Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Five Stones


http://www.fivestonefight.com


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Why the Kindle beats printed books

Kindle

The Kindle is king. 

Well, at least it's coronation is eminent, in my opinion. After receiving a Kindle for Christmas, I'm already finding many reasons why this e-book reader is superior to the printed page. As an avid reader for many decades, I can already see many advantages to using the Kindle versus my hundreds of printed books. Here are a few:

Size Matters. The wafer-thin Kindle is perfect when reading larger books. While reading the print version of David Copperfield, I found it hard to hold the thick book, especially while reading on the couch or in bed at night. No problem with the Kindle. I can read it comfortably anywhere I find myself.

The Word is Flat. One problem with print books is that as you read closer to the spine, the page curves in, making it harder to read. The Kindle's flat edge ensures I won't strain to miss a letter.

I Can Have it All. The Kindle's huge storage capabilities allows me to have hundreds, if not thousands, of books in one device. I can read novels, short stories, poems or whatever suits me without having to go upstairs and sift through my bookshelf.

Easy to Sample. Amazon makes it easy to send sample chapters of any book to my device so I can browse books instantly. Previously, I was using Google Books to do that and still will use it when I find myself at my computer. But this beats loading up, getting in the car and going to the bookstore, although I will still go to the brick and mortar, though a lot less frequently.

Free is Cool. I love to read the classics and many of them are free on Amazon. If they're not free, they are a lot less expensive, such as the entire works of Charles Dickens for $3. Unbeatable!

I'll still read the printed books I own but I'll be hard-pressed to buy a printed book again, unless it's not available in a Kindle edition or it has great artwork or graphics. I will still visit used bookstores where I can trade in my unused printed books. 


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3 movies for inspiration in your cancer fight or other challenge

Gladiator

I spent most of last year fighting cancer and the last thing I wanted to hear or watch was sad movies or songs. I remember participating in the survivors walk at our local Relay for Life event and I hated when they played ballads or sad songs over the PA system.

What I wanted was music and movies that gave me a fighting spirit! Here's a few of the movies that I loved watching and still watch today to get me pumped up:

1. Gladiator - Here's the basic plot: "When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by a corrupt prince, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge." I love the "against all odds" drama of this movie and especially like that he's one man going against a powerful foe. Although you might think the ending a bit of a downer, it's the fight to the finish that I like.

2. Band of Brothers - The fact that this is a true story is the real kicker behind this World War II recap of the heroics of the 101st Airbourne. These guys had to face injuries, extreme cold, lack of basic necessities and even death. What I identify with is that these are real-life people who were not superheroes but more likely your next-door neighbor! They rose to the occasion in a great way, making it through a savage war all the way to Hitler's deserted hideout in the mountains. Truly inspiring and the music is almost as great as the story.

3. Jesus of Nazareth - There are probably different versions of the life of Jesus but I think this one by director Franco Zeffirelli is the best. This movie really brings Jesus to life and does a great job portraying the apostles as people who were struggling to understand what was going on, just like many of us. 

Have any other ones you find inspiring? 

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5 Things Christians Need in Cancer Fight

Stones

Fighting cancer can sometimes make you feel helpless, like you have no control over what's happening to you. The scans, the medical treatments and waiting can make you feel frustrated and depressed. You wonder, "Where is God" when the reports don't turn out well.

But you don't have to sit still in this fight. David fought Goliath with five stones. Here's five for you in your fight against your Goliath:

1. The Bible: The ultimate guide to getting through this and any crisis. Read about others who've faced worses circumstances than you (see Job). Learn what The Bible says about facing trials. You'll also find plenty of encouragement, hope and love in this book.

2. Prayer: It's time to talk to God. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just tell him what's on your mind. Make it a regular habit but don't view God as a cosmic Santa where all you do is ask for what you want. 

3. Faith: Most devoted Christians will tell you they don't hear God thundering down to them during their prayers and they don't see burning bushes. It takes faith to walk with God -- the faith of a child, says Jesus. You have to make a choice: believe that God cares about you and live that way!

4. Church: You need a team of people around you, and church is a great place to find other Christians to help you. Sure, there are egotistical, self-centered folks at every church but there's also some great people who can assist you.

5. Love: Understand that God is love despite any circumstance you find yourself in so hold this truth close. In return, learn to love others - you may never know if God needs you to help someone else that crosses your path during this crisis. It's not about you - it's about fulfilling God's purpose for your life.

Believe me, you are in a fight with a Goliath on your own if you are battling cancer. Pick up a stone and fight back!