Bible Shopping

I spent a lot of today looking for a Bible. Our bookshelves already hold several Bibles in different versions and of various ages, but I was looking for a Bible I will USE, study, jot notes in and generally wear out. I was seeking a Bible to become intimate with, one where I can find maps and charts, etc. with the ease born of repeated use; one that will soon fall open to my favorite passages.

My Bible needs to have print large enough to read comfortably, a lot of white space for my notes, a good binding that will stand up to lots of wear... and it must be NIV. I prefer NIV because I trust the validity of the translation and the method used to produce it. I love King James for the beauty of the language and because so many of my memorized verses are from that version, but for accuracy in today's language, I am an NIV fan.

The Bible I lost is no longer in print, so I bought two NIV Bibles, one featuring archaeological and cultural info and one with pastoral helps in the back. I also bought the entire Left Behind series, something I had intended to do some time ago. I have read some of the books, but never finished the series. I am going to start over.

Richard, Donnie and I played cards this evening. I so enjoy when Donnie joins us in the house. I lost both games, but I usually lose, anyway. I still enjoy playing.