Friday, August 15, 2008

The Unusual Post

(UPDATED)
Normally, my posts of a hodge-podge nature are printed at my family blog, All That Naz, but due to my recent absence from the world of blogging, I wanted to write out a few updates for those of you who have asked.

First of all, thanks to all of you who have been praying for me and sending me comments and e-mails filled with encouragement. What a blessing. We have moved safely and almost uneventfully this time. The area and people are lovely and we have already made a few friends. In fact, since our arrival on Aug. 1, we have attended two planned play dates.

While the kids and I were playing at a local McDonald's, I struck up a conversation with another mom who was having ice cream with her three children. Her kids and mine quickly bonded and I had a sense that the mom, Emma, was a Christian. I overcame what ever shyness I have hanging around my system (some of you would never believe me if I told you I was once painfully shy and those of you who have known me years ago would never believe me if I told you that I now start conversations just about anywhere...both statements are 100% true.) and told Emma that we just moved into town and asked her a few questions. What a blessing she's become.

The move has left me exhausted. We've also experienced myriad technical difficulties and I have not had access to the Internet for nearly a week. Even though I'm fatigued and frazzled, I am thankful. Had not the Lord healed me in so many areas last year, I do not think I would have been able to handle this move, but it has been good.

Recently, I've received several personal e-mails from Becoming Me readers asking me about how I choose the scripture that accompanies all of my "regular" posts. Some readers also were concerned about my use of The Message. Since I got more than one question from several individuals, I decided to answer them here. The below are paraphrases of the questions.

How do you choose which Scripture to use?

I often spend many days praying about a certain story/article before actually writing it. Sometimes, God will be working on my heart regarding a particular issue and a story will come from that process. Sometimes, God puts a story on my heart that I do not want to share and then that is a process that also needs to be worked through. For me, that process includes intense prayer and study of God's word. After I find some verses that apply to the subject matter/lesson, I use BibleGateway.com.

Bible Gateway allows me to easily peruse several translations. I love this type of tool because I find that I learn so much more when studying more than one translation. After reading at least 4-5 different translations of the same verse, I choose the translation that I feel reads best and conveys the meaning of the scripture.

Do you ever have concerns with using The Message, which is more of a paraphrase than a translation?

While I agree that Eugene Peterson's The Message is not technically a translation, I also think that it has it's place. Honestly, there have been verses in The Message that I found to be out of context and a rewriting of the original intent of Scripture. (My opinion---I do not claim to be a Biblical scholar or Theologian.) But, I have also found many verses of The Message that align with Scripture. So, if a verse is of sound doctrine and reads beautifully in The Message version, then I feel comfortable referencing it.

I hope the above helped explain my views without stepping on toes.

Moving on...during the past few weeks, several of you have spurred me on by bestowing Becoming Me with awards. A very special thank you to Peggy, Karen, Matt, Amy , and WIFEY (So so sorry I originally left you out...my brain is so muddy)for these precious honors (If by any chance you have given me an award and I missed thanking you, please let me know...it was not intentional). I will be updating my awards page as soon as Blogger decides to cooperate and allow me to once again include graphics in my posts.

Last but not least, I'd like to request prayer for both my mom and my PapPap. My mother had knee replacement surgery on Aug. 5th, and because of the time her disability has required her to take off from work, she lost her job. Today, she fell and badly re-injured that same knee and was taken by ambulance to the ER. Please keep her emotional and physical health in your prayers. She's had a rough few months. Also, PapPap was admitted to the hospital with another serious infection earlier this week.

Again, thank you all for your concern, encouragement and prayers. It still amazes me how many true friendships have blossomed in my life as a result of blogging.

In His palm,

Angela




23 comments:

Anne Elizabeth said...

I will be praying for your mom and PapPap. It is wonderful to hear that you already met some kind people. It has been really hard for me to not be shy and talk to people. I'm glad that overall the move was good. I prayed a lot for you.

Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

Glad to hear the move has gone well!

I, too, love looking at several different versions of a verse to get a better picture :)

Hope blogger stops hating you soon ;)

Unknown said...

Glad you are getting settled :) I will be lifting up your mom and PapPap - hugs :)

Gretchen said...

Prayed, Angela. Keep us posted on mom and Pap Pap. That's rotten about her job! Will continue to pray as they come to mind.

Blessings on your move and new friend. Give yourself time to not feel so exhausted. It's a ton of work in every way.

Julie said...

Welcome to Georgia, my friend.

We are glad to have you within our borders!

I've missed you.

Julie

Carol said...

So glad you got moved! :) Welcome to the peach state!

bp said...

It is good to read your update about your move. I'm glad you've made new friends. That is a blessing!

Tales From the Eurovan said...

Hello!
So glad to hear you are doing well. I've checked your blog lately and whenever I didn't see a new post it reminded me to pray for you guys as you are settling in. Hope all the technical stuff gets worked out soon! Man, that can be frustrating! Take care, Julie

Alana said...

I'm so glad your move has gone well! I've thought about you a lot even if I haven't been by the blog lately. I'm trying to catch up today. It seems like I've been doing a lot of that lately. I hope all your upcoming transitions go well for you!

Joy said...

Thinking of you!!! So sorry to hear about your momma's knee!

Susan said...

Praying for all of you. I think it's neat that you've met people and gone outside what used to be your comfort zone. I find that usually the other person is wishing someone would talk to him/her as well.

:-) Susan

Vixbil said...

I'll be praying too. So great to hear that you have already made a friend that seems to make it sooo much easier
xx

Stonefox said...

I'm new to blogging and came across your blog today. I live overseas and moving/traveling/uprooting is something we do alot. I pray that you and your family continue to meet great folks and make relationships. Remember that everything in your life may change, but Jesus stays the same- full of grace and truth!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I've prayed for you as I've checked the blog these past few weeks. Glad to hear y'all are settling in well. And I prayed for your mom and PapPap this morning. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to see you honoring Dorinda with the blog of the month. She is amazing!!! I love her blog. I'm also glad to see you've moved and are adjusting well. How's life in the new city? I know it's so hard to move... we've done it a million times as well!!! Thinking of you!

Mindy said...

So glad your move went well and what a blessing to have already made some new friends. You and yours will continue to be in our prayers!

Tracy said...

moving is never easy - but hopefully it will be exciting as God reveals what's in store for you family.
I will pray for you mom and PapPap.
hopefully we'll visit soon.
blessings.

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Your blog is always so encouraging.

Glad you are adjusting to your move.

Praying for your family.

Peggy said...

Oh Angela, It's so good to know that you have completed your move
safely and without any great dramatic events! Moving is so tough. It does my spirit well to hear that you are adjusting and maybe even liking it. Plus that you are getting to be a bit gutsy and it's paying off. It was fun to read this...and though it didn't matter to me personally, I liked reading your reasons for doing what you do and use. You are always sound for me and I appreciate your gift in writing!

I love your dedication and I'm so glad this move was a little easier on you! Enjoy getting to love your new home and community.

I apprecaite the recognition of the awards I gave you but I just felt good about passing them on to such a worthy recipient!

Peggy said...

I forgot to tell you, I'll be praying with you! Also that the fatigue will lift from you soon.
Obviously since I made so many typos, I'm tired also so we both need a good rest. May God bless you with the REST & Friends!

Kimberly said...

I am so glad your move went well and that God is already placing friends in your life! I love how He takes care of us so tenderly. Of course, even when it does not look to our human eyes like He is taking care of us, I know He always is. :)

I am so sorry about your mother and your PapPap. I will be lifting them both up!

And I will continue to pray for you as you make the adjustments to living in a new place. May you find friends in this new town who will pray with you, friends who will help you press on when you feel weary, friends who will build you up in the Lord.

ExploreColorado said...

Just a tip, there is no such thing as a word for word translation. Translation is faithfully conveying the original message in the target language without adding to or taking away from the original content. From what I'm told(I'm not a hebrew scholar. Greek and Spanish are my languages of expertise) the existing quotes in the old testament were rough and greatly paraphrased.
Another interesting point: Several languages including Japanese make it impossible to translate word for word due to the structure of the language(subjects and direct objects are found in the middle of the sentence).
Can't tell you if the Message is a good translation or not. Haven't studied it. Just thought you'ld like some perspective from a professional interpreter and translator.
I'm glad your move went well, and that you are already making friends.
Vickie

Angela Nazworth said...

Thank you so much Vicki. I'm glad you shared that and I definitely agree.

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