Because He Lives

Because He Lives
by Jennifer Flanders

Just in time for Easter, a new book enters the scene, set to prepare hearts and minds for the Easter season.  In her devotional journal, Jennifer Flanders has designed a unique experience to guide readers through the life of Christ in order to better explore what Jesus gave in his sacrifice on the Cross. Beginning with a study of the prophecies foretelling his birth, walking through His birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection, this is a book filled with opportunity to learn, grow and reflect. 

This book has options for all readers.  There are blank pages for journaling, drawing or whatever you choose.  There are plenty of black and white historic images scattered througout to enhance the thoughts as well as offere those who enjoy coloring the chance to do so.  Every page is scripture based and offers the chance to incorporate a Bible study into the experience, whether by simply reading the verse, taking time to reflect and journal about it, or dive deeper into it.

The artwork in the book is pretty, but not exactly my taste.  I would have liked to see some pages with just plain design work, not necessarily a person or scene.  The images with people are very religious feeling, what I would equate to old texts, which does make it feel a little dated.  Change up some of the pictures and I would love it even more.

I have enjoyed exploring this journal and beginning to use it in preparation for Easter.  With 15 main sections, each with many pages, there is a lot to do and this could be a resource that could be used from Christmas forward to Easter.  I have enjoyed coloring some of the pictures, done some hand lettering in open spaces, done a bit of journaling, some scripture study and sometimes just left the page untouched aside from my eyes.  I love that there are so many options within the pages of this book.  It is not just a journal, or just a coloring book, but a variety book, and therefore more widely marketable.

I can see this being a useful tool for study groups as well as individual use.  I've even had some fun allowing my children to help me fill some of the spaces.  I find this book well done!

You can find a copy of this book here

* I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Book Crash in exchange for my review.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible Review and Giveaway

30 Days to Understanding the Bible

by Max Anders

The thirtieth anniversary release of this book has hit bookshelves and continues to offer readers a wealth of learning and information.  A simple-to-use guide, anyone can pick up this book and quickly and easily learn key information to the Bible in 15 minutes or less each day.  Written by a veteran pastor and author of over 25 books, this bestseller of his has been a recommended book for Bible Teachers and pastors for years already.

Until I had the opportunity to review this book, I had no idea it existed, but I wish I had!  Between the very simple covers are a world of helpful information.  Whether the reader is a new Christian or has been a believer for over 30 years, this is a resource every Christian should own and read.

Each chapter is short and written in easy to understand language - no big words or scholarly ideas.  Designed to be a 30 day read, in 15 minutes or less, a chapter can be read.  Each chapter has a main idea with a break down of information, memorization tips, reviews throughout the chapter and loads of explanation to make the information click.  Broken down into 7 sections, each section then covers vital pieces to help the reader grasp the information.  For example, section one covers the Old Testament, so the 14 chapters contained within cover only Old Testament ideas and key pieces to the Bible, such as the structure of the Bible, geography, the main eras of the Old Testament and special books.  Other sections cover the New Testament, the Ten Great Doctrines, a nano summary, a section on how to master the Bible, a teaching plan and bonus chapters.

I found the information very easy to understand and learn.  With the repetition throughout and the opportunities to write in the book and practice, the information I would have previously found boring, like the main eras of the Old Testament, who they were about and where they took place, it now sticks in my brain and I can understand better and also answer questions I could not before, though I have read the bible through a couple of times and attended church my entire life.  This is information my fact-remembering, Christian-schooled husband knows without having to think that has always made me feel inferior.  Now I feel like I know things I should, and without hours of Bible class lectures and tests.

I have chosen to read the book a bit slower than each day, stretching the read past 30 days, re-reading the chapter a few times over to really absorb and learn the information.  There are so many options and possibilities as to how to use this book, that whether you do a straight 30 days or make it a weekly study, there is no way you can't learn something.

I highly recommend this book to all believers.  It is a key resource.  Even to those who think they know much about the Bible, there is much to still be learned and understood.  The writing style is easy to understand, the work load is light, the reading is pleasing and the results are fast.  A key resource to own and use!

Buy link: http://bit.ly/30DaystoUnderstandingtheBible

Promo video link:  https://youtu.be/6J8xqfbsGBM

Official website:  http://www.biblein30days.com

#Biblein30Days  #FlyBy

Giveaway

Thanks to FlyBy promotions, I have the opportunity to give a copy away to one of my readers.  Like or comment to enter, winner will be drawn at random on Monday, January 21st.

“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 on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification."

Ellie Claire Art Journals

I am so excited about the product I am currently reviewing.  I enjoy journaling, when I can squeeze in in, and have been trying the adult coloring books and even a little of the hand lettering on my own, So, when the opportunity came for me to be able to try the beautiful and amazing Art Journals from Ellie Claire, I jumped on it.

 I had not heard of Ellie Claire Journals before, but I was immediately impressed upon opening my box and very excited to dig in.

The "Illuminate Your Story" Journal

 This journal walks the user through the history of lettering and offers tutorials for each letter of the alphabet in a couple of different formats with room to practice.

 It also includes artistic elements often included in this historical art form.

 To add to the fun, there is a pocket at the back for keepsakes and a built in bookmark to keep your place as you go through the alphabet.

 The "Faith & Lettering" Journal

 This journal is all about taking time to hand letter verses and thoughts.  With practice pages to get the user started

 as well as blank pages intended for journaling however the writer chooses, artistically or otherwise.

 The "Illustrated Word" Journal

 This journal is created to be an illustrated Bible coloring journal.  There are blank pages for journaling, but also pages that can be colored, with the actual artwork displayed in full color.  It takes the adult coloring book to a new, spiritual and worshipful plane.

 These journals are sturdily constructed, and I love that they look aged and artful in themselves.  The covers are hard and thick, and the paper is a nice, quality, thick paper that does not bleed through, even with fountain style pens.

 The "Illuminate Your Story" and "Faith & Lettering" journals come with an elastic pen loop fixed to the binding for convenient storage of your chosen writing piece.  The instructions are very clear and easy to follow, with plenty of explanation for each technique, including historical background, examples and vivid images. 

Right now, my favorite by far is the "Faith & Lettering Journal".  I have loved diving into this journal, learning different styles of lettering and really finding the value in meditating on a verse as I spend the time working on each word one at a time, in an artful way.  Though not an artist by any fashion, I find I can make the words come alive and take meaning with some creativity and color.  Already, I have found myself putting two verses into memory from practicing and making my pen flow across the pages.

I have enjoyed digging into these journals and bragging about them to my friends.  They are a beautiful addition to the Bible study time at my house and have actually encouraged me to want to dig in more because they are so fun.  I am looking forward to filling them over the coming months.  I am also already planning to give them as gifts.

You can find these journals here:
Illuminate Your Story
Faith & Lettering
The Illustrated Word

* I received these journals for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

ATG Today

Awakening To God Today (ATG Today) is a beautifully simple devotional journal in app form, created to inspire users to find 8 minutes each day to seek God through a series of simple steps.

Using this app is simple and can be done in a few quick moments in the day.  It is a great step toward getting into the Bible more, deepening one's prayer life, recording prayers and answers to prayer, journaling and more, all in one place.  Once registered, the user simply logs in and is greeted by a daily Bible verse.  This verse can be used for reflection, memorization, or deeper study.  From here, the verse can be shared if desired via social media platforms.

Beyond the daily verse, users can chose the "inspiration", "timeline", "add", "photos" or "calendar" tabs to go further.

Inspiration: The daily verse and option to share via social media
Timeline: Lists the days the user has made an entry with option to click the date and read what was entered
Add: Guides the user through prompts to create an entry that will then be store in the timeline.  Here, users can choose day or night and then add a picture and answer the following prompts:

1. Day
1. Lord, I thank you today for..
2. I believe God is speaking to me today about...
3. Lord, I pray today that you will...
2. Night
1. How did God touch my life today?
2. What more could I have done to reflect God's love today?

Photos: All photos that have been added to an entry can be found here

Calendar: Displays a calendar that users can then click on dates to view entries.

How it works:

  Set up in 1 minute increments, each minute has it's own task to create an 8 minute daily focused time with God

• Minute 1: Still your mind and focus on one or two things to thank God for. Be mindful of why you are grateful for these things.
• Minute 2: Memorize and think on the day's verse
• Minutes 3 and 4: Ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit.  Listen for God's voice.
• Minute 5: Hand over all of the day's coming tasks and responsibilities to God 
• Minute 6: Think about a way you can reflect Christ 
• Minute 7: Write down what God has shown you
• Minute 8: Thank God and go forward with the day

   Ideally, if you do these steps each day along with your daily entry, you have spent some intentional time with God and begun to develop a habit that can then grow into longer sessions and deeper thought and prayer.

I have found this app to be tremendously helpful for me.  A long time Christian, I have struggled at times to make the time to listen and learn through quiet devotion and prayer.  Especially as a mom of 4 little ones, the time I have is often not my own.  The idea that I can do this in roughly 8 minutes makes it something I can easily accomplish without guilt, even if the kids are already awake.  I love that the app encourages a day starter and finisher to encourage wrapping the day in thoughts of God and His intentions.  The fact that I can easily journal from the same place I enter prayers, thoughts and more makes my quiet time more productive because I don't have to wonder who wrote in my journal or hid it where, or get distracted with doodles and more.

I've been using this app for several weeks now and am loving the habit I am getting into and the ease with which I can use it anytime or anywhere.  For the minimal cost ($3.99), I am very pleased and feel it was worth the purchase.

Created by Gerard and Jeannie Long, this app comes from a history of experiencing God's love and grace through deep trial and personal pain.  This app was created to inspire believers in their walk with Christ.  It also serves to "raise funds for several reasons: to dig wells in 100 villages in India, provide 40,000 meals to widows and orphans, 15,000 mosquito nets, and medical teams for immunizations, cataract operations and other services."

You can watch a video to learn more about the creators' story and their mission here and their promotional video here.

Apple users can click here to download the app and check it out for yourself!

#ATGToday #FlyBy

https://twitter.com/freesample1/status/851881916886331394

* I purchased this app in return for incentive as part of the Fly By Promotions program.  All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own regardless of incentive.

The No-Homework Women's Bible Study: Group Hug Review

The No-Homework Women's Bible Study: Group Hug

by Christine Tate

I often desire a small group to study and learn with in my quest to grow in my faith.  However, once I get to the point of determining who might be in the group with me, I come up short on what to study or where to start.  Recently I came across this guide and was glad to have found the resource I needed to get my group started.

Christine Tate has written this guide with just my situation in mind.  This book contains eight 1-hour bible study "sessions" that are non-denominational, making it perfect for nearly any group.  Designed specifically for women, it encompasses plenty of time for talk and sharing along with learning.  Each session contains an Ice Breaker, Lesson, Discussion Questions, Optional Weekly Personal Challenges and Closing Prayer.  Each of these sections has a suggested time included to help the group leader guide the group while maintaining the one-hour time frame.  A section for notes is included at the end of each lesson as well.

Lesson topics in this book include: Taking Care of Yourself. An Organized Life, People Pleasers, Always Be Prepared, Weight Management, Christian Relationships, Being a Virtuous Woman and Financial Health.  Each lesson contains scripture, commentary, discussion prompts and activity suggestions to help bond the group and grow faith while also growing friendships.

It is intended that each group member have their own copy of this book. Some activities request that the books be passed around for Ice Breakers.  This book has worked well for me in developing a consistent model for group meetings and has given us opportunity to develop a group dynamic in a non-confrontational or intimidating way.  Believers from all degrees of faith and Bible experience can use this study with confidence and without fear of falling short.

In addition to this study, Tate has 10 other studies available in the Group Hug line for further group study.  You can find a copy of this study or other titles by Tate here 

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review through the BookCrash program.