Tech We Like

Every piece of technology here has been tested against a simple question: does this help me love God and love my neighbour, or does it subtly work against that?

We've tried to recommend things that direct our attention well rather than fragment it, deepen real relationships rather than replace them, and serve the work God has given us without becoming masters of it.

We're not against technology — far from it. But we've tried to reflect our assessment of the trade-offs, and where the case just doesn’t stack up, we’ve kept it off the list. Nothing here is sponsored. These are just tools we've found genuinely beneficial in trying to live well for God’s glory.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

- 1 Corinthians 6:12

Personal discipleship

A Physical Bible. Don’t let distraction inhibit your Bible reading.

PrayerMate. I went off PrayerMate a few years ago as I didn’t like my phone being around when praying. But I know lots find it helpful.

Logos Bible Software. Great for deep Bible study, but not cheap.

Moleskine notebooks. For ministry, work, Bible notes, journalling and more. I like an all-in-one notebook.

CovenantEyes. Very helpful for those struggling with porn addiction.

ChurchSuite. For those in ministry, this is a great platform for managing church activities.

Freedom.to. A great tool for distraction-free living.

Family

Back carrier. For those with young children, we’ve found Osprey to be excellent here.

Penknife. I use a Leatherman Wave, but have used a Victorinox Spartan in the past. Both excellent options for DIY and package-opening.

EDC pouch with simple first-aid, survival and utility implements inside. I use the Nutsac Commander.

Log burner. We have a Charnwood Country 4, and it makes family life in the winter 100x better.

Ring Doorbell and Security system. Great for family security and convenience.

Work

ToDo app. I’ve used TickTick for years and love it)

Knowledge management app. I transferred to Craft from Notion due to its simplicity and UX).

Google Calendar. With separate colour-coded calendars for family, work, church, health and general. Can’t beat it.

Claude. My AI assistant of choice, although I also use ChatGPT and Gemini in places.

Document management platform. M365 or Google G-Suite. I use both, but prefer G-Suite for the superior cloud-features/usability.

Moleskine notebooks. For work, Bible notes, journalling and more. I like an all-in-one notebook.

reMarkable tablet. I don’t use one myself, but those who do highly recommend.

Large monitor. I use a large 39” LG curved monitor.

Logitech MX Master series (mouse and keyboard).

Personally I’m an Apple guy wherever possible. I find it a more enjoyable experience.

Squarespace. Great for anyone who runs a business, blog or charity with an online presence.

Stewardship

Monzo for banking. It makes tracking spending dead easy, but there are plenty of equivalents now. The Joint Account is great for couples.

Investment platform. I use Hargreaves Landsown for ISA, SIPP and GIA, as well as Junior ISAs for our kids. Trading121 and Freetrade are cheaper, but I like the maturity of HL.

YNAB - You Need A Budget. I’ve used this in the past and found it very helpful. It’s a little onerous, but very helpful for building financial discipline.

Google Sheets. Used for tracking spending, investments, pension etc. and forecasting.

Experiences

Kindle

Bicycle (I have a gravel bike for the flexibility)

Walking shoes (I love Altbergs)

YouTube Music (better than Spotify imo)

AeroPress. Because life’s just better with good coffee.

Swytch. Turns your bike electric so you can explore further.

Wellbeing

Fitness tracker (I use an Apple Watch with notifications off, but Garmin's are probably better)

Eye mask. Signficantly improved my sleep.

Stainless steel bottles. To avoid harm from microplastics. We generally use YETI products.

Ceramic cookwear. For the same reason as above. Black teflon is particularly harmful, so should be avoided.

Running hydration vest and belt. I use Salomon products.

Standing desk. Because who wants bad posture or a weak back.

Rucking back and plate. Excellent option for cheap, accessible, full-body exercise.

Kettlebell. Genuine the single most wonderful tool for full-body exercise. Nothing more needed.

Friendship

Fire pit. The best moments are around a fire.

BBQ or pizza oven.

Disposable tin foil trays. To make it easy to share food/meals without chasing tupperware returns.

“Every technology is both a burden and a blessing; not either-or, but this-and-that.”

– Neil Postman, Technopoly