Bible Translation Review

I like Rick Mansfield's blog, This Lamp. He has a pretty good review of the different English Bible Translations that I appreciate. He is a refreshing voice in the more and more frequently popularized and stylized voice of Evangelical Christianity in North America.

Here is the blog:  This Lamp

Note: the NIV is not in Rick Mansfield's list. He does mention the ESV but with some criticism. Most interesting!

I personally have felt, the ESV was simply a reworking of the RSV, sometimes without much imagination, so that it would be acceptable to Evangelical thought, such as changing "young woman" to say "virgin" in Isaiah 7:14. Don't get me wrong - I've always liked the RSV and the ESV has modernized the language for this classic translation.

Agree with Rick's assessment on the NASB - this was the Bible that I used in Bible College as a textbook and the translation from which I did most of my Scripture memorization.

Personally, I have grown more fond of the New Revised Standard Version recently. Here again, it was largely written off as a liberal translation by many independent Evangelical churches. Maybe it is for that very same reason (not because of it), that I find it to be a more objective translation of the Scriptures. There was a Presbyterian church in our neighborhood in Seattle that we used to attend now and then because I loved the old pipe organ and the stained glass windows. The preacher there preached out of the NRSV and I really liked how it read oratorically from the pulpit.

I just haven't taken to the HCSB, though I've tried - read it through completely even, but I do respect Rick's review and it opens my mind to want to look at this version again.

Oh, another translation that I have re-discovered with great appreciation lately is J.B. Phillips translation of the New Testament. Sometimes it is just good to get a fresh perspective on the ageless Words of God!

I also wonder that Rick doesn't mention the NKJV, although he lists the KJV. Anyone have thoughts about this version? I'm not talking about the arguments of which original text to use - I've read all the for and against arguments on that issue - I'm curious more about the accuracy of the translation as well as its ability to speak into people's lives in a devotional way.

Thank you Mom and Dad

My parents were so MEAN to me! They made me do chores, go to school. They gave me a curfew, told to me to get a job to work for the things I wanted. They asked me if I was doing my best at school and my job and taught me to take pride in my work. I grew up with morals, a good work ethic, a strong faith in God, and respect for the law. I thank God everyday for my MEAN parents! LOVE YOU MOM & DAD! THANK YOU!

(This was posted by another friend on facebook and I copied and pasted it.  It is not original with me, but whoever came up with it - I love it! )

Golden Gate Bridge

Had a great hike on Labor Day with a group of friends. First of all, I'm so blessed to have such a great group of gals in my life. We share, laugh and take care of each other! Secondly, if you would have asked me a couple of years ago, the last place in the world I would have dreamed that I would be living is San Francisco. Isn't life's journey amazing? Nice day, nice reflection!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONSFfvVXZVA

Cast all your cares on Him!

I Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

I just did a word study on "Cast." It is only used one other place in the NT when the disciples "cast" their garments on the donkey for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem. We know from secular literature of the time that the word that Peter chose to use in this instance was the word you would use to shift or heave or throw a heavy burden onto a mule or donkey to carry for you! 

Amazing that the Lord of the Universe loves us so much and humbles himself that he would offer to be our "beast of burden." Yes, indeed! Toss that heavy burden onto the One who can bear it for you!

Anniversary Memories

Steve made reservations for our anniversary next month on the Queen Mary, moored in Long Beach and converted into a luxury hotel. I'm so excited - both for the trip and for the time with the adorable man that I married!

http://www.queenmary.com

Other fun anniversary memories: 

The Empress Hotel in Victoria when we put on our luxury robes and acted all sophisticated on our way to the spa and accidently exited into the lobby instead. We turned around and madly punched the elevator button but it had already taken off - it was hard to maintain the sophisticated air after that, especially when we started giggling. 

Another favorite one is at Semiahmoo Resort - Steve ordered room service for breakfast. When the young man arrived with the tray, Steve said just put it there on the table. Turns out there was a pair of plastic hand cuffs with a note from me, something about being my love slave for the weekend that the poor fellow tried to scoot over with the tray. Turns out it was his first day on the job. I'm sure he is a seasoned veteran by now. We laughed about that one a lot! Fun times!

Quotes

"Love is being vulnerable"  C.S. Lewis

"Dying to self means that we are willing to give up our entitlement to be comfortable. It means that we are willing to be uncomfortable for the good of others and the purposes of God."  Stephen Arterburn

"I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much!  Mother Teresa

"Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and opens with our years."  Charles H. Spurgeon

"God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there!"  Billy Graham

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."  Jim Elliot

2010 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast, San Mateo County - Donna - Picasa Web Albums

Just got through photographing a truly inspirational event - the annual Heroes Breakfast for the San Mateo County Red Cross. In fact, sat at the same table as a five month old baby who was saved by a good samaritan who did CPR after the baby had stopped breathing.

Good reminder to take Red Cross First Aid and CPR training and be prepared with a disaster survival kit. I carry one in the car and also keep one in the garage with fresh supplies of water to last for three days.

Pictures of the event can be seen here:

2010 Red Cross Heroes Breakfast, San Mateo County - Donna - Picasa Web Albums

The guest speaker was Congresswoman Jackie Spears, who has an inspirational life story in her own right. All around great event!