I'm just curious...do you have a certain version of the Bible you prefer to use? I have used the NIV, NKJV and currently use the KJV. What do you like about the version you use?

I have always loved the New American Standard translation (love my Ryrie). I like it because I trust it's been translated well from the original and also it's in today's language for all to understand. Nice to see you Countrygirl....you've been kinda absent and was missed!

Thanks Ladyjane, I've had some troubles to deal with but things are better now...my daughter has been ill for some time now but I think we're beginning to make some progress. On the church front, we've taken some time-out and told our Pastor how we are feeling. He's been very understanding and is giving us some space. How are you doing?

Good for you, Countrygirl...regarding taking some time out, that is and I'm glad your pastor is being kind and understanding about it. Did you ever try out the church that was closer to you? I know you had a great time at the one not so close. Sorry to hear about your daughter. That's always a heart-worry. I'm doing fine...struggling to get the new business going but it's in the nature of what I'm doing, I guess. While I'm a bit idle, I'm trying to accomplish some de-junking here at home. It's getting colder now and I'm mourning the passing of what was a warm, sunny and nice summer and fall. My flower gardens are now completely dormant. So on with winter, I guess. Hope to see you around more now...miss all your chattiness!

I usually use the KJV. I'm used to the wording and use it with no problem. I also have a contemporary version.

I am particularly keen on the Douay Rheims because it is the English translation from the Latin Vulgate which in turn is the translation by St Jerome from the original languages the Bible was written. It contains commentaries on the Gospels and is read with Lectio Divina and the more contemporary Daily Gospel Study volumes and other references which are aids to canonical and theological study. Then, I have a Picture Bible which I read with my grandchildren.

I pray and hope that all will be well soon for your daughter, CountryGirl.

Ladyjane, thank you. In answer to your question about the nearer church...no, it wasn't what we were hoping for. We're thinking about travelling to the further away one, but probably won't be able to go every week...my kid's Dad has access visits on Sunday afternoons so we have to be here so he can collect my son. We had to change the pick-up time so we could attend church in the mornings and my son doesn't get home til after the evening service begins...sometimes he stays home on a Sunday so we could travel the extra distance then I guess. For the first time in my life I'm beginning to realise that God loves and accepts me and wants a relationship with me rather than a dutiful attitude of obligation to church attendance. It is so freeing!

Lola, thank you for your prayers for my daughter.

God Bless you ladies, xxx

Countrygirl, it is indeed freeing to know that something "bad" is NOT going to happen just because you're not in church every time the doors are open. There are many other resources God uses to teach and enlighten us. In this day, we have so many options when we can't be at church. I'm glad you can now rest in this and that you feel more settled in that way. Where do you live? If you can't say here and feel comfortable, please PM me. Just curious...

Ladyjane, I couldn't agree with you and countrygirl more about the freedom we have in the Lord to not be in church when ever the doors are open, and that includes Sunday. This was a huge lesson for me to learn when my husband was unemployed for 19 months and he got so tired of well-meaning friends asking so many questions. He began feeling rather "abnormal". My relationship with the Lord grew into a very intimate one because I was so dependant upon him rather than friends.

Countrygirl, I hope things will soon be better with your daughter. Oh, and my favorite version of scripture is Revised Standard.

My Bible says it the New International Version. It is a completely new translation of the Holy Bible made by over a hundred scholars working directly from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. It had its beginning in 1965. I bought it from the bookstore at the Christian church I belong to...

muskateerette, It's so wonderful that you got a chance to get to know God more intimately. That might not have happened if you had 'religiously' attended church every week. Taking a break from church has really enlightened me in the sense that I realise that it is my relationship with God which matters, not whether or not I attend every prayer meeting, ladies' evening, bible study, etc. I think I have allowed myself to be pressured and guilt-tripped into burning myself out trying to serve the Lord, when in reality I've been too busy to spend proper time in relationship with Him. Joyce Meyer is currently teaching on this very subject and it has really spoken to my heart. For the first time in my life I have realised that God loves and accepts me unconditionally and I can't make Him love me more by striving all the time.

I think sometimes churches manipulate people by teaching them that if we dare not attend everything regularly then something bad will happen. For example, I was once told that if I chose to go out with my family instead of attend church we might have a car accident because God would not look after us if we were being disobedient! Isn't that a rotten thing to plant in someone's heart?? I disregarded it but other people might really believe that stuff. Anyway, I'm discovering some wonderful truths and it's so refreshing!

Thank you for caring about my daughter, prayers would be appreciated. xx

I use the New Revised Standard Version and I have the Life Application Bible. I absolutely love it.

I don't like religion that instills guilt. I don't beleive God works like that. I had to shed that from my catholic upbringing and it took awhile. I'm glad those feeling are gone. They can make you crazy.

countrygirl, I was so blessed by using John Eldredge's books and journals during these years. I learned that the thing the Lord wants above all else is an intimate relationship with ME. I am that valuable. The church tends to teach that service is the priority. How can we really serve others if we are empty inside? How can we share the Lord with others if we don't really know him, because we never spend time with him, because we are way to busy running in circles? My eyes have been so opened to how hungry I was for intimacy. The kind of intimacy that can only come from him. It is wonderful sharing with you, thank you. Blessings

Dotsie, I rarely hear of anyone who uses Revised Standard anymore. I have asked hubby for the New King James version for Christmas because my bible is so "war torn" I'm concerned about how frail the pages are getting. I understand it is excellant.

muskateerette, sounds like you went through the journey I'm travelling at the moment...I'll look out for John Eldredge's books, thank you. God Bless you and yours, xx

Hi countrygirl, I started with "The Sacred Romance", and the journal to go along with it, and had my heart opened to a whole new world in my relationship with the Lord. Blessings on your journey

muskateerette, thank you. God Bless, xx