iBlog

I’ve always used BibleGateway.com for my online Bible needs.  It’s easy to do a quick look-up and print off sections of scripture for readings and such.  I might be changing soon.

YouVersion.com is an online Bible with much more to offer.  Not only is it a Bible, but a community.  You can create a profile, highlight, tag, and even provide commentary on your favorite scriptures.  It will remember your favorite translation of the Bible and have it ready for you when you visit the site.  It has a journal widget, too, so you can make notes, prayers, etc. while you do your daily reading.  And all of this can be shared with those that you connect with inside the community.

Now I know what you’re thinking…
“Another christian website trying to mimic the success of Myspace and Facebook.”

No.  The purpose of the site isn’t to socialize, though I’m sure it happens.  Its networking capabilities are there for the ability to connect with others in scripture — to learn and grow together on one common subject — to join in a conversation about our book that DEMANDS conversation.

It’s still in beta form, so not all areas of the website are accessible yet, but the important parts are, and it can only get better.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Also, share some of your favorite online Bible resources.  Are there any sites that you frequent to aid in your studies or sermon prep?

ps: YouVersion is also available for the iPhone.

I’m sort of “proud parent” when it comes to my kids. Not my actually biological kids (I don’t have any of those), but my students. They are sooooo talented. They can do anything they want, and I get so happy for them when I see that their efforts get noticed and rewarded.

A couple months ago, I learned of one of my students starting a band with some of her friends. It’s a concept band that is inspired by characters in a popular series of books about vampires.

The Bella Cullen Project is a three piece consisting of mostly guitar and vocals. Every now and again we get a taste of piano and miscellaneous percussion. Their harmonies are fantastic, and they are as tight as a band that’s been together for years!

They play several gigs at libraries and book releases. But most recently (and most awesomely*), they’ve been contacted by MTV. They taped an interview, performance, and music video that has been airing on MTV2 and MTVu over the past several days. They were also a featured article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

Being in a band myself, I understand the difficulty of being a musician. I’m so happy that they are getting recognized, and they’re dreams and goals are being realized. Rock on you “Sexy Vampire”!

I’m a huge fan of Method products. I’m also a huge fan of conservation and “green living”.

My main problem (and I assume everyone’s main problem) with being green is knowing where to start. We all know it’s important but don’t quite understand how easy it can be.

Method just released a book on this very subject. It’s called Squeaky Green: The method Guide to Detoxing Your Home, and it’s available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Target. It may be worth picking up!

Read about it here.