Through the Bible...

I need a change.

Something fresh.

This pretty well summarized my thoughts as I began to reflect on various spiritual practices that I would engage going into 2012.

Over the years, there have been various ways of engaging Scripture that I've found helpful. For the past several years, I've targeted specific books of the Bible and/or passages to explore, ruminate and study. This year, the desire began to grow to read through the complete Bible from the beginning.

This type of reading plan has often frustrated me, given that I tend to prefer a slower more contemplative reading of Scripture. That being said, this year I'm hoping to be able to accomplish both.

As I'm reading through each day, I am looking for those moments where it seems most needed to slow down, pause and prayerfully reflect and journal about what's there. I'm super excited about the new discoveries that will be found this year...

Two new items that I'm really excited about: The Mosaic Bible and Glo Bible.

I was looking for a new Bible to work through. I didn't want a study Bible, yet I was looking for something that would offer something fresh to my weekly reflections. I came across the Mosaic Bible which does just that. At the front it has weekly reflections-meditations that coincide with the Christian calendar.

The following is a brief explanation by Tyndale:

Holy Bible: Mosaic is about helping you encounter Christ in a deep and authentic way, through insight from every continent and century of the Christian Church. Historical and contemporary art and writings from across the globe offer a depth of Scriptural wisdom and understanding as you read and reflect on God’s word.

Mosaic is arranged so that every week has variety of content for reading and reflection. Each week follows a theme appropriate to the Church season (such as Advent, Easter, etc). The content included for each week includes full-color art; Scripture readings; a historical reading; a contemporary reading; a prayer, creed, hymn or quote; and space for reflection.

The other resource that I'm using is Glo Bible software. As I'm reading through, I'm using Glo's "journal/add note" feature to capture thoughts, insights, reflections and prayers. For just under $35, you can sync notes from up to five devices. This works well for accessing/input from my phone, as well as from my desktop. It also works in partnership with YouVersion.

Eliminating Digital Noise :: Ommwriter

We have to admit it. New technologies don’t exactly make concentrating any easier. Ichat, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Messenger, Youtube... But it’s not just the programmes; when we work, we have loads of windows open at the same time. We’re busy writing emails, while finishing off a PowerPoint presentation, reading another email and drafting a complete document. Just like computers, people have had to become experts at multitasking.

Ommwriter is a new concept in text editing that isolates you from environmental and disjointed-thought noise and creates a private space where you can concentrate. It can serve as a great median for reflection, journaling and prayer. And, best of all, it's free...


Ommwriter by herraizsoto&co from herraizsoto&co on Vimeo.

iPad Christmas Song

Capuring Creative Ideas with EverNote

Often as I'm out at a store, a park or simply riding around town, I see something that sparks an idea. Sometimes someone will say something that resonates deeply within. Or, perhaps a book is mentioned. In each of these scenarios, my mind is flooded with thoughts, however the time and space of the moment don't give ample time to reflect or develop the thought further.

During these moments, I always pull out my smartphone (which most days isn't all that smart) and send myself an email with the idea. At other times, I'll jam the thought into my calendar or simply write it on a piece of paper or a napkin.

Imperative to the creative process of a communicator, or anyone for that matter, is developing a system that allows you to capture thoughts, ideas, inspirations, and the like.

All of the world is a canvas and each individual is an interesting story to be read. I love what Leonardo da Vinci, Renaissance Man wrote,

“I roamed the countryside searching for answers to things I did not understand. Why shells existed on the tops of mountains along with the imprints of coral and plants and seaweed usually found in the sea. Why the thunder lasts a longer time than that which causes it and why immediately on its creation the lighting becomes visible to the eye while thunder requires time to travel. How the various circles of water form around the spot which has been struck by a stone and why a bird sustains itself in the air. These questions and other strange phenomena engaged my thought throughout my life.”

If you're looking for a way to capture ideas, check out EVERNOTE. It synchronizes your notes to any Mac, PC, iPhone and Windows Mobile, or you can use the web interface. And it recognizes handwriting or printed text in images. Once synced, which is a simple process, you can view the information from you desktop, laptop, cell phone or any other computer. It's fabulous for capturing thoughts and ideas on the go, or simply brainstorming at your desk.

The following clip shows some of the practical uses of EVERNOTE.

Examen.me - An Online Devotional

For centuries, followers of Christ have engaged in reading Scripture reflectively/devotionally and capturing one's dialogue with God through journaling. This ancient practice once done on scrolls and paper can now be done with a keyboard and a screen. Examen.me is a web app, that functions as an online devotional tool designed by Brent Minter. A few of the features include: reflections through particular passages in the Gospels, New Testament, Old Testament and Psalms. There are also guided prayers that simply help one to slow down and live life in the presence of Christ, as well as others that move one along a prayer journey starting with one's interior and then moving outward into relationships and the world around. Lastly, there is an unguided Examen, where you can choose the passage of Scripture you like and navigate your own path of reflection.

Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian

As followers of Christ we invited to journey toward the call to live a life of adventure. Such an invitation moves us beyond a stationary position on the sidelines of life. We are invited to enter the adventure of bringing justice to this planet.

This month Christian Audio is giving away a free audio book that lays out this awesome opportunity each of us have to join in and be a part of something much bigger than ourselves. The book is Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian by Gary A. Haugen.

Go here to download the book for free through the end of October.

Free Audio Book :: God's Word Heard

Every month Christian Audio sponsors a free audio book download.

This month's feature is GOD'S WORD Heard! New Testament by Baker Books.

In the midst of our busy lives, it can often be difficult to find the time to get into the Word.

Now, whether you're driving your car or working at your computer, you can listen to the New Testament and let its message speak to your heart wherever you are! Read by Emmy award-winning narrator Stephen Johnston.

"GOD'S WORD is an easy-to-understand Bible. . . . It is a wonderful version." -Rev. Billy Graham

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

Every month Christian Audio sponsors a free audio book download.

This month's feature is Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan.

"The God of the universe is crazy about you! His love is the most powerful thing in the world and He wants to give it to you, so you can live for Him. If you have made a commitment to follow Christ, then listen to Crazy Love to be reminded and challenged in your walk. Sharing from his own life struggles and sacrifices, author Francis Chan issues a call for selfless, Christ-like living. Let the love you have received from God impact your life like never before."

You can download the book here.

Christ Plays in Ten-Thousand Places

Every month Christian Audio sponsors a free audio book download.

This month's feature is Christ Plays in Ten-Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson. Below is the sites write up on the book.

Christ Plays in Ten-Thousand Places reunites spirituality and theology in a cultural context where these two vital facets of Christian faith have been rent asunder. This foundational book, in a four-volume series on spiritual theology emerging from Peterson’s pen, provides the conceptual and directional help we all need to live the Christian gospel well and maturely in the conditions that prevail in the church and world today.

Free Audio Book: Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Every month Christian Audio sponsors a free audio book download.

This month's feature is Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney. Below is the sites write up on the book.

It's not uncommon for an accomplished musician to be able to sit down in front of a new piece of music and play it through without a hitch. To make it seem easy, as if it required no effort. Yet the "freedom" to play with such skill comes only after years of disciplined practice.

In the same way, the freedom to grow in godliness---to naturally express Christ's character through your own personality---is in large part dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the spiritual disciplines.

Far from being legalistic, restrictive, or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty. So if you'd like to embark on a lifelong quest for godliness, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will help you on your way. Based on the rich heritage left us by the early church fathers, the Puritan writers, and Jesus Christ Himself, Whitney takes you through a carefully selected array of disciplines that includes Scripture reading, prayer, worship, Scripture meditation, evangelism, serving, stewardship, Scripture application, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning.

By illustrating why the disciplines are important, showing how each one will help you grow in godliness, and offering practical suggestions for cultivating them on a long-term basis, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life will provide you with a refreshing opportunity to embrace life's greatest pursuit---the pursuit of holiness---through a lifelong delight in the discipline

Free Audio Book: Not For Sale

Slavery isn't merely a black scare found in the history books of a bygone era. It's alive and thriving today. The miserable reality is that there are multitudes of modern slaves who cook, clean, sew and build our world. Unfortunately, in return many turn a blind eye to their situation or even their existence. David Batstone takes a stirring look at what's happening in our world today and how we can join in the abolishing of this reality.

An audio version of this book is available free through Christianaudio.com. Download.

Who can turn down free stuff? Below is a link to a description of the book.

Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade - And How We Can Fight It.

The publisher notes that, award-winning journalist David Batstone reveals the story of a new generation of 21st century abolitionists and their heroic campaign to put an end to human bondage. In his accessible and inspiring book, Batstone carefully weaves the narratives of activists and those in bondage in a way that not only raises awareness of the modern-day slave trade, but also serves as a call to action.

With 2007 bringing the 200th anniversary of the climax of the 19th century abolitionist movement, the world pays tribute to great visionary figures such as William Wilberforce of the United Kingdom and American Frederick Douglass for their remarkable strides toward framing slavery as a moral issue that people of good conscience could not tolerate. This anniversary serves not only as a commemorative date for battles won against slavery, but also as a reminder that slavery and bondage still persist in the 21st century. An estimated 27 million people around the globe suffer in situations of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation from which they cannot free themselves. Trafficking in people has become increasingly transnational in scope and highly lucrative. After illegal drug sales and arms trafficking, human trafficking is today the third most profitable criminal activity in the world, generating $31 billion annually. As many as half of all those trafficked worldwide for sex and domestic slavery are children under 18 years of age.

Wordle Reflections...

Wordle is an online means of "generating 'word clouds.'" It's simple. You provide the text, and it generates the text into a "word cloud."

The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends. Below are two that I created in about three-minutes.

(Reflect)

These "word clouds" could be utilized as a means of reflection, contemplation or centering prayer. Simply allow yourself to move in and out of the various words, reflecting, letting the words draw you in and then allowing God to move, draw, invite and speak to you through them...

(Philippians 2:12-13)

Bookinist...

Bookinist [from designer Nils Holder Moorman], a combination chair/bookcase with a reading light, cup holder, and a more few surprises that combine to give new meaning to the term "bookmobile."












The arms and backrest can hold 80 paperbacks, and the chair hides secret compartments for journal, reading glasses, bookmarks, pencils, a pencil sharpener and a notebook (all included with the chair) and adds and a wheel for easy mobility...








Okay, I confess...

I have a 'thing' for books...

I love them...

I love reading them...

I love collecting them...

...Therefore, I have to say,

This is simply the coolist!

If only I were a carpenter...

Learning to Love Life

I love being with my family...

...Though being intentional and fully-present is always an ongoing discipline to be practiced.

...Yet, more and more I simply enjoy being with my family... at home... doing nothing... but playing and exploring life...

Here are a few things...

...I'm Loving this Holiday Season:

• Wrestling with Micah
• Dancing with Naylah
• Making Pancakes on Saturday Mornings with the Kids
• Creating Oatmeal and Coffee Every Morning with Naylah
• Watching Life & Journeyman with Charissa
• Seeing Avi Smile and Giggle
  
• Gett'n Down With the Whole Family to Jam'n Music in the Basement
• Observing my Children Discover Life
• Laughing with Charissa at our kids, each other & the silly'ness of Life
  
• Playing Mario Kart: Double Dash with the Whole Family
• Simply Being Together - Having Nothing to Do...

Here is a little video featuring some of our seasonal celebrations...

Menorah Hora - A Jewish Celebration

Now for the Snowball Fight...

Family Snowball Fight

New Trends in Technology

"Learn as if you were going to live forever.
Live as if you were going to die tomorrow."

Mahatma Gandhi

"The people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world are the ones who do."
-Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple

Recently, in Creative Learning Conversation, Color Outside the Lines we we're talking about utilizing various means of technology as a part of the creative process to better gather and develop ideas. For several present, some of the means and usage of various technological tools discussed were new and at times, even overwhelming.

The speed of change and increase of knowledge, innovation and technology is amazing. It is an ongoing challenge (as thrilling for some that it may be) to stay constant and "up-to-speed" with the latest and greatest. After this particular time together, Amy tipped me off to a recent video she had seen on uTube demonstrating this very idea of technological innovations and the challenge humans can experience to keep up with the changing of the times... Mad props and thanks to you Amy, it is brilliant, true and hilarious.

Check out this Norwegian sketch about technological innovations and how people initially struggle to get acclimated...