Mirror Image Bible

Apparently, we have a new first for Bible translation. No, it is not translating it into a real language used by people. It is not even translation into an imaginary language like Klingon. It is something even less useful.

You may have read or heard of Bible being translated almost in all languages of the world. But Uttam Das, a 29-year-old, Arts graduate from Silapathar in Dhemaji district of Assam has written Bible in mirror image language.
Mirror writing involves writing in reverse. The text can be read in the inverted image in a mirror and other reflective surface.
With this people will now be able to read the Bible with mirror image language holding a mirror in their hands. He has made it as a gift for Pope Benedict XVI - a seven volume Bible (Old Testament) - it is special because of being written in mirror image language.

Not exactly practical. But certainly interesting. This is obviously someone with a love for scripture.

What Holiday Was That Again?

Former Quiz Teamer Publishes Cookbook!

Kim Bensen from our church, who is both a former quizzer and a former quiz team Mom, has published a cookbook that she developed to help with weight loss and healthy eating. She has a new website up and running, so jump on over and take a look. It is a bit late to buy this one for Christmas presents, but birthdays are always coming, and the stuff in here looks tasty no matter WHAT time of the year it is!

Bible Quizzing Intro Video is Online

Remember the video that Jim showed the first week of quizzing that introduced what Bible Quizzing was, and why it is a beneficial activity for the busy teen. Well, the video is now online! RealPlayer is required to play it. Might be a good way to introduce Bible Quizzing to your friends, or to share with family members who wonder what Bible Quizzing is all about.

Don't forget! No practice tonight, but be studying Romans Chapters 5 thru 8 this week. Next Wednesday we will be quizzing on Romans 1 -8.

Bible and Basketball

Ever thought about Missions, but dismissed it because you couldn't think of any skills you had that God could use? Well, God can use all kinds of skills in reaching out to the World.

To the Rev. David Roland, sharing Christian faith is as much about action as it is about words.
So it’s no surprise that Roland, campus minister for Shorter College’s Baptist Student Union, is leaving today for northern Africa, where he’ll lead a group of volunteers in spiritual discovery through basketball.
“We can study the Bible and talk about it,” Roland said. “But we need to be doing it.”
Though the trip won’t officially be dubbed a mission trip, he explained, the group will have the opportunity to build relationships and “share what’s meaningful to them with others” through the sports clinics they will lead for 9- to 14-year-olds and through volunteer work they will be doing for an African school for the handicapped.

Every gift and skill can be used by God. What has God given you?

Proof that Linus was a Quiz Teamer

Thank God for Christmas

Luke 2:1-20
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Happy Day Before Christmas

Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."

If anyone knows who originated this, let me know! I found it posted anonymously on the Web.
Santa lives at the North Pole ...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh ...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year ...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies ...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your
heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little
boy (or girl,) what's your name?" ...
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our
name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and
future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys ...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken
homes and builds mansions.

Santa is a "jolly old elf"
JESUS is the King of Kings

Santa may make you chuckle but ...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

Quiz Team Scheduling Reminders

Just wanted to put out a few reminders about the upcoming Quiz Team schedule.

• NO practice next week on December 28. Be reviewing Romans 1-4.
• December 24 at 11 PM will be the Christmas Eve service. Mark and Matt will be playing in the handbell choir.
• Practices resume on Wednesday, January 4 (Study Romans 5-8, we'll quiz that Wednesday on Romans 1-8)
• Midwinter Quiz Meet - January 20, 21, 22. We'll be looking to leave right after school on the 20th to arrive at Lancaster in time for the coaches quiz. We'll be quizzing on the 21st. We'll be returning on the 22nd after attending church in Lancaster (i.e. bring some church clothes!)

And, of course, be sure to keep an eye on the calendar on the left-hand side of the blog. Click on the month name for a full-sized view of the month.

High Gear Home Page Updated!

It may be Christmas time, but we should always be thinking ahead. Next up on the Quizzing Calendar is Midwinter Quiz in Lancaster, PA which will be an overnight January 20 and 21st. (Any parents planning come along who need hotel rooms should start calling NOW! The rooms fill up quickly. Kids will be housed with local families.)

Then looking ahead, we can already start to see HIGH GEAR which is the final quiz meet of the year in Hershey, PA, and also a chance to showcase your other talents in writing, song, musical instruments, drama, art, and just about anything else you are skilled at. Coincidentally, the High Gear Website has just been updated with the info on times, dates, places, and speakers. Please mark these dates on your family calendars: April 20-22.

Take a look around the site and be thinking about what else besides quizzing you may wish to compete in. I know we have people with great singing voices, some visual artists, at least one excellent photographer, and folks who play in the school band.

Chewbacca Sings "Silent Night"

With all of the debate over the religious or secular nature of Christmas, it is nice to see the occasional celebrity stand up and sing an old hymn of the faith which is clear in its Christ-centered message. Join with me, won't you, in thanking Chewbacca of the Star Wars movies for his stirring rendition of Silent Night.

Uh, you might want to turn down the volume or put headphones on the computer, if anyone is trying to sleep in your vicinity.

Photos from the Christmas Party

What more is there to say? Click on the image below to see the whole collection!

Rock the Sound Presents... Jeremy Camp!

Rock the Sound is looking to bring even more quality Christian music to Connecticut. This time around they are bringing Jeremy Camp to us. Depending on the concert, he will be joined by either Tree 63 or Building 429. Coming this February.

No word yet if the Youth Group is planning on going to this one. But it is nice to see so much good music coming our way!

A Game to Occupy the Mind

This close to Christmas, chances are many quizzers are starting to feel the effects of stress and maybe the lack of sleep. It is important to find some time to lay back and relax. Why not consider trying out this little online game. It is simple and yet quite addictive. The goal is to try and see how many blips you can cause with a single click of the mouse. Post your best scores here, and we'll see who comes out on top.

X Marks the Spot?

Chapter 13 Study Guide is Up with a Star on Top

The Family Study Guide for ROMANS THIRTEEN is up and shedding needles all over the living room! Come on in and enjoy the decorations.

Also, we have recieved more questions about the Christmas Party. Here is the info again.
WHEN: 6:30 PM on Saturday, 12/17/2005
WHERE: Jim's House. Click here for a map, Click here for directions from church
WHAT DO I BRING: A wrapped gift valued between $5 and $10 for the gift game, and a dessert
ENDS: 9:30 PM

Want to see the dancing from the Christmas Cantata?

One of our roving reporters was ON THE SPOT to record the event. Well, the last 51 seconds of the event, anyway. Apparently, the reporter was distracted by former quizzer Robert Corica's powerful voice prior to this moment. Anyway, click on the image below to enjoy a taste of the presentation. And see if you can recognize any of the purple-clad dancers that run past the camera.

Warning: Large download (almost 20 MB) and requires QuickTime to view.

REPOST: Christmas Party Details

We have had a lot of inquiries from parents on the details of the Christmas party. So I am re-posting the details for anyone who needs them.
WHEN: Saturday, 12/17 at 6:30 PM
WHERE: Jim's House (click here for a map)
WHAT'S FOR DINNER: Pizza and Soda
WHAT DO *I* BRING: Please bring (1) a dessert to share with the team and (2) a wrapped gift that costs between $5 and $10 for a gift exchange game
WHEN DOES IT END: Parents should pick up kids at 9:30 PM

Please pass all of this info onto your parents, if you have not previously.

If you need ideas for your $5 - $10 gift, you may consider these popular gifts from the past:
1. Nerf guns
2. Candy
3. Beanie Babies
4. Multifunctional tools/flashlights
5. Lord of the Rings/Narnia stuff
6. Sports balls
7. Christian CDs
8. Stuffed Animals, Especially with a Christmas Theme
9. Gift card to Blockbuster/Wal-Mart/Target
10. Novelty Christmas gag gifts (i.e. ties that play music, etc.)

Happy Belated Birthday, Jim!

D'oh! Somehow, between my computer with calendaring function, my Sidekick II, and several paper calendars, I forgot that yesterday was Jim's birthday! Happy birthday, Jim, even if we are a day late.

Post your birthday wishes to Jim below.

Quizzers Pad Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Well, I definitely am not the first person from our quiz team to see the movie, but it still seemed worth reviewing for those who have not seen it. Post your own impressions in the comments below.

The Rating: PG (Definitely accurate. Very clean all over, but violent in spots which are likely to lead to nightmares for young children)

The Plot: Four children are sent away from London during the Blitz in the middle of World War II to live with a mysterious relative (Professor Kirk) in the country. At first, they are intimidated by the huge house they are brought to, and the cantankerous housekeeper who warns them in no uncertain terms that youthful hijinks are not tolerated. One rainy day, the bored children decide to play hide and seek, and while hiding in a wooden wardrobe, one of the children comes upon a magical land hidden inside. This world, called "Narnia" is under the power of a witch who makes it "always winter but never Christmas." But as the rest of the children are drawn inside, there are signs that things are about to change.

The Review: This story was written by C.S. Lewis who was a great Christian theologian of the last century, as well as being a professor of literature and mythology. The chronicles of Narnia, of which this movie is an adaptation of the first book, is his attempt to create fairy tales for children which "smuggle in" a bit of Christian imagery and thought. The idea is not to preach at you, but rather to tell a good story first and then second bring in the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and salvation that prepare a child to appreciate the story of Jesus Christ later in life. The movie does an admirable job of first being a good story, but also manages to bring in most of the elements that Lewis used to get his moral across as well. As a life-long Lewis fan, there were a few spots where I noticed departures from the material (ask me sometime about the "war is an ugly business" line) but overall it is a faithful interpretation.

Parents considering whether this film is right for their kids need not worry in most cases. There is no language to worry about, the evil is kept at a level which is believable but also clean, and there is no blood to see. However, for children who still get nightmares from very intense movies, this may be one to save and watch on DVD in a few years. Despite the lack of blood, there are many battle scenes of far more intensity than their textual counterparts and a few images which may haunt.

Overall, a great movie. While not of the caliber of Lord of the Rings, it delivers a faithful adaptation of Narnia which provides a deep and thoroughly enjoyable trip into a fantasy world with characters you like and understand.

Christmas Cantata at Church!

You may have missed it, but several quiz teamers had a role in the Christmas Cantata in church last night! But if you did, fear not because there is another showing today at 4:00 PM. Be there or be square!

Click on the picture above for more images from the event!

It's Funny, But It Also Makes You Think

ChristianDiscs.Com $4.99 Sale

I normally try to keep the posts to one-per-day, but this seemed worth putting up there. If you have not yet had a chance to pick up your $5-$10 gift for the Quiz Team party, you may want to check out the $4.99 Sale at ChristianDiscs.Com which is a great place to order Christian music CDs from. Be sure to read the intro carefully, as a failure to do so might leave you paying full price.

What does the Bible have to say about Snow?

With the current white cover over our state and many of our kids having their school cancelled today, the mind naturally is on the snow falling out there. Of course, one can't help thinking of the song White Christmas. But have you ever wondered what the Bible has to say about snow?

Although the climate of Israel is generally moderate, at least in comparison to many other places on earth, snowfall occasionally occurs during winter, particularly at the higher elevations. Snow has therefore been known to the people of the land of Israel during all of Bible History. It is mentioned throughout the Scriptures, even by God Himself, both literally and figuratively.

Click thru and check out the list of verses mentioning snow. Obviously, God enjoys the beauty of the falling ice as much as any of us! (More than those of us who have to drive on it!)

Romans 12 Study Guide is by the fireplace

The Family Study Guide for ROMANS TWELVE is hung by the chimney with care, ready to aid your study and preparation for next week's practice.

MORE Photos from the Quiz Meet!

Can't get enough of those pictures from this past weekend's quiz meet? Well, head on over to Matt's Flickr Site and feast your eyes on another harvest of photography.

Quiz Team Christmas Party: December 17

Past quizzers will remember that December means it is time for the annual Quiz Team Christmas Party! This year we'll be at "La Casa de Brake" (i.e. Jim's house) where we will be starting at 6:30 PM sharp.

The evening will begin with pizza, then a viewing of the traditional Year Without a Santa Claus, some games, and then finally the gift exchange.

The gift exchange involves every quizzer bringing a gift costing between $5 and $10, and will include a game to decide who gets which gift. It is a fun Quiz Team tradition that no quizzer will want to miss!

The evening will end about 9:30 PM. Please check your calendars, as Jim will be requesting an RSVP so that we can plan how many pizzas to order.

Hear Mr. Sarris in your home stereo!

If you enjoyed George Sarris's "the real story of Christmas" presentation at the quiz meet this past weekend, why not head over to his website, World's Greatest Stories?

Actor George W. Sarris brings to life in the mind's eye the characters and events of some of the most treasured stories in all of history. The texts of all of the stories are taken directly, word for word, from the Bible. They are told, however, using the art of a dramatic storyteller, incorporating carefully chosen music and sound effects. The result is a very exciting story that comes straight from the words of Scripture.
The current audio series contains a total of 18 individual stories on five CDs or cassettes. The stories are recorded in both the King James Version and the New International Version. Each volume is approximately 1 hour long.

It might make a good Christmas present for the person who has everything.

(You may also want to check out former quizzer Will Sarris's website if you have need for a voiceover artist.)

Quiz Meet Pictures Up and Ready for Your Perusal

Digital cameras are amazing, aren't they? Mark's collection of photos from the quiz meet are up and online and ready for your viewing pleasure.

Stay tuned for Matt's pictures coming soon to a Quiz Pad post near you!

Ripped from the Headlines

Schedule for the Weekend

OK, a few folks apparently did not find the explanation of the weekend to be entirely coherent over the course of this week. So here is the schedule:

• 9:00 AM: Quizzers & Helpers arrive to help with setup - Please remember to bring the stuff requested - if you have forgotten what you are supposed to bring, please e-mail the coaches
• 9:30 AM: Opening ceremonies for the Quiz Meet in the Youth Room
• 10:00 AM: Quizzing begins
• 10:00 AM to about 12:00 PM: 6 Quizzes in rooms 112A, 112B, 110A, and 110B in the Family Life Center
• 12:00 PM: Pizza and fun in the Youth Room - $5 per person for pizza
• 1:00 PM: Quiz Meet ends
• 1:01 PM: Leave church for minigolf at the Sports Center - cost $6
• 4:30 PM: Return to church after minigolf

We hope this clarifies things and helps parents to plan their part of the weekend.

Romans 11 Study guide is king of the jungle!

The Family Study Guide for ROMANS ELEVEN is roaring like a hungry lion, raring to go. Come on out and check our this week's devotional written by no other than quiz coach extraordinaire and sports guru, Matt.