Logos Bible Software | All is Well

Even though I had to give up my plan to move to Charlotte, NC in order to attend Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, I’ve not given up on my dream (nor what I feel is a calling) to pursue more theological training.

I think I may have found a solution.

Knox Theological Seminary is a full accredited seminary that is located in Florida. They have begun offering two degrees that can be taken completely online. While it’s not the M.Div that I had hoped for, both options of degrees would further my training along and maybe God will open the door to complete the M.Div later on down the road.

They have a program going on now where a prospective student can “test drive” an online course for free. I can’t pass this opportunity up. So, I’m pressing forward with this class to make sure I can balance my full-time plus job along with academic studies, parenting and ministry commitments. A test drive course that is free is the perfect opportunity to evaluate what I am able to do. And, being me, I’m determined to be able to do it.

My heart is learning toward the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. But then when I read the reading list for the Master of Arts in Christian and Classical Studies. I start to salivate over their reading list. Take a look at this: Reading List for Master of Arts in Christian and Classical Studies.. Wow. I can so totally see myself immersing myself in the literature portion of that degree. But since I already stretch myself as a reader, I know that I need the Biblical and Theological Studies.

Using the Logos Bible Study software as their base platform, students are taught inductive Bible study. I already know the value of Logos–getting to learn how to use it better and getting credit for doing so is a huge appeal to me.

So pray with me as I attempt to take this next step….again. Pray that I’ll be able to secure an educational loan. And that I’ll be disciplined enough to be able to balance all things in my life.

I spent some time this week streamlining my computer and other devices–weeding out what I don’t use and brushing up on the latest updates for the programs and applications that I do use. I thought it might be interesting and fun to write a post about my favorite apps and programs, and what I use them for.

Calendar: Cozi

I’ve tried all sorts of calendar options….and have finally settled on Cozi. I resisted Cozi for a long time because it seems so “soccer mom-ish”, but then I realized I am a soccer mom. 🙂 Cozi has all the features I need. I now have the ability to create calendars for each of my children and integrate them into one master schedule. Cozi supports text messaging, so I can send the entire family, or just one child, a text reminding them of upcoming appointments or games. I can seamlessly move between my computer and phone application, so I always have my calendar with me.

To-Do: Omnifocus

While Cozi does have a To-do list, and I do use it to assign tasks to the kids, for my own personal To-do tasks I prefer to use OmniFocus. This is a program that I did pay for, but it has been well-worth it. Based on the “Getting Things Done” methods, OmniFocus provides its users with multiple ways to set up their to-do lists. Each item can be classified in one of two ways: either by Project or by Context. I especially appreciate the Context set-up—for example, when I sit down at my desk, all I have to do is look up “Desk Work” and knock out the things that can be done while sitting at my desk.

Bible Study: Logos

By far the best money investment I have made in computer software or applications and my most important computer software. Logos has become an integral part of my daily life, particularly, a part of my spiritual disciplines routine. I use it for prayer, for journaling, and for thorough Bible Study. Even the most basic package in Logos is worth the money spent. Easy to use, but with enough features for in-depth study, Logos far outpaces other Bible Study software programs. It also comes with Apps for both the iPhone and iPad so that I can take my Bible study and notes with me everywhere I go.

File and Notekeeping: Evernote

While I’d like to think my brain is still young and sharp, I’m finding it harder and harder to remember things. Evernote helps to solve that problem. Their Logo is aptly stated: Remember Everything. I am just now starting to grasp the value of Evernote as I begin to do some more serious writing and research, so I am still learning the program. But essentially, I can drop anything I want to “keep” in Evernote, and organize it in such a way that I can easily get my hands on it when I need it and can use it. I bought a book titled My Evernote by Katherine Murray that is helping me to really learn how to make the most of Evernote. Another good investment that I’ve been pleased by.

Fitness-My Fitness Pal

When I am disciplined enough to use it, My Fitness Pal has been the best program I have found for calorie counting and exercise monitoring. Very simple and easy to use, this application is an encouragement to anyone wanting to “get back in shape”, or, in other words, lose weight. Hmmm. The only problem I have with this application is not the application itself, but my own willpower that falls short. Ugh.

Reader- Google Reader

There are several blogs and websites that I like to “keep up” with, and the best method I have found is still “old-fashioned” Google Reader. I’ve tried other programs, the most recent one being Zite, but I always come back to Google Reader. I think that is because of it’s simplicity. I can quickly scan and pull up the websites and blogs that most capture my attention and read them in detail, or I can skim the basics in Reader. Often I use Google Reader and Evernote in tandem, depositing in Evernote the articles, information and research that I may need for a project later on.

Reading-Kindle

I still don’t know where I fall on the printed book vs. ebook argument. I like them both, so I guess I fall right in the middle. I do find myself using Kindle more often than printed books because ebooks have simply been cheaper. Kindle is the best ebook reading program that I have used. You don’t have to own a Kindle to use Kindle. Kindle can be downloaded for free for both PC and Macs, and there is a free iPhone Kindle reader as well. The iPhone Kindle app has been a great tool as I sit and wait to pick up my kids from different places, or sit and wait at a doctor’s office. Kindle affords me the ability to highlight (which I do frequently) as well as share what I am reading via Facebook and Twitter.

Other apps that I use: