More on the New Software

Now that I have had some “down” time to actually take a closer, or I should say a more in depth look at the new software, I am even more delighted with it.  Not only does it contain the Bible in three different translations, but it contains so much more.

In the “built in” library, there are also many writings by Dr. Stanley, covering a myriad of topics.  Some of the topics are:  Christian Life, including Meditations and Personal Growth; Spiritual Warfare; Devotional Calendars; Emotions and Christianity; Personal Finance; Forgiveness; the Holy Spirit and many, many others. 

In using the software, you can refer to your library, perform searches for various topics, enter particular chapters and/or verses from the Bible and view those in any of the three Bible translations included, create a Bible reading plan, create a prayer list, view the “Book of the Day” or read the “Daily Devotional.”

I am looking forward to spending much more time with the software.  It will take quite a while just to read the writings of Dr. Stanley that are included in the library.  However, once you have read everything, or if you just want some literature on another topic, the library is expandable.

So far – lovin’ it!!!

More on “When God Winks at You”

Chapter one of this book talks about godwinks being personal. The stories of godwinks in this chapter highlight this fact.  The convey instances of people receiving godwinks and their effects on the person’s life.

Chapter two talks about godwinks of hope and reassurance that we receive in our lives.  This chapter is filled with stories of people receiving godwinks that provided them either hope, reassurance, or both.  The first story explains how Squire Rushnell began writing about godwinks, a story in its own, and a very interesting one at that.

Chapter three is a compilation of stories about receiving godwinks during times of transition in your life.  In this chapter, the author talks about the times of transition that we go through in our lives when we lose someone or something that we love. 

If, after reading the first three chapters of this book, you are still convinced of “coincidences”, perhaps that will change during the remainder of the book.  As for myself, I seriously doubt, at this point, that simple “coincidences” exist.

More to come …..

Where Are The Invitations?

This is not concerning the book I am currently reading, but I thought it is appropriate for the season!

This is a time of year when everyone’s schedules become so busy that many actually become physically ill from the stress of their schedules being so full. People are rushing around to stores, spending money for gifts, many times wondering how they are going to pay for all of this – how long is it going to take them to financially “recover” from the season. The fact that “Black Friday” exists is proof of the shopping frenzy that occurs at this time of the year.

Then, there are all the parties, programs, gatherings, and other celebrations. Of course, we are “expected” to attend all of them in order to keep from hurting anyone’s feelings or having anyone feel that you have “left them out”. We have various family members having parties; our workplaces are having parties; our friends and neighbors are having parties – and we are expected to find time in our schedules to attend all of them. Of course, we have to manage the time for this around our shopping, decorating, baking, and gift wrapping.
Sound familiar? It should – this is the time of the year we know to center around Christmas. This is that once a year madness that begins on Thanksgiving Day. As a matter of fact, in many cases, as we sit around the table for lunch or dinner with our families and friends on Thanksgiving Day, the conversation is mostly about Christmas. Who all is having a Christmas party? Are we playing Dirty Santa or drawing names? “Does anyone know what I can get Uncle Joe for Christmas – you know he has just everything!” Of course, you may or may not notice, that conversations regarding actual “Thanks” for our many blessings never occurs – but that is another story. This is just illustrating the length of time and magnitude of this Christmas season madness.

But, have you received your invitation? You may say – yes – more than I can accept and I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how I am going to make it to all the events that I have received invitations for. Perhaps you misunderstood my question – “Have your received your invitation – the only one that matters – your invitation to The birthday party?” OK – at this point, you stop and think – maybe scratch your head – your mind is racing. Your thinking turns to “Who did I forget?” – “Who is having a birthday?” – “How am I possibly going to fit yet another party into my schedule?”

How long will you ponder this question before it dawns on you that this whole season, which we have determined takes up roughly a whole month of our lives, is actually about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ? So, in the midst of all the shopping, parties, programs, decorating, baking, sending out cards, gift wrapping and just plain being worn out – “Where are the invitations?”

Where is the invitation to Jesus’ birthday party?

Co authored by myself and and my friend, Bryan

“When God Winks at You”

I am currently reading When God Winks at You, written by SQuire Rushnell. First, I will give you a little background on the author. Squire Rushnell was previously an ABC Network Television executive and has been involved with many well known shows, Good Morning America, being one of the most prominent. He was the father of the Schoolhouse Rock series and ABC’s After School Specials. Squire Rushnell left his position to follow his dream of being an author and inspirational speaker.

The sub-title of this book is, “How God Speaks Directly to You Through the Power of Coincidence.” This sub-title described perfectly the content of this book. In this book, Squire introduces the concept of a “godwink” The book is a compilation of “stories” of individuals experiencing “godwinks”. I have completed Chapter One and am well into Chapter Two at this time.

I have to say, after reading only the first chapter; one might ponder whether there are any real “coincidences” in life – or all they all “godwinks”. I will continue my review as I continue through the book. However, I might suggest that you pick this book up – read it carefully – then make your own determination as to whether coincidences really exist – or are they – godwinks.

Decision Made

OK - according to the poll results (thanks for your votes to those of you who participated), I am now going to start reading "When God Winks at You".  I will be reviewing the book as I read. 

If anyone has reading suggestions, please feel free to share those.  Also, if anyone has read a book or watched a movie lately that you felt was especially good, tell us about it!!!!!

New Software

I have acquired a new piece of software that I am absolutely delighted with so far.  This is "The Charles F. Stanley Essential Bible Study Library".  The software comes with several of Charles Stanley's study guides, as well as The King James Version, The New Century Version and The New King James versions of the Bible.  It also includes the Charles F. Stanley life Principles Bible.

The software is expandable and you can purchase additional books for the library online.  I have just gotten started with this software as my time has been somewhat limited lately.  But, so far, this is an excellent Bible study tool.  The software is easy to install and extremely easy to navigate and use.

I will be working with the software for awhile now, instead of reading.  Speaking of reading, however, there have been no votes on what book I should read and comment on next.  I am still hoping that you guys will participate in the recommendation for my next reading.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO VOTE!!!

I have suspended reading on "Finding Peace" right now, with only two chapters left.  I have loaned this book to a friend of mine and will complete the reading and report on the rest of the book when they are finished with it.

In the meantime, I am ready to start reading on a new book and I would like YOUR help in deciding which book to read and write about next.  On the right hand side - there is a poll which lists the available books at this time.  PLEASE take time to vote for one of the books.  The poll will be open until December 15th - at which time I will begin reading the book which received the most votes!

I am looking forward to beginning a new reading and am excited to let YOU choose which book it will be.