So, how should I pray?

February 8, 2013 | Author: Doug

God wants us to talk to Him. Continually, through the day. Philippians 4:6 Do not be Anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) or how about the NLT- Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Both translations say everything and with thanks. Is that all?  Well, yes, and no. I just googled how to pray. Mistake! Prayers for this, Prayers for that. how to pray for wealth. How to, how to, how to, So, how do you pray? Acts it.

A. Adoration

C. Confession

T. THANKSGIVING

S. Supplication

  • A.  God is Holy. God is perfect, God is the Great I Am. Let God know that he is a Awesome God. Not feeling His Awesomeness? Not Trusting Him? Be real with Him.  Something like; “God I have been told your awesome. I am having a problem believing that right now.  Show me Lord how great you are! As I said, be real!
  • C. Confession. This might be the hardest thing for any one to do. To admit  we did wrong is not easy, even to a perfect God. But here is the thing, How can you receive forgiveness if you don’t tell God     what you need forgiveness for?  God will forgive anything, if you confess and ask.
  • T. This is one of my favorites, Adoration is cool, but I often feel like a broken record in trying to tell God how awesome He is. But Thanksgiving, gives me a chance to say, Wow, God, thanks. I don’t know how you did that but thanks, and I am so grateful Lord that you have enabled me to have a roof over my head. But giving thanks can be hard too. Thanks God, for letting me go through, or putting me in this bad situation I don’t know why your letting me go through this, but thank you..  Again, be real with God. let Him know how you feel, even if its confusion over why your giving thanks
  • S. Supplication. Supplication is asking for your needs and wants. I can not tell you how many times I start out Hi God! I need  so please help or God please make this or God please do… I know your guilty, I know I am… And you know, I think God understand even when we don’t do ACTS when we pray. So this is what I suggest:

Above all be yourself, be real, be honest. God will know when your not being you. He knows what you need to confess too. You still need to confess it. Try to wrap your mind around the greatness, the holiness, the perfectness of God. (I said try, it’s imposable) When you think of that, and you apply ACTS, your giving God deserved respect for what God is. It’s a way to honor Him.

You don’t need a special prayer for what ever you want to pray about. Just be real with your self, and be real with God.

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The BlueAnt Commute. A hands free speaker that does not sound like a Speaker Phone

February 8, 2013 | Author: Doug

This is my first review of a hands free speaker unit. All the devices I have had the privilege of working with has been headsets, but never a speaker like this.

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The Elegant Ant!

The BlueAnt Commute works flawlessly! The aspect that surprised me the most, is that no one knew i was on a speaker phone in the car. In fact, they were surprised I was on a blue tooth device. The unit it self is sleak in a gloss black. It clips onto a visor so its out of the way, but there when you need it. I noticed that my phone would automatically pair when I would get in my Rodeo. As mentioned, no one ever knew i was on a speaker phone device, driving with the radio on. I was told it sounded better then most of the headsets I use. Keep in mind I drive a older Isuzu Rodeo 4WD so its not the quietest in fine transportation!

The audio was crisp and clear when listening to my caller. It was just as clear when used with the GPS or music. The volume was easy to control with a swipe motion. And last, it was easy to activate what my wife calls my electronic girlfriend, Suri. Although she has a hard time understanding dictation no mater what device I am. I suspect she was a little better with the Commute.

Last, I tend to charge the Commute  every two weeks or so, I often forget to turn it off when I leave the rodeo. For power iPhone users, you might need to keep a eye on the iPhone On Screen Battery Meter.

Sadly, there is an android app for this device. I don’t have any Android devices to see what its all about.  regardless of what phone you use, the BlueAnt Commute will be a purchase well made.

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NewTrent Keyboard Case Combo: The Airbender

February 8, 2013 | Author: Doug

This review is typed on the NewTrent AirBender . This is actually the second AirBender from New Trent, the first was a demo from CES, and the space bar was well, spacey. So, this review starts out with the A+ customer service. The process was quick and painless, I had a replacement in less then a week. I know things happen even in the best quality control.
On to the keyboard it self. It types nicely, no need to pound the keys, each is fairy responsive. The keyboard will take a little to get used to. It does not feel to have the most natural feel, but keep in mind that most of us are used to a full size keyboard in front of our PC. I have issues with my laptop keyboard some times! For many this keyboard is perfect.

Easy disconnect!

Easy disconnect!

Vertical

Vertical

Perfect viewing angle

Perfect viewing angle

Not overly bulky

Not overly bulky

Two ways to separate from the keyboard.

Two ways to separate from the keyboard.

 
Now for the case. Awesome. The back is a hard shell style case, with a quick release so you can separate the keyboard from the iPad. You can also view the iPad vertical or horizontal. It is very easy to adjust the screen for perfect tilt. I give this keyboard combo case 7 out of ten!

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STM Bags has you covered!

February 8, 2013 | Author: Doug

I was recently sent a few items from the STM Bag Collection, including the Skinny, Scout 2 and the Nomad Laptop Bag. Starting off with the Skinny, This great case seems to offer some nice protection with a hard shell case that has great corner protection. I like the fact that the iPad is easy to remove from the case, but no so easy it just falls out. The cover folds over easy, and has two positions, flat and so you can stand up your iPad. It does about the same thing as a smart cover. One thing I like about this case is that it does not add a lot of extra bulk while offering fair protection.

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Stand it this way

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Or lay it down

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Front folding cover

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Hard Shell back cover

 

The Scout 2 Shoulder Bag

If you ask my wife, this is my  “Murse” (Murse=MAN PURSE)  . I prefer “European Shoulder Bag”  This bag offers some great protection for your iPad or tablet while in transit. I can only compare the thickness of the walls to the iPad/Tablet compartment to my ThinkTank Camera Bags. Nice and Thick. This also has a nice and thick shoulder pad, not that the iPad is that Heavy, but when you carry your iPad all day, it does help. I also find the way the shoulder strap connects to the bag it self nice. Don’t ask my why I like it, i just do! There is plenty of extra room inside for them extra things, pens, notebooks, stylists, ear buds, and a cord or two. And Last, it’s canvas, so it means I am stylin’ with my “Murse” with out it looking like I am carrying something like an iPad.

Scout 2 or Murse?

Scout 2 or Murse?

Plenty of room!

Plenty of room!

Next Week I will give you some details on the Nomad Laptop Bag. My wife says it’s my extra large Murse.

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This Jam can help you BURN Calories!

February 6, 2013 | Author: Doug
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The Blackberry Jam by HMDX

This Jam comes in a jar. This Jam comes in flavors. And this Jam can help you burn calories. HMDX Jam is a small bluetooth speaker that has Big sound. In fact, When I first paired this bluetooth speaker to my iPad, I was amazed by the sound, I actually looked around to see what was playing the music. It was that good. For the suggested price of $49.99 its worth every penny. Like everything, it has pros and cons, and the only con I can see is the only 4 hour battery life, though it still works while you are charging, (just not sure how much it charges) This 4 hour battery life is while its in bluetooth mode, if  you run a 3.5 MM jack cable between your device and the Jam, it’s said you can get 12 hours. It’s also rated at a 30 foot range, but I have walked through the house with it leaving the iPad in the other room and had no issues. Last, the foot print is only 2.5″ x 2.5″ x 2.5″ so its a small. But again it has big sound. I walked around the house with the iPad, and left the Jam in one place, and I could clearly hear it. Now here is the biggest problem I will probably have with the Jam. is that my wife will probably want to take it to work with her. I might have to get another Jam for me! Oh, and to burn calories.. put on some dancing music and dance!

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Available in Apple (green), Apricot (orange), Blackberry (grey), Blueberry (blue), Grape (purple) and Strawberry (red)

 

Posted in "i"Devices, CES, Geeky Gadget Guy, Other cool electronic gadgets | Leave a Comment

Some exciting blogs comming up

February 6, 2013 | Author: Doug

With in the next month, There will be a few interesting blogs about ways we use our iDevices in our cars, SUV’s  and trucks. It’s amazing at just how much the iDevices can do. From GPS to OBD 2 reading, to music and videos, and everything in between.

Another series I am working on doing, is the iDevice Fitness.  I started out with a fitbug Air at CES. This device pairs with your smart phone and helps you calculate steps through the day. Sadly the second day of CES the fitbug Air was lost. The great people at Fitbug took pity on my plight and send me another. And so far,  I see I need to walk twice as much as I do. I am sure this is the case for many of us. And its great that there are devices like this to help remind us, and encourage us to do more!

I will also be blogging about some sound for the Idevice and a few cases, mounts and covers. So please, stay tuned!

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Almost perfect: 2 Skinny by Hatch & Co.

February 4, 2013 | Author: Doug
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Only 7mm Thick!

As mentioned in a previous blog, I have been working with the 2-Skinny by Hatch & Co.  If you are the type that only uses a keyboard at a desk, and like me, need the sound when the key is pressed, the only con you might have is in a quiet atmosphere, like a class taking notes. If your sure-fingered, then this might be the prefect keyboard case combo for you.  In fact the only thing I personally don’t like about this keyboard is the fact that it’s hard to use in a lap. Of course, many of us who will use the iPad sitting in a recliner or bed, are reading a book, or playing a game. And the fact this will fold over like a book is great. Once again, the thickness of the 2 Skinny make this comfortable to do (The Keyboard is only 7 mm). I have normal cases that are thicker. A few other things I like about this keyboard: The case offers protection all the way around. It also lights up so typing in the dark is easy. Bright enough to see but not blinding! And it makes a great churp when you hit the key if you have sound enabled (the only downfall is if your in a quiet atmosphere) and last, I love the battery life. This is a once a week charge device for me.

 

 

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Folds like a book!

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T-H-I-N

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2 Skinny by Hatch & Co

 

One last thing that makes the 2 Skinny great: the $89.99 on Amazon!

If your like me and like to type while sitting in the recliner, then you might want to consider Hatch&Co’s  Skinny + 

Although not tested by me, I think the Skinny+ would be the perfect keyboard case combo for us couch/recliner iPad power users! It offers more of a folio style case with the slim keyboard style offered by the 2 Skinny

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Blue Ant gets a Blue Ribbon with the “Ribbon”

February 2, 2013 | Author: Doug

Have you ever had a favorite pair of ear bud or earphones that you wished were bluetooth enabled? Have you gotten tired of cords? Or how about turning your car stereo or home theater in to the perfect iDevice receiver? Or how about that old pair of decent computer speakers?  Blue Ant had a solution with the Ribbon. Not more then two inches long, less then 1.75 inches wide, this little device picks up your bluetooth signal from your phone or bluetooth tablet and sends great sound to what ever your listening on. First time we used it in the ol’ Isuzu Rodeo my wife said, what? No Wires? I think I like this! She was able to play music through the iPad the entire 300 or so mile trip were were on. I love to use this device in the evenings when I play a few games on the iPad before bed so that my racing games don’t disturb my wife. I also use it on the home theater system to play music, and have a nice pair of computer speakers that we no long use that work great with the Ribbon.  To complete this great little device, it also has a mic, so if you are paired with your phone, you can use this as a blue tooth device to receive calls. I think Blue Ant really gets a Blue Ribbon for the Ribbon!16 Overview_Ribbon2Features_Lifestyle1

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The X-Mini “Pop Up” Speakers

February 1, 2013 | Author: Doug

The weeks after the Consumer Electronic show for me is like a few weeks of an electronic playground with things for me to test and play with. I had to be quick with playing with the X-Mini speakers, because my wife loves them so much they visit her at work every day. I am not sure if it’s because they are a nice mint green, or the size, or the sound. My wife has gone roughly 40 hours between charges. These are only rated at “Up to  12  hours.” Talk about exceeding expectation! Something I like about the system is that there is a cord under the X-Mini to plug into your device or the 2nd X-Mini for great simulated stereo sound. They also come with a longer charge cord (any usb port) that also has a 3.5mm Jack to plug into your device. The usb cable is the now standard Mirco B. It’s great that they are the same as just about every other device I have. Now for the specs:

Dimension:

Net Weight:

Speaker:

Loudspeaker Output:

Frequency Response:

Signal-to-Noise:

Distortion:

Playback Time:

Battery Capacity:

Battery Charging Voltage:

Battery Charge Time:

These are great for the office, as my wife will tell you. I hope it won’t be long before I am able to tell you about the Bluetooth versions of the X-Mini

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Now to find a set, you can find them at Bloomingdales, Microsoft stores, ThinkGeek.com and Amazon.com. Many more U.S. locations to follow!

Price? $39.99 for the Uno Capsule and the X-Mini Max will run you $59.99

 

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Bible Study Continues: Colossians 1:24-29, 2:1-5

January 30, 2013 | Author: Doug

I was ill last week, so I missed the bible study last week.
Colossians 1:24-29, 2:1-5
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:24-29 NIV)

Colossians 2
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. (Colossians 2:1-5 NIV)

Why is Paul concerned? Because comfort, wealth, and ease start taking over life. these things will make us (Our Hearts) proud. This can cause us to forget our Lord. It might even cause us to ask “Who is The Lord” What happens to our faith when we have it all? Can you see why Paul is concerned? Paul was willing to suffer for the church, to keep it on track. He looked at this as a privilege. Question to ask your self: What is suffering to you, and to what point are you willing to suffer? For every one, the answers will be different.

Think also, the purity of God, the wholeness, the Holiness of God. And he wants to infuse that of him in us. Wow. To think of God all pure, perfect, without imperfection, and he wants to take his perfectness and infuse that into us.

Do you feel your walk is staggered? Where is your focus? Is it right in front of you? Maybe it’s that we need to look to Christ, and walk with Him, in fact lean on Him.

Feeling like you can’t do this alone? Paul says in chapter 2 that we need each other, that its together our walk will be stronger. It’s together we can encourage one another. I can look back in my own walk and see when I walked alone, I would fail, but when I walk with the fellowship of others, my walk may not be easier, but it will be stronger.

We have to push away the pull of God to do wrong
Paul tells us this so we are not deceived.

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