The Voice Bible Translation

The Voice New Testament Bible Translation is a fresh way of reading the traditional scriptures. It retains the poetry and narrative format of the scriptures while choosing to remain faithful to the original meanings in Greek and Aramaic. It is a joint effort from Bible scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets and other artists while giving attention the the beauty of the story. It can be read like a modern literary piece yet the authors painstakingly made sure that the truth and the fullness of the scriptures are still intact!

Here are some of its features:
- Italicized information indicate what the original readers would have known
- In text commentary notes include thoughts whether historical, cultural, devotional or theological in nature.
- The format is ideal for public readings or group studies.
- There is a book introduction which aids the reader to understand the book more

So if you want to read the Word of God in modern English, this book would be a good choice for you. It can also be used as a basic study Bible

The New Testament translation is affordably prized at $6.99 only. This is published by Thimas Nelson Inc.




Note: I was given a copy of this book electronically but it has in no way influenced my personal opinions about the book.   

Wedding Inspiration

Special occasions make life special. Whenever I look back and think of special occasions in my life, I always remember my prom, my 18th birthday, my wedding day and the first and last time I gave birth would mark special milestones in my life. When I was younger, I often thought of my wedding day and wanted it to be really special. I wanted to have a simple yet beautiful wedding. A wedding like those done in new york estate weddings. I wanted to be able to look back and draw inspiration and love whenever I look back to that special day.

Now that I am older, I realize that the venue, the wedding dress, the invitation, the gifts or the guests wouldn't really mean so much. The glamour and all the party isn't what makes it special. It is what transpired on the wedding day that will matter. The vow and the commitment we made will be the memory which will really stand out and which will inspire me.

Whenever difficult days come, I know that I can always look back on our wedding day and know that the vow we made will stand because we promised God and each other that we will stand by each other - until death do us part.

Better Than I

On the days that I feel lost --- I am so glad that God reassures me. He is better than I. I will stop asking why  - and just trust in His leading.

Chia Seeds

With many diseases springing all over the globe, people are now going back to using organic instead of all the artificial products available in the market. From personal care to food to medicine, organic and herbal are the way to go.

My kids love to eat processed snacks and I have been looking around for good replacements. One of the new organic products I heard of is called chia seeds. I read about chia seeds history and I have found out that chia seeds can lower blood sugar and eliminate symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes. My hubby is diabetic so we are warning our children that they have to watch what they eat so to control their own blood sugar. If they snack on something healthy, it would be much better! It has been mentioned that chia seeds are have naturally high levels of proteins, Omega 3 fatt acids, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

I think it is high time that I purchase chia seeds and try it on our food. We usually eat cereals in the morning and according to the article I just read, you can consume chia seeds raw. They are virtually tasteless and odorless.

I am excited to try chia seeds and see some results!

Books

As long as I can remember, I have loved reading books! I started with junior novels when I was younger and got to reading novels and devotional books when I got older. I get inspiration, instruction and insight from reading books. It is a great way to expand one's horizon and knowledge about places, things, culture and life's lessons. 

Now that I have kids of my own, I want them to enjoy reading as much as I did. Because I believe that once we have instilled the joy of reading, they will never cease learning. 

You cannot open a book without learning something.
Confucius

Pursuing Higher Degrees

There are too many business graduates in the workplace, if you wanted to ensure a better career, it seems that you need to have higher educational attainment. Because of the competition in the workplace, many people are opting to study in graduate schools to pursue further degrees in their education. To ensure a high grade in the graduate management admission test (GMAT), enrolling in centers like VeritasPrep would greatly help one's chances to get a higher grade. VeritasPrep provides interactive online courses anywhere. Just like if you are in Utah, Salt Lake City gmat course from Veritas Prep is also available there.

I have never been interested to take my current degree further. But that is not the case for my husband. My husband is currently taking up his second masteral degree. His first masteral degree was Master in Arts in Christian Studies but now, he is taking up Masters in Divinity. It previously took him 3 years to finish his online course but now that he is pastoring full time, I think it would take him a longer time. But that doesn't discourage him from pursuing his second masters degree. Thankfully, he didn't need to take a GMAT exam anymore! Otherwise, he might also need to enroll in Veritas Prep himself!

Cultivating Your Inner Life Review

I have been reading a really good book by Rev.Edmund Chan entitled "Cultivating Your Inner Life". It is all about our spiritual formation and what discipleship should really be. I have really enjoyed this book because it is not just something to be read, but it really speaks to one's heart.

The author used his personal life experiences to illustrate his points on christian growth. One of the book's main topic is intimacy with God. The book discussed several myths that people believe  about intimacy with God. Here are the 4 myths:
> Intimacy is the key to blessing
> Intimacy is a prize
> Intimacy with God is optional
> Intimacy is experienced the same way by everyone

Rev. Edmund Chan stated 4 truths to contradict the 4 myths. The 4 truths are:
> God delights in intimacy with us and invited us to it
> Intimacy is a God-given birthright for all
> Intimacy takes trust and not just time
> Intimacy with God results in redemptive acts of love

The book has made me rethink the status of my personal relationship with God. Am I too comfortable or am I intimate with Him?

If you want to re-evaluate your relationship with God, this book is a good companion especially this Lenten season.

This book is published by Covenant Evangelical Free Church.

Note: I have not been paid to write this review. All opinions are personal.