Rest Ministries Chronic Illness Pain Support» Technology

If You Are On Facebook and Grandma is Not

Rest Ministries — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:00:45 +0000

If you and many family members have started to share information about your daily happenings as well as photos, you may see how fun it is to connect with loved ones and hear from them more than just one time a year at Christmas. One of the reasons I personally like Facebook is that I receive “real life” updates – about the dog that had to go to the vet after eating a rubber ball, the kid’s school play, and even the whole family being sick. I know what to pray for for people today! And the information they share is not all sugar-coated like in the annual Christmas newsletter.

But what about Grandma? Or is there someone in your family who refuses to jump on the FB bandwagon even though you have told them all about the fun photos and updates they are missing out on? Well, here is a solution I love: PostEgram. It’s not cheap, but considering what is does, I think the price is pretty good! And even Grandma may be willing to help out with costs so she can get the family news and photos once or twice a month (see pricing plans here, about $4.99 for 1 newsletter a month, less in bulk).

You log onto your Facebook account, choose the family member’s updates you think Grandma would like to read about and then choose the subscription plan and enter Grandma’s address. postEgram prints it out and sends it right to her, an automatically created full-colored printed newsletters of your status updates and your Facebook photos. Isn’t that kind of cool? And think of the time you will save, as well as the guilt you won’t endure over her not knowing what all is going on.

I’ve seen people mend relationships, refresh old relationships, encourage people, and connect families from around the globe due to Facebook.

Some people may think this is silly. I know Facebook is not the answer to all our problems. But I’ve seen the connections people have made on it mend relationships, refresh old relationships, encourage people, and connect families from around the globe, especially those with soldiers in them. You can see a sample Facebook postEgram newsletter here.

If you are going through a difficult time with your chronic illness too, and perhaps posting updates from the hospital or having a loved one post updates for you–and there are people not getting these who you would like to get them–this may be a nice solution for those not on the computer or who feel overwhelmed by the internet.

Still a little confused? They have a great video that explains it all. Now, if only they made it in large print. . . .

I haven’t tried this yet but rumor says to use the coupon code “BLISS” and they’ll send out the first issue of your “Facebook Newsletter” for free –but only to addresses in US and Canada.

Churches Will Explore Internet Opportunities on Sunday April 25

Rest Ministries — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:27:33 +0000

When I began Rest Ministries back in 1997 people were just beginning to log on to the internet. It was a wonderful opportunity for a nonprofit organization to let people know they existed without spending money (that wasn’t available) on brochures or marketing. Instead it just took time. . . something I had a lot of at the moment.

Over the years I have seen the internet be an amazing tool for ministry and so that is one of the reasons I always am eager to support Internet Evangelism Day.

They have just posted this announcement and I wanted to pass it along. It’s also a great tool to provide to your pastoral staff.

~Lisa

Internet Evangelism Day is an annual digital outreach focus day for churches. This year, it is scheduled for Sunday April 25. It’s an opportunity for any church to explore with its members the exciting opportunities for sharing the good news online. Ready-made free downloads – PowerPoint, video clips, handouts, drama scripts and music can be easily built into a presentation of five minutes or 50.

2010’s focus day will be the sixth to be used by churches around the world since the initiative’s launch in 2005. Over this period, digital media have developed dramatically, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the growing use of mobile phones to access online services.

IE Day’s website is also a one-stop resource covering many subjects including: how to build a church website that is ‘outsider friendly’, using Twitter in evangelism, and ideas for effective blogging.

Perhaps surprisingly, you do not need to be technical to share your faith online. And you can volunteer to be an email mentor to inquirers with several large online outreach ministries.

Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, based at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton. It is supported by a wide range of Christian leaders and groups. “I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day,” says John Stott.

You Can Learn to Use The Computer Better

Rest Ministries — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:00:57 +0000

A lot of you email us saying, “I haven’t quite figured this out yet.” Or “I don’t know how to do this on your web site.”

While we are trying to keep it as simple as possible here at Rest Ministries with emailed subscriptions and search boxes, we know it can feel overwhelming sometimes–especially if your medications are making your brain feel like it’s on a roller coaster ride.

But don’t sweat it! A quarter of Internet users said they wanted to search Google for something, but when placed in front of a computer, couldn’t figure it out. Instead, they either completely failed to get to any search engine or ended up running their query on a different search engine — usually whatever type-in field happened to be at hand.

If you’re looking to learn how to better use the internet or some shortcuts to what you already know, check out the web site Internet Tutorials. And we are happy to do our best to help.

If all else fails, grab a family member or neighbor around fifteen years old to show you how something works!

Cold Hands? Try a Heated Computer Mouse

Rest Ministries — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:18:03 +0000

Brrrrrr. . . it will just getting to you? If you’re sitting at your computer desk with cold hands trying to type, and yet you are trying to conserve and not turn up the heat, this inexpensive heated computer mouse and other accessories may be just the ticket.

According to the company warmmouse.com:

The Warm Computer Mouse is a new product by ValueRays(TM) and available online. A Warm Mouse uses infrared heat to create a soothing deep penetrating warmth to your mouse hand. Infrared heat warm mouse improves blood circulation and relieve tension and stress to the mouse hand.

The Warm Computer Mouse retails for just $25.95, which is around the same price range as most computer mice. There is also a heated, warm mouse, heated, warm mouse pad, a heated, warm keyboard pad and a fleece mouse hand warmer blanket pouch to house the warm mouse and warm mouse pad.

You can find them all at IGM Products .

Most are connected to the computer with a USB port using a low 5v electrical current.

IGM Products state:

The heated computer mouse, heated mouse pad and heated keyboard pad are made using a carbon fiber. Carbon fibers create infrared heat. Infrared heat has healing qualities making the time the user spends holding the warm computer mouse therapeutic in nature. Studies reveal a minimum of 20-30 minutes daily of infrared therapy has healing effects.

So, what do you think? If you decide to try it let us know by coming back and writing a review!