being shaped by them? What does faithful presence look like online? These aren’t easy questions—but they’re worth asking.

The conversation highlights how social media often thrives on anger, fear, and comparison—things that are fundamentally at odds with the Spirit of Christ. They reflect on how our online habits can either form us into more loving disciples or deform us into reactive, self-centered people. They also offer practical suggestions for discerning when to speak, when to stay silent, and how to be salt and light even in toxic digital environments.

Chris McCurley preaches for the Walnut Street Church of Christ in Dickson, Tennessee. Chris also hosts the Dear Church Podcast.

Caregivers

2025-06-10T03:00:00.001-05:00

Links to More:

Illustrations and Thoughts about Caring & Two Horses

Many Quotes With Links and Encouragement about Caregiving

My Blog Dedicated to Being Servants Who Care Because of Christ

https://inspiringquotes.com/20-inspiring-quotes-for-caregivers/?lctg=5a79be5e-f5eb-42c8-b987-689da228e9fb

Technology

2022-10-25T03:00:00.009-05:00

Billy Graham: Technology, faith and human shortcomings

https://youtu.be/90mj79GqWhc

How to Ease the Physical Symptoms of Grief

2022-09-29T14:33:00.002-05:00

How to Ease the Physical Symptoms of Grief

US Life Expectancy Falls to Lowest Level Since 1996

2022-09-29T03:00:00.003-05:00

US Life Expectancy Falls to Lowest Level Since 1996

How Do You Keep From Becoming Cynical As You Get Older?

2022-06-02T03:00:00.002-05:00

How Do You Keep From Becoming Cynical As You Get Older?

The Rain

2022-04-30T03:00:00.001-05:00

The Rain

It was a busy

morning, about 8:30, when an elderly

gentleman in his 80's arrived to have

stitches removed from his thumb.

He said he was in a hurry as he had an

appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital

signs and had him take a seat,

knowing it would be over an hour

before someone

would to able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and

decided, since I

was not busy with another patient,

I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was

well healed, so I talked to one of the

doctors, got the needed supplies to

remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of

his wound, I asked him if he

had another doctor's appointment

this morning, as

he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he

needed to go to

the nursing home to eat breakfast

with his wife. I inquired as to her

health.

He told me that she had been there

for a while and that she

was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we

talked, I asked if she would be

upset if he was a bit late.

replied that she no longer knew

who he was, that she had not

recognized him in

five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him,

'And you still go every

morning, even though she

doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he

patted my hand and said,

'She doesn't

know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back

tears as he left, I had goose bumps

on my arm, and thought,

'That is

the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is

neither physical, nor romantic.

True love is an

acceptance of all that is,

has been, will be, and will not

be.

With all the jokes

and fun that are in e-mails,

sometimes there is one that comes

along that has an

important message..

This one I thought I could share with you.

The

happiest people don't necessarily

have the best of everything;

they just make

the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you

care about. I just did..

'Life isn't about

how to survive the storm,

But how to dance

in the rain.'

We are all getting Older

Tomorrow may be our turn.

Senior Living Truth Series

2022-04-29T03:00:00.012-05:00

Senior Living Truth Series

Candid conversations concerning today’s senior living issues and options.

Providing education and resources designed to help people live empowered lives and make informed decisions.

EDUCATE. EQUIP. EMPOWER.

Lots of helpful videos

The Truth about Getting Your Affairs in Order

OKC Mature Moves News

2022-04-28T03:00:00.007-05:00

OKC Mature Moves News

Professional Move Management

The Bible for Grown-Ups

2021-09-14T03:00:00.024-05:00

The Bible for Grown-Ups

"Last Things First"

"In The Beginning"

"The Old Testament"

"For The World"

For some great practical sermons, go to

https://www.youtube.com/c/EdmondChurchofChrist

Email Updates

2021-08-22T20:44:00.001-05:00

Blogger is no longer sending email updates, so follow these instructions if you would like to get the updates. If you would like to get email updates, please go to my google group at

https://groups.google.com/g/real-life-enrichment

or to subscribe from this link and start receiving emails, send a blank email to

real-life-enrichment+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Also, some posts on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/Real-Life-Enrichment-117170414970547

How to Support a Partner Through the Death of a Parent

2021-08-21T03:00:00.001-05:00

How to Support a Partner Through the Death of a Parent

Grieving will look different every day, but you can help by being the most supportive partner you can be.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-support-a-partner-through-the-death-of-a-parent-1847522811

The Best Books to Teach Your Kid About Grief and Loss

2021-04-22T03:00:00.004-05:00

The Best Books to Teach Your Kid About Grief and Loss

https://offspring.lifehacker.com/the-best-books-to-teach-your-kid-about-grief-and-loss-1846534825

Dealing With the Loss of a Spouse

2021-02-05T11:20:00.004-06:00

What We All Need To Know About Grief- Ron Williams

2021-02-05T11:17:00.002-06:00

YOUR ACTIONS MAY CHANGE A LIFE

2021-01-29T03:00:00.001-06:00

YOUR ACTIONS MAY CHANGE A LIFE

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He said yes. We hung all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than me and all the girls loved him! Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began: "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.

-- Author Unknown

Friends

2021-01-28T03:00:00.001-06:00

TWO HORSES IN A FIELD

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if one stops the car, or is walking by, one will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

Listening, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her bridle is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by God and those whom he places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see God.

=================

Quotes about Friends

=================

How to Make Friends Faster

================

You don't have to look like a friend to be one

Do you know who you are ...

A true friend.

Remember:

'A good friend will

Come bail you

Out of jail....

But a true friend will

Be sitting next to you

Saying WE screwed

Up, but we had fun!'

Proud

To Be

Your Friend!

Make

sure you read

All the way down to

The last sentence,

And don't skip ahead.

I've learned...

That life is like a

Roll of toilet paper.

The closer it gets

To the end, the

Faster it goes.

I've learned....

That we should be

Glad God doesn't

Give us everything

We ask for

I've learned......

That money doesn't

Buy class.

I've learned.....that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...

That under everyone's

Hard shell is someone

Who wants to be

Appreciated

And loved.

I've learned..

That the Lord didn't

Do it all in one day

What makes me

Think I can?

I've learned...

That to ignore the

Facts does not

Change the facts.

I've learned....

That the less time

I have to work,

The more things

I get done.

To all of you.... Make

Sure you read all the

Way down to the

Last sentence...

It's National

Friendship Week.

Show your friends

How much you care.

Share this with everyone

You consider a FRIEND!

HAPPY

FRIENDSHIP

WEEK TO YOU!!!!!!

YOU ARE MY FRIEND

AND I AM HONORED.

Grief Works

2021-01-22T03:00:00.003-06:00

Grief Links
http://www.grief-works.org

What Can I Say That's Actually Helpful in Times of Grief?

Grief Recovery Lessons

https://www.woodburychurchofchrist.org/grief-recovery-lessons

Are there good mental health resources for coping with these troubled times?

2021-01-10T03:00:00.006-06:00

This year has been a tough year. We all need resources to cope, but a radio show isn't really the best way to go about it. One recommendations is the US government's MentalHealth.Gov website, which offers resources to get help. Your minister or doctor can also recommend a good therapist or mental health professional.

Someone suggests Doctor Georgia Dow who has her own YouTube Channel. That could be an option.

Be Kind

2020-12-10T11:04:00.001-06:00

BE KIND

As governments are trying to figure out how to ease back in to a new normal, please remember:

🛑 Some people don’t agree with the country/state opening.... that’s okay. Be kind.

🛶 Some people don’t agree that the country/state ever should have closed.... that’s okay. Be kind.

🏡 Some people are still planning to stay home.... that’s okay. Be kind.

🦠 Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening....that’s okay. Be kind.

☀️Some people were never afraid of getting the virus and still aren’t...... that’s okay. Be kind.

💰 Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may not lose their business or their homes....that’s okay. Be kind.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Some never stopped working and were even over worked and exhausted.... that’s okay. Be kind.

👩🏾‍⚕️Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off....that’s okay. Be kind.

📝 Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job....that’s okay. Be kind.

😷 Some will wear masks for weeks....that’s okay. Be kind.

🙂 Some will never wear a mask.... that’s okay. Be kind.

💅🏻 Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done.... that’s okay. Be kind.

❤️ The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that’s okay. Be kind.

💔 Some people have already lost their businesses or loved ones and their lives will never be the same..... and that’s actually not okay. Be kind.

We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind .

If you need to go out, just respect others when in public and be kind!

Don’t judge fellow humans because you’re not in their story. We all are in different mental states than we were months ago. So remember, be kind.

Please share this reminder for kindness. ❤

-- Author Unknown

Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry

2020-12-01T03:00:00.000-06:00

Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry

Great Video of each one.

Links to my other blogs

2020-03-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

I continue to work on and add to each one of these to keep them active and up to date. Constantly adding my old material and adding fresh content.

Title: Click on the title below to go to blog	Brief description of each blog
Off-The-Church-Walls	Humor blog
Real Life Quotes	Growing Quote collection.
Real Life Enrichment	Practical information for everyday life.
Parable	Inspiring devotional illustrations
Preacher Points	Place for sermon outlines and resources
Kevin Rayner's Ministry to God @ The Edmond Church of Christ	Many current resources currently being used at the Edmond Church of Christ
Edmond Oklahoma SAM's	Information for helping Seniors
Rayner Resources	Hub for my information online
Magnify Jesus	A look at the Christ's life and teachings
Christ's Church	Reflecting on the followers of Christ
Real Life Conversion	How lives are changed by Christ
Oaks of Righteousness	Where to focus on becoming more fully devoted followers of Christ
"Overtime Church"	More challenging thoughts for the disciple that is most serious about Jesus. Theology for the night owl, weekend worker, or Bible student who wants to learn more.
Kevin's Komment	Online commentary and resources to better understand scripture.
Real Life Servant Maker	For the Christian growing with a Christ-like servant attitude toward others.
Becoming Great Neighbors	Encouragement to love and serve your neighbor
Edmond Church of ChristHospitality	Helping each Christian become more hospitable.

FOUR QUESTIONS FOR BETTER DECISIONS

2020-03-22T18:31:00.002-05:00

Really
“What was I thinking?” We’ve all asked ourselves that question at some point. So, how do we avoid making decisions that become regrets?

The Story of Your Life
Every decision we make becomes a permanent part of the story of our lives. But how do we keep that in mind when our emotions threaten to get the best of us?

Pay Attention to the Tension
We all face decisions in life that leave us feeling a bit uneasy. So, how do we make the right decision when what we’re considering feels wrong?

Passin' It On
Good decisions lead to fewer regrets in life. But could embracing a greater purpose change the way we approach every decision?

Love, Dates & Heartbreaks

2020-03-22T16:13:00.001-05:00

The Right Person Myth
When dating, it’s easy to believe that finding the right person and saying the right vows will solve everything. Maybe it’s time we debunk those myths.

The Fine Print
The idea of finding love is often more exciting than actually preparing for it. But could our preparation be the very thing that helps us win the relationship we’ve always wanted?

Grown-Up Love
Countless love stories and fairy tales focus on people finding love and living happily ever after. But how do we navigate relationships in the real world?

Five Rules for Dating
Dating is complicated. But does it really have to be?

Learning From Past Relationship Mistakes
When it comes to relationships, how do we make sure we’re learning from our past mistakes instead of repeating them?

Getting Over A Broken Heart
We all have hopes and dreams, but what are we supposed to do when our hearts are broken and it seems like our dreams can’t come true?