If you’ve been following along with our posts over at Scripture Dig for the past couple of weeks, I hope that you’ve come away with a better understanding of some of the study resources readily available to us over the internet!  One of our readers had mentioned that she uses e-sword on her computer, so last night I decided to download it and try it out.

E-sword is a free program that you must download onto your computer.  It takes a while to download as it comes in various components that you can pick individually after the initial download.  The majority of the resources are free, so without spending any money you can end up with a decent system including maps, dictionaries, Strongs concordance, and the entire KJV text linked with Strongs numbers.  Unfortunately the Bible translations that I wanted to add all required payment to download, and considering that I can access them for free on Bible Gateway, I passed on that!  However, there are several quality Bible resources that I am considering purchasing and adding, as the $10 or $20 they are charging is much less than what it would cost to purchase in book form.  I also like that e-sword has a built-in verse memory system – you can even keep track of prayer requests!

E-sword is only one of many resources available online.  For more information, check out this listing of links and resources from Scripture Dig, and I also have some additional resources on my great links page.

Tomorrow we will dig into Revelation 4 – and I hope that you will use these tools and others to dig in on your own in the meantime!  Do you have a favorite online Bible study resource to share?

[There is also a short survey up over at Scripture Dig today - come answer 6 short questions and give us some feedback?] :)

I apologize for the random and inconsistent posts this week!  We are still working, talking, praying behind the scenes with this blog relaunch… one that I’m sure my non-blogging friends are growing weary of hearing about. :)  Please permit me another reminder: the old fanpage for this blog is being changed.  I would be honored to have you join the little “community” of fans here.  Also, if you follow this blog through google friend connect, my understanding is that I won’t be able to move you with us to the new site.  I hope you will consider following through a reader or subscribing through email.

Today I thought I would point you to some favorite posts I’ve read this week that are worth your time.


Ann Voskamp’s “When You are Afraid of Silence” has resonated with me deeply, as her writing usually does.  A taste:

Hope you’ve been having a marvelous weekend!! Here’s what I’ve been reading and enjoying this week!

The Relevant conference has been big news among my twitter pals this week – a brand new Christian bloggers conference scheduled for October 21-24 of 2010. Have you bookmarked the new website? Can’t wait, can’t wait!!

Speaking of blogging, here are some of my favorite posts I’ve read recently:

•I LOVED this “top ten differences between boys and girls” post from OhAmanda – so much like my kids it made me laugh out loud!

•For more laughing out loud, my new blog friend Lori is hilarious, and I agree that we should be able to wear uniforms!

•Brooke wrote a beautiful post about obeying God in humility – it has hung with me…

•Teri Lynne shared a great illustration of hypocrisy – feeling moldy today?

•Amber has a great idea for adding more meaning to our Christmas celebrations – LOVE this.

•Molly Piper wrote an amazing account of her in-person meeting with their Compassion child – beautiful.

•I love this quote about marriage that my blog friend Sandra shared from Elisabeth Elliot.

You know I love freebies…

•On this site, you can order your very own photo canvas for FREE – great Christmas idea!

•I’ve looked for this book (The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus) for years in print form, and here it is free as an ebook! Hooray!!

How blogging makes me craftier…

•I LOVE this craft/activity idea – DIY velcro catch game!

•These ruffled pants are making me want to get into some sewing craftiness!

•This fall leaf craft is a fun twist on the norm- we’re going to do this this week with our remaining leaves!

Oh, AND…

•These apple cider doughnuts look amazing.

This week I’ve read some great blog posts and such, so I’m going to participate in Monica from Daily Dwelling’s Friday Favorites!

My friend Julie at Come Have a Peace is a fabulous writer, and I have thoroughly enjoyed her series of reflections from a recent trip to Romania. This post made me hungry, and also made me hope that my heavenly dwelling is in the Romanian district. :) [While you're there you might want to check out her recipe for chicken soup, which is now on my "must make" list!]

Courtney at Women Living Well shared her wonderful ministry to her family by praying for them as she walks through the house. Use your housework as a time to pray!

Jolanthe at Homeschool Creations shared some great free programs that she uses with her blog – thank you!! :)

Clair at Mummy Deals explained the “planning around the sales” couponing/meal planning strategy – if you’re trying to whittle down your monthly expenses, start here!

If any of you are knitters, you need to check out my high school friend Jenny’s blog Knitting Like Crazy, and this post about her “yarn dying factory” in the basement is amazing to me! Jenny spins, dyes, and sells yarn. If you love beautiful yarn, her etsy shop is a must see!

On a serious note, Joel Rosenberg has had quite a few interesting/sobering posts this week about what’s happening with Iran and Israel. This post about Netanyahu’s speech to the UN was somber – keep watching the sky!

Happy Friday, everyone!