All the Pretty Things - a book review

Edie Wadsworth, author of All the Pretty Things, writes a heartfelt memoir about growing up in Appalachia. The daughter of a broken family, Ms. Wadsworth candidly shares her story of heartbreak and hope. 

The story begins as Edie allows us to enter into her childhood growing up in the poorest part of the Tennessee foothills. As a young girl, Edie learns quickly that life is full of disappointments and heartache. Not only does she struggle with having her physical needs met, she also struggles with having her emotional needs met. Edie lives with her father in a dilapidated trailer park. Her father, a heavy drinker, often neglects the needs of Edie and her sister. Although Edie's father is often drunk, he tries to make light of the situation finding ways to feed Edie with laughter. But the laughter and silliness don't do the trick. Edie needs more. 

When their trailer home burns down, Edie and her family move in with Edie's grandmother. The extended family are as poor as Edie and her father but together, they pool resources and manage to eek out a living. Edie is constantly searching for the love she so desperately needs and seeks it from not only her father but also her estranged mother. Neither of her parents are able to give Edie what she needs but she clings to hope. 

As the story progresses, we see Edie drawing us more deeply into her story of vulnerability. The deep wounds created by unmet needs turn Edie from relying on her Earthly father to looking toward her Heavenly Father. 

I found this book challenging to read as I reached the middle section. I grew tired of reading the same type scenarios without much action or story line. The author writes well and this is an actual memoir so perhaps I was expecting too much. In any event, I think those who enjoy reading about true life stories in poverty stricken areas of the Appalachians might find this book enjoyable. 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.  

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

The One Year Book of Healing - a book review

The One Year Book of Healing, Daily Appointments with God for Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Wholeness, by Dr. Reggie Anderson, is a wonderful book. It's filled with devotionals for each day of the year.

Dr. Reggie Anderson is a primary care physician practicing medicine in a small rural area of Tennessee. He's been in practice for thirty years and has learned much about God's faithfulness in healing. Through stories involving some of his patients over the years, Dr. Anderson shares encouraging words regarding the way God continues to work in and through lives. In writing the book, Dr. Anderson hopes readers will be inspired to have hope. He says, " The devotions in this book are meant to encourage you to pursue a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I want you to see the many ways he intervenes in the lives of the sick and hurting and the many ways that he heals so that you will be inspired to have hope; the faith to know he can bring healing to our life, as well; and the patience to wait for him to act on your behalf. I want you to see what I see every day - that God is alive and that he is active in our lives."

The book is divided into twelve months and there is a devotional for each day of each month. At the beginning of the month, Dr. Anderson provides a checkup - a short overview of what might be expected during that month. As each month comes to a close, Dr. Anderson provides a booster shot, a short encouragement toward better health for the following month. Each devotional begins with a Scripture reference and following the reference is a story of healing formed into a meaningful devotion. Dr. Anderson uses his own personal interactions with patients to provide a relatable message.  At the end of the devotional, Dr. Anderson makes a suggestion, in the form of a prescription for the day (Today's Rx), suggestions a specific way the reader can feel better or grow stronger. 

Since we're currently in the month of October, I began my reading there. At the beginning of the October devotions, Dr. Anderson lists his October Checkup. Listen to the way the month begins: "October brings the smell of crisp apples and the color of pumpkins and falling leaves. As the air takes on a chill, we pull on our favorite sweaters and boots. There's no better time for a walk to enjoy the tapestry of trees transitioning from summer to winter in hues of burnt gold, rustic brown and bright orange....take a few moments in October to share gifts of kindness with those who are least suspecting." Dr. Anderson's writing style is very descriptive and instantly draws the reader into the book. October's booster shot gives a healthy tip on how to stay well. "As the cooler air drives us inside, we tend to sit more and eat more carbohydrates, leading to an increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. So get outside and walk. Exercise will help to prevent many chronic illnesses." 

I like the way the author gives practical tips and uses encouragement as he writes. Each devotional is well thought out and revolves around the true story of one of Dr. Anderson's experiences in the medical field. Names and circumstances have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved but Dr. Anderson weaves real life situations with spiritual truths into a beautiful tapestry of words. 

This book would make a lovely gift. I am thankful to have received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review from Tyndale House Publishing. It has been my honor and joy to review this book although I was not encouraged to give a positive review.

Purchase the book on Amazon here.

Purchase the book on Christianbook.com here. 

The Caregiving Season Finding Grace to Honor Your Aging Parents by Jane Daly - a Book Review

Jane Daly, author

The Caregiving Season, Finding Grace to Honor Your Aging Parents by Jane Daly is a well written book that deals with a difficult subject. Ms. Daly's book provides insight and encouragement for those currently dealing with aging parents and also for those about to enter this season of their lives. Ms. Daly lives in California with her husband, Mike and helps to watch over her 92 year old mother on a daily basis.

I loved the way Ms. Daly wrote her book. She used personal experiences to help the reader understand the challenges of caring for an aging parent. As I read Ms. Daly's stories, I was impressed with her openness and honesty. Several of the incidents she described in caring for her aging Father before his death hit home for me as I'd experienced very similar challenges with my Father before went home to glory. As she talked about the trials she's faced with her aging Mother, I could relate to each one as I am also helping care for my invalid Mother.

The Caregiving Season is a wonderful guidebook that points the reader to Christ as each challenge comes along. There are helpful tips and advice as well as heart wrenching stories of personal trial. I wish I'd had this book before going through lung cancer with my Father. It would have given me great peace to know some of the feelings and challenges I faced were also faced by others. I am thankful to have the book now and will use it often in the days ahead as my Mother continues to decline. In the book, Ms. Daly spoke about the importance of setting boundaries while extending grace to our aging parent. I found this bit of information extremely helpful. Ms. Daly said, "When you're in the position of caring for your parent, it's easy to revert to being a child again, especially if your relationship was never healthy to begin with. It can be difficult to create a boundary as an adult if no boundaries previously existed." She also states, "We need to be flexible and be able to shift boundary lines as we adjust to the new reality." Ms. Daly gives 3 steps to setting boundaries. The first step is to pray about how to approach the parent. Enlisting the prayer support of a friend or pastor may be necessary. Step two is to learn to speak humbly and with grace. She encourages the caregiver to learn to speak using "I" statements instead of "You" statements such as "I feel sad when you say those things to me." The third step in creating boundaries is to be prepared for some pushback or resistance. She says you can't expect things to change instantly. Another area I found very helpful was Ms. Daly's advice on choosing our battles. She points the caregiver to Colossians 4:6 which says, "Let your conversation be always full of grace." She says that verse helped her understand that sometimes it's important to bit your tongue instead of "responding to a barb."

At the end of each chapter, Ms. Daly includes Grace Growers thoughts and questions. These helpful points provided a lot of insight regarding how God views the care of aging parents. A sample of some of the Grace Growers from chapter 9, The Line in the Sand:

• Consider some of the parental boundaries you set with your children. Do you also need to set some boundaries with your aging loved ones for their good and yours?
• Do you have a need to be "right" all the time? Think about how you can lay thath aside and focus on your parents' needs. 
• Mediate on Proverbs 16:24 and Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law." Focus on exercising self-control. Think about how your words can be sweet to your loved ones' ears. Remember, "A gentle answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 15:1

The Caregiving Season is filled with wisdom and would be a great addition to anyone's personal library. I think this book should be readily available to caregivers and should be provided by hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities that promote elder care. I am going to personally recommend this book to anyone facing the challenge of caring for an aging parent or other relative. 

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to review this book. I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review and I was not encouraged to provide a positive review. 

You may purchase the book on Amazon by clicking here. 

365 Pocket Morning Prayers, Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day - A Book Review

The 365 Pocket Morning Prayers, Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day is a beautiful little devotional book compiled by David R. Veerman, Senior Editor of the Life Application Study Bible. Mr. Veerman was born in Chicago and raised in Rockford, Illinois, He received his B.A. from Wheaton College and his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical School. Mr. Veerman and his wife, Gail, live in Naperville, Illinois, and are active in Naperville Presbyterian Church. They have two grown daughters, Dana and Kara, and one granddaughter. Mr. Veerman worked for 26 years with Youth for Christ both in the Campus Life ministry in Illinois and Louisiana, and at YFC headquarters as the national campus life director. He has authored more than 60 books.

Mr. David Veerman, author

Inside this little devotional book, the reader will find daily prayers to help guide them into each new day. The prayers are written simplistically and with great honesty. They are purposely written to cause the reader to look to God for answers. Along with each prayer page, the reader will find an accompanying Scripture that ties into the prayer perfectly. The Scripture verses included are displayed in the easy to understand New Living Translation of the Bible. The devotional prayers included in the book can be read randomly or in order. A topical index is included at the back of the book to aid the reader in seeking prayer for specific needs.

The small size of the book will make it handy for travel. Approximate measurements are 4.1 x 1 x 6 inches. The 365 Pocket Morning Prayers book is bound with a beautiful light blue leather like material and weighs just a little over 8 ounces. It's a little larger than the average shirt pocket but will conveniently fit into a purse or travel bag without adding much weight. This book would make a great gift or keepsake and can be used over and over again.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not encouraged to provide a positive review of this book.

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.

All But Normal by Shawn Thornton – A Book Review

Recently, I was provided a complimentary copy of the book, All But Normal by Shawn Thornton, in exchange for my honest review.  I always enjoy reading about true life stories written by Christians and how they use their faith to overcome obstacles. All but Normal is such a book. The author, Shawn Thornton, has compiled a memoir about the life of his mother, Bev Thornton and her difficult journey into the world of mental illness. After a tragic automobile accident, Mrs. Thornton becomes someone the family doesn’t quite recognize. Once a gentle, loving woman, Bev Thornton, begins to display uncontrollable fits of anger. She throws things and uses filthy language. Her family struggles to understand and love her in spite of these changes but it is extremely difficult.

Pastor Shawn Thornton

As I read the book, I could sympathize with the author. His open and honest writing allowed me to step into his world and experience the things he was experiencing. When the objects flew across the room, I wanted to duck with him. When the curse words were flung into the air, I cringed along with Shawn.

This real life journey through a life changing trial was captured moment by moment through eyes of love and faith. The author, Shawn Thornton, gave readers a very vivid portrayal of the reality of crisis but also, how faith in Christ can allow a person to rise above circumstances and love the unlovable.

I was very impressed by the authenticity of the author’s faith and would highly recommend this book to anyone who may be interested in studying mental illness, real life experiences, or journeys of faith. Mr. Thornton has a wonderful talent for weaving his faith throughout the story. The book is a very quick read and once started, is hard to put down.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for allowing me the opportunity to review this book. I was not encouraged to write a positive review. For more information on author, Shawn Thornton, please feel free to visit the sites below: 

·         Promo/Main Site: http://www.pastorshawn.com/ 

             

·         “All Things New” Blog:http://www.pastorshawn.com/blog/  

                 

·         Radio: http://www.pastorshawn.com/radio/

·         Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/allthingsnewmedia/  

          

·         Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/shawnthornton/        

·         Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorshawn/

·         Videos of Pastor Shawn Preaching:http://www.pastorshawn.com/video/

   

Return to Joy by Bev DeSalvo– a Book Review

Return to Joy is a powerful book! I was impressed by the author’s ability to be so open and honest in telling about her experiences with childhood sexual abuse and how she learned to overcome the feelings of shame and guilt that often accompany such a tragic ordeal. The author, Bev DeSalvo, grew up in a home with an abusive father and an emotionally distant mother. From a very early age, she learned to cope by pretending everything was okay. Wearing masks became a part of her daily life and caused her to become immersed in gaining performance based acceptance. She did whatever necessary to keep the peace in her home and to avoid more painful situations. She did the best she could but it wasn’t good enough and soon, Ms. DeSalvo was contemplating suicide. At the age of nineteen, Bev accepted Christ as her Savior when invited to attend a college outreach program. It was difficult for her to accept the unconditional love of Christ but it was exactly what her heart had been longing for all of her life. The author, after learning her identity in and through Christ, begins to understand and surmount the lies she believed throughout her childhood. As Bev combats those lies with the truth of God’s Word, she quickly learns to identify and refute those lies.   

Return to Joy is a story of overcoming personal tragedy and replacing it with a life filled with joy and hope. Ms. DeSalvo allowed her readers to understand the abuse she suffered as she shared very personal details about her feelings and experiences. As she shared her own experiences, she followed with questions for the reader asking if he or she had suffered similar experiences. She offered practical faith based solutions and always pointed the reader to Christ. I enjoyed the Bible study following each chapter of the book. The questions were well thought out and helped counsel the reader to move past hurtful situations.

In the book, Ms. DeSalvo has a section entitled “Where is God when bad things happen.” I’d like to share an excerpt from that section: Bev says, “I’ve had lots of people try to explain where God was when bad things happened to me. Some said He was in the room, weeping in the corner while I was being abused. That didn’t bring comfort because that would mean that God is passive. Others argued that He was doing His best to protect me, but that the perpetrator wouldn’t listen. Well, doing His best was not good enough for me. That would mean that He is impotent. I could never trust a God who is passive and weak. As I was on my knees in desperation one day, I heard Him speak into my heart. It wasn’t an audible voice, but a miraculous Spirit to spirit encounter. As I listened with spiritual ears, He revealed Himself as the God of angel armies in the heavenly battle that I can’t see. He isn’t passively and impotently standing by, observing our pain and doing nothing. God is actively engaged in heavenly warfare, and electrifying power fills heaven and earth as He wages war against the forces of evil on our behalf…” The author overcame her abuse by learning to walk by faith and shared Scripture passages and details like this throughout the book.

I think this book would be a wonderful tool for Christian counselors or those working with victims of sexual abuse but could also be used for victims of any type of abuse. The goal of this book seems to be helping a person understand and walk in their identity in Christ. By understanding how to move past suffering and pain into fullness of joy, the victim can be truly set free.

The author's writing style is easy to understand and read. There is a familiarity in her writing that causes the reader to feel as if he/she is having a confidential conversation with dear friend. After having read the book, the reader will feel equipped to take on challenges of the past and trials of the future.

This book would make a wonderful gift. It is one I will recommend often to friends and family. I will also be adding this to my personal library of counseling materials. As a lay counselor for a large church, I often find myself using materials such as these to help my clients.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for giving me the opportunity to review Return to Joy. It was my honor and privilege to write this review although I was not encouraged in any way to give a positive review for the company. If you know anyone who has been sexually abused please share this book with them. It will bless them and help them move forward with their life. 

You can purchase the book here on Amazon. 

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

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

Burning Proof - a book review

Recently, I received a complimentary copy of the book, Burning Proof, by Janice Cantore, from Tyndale House Publishers. Ms. Cantore, is a retired Long Beach police officer who is currently writing novels related to her twenty two years of experience in law enforcement.

I found this book interesting but it took me a while to become engrossed in the story. Most of the books I enjoy are ones where the authors develop their characters slowly and methodically throughout the book. Ms. Cantore seemed to introduce new characters quickly and then "back peddle" to provide the necessary details for the reader. I did not care for this approach but understand each author has a very unique and different style of writing.

The story begins with Detective Abby Hart about to close an investigation she's been working on for several months. Just after she makes the arrest and puts her suspect in custody, things take an unexpected twist. Abby finds herself in a world of trouble and questioning her career as a police officer. As the story continues, the author, Janice Cantore, weaves her words to bring both the past and present together into Abby's future.

I was pleasantly surprised to find Ms. Cantore's use of Scripture references throughout the book. She made a special point of not only portraying the every day lives of her characters, but also included their deep dependence on their faith in God.

This book would interest fans of criminal justice and strong Christian character. It is apparent Ms. Cantore draws on her personal experiences in both of these fields as she writes.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for my copy of the book, Burning Proof. Perhaps you'd like to read it for yourself.

Love Kindness, a book review

Recently, I was given a complimentary copy of the book, Love Kindness, by Barry H. Corey, to review. My copy from Tyndale House Publishers was in paperback format. 

I was excited to read this book! The book was written by Barry H. Corey, a native of Massachusetts, became the eighth president of Biola University in July 2007. 

First of, the title, Love Kindness, captured my attention. One of my life's goals has always been to exhibit kindness in my life. This book takes a closer look at the true meaning of kindness and how we, as Christians, are expected to exhibit it in our lives so that God is represented well. 

In the introduction to the book, the first Scripture presented, gives us a mandate to clothe ourselves in kindness. Colossians 3:12 says this, "As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with kindness." But what does it really mean to clothe ourselves in kindness? That was the question I asked myself before digging into this book and finding out what Barry Corey had to say. My understanding of this verse was just that I should always be kind to others but there was much more to sharing kindness than I ever imagined.

"Kindness has become a forgotten virtue." Mr. Corey made this profound statement as the book begins. "To be Christian, kindness must shape us and define us," Corey says. "We have lost an understanding of the power of kindness, mistakenly dismissing it as fluff or flat. Kindness needs to be rediscovered." Those comments by Barry Corey ring true. In today's world, we find kindness to be almost irrelevant. As people move throughout their days in self-centered awareness, kindness seems not to matter. 

Barry Corey, author of Love Kindness

The author wants us to understand that kindness is a choice and it takes fierceness to display kindness in today's world. His analogy of Christians exhibiting kindness as having a firm center with soft edges really gave me a clear visual of his concept to love kindness. As Christians, it's important to stand firm in our beliefs but still be able to reach out to others with the gift of kindness. Mr. Corey explains that "Kindness is a biblical way of living." Though it is a fruit of the Spirit, it's also the way we should conduct our lives on a daily basis. 

I enjoyed this book immensely and found it filled with great insights and Biblical truths. This book would be a great one to recommend to students of all ages but especially those in high school and college. 

After reading the book, I feel enlightened. I feel I have seen kindness in a whole new light and I think you will, too! The title of the book, Love Kindness, comes from Micah 6:8 in the Bible which says, "To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Barry Corey states, as does the Bible, that we are to love kindness. We are not just to do it, but to actually love it!

If you're interested in reading this book, you can purchase it here.