Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index

Nelson's Biblical Cyclopedic Index
The Best Bible Subject Index Ever
by Thomas Nelson Publishers


The most recent Biblical Index published by Thomas Nelson is a handy little resource for all students of the Bible, from novice to knowledgeable.  It is arranged alphabetically, giving reference to the book, chapter and verse for each topic.  The index provides two sources of information: the scriptural material needed for your study and an outline in the order it appears in the Bible within each topic heading.  A nice small size, it is easy to tuck into a book bag and take along.  User friendly, this book is not intimidating as some other Biblical reference texts can be.  Able to be used with any Bible translation, you get a combined concordance Biblical dictionary and topical Bible all in one little book with more than 80,000 topics and 300 word studies.

For those who will use this book regularly, it would be much better in hard cover format as the cover can be easily bent, made of fairly thin paper.  That aside, a welcome addition to any library, making the study and understanding of the Bible all the easier.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Slave

Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ
by John MacArthur

An intriguing concept - to consider one's relationship with Christ as one of a Slave/Master.  In MacArthur's book, he explores this concept, backing up his thoughts and ideas with many references from the Bible and other scholarly people and sources.  A very deep and thought provoking book.

It took me some time to get into this book.  Definitely not for the light reader, it is involved and takes considerable time to thoroughly wade through all of the chapters and give thought to the concepts presented.  Also not for the reader looking for a quick read, this book took me considerable time to get through, and I consider myself a fast reader.  Deep concepts, many references listed (some taking up half a page), and fairly technical wording make for a slow read.

While the ideas are challenging and force the Christian reader to look into themselves and they way they view their relationship with Christ, this book also offers personal reflection and challenging thoughts that may not be agreed upon by all.  Recommended only to the serious reader with time for reflection, deep thought and conversation about this topic.

You can read the first chapter at here: http://booksneeze.com/blogger/download/9781400202072

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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 Advertising.”

Shutterfly Christmas Card

The lastest Shutterfly project...  

I absolutely love Shutterfly for all of it's capablities and time saving projects that turn out so perfect every time!  The latest project I made is a Christmas card for this year with our family portrait on it.  So easy to do, step by step instructions included so I do not even have to think about it.  So many designs to choose from and layouts available, it was hard to make a decision.  I did... and this is the end result that will be mailed to my friends and family this year...

Polka Dot Wishes Holiday

Christmas cards and holiday thank you cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Looking for a quick way to make your holiday Christmas Card, or any other photo project?  Check out Shutterfly.  You can thank me later!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards 2010

Shutterfly.com is an awesome website I was turned on to shortly before the birth of my daughter in February of 2010.  A great place to go to get digital photos printed for a very reasonable price, there is so much more to offer than just basic prints. 

I have used this site to order and purchase the birth announcements for my little one and was so impressed, as were many of the recipients.  Announcements came with envelopes the perfect size and of great quality.  I've had several prints developed in 4x6 and enlarged sizes and always been thrilled with the results. 

This year, I intend to order my Christmas cards from Shutterfly.com as well.  There are so many designs to choose from, so many formats and options.  I love that I can narrow down the search by inputting how many pictures I have, the color scheme I am looking for, the portrait orientation I desire, and the size of the card, among other search paramaters.  I have no doubt the perfect card for our family is just waiting for me to add a picture and make it ours.

From the time of order to receipt of the completed order in a bright orange package via UPS is about 5 days (sometimes even less)!  Check out the links below to some of my favorite products currently being featured on Shutterfly.com...

Click here to see the latest Photo Holiday Cards.  My favorite: Polka Dot Wishes
Click here to see the latest Holiday Cards.  My favorite: Funky Holiday Lime
Click here to see the latest Christmas Cards.  My favorite: Retro Christmas

Click here to see the latest Calendars.  My favorite: Wall Calendars
Click here to see the latest New Years Invitations.  My favorite: Bubbly Bash
Click here to see the latest Mother's Day Cards.  My favorite: Mom Noir Rose

I've believe this year the design of my Christmas card will be based on Polka Dot Wishes and cannot wait to see the finished product.  Thank goodness for Shutterfly.com, I don't have to go anywhere, literally, to get great cards and other personalized photo gifts and stationary.  And, at such reasonable prices, I can't go wrong.  Thanks Shutterfly.com!

The Grace of God

The Grace of God
by Andy Stanley

Such an familiar word, ingrained in the Christian vocabulary... Grace.  Yet, do we really understand what this powerful little word means?  So few even stop to consider the depth of love behind this word, or it's impact on our lives daily.

Andy Stanley breaks down the concept of Grace, making it understandable and adding value and impact in his newest book.  Throughout this book, he breaks down familiar bible characters, their stories, and the way God shed grace on them, giving them what they did not deserve.  People like Joseph, who started a lowly shepherd and went on to rule a nation; Jonah, who turned his back on God several times; and Adam and Eve, at the start of it all, receiving grace in the midst of complete disobedience.

God's grace is not fair, and Andy Stanley shows how this tilted scale only demonstrates God's love for us all the more.  While not a sit down and read cover to cover book for me, I could take it one chapter a day.  A lot of depth and cause for pause and consideration is required to truly get the full impact.  I truly love this book for it's ability to give me a deeper look into who God is and to help me understand grace in a new light.  A book not for the light reader, but highly recommended for all Christians to read at least once.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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 Advertising.”

Heaven is For Real

Heaven is for Real
A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back
By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

What an amazing story.  So riveting and engaging I found myself reading the entire book in a 24 hour time span, mostly in the evening after my baby was in bed for the night.  The chapters are short, but once into the book (and it doesn't take long), the chapters pass by without notice as the story just flows.

I found myself amazed at the story of this little boy and his family, heartbroken at their struggles and intrigued by the proclamations and statements of this small child after an illness that nearly took his life.  Having read other books about visits to and from Heaven by others, I anticipated it would be similar, yet this book is entirely different.  Each claim little Clayton made his father (the author) could back up with scripture references upon investigation.

While some may claim this is another hoax or story, I truly believe this encounter took place and is an encouragement and challenge to all Christians.  What a glimpse of Heaven I have been provided and through the innocent eyes of a child... the little ones Christ calls us to be like in our faith.  A definite recommendation for all readers - you will find yourself amazed and challenged, your eyes opened to possibilities and your hope and desire for our Heavenly home renewed.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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 Advertising.”

Really Wolly Bible Stories

Really Wolly Bible Stories
by Bonnie Rickner Jensen
Illustrated by Julie Sawyer Phillips

Such an adorable little book of Bible stories, perfect for infant up to 4-5 years.  Stories are very short and to the point, easy to understand words and engaging pictures to acompany the story.  Key words are in pink, offering opportunity for discussion as they are often bigger words, or words a child might be unfamiliar with.  Stories in this book include creation, Abraham, the 10 Commandments, Jonah and so many more.  16 stories in all, with an introduction and a prayer at the end.

A board book with a padded front cover, this book is sturdy for little hands, resilient and able to put up with drool and food, along with whatever else a child might smear on it.  Illustrations are pastels mostly, cheery and soft, with cute animal characters and friendly looking people.  Multiple races are represented in pictures.  Each story has a reference to where the complete story can be found in the Bible.

Highly recommended!  A cute little story book just long enough to hold short little attention spans, put up with abuse, conform to little hands and convey a message within a familar Bible story.  A great gift and welcome addition to any children's library collection. 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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 Advertising.”