The project, "Removed"

I first read Erin Stewart's article titled: "Learning and failing to put down my phone and pay attention to my kids" on Deseret New's FB page.  Erin's article lead me to read this story from boardpanda.com where I got the material to do this post.

American photographer Eric Pickersgill removed the smartphones and digital devices from his portraits of everyday life. The project “Removed” aims to show our addiction to technology and hyper-connectivity, and Pickersgill knows that he’s also amongst the addicted.

The photographer was inspired by a chance encounter in a New York cafe. “Family sitting next to me at Illium café in Troy, NY is so disconnected from one another,” Pickersgill writes in his notes from that day. “Not much talking. Father and two daughters have their own phones out. Mom doesn’t have one or chooses to leave it put away. She stares out the window, sad and alone in the company of her closest family. Dad looks up every so often to announce some obscure piece of info he found online.”

He achieved the surreal effect in his photos by asking strangers and friends to remain in position, removing their cellphones, and then taking the shot.

Click on this link to see more photos from Eric Pinkersgill's project called, "Removed".

Find Lasting Peace through Jesus Christ

Sam’s two year mission is almost over.  He comes home May 2nd.  Every Monday for the past two years, we have enjoyed reading about his experiences through his weekly emails.   Todays email was especially touching as he described teaching a family who was receptive to the message he and his companion shared.   He described how the message brought them peace:

  

we found a family to teach.  they really want to listen to us because a couple of years ago their 3 month old baby died. they basically told us that they haven’t had peace in their lives since. we watched the church’s new video, Prince of Peace, and we had a super good visit with them as we introduced the Plan of Salvation.  the best part of the lesson was when a friend of theirs (who was also listening) told them that their child died as a punishment. we were then able to testify to them that that wasn’t true. that God would never do that as a punishment and that they would one day have the chance to raise their son. the spirit was so strong in that moment. we have a lesson with them on tuesday and so we are way excited for this week. 

This is the video that they shared with the family.
As you watch the video, you, too, will feel peace.  

You can also view the video by clicking here

We are blessed that Sam has been able to serve his brothers and Sisters in Chile for the past 2 years.  We’ll see you in 3 weeks, Elder Magnusson!