Verse Mapping Bible – A Review and Giveaway

Bible Description:

Verse mapping means getting real about studying the Bible. More than simply reading a verse or Scripture passage, verse mapping uses Bible study tools to research what you’ve read—to learn about what God is saying and how you can apply his Word to your life. The NIV Verse Mapping Bible includes 350 partially completed verse maps to get you started.

Go beyond just reading the Bible.

Verse mapping means getting real about studying the Bible. More than simply reading a verse or Scripture passage, verse mapping means using Bible study tools to research what you’ve just read in the Bible—to learn more about what God is saying to you and how you can apply his Word to your life today. 

In the NIV Verse Mapping Bible, author Kristy Cambron expands her verse mapping curriculum series to include verses from the entire Bible, showing you how to compare Bible translations, pick out meaningful words, and delve into the true meaning of each verse using starter verse maps and prompts. Verse mapping will help you study the historical context, transliteration, translation, connotation, and theological framework of a verse. This unique study technique includes exploring Hebrew and Greek word studies, finding connections in Scripture, comparing Bible translations, and learning as much as you can from your time in God’s Word. 

Verse mapping involves five steps:

1. Choose: Select a verse and write it out.
2. Compare: Record this verse in two or three other Bible translations and underline key words that are the same or different between translations.
3. Research: Look up the Hebrew or Greek meaning for the underlined words and record it.
4. Consider: Ask questions of the verse. Imagine what it would be like to have experienced what’s happening. Read the verses surrounding this verse and use other study tools to dig even deeper, if you prefer.
5. Apply: What is God saying to you? How does this verse relate to your life today?

Several years ago, I discovered Verse Mapping, so when I had the opportunity to review this Bible, I had to take part. I typically prefer King James Version Bibles, New King James Version, or Amplified Bibles, but this Bible only comes in the NIV format. But I found that issue to be manageable. The

The Bible comes in a variety of covers, so you can pick the one that suits you best. I love how this Bible contains pages to guide you through the process of verse mapping. I appreciate how at the beginning of the Bible, instructions are provided for walking step by step through the process including the design of the verse, which allows you to compare different translations of the Bible, identifying and exploring keywords in the passage, the “actions” taking place, and the “outcome” from the passage.

I also appreciate the white margins provided around the Biblical verses to allow for notes to be recorded, such as presented below.

So if you enjoy Verse Mapping or would like to learn more about it, check out this Bible for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

You can purchase your own copy here.

Click here or on the graphic below to enter the giveaway for your chance to win your own copy.

#kristycambron #nivbible #versemapping #versemappingbible #giveaway

The King James Study Bible from Thomas Nelson – A Review

Bible Description:

Standing apart from all other KJV study Bibles on the market, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is the only Bible featuring extensive commentary, doctrinal notes, archaeological insights, and time-tested study aids developed exclusively for the King James Version. Now available with stunning full-color designs, Holy Land images, classic works of art, charts, and maps, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition guides you through the vivid beauty and authority of God’s Word as you grow in your biblical knowledge.

For over a quarter of a century, Thomas Nelson has earned the trust of millions with the best-selling King James Study Bible, offering the standard of conservative KJV scholarship. Our tradition and commitment to KJV study continues with the release of the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition.

Features include:

• Beautiful full-color throughout
• Easy-to-read 10-pt type large print
• 5,700 authoritative and study notes
• Center-column references with translation notes
• Hundreds of color maps and charts
• Over 100 archaeological notes
• Over 100 personality profiles
• Over 200 notes on Christian doctrines
• Easy-to-navigate topical indexes
• Book introductions and outlines
• Word-study concordance
• Time-honored KJV Bible text

I freely admit I love to collect Bibles. I definitely prefer the King James Version of the Bible. so it thrilled me to review this full color study Bible. From the rich feel of the cover, to the tabs of the Bible to the center-column reference, I found everything about this Bible perfect. I appreciated the notations found at the bottom of the pages. The color illustrations also add to the features of this Bible.

I found the print easy to read and he concordance at the back of the Bible to be useful. The introductions and outlines found at the beginning of each book of the Bible included useful and practical information. For a number of years, I have loved having a study Bible to rely on and this Bible definitely fits that purpose.

So check out this Bible for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Learn more and purchase the Bible here:  https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/kjv-study-bible/ 

Check out the Bible trailer here.

Click here or on the graphic above to enter the giveaway.

Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans bundle and Faith Journey Bible Study Series: Philippians from Julie Naturally – A Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Julie Polanco of Julie Naturally has two new bible studies for women: Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans bundle and Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Philippians.  I elected to start by using the Romans study for my personal Bible time.  For quite a while, I have followed Julie Polanco’s blog and am pleased to take part in this review. For this review, I received access to the Romans’ Study Bundle, which included a downloadable stud of the PDF, Memory verse cards, coloring pages, and videos Julie Polanco created to go with the study.  For my purposes, I primarily elected to complete the pages on my iPad.  Here is an example.  I love being able to just take my tablet and Bible rather than having to take more things with me.  

Julie Polanco grew up in the Lutheran church, but she gave her life to Christ while in college.  Throughout the years, she has served in various areas and roles including  Children’s Ministries, VBS, worship leader, deaconess, small group leader, and as a Titus 2 mentor.

Throughout the pages of these studies, her heart for God shines through every word.  These studies are perfect for older students and homeschooling mothers.  The Romans study takes 8 weeks to complete with 6 days of lesson per week.  I elected to begin each week watching the video for the lesson.  From there I began doing a lesson a day, including studying the memory work for the week.  Then on Sundays, I completed the coloring page for the lesson.

The studies require reading passages of Scripture in the Bible, along with answering open-ended questions.  I feel this study would be perfect for the moms who attend a homeschooling group together to complete.  I also think it would be perfect for moms with older daughters to complete together. Having three sons and a daughter, I easily would have used this with my sons before they graduated.  I even think husbands and wives could complete the studies together.  Although I am not sure if all men would want to complete the coloring pages.

These lessons require thought and meditation rather than just filling in blanks.  I appreciate this.  However, I wish she provided some insight into how she would answer the questions personally.  Sometimes I struggled with a desire to know my answers were correct.

While I enjoyed the messages of the video, those individuals who require perfect or professionally done videos may have some problems with these videos.

I think the coloring pages provided an excellent feature in this study.  Some coloring pages included designs and patterns while other pages included words.

Families may complete the Philippians study in 4 weeks.  Again, the study material includes daily sections to complete.  Coloring pages, memory verses, and open-ended questions need to complete.  On the first day, the first requirement involves watching the video.  Then comes reading the passage of Scripture along with answering questions.   Again,  hide God’s Word in your heart using the included memory verses.  You can decide for yourself how to go about memorizing those passages.        

You can find Julie Polanco on social media at the following links:

Facebook: facebook.com/julienaturally
Instagram: instagram.com/successful.unschooler
Pinterest: pinterest.com/julienaturally
YouTube: youtube.com/c/julienaturally

So if you are looking for a Bible Study for women, I suggest exploring Julie Polanco’s Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Romans bundle and Faith Journeys Bible Study Series: Philippians for yourself.

Other members of the Home School Review Crew share their experiences with these studies this week. So click here or on the graphic below to read more of their reviews.

#hsreviews #julienaturally, #juliepolanco, #faithjourneys

Bible Unearthed from Drive Thru History® Adventures – A Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Because we love Dave Stotts and Drive Thru History® Adventures, we were super excited to receive Bible Unearthed to review. Over the past several years, our family reviewed several courses and products from Drive Thru History® Adventures. Dave Stotts brings history to life, especially in how it relates to the Bible. While the Drive Thru History® takes viewers on a journey through history, Bible Unearthed goes. behind the scenes and involves Dave Stotts, his friend, and expert, Titus Kennedy, PhD, along with longtime travel companion and Drive Thru History® writer, Randall Niles, to explore archaeology, the Bible, and History. Our family appreciates how finds in the Holy Land and archaeology weave together to illustrate proof for the teachings in the Bible.

When you log into the course, a series of background items appear including the Course Guide, an explanation of how to use the worksheets and answer guides that accompany each lesson, and how to use the community and additional articles that are available. Families may use the course guide to create a schedule for the course that works best for individual needs.  So this means if your family has a busy week, you could just watch the videos.  If you have more time, you could become more involved in the additional material.  Adjust requirements based on the ages and abilities involved to create the perfect course for your family.

The videos take approximately 15 minutes to watch. The quality of the picture and the sound provide an excellent viewing experience. We loved how the three men interacted. It seemed like they really enjoyed working and talking together.  We also appreciated how we learned about the life of an archaeologist and how they approach doing their jobs.

The videos weave together Biblical references, archaeological discoveries, archaeological processes, and scenes from episodes of Drive Thru History®. After each episode, reading material appears under the video along with downloads for the worksheets and answer keys. 

For those families with younger children, your family could watch the video together.  For families with slightly older children, elect to fill out some questions on the worksheets or discuss them together. For older students and adults in the family like ours, watching the videos together and then reading the material on the screen along with the additional articles plus reading the worksheets and answering the questions on the worksheets provide the perfect level of involvement.

For our family,  we elected to watch the videos together and then discuss them.  I allowed everyone to decide whether to answer the questions and read the extra articles for themselves.  I elected to add the worksheets to my tablet so I could work on them while at appointments or other places.  Plus, it eliminates paper clutter around our home.

You can find Drive Thru History® on social media at the following links: 

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

This course resonated with our family because it combines the Bible, History, and archaeology together into a meaningful, informative, and interesting package.  So if your family desires to learn more about how the Bible intersects with archaeology and history, check out Bible Unearthed from Dave Stotts and Drive Thru History® Adventures.  This course provides information and entertainment while potentially creating an interest in archaeology at the same time.

Other members of the Home School Review Crew share their thoughts and experiences on this program this week on the Home School Review Crew blog, so click here or on the graphic below to read more reviews.

#hsreviews #bibleunearthed

Butterfly Box – A Review

DESCRIPTION:

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you! 

• Each month’s box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.
• 5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items
• All items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection process
• Products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.

I have to say I love receiving mail that contains meaning and purpose. So it thrilled me to receive this box. When I opened it. I found two different types of tea drops – one contained peppermint and the other contained vanilla. You place the drops into boiling water and let them dissolve for a wonderful beverage. A Weekly prayer guide appeared next. The next item was a butterfly necklace. A journal with the words “Be still & Know” on the front along with a copy of Stormie Omartian appeared.

I love the obvious thought and care that created this box. I also appreciate the aesthetics of having everything be color-coordinated. As I pulled each piece from the box, I definitely found myself glad I had been able to participate in this review.

I would definitely consider ordering these boxes as gifts for family members.

Here are some images of other boxes:

You can use the following code to receive 10% off your purchase: WELCOME10

Click here or on the banner below to enter for your chance to win 6 months of Butterfly Box..

So check out Butterfly Box for yourself.

I received this box through Frontgate Bloggers, but all opinions are my own.

Comparison Girl – A Review

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Women compare constantly—on social media, in their neighborhood, at church, even in the school drop-off lane. They glance sideways and ask themselves, “How do I measure up?” All this assessment feels like a natural way of finding a place in the world. But it pulls them into feelings of inferiority or superiority, guiding them into a trap of antagonism by the enemy.

Satan would like women to strive to measure up, constantly adding to a tally sheet that can’t ever be balanced. The way of Jesus is completely upside down from that philosophy. Instead, he says the last shall be first–and the greatest are those who empty themselves, lay down their lives, and serve each other.

Through conversations Jesus had and parables he shared, Shannon Popkin has created a seven-week Bible study to address this tendency to compare and judge ourselves and others. Each chapter is divided into lessons, allowing women on a time budget to read a Bible passage, engage in a complete train of thought related to the topic, and then make the content personal–all in one sitting. And the informal teaching tone will make women feel like they’re meeting with a trusted friend.

Suited for both individual and group study, Comparison Girl will guide women to leave their measure-up ways behind, connect with those around them, and break free from the shackles of comparison!

Click here to read an excerpt!

As a woman, a daughter, and a mother of a daughter, I recognize it is easy to get caught up in comparing myself and my family to others I know and see in person.  But in this time of social media, comparing myself and our family to others becomes too convenient and therefore allows for more destruction.

Shannon Popkin does a remarkable job unpacking the idea of being a “Comparison Girl” and then provides ideas and strategies for striving to overcome this potentially destructive behavior.

Our society today creates a world that causes us to want to measure up to those around us. Measuring devices abound both of ourselves, our family members, our home, our jobs, and more.  We need to pause and take time to reflect on what Jesus would call us to do and how He examined the heart of people rather than their circumstances.

With a conversational tone and Biblical Scriptures to back up her thoughts, Shannon Popkin does an excellent job of unpacking this subject in a way that made me want to keep on reading.

So if you are looking for a Biblically-based look at the comparison trap, check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shannon Popkin is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher who loves pointing others to the truth of God’s Word. She combines her gifts for humor and storytelling with her passion for Jesus. She regularly speaks at Christian women’s events and retreats, encouraging women of all ages to put their hope in God.

Popkin is also a regular contributor for the Revive Our Hearts True Woman and Leader Connection blogs. Her articles have been published by Family Fun, Focus on the Family Magazine, MOMsense and others. She is the author of several books, including Control Girl: Lessons on Surrendering Your Burden of Control from Seven Women in the Bible, Influence: Building a Platform That Elevates Jesus (Not Me), and Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World.

Popkin and her husband, Ken, have been married for more than twenty years and live in West Michigan. They have three children—one in high school and two in college.

Connect with Shannon Popkin by visiting www.shannonpopkin.com, following her on Facebook (shanpopkin), Instagram (shannonpopkin), or Twitter(@ShannonPopkin).

ADVANCED PRAISE:

“If you struggle with measuring up, if you’re worried about what people think, if you dread someone seeing you in a less-than-ideal situation, then you’re human. We all struggle with comparing ourselves to others in some way. That means we all need Shannon’s honest and wise words on the pages of this book. I know I did, and I’m betting you do too!”
~ Jill Savage, author of No More Perfect Moms, No More Perfect Kids, and No More Perfect Marriages

“Shannon Popkin has done it again! She has masterfully written another must-read to speak to the struggles of our soul. Like a dear friend she comes, sits with us, and soothes us with the truth of how purposefully we were created, how intentionally we have been gifted, and how infinitely we are loved. Inviting us to look up, listen to the tender truths of God, and learn to silence the lies of the enemy against us, Shannon shows us how to finally live freely in a culture of continual comparison. For every woman who has an area of her life where she wonders if she is truly enough—here is your answer.”
~ Erica Wiggenhorn, author of Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew

 

You can click on the link below to enter the giveaway.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review and Giveaway for Encountering God’s Heart for You

About the Book

Book:  Encountering God’s Heart For You

Author: Diane Stortz

Genre:  Christian non-fiction, Devotional

Release Date: September 3, 2019

God put the Bible together for you, and he wants you to understand and know him better. But sometimes you can get lost in the details and miss the big picture. The Bible is more than just a collection of wisdom, instructions, and history. It’s one unified story of the incredible love of God!

Encountering God’s Heart for You takes you on a daily journey through the full narrative of Scripture in a year. And in the process, it will draw you nearer to God as you discover his love and compassion. It won’t cover every verse, or even every chapter, in the Bible, but by the time you’re through, you’ll have a strong grasp of what the Bible is all about.

Reading Scripture isn’t just a way to collect information or check something off a to-do list. Let this book bring you into God’s presence to better understand the Bible’s story of love, sacrifice, and redemption as he draws you to himself.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Encountering God’s Heart for You contains 365 short daily devotionals.  Some devotions cover a single chapter in the Bible while others are for multiple chapters.  These devotions are quick to read and would be great for a new Christian or someone who wants a quick devotional to read.

This devotional is not one that should replace daily Bible reading but is perfect for a quick read.  I think it would be perfect as a start to your daily devotional time.  At the beginning of each day is a short passage of Scripture along with the reference for the chapter for the day.  So check out this devotional for yourself.

I received a copy of this devotional for my fair and honest review.

 

About the Author

Diane Stortz is a multipublished author who writes to make God’s wonders known to the next generation. Diane’s books for women, A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year and Encountering God’s Heart for You, both from Bethany House, encourage women to get to know God through His Word, the Bible. Her children’s releases include the best-selling Say & Pray Bible and I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, both from Tommy Nelson. Diane and her husband have two married daughters and five grandchildren—all boys! Visit her at www.DianeStortz.com.

 

 

More from Diane

Twenty years ago, I was invited to join a women’s Bible study group planning to read through the Bible in a year to get to know God.

Although I’d been a Christian for many years and had read many parts of the Bible and used the Bible in my work as an editor, I had never actually read the entire Bible.

I joined the group. We read about three chapters a day and met weekly on Monday nights to discuss what we’d read.

I’ve repeated that experience in various forms most years since then, and it has changed my life in so many ways. (Getting to know God does that, right?)

I’m convinced that one of the most loving things we can do for someone else is to invite and encourage her to become a lifelong reader of the Word, and to read it together.

That’s how I view my new devotional, Encountering God’s Heart for You. It’s an invitation to every woman to pick up her Bible, read along with me, and look together for all the ways God teaches us about himself on every page.

Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, March 21

Through the Lens of Scripture, March 22

Holly Jo Morris, March 22

Inklings and notions, March 23

amandainpa, March 24

deb’s Book Review, March 24

Genesis 5020, March 25

For Him and My Family, March 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 27

Spoken from the Heart, March 28

Lights in a Dark World, March 29

SPLASHES of Joy, March 29

Texas Book-aholic, March 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Remembrancy, April 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Lis Loves Reading, April 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Diane is giving away the grand prize package of a journal, a set of Scripture cards, and a set of gel pens!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6ec/encountering-god-s-heart-for-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC’s “The Unbreakable Faith Course”

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

 

If you are studying Christian apologetics you will want to be sure to check out The Unbreakable Faith Course from Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC.  As the wife of a Primitive Baptist preacher and the mother of three sons ages 23, 21, and 19 plus a daughter who is 17, I am always on the lookout for new Bible Study materials to help solidify our family’s faithand our children’s worldview ideas.  So when our family had the opportunity to review the Unbreakable Faith Course from Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC, I was thrilled.

For this review we received online access to the Unbreakable Faith course along with physical copies of two books: God the Reason: How Infinite Excellence Gives Unbreakable Faith and The Box: Answering the Faith of Unbelief. According to their website, “The Study explores the infinite excellence of God’s perfections, exposes unbelief as irrational, unscientific, and blind faith, and demonstrates the impossibility of all things without God.” Unbreakable Faith encourages a comprehensive look at achieving a Biblical worldview while strengthening faith in Christ..  Completing this course will provide 1 unit of high school credit.

Videos, readings, and quizzes comprise the majority of the course.  Our family found the videos were easy to understand and enjoyable to watch.  We enjoyed listening to what the instructor had to say.  As a teacher, I appreciated how everything was clearly laid out and easy to follow as far as what item needed to be done next. Also, the course requires that each item be done in order and the student cannot move onto the next item until the previous item is completed.

This course is perfect for high school credit, to do as a family, to do in a homeschool co-op setting or even to be done by a Church or a ministry.  I love when our family is able to do something like this course together as a family.  We decided to watch the videos together as a family and then everyone was able to read the books on their own time at their own speed.

God the Reason: How Infinite Excellence Gives Unbreakable Faithand The Box are available as either physical books or ebooks  God the Reason: How Infinite Excellence Gives Unbreakable Faith provides sound theological information about how God is perfect in every way.  We found the book straight forward and easy to read.  One of our favorite sections of the book that we have read so far is how we owe God everything and He owes us nothing.  Given that our family just moved from Texas to North Carolina courtesy of the military, we have watched God’s hand on everything concerning our move.  And this book just helps emphasize this point.

The Box: Answering the Faith of Unbelief presents a dialogue between a Christian and an atheist.  As a parent, I want my children (even our adult children) to be able to logically discuss their faith and why they believe what they believe.  This book does an excellent job of helping them formulate answers to possible questions or ideas that make come up in general conversation.  One of my favorite quotes from this book examines how we as humans have limitations, but God has no limitations. This book illustrates God’s infinite excellence and the infinite excellence of God’s perfections

You can find Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC on Social Media at the following inks:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube

So if you are looking for an excellent course on Christian apologetics and to help strengthen the faith of your family, check out The Unbreakable Faith Coursefrom Pilgrim’s Rock, LLC.  I am sure your family will be glad you did.

Other members of the Home School Review Crew are sharing their thoughts this course on Christian apologetics this week, so click here or on the graphic below to read more of their reviews of this excellent course.

#hsreviews #ChristianApologetics #ChristianWorldview #GodIsCreator #PresuppositionalApologetics

Review and Giveaway for The Choice Is Yours

About the Book

Book: The Choice is Yours

Author: Barbara Dahlgren

Genre: Religion/Christian Living/Devotional

Release Date: November 2019

Do you stress over making decisions? Does the possibility of making the wrong choice paralyze you? In The Choice Is Yours: 52 Choices for Happier Lives, Barbara Dahlgren explores decisions we face daily. She does so with the spiritual insight and practicality developed through fifty years of ministry. The Choice Is Yours is drawn from Dahlgren’s blog, Barbara’s Banter: taking my faith but not myself too seriously, and is suitable for a devotional or a Bible study tool. Each chapter includes practical suggestions, a key Bible verse, and the option for the reader to jot down their own tips for making better choices in daily life.

Click here to purchase your copy.

The Choice Is Yours illustrates the importance of personal Bible study from the beginning of the study. Containing 52 different choices, this book lends itself to either personal study or small group study.  I definitely see the benefits of doing it either way.  With Scriptural references and space at the end of each selection for reflection on what you have read, this book definitely is on worth taking time to study.

Rather than providing complete Scripture passages, parts of the Scripture are provided so the reader is encouraged to pick up their Bible to finish reading and therefor encouraging taking time to intimately interact with the passages.

I definitely recommend this study because as Christians we are faced with a multitude of choices each day.  God wants us to make personal choices that reflect His love for us and the desires He has for us.

So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Barbara Dahlgren is a humorist, freelance writer, and speaker whose articles have appeared all over the world. Married to a pastor, she and her husband have served churches in Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Washington, Michigan, and California where they currently reside. She blogs at Barbara’s Banter: taking my faith but not myself too seriously and is the author of Zorro and Me, a humorous look at the couple’s adventures in ministry.

More from Barbara

When my granddaughter was in preschool, she came home one day and was sad. Her mom asked what was wrong. Sophia replied, “My teacher said I didn’t make good choices today.”

I always felt her teacher had a great deal of wisdom. Instead of saying Sophia was naughty or bad, she planted a seed of thought into her little life about making better choices. Better choices lead to happier lives. In a way, that was the inspiration for my latest blog theme which led to this book.

My first book was called Zorro and Me. It was about my husband, whom I’ve nicknamed Zorro, and our experiences in 50 years of ministry. Usually known as a humorist, I try to intersperse a lot of personal experiences in my speaking and writing. My philosophy is to take my faith, but not myself, too seriously. I think we would all be happier if we chose to laugh more and criticize less.

Here’s a little quiz to get to know me better. Which one do you think is false?

1. I was born many years ago in the foothills of the Ozarks in a town with a population of 10.
2. While on a mission trip to Nigeria, our children were held captive by the police for a few hours.
3. My son was unexpectedly born in a hotel room while we were traveling, so we used a dresser drawer as a baby bed.
4. I’ve mounted a camel near the Great Pyramids in Egypt, climbed the Great Wall in China, leaned with the Tower of Pisa in Italy, and been on safari in Kenya.
5. While on a teen trip touring the White House, one of my children became ill, so the Secret Service took him outside where he barfed behind a big bush on the White House lawn. It’s the one on the left when you look at pictures of the White House.

Guess what! They are all true. There’s more, but I don’t want to give all my secrets away today.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

Jacquelyn Lynn, November 24

Mary Hake, November 24

For the Love of Literature, November 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 26

Older & Smarter?, November 27

My Devotional Thoughts , November 28

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

CarpeDiem, November 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

janicesbookreviews, December 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 4

A Reader’s Brain, December 5

Inklings and notions, December 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize of a  $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed97/the-choice-is-yours-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway for Holly Lane – Christian Jewelry

Recently I had the opportunity to review a necklace from Holly Lane, a Christian jewelry company that specializes in jewelry designed to share Jesus Christ with others. The company has a line of sterling silver jewelry that allows you to share Christ with others as well as reflect your personal faith.  The jewelry is designed in central Virginia by jewelry artist Tiffany Scott.  She has based her designs on passages of Scripture from the Bible in order to bring comfort to the wearer while representing God’s promise.  The unique designs are meant to encourage conversations about Jesus Christ.

Every piece of jewelry comes with a Story Card that displays the Scripture reference on the front along with an explanation of the design’s significance on the back.  Tiffany’s love of semiprecious gemstones shines through in her use of a variety of gemstones throughout the line.  The Holly Lane line enables customers to put together their own personal combination of pendants, chains, and bead drops that reflect the promises they are holding onto as well as God is speaking to them in their own lives.

Here is a video about how the jewelry is made.

Below is what I found when I first opened my box from Holly Lane.

I could tell that every Holly shipment must be packed with a tremendous amount of care that allows the customer to see just how truly special they are.  I know as I opened my box, I could tell the care that was given to shipping my necklace.

From the moment I placed my order for this review, I could tell this experience would be unforgetable.  From the email I received upon placing my order:

ORDER #23894

Hi Patti, thank you for your order! We are lovingly crafting your jewelry and getting it ready to send! You will receive a shipping notice via email with tracking info once your order is on the way. First Class Mail will ship in 1-3 business days. Priority Mail will ship same or next business day. We hope your Holly Lane jewelry will be a constant reminder of His Word and give you many opportunities to share it with others! View your order status or Visit our store

 

To the email I received to let me know my package was delivered demonstrates how much Holly Lane cares about the customer.  So many companies seem to be forgetting about their customers, Holly Lane goes to the other end of the spectrum and illustrates how important their customers are to them.

When I opened up the box and found the necklace was wrapped in tissue paper with a ribbon and a gold seal, I felt like I was a very special customer.  Upon opening the tissue paper, I found a box inside.

The necklace came with a beautiful card containing the Scripture passage for Proverbs 31:10, 28-29 – which was the necklace I selected.  I truly appreciate the attention to every detail with this necklace.

The ruby and other charms on this pendant make it a beautiful and meaningful piece to wear.  Here is the description of the necklace from the Holly Lane website, “A crowned heart because you are a daughter of the King, a blessed charm to represent the great joy of family, and a precious ruby drop to remind you of your great worth. Inspired by Proverbs 31, “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness…Her children stand and bless her…”  As a wife and mother, I find this necklace so precious to wear.

The necklace is 18 inches long, however, the company does offer extenders if you want a longer chain.  I think at some point in the future I will probably purchase the extender since I like my necklaces to be a little bit longer.

I truly love this necklace and am sure I will be purchasing more pieces from this company in the future.

You can use the code “20FORYOU”  to receive 20% off their purchase at hollylane.com

Click here or on the graphic below to enter the giveaway for a chance to receive a $100 ecard certificate to Holly Lane.

This jewelry provides the opportunity to share your faith as well as express your faith in a beautiful piece of jewelry you will come to treasure.  So check out Holly Lane for yourself.