Technology in My Life--Seven Favorites by Jenna Vick Silliman

With the technology of my i-pod full of awesome worship music, plugged into a boom box with an aux cord, I dance with my white flags and "make His praise glorious." (See Psalm 66:2.)

1.       I like how technology helps me connect with people all over the world. I have friends in Germany, Canada, Vermont, Florida, and New Zealand and many more places. We have sweet fellowship over the phone, through texting, Facebook messaging, Facebook posting, and by e-mail. I love to hear what God is doing in their lives and how He is speaking to them through Scripture and through life. I feel rich when I think about all my awesome friends!

2.       Music is everything to a dancer. My i-pod with thousands of songs, all organized with a “menu” and my own playlists, will never cease to amaze me. I have it with me wherever I go and by plugging it into my boom box with an aux cord, I am ready to worship and dance everywhere I go. At our home church we enjoy music from bands all over the world—the very best! I am so thankful for our awesome worship music when we gather. With the technology available, I have so much awesome music to explore, enjoy, and share with the touch of a button or two!

3.       I have an active curiosity and I love to learn and discover new things in all different arenas. Life is so interesting. School is always in session. I like how I can ask any question in the world and get answers! As a dancer, I enjoy learning from other dancers on the Internet. They are available to teach me whenever I am ready.

4.       Technology has helped me study the Scriptures and discover deeper meanings of words and contexts and what God is saying. I like to search out a passage that God is using to speak to me. What fun to explore on the Internet what the Word is saying!

5.       Something I used to hate is now a fun time--standing in lines waiting for my turn at the check-out in grocery stores. It seemed like such a waste of time. Now I just use my cell phone and get on Facebook and start “liking” my friends’ posts or I go to the Internet and check out something or I go to You-Tube and watch something. Thanks to the technology of “smart phones” this dead time is now filled. Yay for technology!

6.       I love photographs. I have an awesome collection going on my laptop and I add to it every week. I see what others are posting on Facebook, or I go to Google Images, or the Internet and I “save” on my computer the pictures that speak to me.  One of my favorite things to post on my Facebook is a picture with a Scripture and/or an inspirational thought or quote.  My cell phone has an awesome camera and it is so fun to take pictures and “share” them on Facebook or sending them on to my friend’s phones. Pictures speak a thousand words—or more!

7.       I am a writer and a communicator. My laptop is portable and easy to grab and start writing. My website with my blog www.TheDanceOfLifeWithJenna.blogspot.com , my Facebook, my e-mail, and my blog here with Kingdom Bloggers all give me outlets for creative expression. I just checked my blog and in February, just last month alone, I had 547 readers. Thanks to technology I can share with all these people what God has put on my heart. I have many wonderful opportunities to express myself and the abundant life of Jesus!

Five Possessions by Jenna Vick Silliman

The question to answer this week for Kingdom Bloggers is, "If all your basic needs are provided for, what additional five items would you want to keep? I would keep the old family Bible that my grandma, Lois Geraldine Squires Vick, left me in her will. It was handed down to her by her parents. It is a beautiful, antique Bible, dated 1883, with lots black and white illustrations. In the front Grandma wrote, “Family Bible which belonged to Earl & Minerva Squires. This Bible should be given to Jennifer (Vick) Silliman. The Bible belonged to her great grandparents. My Grandma prayed for me every day of my life and probably still prays for me in heaven. She left the Bible to me because she knew (knows?) I love the Word and I love God.

My Amplified Bible is another item on my list. I read two pages or more every morning and ask God to speak to me. He always does! It is full of notes, dates next to verses, and underlining. I love my old New American Standard Bible too. It is my first one that I bought after I decided to follow Jesus, on March 23, 1974. However, I can only choose five items, according to the theme for Kingdom Bloggers this week, so it has to be left behind.

I also have two photo albums I would keep. One is my wedding pictures from May 24, 1980. I covered the album with blue fabric left from my bridesmaid’s dresses and also lace leftover from when my wedding dress was made. (I would like to keep my wedding dress, but the Kingdom Bloggers will not let me. Hahaha!) The other photo album is of my childhood that I titled, “The Vickids’ Childhood Photo Album”.  It is a photo history of the Vick family—or at least my branch as far as it reaches. This album also contains my side of the family’s stories and also genealogy, from both my father’s and mother’s sides of the family. At age five my real mother left us, so it was quite a bit of work gathering everything from the Pearson family. I have very old photographs in here and chose the best to represent each of us to express who we are and who we were growing up. I gave the album to my father, James Allan Vick, for Father’s Day in 2008. After my brother, Joshua James Allan Vick, died of heart failure, September 24, 2007, my sisters and parents and myself, sent any and all photographs of him to each other. We had to see every one!  I gathered them all together and lovingly dedicated the album in memory of him. I also gave the album to my sisters, Reine Vick Bullard, who lives in Michigan, and Judy Vick, who lives near San Luis Obispo, California.

Last, but not least, I would keep my computer. It has my writings on it and lots of photos of my children and events from my life. Writing this has made me realize that I have to get to work on a photo history album of my children. I do not want to trust my computer to keep photographs safe! I also have boxes and boxes of pictures, so this project is daunting! Also I would like to gather my stories and writings into an album, so they are all together and can be read and enjoyed for generations. Someday I will re-do this writing and title it, “Seven Possessions, Bibles and Albums”. 

The Quick and The Dead

Simply profound is how I describe it. That sounds like a contradiction, I know, and in a way it is. The way up is down, small is great, give to gain, die to live, life from death—are only some of the teachings within.

It could be titled The Quick and The Dead.

One book, with sixty-six within, contains everything for life and death and the pursuit of happiness, yet it’s smaller than one of the bills on Capitol Hill.

Proverbs, Mark and James are the ones I like the most. I suppose because they’re short and sweet—well, not all that sweet because they cut out the flowers and just hand you the meat. They’re concise; short and snappy. I like that.

How do you study the Bible, I’ve been asked. Well, I study it kind of like the book its self: Simple, profound and concise; short and snappy.

I start—or at least I try to start, sometimes I forget—with prayer. Asking the Author to explain His book always makes it clearer. And then I start reading at the beginning, of both, the Old and New Testaments; Genesis and Matthew. I also read a chapter in Proverbs that coincides with whatever day of the month it is. For example: If I am starting today, I’ll read Genesis 1; Matthew 1; Proverbs 11 (because today is the 11^th day of the month). I’ll read at least one chapter in each, per day; One OT, one NT, one Proverb. When I get to the end I simply start over. Of course, since the New Testament is shorter, I finish it before the Old, so I read through it more often. And since Proverbs has 31 chapters, if there aren’t 31 days in that particular month, I simply read the rest of the book on the last day of the month—that way I start with Proverbs 1 on day one of the new month. 

So there you have it: How I study my Bible.

Simple and yet profound because many times I find my readings complement each other perfectly even though it wasn’t scripted or orchestrated in any way—at least not by me. I believe the reason for this is because we aren’t talking simply about a book but, The Living Breathing Word Of God, which is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 )The quick and the dead; you’ve seen the movie. Quick means; alive. This book is alive.

Even though man has tried to destroy it through murder, laws, burnings and ridicule—it still lives. Although scholars have tried to explain it away; scientists have attempted to prove it away—no one can make it go away. It’s still a best seller today. And the more advanced modern day technology becomes, the more we see that this book is True—every single word of it. It’s a living breathing miracle right before our very eyes.  And not one jot or tiddle—one dot of an, i, or cross of a, t—will pass without being fulfilled just like it’s written in this book we call The Bible. And that’s why I read the Bible.  

The most important question of all is answered in this book, too. And that is: How to get your name in another book called; The Lamb’s Book Of Life. This is the book where all the names of those who will enter heaven are written. It’s like a guest book for a party, in this case, a wedding party. If you’re on the list, you get in—if not, you don’t. Everyone is invited, but the sad thing is, many won’t accept the invitation to get their name on the list—kind of like RSVP.  

This is for real and I pray you accept His invitation, and get your name on the list if you haven’t already done so, you better hurry because once the whistle blows; the bell rings; the trumpet sounds—it’s too late, and that could be today.

Let me know if you need help, I’ll be happy to talk to the Host with you about getting in. He will be glad to add your name, as a matter of fact that’s why he wrote the book we’ve been talking about—it’s really His Story, a simply profound love story, to you.  

"Word" Studies

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105.

When my son was 12, I forced him to read Sense and Sensibility. I can’t remember exactly why I did this--was it some kind of perverse punishment? Was I betting him that he would end up loving Jane Austen if he just gave her books a try? He being a compliant chap, he read it. I remember hearing the moans and groans as he read it, and was about to chide him for whining, when he said to me, “These women are driving me crazy!”

Ah, success! To a former English teacher, those words were music to my ears, because they meant he was responding to the characters and the plot, not just reading words on a page. We could then have a meaningful conversation about why the actions of Marianne and Eleanor drove my son to lunacy. Unfortunately, and not surprisingly, he never picked up Jane Austen again (except to bestow Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters as recent gifts--revenge, perhaps?).

The Bible begs for response. It is the best and greatest story ever told. Its characters and plot plunge the reader into a hotbed of creation, love, betrayal, murder, intrigue, sex, sacrifice, prophecy, miracles, all the while unfolding God’s perfect plan to save this crazy planet of peoples through His Son Jesus Christ.

Growing up, I had this notion that the Old Testament (OT) was really old, and that the New Testament was really new, and that they were distinct from each other and unrelated. No one explained to me how fundamental the one was to the other until much later. In seminary, I took a class called, “The Messiah in the Old Testament.” I had always had a love for the Old Testament stories and writings, but this professor opened my eyes to how Jesus can be seen all the way back in Genesis, and throughout the OT.

Studying did not dry up my faith; it only deepened it, and also deepened my response to what I believe is the Word of God. I like group Bible studies--they are useful in not only building an understanding of the Bible, but also in building fellowship. But, I so appreciate having learned in seminary how to use all sorts of tools in my individual approach to studying God’s Word: commentaries, concordances, Logos software, online tools like Biblegateway.com and books on theology.

Sometimes I just crack open my Bible because I am thirsty and hungry: I need the “Living Water” (John 4:10; Rev. 7:17) and the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35) to fill my soul like comfort food. Sometimes when I am convicted or disheartened or confused, I study the Word to sharpen my mind like health food.

I think attitude can dictate response: my forcing Austen on an unwilling reader may have inspired a bad attitude (just give her--and me!--another chance, son!). If I believe I won’t find help or strength from God in reading His Word, I probably won’t. But, if I ask the Holy Spirit to help me as I read the Bible, He will! And He will help you, too (1 Cor. 2:14).

The Word of God by Jenna Vick Silliman

Oh how I LOVE Your Word, O Lord! (Psalm 119:97) I awaken before dawn, go to a place where we can be alone and I pray there. (Mark 1:35) In the morning I cry out to You with my voice. (Psalm 5:3) Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Word! (Psalm 119:18) Lord Jesus, God, You are the living Word. (John 1:1) My expectations are in You. (Psalm 62:5) I am satisfied with Your goodness. (Jer. 31:14) When I read two pages of Your Word each morning I wait for You to speak to me for I have ears to hear. (Matthew 11:15) I know Your Word becomes ‘rhema’ enlightenment for me in my relationship with You. I know there is no life in the Scriptures apart from relationship with You. (John 5:39) If I abide in Your Word and possess it I am truly Your disciple. (John 8:31) I know the Truth and the Truth has set me free. (John 8:32) I delight in Your promise that if I continue to abide in You and Your Word continues to abide in me, I may ask whatever I will and it shall be done for me. (John 15:7) In Your Word we are given many great and precious promises that we might be partakers of Your divine nature. (2Peter 1:4) I meditate on Your Word all day. (Psalm 119:97) It is a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) It revives me. (Psalm 119:159) I let Your Word dwell in me richly. (Col. 3:16) I have hidden Your Word in my heart. (Psalm 119:11) You have put Your Word in my mouth. (Isaiah 51:16) When I speak Your Word it does not come back void. (Isaiah 55:11) It endures forever. (1Peter 1:25) Like the Bereans, I search the Scriptures daily, to see whether things are true. (Acts 17:11) I know every Scripture is inspired by You and profitable for instruction, for reproof, for correction of error, for discipline in obedience to You, and for training in holy living so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16,17) I want to be like Apollos—well versed and mighty in the Scriptures, instructed in Your way, O Lord, burning with spiritual zeal, teaching from the Scriptures accurately and speaking freely and fearlessly. (Acts 18:24-26) I meditate on Your Word day and night and habitually continue to think about it, and, as You have promised, I have become like a tree firmly planted by streams of living water and my leaves do not wither, even in times of drought, and I am steadfast in times of storm. By Your Word, I am prospering and flourishing! (Psalm 1) Your Word is perfect and makes my heart rejoice…Your Word is pure and bright, enlightening my eyes. Your Word is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb—better than dessert! (Psalm 19:7-11) I take heed, also, to the prophetic Word, confirmed by Scripture, as a light that shines in the darkness. (2Peter 1:19) I rejoice in Your Word, O God, as one who finds great treasure. (Psalm 119:162)

Eat the scroll

The he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.  Ezekiel 3:3 (NIV)

I have discovered that I am a nerd.  Like Ezekiel, I feel compelled to eat the scroll, the scripture.  At times I devour it like a meal eaten too fast.  Other times, I do a slow careful read. I love to ponder what the first hearers of the word thoughts.  I love to understand the context of the time.  I have many commentaries on my bookshelves to help me.  They are like cookbooks that further define the ingredients of the sumptuous feast before me.  I see studying the word of God as a feast with many courses or a multi-faceted diamond that to be appreciated must be viewed from every angle.

This weekend I was told by my former New Testament professor, someone I highly respect, that the reason I struggled in the EdD program was that I was capable of much deeper theological thought and I wasn't getting this in that program.  That's true and quite a compliment.  He also told me he thought I was at least a decade younger than I am - woo-hoo!

That said, it was with some conviction that I read Andrea's comment yesterday about studying ABOUT the Bible but not reading it.  I can fall into that trap very easily.  When scholarly Biblical study becomes your discipline and academic pursuit, devotional reading can get neglected.  After all, you have your nose in the Bible all the time.  The two however, are not the same.

So what do I do?  Right now I am doing devotional reading with YouVersion on my iPhone or iPad.  If you aren't familiar with YouVersion which can also be used on your computer, I have a tutorial I prepared for a class that you can view here.

In my younger life I used the ABC method I learned in HiBA:

A - a title
B - best verse
C - confession/commitment

Not a bad method - there are other variations of this one available online, like this one available here.

My preferred way of bringing myself back to devotional reading of the scripture is the ancient practice of Lectio Divina.  This method does not treat the scriptures as texts to be studied but as the living word of God.

Lectio - reading/hearing
I like to read the text aloud - faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God - HEAR O Israel, etc., I read slowly so I can consume each morsel of the fine feast in front of me.  I listen for god to speak directly to me from His word - to nourish my soul with sweetness as honey would my mouth.

Meditatio - meditation
Once the Word has been heard by not just my ears but my heart, I meditate on what it means to me.  It is hard for me to still the voices that wonder and clamor for my brain to be filled - but this time is for my heart.  It is the time I focus on what "I" hear - what does this mean to ME, TODAY, in the hear and now of the world I live in.

Oratio - prayer
This is not my laundry list prayer time.  This is not the time for petitions.  This is a prayer of consecration. This is a prayer time of deep communion and submission to the things I have heard from God as He spoke to me.

Contemplatio - contemplation
In some circles, you would call this "soaking."  This is the time to just relax in the presence of God.  This is the time to drink the experience of precious time with the Lord.  This is when the thinking stops.  This is when you get off the hamster wheel of striving and just be.  It is a time of transition from the holy sacred time you have just experienced so that you can return to "ordinary" time refreshed and fed.