Caleb's 'Mac'

I'm afraid my husband is in denial. Mac stickers don't magically turn PC's into mac's. But 'shhhhhh' - don't tell him that. :)

The Word of Promise Audio New Testament

Along the same lines as 'The Bible Experience' I mentioned yesterday is 'The Word of Promise' New Testament Audio Bible. I believe they only have the New Testament available, but the 20 cd set is only $29 or you can buy the whole thing for $23 on ITunes.

The biggest difference is the cast of actors, the most well known being Jim Caviezel as Jesus. If you're not familiar with his name he played Jesus in 'The Passion of the Christ.'

I really enjoy the continuity of seeing him in that film and then hearing his voice in this project. I also really loved that it was NKJV and particularly like Louis Gossett Jr.'s role as John.

There is the same issue as I mentioned yesterday of hearing (perhaps) non-christian actors read/act the word. So, it depends on how you feel about that. But again, I do enjoy hearing different voices along with a soundtrack reading the Word of God. If you check either of these out - let me know what you think!

The Bible Experience

A couple of months ago I purchased (from ITunes) the audio recording of Revelation by - 'Inspired By The Bible Experience'. The whole cast is comprised of African American actors, celebrities, or pastors. You can watch the promo video on YouTube above. I really enjoyed the 'movie' soundtrack, as well as the sound effects. Engaging in the word was much easier with different actors assigned to specific parts - like Jesus and John (as opposed to listening to one voice read the whole text.)

I believe they used the TNIV version which isn't may favorite but definitely isn't my least favorite! Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend it but not without a little hesitation.

My hesitation comes in due to the fact that several of the actors are well known - for instance Samuel L. Jackson. In the book of Revelation he is the voice of 'The Father'. Honestly, it is a little disconcerting because I tend to associate his voice in a rather different context. I think it can do a similar thing as when you play secular songs in a worship context, which I don't personally agree with. I think it can take you out of a worship mode into more of a 'soulish' place.

And while I wasn't familiar with most of the actors voices in this particular recording, there is also the reality that the actors will bring their interpretation to the role they are reading. If they aren't saved... then what will that look like?

I don't know who was saved and not saved in this project but there were some interpretations that didn't quite seem 'on' to me - but that doesn't mean I'm right either! :) I think Jesus sounded a bit angry for the most part (in the book of Revelation), and thought it was a little interesting that all the voices of the angels were women.

Nevertheless, it IS the word of God and I really enjoyed a new way to get the word in me. You can buy the books individually for $3.99 on ITunes.

Great 'Mom' Blogs

So even though I'm not a mom yet, there are several blogs that I love to read that are focused largely on motherhood. These women, all intercessory missionaries at IHOP, are heroes to me in their day in day out seeking to love, and raise up warriors in the secret place. And they even find time to blog!

What I love about them is their desire to love Jesus, live focused lives, and daily take up their cross and follow after Him with all their hearts. These women are amazing!!!

They all have their own stories, but similar themes of pressing on in humility and truth. This list is by NO means exhaustive - these are just a couple of my favorites. :) Just thought I'd share a little of the wealth... even if you're not a mom, check em' out!

Rachel Meier
Abby Downing
Anna Sorge
Tracie Loux

Someone To Love

Many moons ago (hmmm... feels kind of fun to start a post like that), years before I was married, I remember pondering aloud to a friend. I was asking them if they thought I would EVER get married. And he said, 'Yes, I think so. The Lord will give you someone to love.'

I was actually quite taken aback by that (which is kind of frightening to admit.) At the time I wasn't really looking for someone to love - I was looking for someone to love me.

Of course that's a natural desire and a good one - we all crave love. Honestly though, it was rather immature and a tad bit unhealthy. I'm still plenty immature but hopefully getting better everyday!!! The unhealthy part came from a longing to be satisfied in earthly love before being satisfied in the Lord. I don't think I was aware of it at that time, but I'm telling you how it was... and how I still have a tendency to swing that way.

In my life I have drank (drunk?) from the horrid cess pool of lies called many romantic movies. (Before you desire to lynch me I'm not saying they're all bad... but ask yourself the next time you watch one - did this movie make me want to lay down my life for someone? or did it make me feel like I'm not getting what I deserve?) Most romantic movies today center around someone searching and finding their 'soul mate' and thus all their problems and inner turmoil are resolved. Unless you're soulmate is Jesus, I'm afraid that equation is just not going to work.

Choose wisely when you marry. Choose someone you enjoy, choose someone who provokes you, choose someone you're attracted to, choose someone who confronts you, choose someone you respect, choose someone who loves Jesus. But be aware that you will never be satisfied in that person. Be aware that if somehow your enjoyment lessens, they no longer provoke you, and you find yourself no longer attracted to them - that you STILL have someone to love. If you have chosen marriage, you've chosen covenant and the gift of love is still yours to give.

I feel so blessed to have someone to love, with all of his wonderful qualities and all of his flaws - in the highs and in the lows. I am honored that he chose me to be his wife and so thankful that daily (hopefully) I'm learning how to love.

Cool IPhone App!

I don't have an iPhone but I'd love this if I did. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore Paints are offering these iPhone apps for free.

Sherwin William's is called 'Color Snap' and Benjamin Moore's is called 'Color Capture' They allow you to snap a picture of something you see with your phone and then put it into their color device, which then matches it to a paint color from their collections. Once you have a color they use your iphone’s GPS to give you an address of the closest paint store.

Pretty Sweet!

Provoked

I started reading her blog about a year ago, Amy Wenzel's blog I mean. She is a photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and focuses especially in children's photography. I love her eye, her style, and her great quirky dialogue leading into each of her photos.

Just yesterday I was catching up on her blog and read this post regarding her husband, David. I don't even know them but it had me tearing up and praying for them. She followed that post up with this one today.

I am struck by her heart to love Jesus in the midst of embracing the pain of the unknown, especially when they didn't see this coming at all. I am moved by their desire to see the Lord glorified in the midst of great darkness. I love that in ALL things the Lord can triumph with our simple and weak yes.

I am so thankful for those who seek to press into His heart in the midst of the highs and the lows and to declare His Name when their hearts are breaking. Oh that He would make us One with His Son in all things!!!

Lord, come heal David and encourage their hearts in the midst of the battle. You are good and your mercy endures forever!