Anchor My Soul

 

Anchor My Soul

by Andrea P. Bourgeois

If anything, the past two years have taught each of us that life has storms we cannot be prepared for.  Whether these storms be acutal natural storms, or the emotional and physical trials this life throws our way, we are bound to face pain and struggle in this life.  

Andrea P. Bourgeois tackles this thought in a manner that offers hope and the idea that God has a purpose for your pain.  Through a memoir of 25 women's stories as they walked through storms of life, the reader also learns of the author's experience living through Hurricane Laura during the Covid-19 Pandemic.  This collection of stories offer a glimpse into the ways God remains steadily with us, offering love and mercy when we are desperate and struggling.  

The heartbreaking honesty of the stories shared by the collective of writers is relatable and genuine.  No matter what the difficult season one may be facing, whether it be a natural disaster or a personal circumstance, there is hope in these pages, found in the words of other women who have also walked difficult paths of pain, frustration, fear, anxiety, despair, loneliness, grief and shock.  In reading their stories, there is a glimps of encouragement and God's steadfast love.

I was detached from the hurricane season during the pandemic, living in a state nowhere near this type of threat, but walked my own line of trial and tribulation through the anxiety the pandemic brought, in addition to the other pitfalls that seemed to fall in my path as though a hurricane had indeed passed through my life.  Reading these stories, one at a time, and thinking through the prompts included at the end of each memoir, I found myself relating in many ways and finding ways to make conections between the pain of another and myself, even with un-related situations. 

I recommend this book to any woman walking through a season of despair, whatever the source.  It is not a cure-all, a self-help, or even and quick fix, but instead a way to reflect and realize God's love and faithfulness.

Available from: https://amzn.to/3BWonG2
Publisher: Arabelle Publishing at http://www.arabellebooks.com/

Instagram: @arabellepublishing

Facebook: @arabellebooks

Twitter: @arabellebooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea P. Bourgeois is the Co-Founder and Host of Pain into Purpose Virtual Summit. Along with 30 guest speakers, she shared personal testimonies that led to healing, restoration, and freedom in Christ. With a heart for serving teens and women, Andrea is involved in many ministry events, and speaks at churches and women's groups. She recently released her first book, a Bible study, Just Breathe: A Modern-Day Exodus Journey to Revive Your Soul. Anchor My Soul is her second book. Visit Andrea at andreapbourgeois.com.

Disclaimer:  I recived a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.  The opinions expressed are fully my own.

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.

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.