The Weekly Write-Up #33
Devotionals, an endless watchlist, PRO apps, and flying food!
Today is Memorial Day, and I would like to take a moment to remember those who have fought and died for our country. Their sacrifice for our freedom is worth remembering.
In this newsletter…
The best devotion books for kids and teens alike!
What great movies/shows are on my Disney+ watchlist?
Are the new pro apps on the iPad any good?
A delicious and entertaining restaurant!
Literary Picks
7 AMAZING DEVOTION BOOKS
It isn’t always easy to get into reading the Bible, but devotion books are a tool to help with this. Summer is the perfect time, especially for kids and teens, to start a devotion book if they haven’t already. Below, I have compiled a list of seven great devotion books (for all ages and genders) and a short synopsis of each, in the hopes that this list will help you find a good devotion book!
Young Kids
NIrV Adventure Bible Book of Devotions for Early Readers: While that is a lengthy title, each devotion is not actually very long or hard to read. I read this devotion book when I was younger, and I actually had the NIrV Bible that went along with it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as a kid, and it taught me a lot! This book is great for young kids (of either gender) ages 6-10.
Teen Boys
The One-Year Devotions for Boys:: I, personally, have only read a few devotions out of this book, not the whole thing, but my brother highly recommends it. This is a fun devotion book which tells fictional stories to make a point. It is perfect for boys ages 8-12!
The Ultimate Boys’ Book of Devotions: I used this devotion book by Ed Strauss about a year or two ago, and I read through the entire book. It got me into Scripture more and helped me apply scripture to daily life. I highly recommend this devotion book, especially for boys 12-14.
Teen Girls
The One-Year Devotions for Girls: This devotion book is made by the same company who made the corresponding boys book listed above, so I’m sure it is also pretty good. It is probably for around the same ages as well (8-12).
Women of the Word: This isn’t technically a 365-day devotion book, but it is a great book by Jen Wilkin that my girlfriend really liked reading. It is encouraging because it discusses women in the Bible and how they were faithful to the Lord. This book is great for teen girls (probably ages 14+) or adult women.
Adults (or Teens)
New Morning Mercies: Again, I haven’t personally read this book, but I know a few people who have, and it was very beneficial for them! This book is by Paul David Tripp, and it is a 365-day devotional that is both convicting and encouraging.
What if Jesus Was Serious?: These aren’t really devotional books (yes, there are multiple), but they are still great books written by Skye Jethani. I am in the process of reading one of them, which I talked a bit about here. They are really convicting and force the reader to refocus and reflect on the words of Jesus. I would recommend checking them out!
Finally, the YouVersion Bible App (which you can download on the App Store or Google Play), has some great devotions on tons of different topics! I hope you check out some of these devotion books or plans that interest you, and maybe even start one this summer!
Watchlist Wonders
DISNEY+ WATCHLIST
I haven’t really watched much recently since I have been finishing the school year and whatnot. I thought it would be cool though since this section is called ‘Watchlist Wonders’ to showcase my current Disney+ watchlist and talk about some movies and shows I want to watch this summer. Some of these are currently on Disney+, while others will be added in the upcoming months. I hope you find something you might add to your Disney+ watchlist!
Existing Movie/Shows on Disney+
Andor: Andor is a Star Wars show that explores the backstory of Cassian Andor, a character previously found in Rogue One. This show explores more of his backstory. The show gets great reviews, with many claiming it is the best Star Wars show, so I’m excited to watch this new series!
Bad Batch (Season 2): I watched Bad Batch Season 1 when it first came out, and it became a show I thoroughly enjoyed! Season 2 is now out, and picks up with the cliffhanger after Season 1 and the story of the clones’ adventures in the post-Clone War world. I have been wanting to watch it for a few weeks, and hopefully, I will soon!
The Mandalorian: I have a confession to make: I haven’t seen all 3 seasons of the Mandalorian. I have seen a few episodes of the first season, but that is it. Everyone says it is remarkable, and I really want to finish watching it, since I’m a big Star Wars fan.
A Small Light: A Small Light is based on a true story about Miep Gies, who hid Anne Frank and her family during WW2. It sounds like a really fascinating and exciting show! Plus, it gets bonus points for being based off a true story (as long as they do it well)!
Hidden Figures: Hidden Figures is a movie I didn’t know about until recently. It tells the true story of three women who worked for NASA and helped send John Glenn into space.
Tron/Tron Legacy: I’m uncertain whether I want to watch Tron or the remake (Tron Legacy), but I intend to watch at least one of them before I go to Disney World (whenever that is) and ride the new Tron ride.
Togo: This is a Disney+ original that recently came out. It is about a man and his lead sled dog. Other than that, I know nothing else about it, but it looks pretty good.
Avatar: I confess, I actually haven’t seen the first Avatar movie (or the new one). I want to watch it, so I can watch the new one and better appreciate Pandora in Disney World.
Peter Pan and Wendy: Peter Pan and Wendy is a spin on the original Peter Pan. I don’t know much about it, but it looks interesting and I intend to watch it.
Pinocchio (Live Action): I have seen the regular Pinocchio, but I haven’t ever seen the newer live action one, and I want to see it sometime.
Movies/Shows Coming to Disney+
Indiana Jones (All): A few weeks ago, I talked about how I wanted to watch all the Indiana Jones movies. Luckily, all of them (besides the new one) are coming to Disney+ on May 31!
Avatar: The Way of Water: This second movie of the Avatar franchise recently came out in theaters and will come to Disney+ on June 7.
Secret Invasion: Secret Invasion is a new Marvel series about Nick Fury and his attempt to prevent an invasion of Earth. It premieres on Disney+ on June 21.
Ahsoka: Ahsoka is a Star Wars show that focuses on Anakin Skywalker’s padawan, Ahsoka Tano. It will come to Disney+ sometime in August.
Loki (Season 2): Anyone who has watched Loki Season 1 knows it ended on a cliffhanger and we need a season 2! Luckily, Loki Season 2 premieres on Disney+ on October 6!
So, there is my very long watchlist of movies/shows I want to watch on Disney+ in the upcoming months. I probably won’t get to all of these, but of course, I will review the ones I do get to. I hope you found something on here that looks interesting!
Tech Thoughts
FINAL CUT PRO AND LOGIC PRO
Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro are two apps iPad users (especially pro users) have been wanting for a VERY long time! Just a few weeks ago, Apple announced both of these former Mac-only apps would be coming to the iPad. This past week was the release of both of these apps to the iPad! Are these apps any good, though? Are they at the same level as the Mac apps or worse (or better)? Furthermore, what does this mean for the iPad going forward? Well, let’s find out!
If you don’t know already, Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing application that allows you to edit movies and videos in the most “pro” way possible. Sadly, I was unable to personally test this out since it can only be downloaded on iPads with an M1 or M2 chip. I have watched/read multiple reviews, though, and I have discovered that the iPad app is liked by most people. There are things that are different from the Mac version and features that don’t exist on the iPad app, but overall, Apple did an impressive job on this app. On the flip side, there are features included on the iPad that didn’t exist on the Mac. For example, you can use your Apple Pencil to draw on videos, activate a new jog wheel for precise scrolling, and so much more! Let’s talk price: Final Cut Pro is a subscription that costs $5 per month or $50 per year. (On the Mac, it is a one-time purchase of $300). This app is mostly tailored toward movie-making professionals and as such, $5 per month is actually a great price! If you are interested in checking out Final Cut Pro for iPad, you can download it on the App Store.
The other pro app, Logic Pro, is a professional audio creator and editor. It allows you to connect plug-ins, record music, and edit audio. I played around with it a lot this week and had some fun creating a few songs. After testing this out, I can confidently say this is a very pro app (as I was confused many times)! How does it compare with the Mac app though? Similar to Final Cut Pro, there are both features that don’t exist on the iPad which did on the Mac and vice versa. For example, the way you use plug-ins is different on the iPad. As with Final Cut Pro, the touch-first interface (as well as the Apple Pencil) allows you to do a lot that you can’t do on the Mac. Logic Pro costs $5 per month or $50 per year (compared to the Mac one-time purchase of $200). If you have an iPad with the A14 chip or newer, you can download Logic Pro on the App Store.
What does the release of these two apps mean for the iPad moving forward? For many, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro coming to the iPad was the final jump from moving the iPad from a “big phone” to a full-on computer, meaning it is closer to a Mac than an iPhone (which has seemed to be Apple’s goal in the past few years). Overall, these are two very cool apps, and I think pro users are really going to enjoy these iPad versions!
Wild Card
HARMONY STEAKHOUSE
A few weeks ago, I went to Harmony Steak House in Whitestown, IN, which is an astonishing restaurant! Harmony Steak House is a delicious Japanese Hibachi Grill restaurant. I really liked this place and would totally go here again! My reasoning for this is not only is the food at this restaurant incredible, but the experience is entertaining!
First, of course, we must focus on the food, since Harmony Steak House is primarily a restaurant. I can confidently say the food served here is delicious! I got to have some of their delicious steak, shrimp, fish, rice, and so much more! I was very stuffed after this huge meal and had to take some home with me. It was definitely quality food and a great meal. I also mentioned the experience is entertaining, which is because Harmony Steak House is a Japanese Hibachi Grill where they cook the food in front of you. If you have never been to a restaurant like this before, I would highly recommend going to one! Our chef was very friendly, and it is fun to watch the food being cooked while interacting with the chef. For example, he/she will create a large fire, fling food in your mouth, squirt liquid at you, and so much more! It is all very fascinating and entertaining to watch them cook up close! It is truly a fun experience and pretty much a dinner show in its own way!
I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner/experience at Harmony Steak House, and though it is very pricey, the food is quality and delicious! Plus, you get an included dinner show as you watch the chef cook your food. Because of the price, I wouldn’t eat there regularly, but it is great for special occasions! Visit the website here to learn more or make a reservation.