Tool for Studying Bible and Poetry

The One Year Book of Psalms is a resource for anyone who wants to study the Psalms.  By dividing this collection of sacred poetry into daily readings and using the New Living Translation, William and Randy Peterson have made these ancient songs more accessible to the modern reader.

As one who grew up with the majestic language of the King James Bible, I was concerned that a really modern translation would make the Psalms less musical, but I was pleasantly surprised.  This is my first time to own anything in the New Living Translation; I can now understand its appeal to modern ears.

A daily devotional and additional features such as quotations from notable Christians and fascinating facts about particular Psalms make this a great addition to your daily Bible reading.

I got my copy of this devotional free with my accumulated points through the Tyndale Rewards program.

Review: Break Away

Break Away from Word films is a nice, clean family movie.  It is set in South Africa, but the problems of corporate downsizing, unemployment, and financial hardship are nearly universal. A father loses his job and offers a bicycle messenger and delivery service to provide for his family.  Along the way, he becomes good enough to try his hand at racing.  The family sticks together and offers encouragement in trying times.

I found parts of the movie a bit slow, but I am more of an action/thriller person.  This would certainly be a good movie for anyone who enjoys competitive cycling or is looking for a family-safe movie to watch together.

To check out this DVD, watch the trailer.

I received a copy of this DVD free from the publisher for my review.

Helping Dogs with Injuries

I want to give a round of applause to Ruff Rollin' wheelchairs for dogs.  They helped a local dog, Chamberlin, who was abandoned and lost the use of two legs due to malnutrition.  Now Chamberlin gets around well and helps raise funds to help other abused animals.

Homeschoolers and others who want to learn about animal care or help in the community should contact their local animal shelter or rescue organization to volunteer.  Families can provide foster homes, collect food donations, walk dogs, help at rabies immunization clinics and much more.  Learning to live a humane life is important for everyone.

Firsthand by Ryan and Josh Shook

Firsthand is a book about growing up and taking responsibility for one’s own faith.  The Shook brothers include quotes from many young people to illustrate how one takes the step from following the faith of a parent to owning a personal faith in Jesus Christ.  Faith that is “secondhand” will not withstand the storms of life, as many young people learn when they leave the safety of home and youth group.

This book is recommended for young adults and those who love them.  Read the first chapter here.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Waterbrook-Multnomah, for my review.  

Book Review: Miracle for Jen by Linda Barrick

Miracle for Jen is the true account of the Barrick family, hit head-on by a drunk driver on their way home from church one Sunday evening.  The daughter, Jen, survived with a traumatic brain injury and the rest of the family dealt with her recovery while healing from their own wounds.

Written from the perspective of Jen’s mother, this book does not sugarcoat the recovery process.  Brain injuries are unique to the individual, and Jen’s recovery may be one of the most unique.  Anyone struggling to understand pain and suffering as a Christian would benefit from the Barrick’s experience.

The importance of a supportive family and church network is emphasized, as is day-by-day reliance on God’s grace.  Jen’s story is inspirational and encouraging, although her recovery was not exactly the miracle parents would choose.  God heals in surprising ways and gives us the grace to go forward.

I enjoyed this honest account of God’s provision during a family’s worst nightmares.  Keep some tissues nearby and be prepared to read in one sitting if possible.

I received a free review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.

Read more about brain injuries at: Brain Injury Association of North Carolina

Book Review: Simply Jesus by Joe Stowell

Joe Stowell asks us to examine our lives and see if we believe that Jesus is enough—simply Jesus.   Are we satisfied with a relationship with Jesus, or are we content to go days, weeks, or months without having much to do with our Savior?

Citing Philippians Chapter 3, Stowell teaches us about “three all-surpassing realities” Jesus gives when we believe in His finished work at the Cross:

• We gain Christ;
• We are placed “in Christ”; and
• Our resurrection is guaranteed.       

   In light of this, isn’t Jesus enough?  If your head says, “yes” but your heart is wandering in search of other stuff, let yourself be reminded of just what you have in Jesus Christ.  I recommend Simply Jesus for Christians of all ages and maturity levels, but especially for the person who has “gotten over” what Jesus did for him/her.  Fall in love all over again with the One who is everything.

 I received a free review copy of the e-book from Waterbrook-Multonomah Publishers.

Learn to Program for Free

Want a site that is free, fun, and teaches valuable skills?  Go to Codecademy and choose one of their free courses.  I am currently studying javascript and html/css so I can make my blogs, webpages, and commercial writing look better and do more.  I have a programming background (FORTRAN in the eighties), but no previous experience is necessary for these introductory courses.

There are glitches in a few of the lessons on occasion, but nothing insurmountable.  Anyone from young teens through senior adults could enjoy these courses.  Many topics are covered, including Ruby, Python, Javascript and HTML.