Diving into the Bible

I recently bought a copy of NIV Life Application Study Bible and have begun reading bits of it here and there. I can honestly say that this is the first Bible (for grown ups) that doesn't intimidate me or make me feel like an absolute moron. This has to be the coolest Bible around, and seemingly written for people like me, who did not grow up in church memorizing scriptures and discussing them at the dinner table. As an important piece of literature, this book stands at the top of the list. One of the most influential books ever written, it has been on my "To be read" list for a decade. And finally a group of people wrote one for me!

I can't say where this path will take me or what I will discover within the pages on my new book, but so far I have learned that Jesus was a groovey guy who wanted us all to love one another and just get along. It seems so simple doesn't it? And yet.....we still don't get it.

Bagpipes on the mountain

Today it was 80 degrees here and perfectly sunny. The boys and I went out on an errand running expedition that ended with a trip to this park. We "hiked" around at the top, as much as one can hike with two 3 year olds. They chased butterflies and asked an array of questions about the old cannons there on the mountaintop. Then we heard a strange yet wonderful noise in the distance. "What dat mommy?", they asked me. Well, it sounds like......BAGPIPES! Yes, there was a man walking around atop the mountain, playing the bagpipes. It was a wonderful and unexpected treat. It sounded so cool that I had to call my husband so he could listen via my cell phone. And I would have taken a picture had my camera phone been functioning (see previous post). The twins and I sat on a rock just listening to this guy play as a crowd gathered. It was the coolest thing, and I felt like I was in a David Lynch film.