Staying focused.

waywardwanderer, sort of, yeah. In the beginning of the Spring 2013 semester I studied about twice the pace of full time studies. I discontinued a couple of classes but had a lot of work undone in the remaining classes. So during the semester I did discuss on Logos User Forums, but read very few books. The Logos forums really distracted me and if I would have discussed less there I would have saved less but become interested in fewer books. I still have time on me to cancel book orders as they have a "pre-publication" system which is kind of a discount well in advance before the book can be downloaded, and my bankcard isn't charged until the books are ready and downloadable. I used to think that school took so much of my time that I didn't have much time for Christianity. I think that was a correct observation, I really had to pass those classes and learn those things.

I came home yesterday from a trip in a car to southern Germany and now I'm free from the urge to write all the time on Logos User Forums. I had almost no internet connection during the trip. I still read that forum though, I guess I should start reading that forum less. They are going to announce a promotion on the forums only within days from now. After having seen that promotion it would be a good opportunity to start reading that forum less.

When it comes to "Gnosticism" books, I haven't found many good ones yet. And maybe I'll wait about 3 years anyway, as I have lot's of other Church History studies to catch up with. Language studies are also taking up a lot of my time.

Additionally, I'm not updating my Logos installation for about 2 years, so meanwhile I won't be downloading new purchases. This measure has several reasons and books that I've returned I get to keep for a while in this way. I've become Christian again only 2 years ago, so I'm still mouldable when it comes to specifics: what to be interesting in, what specific topics to use in my studies.

I've started to read more again, this Summer. One great purchase that I made, it was in the Spring 2013, was the UBS Translator's Handbook New Testament (used in Accordance). It's great for choosing English Bible versions for specific Bible verses. I also have a pre-order for: www.logos.com/product/31079/ubs-handbook-series-upgrade. UBS Handbooks is among the most cost effective ways to study. At least it's for me since I got a cheap used copy, it can be expensive too.

Sometimes I've felt a frustration that I have no friends in person, to discuss theology/Christianity or even "Gnosticism" with. But I'm not feeling frustrated about that right now, perhaps because I've recently found ways to find Christian girls and am hoping to get a second platonic friend.

Recently I've read the NT again. All except Apocalypse (=Revelation) and second half of Mk. The previous time I read it was a very long time ago.

The solution that works for me, is to have two rooms in my home, the living room devoted to "leisure" Christianity studies, and the bedroom devoted to work and homework (mandatory classes), and to use spare-time for reading, for example in the commuter traffic and at times of the day and week when it's more difficult to do anything else than to read: