Woman's Study Bible

I was sent a beautiful Bible and I want to make sure you know it's available with all new features!  The Woman's Study Bible in the NKJV is gorgeous.  The cover is beautiful and the layout is nice.  Some of the new and improved features are:

-Beautiful full-color design throughout
-Detailed biographical portraits of over 100 biblical women
-Thousands of extensive verse-by-verse study notes
-Over 300 in-text topical articles on relevant issues
-Insightful essays by women who are recognized experts in the fields of theology, biblical studies, archaeology, and philosophy
-Book introductions and outlines
-Hundreds of full-color in-text maps, charts, timelines, and family trees
-Quotes from godly women throughout history
-Set of full-page maps of the biblical world
-Topical index
-Concordance

In this new version, a group of women from all different ethnicities and backgrounds came together to decide what was most important in a Bible that had at it's main goal to "speak to a woman's heart ... throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom."

Do not miss this gorgeous new woman's Bible.
To read what others have thought of the Bible - go here.

You're invited to receive God's truth for balance, hope, and transformation in the fully revised and redesigned The NKJV Woman's Study Bible. The new edition features a beautiful, full-color redesign and poignantly reveals the Word of God with Scripture insights and the contributions of more than eighty women from a wide variety of ethnic, denominational, educational, and occupational backgrounds. Special features designed to speak to a woman's heart appear throughout the Bible text, revealing Scripture-based insights about how godly womanhood grows from a woman's identity as a Christ-follower and a child of the Kingdom.

This spring, cultivate your heart's spiritual roots and enter to win the Grow in the Word Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The NKJV Woman's Study Bible (winner's choice of design)
• A decorative plaque
• A rose gold Tree of Life necklace

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 27. The winner will be announced April 28 on the Litfuse blog.

**I was sent a copy of this Bible by the publisher for an honest review on my blog.

Once Upon A Time Bible

I was asked to look at this new Bible and Bible storybook for younger readers and I have been pleasantly surprised.  The Once Upon a Time Bible is a great way to show kids "The Bible is not a fairy tale.  Every great story happened once upon a time."  So the editors are showing how the stories are true but it is presented with pictures that show fairytale settings.  I think girls, especially, will love it.  It is printed in the New International Reader's Version and the pictures throughout really make it attractive to our younger readers.

The Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible takes many of the popular Bible stories and begins each with "Once Upon a Time".  They impress upon children in the opening that all of the stories are true but that they are going to begin as all good stories do with "Once Upon a Time."  It's creative and fun - and maybe will open up new avenues to discuss after you read the familiar stories with your little ones.




**I was sent copies for review by the publisher.

Crossway's Family Devotional Bible

I am a BIG fan of the ESV edition of the Bible.  So when I saw there was a Family Devotional Bible in ESV, I was pretty excited!  This Family Bible is going to be a family favorite!  The layout is fabulous - you read your entry for each day, and it tells you which page to go to to find the next devotional entry.  The pictures are reminiscent of ones I had in a Bible growing up and I remember them fondly - they are Bible-time-ish and add so much to this lovely Bible.  The questions can be easy for our younger ones to answer but they also have some probing questions that will challenge our little ones to think beyond simple answers and use some application skills.  DO NOT miss the maps in this edition either - they are very kid-friendly and easy to read. 

I think this would make a great gift for young families or baby showers - it will be a family treasure!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Adverting."

The Plans I Have for You

It is tough to find devotional books for that 8-12 year age range.  I have TWO in that age range right now, and believe me, it's been a challenge.  SO when I was given the opportunity to read Amy Parker's devotional, The Plans I Have for You, I was thrilled to take the challenge.  I was pleasantly surprised!  This books packs a punch for our young readers - it challenges them to think about their future, while focusing on God's purpose for each of them.  I loved the way Parker uses scripture and Bible stories to drive home the idea of focusing on all you can be for God - to find His plan for you.  It is written right on their level - the illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton are fabulous and eye-catching as well.  AND the biggest bonus is the accompanying journal which is also right on their level.  It gives them places to write, draw, and doodle to show their ideas on paper - in a form that they can keep forever.  I love the whole idea of this - teaching our young ones how to journal and express themselves while focusing on God's great love and plan for us.

About The Plans I Have For You Devotional: 

The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.  

Hardcover; 160 pages
Age Range: 8-12 years

About The Plans I Have For You Journal:

 

The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place. 

Stationery; 208 pages
Age Range: 11-14 years

About author Amy Parker:

Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults.  She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son.  Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards.  But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan. 

About illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton:

Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter.  Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s.  Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody.  Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.

SOCIAL • CORNER

The Plans I Have For You Devotional Official Website 

The Plans I Have For You Journal Official Website 

ZonderKidz Facebook

ZonderKidz Twitter

 

#PlansIHave  #FlyBy

I was sent copies of these books for an honest review on my blog.
 

Apologetics Study Bible for Students

I get quite a few requests to review items on my blog - some jump out at me and some don't.  This one, however, was one that I truly hoped I'd make it on the blog review team.  The Apologetics Study Bible for Students is one I wish we'd had when my boys were younger.  One of my sons has been deep into theology and apologetics since he could read - he just devoured anything on these topics and he would have thoroughly enjoyed this Bible as a reference tool he could sink his teeth into!  The articles in the Bible (120 of them) are written by some of today's leading Christian thinkers and they deal with some of the big questions - Homosexuality, Yoga, New Age Movement, Cloning, Gambling, Scientology, Rape and Incest and more.  The articles are thoughtful and well-written and give our teens some great topics to ponder.  The Bible is created to be appealing to teens - both the design and layout.  We also thought the Twisted Scripture articles were great!  These are written to discuss topics that current religious movements use to twist Scripture and go against historic Christian teaching.  This is another area where we want to strengthen our kids' faith in the world in which we live.

The other thing we loved about this Bible is the resource library of videos online.  There are videos still yet to be added - but some there already as well that answer the tough questions in video format - you can stream them or download them OR even share to social media.  I was excited with the quality of the videos and the topics they covered.  http://www.apologeticsbible.com/video-archive/

Don't forget to enter the Confident Faith Sweepstakes while you are surfing - this is a great contest when you can win a Bible, mini apologetic library or even a trip!  https://app.promo.eprize.com/confidentfaith/

ADDED BONUS - I was told I could give away a copy as well here on my blog!  So - you get an entry for commenting below.  AND leave a separate message for each social media platform you share this giveaway on and you will get additional entries.  Winners will be chosen on August 7!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

My Pop-Up Bible Stories

What a fun little book with a new twist on Bible Stories - a Pop-Up version!!  Juliet David has created My Pop-Up Bible Stories.  This is an adorable book with tender illustrations by Daniel Haworth.  The book will need to be used with care as any pop-up would - and it does only include 5 stories - I'd LOVE to see more!!!  But it is still fun and my girls are enjoying it!  The five stories are a combination of Old and New Testament stories so it gives a fun and simple overview that we can share with our little ones.  This is an author that KNOWS her stuff when it comes to Bible Stories - her list of books she's written is long - enjoy another new one by this "seasoned" author!


*I was sent this book to review by the publisher - Kregel Books - as part of a blog tour.

God Helps Me Bible

Yes, there are a lot of children's Bibles out on the market - and yes, you've looked at many of them if you are anything like me, BUT, I have a new one that I think you will find fun for that "younger" crowd!  The God Helps Me Bible by Juilet David is a new release by Candle Books that is quite clever.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the spiral binding - WONDERFUL for our beginning readers!  AND, the illustrations, by Clare Caddy, are sweet and tender - perfect for a child's Bible.  And here's my favorite part - I love how every Bible story points back to God - how God helped each person in the Bible to accomplish His tasks.  Our little ones need that God-focus - that is where we want them focused anyway - on the One that makes it all possible!  The stories are simple for our young ones but yet they are hearing God's Word even at an early age.  I think this Bible is a delight for families with little ones - do not miss it!!

*I was sent a copy for review purposes.

Baby's Little Bible

Need a gift for a new little one?? I have a wonderful gift! Baby's Little Bible by Sarah Toulmin is just the gift. It is such a sweet little Bible geared for little ones and comes in pink or blue. The Bible stories are short, with large type, and sweet illustrations. Of course not all of the Bible stories are included, but many are featured in this compilation. I would give it as a gift - and I unhesitatingly suggest you consider it too!

Here is more information from the publisher:
Baby's Little Bible was written by new mom Sarah Toulmin as a way of sharing the stories she so loved with her own little ones. Her ultra-simple retellings of twenty favorite stories, from Creation to Resurrection, are filled with a sense of wonder, expressing God's love for creation.

Featuring Kristina Stephenson's heartwarming, baby-friendly illustrations, this little Bible offers lots to look at and point to while parent and child share this delightful book together.

Now available in a small format with a padded cover in either pink or blue, or as a gift edition with gilt edges and a ribbon marker, Baby's Little Bible is a perfect starter Bible to share with a much-loved child.

About the Author: Sarah Toulmin is an experienced teacher, publicist, and now full-time mom. She started writing when expecting her first child who was the inspiration for-and first critic of!-the Baby's Little Bible.

About the Illustrator: Kristina Stephenson trained as a set and costume designer and worked in theater and television before going on to illustrate children’s books. She is the illustrator of Lion’s Baby Bible (Lion, 2006) and The Angel and the Lamb (Lion, 2008).



*I was sent a copy by the publisher for review purposes.

My First Hands-On Bible

I am not sure if one can have too many Bibles - or at least my girls don't think so! And here is a new children's Bible to make sure is on your radar! Group's My First Hands-On Bible is truly a great little tool! You are guided through the Bible by two little comrades - Pockets and Cuddles and they help lead your child to deeper understanding of the Bible stories - my girls look for them on every page! There are hand prints throughout the Bible to give you opportunities to interact with your child and the story. And each story ends with multiple ways to grow deeper and continue learning together. I would say that preschoolers will certainly not read this on their own, but the stories are very readable and a great length if they are read out loud to them. It is geared to ages 4-8. This is truly a great idea in a Children's Bible - the possibilities of learning and reading together are endless!!


*I was sent a copy for review purposes by Tyndale Publishers.

Sequin Girl's Bible

Oh man, this was a tough post - I could barely get the Bible away from my girls long enough to inspect it and write a post about it!! This Bible is SO girl that all I can say is - if you have a girl - this is it!! It is glittery, it is flowery, it is sparkly - yep, it is beautiful! What a fun Bible for our little girls that love all things - pretty! It is the International Children's Bible version - and perfect for our beginning Bible readers - easy to understand and read for themselves. There are no illustrations - it is definitely an older girl's Bible - and they will LOVE it! My daughter is almost 7 and SO excited to carry this to church. Oh yes, and the added bonus is that if you are giving it as a gift - the box it comes in as just as beautiful as the Bible itself!!

Read and Share - Stories About Jesus

I always hesitate when I hear of yet another children's Bible - I mean, really, we own TONS of these and it is hard to find a reason for yet another. But my girls are THRILLED with this new collection of Jesus stories we were sent. It is the Read and Share - Stories about Jesus by Gwen Ellis and illustrated by Steve Smallman. We LOVE the Read and Share DVD's so this has great appeal to my girls! We love the simplicity - they are tender and heartfelt stories, illustrations that are simple and yet friendly, and each story ends with some questions to spark more discussion. ALL on a young level - the board book format is nice for our youngest daughter as well - there aren't too many board books that focus on the life of Jesus so she loves that AND she loves that it is just like her favorite movies. This title includes 13 stories from the life and ministry of Jesus - a great find for our little ones!!

**I was provided a copy for review by the publisher.

Whats In the Bible??

When I was asked to participate in the blog tour for the new DVD series, What's In the Bible?: Battle for the Promised Land - I had no idea what an advocate I would become. I have to just say right up front - ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS series! I have always thought Phil Vischer was marvelous (think Veggie Tales) but this new series, published by Tyndale, is loaded with content that I am so excited about. The series takes individual books of the Bible and teaches our kids history and contextual material that otherwise I am afraid would be lost to most children. We watched just one volume, vol. 4, Battle for the Promised Land, and that covered the books, Joshua, Judges and Ruth. We watched it once with our older kids and then with our younger daughter, age 6. What was amazing was that when we watched it with our teenage sons, we laughed at humor our six year old would not understand, but even our teens said they learned biblical things they had not known before. Then, we watched it with our six year old and she came away laughing at the humor that was definitely prevalent and also said she learned some new things as well. And the best part?? Even my very strong Bible-knowledge husband said he learned some things he hadn't known before either!! What a versatile and useful Bible teaching tool - that is what I love most about it.

Here is my interview with our six year old daughter:

Did you learn from it? YES!! I learned LOTS - I didn't know there were so many judges!

Did you find it funny? (Well, I wouldn't have had to ask her really - she was laughing OFTEN!!) YES!! It was very funny - especially the old ladies!

Would you want to watch more of these? YES! Can we go get one now??

Who was your favorite character? Michael made me laugh! He is funny.

My husband had this to say: (And he's the authority on this sort of thing with his seminary background!!)

I really enjoyed episode 4 of the What's in the Bible Series. It was the first time I had seen the series and I was very impressed. I appreciate the chronological approach to teaching the Bible. There are many advantages I see in this. So often we teach children the Bible in a shotgun approach. We jump from one story to another without connecting the dots. There is a greater story and flow to the scriptures and children need to see the plan of redemptive history as it unfolds.

I also appreciate the emphasis on teaching doctrine along the way. Explaining the "whys" to the stories helps children understand the deeper truths of scripture.

Another great technique is the use of repetition. Stories are told in one format and then often retold in another. This is great in helping children to understand and remember the truths that are presented. The review at the beginning of each series also helps children understand where things fit in and how they are connected. The review of the books of the Bible along with the breakdown or divisions of the books helps children become more literate in their Bible knowledge.

Basically what I am trying to say is that these videos are packed full of great stuff. I hope to get the entire collection not only for myself but also for my kids.

So there you go - and if you needed one more reason to go get these for yourself - my husband and I were even saying what a wonderful family Sunday School curriculum this would make - or any family learning at our church - they are just as enjoyable to adults as children. They really are NOT to be missed!!

Now - for the best part - I actually have a DVD certificate to give away to one lucky reader!! So - leave a comment and we will choose a winner next Monday, December 6!!!

*I was provided a copy for review purposes by Tyndale Publishers.

The Voice

I appreciate a different "take" sometimes when reading the Bible, so I was excited to try The Voice. Sometimes it feels like you've read certain passages so many times that they lose their "freshness" - I have SO enjoyed reading The Voice - it brings a new enjoyment and even some new insights I hadn't maybe seen before.

"The Voice™ is the product of the best minds in this emerging generation of Christian leaders. Together they are helping young people fall in love with the Scriptures. Instead of confining God’s Word in the framework of biblical criticism, The Voice™ highlights the beauty of God’s communication to His people. In The Voice™, the voice of God is heard as clearly as when He first revealed His truth. This is the first-ever complete New Testament in The Voice™ translation. Writers include Chris Seay, Lauren Winner, Brian McLaren, Greg Garrett, David B. Capes, and others."

To me, this Bible feels like I am just chatting with a friend - I read it and it is a welcome voice. It is a translation that I really want my teenage sons to read - it will be great for their daily Bible reading and I think they will appreciate the ease with which it reads.

This translation is available in flexible cloth/leather editions as well as a designer cloth edition - another thing that helps to make it such a great gift idea! Visit Their Website to learn more about the project - Hear the Voice. (Oh yes, you can even download the Book of John for free right now!) I highly recommend this translation to add to your "Bible" library - it will add a freshness to your study and/or your daily reading.

I am excited about the new edition as well with Psalms and Proverbs included - make sure and check this out!


**I was provided a copy for review from Book Sneeze.