1. INSTAFRAME
Ever see multiple images in one Instagram photo and wonder how that person did it? I found an easy way to create frames and text overlays by using InstaFrame. There is an upgraded version that costs $0.99 but the free version has plenty of options for frames, text and visual enhancements. I made the photo of my four year old swimming using the free version. Once you make the image the app can share it to Facebook, Instagram, Email, Flickr and Twitter for you. How easy is that?
2. VLINGO
My fingers are still too clumsy to type as quickly as I would like to on my iPhone. My husband suggested I use Vlingo – a voice directed app that allows you to text, make a phone call, Google something or even send a Tweet all without having to type in anything. It works for iPhone 3 and 4. Now I can send a long text in half the time it would take for me to type it by hand.
3. THE GOD BOX
Have you read the book The God Box by May Lou Quinlan? In it, she describes her mother’s ritual of scribbling insta-prayers on random slips of paper and collecting them in her various “God boxes”. After her mother’s passing, Mary Lou read through the years of prayers her mom had secretly turned over to God in this quiet way and Mary Lou soon began her own God box collection. This app is an adorable way to keep your own secret stash of messages to God on your phone. Also be sure to check out the main website TheGodBoxProject.com where you can find free printable paper scraps to begin a tangible God Box collection as well.
4. LAUDATE
Laudate proclaims itself to be the #1 free Catholic app and I can see why. Everything you can imagine wanting is provided on this easy to navigate application. Daily readings, Liturgy of the Hours, Prayers, Stations, Rosaries and even the Bible are all here. No Catholic should be without this app!
While Joyce Meyer is decidedly non-Catholic, I absolutely love her messages because they are all about creating better relationships (with God and people) and over-all self-improvement as a Christian. This app has three simple parts: 1)a 25 minute daily television episode of her teaching in front of a crowd 2) a 15 minute radio episode on a different topic and 3) a brief written daily devotional. I listen to these podcasts while doing dishes or exercising and often find myself laughing out loud at her self-deprecating humor. She is one of my greatest influences and I think you would learn a lot from her too.
Please leave a comment and let me know if you have a favorite free app that I may have left off my list.
Misty, mother of three boys, wife of 15 years, and ever-learning Catholic, blogs at mistysmornings.blogspot.com .
Thank you for sharing these fun apps. I have listed my favorites in a blog post also, you can check it out here: http://www.mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/03/fun-apps-for-catholics.html
Karri Reiser recently posted..It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like…..
I didn’t know about any of these apps. Thank you!
Jumped on your first 2 recommendations, Misty. THanks!
Allison recently posted..Lyme’s Meningitis ~ Our Story
I really like these apps, now I just need an android. Next time one of my children breaks my phone, I know what I can ask for
Silvia recently posted..My name is brand , storebrand …
I LOVE the Laudate app!!! I use it every night to look up the daily readings and like that you can listen to them too because then I can paint my nails or do some cleaning while listening
I’ll have to check out the others!!
Thanks for the shout out, Misty!
I’ve often wondered about the Instagram fancy upgrades! I’m wondering if Vlingo works for iPad or iPod touch …. and I’m pretty sure I have Laudete.
Thanks for sharing your list!
Dianna Kennedy recently posted..A Beginner’s Guide to Head Covering… with Pictures!