Bible Software for Linux

Linux is my operating system of choice, but there is a very real shortage of native Linux programs in the Bible study genre. There a few very capable Linux packages, but it seems to me Windows has the market share of exceptional programs for those people who rely on Bible study software. All hope is not lost, though, and there is possible some relief for this software void on the horizon, but nothing is definitive at the moment.

My needs are pretty basic, and there are a couple of Bible software packages installed on my computers. These are not my favorite ones, but they certainly get the job done. There is a wonderful little package called BibleTime for use in KDE. It really is a pretty slick program, but isn’t nearly as polished as my favorite program, the Dake Reference Library (DRL), which is a Windows program built on the WordSearch engine.

is pretty straightforward, and gives me the ability to cut and paste into my word processor of choice, OpenOffice Writer. The version I’m using is 1.6.5, but there has been a new release, which just fixes some bugs. If you use Linux with KDE, you might find this is a very acceptable program for basic Bible study.

Here’s a list of the modules I’ve got running:
Bibles:

• KJV – King James Version
• ESV – English Standard Version
• RNKJV – Restored Name King James Version

Commentaries:

• Clarke – Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible
• MHCC – Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
• Personal – Personal Commentary. This is a place for me to take notes on any verse.
• RWP – Robertson’s Word Pictures
• TSK – Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lexicons:

• Easton’s – Easton’s Bible Dictionary
• ISBE – Internation Standard Bible Encyclopedia
• KJVD – King James Dictionary
• Nave – Nave’s Topical Bible
• StrongsGreek – Strong’s Greek Bible Dictionary
• StrongsHebrew – Strong’s Hebrew Bible Dictionary
• TCR – Thompson Chain Topics
• Torrey – R. A. Torrey’s New Topical Textbook

There is an enormous amount of material which is free for the asking, provided you are not prohibited by the country you call home. I just looked at the Crosswire remote library, and was pleasantly surprised to see what has been included in the new updates. There is now a book section with many well-known works, so I will be installing some more material shortly. Actually, the marerial you can use is constantly changing, and I can’t seem to find the ESV any more. Better hang on to what I’ve got!

There is a wonderful tool for Linux called WINE, which allows a person to run native Windows programs in the Linux environment. While I believe this should be unnecessary, there are some programs that are Windows-only. There is no doubt BibleTime is quite useful, but just doesn’t do what my favorite Bible study program, DRL can. With WINE, I have a great Windows program running on my laptop computer called e-Sword. It’s a very nice program with more modules than I need, and works quite well in Linux. Now, why its creator, Rick Meyers, hasn’t ported it to the superior Linux platform is quite beyond me.

I am patiently awaiting the day when those who produce Bible study software will embrace the value and stability of the Linux platform. If the intention is to spread the Word of God, then why not use every means available? I personally know several people who would be thrilled to have good, sound alternatives to Windows offerings. Now, understand, I am very grateful for what is available in Linux, but would like more choices. Linux is steadily growing, and software companies need to include us in their plans. President Randy Beck of WordSearch, are you listening?

Cambridge Large Print KJV 83 Black Text Only Bible – Update 2

After much anticipation, my replacement showed up at the parsonage today.  it didn’t take long for me to unwrap the package and look inside. Before going any further, let me say, once again, how impressed I am with customer service at Baker Publishing.  The shipping tab was picked up by them, so no money came out of my pockets, and that’s the way customer service should work, IMHO.

The first thing I saw after opening the package was an invoice, carton contents sheet and another package return receipt for the Cambridge Presentation Bible that will be exchanged soon. My, they are efficient.

I have to tell you, the new Cambridge boxes used now just aren’t as nice as the ones they supplied before. I really like the King’s College slipcase boxes Bibles used to be packaged in. For a reason only they know, we are now given a clam shell case, which is efficient, but not as nice as the old. This is a minor point, to be sure, but there you go – personal preference.

I’m a little confused about the numbering on the box, too. The ISBN 978-0-521-50880-3 is the same for this new Bible and the one it replaced. The old Bible was black French Morocco #83, while this one is burgundy French Morocco #KJ653:T. Baker’s site denotes KJ83. The only difference I can tell is in the color of the leather cover.

The text on my replacement is just as sharp as the first one, and appears to be put together better. There seems to have been more attention to details, and I am certainly grateful. I am pleased with the lining and corner areas, which is why the black Bible had to be returned. Obviously, I haven’t had time to read every page, but it looks like this one is a definite keeper. Good job, Cambridge and Baker Publishing.

A Bible that sits on a shelf is not much good; it must be read, studied and ingested. The very life it has must be taken in by those who are blessed to read its pages. Just before typing this post, I had completed today’s reading. If you would like to know more about this subject, you can browse through Bibles – What Are They For?. Thank God for His wonderful Word!

When All Hope is Gone

Acts 27:1-2, 14-20

1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. 2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. 18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

There are times when it seems like life has dealt you a death blow, and there is no reason to go on any more. There are times when it seems as though your world has turned upside down and you have been forgotten by the very God you have put your trust in so many times. Look up friend, God is faithful and will not leave you in your hour of need.

1. The reality is hope can be fleeting

a. Paul was a man of great faith, but he was also a man. He was just like any of us who have faced trials and temptations. He knew what it was like to come against some pretty terrifying odds. Paul faced down the Pharisees and Sadducees, was beaten numerous times, stoned, left for dead, mocked, ridiculed, and yet, he was personally chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ for a perilous mission.

b. Paul would later write some of the most important scriptures in the Bible, and would teach generations of people how to have a personal relationship with the Christ of God – Jesus Christ. Here’s a man who fought with the beasts at Ephesus – wild men. Even the Apostle Paul came face to face with the reality that hope can sometimes flee away.

c. This is the same Paul that wrote:

Romans 8:24-25 (KJV) For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Romans 15:13 (KJV) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

1 Cor. 9:10 (KJV) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

Hebrews 6:18-19 (KJV) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: [19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

2. When hope leaves, what do you do?

You have the option of doing several things when faced with a situation like Paul found himself in. Many of you in this room today have faced a similar situation and are possibly going through one now. When faced with a terror such as Paul faced, we have a tendency to panic and lose our sense of direction. It’s possible some of you in this room today have just about given up and have lost all hope; you have no hope and nothing can comfort you. Let me encourage you to look up to heaven and put your trust in the God of glory who will never leave you or forsake you. Here are three choices:

1. You can completely give up. You can tell God and everyone else you’ve had enough.

2. You can complain about your situation and turn all your attention on yourselves instead of reaching out to God. You have the ability to do as the children of Israel did as they left Egypt’s bondage. All they could do was complain and murmur about every little thing that came along.

<<<or>>>

3. You can take hold of the situation and do something positive about it.

HOW DO I DO THAT?

1. Remember your calling. Look at Acts 23:11 “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” God didn’t call you to let you live without hope. God didn’t call you to let you rot by the wayside. God didn’t call you to leave you without comfort and the power of the Holy Ghost. God pulled you out of the miry clay and put your feet on solid ground in order for you to fulfill His will for your life.

2. You can believe God. (Verses 23-24)Paul was visited by an angel of God and found encouragement. He told all the men on the ship that God was with them all and that there would be no loss of life, but the ship would be destroyed. Many people could save themselves heartache after heartache if they would only believe God. Many healings and miracles would visit the church if only men would believe.

3. You must abide in the boat. (Verse 31) Paul spoke plainly about staying in the safety of the boat. The implication is simple: stay in the boat and you will be safe; get out of the boat and you will lose your life.

The ESV and my iPod Classic

Technology is wonderful and useful in more ways than this post can effectively address.  I did something today I have wanted to do for quite a while, but just didn’t take the time to tackle the task.  Now that it’s done, I’m wondering why it took me so long to take care of business.

Now that you’re interest has been piqued, I will continue with the story. There has to be some background, first, though.  Last year, our Pastoral Covenant Group (PCG) met for our annual retreat, and one of the pastors was watching some teaching videos on an iPod Classic 80GB.  That was very interesting to me, as I had never used one of those devices before, and the thought of putting videos on a portable device like the one he showed me was intriguing.

iPod Classic Silver 80GB

My wife bought me one for Christmas, and I immediately booted into M$ Windows in order to use iTunes.  Honestly, I didn’t know any better; I was under the impression you either had to use iTunes in Windows or Mac in order to populate this new Classic. Well, I quickly grew weary of booting into an inferior operating system just to put music on my iPod Classic.  In case you’re wondering, my operating system (OS) of choice is Linux, and Simply Mepis in particular.

Here’s where the story gets interesting.  Not long after booting back into the safe confines of my Linux OS, I decided it was time to add some more music and videos to my shiny new iPod Classic.  Well, I plugged it, and opened an application that should have handled the task with relative ease – Amarok.  The link for Amarok takes you to a wonderful article about basically the same situation as the one I’m writing about. The problem is, Apple added a checksum to the database so you have to either use iTunes for Windows or Apple, as I previously pointed out. Linux is great, though, and Softpedia has an article explaining the problem and includes some answers, too.

I managed to blow up my iTunes database several times while in Linux before Apple’s insidious behavior was discovered by me.  Others in the Linux community had already run into the problem and had begun to vigorously pursue a resolution.  It wasn’t long until the solution was found, as the article at Softpedia explains.  To make a longer story short, I installed a few packages in my Linux machine, and now I am happy to report yet another reason to stay away from M$ Windows.

Now that you know my iPod Classic 80GB works in Linux, let me get on with the rest of the story. Mark Bertrand at the Bible Design & Binding Blog writes about high-end Bibles, and has several articles about the English Standard Version (ESV).  I had never heard of that version until reading Mark’s excellent blog.  After doing some research and reading several passages for myself, I began to be quite taken by the beauty of this new version.  BTW, I’m looking to acquire an ESV made by what some people consider to be the finest publisher on the planet, R. L. Allan and Sons, in Glasgow, Scotland.  If you want to buy the Bible in the US, the sole distributor is Evangelicalbible.com.

While browsing today, I came across podBible.org. In case you don’t already know, it offers the ESV as a download so you can put on your iPod.  The site offers versions for Windows or Mac, so I chose Windows and followed the instructions.  It wasn’t long before the ESV NT was put on my Classic, and I began to enjoy reading this wonderful version of God’s Holy Word.  For further reading pleasure, you could see Mark Bertrand’s article about The ESV on an Apple iPhone.  Enjoy.

Other Than the KJV?

For as long as I have been a Christian, there has been controversy regarding which version of the Bible is holy and true. For many, there is no other Bible than the one used by their father’s father’s father. Even today, there are some who believe if you don’t use a particular version, you are endangering your lives and filling your minds with false doctrine.

There are no apologies from me for my personal preference being the King James Version (KJV). I love this version, and always have. There is no doubt some of the words are no longer used in today’s world, but that doesn’t bother me in any way. The text flows smoothly for me, and seems to be alive, which it is. This version still has an enormous following today, and will continue for a long time to come.

While browsing the net a few months ago, I came across an interesting site and began reading some of the posts. It wasn’t long before this became a daily reading necessity. Mark Bertrand’s Binding Design and Binding Blog offers a wealth of information about high-end Bibles, along with some other offerings, such as high quality journals and out of the ordinary Bibles. If you have never visited this site, do yourselves a favor and drop by. Be forewarned, though, as you might just be tempted to acquire one or more of the Bibles he has so ably reviewed.

Winding my way through the afore mentioned blog, I came across a Bible version that was totally unfamiliar to me. The English Standard Version (ESV) seems to be quite popular, and after reading several important passages on the ESV site, I began to see why. There is an Introduction to the ESV Bible that should answer all your questions about this wonderful version. From the introduction:

The English Standard Version (ESV) Bible is a new, essentially literal Bible translation that combines word-for-word precision and accuracy with literary excellence, beauty, and depth of meaning.

A pastor friend of mine showed me another version I had not read before, the New American Standard Bible (NASB). This version is published by The Lockman Foundation. He told me he had been using this version for quite a while in studying the scriptures and preaching, too. Again, after looking at several key passages, I found this version quite pleasing and readable. There is some useful information about the NASB on the BibleGateway.com site. You may also look up scriptures there, and read to your heart’s content.

While talking with another pastor friend last night, I discovered one more version that really appeals to me. The New Century Version (NCV) is easy to read, and suitable for young readers, too. There is some excellent information at the Bible Research site relating to this version. As my pastor friend pointed out, this version reads so beautifully, specifically including grandchildren in the promises of God. Look at how Psalm 103:17 is rendered: “But the Lord’s love for those who respect him continues forever and ever, and his goodness continues to their grandchildren.”

I know children’s children is the same as grandchildren, but the NCV makes the connection very plain. My wife and I have grandchildren and we make sure they are included in our Bible discussions. They are our heritage, and the Word of God applies just as much to them as the rest of us.

Now, what is so significant about reading and studying versions other than the time-tested KJV? I have been a Christian long enough to be grounded and settled in God’s Word, and can read the others without confusion. The other versions mentioned in this post have their own personalities and unique features; it’s not difficult to find a sense of joy and satisfaction in each of them.

There is a book called God Only Wrote One Bible by Jasper James Ray, which is an apology for the KJV. I don’t know how many times I’ve read that book; I’ve bought and given away more copies than can be recalled now. I’m not sure the book is still in print. Anyway, at one point in my life, I believed like the author. “If it’s not the KJV, you better not read it” There are some interesting points brought up by Mr. Ray, and if you can find the book, you would probably enjoy reading it.

We are to go into all the world, making disciples of all people. There is no telling the number of people who have come to know Jesus Christ as Savior through the power of evangelizing with the KJV. I can remember a man witnessing to me as we were both working at a department store in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He quoted scriptures using the KJV. After coming to Christ at an old established church one Easter Sunday morning, I was presented with a brand new Thompson Chain KJV Bible. I still use it today, though the print has somehow shrunk a little.

If I can use the ESV, NASB, NCV or KJV to effectively speak the message of the Cross, then I have done my part. Certainly, the Lord has already anointed His Word and expects us to speak to others, declaring His love for mankind. I don’t want to use a watered down version that destroys the majesty and deity of God; there are some versions that seem to do just that. We must be discerning in what we read and what we speak.

I may just begin using one of these other versions as I preach the glorious gospel of Christ; there is no doubt, however, the KJV will be my main Bible. My aim is to speak the truth in love with the power of God’s eternal Word. What do you think?

Cambridge Bible – RCD 287 – Presentation Reference Edition

My second Cambridge Bible is an RCD287 in Burgundy calfskin, which is no longer made. I found this at Tucker’s Books in Nashville, Tennessee. There are lots of out of print Bibles there, and the prices are reasonable. There were five of the Cambridge Bibles in stock at the time.

Honestly, though, I had my heart set on the RCD286 Turquoise edition from R. L. Allan and Sons until I realized it’s nothing more than the Cambridge Presentation in goatskin leather. The Allan’s Turquoise is way too rich for me, and I just couldn’t justify the nearly $260 price tag. Now, maybe you have one and it’s worth it to you, but…

Paul, from evangelicalbible.com, told me Mr. Nicholas Gray of Allan’s confirmed the Turquoise is not bound by that fine establishment. They do produce other fine Bibles, according to many people. I’ve never seen one up close, but would like to one day.

Now, on to the RCD287. It is a beautiful Bible in burgundy calfskin leather. I really don’t know why Cambridge decided to stop making this particular edition, but according to Jessica Bolks of Baker Publishing Group, they have. You can still get the Bible in French Morocco with thumb index, though. If you want goatskin, you can just think about it, because there’s none in stock.

Many people wouldn’t like the dimensions of this Bible, but I have no problem with them at all. The page size is 9 1/4 inches x 5 3/4 inches. The size is fine for sitting on a desk or on my lap. The Bible feels comfortable in one hand and opens nicely. The very first time I opened this beautiful Bible, it laid flat. Not every Bible will do that, but at this price, it should. Nothing lacking so far.

Here’s what’s on the box: “KING JAMES VERSION – PRESENTATION REFERENCE BIBLE – Concordance – Cross-references – Bible dictionary – Presentation page – Family record – Colour maps and gazetteer – Words of the Lord in red – Calfskin leather – India paper – Gilt edges”

Now, let’s look inside. The lining seems to be made of vinyl of some sort, and it’s been glued on very well. That’s a pretty good sign, but then I discovered white paper left over from the trimming. Quality control, where are you? At least the lining isn’t coming away from the leather cover. Thankfully, I don’t need giant print.

The text is quite easy on my older eyes, and that is what I bought the Bible for in the first place. From the “published by” page: “Typeset in Antique Old Style No 3, 10/11pt. Printed and bound in the United Kingdom at the University Press, Cambridge” The font size makes for comfortable reading. If you need a Bible with larger than normal type, perhaps the Presentation would be a good candidate for you.

The text block is where the major problems arise with this Bible. It is not worthy of the price tag Cambridge put on it. For the amount of money a person pays, the text quality should be much better than what is in between the front and back covers. Stray marks are quite common, as well as incomplete letters. There are many comments on Mark Bertrand’s Bible Design and Binding blog regarding this text-block issue. Many have said Cambridge’s quality has slipped dramatically over the past several years, and I can attest to the fact the quality isn’t apparent in this particular Bible.

The two ribbon bookmarks are a welcome addition, but three would have been far better. The material is just the right width and length and matches the burgundy leather quite well. Again, quality must not have been on the minds of the people putting this Bible together, because both markers are twisted instead of being straight. What a mess.

Finally, I just noticed something that should not be happening. The family record signature is already pulling away from the rest of the Bible. I can see in between the sections quite clearly. This just should not be. If I had used this Bible daily for several years, perhaps this problem could be expected, but it’s not but a month or so old.

Again, Baker Publishing’s customer service is wonderful, and will exchange my RCD287 for a new one. The only problem is, I’ll have to settle for French Morocco and thumb-index, but I can live with that. My main concern is, will the new one be any better? I sure hope so.

Cambridge Large Print KJV 83 Black Text Only Bible – Update

Customer service can easily be classified as “missing in action”, and that is unfortunate. There are some companies, however, who take their responsibility in handling customers’ needs to heart. One such company is Baker Publishing Group. They are committed to making things right, and that is certainly commendable, especially in this day of shoddy workmanship and service.

I’ve already spoken to the fine people at Baker Publishing Group, which is the North American distributor for Cambridge University Press Bibles. I was told it would be no problem to exchange my Bible for a new one. The trouble is, there aren’t any to trade for. There aren’t any in stock, and no one knows when a new shipment will arrive. I stay in contact with customer service, and will eventually get word to send mine in for exchange. Until that time, I will continue using this great Bible.

I left a message with Jessica Bolks, customer service representative, Baker Publishing Group, and she called this morning. I could not have been more pleased with the way she handled my request. Not only did she find a suitable replacement, she said Baker would pick up the shipping tab. Not every company you deal with will go the extra mile like that.

BTW, I’m going to receive a burgundy Bible instead of black, but that will be quite alright with me. My main concern is the lining being applied properly. As I already stated in this post, the clarity of the text is wonderful, and needs no improvement. I should have a new Bible sitting in my mailbox within two weeks, and probably sooner. I’ll certainly keep you posted.

Bibles – What Are They For?

Many people I know have quite a few Bibles lying around their houses. Unfortunately, there is a high percentage of those Bibles that hardly ever get any use; they just sit, gathering dust and taking up space. I own several Bibles, but they don’t just sit on a shelf, they are used. What about you? How many Bibles do you have, and are they actually read? Hopefully, you will be able to answer “yes” about making Bible reading a routine part of your lives.

Bibles are meant to be read, and if they only sit idly by, they are not doing anything for you. There are riches in the pages of God’s holy writ that are waiting to be uncovered by the reader who digs for them. Let me tell you, friend, what the Lord has for you will not jump off the pages and land in your spirit if you are not willing to spend time seeking for it.

While on the isle of Patmos, John wrote in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” I believe the Lord wants to bless those who spend time with Him through the pages of the glorious book we call the Bible. Do you feel that way, too?

I’ve written about reading daily here and here. After reading several excellent blogs about the virtues of high quality bindings, covers and papers, I though it would be interesting to take a look at some of the Bibles I own. Understand, my intention is not to duplicate the fine work others have already labored over; it is, however, my intention to discuss the Bibles that are in my library.

Now, I must give credit to Mark Bertrand at the Bible Design & Binding Blog. While searching the Internet for a particular Bible, his remarkable blog appeared in the search list. After clicking on it for the first time, I was hooked in a big way. His articles are both interesting and informative, and I’ve learned quite a lot about quality Bibles through is writings. Many people, far more knowledgeable than me, frequent his blog, and I’ve gleaned a lot of information by just reading. Stay tuned.

Cambridge Large Print KJV 83 Black Text Only Bible

Until Florida’s 99th campmeeting in June, I had never owned a Cambridge Bible. Mark Bertrand’s excellent Bible Design & Binding Blog has several articles about Cambridge, and the posts are quite informative. He has reviewed a few of the high-end sort, and includes some very nicely done pictures. Unfortunately, I don’t own a digital camera, so you won’t find pictures on this blog, yet.

My eyes are not doing as well as they once did, and it’s time to think about Bibles with larger text. Most of my Bibles would be just right if not for the fact they are so difficult to read. Browsing through Mark’s blog lets me know I am not the only who has this problem.

At all our campmeetings, Pathway Press sets up a bookstore; it’s not hard to spend lots of time looking at the offerings and talking with friends. Hanging around the bookstore is a wonderful time of fellowship and quite a learning experience, too.

I asked if there were any Cambridge Bibles on hand, and was directed to a table that had some very nice offerings. There was a wide-margin in bonded leather, which was a definite no-go. Besides, the text was way too small for me. On the same shelf was a wonderful little Bible – the KJV 83 Black bound in French Morocco leather. I asked if it would be okay to put this one aside until I made up my mind. No problem.

Well, I bought that text-only Bible, and am quite pleased with it. The text is sharp and big enough for me to read comfortably. I do wish it had been a red-letter edition, but I can certainly live with black text. I know there are many who prefer no red on the pages of their Bibles. How about you?

There are absolutely no references in this Bible, and that’s alright. It is used primarily as a daily reading Bible, and for that purpose, it’s perfect. Cambridge chose to include only one ribbon marker, but three should be standard, as far as I’m concerned. Please don’t be stingy with markers; they are so useful, especially for a daily reading Bible.

My copy came in a King’s College slipcase, unlike most of the newer offerings. I really like this nice touch, and think Cambridge should go back to using them instead of the boxes they now use. I know, it’s such a small detail, but it’s important to a lot of other people, too.

Finally, the cover quality is quite disappointing. The lining wasn’t attached very well, and is already coming loose. There’s a lump under the lining on the inside front, and the corners were poorly glued. These quality issues should not be so evident coming from the oldest publisher in the world.

I’ve already spoken to the fine people at Baker Publishing Group, which is the North American distributor for Cambridge University Press Bibles. I was told it would be no problem to exchange my Bible for a new one. The trouble is, there aren’t any to trade for. There aren’t any in stock, and no one knows when a new shipment will arrive. I stay in contact with customer service, and will eventually get word to send mine in for exchange. Until that time, I will continue using this great Bible.

Personal Goal – Shed Some Pounds

Most of you probably don’t know anything about having to carry some extra weight around with you, but I do.  I’m not referring to the burden of a heavy coat or anything like it; no, there’s a few extra pounds on the pastor’s frame that needs to disappear.

I can remember being in the best shape of my life just before retiring from the Air Force many years ago.  Our commanding officer had us running three times a week, playing racquetball every day, and basketball quite often, too.  Whew!  I actually won a racquetball tournament in the rookie division – that just wouldn’t work now, though.

One of our very good friends bought my wife a bicycle for her birthday.  On the day I had to go pick it up from the store, my wife suggested it was time for me to get one, too, so we could ride together.  Well, being up for an adventure, I looked around and found a bike to my liking.  It wasn’t long, and both bicycles were at home and ready for our first ride.

I walk fast.  My wife and grandchildren have a hard time keeping up with me, so I have to force myself to slow down.  It wasn’t long before I was getting up early in the morning in order to ride my bike, that way I could really push myself.  The more I ride, the better I feel, and the pounds will eventually begin to disappear.

My mountain bike. Great for hills, too.

After a couple of weeks putting around the local neighborhood, it was time to venture out a little further.  Mac’s Steak House (McDonald’s), is about 3 miles from the parsonage, and I’ve started riding there, stopping for a cup of coffee, then riding back.  There are some pretty nice hills in the little town we live in, so the round trip is a good workout.  I can imagine what some people think when they see a gray-haired stumpy man riding a mountain bike through town, breathing hard and trying not to act like he’s tired at all.

Does anyone want to ride along with me?