Enduring Grace Church Year Journals for Adults and Kids (Year C)

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Some denominations follow the liturgical year close, others losely, and some not at all. Looking at the Enduring Grace Church Year journals, I can see the value of recognizing the liturgical year simply for the fact that it draws the reader to pin-pointed Bible study and observances. As a Baptist we did not truly observe the liturgical year though we observed major events such as Christmas (birth of our Savior), Easter or Resurrection Day (day our Lord and Savior arose from the grave). Perhaps it would behoove us to focus on other events in the Bible on specific days or weeks.

Here is a bit more about the liturgical year:

From earliest times the Church has gathered on Sundays to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time an annual cycle of Christian memory-making has also developed, which allows us to remember his life, death, and resurrection; to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit; and to recall the ministry of the holy people who have spread the Christian faith over the centuries.

Through the structuring of our Christian memory, the past is able to come into our present.

The liturgical or Church year is divided into several seasons. It begins with Advent, which looks forward to Christmas. The visit of the wise men to Jesus is remembered at Epiphany, after which there is a period of ‘ordinary time’. The six weeks of Lent prepare us for Easter, which celebrates Jesus’s resurrection, leading forward to his Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost. ‘Ordinary time’ then resumes until the end of the year.

On reflection....

When I opened the beautifully bound adult's edition of the Enduring Grace Church Year Journal I was immediately impacted with the richness of the material. The first section, "Advent," opened with a beautiful hymn-carol and short explanation of its history that revealed the depth of its Biblical meaning. A short reading from the Old Testament, an Epistle, a Gospel reading, and a Psalm. These are short readings but embrace full Scripture. This is followed by a "Collect" which I perceive as a short prayer impeaching the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The reader is then able to record short thoughts on his reflection of the day's readings.

This is continued through the year of Sundays. 

The same pattern is followed in the Children's Enduring Grace Church Year Journal. Noticeably shortened readings but following the same format. The children's version has illustrations to be colored and space the child can record his own reflections. 

The two journal lectionaries may be used together as in a family setting or separately. While these provide beautifully collected Scriptures that reflect on specific portions of the Story of Christ, and while these truly enhance the Christian's life, they are not indepth Biblical studies. These are weekly readings reflecting on major events in the life of Christ and the Church. Beautifully done and a joy to read.

The Enduring Grace Church Year Journal directs the reader to the beauty and dignity of God's Word. So much of this beauty and dignity has been lost in the worship in the church of today. That is not to say that individuals in today's church families are not true believers, it is simply stating that much of the beauty and dignity of worship has been lost and with that loss is a loss of reverence for the Holiness of God and His Word.

Where to Purchase:

ADULT JOURNAL -- https://bit.ly/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journaladult 

CHILD JOURNAL -- https://bit.ly/enduring-grace-a-church-year-journal-for-kids

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each of these books to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.  

The Timeless Truths Bible & Timeless Faith

Timeless Faith

This week I had the opportunity to visit the prerevolutionary war capital city (New Bern) of the North Carolina colony. I reveled in the historic sites of Tyron Palace (Lord Tryon, Governor) and the beautiful Christ Church. I saw the foundation of the first Christ Church, established in 1715, now an outdoor "cathedral" as well as the stunningly beautiful Christ Church constructed in the years 1824 to 1875. While the history of this place of worship was personally moving and impressive in beauty and historic significance, what moved me most was the glass encased gifts from King George II  to the original Christ Church, and its congregation in 1752. These were:

1. The Book of Common Prayer printed in 1752 and cover inscribed with the Royal Coat of Arms.
2. The Holy Bible printed in 1717 at Oxford with outside covers inscribed with the Royal Coat of Arms. 
3. Silver Communion Service bearing the Arms of Great Britain: Chalice, plate, tray, etc. 

CSB Life Counsel Bible from B&H Publishing Group [Review & Giveaway]

Whatever you’re facing, the Bible has something to say. The NEW CSB LIFE COUNSEL BIBLE contains articles from leading biblical counselors that will give you the tools you need to take action and FIND HOPE through all of life’s storms.

NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids from Zondervan (New International Readers' Version - NIrV)

NOTE: This is a full-text Bible, NOT a Bible storybook.

NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids is a brand-new kind of Bible that allows kids ages 4–8 to read the full Bible without chapter and verse numbers and footnotes—study aids that are helpful for adults but can be very distracting for kids. This Bible presents the story of God’s people in a single column format with an extremely readable font.

With nearly every turn of the page, children will encounter full-color illustrations and kid-friendly maps that illuminate the Bible story. For children who want to read on their own

The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids [Review & Giveaway]

ABOUT THE BIBLE: The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids is made to help kids place God’s Word in the middle of God’s world. Within its pages, kids will explore and interact with the people, places, and things of the Bible and God’s creation. This Bible features a fun and engaging full-color design with images, illustrations, timelines, and study helps placed throughout to equip and excite kids of all ages to better read, know, and apply God’s Word for a lifetime.

FEATURES:

• Book introductions to help kids understand the key truths and takeaways for every book, including the “Who, What, When, Where, and Why”
• “Christ in Context” articles for each book to show how the whole Bible points to Jesus and the good news of the gospel
• “Discovering the Truth” callouts to help kids understand the essential truths of the Bible and apply them to their life
• “Excavating the Past” illustrations and real-world images to help connect the dots between important archaeological discoveries and the Bible
  
  
  
• “Exploring Creation” facts and images connecting modern day objects and things in the world today to God and the Bible
• “Charting History” illustrated timelines to survey key time periods and events in biblical history
• “Ultimate Character” profiles with fun facts and insights for important people in the Bible
  
  
  
• “Unearthing God’s Promises” callouts highlighting key memory verses throughout the Bible to aid in Scripture memorization
• “Big Words” dictionary to look up the meaning of some of the big words found in the Bible
• Corresponding online activities that can be done at home with family and friends, or at church with a group
• 8.5pt type size that is easy-to-read with words of Jesus in red
• Specially designed presentation page for gift-giving or awards
• Full-color maps section to help find places mentioned in the Bible
  
  
  

Part of what makes the CSB Explorer Bible for Kids so special is the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

My thoughts: This is a sturdy, bright colored children's Bible. The whole Biblical text is there so it is not a "storybook Bible." I like that the words of Jesus are printed in red. The study aids are somewhat unique in this Bible. It is a Bible meant to be used as a study Bible for middle schoolers enabling them to have age appropriate study aids at their fingertips.

The online corresponding activities where you can scan a QR code to download activities pages is an interesting concept but will probably soon be out of date as technology changes so rapidly. A separate book accompanying the Bible with these codes might be more appropriate for this purpose.

I know many folks are using the CSB (Christian Standard Bible) version and it is certainly very readable. I am still an advocate of the old standard KJV. 

The text format and size is easily readable which is a real plus. I really like the side bars of information that explains the Biblical text and grabs the reader's attention. I also like inclusion of truths such as "God will forgive us even though we sin. Genesis 27-28" and the colorful eye catching image accompanying it. The maps are great and the glossary is superb. The introduction to each book of the Bible is clear and interest capturing. 

Personally, I think the Bible appropriate for older "kids" as well as middle schoolers and would make a great Bible for young or new Christians. The accompanying materials are easy to understand, attention grabbing, educational, and will definitely draw the reader into a love of Bible study. 

BUY LINK: PROMO CODE- SAVE50EB (save 50%)

THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE AT LIFEWAY.COM. ENJOY 50% OFF RETAIL PRICE FOR UP TO (1) OF EACH SKU OF THE EXPLORER BIBLE FOR KIDS. VALID THROUGH 12/31/22, CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, LIMIT 1 COUPON PER PERSON.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of The Explorer Bible to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway is hosted by publisher and/or publicist who will provide and ship directly to the winner the prize copy. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Abide Bible NET from Thomas Nelson Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

 

About THE ABIDE BIBLE, NET

The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that come from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.

The Abide Experience: 21 Days in John is a FREE Video Devotion featuring Dr. Phil Collins, general editor of the Abide Bible, a Bible designed around five methods of Scripture Engagement that will change the way you read Scripture. The 21 Days in John FREE Video Devotion also provides a free download of the book of John from the Abide Bible.

My thoughts:  I received the NET (New English Translation) to use and evaluate. Since I'm not a qualified evaluator of Biblical translations, I can only say that my preference is still the King James Version. I've used it my whole life and though I've read other translations, the KJV still is my preferred version and I tend to trust it more. That is not to say that the NKJV and the NET are not qualified. They are still Scripture and should draw the reader close to God.

The "Abide Bible" is not a "study Bible" or reference Bible. It does not contain cross references and notes normally included in these. It is, instead, a method of focusing on the Biblical text being read and relating to the text individually via 1) praying the scripture, 2) picturing it in events, 3) journal about it in your life, 4) engage it through classic art works, 5)  contemplate - or meditate on it. These types of "engagement" are noted with guidelines in the sidebars as your read through the Bible. 

The Abide Bible I received is beautifully bound and has lovely gold-gild on the outer edges of the pages. The print text is comfortably large enough for my eyes to read - which is a real plus. There are a few pages of very nice maps at the back of the Bible. The Bible is quite hefty which would be a problem for some and might limit taking it about to church or other functions.

The main purpose, in my opinion, in this Bible edition is to inspire users to engage and relate the scriptures to themselves individually and in their life on a daily basis. 

I Encourage you to ORDER THE ABIDE BIBLE - CLICK HERE

Check out the 21 Days in John! CLICK HERE This is where you sign up to access. You will receive a daily email prompt once you sign up to begin your experience. This is FREE!!!

GIVEAWAY

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Begins Nov. 22

Ends Dec. 1 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

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DISCLOSURE: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Bibles for providing a complimentary sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Esther, the Belle of Patience (Bible Belles’ The Adventures of Rooney Cruz #2) by Erin Weidemann [Review & Giveaway - US/CANADA]

Just what are "Bible Belles? 

THE SOUND OF THE BELLES WILL BE H.E.A.R.D. -Exodus 28:35

Hannah. Esther. Abigail. Ruth. Deborah. H.E.A.R.D. The names of these five women represent the journey to discover the real definition of beauty through God’s love and His special purpose for each of our lives.

Bible Belles’ The Adventure of Rooney Cruz is an original children’s series that presents real life heroes like never before. The series highlights five superhero women of the Bible: Hannah, Esther, Abigail, Ruth and Deborah.

We’re setting out to present women in the Bible in a way that has never been done before. We want girls to connect with them and find out what being truly beautiful is all about. We want girls to remember their names, their stories, and how special they are.

My thoughts: Esther the Belle of Patience is book 2 in the series and it highlights Esther because of her patience. The goal of this and the other Belle books is to teach young girls about inner beauty correlating a contemporary young girl with a prominent Bible character addressing real life problems.

This is a sweet story about cute, bright-eyed Rooney Cruz and how she learns to wait patiently on God's timing. The illustrations are bright, with strong colors and very lively.

The gist of the story is that Rooney's special angel which is designed as a tiny, winged pretty lady (sort of an angelic Tinker Bell or fairy) warns and cajooles Rooney into thinking through situations and having patience. The special angel also supernaturally spins a waterbottle cap until it transforms into a magical window that opens up to scenes in the life of Esther, the Biblical woman who saved the Jews.

As I said the story is cute, bright, and engaging. The lesson can easily be learned that a woman of God (or a girl of God) can learn to be patient and exercise restraint and pray before acting. All very good traits and qualities. And these are the charm of the book.

The series uses two concepts that I find potential for confusion. We want to certainly delineate carefully between the real and the unreal. The Bible and stories contained therein are not fantasy or fairy tales. The Bible is the story of real people, real events, and a very real God. Esther was a very real lady.

1. Using the tiny personal angel that smacks so akin to a Tinker Bell style figure or fairy or even as in new age speak "guide," could tend to confuse the child between what an angel (even a personal angel) really is and the same types of figures in the fiction realm.
2. The use of a magical transformation to create a window frame that is open to another time or age, smacks with the super heroes, time travel, and fantasy that is so prevalent in the entertainment world. I certainly don't see any harm in tales of modern super heroes, time travel, or fantasy, but care needs to keep them separate from Biblical truth. To not maintain separation could potentially allow for a child's confusion or distrust.

Now what do I think of the book? Well, it is cute, charming, bright, engaging, teaches a wonderful Biblical concept of waiting patiently on God and praying prior to doing. So these are all pluses. It is also a plus for young girls to learn while they are young about the wonderful women of the Bible. I simply feel that while this is a good story and well done, care must be taken to make certain children don't think angels are flitting around us like little new age fairies.

Would I read it to my children if they were still in the home? Yes, because I can discern the truth and help in their understanding. I could easily see and teach the strengths of the story.

Will I pass my copy along to a home with children in it? Yes, but then I will be certain they understand my cautions.

Esther, the Belle of Patience (Bible Belles’ The Adventures of Rooney Cruz #2) by Erin Weidemann is sure to be a kid-pleaser.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 1 

Ends June 11 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA or CANADA addresses

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Disclosure in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.