Draw from the Well

Lessons Learned at the Apple Store

I'm certainly not an Apple-head by any means.  I'm proud to be PC and I have no problem saying it.  That being said, I do occasionally nibble of the forbidden fruit. 

So I was quite sadden when I dropped and cracked my Iphone 4.  Just in case this happens to you, here are some things I learned:

• Back up your apple product (if you can): They can only save your contacts, so be sure to back up if you want to save your data.
  
• Make an appointment if you've got a problem:  Apple stores make it easy to make an appointment for a genius bar appointment.  Many people around me were frustrated because they came by without an appointment and the place was busy.
  
• Don't be late for your genius bar appointment: I was late...too bad.  Don't be late, or you will have to get in line again.  It doesn't count if Apply is late - I waited for my second appointment for 20 extra minutes.  (I tried not to be bitter!)
  
• Apple gives you 1x grace:  Once in your lifetime they will replace your phone (I don't know about other products) with a cracked screen or water damage - no questions asked.  These issues are not covered under the Apple Warranty.

Since I had time to kill while waiting for my second appointment, I also observed some things about the store itself:

• The place was clean: they keep it simple and focused.  Amazingly so.
• The workers were friendly and busy: neither time I was waiting were the workers just hanging out.  They were active, helpful, and working.
• The workers were joyful: I actually witnessed a few high-fives when difficult problems were overcome (like getting past the security code on a blacked out screen.)

Thanks Apple for replacing my phone. Appreciate it.

 

 

Bible Helps for OSL and Beyond

Several people in our new OSL class have asked me to give references for some helps as they

a) read the Bible using a Bible Plan

b) memorize various scripture verses

c) memorize the books of the Bible.

Here are some of the resources I've found for these areas:

Bible Reading Plans

1) www.youversion.com- this works from your computer or smart phone (atleast iphones).  At Living Water we use the Life Journal plan or the First Steps Plan, which is a shortened version of the Life Journal plan.

Youversion is AWESOME (thank you Lifechurch.tv!) and you should use it...I can't say it enough.

You can also get a a Life Journal at our Living Water Media Center ($10) or a copy of the Life Journal plan.

2) Using the SOAP Method for Bible reading - go back to the source: www.lifejournal.cc/faq/.  We us Pastor Wayne Cordeiro's method of journaling and this site will answer some of your basic questions.

3) Other Bible versions - www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org.  These two sites can be helpful if you want to look of scripture topically. 

Remember - I urge you to use the commentary and devotional portions of these sites with restraint, because we believe and want you to practice understanding and interpreting scripture for yourself. 

Scripture Memorization

There is a lot of advice on-line for scripture memorization - from flashcards to mnemonics, it might be good to read some articles to find things that help you along the way.

I couldn't find any web-based memorization sites but there were several freeware programs.

WARNING: I didn't thoroughly test this program, so do your own research! 

www.middlecross.com is a freeware pc program for scripture memorization.  It's relatively simple, but has some fun practice items.  It doesn't  have many verses in it, so you will have to enter yours in, but I liked the interface and, as far as I can tell, it truly is free.

For the iphone:

Bible Verses is a free app with many verses and some cool practice techniques.
There are several apps which cost money that people have used including:  Memoryverses (.99) by Lifeway Christian Resources and Bible Memory by Mobilize Faith (5.99)

Memorizing the Books of the Bible

http://www.mgcpa.com/mark/other/bible/index.html is a great web-based tool for memorizing the books of the Bible; three different quizzes help you to sort out what goes where.  Great tool for learning!

for the iphone

I purchased a program called Bible Books (1.99) because i couldn't find anything for free.  I really like the practice modes.

BTW, there are also several songs which may be helpful for you see here(do-wop) or here (country) or here (jazz/rap). [Sorry if some of those were a bit painful!]

This isn't exhaustive by any means, so if you've found thing that has worked for you, please make a note in the comments!

Global Share the Bible Day

 

YouVersion wants to spread the word about THE WORD. 

They have declared Saturday, December 25 as "Global Share the Bible Day."

The plan is simple - on December 25, all day, take every opportunity to share anything you love about the Bible.

• Use your technology tools like Twitter, Facebook, and your blog. 
• Talk to people face to face - share with your family, friends, neighbors.
• Share your favorite verse, what God has done, the Christmas story, anything about the Bible!

Why?  Because the Bible is the story of God's love for us.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus who was the WORD MADE FLESH!

I'm sharing this with you because:

1) I really do love the Bible!

2) I love the vision and mission of YouVersion to get God's Word out to people for free!

3) Their reading plans make it easy and accessible to read scripture EVERY day!

4) I'd secretly love to win an Ipad!

 

Don't know about YouVersion?

Go here and get everything you need!

Go here and get a Bible app!

So, this Christmas day, spread the good news of God's love!

remember to use the #Bible hashtag for tweets!

 

Top Ten Fun Iphone Apps

A month or so ago a friend talked me into getting an Iphone.  I admit that I fell subject to peer pressure and a slight attraction to shiny, new, technological things.  Now I'm hooked.  While I won't ever let technology run my life (I'm the queen of the voicemail!)  I do have to admit that I "luv" this little gadget.

I don't have the time to wax eloquently about all the cool features, but today I wanted to give you ten fun reasons why I'm smitten.  BTW, this is all prompted when I was dazzled by a new download called "Ocarina", which allows your Iphone to be turned into a musical instrument by blowing (you read that right) into the iphone mic.  (Now tell me that's not cool!)

So here are Kelly's top ten fun apps (as opposed to those "serious" apps we use!):

1. Lux Touch - a "Risk" copy game.  [Because world domination makes me feel good!]
2. LED Football - just like the 70s.  [I loved it then, I still love it now!]
3. iHunt - shooting game.  [Good for stress relief.]
4. Ocarina - a musical instrument.  [Did you not hear me say it plays when you blow on it?]
5. Tie:  PocketGuitar, PocketPiano, Digidrums.  Instruments are hard to master, but fun to play around with. [I like the piano the best!]
6. MotoChaser - motorcycle race game.  [Coolest graphics ever!]
7. Lightsasber - it is what it says. [Use the force.]
8. VirtualCat - it's a cat.  [I will love it and squeeze it and pet it....]
9. Black Jack - I'm glad it's fake money. 
10. Zippo Lighter - Need a light? [The other day I tried to light a birthday candle with it.  I thought it was funny.  I think they thought I was weird.]