Enduring Word Study Bible Review and Giveaway

  **Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own**

One of my favorite commentaries to use while studying is Enduring Word. I've had the app for a few years and always find myself using it when I'm trying to go deeper in a passage or really understand what I'm reading. It has been my go-to for awhile. 

Then the neatest thing happened! I got the opportunity to review this bible that has the commentary built right in! I jumped at the chance and was honored to be chosen. 

I love using bibles that have study guides/notes right there in it. This allows you to dive deeper without having to leave the bible you're using. That's one reason I was super excited to dive into this bible. 

For over 20 years people around the world have been using the commentary on EnduringWord.com. This is an easy to utilize source that provides pastoral applications and insight, practical insight, and more as you dive into scripture. We are meant to understand God's word as it is His letter to all of us. While we may all want to go to bible and theology school, it's not always the easiest thing to accomplish. This is why David Guzik has poured into this commentary. He has been in Christian service for more than 40 years and is a pastor and author. 

The features you'll find in the Enduring Word Bible include:

• Introductions to each book that goes over key themes you need to know
• 400 application notes to dive deeper
• 50 articles that goes below surface level into varying topics in scripture
• Clear, readable 9.5-point font in NKJV. 
• Translator's notes and cross-references
• Study notes that help you explore the deeper meaning of scripture

There are two cover options for those who may prefer a hard copy or that like the soft leather touch style. 

You can purchase the hardcover Enduring Word Bible on Amazon by clicking here or you can check out the Brown softleather by clicking here.

The awesome people from HarperCollins has offered a giveaway copy of this bible to my readers! If you're interested in entering this giveaway, please comment below with your email, first name, and your favorite bible study tool you currently use. This is for U.S entries only! 

You can also learn more about this bible at EnduringWordBible.com. 

Thank you for stopping by and for entering into the giveaway! 

CSB Isllustrator’s Notetaking Bible Review and GIVEAWAY!

 

** I received a copy of this bible to review. All opinions are mine.**

I’m super excited to bring to you a new journaling bible lover’s dream! This is an amazing bible that provides a lot of perks to those who love to take notes, be creative with their bible time, and experience the Word in a new way. Enter the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible. 

This is a beautiful cream colored leather touch bible with an elegant rose design on the front. 

The features of the Bible include:

• Large, easy to read 9.5 point font in a single column setting
• Wide margins for Notetaking to easily keep all your God moments in one place as you’re studying the word
• Over 600 beautiful illustrations with line art sprinkled throughout the Bible to help you remember scriptures while creating a beautiful design inside
• Lay flat design makes it easy to place on the table with our other study guides
• Journaling margins to help you take notes or add embellishments to your Word study
• This design offers a plethora of ways to personalize your bible study journey and in turn, create a beautiful keepsake for your future generations. 

I was super thrilled to hear about this new bible and to get the opportunity to experience it. I have never had one of these types of bibles so I was excited to get to try it out. I’ve always been a journaler but I love the idea of having it all in one place. This is also a beautiful way to leave this for future generations to see and experience the truths their parents, grandparents, or those before they learned. 

This bible is a way to engage with the Creator Hiimself in a new way. For those of us who want to be creative but don’t necessarily have the skills (MEEEEEE) this gives us a way to interact with scripture and be creative all in one. I have always wanted to draw beautifully but alas, that wasn’t a skill I received :) I love that this has scripture designs and beautiful images all in the same place to help us engage with a certain passage on a different level. 

As we come up on Easter, this is the perfect time to order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible today! You can start the journaling journey and take your bible study time to a new level. You can also shop for the entire family by clicking here. 

If you’re thinking about this bible for yourself, here’s some good news! Lifeway has graciously offered a giveaway of one copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible in Large Print for my blog readers! Simply enter the raffle below and make sure you leave your email address and name so I can be sure to contact you if you win. 

I would love to hear about your bible study experience and what are some of your favorite tools you use. Thank you for stopping by our little spot and for entering below!

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This is for US winners over 18 only! 

**Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.**

**Review and Giveaway!!** - CSB Jesus Daily Bible

I'm excited to bring another new Bible release to you today! I believe it's highly important to find a bible you can read and understand to help you grow in the scripture. I also think it's a great adventure to read the Bible in a year. I started doing that several years ago and now make a point to do it every year. The bible is alive and active, and no matter how many times you read it, it's always new!

There are a lot of great plan options out there to help you read through in a year. This bible helps you do that too!

I have used a lot of different reading apps on my phone but lately have been reading it in my hard copy of the Bible. Sometimes you just want to hold it in your hands. That's where this bible can help you!

The Jesus Daily Bible offers a 52-week plan to read through the bible in a year while keeping Jesus at the center of it all. The good news? You don't have to wait until next January to start! You can start this reading plan at any time of the year and go at your pace. If you follow the plan laid out, you'll read it start to finish in 52 weeks. 

Each study has a weekly introduction, find helpful articles, and a summary each week to help you see how the story of Jesus so beautifully intertwines from Genesis to Revelation. There are infographics to help you put the pieces together as well. 

This is a great gift for someone wanting to get into the word or for someone who's looking for a way to understand how Jesus fits into the entire bible. Spending time with God every morning is something just makes my day go much smoother. It helps me to rest in Him and take a deep breath before the hustle and bustle of the day hits. I encourage you to start adding that in to your day if you don't already. If first thing doesn't work for you, find a time that does to dive in and grow in your walk.

I love finding a bible that is easy to read/understand and has study helps to go along with it. This is a great option for those who haven't quite found the one they are looking for. You can check out the bible by going to CSB Jesus Daily Bible to learn more or order your copy today.

I am also honored to host a giveaway for one of the CSB Jesus Daily Bibles too! You could win a copy by entering the giveaway below. **This is limited to U.S. entries only**

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

**All of the opinions listed are mine. Thank you to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a copy for review.**

Grace Bible For Kids: Review and Giveaway!

 I was blessed to check out the Grace Bible for Kids 2024 version as a review from Lifeway Christian. The focus of this bible is to help children with Dyslexia and other various challenges reading to be able to have a bible they can easily understand and comprehend. This children's bible was created with a partnership between Holman Bibles and 2K.DENMARK and Cambridge Universities to provide an enhanced reading experience for all reading levels.

Some of the features of this bible include:

• Large font at 11-point type size - Utilizing proven principles such as space between the letters, words, and paragraphs, this makes it so much easier to understand for many different reading abilities.
• Ribbon marker to help hold their spot when they are reading
• Presentation page for writing a special note when gift giving
• 40 different insert pages with study guides and maps to help connect your kiddos to the scriptures
• Christian Standard Bible version
• Inclusive Grace typeface, design and layout
• Comes in a hardback and a blue leather touch option
• Summary of each book of the Bible and divisions

One of my favorite things about this bible is the variety of colored overlays they provide to help your children focus on the words as they are reading. These overlays have been studied and proven to help enhance visual processing as you or your children are reading through the word.

Another exciting feature of this bible is the Bible skills and checklist. This starts with very beginning bible skills such as memorizing a passage, learning the different books of the bible, etc. It gets more advanced as your children improve their Bible knowledge. It helps to show them their progress in studying the word as they grow in their relationship with Christ.

To learn more about this bible, check out CSB Grace Bibles!

This would make a great gift idea for the children in your life who you want to help grasp God's word in a way they can understand without feeling the frustration of other bibles. There's also a Grace Bible for Adults as well! Shop for your entire family here!

I'm super excited to offer a giveaway for one of these bibles to you! Simply follow the giveaway instructions below to enter for one of the CSB Grace Bible For Kids **US ONLY** 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway  

If you don't win, you can definitely order your copy of the Grace Bible For Kids today!

**Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for

this review. Opinions are 100% my own.**

The Direction Is Forward

 The other day when we went to church, it was one of those days that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, that's where we were supposed to be. When the preacher started speaking, I knew why. 

The title of the message was "The Direction Is Forward". The entire sermon was about don't look backwards and to cut the tether to your past. 

See some of us have things that we miss about our past and look back longingly wishing we could go back there. For example, people who have lost a loved one or simply faced life changes that were completely out of their control. 

Some of us look back longingly for the days when our knees didn't pop every time we walked or our joints didn't ache when the weather changed. Others look back longing for days when children could play outside safely till the street lights came on, or people were just a little bit nicer to each other. 

Others have painful tragic circumstances that they wish they could go back to before. Before the situation happened. Before the tragedy was confirmed. Before... However, going backwards is not what God wants for us. We need to feel the emotions, process the loss, and move forward. 

As the pastor was sharing, one point he made stood out to me. If we keep looking backward, we get stuck. We are stuck and because we are stuck in the past, we freeze. That affects those we are called to reach out to. We all have people in our life that we are called to minister to, to reach out to, to love like Jesus. When we are frozen, we miss those opportunities. 

Luke 17:32 reminds us to ,"Remember Lot's wife!". Looking back longingly at Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:26  is what had Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt. She longed for the things in the past while God was moving them to a new stage forward. He had new life in front of them and she looked back to the old. 

Whether it's a "better time" in your mind or a life of sin that you're looking back to, it's time to look forward. It's time to move forward. To keep striving for the prize God has set in front of you. There are seasons in life and they change all the time. A new season can be scary but it can also be the best thing you've ever experienced. Is it easy? Absolutely not. There will be days that you look back and miss certain things. Feel the feelings and keep moving forward. 

If you're in the midst of a season of change, loss, or a traumatic experience, know that what God has ahead is even better than what is behind. Process your feelings with someone you can trust such as a licensed counselor, pastor, or mentor. Work through those feelings and move forward. The steps will be slow at times. It may even feel like you move can't move at times. Know that you're not alone and that Holy Spirit is walking with you every step of the way.

Remember today to allow yourself to grieve what you need to and to move forward with joy. God never wastes anything you walk through. 

**Review and Giveaway!** The Life In Christ Bible

I am super excited to share this new bible release and review from Nelson bibles. The Life In Christ Bible tackles something that is so distorted in our society today: Identity. 

With so many issues surrounding the identity of who we are in the world, our identity has always been found in Christ. This new Nelson bible helps to show you that exact thing through the pages of God's written word. It's super exciting to dive into this version and see how God has so beautifully written about who we are and our purpose throughout the Bible itself. 

The good news is that God has a specific purpose for your life! You're not just floundering around in this world alone and aimless. God has a plan, a purpose, and a design specifically for you. Knowing where to find that can be overwhelming. That's why we have the Word to guide us step-by-step. 

This new version of the Bible offers insight into God's design and our identity with powerful helps throughout the entire book. These helps include:

• Introductions to each book and features of the identity-related themes you'll find
• 1,000 chain referenced notes
• 16-identity focused themes that are expanded on with 70 articles throughout
• Charts
• Cross-references and translator's notes
• NKJV comfort print
• And much more!

I love the identity themed articles you'll find that are connected with guides to tell you where the next one is. For example, I read one in Proverbs discussing a parent's role as their children progress into adulthood. This is the phase we are in right now. It's difficult sometimes knowing what to do and parent's often lose their identity in "mom or dad" and forget who they are. Sometimes we all need a little reminder that we are a child of the King. The article brings encouragement, a scripture focus, and then guides you to other topics in the same theme. These are a great way to do a study on identity for an extended period of time. 

Other aspects that The Life In Christ Bible will help you discover include:

• Why you matter, not because of what you do, but because of you being made in the image of God
• Learn how the Gospel of Jesus makes us a new creation
• Discover how learning who God says you are will change the way you act, speak, think, and see the world around you

You can order your copy of The Life In Christ Bible by clicking the link today!

You can also enter a chance to win your own copy below! HarperCollins has so graciously offered for one of my readers to get an opportunity to win this awesome new addition to your Bible collection. Enter below by commenting your favorite scripture that encourages you! 

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**Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.**

Nothing Is The Same

 Nothing is the same. Not since February 2020. No matter how hard we try to go "back to normal", we can't. Believe me, I want normal of two years ago to come back as much as the next person. However, our reality is, that it isn't. Nothing will go back. 

That doesn't mean it has to be a bad thing. Our minds tell us that "normal" is what we crave but we need to understand that we can live and thrive without our "normal". It hurts. It's painful and infuriating at times. Our emotions, our reactions, our thoughts have forever been changed by the past two years. Some of us it's been for the better. Some have drawn closer to God and realized they can't do life without Him. And you shouldn't.

Others have grown farther and farther from the loving Savior that longs to be in the midst of all the mess with you. Our world around us has us seeing chaos, murder, hatred, and violence on every single channel. Everywhere you turn someone's angry about the server not getting their food fast enough, the person in front of them not driving as soon as the light turns green, the person next to them having trouble deciding on a purchase that is stopping them from moving forward. All the while these emotions driving us make us forget that who we're angry at is another person living in this same craziness that we are. 

We turn at each other over differences of opinions, fighting against each other because we aren't the same. Instead of loving each other and pointing towards the Cross, we spit vile hatred and disgust. 

Nothing is the same. 

And yet... some things didn't change. 

Jesus is still on the throne sitting beside His Father ever interceding for those of us here. The enemy is still trying to thwart God's plans and destroy people but God wins every. single. time.

There's still a chance to turn from sin, let go of unforgiveness, and live life chasing hard after God. There's still a Father in heaven that cares deeply about you and every single thing that happens in your life. There's still our Father that is waiting patiently for you to choose Him. He loves you so much that He won't force it on you. You must choose. 

The world around us wants us to believe that God is just rules, regulations, and a harsh dictator waiting to smite you. That couldn't be farther from the truth. See, He's waiting on you. Waiting for you to choose Him. Waiting on you to choose life. 

Instead of getting angry at something out of your control today, stop and think. How can I be kindness today? How can I show God's love to someone who may not ever step foot into a church? How can I be "Jesus with skin on today"? 

I don't say this pointing fingers. I say this with a humble heart. I am this person too. I am the quick to anger at times person who needs to stop and remember... Nothing is the same... But God never changed. 

KJV Bible Review and GIVEAWAY! (Sponsored Opportunity)

 

Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by to check out my little space in the blog-o-sphere. Today we're going to take a look at three different Holman bibles that are sure to be beneficial to a variety of ages.

I am thankful to Lifeway and Lev3l Digital for this amazing chance to investigate and explore three KJV bibles. These are full of helpful tools for bible study for all ages.

While I do utilize several translations during study time, I always find myself back in KJV. It is one of my favorite versions. What about you? 

I was given the opportunity to review three different bibles:

1. Holman KJV Ultrathin Reference Bible
2. Holman KJV - One Big Story Bible (children's)
3. Holman KJV Study Bible

Choosing your bible translation is a very personal choice. It's one that you don't take lightly. When it comes to finding a version you can rely on, the KJV has been around for years. 

In the beginning of the 1600's, the King James Version was translated. Those translating God's word at the time were the top scholars of their day. Their focus was to give a translation that would last generations to come and it has. People from all walks of life turn to the KJV for their bible study, reading, and preaching.

The versions I received are beautifully bound and full of wonderful tools to help as you study the Word. 

Holman KJV Ultrathin Reference

This version of the KBJ fits easily in a bag or goes along with you as it is very lightweight. The two-column text and easy to read type make this one that will not strain your eyes no matter your age. In the center column you'll find references that help you to dive deeper into the passage you're reading. There's a concordance, full-color maps, and all the Words of Christ are in red.

Holman KJV - One Big Story Study Bible (Children's)

Are you looking for the perfect addition to your children's walk with God? Then take a look at this version! It is brightly adorned with beautiful pictures and full-page illustrations in color. Every book of the bible has an introduction to help your children understand the details. There are 100 verses to remember highlighted throughout the bible, as well as big-words dictionary and the big questions and answers sections. It also features what is called the Christ Connection. This shows your children how Christ is truly woven through each story in the bible.

Holman KJV Study Bible

For those looking to dive deeper into their bible study, this may be the option for you! The bible comes with full color visuals throughout to help you see both the context and structure of the scripture. It is easy to lay the bible open flat with the beautiful, high-quality, smyth-sewn binding. Full-length articles sprinkled throughout help to cover the theological issues that take place, as well as the practical issues such as the origin and transmission of the Bible itself. You'll find multiple references in the edges, words of Christ in red, and three columns of study notes on the bottom edges of the page. Take advantage of the one-year and three-year bible reading plans as well. 

I have really enjoyed thumbing through these three versions and checking out the many benefits to each one. I love the children's version with all the colorful tools to help your youngest child understand the Big Story of God's love for them. These three are great versions of the KJV bible for all walks of life! 

Need Help?

Want to know what is the best KJV bible for you is? Then make sure you check out the Find Your KJV Bible Tool. This helps you find everything from the perfect pocket sized bible or one for your purse to the perfect Study Bible with all the award-winning study tools you need at your fingertips. You can also find weekly specials with savings up to 50% as well!

Here's your chance to win one of these three versions for yourself! Be sure to comment below which one of the versions you'd want to win and share the giveaway with friends! 

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Just Be Present

 

Christmas is upon us. This year has been one of chaos at every turn it seems. Moms have had to learn to school at home, deal with a virus that strikes fear into even the bravest, wonder what next year will look like, and NOW it’s time for the holidays. 

Many of us have ideas in our minds of what the holidays should look like. If you’re like me there is a list. A list of all the items that you just HAVE to get taken care of for it to be THE picture perfect holiday. Mama, please hear me. There’s no such thing. Food is going to get burned. Children are going to have their tired tantrums that come.  Gifts aren’t going to get there on time due to no fault of your own. Things are not going to go as you always want them to. That. Is. Okay!

Hear me, your family needs you to be present. As moms, we tend to hold all of these ideals of what we think it should look like and become buried under the weight of our own expectations. These expectations of ours can make us feel as if we are smothering and cause us to completely miss the one thing our family truly needs, us. 

Before the hustle and bustle gets to you, let’s stop and pray. Stop and remind yourself to give grace to someone it can be hard to give it to, yourself. Remember to breathe. Yes, a list and expectations are great. However, don’t let them take over. It’s okay if it looks different this year. You be present in the moment. Stop, drink your coffee, tea, or cocoa and be present. 

1 Peter 5:7 says, “ Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

I want to encourage you, start off the day with some time for prayer, reflection, and getting yourself focused. It will make a huge difference. Ask Him for strength for the must do’s and the wisdom to know what you can let go of. Help your children experience this holiday season with a mom that is in the moment, breathing, and soaking it up. 

You are loved. You are enough. You are a precious lady and amazing mother. Do not ever forget that. 

If you’d like prayer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Talk with someone close to you or you can always message me. I’m praying for you. You got this Mama!

Holy Land Illustrated Bible Review and GIVEAWAY!!

 

I'm super excited to share with you another great Bible product that you're going to want to pay attention to! This product was sent to me for review and I'm so honored to get to pass it on to you. 

I love using a variety of Bible's in studying when I'm preparing for a message. It helps me to get a variety of perspectives, notes, and insight into the topic. This is a GREAT addition to my study! 

The new Bible I want to share with you is the Holy Land Illustrated Bible in the Christian Standard Version.

I am a believer for sure. I've read the Bible my entire life and I believe what it says. However, there's something unique and faith-building when you can actually SEE the places you're talking about. Lazarus' tomb? It's in there! A picture of the mountain believed to be where Moses met God? YEP! 

This bible contains a variety of helps such as:

• 1200 plus maps, illustrations, and images of people, places, and different artifacts in scripture
• Digging Deeper sections to help you dive into the story even more to see why it's important
• Over 270 articles that share insight into the world and the culture when the Bible was written
• Intros for the books of the Bible to help you know the author, time and setting of the book when it was written

Take a quick look at this video below to see an inside view of the Holy Land Illustrated Bible:

This bible was published and is offered by Lifeway Christian Resources. It is a fantastic gift or addition to the library of those who want to be immersed visually into the Word. Making the Word come alive can help you to understand, retain, and grow in your faith. 

The bible comes in variety of versions including the hard back like I received and also leathertouch and genuine leather. You can take a look at purchasing the Bible by clicking here.

My thoughts:

I remember looking through the Bible and seeing the picture of Lazarus's tomb. I was honestly overwhelmed. I know it's there. I know it happened. SEEING it was a totally new experience. I have loved diving into the different articles, digging deeper sections and learning even more. I am definitely a visual learner so this is very helpful to have all of it in one book. Instead of having to go to multiple sources, this provides a lot of insight and assistance all in one place. 

I would recommend this as a gift for those in your life who want to dive deeper into the Word, to see what they're reading about, and who really love learning the history and culture. It's also a great purchase for yourself if that describes you! 

NOW, for more exciting news!!! I am honored to be able to give away this bible! You must be 18 years or older to enter and live in the United States!

Be sure to enter to win below and comment what your favorite study bible is. 

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Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible Review & GIVEAWAY! (Sponsored Post)

Life Essentials Bible Review

Having a solid study bible on hand is critical to diving deeper in the scripture. There are many options out there that are great, but I want to present you a new option that I hope you enjoy! I was recently asked to review the Life Essentials Interactive Study Bible by Gene A. Getz. Dr. Getz is a renowned teacher of the Bible and provides an in depth look at the guiding principles and wisdom throughout the entire book. If you'd like to hear from Dr. Getz for yourself, here's a video of how he came about to develop this study bible that was released on March 15, 2020. Take a look below at all the wonderful features of this study bible and make sure to check out the giveaway down at the bottom of the post! 

What's in the Bible?

This study bible takes an interactive approach to diving deeper into God's word. Throughout the bible, you will find sections called Principles. Each of these are a look deeper into the specific life lesson that God is sharing in that specific passage of scripture. Each principle has notes and questions, but also a scannable QR code for you to interact with that specific passage. The QR code will let you to a video where Dr. Getz is actually teaching that principle. It is a great way to read the Word, hear the Word, and study it all at the same time. For some of us, video or audio make it easier to grasp the concept you're trying to understand. For others, reading it is the best way. This bible offers multiple ways for you to study the scriptures deeper than you may have before. There's also questions in the principles to help you study in your own life or to have for a small group study if you're working with others. 

There are over 1500 different videos that can be used in this study bible for you to interact with. They vary in length, depending on the topic at hand. The reasoning behind putting these principles in the way they are is to help us all apply the scripture to our life every day. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand some of the scriptures and how it actually applies to us. Dr. Getz has come alongside you to have a bible teacher in your home while you study. I personally like to study a variety of bible versions at one time in my own devotion time. I like to have several open to the same passage to help me compare each and all the notes that are provided. It has helped tremendously having the video teaching as well. If you want to watch a video, you can. If you prefer to study the questions and read for yourself, you do that as well. 

Each principle is highlighted in a blue section on the page that is near the scripture it is referring too. You can see that in the picture below.

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Another very cool feature to these principles is that while you're reading, there are sections that refer back to a previous principle mentioned before. For example, while reading in Luke chapter 19 verse 45-47, there are blue notes to refer you back to a principle in Isaiah. You can see how the scripture is all woven together and how each lesson is shown throughout the word itself. 

Other Features:

There are many other features of this study bible that include: 

• Two-color design in the interior
• Concordonce
• Full color maps
• Commentary
• Questions to help study deeper
• Nice sized font
• Introduction page to each book
• Introduction to the principles in that book
• Smyth sewn binding
• Footnotes
• Christian Standard Version

What is Christian Standard Version or CSV?

I know there are of us that prefer King James over anything else. I find myself leaning more towards ESV these days as it seems the closest to the King James but in easier to understand English. However, the CSB is a great option as well for those who are new believers or those who need help understanding. It is easy to read and understand for all ages. The CSB was created to stay faithful to the original writings of scripture while giving you clarity at the same time. However, I would never tell you which version you should choose to go with. I highly suggest you research the options out there and choose the one you feel the most confident in. 

You need to understand what you're reading as well as have the closest thing to the original as you possibly can. 

Now for some fun!

I have been given the amazing opportunity to offer one of these bibles to YOU in a giveaway below! Be sure to click the Rafflecopter link for entry and comment below what your favorite version of the bible is. Do you have a study bible at home already? 

Thank you for stopping in to hang out with me and talk about a new study option out there to help you grow in your walk with Christ. Be blessed! 

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Thankful Thursday

920. I'm very thankful for an amazing group of students I get to hang out with every single week. They push me to be on my toes, to laugh, and to enjoy life.

921. I'm thankful for my husband. This week we will celebrate 16 years of marriage. God has blessed us with an amazing life together and I can't wait to see what our future holds.

922. I'm thankful that he loves my team too. Course, when you marry a girl from Bama, you don't really have a choice. Or, at least, that is what he's said.

923. I'm thankful for the cooler weather we have been having. Finally feels like the holiday season here in the south.

924. I'm thankful for friends God has placed in my life. Those who never cease to push me to get past myself. Those who do not let me tap out but continue to encourage, correct, and sharpen me.

925. I'm thankful for shopping days with the fams

926. I'm thankful for homeschooling. It is tough, but it is so worth it.

927. I'm thankful for the amazing growth in our youth ministry. This is truly God at work and I get a front row view of it every day.

928. I'm thankful for peppermint mocha coffee

929. I'm thankful for exciting adventures and God experiences this week as we head to our annual youth conference.

What are you thankful for today?

Amber Vale Holiday Home Sampler Review and GIVEAWY!

**I received the candle sampler free in return for my review of the product. All of the thoughts posted are mine**

 If you've been in my home at all, you know I love all the things that make your home smell amazing. Whether it is the citrusy type scents in the summer or the warm peppermint, cranberry type in the winter, candles are a part of our daily lives here.

I was super excited when I received the Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler set to review and share with you all today. The three 4 oz. unique scents are just exactly what you'd think of when you think of the holiday season. These beautiful candles are a great accent to any room during Thanksgiving, Christmas or any time around the holidays. They spark memories of holidays gone by while you're enjoying the season with friends and family,

The candles arrived neatly packed and protected to my home several days ago. They feature beautiful brown, glass jars and a cute label printed on the side to let you know what scent each one is.

There's also a little note in the box sharing how to use a wood wick candle. As I've never used those type before, that was much appreciated!

There are three different scents in the holiday sampler. They include:

• Gathering - Orange and clove
• Tennessee Christmas - Evergreen Deciduous
• With Extra Whip - Peppermint Hot Chocolate

I have to say, Gathering is probably my favorite. The warm clove and orange scent together just screams holidays to me. My husband and son loved the With Extra Whip candle the best. While I am usually not an evergreen gal, this one was actually quite nice. It wasn't overpowering as some of those scents can be. 

The candle set retails for $20 and is a great gift idea for friends or family. It is also a fantastic addition to your home as you're hosting guests this holiday season.

For those who want cleaner burning candles, you're going to love these. The natural blend of soy and coconut make you feel better about what you're using in your home. The wooden wick adds that unique "crackle" effect as it burns, giving you the feeling of a fireplace without the hassle. These candles are also free from any phtalates as well. 

Amber Vale Home also has several other adorable candle products to choose from for all your gift giving needs this year. Be sure you stop by their site and take a look at the selection. 

A HUGE thanks to Amber Vale for sending me the sampler, AND... Offering one to give away to my readers!! Be sure to click on the rafflecopter entry form below to enter and share this giveaway with others.

**You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must reside in the United States to be eligible to win**


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New Review and GIVEAWAY: Tony Evans Study Bible

**I was sent a copy of the Tony Evans Study Bible for my honest thoughts and review. All thoughts expressed are mine**

As we approach the holiday season, perhaps you're looking for a way to boost your faith or a gift for someone in your life who needs encouragement. Whatever your situation is, diving into the Word of God can help you find peace, wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for all stages of life.

As a youth pastor I encourage my students to spend time every day soaking up what God has to say. Whether you have five minutes to meditate on a verse or hours to read chapters and books, spending time in the Word daily is a fantastic way to grow in your walk. You can see the hear of God shining through on each page. He loves you. He wants a relationship with you. He provides a way out for you. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to be with you.

Spending time in the Word and studying what God has to say is exactly what the Tony Evans Study Bible helps you do. This beautifully bound Black/brown Leathertouch bible works perfectly as a gift to others or as an addition to your study library.

Who is Tony Evans?
Tony Evans is the lead pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas. He has been preaching the gospel for over 50 years and has a passion for studying the Word. He wants to help others dive into what the Bible says and he does it with this version.

What Does The Bible Have?
The bible is printed in CSV, Christian Standard Version, and offers a variety of study helps. Each page has study notes that dive into the scriptures. Tony Evans shares his exegesis on the scriptures so that you can better understand what is being said.

Throughout the study bible you'll find:

1. Kingdom Living Lessons - these are simply practical ways to live your life the way God intended, according to what He says. These lessons cover aspects such as community, family, personal growth, and the church.
2. Video Devotionals - Throughout the bible you'll find QR codes that you can scan to go deeper into the study. 
3. Q & A - Tony Evans provides answers to a slew of different questions about life, including some he has had himself about ministry and life in general
4. Articles - Evans also shares different articles to inspire you as you dive into studying the Word deeper.
5. Cross references in the side margins - more details about the passage you're reading and where you can find it mentioned again
6. Application questions
7. Hope words
8. Maps
9. Reading plan
10. And much more!

This is a great gift to give to a friend or family member this holiday season, or just to help you in growing in your walk with God. You can use the multiple study aids to help answer questions, share the Word with others, and apply the Word practically to your life. 

Reading the bible is something that is highly important in your walk with Christ. The bible, the Word of God, is the only weapon you're given in the Armor of God we put on daily. It is your weapon against the enemy. It is your help in times of trouble. It gives you hope, wisdom, encouragement, and peace when the world around you is chaos. I highly encourage you to spend time daily learning more about the God we serve. 

Whether you are considering this as a gift for someone or yourself, this is a addition to any study bible library. It is a great way to go deep and to learn more about what God wants to say to you. 

I am very thankful for the copy I received and NOW have the opportunity to give one away to one of my readers! Simply enter the contest below! 

**Entries must be in the United States only. Must be 18 to enter**

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Menu Plan Monday: Week of November 4th

Welcome to Menu Planning Monday!

How was your week? Did you stick to the plan you made?

As for us, we did for the most part.  We enjoyed a lovely time for great-grandmother's 89th birthday this weekend, and we helped my parents move some items to their new home.

This week we are on a semi-normal schedule. I'm working from home today instead of the church due to a plumbing issue. Those are always fun right? BUT GOD is working things out for us so it is a blessing in disguise!

Back to menu planning! This week we will have praise and worship practice, church and assisting with any moving my parents may need.

So here's what our menu is going to look like for the week!

Monday - Chicken Alfredo
Tuesday - Meatloaf and veggies
Wednesday - Youth group at church - leftovers
Thursday - Son will make dinner - I have him in charge of supper one night each week. He will come up with his shopping list and plan.
Friday - Possible date night with friends
Saturday - Grill Burgers and hot dogs
Sunday - Pork chops on grill

So what does your week look like? Hope it's a fantastic one! Have any great recipes you want to share?

Thankful Thursday

**Only a few more hours to sign up for the giveaway!**

910. I'm thankful for a sideline view of God working in other people's lives. There are some amazing testimonies of what God is doing, and I'm so thankful I get to watch as He continues working today.

911. I'm thankful for fall. It hasn't quite FELT like fall yet here in Florida, but it's coming.

912. I'm thankful for the young man my son is becoming. He is growing up entirely too fast, but it is awesome to watch God do His thing.

913. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be the chaplain for the local high school girl's basketball team for the 4th year. They are amazing young women and I love getting to know each of them as they journey through their high school careers.

914. I'm thankful for family close by

915. I'm thankful for quiet time in the morning

916. I'm thankful that I have a hubby who is supportive and my biggest fan

917. I'm thankful for peppermint mocha coffee being back. I'm still waiting till a little further into November to open it and use it, but I have it at the ready!

918. I'm thankful that even though it is a tough job some days, I get the chance to hang out with teens and walk with them. I'm thankful that God is allowing me to be in their lives and to see Him moving

919. I'm thankful for the tough days. The days when your body is just exhausted and your mind taps out.

So, what are you thankful for this week? Remember to always give thanks and appreciate even the tough situations!

Menu Plan Monday: Week of October 28th - November 3rd

** Be sure to go by and check out the giveaway going now!**

One thing I try to stay consistent with is menu planning. I have a big dry erase board that it is attached to the side of my refrigerator. Each week I come up with a menu that lists what I plan for supper and what outside activities we may have. For example, Wednesday nights are youth group night and we serve food there. That is one night I do not have to cook, wahoo!

Also, recently I've started having my son cook one meal a week. He gets to choose what he wants to cook, make sure we have the ingredients, and it is up to him to make it happen. Yes, I still stand and oversee in case he has questions etc. However, it is up to him to get supper on the table that night. I want him to be prepared for his future, and let's face it, a guy that knows his way around the kitchen is awesome!

This week is quite busy with outside activities so I am trying to make it easy on myself by cooking items that will last more than one meal. Leftovers truly are a blessing when you have a lot of out of the house activities.

So, here's a look at what we're eating this week.

Monday - Trim Healthy Mama Chicken Quiche. It is a super easy, super yummy "S" meal out of the Trim Healthy Table cookbook. It makes a TON when you go by the original recipe so it will feed us for multiple meals.

Tuesday - Either leftovers or Boo Bear is up for cooking his meal of the week

Wednesday - This is our youth night so we'll eat at the church

Thursday - Trunk or Treat - Chili at the church

Friday - Dad grills for us

Saturday - Eating at Nana's - Sometimes it means leftovers, other times it means that we will pick something up on the way home

Sunday - Burgers and hot dogs on the grill

Why do I menu plan? For us, it is a great way to stay on budget at the grocery store and to know what is needed during the week. This also helps to reduce the, what's for dinner panic at 4 p.m. every day. Yes, I still deal with that sometimes EVEN thought I have a plan. That is why there is always some grace sprinkled throughout. Sometimes you have a very long day and you just don't feel like cooking. Other times, you just don't like the sounds of what you have on the board. For those days, we either make something super easy in my BFF, the Instantpot, or dad can pick up something on the way.

Creating this menu for the week is super simple, and helps to reduce stress on Mama for sure.

So, what are some of your favorite meals to have on a rotation? Comment below!

Christmas Jars Movie Review and GIVEAWAY! (Sponsored Post)

The holiday season is upon us! I love this time of year. From the fall weather to football, Thanksgiving, and of course, CHRISTMAS! With the Christmas seasons comes amazing movies. Of course, there is the Hallmark Channel movies, your favorite Christmas comedy, and those truly tear jerking movies you love to watch that truly mean Christmas is upon you.

Our family has our favorites we love to watch starting on the day after Thanksgiving. I have now added one I will need to watch again and again. The Christmas Jar is a new movie being released in theaters on November 4th for one night only. This movie is rated G so it's perfect to take the entire family to view on this awesome one-night event. Check out the trailer below and be sure to grab your tickets!

I was super excited to get a pre-screening of this film and fall in love with all of the characters. This is definitely a heartwarming tale that will require your tissues before it is through. Based on a book written by Jason F. Wright, this family-friendly movie is one you're sure to add to your must-watch holiday list.

In the movie you'll meet Hope Jensen who is a reporter with an interesting life story. As she is trying to make her way in the world as a budding reporter, she discovers a mysterious gift on her door step. As she dives deeper into this Christmas Jar gift that appeared out of nowhere, she learns so much more about herself than she ever thought she would. Here's another great clip to see just what happens with Hope!

This movie is sure to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart as you follow Hope and you fall right into her story. Learning about the Christmas Jar miracle and what it means to those who have received is guaranteed to put you in the true Christmas spirit. As you journey through this adventure with Hope you learn that "kindness is contagious". It would be a great idea for this world to actually put that mantra into action.

You'll love the ups and downs of this story as you journey through to Christmas Eve with Hope Jensen and her friends. You need to grab your favorite blanket, some hot cocoa, and settle in for this amazing film.

If you're looking for the perfect family-friendly way to start off the holiday season, this is it! Consider heading to the theater on November 4th for the one night only premier of this movie on the big screen. You can purchase your tickets early to make sure you get to take advantage of this opportunity.

AND!!!! The company has graciously offered a copy of the DVD of this movie to be given away to one of my blog readers! I'm super excited for you to get your hands on this DVD and have you add it to your favorite movie list as well!

Be sure to enter below for your chance to win a copy of this joyful film! It is so great to see wonderful movies coming out that you don't have to worry about your children watching with you. Be sure to enter and thank you for stopping by to check out the review!

**I received a copy of the digital release of this film for my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are mine**

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Thankful Thursday

900. I'm thankful for a fantastic youth night. It is amazing to watch God work in the lives of the young people in this generation.

901. I'm thankful for friends who constantly spur me on to keep pushing forward.

902. I'm thankful for reminders that no matter what is going on in the chaotic world around us, God is still in control.

903. I'm thankful for chats with friends who've moved away.

904. I'm thankful for pumpkin spice coffee. However, just a few cups is enough. I'm not a fanatic or anything... or am I???

905. I'm thankful for cool fall mornings and evenings. It gives us a break to relax and unwind from the 90 degree days.

906. I'm thankful for the sideline view I have of this guy growing up. It is way too fast for this Mama, but it is amazing.

907. I'm thankful for God providing opportunities that I never dreamed of before.

908. I'm thankful for the women at my church who pour into us younger generation with their wisdom. Each of us have lessons and insight we can share with those who are coming along behind us. Don't keep it to yourself!

909. I'm thankful for time with friends to just hang out and laugh. Laughter truly is the best medicine ever prescribed!

What are you thankful for this week? Share with me below so we can rejoice together!

Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful"

Thankful Thursday

890. I'm thankful for time with old friends and making new ones.

891. I'm thankful for the honor of being a part of baptisms this past week when 10 people took the next step in their faith walk!

892. I'm thankful for an amazing group of teens that I get to hang out with weekly. They challenge me, push me to be better, and amaze me on a weekly basis!

893. I'm thankful for finding supplements that actually work for me! I'll have to share more about that later but just know, they work!

894. I'm thankful for the ability to homeschool and the freedom it can give you while spending time with your children.

895. I'm thankful that football season is around the corner...

896. I'm thankful for cuddles with my Molly girl.

897. I'm thankful for dirt on the floor. It means that my family is here tracking it in.

898. I'm thankful for good books that suck you in and you just can't stop till you've finished the whole thing!

899. I'm thankful for friends who send you a "no" button because they know exactly how hard it is for you to say no sometimes. Those same friends who encourage you to say no, when you need to!

What are you thankful for this week?