Nelsen's Illustrated Bible Dictionary: New and Enhanced Edition

 


This book is huge! And I must admit that the new and enhanced edition of Nelsen's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is amazing. If you are a visual learner this book is a great tool as there are updated color photos to go along with some of the definitions of terms. This edition comes with over 7,000 updated entries, over 500 color photos and maps and it has been cross-referenced to major translations. It even has "enlarged type size for ease of use'.

I think what I love most about the Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary is that it is a great asset to any biblical research, sermon prep, Bible story teaching as well as for personal use. One can never stop learning more about the Bible. One can never stop researching something to help ones own sermons and Bible lessons. This book will only add to what you will need or want to use in being properly educated and informed about the culture, geography, and time period throughout the Bible.

If you are wondering whether this book is well worth your time and money, doubt no longer. I strongly suggest that you add Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary to your own personal study time and library.

This book was given to me by booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

Love Letters from God: Bible Stories, written by Glenys Nellist and Illustrated by Sophie Allsopp

            The book, Love Letters from God: Bible Stories, is by far one of my favorite children’s books that I have seen in a while. It was written by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. Each time that I pick it up I literally have a smile from the inside out. Not only is it written well with the amazing art to enhance the pages but also the lift-the-flap love letters from God make one feel so special. It says, “Your Love Letter from God” and then when you lift the flap, there is a section to write your child’s name on the line within the letter. I can see how this will make kids feel as if God had handwritten each page just for them. This is the point of the Bible is it not; to make each person understand that it is one, amazing, love letter to the world!

            The Bible stories give a brief outline of the book of the Bible from beginning to end, which describes perfectly God’s love story to us. Not only does each Bible story have a love letter from God but there is also a section titled: God’s Wonderful Words to You, which gives a short verse that the kids can easily memorize. At the very end the kids have an invitation, which invites them to join Jesus’ team, as well as a section to write a love note back to God.

            If I had the choice as a Children’s Pastor, I would make sure that every family in my church who has kids would be able to add this book to their family Bible reading. It teaches anyone, especially kids, that the Bible is a love letter to each of us.

            I received this book for free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

Younique Party!!... my review on Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation

 My Sister is a Younique Presenter. Please go follow her blog here: 

http://youniquemom.blogspot.com/p/younique-products.html

Please join my online party through the 19th of October. This is something that has become special for my sister and myself during the passing of our Mom, who would have loved to enjoy this makeup with us. Read my review below of the Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation and join our online party:

www.youniqueproducts.com/Angie/party/685958/view

Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation is by far one of my most favorite cream foundations that I have used.

Let me be the first to tell you that I am generally picky about what goes onto my face. I have tried products from the cheapest to some top of the line products throughout the years. I have done everything from making my own facial products to getting expert advice on my skin sensitivities. This is why my favorite products are good for the health of my skin and the health of my body.

The Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation feels like I am moisturizing my skin without it feeling greasy. It looks natural while covering up some of my skin imperfections. It evens out my skin tone on days where my skin is either dry or slightly greasy. I am thankful that it lasts throughout my entire day, even a day full of many tears. Unlike other foundations I have used before, it blends well, keeps my skin breakout free, and makes me feel beautiful as well as healthy.

For those of you that package matters as well, please note this small detail: The container that it comes in has a plastic cover inside with a makeup pad that fits perfectly on top. This helps to protect the cream foundation from contamination and growth of bacteria that occurs in makeup products.

Younique Mineral Touch Cream Foundation is worth every penny. It is by far one of my most favorite cream foundations that I have used.

NIV Streams in the Desert Bible

 

The new and updated version of the NIV Streams in the Desert Bible is a good choice for anyone who wants to have a daily devotional as a part of the Bible. It is a wonderful asset to have the devotionals scattered from beginning to end. What I love about each day is that there is a short passage that goes along with the devotional, which also incorporates basic teaching, poetry, and inspirational stories. For those who need an extra boost of encouragement this is for you.

The NIV Streams in the Desert Bible is definitely for those who are just beginning to read the Bible; who are going through a hard time and need the extra inspiration to begin reading again through the pains of life; and anyone else who loves to read devotionals as a part of their time with God. This Bible is a good addition to study Bibles but it is not going to provide added exegetical content.

Some helpful information to know about The NIV Streams in the Desert Bible is that there is a devotional for every day of the year. After each devotional there is a note to indicate which page the next devotional is on. In the back there is a short subject index as well as an area to write notes down that is titled: My Journey. It is also good to note that this is not a Bible that is intended to help you read the Bible in one year but its intention is to provide a devotional as an asset to the reading that you already do on your own.

There are many types of Bibles to read out there and if you are looking for a Bible devotional duo, pick up the NIV Streams in the Desert Bible today.

I received this Bible free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

"Get to Know Jesus" Biography by Nancy I. Sanders

 


The full-color Biography for Kids by Nancy I. Sanders titled, “Get to Know Jesus” is an excellent Biography for kids. From a perspective of a Children’s Pastor, I would say that how it is written is done very well for kids. I enjoyed reading it because it was so simple. Certain things that are more difficult for kids to understand were said so well and in ways that kids will be able to not only understand, but also to be able to relate to.

The pictures and descriptions are set up strategically to help enhance kids different learning styles. I would recommend this book to any parent looking for good books for their kids to learn while being homeschooled or for curious readers. I will be giving this to my daughter to read because the book describes so many details that kids often ask questions about. It is a biography that will help with Bible reading and understanding who Jesus is in better ways.

I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

Please Forgive Them

I was looking through some old writings and I thought that this one was good enough to share. I wrote this a little over a year ago. Perhaps this will resonate with your soul.

Please Forgive Them

To feel the weight of sadness from another person's sin is almost too much to bear.

All that I can do is to sit here and weep. Yes, I weep for you.

"Lord, please forgive them."

There is simply so much going on here. There is not enough time to speak it all.

Some things are just meant for God to reveal later.

"Lord, please forgive them."

I do not understand all these lies. The pain cuts deep into my soul. Whatever happened to truth and love?

"Lord, please forgive them."

Where is the trust? The pain in my back is too much to bear. I need someone to remove this hurt intended to destroy my very being.

"Lord, please forgive them."

All I long for is for more of Gods love. I long to be in His presence, following Him no matter what it may cost me.

"Lord, please forgive me for the times I allowed doubt to stop me from obeying you; for all those times that I said hurtful things; for the times I acted out in anger. Forgive my pride that blinded me from seeing those times that I was wrong. Oh, please forgive me."

All for Jesus, only Jesus. It is He and only He that truly matters in this entire world. Please help me to forgive, even when sins continue to be committed against me.

May we all, put aside selfish ambition, pride, and jealousy. 

We need your love God!

 Please help us to love.

 

The NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers... get it for your kids!

 

The NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers published by Zondervan is not only a fun Bible for kids but very simple and practical for easy learning. This hardback version is in full color and is easy to follow. From a Children’s Pastor’s viewpoint I would most likely purchase these Bibles for the kids in my kids church. From a Mom’s perspective I would enjoy reading along with my own children.

Some awesome aspects of this NIrV Adventure Bible are as follows:

·      At the beginning of each book of the Bible they answer the Who, What, Why, For, When, and Where questions.

·      Throughout the pages there are sections labeled:

o   “Words to Treasure”, which is a main Bible verse that is easy for the kids to memorize.

o   “People in Bible Times”, which gives a brief description of a person that they read about.

o   “Did you know”, which asks a question a kid may ask and then they provide the answer.

o   “Life in Bible times”, which gives a description of vital information of the people and how they lived to help them understand what they are reading better.

o   “Live it!”, which explains how the kids can apply what they are reading to their daily lives.

·      Other great learning perks that are included are colored maps, charts, and a dictionary in the back.

I would recommend this Bible for kids to incorporate into their daily Bible Reading. It is not only easy for them to read but they have plenty of information that will be fun for them to explore on each page. My stepdaughter is going to love this Bible for her birthday!

I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

The Gift of Marriage

I found myself reflecting about how much fun marriage is several days ago. It is literally one of the best adventures that I have ever been on!

It caused me to reflect on how important our dating experience was for my husband and my relationship. When we were dating we had very clear boundaries. These boundaries were in place in order for us to focus on our communication, our relationship with God, and others, as well as keep us both pure & blameless before God.

We were very careful to never make compromises in any way and I am very glad that we stuck to them! One of the reasons why I am glad that our boundaries were never compromised was because I can see now looking back how it built trust in our relationship. I knew that he truly loved me when we removed ourselves from possible compromising situations or places just to ensure our own foundation would not crumble. We even went as far as inconveniencing ourselves just so our example screamed Gods purity & protection.

Unfortunately others at the time proclaimed that it just meant that we were working that much harder to hide ourselves but this was the furthest from the truth. There will always be someone or groups of people that will not believe the example that you are setting. Countless couples have told us of similar claims and have described pain and heartache from the slanderous claims of others. But the most amazing thing about the truth is that no matter what, no matter the negative people, God will bless you and your spouse. Do not let those lies get you down because you are showing just how much you love each other by remaining pure.

At the same time keeping boundaries and remaining pure during a relationship reveals a selfless heart. Whenever any person attempts to push the limits this is never love and is very selfish. If you are a selfish person (many of us have this to some degree) marriage will be very difficult. Marriage is selflessly giving of yourself to your spouse. This does not always come naturally at times. In fact this can be very hard. But this is an area of growth that God will consistently work on.

In a loving marriage, the desire to give of yourself to that person should naturally grow as the years go by. I have experienced this just the short amount of time that I have been married. In fact marriage keeps on getting better and it is so much more fun than dating! Many people tell me the opposite. But I have experienced the joy, freedom, and immeasurable love that is intended to be a part of a relationship. It is supposed to portray Gods heart for us. His love never runs out and the depth of His heart for us goes on for eternity.

It is also the most fun when the physical perks enhance the emotional and spiritual perks/gifts that make a relationship with your spouse. Here is a list I put together of some of these perks/gifts that come with marriage:

The freedom to make out (we didn't do this while dating)

Holding hands anywhere and everywhere

Not having to watch where your hands are in an embrace

Living together

Staying overnight at friend’s homes & hotels (no brainer right?  When we dated we never stayed under the same roof overnight even to visit others)

Sex (One of the most beautiful gifts from God in a marriage. It truly is amazing)

Sleeping and lying in the same bed (Our first intimate experience like this was on our wedding night)

Staying up late into the morning just talking (we even were cautious how late we were out together in our dating relationship)

Being able to boldly check each other out

Going out on weekly dates (dating doesn't end after marriage) 

Reading Song of Songs (we saved reading this book of the Bible until our wedding night)

The list above could go on (feel free to add your own in the comments below or email them to me if you would like).

I have realized that if there have been any physical compromises made during dating then marriage may be a little disappointing to you. Let’s be honest here. If you open up presents early, it takes the excitement level down in large percentages. It also hinders your relationship with your spouse later down the road. Marriage is not easy. It is both, husband and wife, giving 100% to one another. It is hard work! To add compromise as the foundation of how you first began causes a weak foundation. Add issues from that weak foundation with the issues that will arise from other things and marriage will be that much tougher.

But do not fret if compromises took place or your beginning did not go very well. God is in the redeeming business and He is the best one at it! As long as both of you are willing to follow Him with all that you are and not just listen but also obey, your marriage will rock. Given, there will be tough times but it is worth all of the hard work.

If one of you compromised yourself (or perhaps both of you did) before marriage also know that in Christ you are not the same person. You have been made whole and complete again (2 Corinthians 5:17). I believe wholeheartedly that God restores virginity as well as heals the emotional and mental scars that come with it, when one offers their entire being to God. Full surrender and passion for God will bring joy and healing into what was once given away or stolen.

God is so good at what He does! Believe in His miraculous handiwork. Allow your heart to always be open to God transforming every area of your life. When you do this together as a couple, your marriage will reflect God’s heart.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 
                                                                                                                                Love never ends."

Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard is amazing!

 

Be prepared for another great adventure when you read, Merlin’s Nightmare, by the talented Robert Treskillard. This is the 3^rd book by Treskillard in the Merlin Spiral.

Merlin’s Nightmare takes place when Arthur is 18. Merlin has a family whom Arthur grew up with and their life drastically changes when war ravages the land. Merlin’s evil sister is still determined to destroy Arthur and Merlin’s family. You will be swept up into life and death situations with these characters that Treskillard has done so well to define for each reader. The battle that raged in the previous books is still intricately woven into each characters life in Merlin’s Nightmare.

Once again, I read this book late into the night. I often found myself holding my breath for what Merlin, his family and Arthur were going through. Each page describes fears, the battle between good, and evil and ultimately reveals the power of God through those who trust him.

Merlin’s Nightmare is definitely a book that you must read. But the adventure does not end here. The adventure continues with the Pendragon Spiral. I cannot wait to be able to read this next series.

I received this book free from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

Patsy Clairmont's "Twirl: A Fresh Spin at Life"

Twirl: A Fresh Spin at Life, is a fun, lighthearted book that gives insight into the busy and difficult tasks that come our way in life. Patsy Clairmont writes in a way that makes one feel as if she is talking right to you over a cup of tea or coffee. She shines a light into the dark moments that many times can consume our perspectives of how we handle life. Bringing her sense of humor, her personality, which is full of vibrant color, and her talents, she opens up her heart to reveal ways that she has handled the busyness of life.

Each chapter talks about a different way to enjoy life despite its dark moments. Do you remember how you felt when you twirled as a kid? Patsy Clairmont, will have you laughing out loud as she offers her insight from her own life on how to live this life with joy from the Lord. Everyone needs to twirl more often. Each of us need to be reminded of that childlike joy that we had no matter what happened when we were children. It was the simple things in life, like bubbles, pets, painting, writing, or a good twirl on the playground that brought smiles and laughter into our lives.

Every time that I pick up this book I end up reading it with a smile on my face. Pick up this book and enjoy reading it. You never know, you might just remember what it was like to live life in a way that twirling once brought you joy.

I received this book from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

Essential Atlas of the Bible, Carl G. Rasmussen

 

Essential Atlas of the Bible is a great way to understand the life, culture, and world of the time before and after Christ. This book is great for visual learners as it has multidimensional, full color maps, color photographs, as well as charts, and weather roads. What I found to be the most helpful in bringing together the Biblical content with what I was also seeing in the photos and the maps was the historical background. This is essential in understanding what we read in the Bible.

This book by Carl G. Rasmussen is a simple yet very detailed atlas of the Bible that will be a great asset to any Biblical study. Whether you are doing your own study or taking a Bible class, this will be a book that will add to your understanding of the Bible. Better yet, it will help make the Bible come alive as you see the places that Jesus walked, understand more fully Paul’s missionary journeys and much more.

Pick up your Bible and get to researching with the Essential Atlas of the Bible.

I received this book from booklookbloggers.com and these opinions are my own.

Love amidst rejection

Feb. 3, 2014

I have been struggling to write lately these days. There has been so much going on inside of me that it is almost as if all of my words and writing ability has been stuck deep within me. A major reason why I have been struggling to write is because I have been dealing with some deep hurt and rejection.

I have never handled rejection well. In fact, because of the fear of rejection, I tended to be a people pleaser most of my life. It is still something that the Lord has to keep me in check about every day, especially regarding important decisions. The past several years of my life has been a journey of giving this part of myself up to the Lord.

There have been times where it has felt like my heart has been ripped away and then slapped back into my chest because the people I wanted to accept me would not. But God is more important. Choosing Him is my main desire. My love for Him will be shown in my actions. I will let me life speak for itself. Those who know me know how deeply I love my Savior.

My heart has been aching so much lately. I have been dealing with the final and ultimate rejection of a dear one I never dreamed would walk out of my life. My heart has been broken in a new way. Yet, it still beats everyday and the Lord continues to give me the strength to love and serve so many amazing people, whom He calls by name.

Amidst my own turmoil, the Lord speaks life into my being and continues to reveal to me His truth and love. Some days, all I can do is cry in His arms. But I would not want to be anywhere else. In those moments of complete peace and rest with my Best Friend, I am able to see just how He sees what I am going through. There are times where He has to correct things in my own heart. Ugly things that He desires to make beautiful.

Other moments He tells me how proud He is of me for living radically, faithfully for Him. There is nothing better than to know that when He looks at me, He smiles proudly and always has time for coffee. He is everything to me. Without Him, I would be dead, both literally and spiritually. Jesus has saved me from myself. Just as He has already used so much bad for good, I trust that He will continue to do this the rest of my life.

I understand that I am not the only one working through the pain from others. If you have or currently are dealing with this very thing know that there is a Savior that understands. He will turn all things into something beautiful in time!

Here are a few scriptures that I continually meditate on depending on the day that remind me of the hope that I have in Christ.

Luke 6:20-23

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”

Did you catch that last part? “Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” This is stated after it talks about others excluding and reviling you!

The other passage of scripture that I have found much solace in is Psalm 35. It is a Psalm that seems to communicate how I feel in the moment of rejection, especially when it does not make sense. David experienced horrible actions and rejection by King Saul. Saul even tried to kill David multiple times for no other reason than jealousy. I have yet to have someone attempt to kill me but I have moments where I feel like the enemy certainly has tried. 

Remember that when you live for Christ fully, you will be hated. You will be excluded and reviled. People will gossip and slander your name because of Christ in you. Have hope, knowing that God is proud of you for living faithfully for Him. Have hope, knowing that your reward is something that will last eternally.

Forgive daily, stand for truth, and let the Lord have His justice in His time. Let His love consume your heart. Let His Love overflow and splash onto everyone, even if they exclude and revile you. They are worth loving even if they will never accept the love you give them.

Love. Love deeply and never give up.

Merlin's Shadow by Robert Treskillard

 



Once again, Robert Treskillard, has done an impeccable job captivating readers into the second book of The Merlin Spiral in, Merlin's Shadow. You will be swept right back up into the action packed story that began in Merlin's Blade.

I could not help but read late into the night as the battle against light and dark raged in greater depth. Despair and hopelessness seemed to grow and evil overtook hearts of men and women in different ways. As much as the spiritual battle against Almighty God and all that Merlin stands for continues, the triumph over the enemy has the greater emphasis interwoven into the pages. Not only will you relate to the doubts and inner turmoil that Merlin goes through, you will be able to feel like you are a part of his own victory. This victory is a deeper one, and it is one that many of us can also choose in our own lives.

Robert Treskillard has incredible talent and the messages of God's goodness, power, and love throughout the books will also encourage you. If you have not started this series, and love fiction books filled with fantasy, and spiritual truths, you need to start reading, The Merlin Spiral today. Merlin's Shadow will not disappoint you.

I got this book free from booksneeze.com and these opinions are my own.