Help A Daddy Out!

Technically, I guess you could say that I already am a father. Though Liz and I haven't met Baby Hinkle face to face yet, he/she is very much alive, reminding Mommy of his/her existence through a steady display of gymnastics!

But the anticipated arrival of Baby Hinkle, and my official title of "Daddy", is roughly 5 weeks away. By God's grace, I will be strive to be the best father I can be. I think that part of learning to be one is just the practical experience of doing it, but another BIG part is learning from others. What to do. What not to do. What works. What didn't.

So, I'm asking you to help a Daddy out! It doesn't matter if you are one or not; we've all had a father or been impacted by one. So, using only a couple sentences, what is your best advice for a new Daddy?

The Holiest Bible?

One of the features of my new iPhone that I'm geeked about right now is the ESV Study Bible app.  I picked up a hard copy last fall at a conference (which I have thoroughly benefited from) and this little app has all the notes, maps, charts, etc. in it - all at my fingertips and at a fraction of the weight!  I've been enjoying reading and studying from it the past couple weeks, and really finding fresh joy in the Scripture (that sounds a little funny to say).  And yes, joy in God's Word, not in technology!

Last night during our small group, the discussion turned to the pros and cons of using an "electronic" version of the Bible (like on my iPhone) rather than a "hard copy".  For example, is it more beneficial to read from an actual book rather than a mobile device?  Am I losing something by clicking buttons rather than turning pages?  Am I making God's Word "common" by using it on the same device as I do to make calls or find the nearest Starbucks?  Is it better, more holy, or more profitable when read from a printed copy?  Or is the Word of God just as powerful and life-changing, no matter what form it's in (spoken, handwritten, printed, etc)?  Doesn't  it really depend on the heart of the reader who is interacting with it?

Another friend and I were talking about it this morning, and acknowledged many possible views on the matter.  I decided that I'm curious to know what more people think about this.  So, what are your thoughts about the benefits/disadvantages of reading and studying the Bible in electronic form as a primary source, be it on the internet or an app for a mobile device?