NIV Holy Bible for Girls - Journal Edition (book review)

The beautiful cover

The new NIV Holy Bible for girls - Journal Edition, is a beautiful, hardcover Bible. With a modern floral design on the cover, it immediately draws the reader in and beckons creativity to begin. Inside the front cover is a special presentation page perfect for gift giving.

This Bible is designed to encourage the reader to journal thoughts and notes along the sides of each page in spacious lined margins. With the increased popularity of Bible journaling, the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, is the perfect starting place for those just getting beginning this special spiritual discipline. Girls of all ages will enjoy this pretty Bible, but most especially those aged 8-18.  The New International Version (NIV) of the Holy Bible is easy to read and understand and will allow readers to instantly grasp the concept of God's Holy Word.

Features of the Bible include:

• Beautifully designed hard cover
• Presentation page
• How to Use This Bible instruction page
• Elastic closure strap
• Wide lined margins for journaling, notes, or drawing
• Thicker paper perfect for use with markers and pens
• Ribbon marker
• Easy to read font
• Weights and Measures chart



The presentation page

• Easy to understand New International Version

I have an 8 year old granddaughter and I allowed her to preview the NIV Holy Bible for Girls with me. The first things she said when she picked up the Bible was "this is so pretty!" As I watched her reaction while flipping through the pages, I knew she wanted one of these Bibles for her very own. I explained the lined areas in the margins were perfect for writing special notes or words God impressed upon your heart. She was thrilled to know it was okay to write in a Bible and wanted to know more about Bible journaling. 

The NIV Holy Bible for Girls would make a wonderful gift that would be treasured for many years to come. I am very impressed with the attention to detail and the quality of this beautiful Bible. 

I would like to thank Handlebar Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to review this Bible in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not encouraged to give a positive review although it is my pleasure to do so!

The Beyond Suffering Bible - book review

It was a bright and beautiful day. My granddaughter had come to visit. At three years of age, her favorite thing to do is play and oh, how she loves to be outdoors. Since I'm her favorite playmate, I never mind when her little hand reaches out for mine begging me to join her in a game of tossing the ball. As we head outside, her tiny laughter melts my heart. We tossed the ball back and forth for several minutes. Her eye hand coordination hasn't developed fully yet so she missed the ball often. Though she didn't mind, she found it funny to ask me to retrieve the ball whenever she missed. Being a good grandmother, I obeyed her gentle commands and chased after the rogue ball. This toss and miss game continued and we reveled in laughter. Once more, she threw the ball my way and it skittered down a leaf strewn path. I ran to gather the ball in my arms and in a split second, found myself on the ground. There had been a hole and I'd found it. As I lay upon the cold ground, my daughter came running over to see if I was okay. I sat up and told her I didn't know. I needed to sit there a few minutes and gather my wits about me. A few minutes passed and I thought I was probably just suffering hurt pride, but when I tried to stand, I felt a searing pain in my left wrist. It was abnormally shaped and swelling rapidly. At my daughter's insistence, we went to the doctor. After having my wrist x-rayed and examined, the verdict was in - a fractured wrist.

At close to sixty years of age, I'm no spring chicken. The next few days were filled with a throbbing pain. I quickly found myself unable to do the most menial tasks. It was frustrating to be suffering and I didn't like it one bit.

Later that day, the mail came. I'd received a package. I could tell from the size and shape that it was a book. Trying to open the package with one hand was difficult, but I managed. Inside I found a new Bible. As I pulled out the book, I read the title, "The Beyond Suffering Bible." I had to laugh! God's timing is always perfect. I slipped it out of the casing and flipped it open. The first page I came to was a beautiful devotional written about Joseph. I read it carefully and was impressed with the tender way it was written. I could imagine Joseph sitting in a dungeon year after year wondering if he'd been forgotten. But as I read the devotional, I was reminded that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God is faithful. He does not forget us or fail to see our suffering. What a beautiful reminder as I glanced down at my throbbing wrist. Though my injury in now way compared to all Joseph experienced, it was still important to me. It impacted my life and caused me to struggle.

I continued to look through the Bible. It was too heavy to hold with only one arm, so I lay it on the table. I noticed several things about the Bible. Not only did it have devotionals throughout, it also had connection points, little reminders of how God works in our own lives. They contained practical solutions and helpful hint along with Scripture application. Profiles on important Biblical characters were included and were written to help readers grasp details about these individuals. I also noticed at the beginning of each book of the Bible, an introduction was given. These introductions included important information and contained themes related to suffering and disability.

Joni Earekson Tada has been one of my role models for some time. Due to an unfortunate diving accident, Joni was left a paraplegic at a young age. Through her suffering, Joni developed a beautiful relationship with Christ. Years of pain and physical disability caused her faith to grow stronger day by day. She has used her life to glorify God and her ministry has helped others learn to look to Christ for their strength. Joni was the perfect person to compile the beautiful Beyond Suffering Bible. She knows first hand what a life of suffering involves. (You can watch a short video of Joni here.)

My broken wrist has caused me to be unable to blog or write for the past few weeks. These are two of my favorite things to do. Since I'd committed to write reviews for several Christian companies, I had no idea how I would keep those commitments. I surely didn't feel like typing with one hand. It would have been too difficult. But I found a way to honor my commitment and was very grateful. By using a voice to text typing program, I completed today's book review. I have many more weeks of being incapacitated as my wrist heals. Thankfully, the pain has eased some but still affects my daily tasks. As I focus on all the things I can't do because of my wrist, I'm reminded, through the devotionals in the Beyond Suffering Bible, that often God uses trials and suffering to teach us.

I'm thankful I received this Bible at the perfect time! God used it to minister to me and I'm sure He will use it to minister to you as well. What a perfect gift this book would make for anyone dealing with pain or injury. It would also be a wonderful reference for those who are either just coming out of a season of suffering or just entering one.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary copy of the Beyond Suffering Bible and for giving me the opportunity to review it for them. It was my pleasure and I was in no way encouraged to write a positive review.

The Beyond Suffering Bible is written in the New Living Translation which makes it very easy to read and understand.

Learn more about the Beyond Suffering Bible here

Joni Earekson Tada talks about the Beyond Suffering Bible here

Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times... A Book Review

Answers to the Most Important Questions About the End Times" by John Hart is full of important information regarding the end times. The book is around 189 pages and covers many topics. The author, Dr. John Hart, Professor at Moody Bible Institute researched his topics well and provides very detailed information to help the reader understand clearly what the Bible says about each subject. Some of the titles included in the book:

Why Should I be Interest in Bible Prophecy?
Will Christians Be Raptured and Escape the Tribulation?
Who is the AntiChrist?
What is Armageddon?
What is the Final Judgment, adn the New Heaven and New Earth?

With today's world events pointing toward end time prophecy, I was more than excited to read this book. For years, I've studied the book of Revelation and have had great peace knowing how the "story" turns out. As a Christian, I'm secure. I know my future is secure but for those unsaved, the future can be scary. This book provides answers for both the saved and unsaved person. As Dr. Hart tackles difficult questions, he clearly and precisely provides answers that not only settle the reader's mind but offer hope to those who may not know Christ as their Savior.

Dr. John Hart, author

As a seminary graduate and long time student of the Bible, I am a Pre-Tribulation believer. This means I believe the Bible says we, as the body of Christ, will be raptured before the Great Tribulation occurs. I was pleased to find Dr. Hart, in his book, agrees with this vein of thinking as the Bible clearly states events to support the Pre-Trib theory. Some who do not believe in this way of thinking may not want to read a book that supports it.

I feel like this book would be a great tool of reference for anyone wishing to learn more about the end times. Dr. Hart possesses a Doctorate of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is well versed on all things related to Biblical History therefore, I felt his book was credible and sound.

I'd like to thank Bethany House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion of the book. I was not encouraged to give a favorable review.

If you're interested in reading about the End Times, you can purchase this book here.

Gratitude A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal - book review

The front cover

I was so excited to receive the new coloring journal from Tyndale House Publishers. As a Bible journaler, I'm always happy to see books come out that make journaling fun and easy. Gratitude, a Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal is a beautifully compiled book of Scripture, prayers, illustrations and journaling pages. This new book is part of the Living Expressions Collection published by Tyndale House. It's a very colorful hard cover book that would be perfect to give as a gift or keep for yourself.

A sample prayer & journal page

Bible journaling has become a very popular hobby. Journalers are always looking for new ways to use their creativity to honor God and this book will help aid Bible journalers in meeting that need to create while absorbing Scripture at the same time.

The book contains a prayer and complimentary verse of Scripture on select pages and adjacent to the prayer page, an artistic coloring page or journaling space is found. Throughout the book, there are such beautiful illustrations. Some of the illustrations contain a small amount of color but most are completely black and white ready for the artist's imagination to complete. The layout of the book will encourage beginner and experienced Bible journalers to spend time focused on the Word in a creative and fun way. All types of art mediums can be used in this book. The pages are thick enough to prevent bleed through from markers or even some types of paints. The pages are also sewn into this well made book allowing it to lay flat for creative expression.

A sample journal prompt & coloring page

Using the coloring journal will help the reader focus on God's Word. The creativity it inspires will make the reader look forward to each day and provide joy during Bible study.

I think Gratitude, a Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal will be a best seller. I'm so grateful for being allowed to review this book and would like to take time to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing this opportunity in exchange for my honest opinion.

Another example of one of the pages

For more Bible journaling creativity, visit Tyndale's Inspire Creativity Pinterest board.

And check out more creative and coloring journal products by visiting here.

The Africa Study Bible Kickstarter Launch program

Weeks ago, I shared with you about the new Africa Study Bible and the vision of Oasis International to provide a Bible to the people of Africa. A Kickstarter launch program was begun with the goal of raising $100,000 to help fund the Bible. To date, $13,000 has been raised but there's much more needed to make the $100,000 goal a reality. My prayer is that everyone who reads my blog will take a moment to visit the Kickstarter site and donate as God impresses upon your heart. If you'd like to read a sample of the work being done on this project, you can download the app for your cell phone by clicking here.

The Africa Study Bible is a wonderful project and will touch the lives of so many African people with God's Word in a language they can understand. For the past six years, this project has grown from a vision to a reality as 350 writers and editors from over 40 African countries have worked diligently to compile God's Word into a one of a kind Bible developed for Africans by Africans. The president of Oasis International, Dr. Matthew Elliott, says "With the ASB, we're bringing the power of Scripture to Africa in a new and culturally relevant way." He also says, "This is an unprecedented project that will impact the global church."

The Africa Study Bible is designed to grow the faith of African church members and teach them to evangelize the people around them. It will also help them gain a clear biblical worldview of their society. The Africa Study Bible is being printed in the New Living Translation, which will provide the African people with an easy and concise understanding of Scripture in today's language. There will be 2,400 features in the Bible which include application notes, stories, proverbs, touch-points, notes that explain basic theology and major themes found in the God's Word. Oasis International plans to release the first copies of the Africa Study Bible in English but also will provide translations in French and Portuguese soon thereafter. A full featured app is currently being developed for the study Bible.

The editorial for this new Bible is nearly complete and Oasis, along with partners, is inviting fellow Christians to join in and help them get the ASB into the hands of the African people. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched today. Their goal is to raise one million dollars in the hopes of being able to print the first 100,000 copies. The fundraising program will run from April 18, 2016 through June 16, 2016. If you'd like to participate in the fundraising, click here. As a thank you for your generous donation, you'll have the opportunity to receive various incentives ranging from beautiful one of a kind artwork prints to limited edition Italian leather copies of the ASB. There will also be some all expense paid trips including a real African safari! (You can watch the Kickstarter video here.)

Dr. Elliot says, "Our goal is to have the first run of the ASB available in Africa by the end of 2016. We already know of more than 100 million people in denominations and movements in Africa whose leaders want to use the ASB for discipleship so there is a lot of anticipation throughout the continent."

It's exciting to see such a global effort come to fruition. Oasis International has partnered with Tyndale House Publishers to create this unique study Bible along with other well known participants such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Willow Creek and Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, Moody Broadcasting.

Dr. Elliott says, "We've seen the hand of God in amazing ways throughout the development of this project." Dr. John Jusu, the supervising editor of the ASB, says,"The content of the ASB is bubbling up from the cultures of Africa. The biblical truth is percolating through our own cultures and stories to create a rich and textured tapestry that Africans can claim as their own."

Won't you join this exciting project to help fulfill the Great Commission? In Matthew 28:16-20 God gave us this mandate to go into the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He commanded us to make disciples of all nations and told us to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But the Bible also tells us how can they believe if they have not heard? How can they hear if no one tells them? The new Africa Study Bible will speak to Africans in language they can clearly understand and it will provide the means for these spiritually hungry people to be fed with the gospel. Let's do our part to help spread God's Word by getting behind this project and helping raise the funds to exceed the current goal of one million dollars. Won't you join me? I hope you will!!! Please share this blog post and help get the information out about this new Bible. Remember to tell your friends about the great prizes that will be offered as they donate and thanks in advance for your help!

"Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Called to Community - a book review

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review the book, Called to Community, The Life Jesus Wants for His People. This book is an excellent collaboration of articles written by many of my favorite authors such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Henri J. M. Nouwen, C.S. Lewis, and Thomas Merton. Each selection provides interesting and detailed information on how we, as Christians, are called to work together to spread the Gospel of Christ.

Community is about learning to care enough to invest in the lives of those around us. For followers of Christ, our mission is to follow the command to love but we can't do that unless we're willing to get involved in the lives of others. Jean Vanier, one of the contributors to this book, says "A Community is only truly a body when the majority of its members is making the transition "from the community for myself" to the "myself for the community," when each person's heart is opening to all the others, without any exceptions."

I learned many things from reading this book. I was especially interested one of the selections, "The Way," by Alden Bass. A detailed account of the history behind the Christian Community of Jewish believers called, The Way, is given. I found the information contained in Mr. Bass' writing to be filled with Biblical history.

Some of the other topics included in the book include:

• Pentecost
• Counterculture
• Idealism
• Solitude
• Surrender
• Deeds
• The Way
• Surrender
• Transparency 

Called to Community is a book filled with 52 different selections of information written by people who have learned the importance of community. Each of these selections falls under one of four subheadings: A Call to Community, Forming Community, Life in Community, and Beyond the Community. This book would be a great choice for use in small group Bible studies. A detailed discussion guide is included in the back of the book and provides thought provoking questions like these:

• How can differences be a blessing?
• What does the word "unity" mean to you?
• What does true submission entail?
• Is community possible without submission?
• Does accepting others as they are mean we have to ignore those things in them that need to change?

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in building a strong Christian community or anyone interested in learning more about Biblical history. I would like to thank Plough Publishing for providing me with a complimentary early review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

©bonnie annis all rights reserved

Guys Slimline Holy Bible - New Living Translation (book review)

The new Guys Slimline Holy Bible by Tyndale House Publishers is a very attractive Bible. The cover is a blue and black chevron design made of an imitation leather type fabric. The pages are edged in silver foil and the font size is small but easy to read. The New Living Translation provides the context of the Bible in an easy to understand translation without losing any of the meaning from the original Greek and Hebrew languages. The Bible includes a  concordance and dictionary that will assist children in locating passages related to various topics. The Bible also includes 8 pages of full color maps, a ribbon marker, and a page in the front for special presentation. This Bible is very well made and would make a very nice gift to a young teenage boy.

As I thumbed through the Bible, I began to read selected passages. I compared the translation to the same passage in my Amplified Bible and my New King James Bible to make sure the texts provided the same information. I was pleasantly surprised to find the New Living Translation gave a very clear and precise version of each passage. One of my grandsons is almost nine years old and he would be able to understand this Bible very easily. The wording is contemporary but not too advanced for a pre-teen or a teen to understand and relate to with ease.

I'd like to give a small snippet of the prologue from the book of Job (verses 1-3) to help you understand how easy the text is to read:

"There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless- a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. He owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys. H also had many servants. he was, in fact, te richest person in that entire area." 

Wasn't that clear and extremely precise? This Bible would be great not only for teenage boys but also for anyone looking for an easy to read and understand translation of the Bible. I would not hesitate for one minute to give this Bible as a gift to any of my grandsons.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to preview this copy of the Guys Slimline Holy Bible in exchange for my honest review of their product. If you're looking for a great gift Bible, you can purchase this one here.

© bonnie annis all rights reserved

New Africa Study Bible project launched today!

I'm so excited to share news with you about the New Africa Study Bible! Oasis International's visionary project to bring a Bible that is relevant and easy to understand to the African people. For the past six years, this project has grown from a vision to a reality as 350 writers and editors from over 40 African countries have worked diligently to compile God's Word into a one of a kind Bible developed for Africans by Africans. The president of Oasis International, Dr. Matthew Elliott, says "With the ASB, we're bringing the power of Scripture to Africa in a new and culturally relevant way." He also says, "This is an unprecedented project that will impact the global church."

The Africa Study Bible is designed to grow the faith of African church members and teach them to evangelize the people around them. It will also help them gain a clear biblical worldview of their society. The Africa Study Bible is being printed in the New Living Translation, which will provide the African people with an easy and concise understanding of Scripture in today's language. There will be 2,400 features in the Bible which include application notes, stories, proverbs, touch-points, notes that explain basic theology and major themes found in the God's Word. Oasis International plans to release the first copies of the Africa Study Bible in English but also will provide translations in French and Portuguese soon thereafter. A full featured app is currently being developed for the study Bible.

The editorial for this new Bible is nearly complete and Oasis, along with partners, is inviting fellow Christians to join in and help them get the ASB into the hands of the African people. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched today. Their goal is to raise one million dollars in the hopes of being able to print the first 100,000 copies. The fundraising program will run from April 18, 2016 through June 16, 2016. If you'd like to participate in the fundraising, click here. As a thank you for your generous donation, you'll have the opportunity to receive various incentives ranging from beautiful one of a kind artwork prints to limited edition Italian leather copies of the ASB. There will also be some all expense paid trips including a real African safari! (You can watch the Kickstarter video here.)

Dr. Elliot says, "Our goal is to have the first run of the ASB available in Africa by the end of 2016. We already know of more than 100 million people in denominations and movements in Africa whose leaders want to use the ASB for discipleship so there is a lot of anticipation throughout the continent."

It's exciting to see such a global effort come to fruition. Oasis International has partnered with Tyndale House Publishers to create this unique study Bible along with other well known participants such as Campus Crusade for Christ, Willow Creek and Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, Moody Broadcasting.

Dr. Elliott says, "We've seen the hand of God in amazing ways throughout the development of this project." Dr. John Jusu, the supervising editor of the ASB, says,"The content of the ASB is bubbling up from the cultures of Africa. The biblical truth is percolating through our own cultures and stories to create a rich and textured tapestry that Africans can claim as their own."

Won't you join this exciting project to help fulfill the Great Commission? In Matthew 28:16-20 God gave us this mandate to go into the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He commanded us to make disciples of all nations and told us to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But the Bible also tells us how can they believe if they have not heard? How can they hear if no one tells them? The new Africa Study Bible will speak to Africans in language they can clearly understand and it will provide the means for these spiritually hungry people to be fed with the gospel. Let's do our part to help spread God's Word by getting behind this project and helping raise the funds to exceed the current goal of one million dollars. Won't you join me? I hope you will!!! Please share this blog post and help get the information out about this new Bible. Remember to tell your friends about the great prizes that will be offered as they donate and thanks in advance for your help!

"Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15

© bonnie annis

The Africa Study Bible Project

There's a great new project underway and I'd love to share it with you. Currently, a Bible specifically created for the needs of African Christians is in progress. It all began in 2003 with African leaders, Oasis International and Tyndale House Publishers. Missionary statesman Dr. Danny McCain led an effort to evaluate the understanding of the Bible by English-speaking church members in Jos, Nigeria and the potential impact of having the Bible in clear, modern language using African vocabulary. Over the following years, the project moved forward through conversations with leaders throughout Africa, Bible experts at Tyndale, and the Oasis International Board. These conversations included ones with African Bible scholar, Dr. Tite Tiénou from Burkina Faso, previously a member of the team that formed the vision for the Africa Bible Commentary. 

When Oasis President, Dr. Matthew Elliott, traveled extensively in Africa in 2010, he asked leaders from the continent how this Bible might bless Africa’s millions of Christians. He received a resoundingly positive response from seminary presidents, denominational leaders and academics across the continent. The consensus: it was essential that we create a study Bible to reflect the knowledge, culture and wisdom of Africa for the world, bringing insight to global Christianity. The project soon had a number of strong development partners:

• Tyndale House Publishers, the world’s largest independent Christian publisher
• Oasis International, a leading publisher for English-speaking Africa
• More than a Mile Deep, a multi-language, multi-country African church and theological training organization
• The Livingstone Corporation, independent developer of Bibles and Bible products and authors of the Life Application Study Bible, the world’s foremost Study Bible
• Urban Ministries Inc., a liaison to the African diaspora

The following year, supported by these dedicated partners, the committee for the formation of the Africa Study Bible met in Accra, Ghana. Leaders from every region of Africa and 11 countries formed the final mandate for the project, making all major editorial decisions. Today, with the prayers and support of individual donors, development of the Africa Study Bible is bringing the promise of a readable and affordable Bible ever closer to the reach of African Christians.

Over 400 million Protestant Christians in Africa do not have a Bible written to meet the needs of their own cultures. As the Church continues its exponential growth in Africa, an exclusively Western perspective on the meaning of the Bible endangers the relevance of Scripture in the African context.

The Africa Study Bible, featuring Tyndale's New Living Translation, with the editorial (2,400 plus features, 350 writers and editors from 40 African countries and representing 50 denominations) is nearly complete, but they need help. Oasis International, the publisher of the ASB in partnership with Tyndale, is now working to raise one million dollars to print the first 100,000 study Bibles for Africa through private donations and a Kickstarter campaign.

Many people are working hard on the Africa Study Bible - writers, editors, artists, and project managers. It is a major investment. From start to finish, the average cost of the project budget is $50 a verse and an average of $1,260 a chapter. It's a huge undertaking and a very vital project. Would you consider giving whatever you can to this wonderful cause? Your gift would be greatly appreciated and would help launch this unprecidented project that will help spread biblical discipleship across a continent!

If you'd like to donate online, please click here.

If you would like to mail your gift, please make your check out to Oasis International Ltd and send to 209 E. Liberty, 2nd Floor, Wheaton, IL 60187.

Read some comments Africans have shared regarding their thoughts on the project:

“This Bible will carry the biblical message not only into the houses of people, but into their very hearts ...”
Hermie Van Zyl, PhD Retired Dean of the Faculty at Theology University of Free States, South Africa

“This Bible for Africa by Africans will … create a bridge that links biblical principles to daily living.”
Gladys K. Mwiti, PhD Founder and CEO of Oasis Africa, Kenya

“…will help the readers, preachers, and teachers of the Bible … present the word of God in a clearer form which will bring about the desired transformation in Africa and the experience of abundant life."
Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, PhD International Chairman, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (O.A.I.C.), Nigeria

To learn more about the project, visit their website by clicking here.

You can watch a video about the project here.

NLT Inspire Bible - a review

The New Inspire Bible

Inside the front cover

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the NLT (New Living Translation) Inspire Bible from Tyndale House Publishers for review. This beautiful new Bible will be released in March 2016.

Immediately upon opening the box for the NLT Inspire Bible, I was in awe! The front cover of the Bible is in full color and has a beautiful nature scene featuring flowers, a bird, and a butterfly. It is a flexible cover. The colors are pleasing to the eye and made me want to immediately turn the front cover to see what was next. The Bible is very well made. Holding it in my hands, I find it is the perfect size. The book is 8.25" x 6.25" The Bible is just under 2 inches wide and weighs in at just a little over 2 pounds. The outer edges of the pages are colored in a beautiful teal to match the outside cover and have a detailed scrollwork pattern that gives the Bible that little extra special touch of beauty.

Examples of the artwork

Inside the front cover, this stunning Bible's artwork continues with a black and white illustration that is ready to be filled in with colored pencils, markers, or other mediums. The attention to detail is magnificent!

Throughout the Bible, there are over 400 pages of attractive art illustrations. Some of the illustrations are full page and some are only partial page, but in any case, each drawing is very unique and beautiful. The black and white drawings allow the Bible to be completely customized as the user sees fit. As a Bible journaler, I found the illustrations to be a great help. They provide not only a great backdrop for creativity, but also great guidelines for enhancing Biblical study.

Extra wide margins

The pages of the Bible are a nice quality, ivory colored paper. Each page of Scripture has two-inch-wide margins which are perfect for taking notes and recording personal reflections. The font used is easy to read.

The Inspire Bible is the only single-column, wide-margin Bible available in the popular New Living Translation. This translation allows entire thoughts to be translated into natural, everyday English. It provides wording that is easy to read and understand while at the same time accurately communicating the meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew texts of the Bible.

Another example of the art

The NLT Inspire Bible is specifically designed to appeal to those who enjoy art journaling and adult coloring books. (The Bible comes in a deluxe hardcover edition too. It features a lovely, teal imitation leather over board composition.)  The edges of the pages are beautifully designed with full color. The Inspire Bible is a very special edition and would make a lovely gift. Every aspect of this Bible is filled with beauty and has been painstakingly assembled. If you'd like to own your own copy of the new Inspire Bible, you can order it here.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to review this lovely Bible. It was indeed my pleasure to do so.

#InspireBible

A page I colored today

Inside the back cover

On this Foundation by Lynn Austin - a book review

The story of Nehemiah, found in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, is a great story of God’s blessing following obedience. In the book, On this Foundation, by Lynn Austin, the story of Nehemiah’s great challenge comes to life through the skillful and descriptive words of the author.

The very first paragraph of the first chapter in the book draws the reader in immediately. “Nehemiah descended the winding staircase to the palace kitchens, then paused in the arched doorway, savoring the warmth from the blazing hearth fires and enormous ovens. The aroma of roasting meat and baking bread greeted him. He enjoyed this part of his job, especially on early winter days like this one when it was difficult to heat the cavernous palace rooms upstairs. He watched the sweating, red-faced cooks and scullery lads bustle around, chopping vegetables, skinning a goat, and plucking waterfowl. These men would probably prefer to work in a cooler room.”

Ms. Austin weaves her words to create a beautiful, descriptive tapestry of the life of Nehemiah. Instead of looking at the story as an irrelevant Biblical tale, through her literary skill and prowess, Ms. Austin takes us into a world of colorful characters and events that are relevant for today.

The story begins in Susa, capital of Persia. Nehemiah, a Jewish servant, is employed as King Artaxerxes’ cup bearer. This position, which seems insignificant, is an extremely important one and Nehemiah does not take it lightly. The cup bearer’s job is to protect the king from would be assassination attempts by poisoning. Any drink prepared for the king would first pass the lips of Nehemiah. His dedicated loyalty and service to the Persian King prepared him to serve Almighty God in a very different way.

While in service to the king, God places a call on Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the temple walls. The holy temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians. The walls of Jerusalem have been broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. Lynn Austin helps the reader feel the desperation in Nehemiah’s heart as she describes how the Jewish people were in trouble and how they were feeling a great sense of disgrace and reproach.

God tells Nehemiah that his job is to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls of the temple. After much prayer, Nehemiah approaches the king and finds favor with him. Nehemiah is appointed governor and is given permission to go to Jerusalem. When people find out what his plans are, they think Nehemiah has lost his mind. How can one person undertake such a monumental task? Nehemiah explains that with the Lord’s help, it can be done.

Ms. Austin takes time to develop each character in the story with great detail. She uses their frustrations and trials to help us understand exactly what they are feeling. Her careful attention to biblical customs and traditions are evident as the story continues to unfold.

As the story draws to a close, Nehemiah faces a personal challenge with his desire to be king. Ms. Austin graciously helps us understand his struggle and sympathize with him. Her ability to give her characters such deep emotion and commitment is a unique writing ability.

This was the first book by Lynn Austin that I have read. I enjoyed reading this book very much and would highly recommend it. Christians, familiar with the Biblical account of the story of Nehemiah, will be pleasantly surprised to find Lynn Austin’s account follows along very closely while adding much detail. Non-Christians will find the book an enjoyable story with much depth, colorful characters, detailed scenery, and expressive conversations.

I also enjoyed the glossary of terms used in the book that Ms. Austin provided. She also provides a list of Scripture references for the reader at the end of the book.

If you'd like to have your own copy of the book, you can get it by clicking this link:
 Purchase On this Foundation through Amazon

Disclosure: I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to read it and submit a review. The opinions I have expressed are solely my own and I was not influenced in the writing of this review by any members of the Bethany House publishing staff or their employees.

© bonnie annis all rights reserved

Queen Esther and the Ring of Power

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aneko Press and would like to thank them for allowing me the pleasure of reviewing it.

The book, Queen Esther and the Ring of Power by Russell M. Stendal, is filled with exciting revelations about this Biblical account of a woman's faith. Mr. Stendal weaves past and present events with symbolism into his book. His writing style is very easy to read and understand.

I was impressed with the verse by verse and chapter by chapter analysis made by Mr. Stendal. I have read the Bible story of Esther many times but have never delved as deeply into it as I was able to thanks to Mr. Stendal.

The book opens with Chapter 1 of Esther, at the feast of King Ahasuerus. In the third year of the king's reign, he holds a 180 day banquet for his royal staff followed by a seven day banquet for the other people of his kingdom.

Esther, a Jewish young woman, finds herself amid those chosen for the king's pleasure. For twelve months, the young women are required to endure a period of purification. Mr. Stendal helps us understand the importance of the number twelve and explains it is not only the number associated with childhood, but it is also the number linked to divine order. He goes into great detail with his explanations and continues throughout the remaining chapters.

Esther is a story of faith and courage. Not only does Esther vow to be obedient to the Lord's will, she asks for the Jewish people in her village to commit to fast and pray for her for three days before approaching the king.  Amazingly, her people commit to do this for her and Esther is able to fast without drawing attention to herself. As she readies herself to approach the king, Mr. Stendal helps us see the importance of being led by the Spirit of God.

The story embodies both good and evil. Esther represents a God fearing woman who seeks to do the Lord's will while Haman, the king's right hand man, represents pure hatred and evil. "Queen Esther is dedicated to saving humanity and having it restored to the image of God, but humanity cannot return to the image of God while Haman exists."

The book takes an in depth look at each character of the book, each verse, and each chapter. Mr. Stendal has worked diligently to provide us with a detailed account of symbolism but also about prophetic meanings and how they relate to our current world.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys digging deep into God's Word. Mr. Stendal is very knowledgeable and has gone to great lengths to make this book clear and concise. His expertise as a missionary and follower of Christ have given him great insight. I am thankful he was willing to share that information with us through his new book.

Purchase Queen Esther and the Ring of Power on Amazon by clicking here

©bonnie annis all rights reserved

The Holman Christian Standard Journaling Bible

Recently, I received a complimentary copy of the Holman Christian Standard Journaling Bible from B H Publishing Group. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box and removed the Bible. The Bible cover is a hardback black, with textured insets of brown leather like material. It is approximately 6 1/2 inches wide by 8 1/2 inches high. The stitching along the cover is done in an attractive ivory thread and gives nice detailing to the book. The spine is inscribed in gold leaf with the HCSB logo as well as the words, Journaling Bible. Upon opening the Bible, I find the pages easily lay flat, unlike other journaling Bibles I have reviewed. 

The pages of the Bible are ivory colored with s single column of Scripture along the inside of each page. A lined column compliments the outer edge of each column of Scripture providing the perfect amount of space to record special insights and personal thoughts. For those who love to art journal, these wide columns would provide ample space for artwork too.

This Bible contains a well organized concordance, eight detailed four color maps, an annual Bible reading plan, a ribbon bookmark, a presentation page and an introduction to the Holman Christian Standard Bible. 

The HCSB Journaling Bible is very well made and would make a wonderful gift presentation. The lay flat pages make it unique and provide an easy way to document thoughts or questions. I would highly recommend this Bible for anyone interested in learning more about God's Word. 

I would like to thank B H Publishing Group for providing me with this copy of the Holman Christian Standard Bible to review. 

© bonnie annis 2015