The TEXT Bible Review and Giveaway

I'm doing a quick giveaway this month. It's perfect for the month of January while we are all trying to establish new routines, setting new goals, and all the things we do when we get the chance to begin anew. 

I'm giving away a hardcover copy of The Text Bible! So check out the specs and my review and then enter the contest below! You can win a copy for yourself and order another for a friend with my 50% link...so read on!

About the Bible

The Text Bible is ideal for teens, young adults, new believers —and anyone who doesn’t feel confident studying the Bible on their own—to uncover God’s message to humanity in the Bible. His message for them:

To know God’s character and his plans for the world.

To see the truth about humanity.

To understand the hope they have in Jesus, and to share what they discover in God’s Word with others.

To begin a life-changing conversation with the God of the universe.

In this Bible, you are introduced to the new and memorable TEXT study method.  Along with this easy-to-use Bible engagement technique, answers to common questions, prayer prompts, and easy-to-understand study tips, The TEXT is a Bible that readers of any experience level will want to use every day.

Features

• TEXT the Text: use the four-step TEXT study method to engage with Scripture
• Big Q of the Text: big life questions with short answers
• “Who is God?”: nearly 100 short devotions on the person and character of God
• Praying the Text: Learn how to start praying God’s Word right back to him!
• Get to Know the Text: brief explanations of people and events found in Scripture

• Follow the Thread: navigate the Bible across topics
• Anatomy of the Text: concise descriptions of literary devices and categories of Scripture found within the Bible, such as parables and apocalyptic books
• Terms of the Text: brief definitions of important words to help us better understand and discuss Scripture
• Clear and readable 9-point NET Comfort Print® typeface

My Review

I think this is an ideal Bible for students because it meets them where they are, doesn't talk down to them, teaches who God is, how to engage with Scripture, and how to have a personal relationship with him.

I believe the TEXT Bible study method that is utilized throughout this Bible is a great tool that will feel familiar to young people today. Because Scripture is the primary way God speaks to us, this easy-to-remember method is a simple, yet effective, way to engage with God's Word. It can be used with any passage of Scripture. 

I love the emphasis on the fact that the Bible is God's Word to us, and is the basis of our relationship with Him. When we T.E.X.T(engaging with the word through this simple method) the text of the Bible we begin a "life-changing conversation with the God of the universe, uncovering the Bible's message between God, humanity, and you." 

Some of the features I really appreciate about his Bible are the fact that there are wide margins to write or even draw in as you are reading or studying. So, lots of room for notes! 

Each Book of the Bible includes a great intro with the usual date, key verse, and author. There is a concordance, maps, reading plans, and other resources in the back as expected. Another fun feature included in the back is a Hashtag list with a list of hashtagged words with their related scriptures. 

But my favorite features are that each book intro includes a short sentence stating the purpose of the book and a section called  'Encountering Christ in (insert book name)'.

 I am a firm believer that Christ can be found in every book of the Bible...both Old and New Testament, so this feature is gold to me! 

The text threads are another great feature as they are introduced at the beginning of each book. As you are reading, there are tidbits that mention one of the 'threads' that were mentioned at the beginning of the book and it gives you other places within the text to follow the thread...with book, chapter, and verses provided. 

Young people are so used to being online and encountering this concept in articles and blog posts that say things like, "read more articles like this here", or "want to know more? Go to this link..." and they provide links to similar articles on the same topic. This is what the follow-the-thread feature feels like in this Bible. 

I would recommend this Bible to anyone that is relatively new to God's Word and wants to gain a greater understanding as they read. So it is great for new Christians, people just looking to understand the 'flow' of Scripture, young people, and students. I believe it can be used as a great discipleship tool with new believers. 

*Disclosure:

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

Get 50% off your copy of the NET TEXT Bible if you order before Valentine's Day(2023)!

That's about $25 for a Bible that is designed specifically with your tween, teen, or new believer in mind.

Ready to Order? 

Click the link below.

ORDER Here

About the Editors

Michael and Hayley DiMarco are the bestselling and award-winning authors of more than 40 books including Own It, God Guy, God Girl, and A Woman Overwhelmed. Michael and Hayley have now served as general editors on three Bible projects. Together, they work side-by-side at Hungry Planet, a company they founded that creates winsome and spiritually-based content for teens and adults. They live in Eugene, Oregon, where Michael serves as a pastor.

Giveaway

Enter below for a chance to win a copy of the TEXT Bible (Hardcover). 

*Limited to US residents only

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You can view a video on youtube of Momentum Influencer, Jean Thomason's, Interview w/ The TEXT Bible's Michael & Hayley DiMarco! Just click on the link below... of course after you enter the contest!

Watch the interview here:Momentum Influencers Interview with the creators of the TEXT Bible.

#TEXTBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

5000 Blankets: Movie Review and Giveaway!

Have you heard about this new movie, 5000 Blankets? If not, keep reading. I've had the privilege of pre-screening the movie and I'm giving you a quick review here on the blog. Make sure you keep reading to the end of this post because I have a fun giveaway too!!

Overview

Title: 5000 Blankets

Studio: Affirm Films

Genre: Family/Drama

Rating: PG-13, The film has received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA for “thematic elements involving mental illness”.

Run Time: 1hr. 45min. 

In Theaters: December 12 & 13, 2022.  

Talent: Anna Camp, Rob Mayes, Carson Minniear, Kim Myers, Rod Hallett, and Cindy Hogan

Buy tickets here: 5000 Blankets Tickets

About The Movie

Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 Blankets is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city. 

You want to make sure to see this heartwarming story coming to theaters December 12 and 13. Get your tickets now!

My Review 

When young Phillip is asked by a reporter what the biggest challenge is he responds, "Making people see what they try hard not to see." 

From my experience working with the homeless as a volunteer, I find that Phillip is spot on with this statement. We drive by the homeless day after day, trying not to see the need staring us in the face. This movie just may open your eyes and pull at your heartstrings, if not your conscience. 

While, I would say, this would be a great film to take the family to see, I do caution you to make sure you don't take young children. Its portrayal of the father's mental illness could be frightening for young children. However, it would be a great vehicle for family conversations with older kids on issues such as bullying, homelessness, mental illness, purpose, and compassion.  

I believe the subject matter was handled well. It starts a little slow but once the plot is established it moves along at a good pace. It is entertaining and keeps you engaged. Most of the acting is excellent. There are some minor characters who aren't as good but that tends to happen in lower-budget films. So it's easy to overlook and stay with the storyline. 

You may want to make sure you have a few tissues on hand. It will pull at your heartstrings. I enjoyed this movie and would watch it again with my son. 

I'm really late getting this out. So, get your tickets and go see it tonight or tomorrow!  Buy tickets today to see 5,000 BLANKETS exclusively in theaters December 12 & 13 only!

 

Get tickets here: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/5000-Blankets

*Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  #5000BlanketsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Giveaway

Fun and quick giveaway! Hurry and enter because This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 12.13.22. I am giving away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one blessed winner! 

(Note: This is limited to US winners only).

ENTER HERE 

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CSB Lifeway Women's Bible: Review and Giveaway!

    

I'm so excited to be doing another giveaway on the blog this week! I really do love getting resources into my reader's hands that will enrich their walk with the Lord.
Tis the season for giving and what better gift than God's Word? And this one is for you Ladies! I'm giving away the CSB Lifeway Women's Bible. So check out the specs and my review and then enter the contest below! You can win a copy for yourself and order another for a friend with my 50% code...so read on!

About the Bible

The CSB Lifeway Women’s Bible will inspire you to laugh, grow, and worship alongside your community. It includes an in-depth collection of inspirational articles, devotional commentary, study tools, and other Bible reading helps from prominent voices in the Lifeway Women community. As you explore God’s Word, your life will be changed, inevitably affecting those around you, impacting lives one woman at a time.

Features

• Includes Bible study and devotional content from Lauren Chandler, ​Gloria Furman, Lisa Harper, Mary Kassian, Kelly King, Kelly Minter, Trillia Newbell, Jackie Hill Perry, Angel Thomas Pharr, Jennifer Rothschild, Mary Jo Sharp, Priscilla Shirer, Angie Smith, and other Lifeway Women.

• Over 100 articles were placed alongside the corresponding biblical text to foster deep reflection on Bible passages and topics focused on the life needs of women

• Nearly 100 short devotional thoughts placed throughout the Bible

• Bible genre introductions with a short overview and reading plan highlighting key passages in that section

• 66 book-focused introductions providing a concise overview with book-specific timelines

• Over 40 character profiles of key women in the Bible with questions for application

• More than 35 reflection questions to help women engage more deeply with the Bible

• Nearly 100 brief inspirational quotes on the Bible

• Over 25-word studies on individual words or phrases detailing meaning and significance, and over 30 plus charts, tables, and maps

• Two-column text layout

• Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size in black letter text for easy readability

• Durable Smyth-sewn lay-flat binding

• 2 Ribbon markers for easy referencing between pages

• Concordance

• Presentation page for gift-giving

The CSB Lifeway Women's Bible features 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 Review

This is a beautiful Bible! This Marigold Leather-touch edition feels like butter. So smooth and soft to the touch. And of course...yellow! How can you go wrong with my favorite color?! Yellow is a happy color, so if you want to infuse a little more joy into your Bible reading each day this is the Bible for you. 

I would not consider this to be a 'study bible' as there is no cross-reference system within the pages. I love you compare scripture with scripture as I study. But it does have great introductions to each book with both big picture overview, summary, key verses, and timeline to place you fully in the context of the situation and time each book is written.  And it is great for note-taking and journaling as you read with its wide columns on each page. 

I think the biggest drawback is the fact that it is a bit heavy for me to take along to church or on trips. However, It will be great for my morning Bible reading and journaling. So I do recommend this beauty to you. And if yellow is not your jam...what?! ...there are six other covers to choose from. And, for a limited time. you can purchase it with the 50% off code below! 

You can Get 50% off the purchase of (1) Lifeway Women’s Bible with code SAVE50LWB !!!! 

• CLICK THIS LINK TO ORDER. Get 50% OFF with CODE. And don't forget to enter the code: SAVE50LWB

(Only available on Lifeway.com. Limit 1 Bible at 50% off retail price, any Lifeway Women’s Bible sku. Limit one offer per person. Cannot be stacked with any other offer. Valid 11/15/22-12/31/22.)

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

Giveaway

Enter below for a chance to win a copy of the CSB Lifeway Women's Bible.

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Note:  1 (one) copy of the Lifeway CSB Women’s Bible (Marigold LeatherTouch Edition)

(Note: This is limited to US winners only. 

 

#CSBWomensBibleMIN #LifewayWomensBible #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

CSB Explorer's Bible for Kids: Review and giveaway!

I love Christmas! The lights, the tree, the music, the movies, the cookies, and family traditions! All the things! I especially love Christmas morning. Early in our marriage the hubs and I made the decision that once we had children we would be sure to be home for Christmas...so that we could all experience a peaceful Christmas day. No traveling around this holiday. We wanted to establish our own family traditions around this most special day of celebration.

Christmas morning, before the kids opened their presents my husband would read the Christmas Story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. And just in the moment in the story when Jesus was introduced into the world as a babe in the manger,  I would give the baby Jesus to one of the kids to place in our manger, alongside Mary and Joseph. This was our tradition for so many years that they never complained that they had to sit and wait to open presents. And now my daughter does the same with her little family. 

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Emmanuel, God with us. What a gift!

See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” ~ Matt. 1:23 CSB

If you know me at all, either personally or through my writing, you know that I have a great love for God's Word. His word is living and active. As I love to tell my Bible Study girls, it's not just dead letters on a page. And so I love to get the privilege of giving away Bibles. I'm so excited that this Christmas season I am going to be giving away the gift of God's Word to one of you! If you have kiddos, keep reading about the CSB Explorer Bible For Kids. 

About the Bible

The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids helps kids place God’s word in the middle of God’s world. It's filled with so many fun facts, timelines, photos, and more...bringing the Bible to life for your child with life-changing truth. Scan the QR codes scattered throughout, to bring up engaging videos, discussion questions, and activity pages that will help happy the truths and imagery of the Bible to your child's real-world experiences! It's available in hardcover and (4) LeatherTouch Editions. Every detail is designed to give kids the tools to find their way around God's Word. 

Features

Alongside the CSB text, special features help readers understand the central message within each book and discover how all books of the Bible fit together.

• 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 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.

 

 You can purchase your copy of the CSB Explorer Bible for Kids today!

• Get 50% off your CSB Explorer Bible TODAY using the code EXPLORERGIFT50. Valid for 50% off retail price for up to 1 copy of the CSB Explorer Bible for Kids. This is only available at LIFEWAY.COM. VALID THROUGH 12/31/22, CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, LIMIT 1 COUPON PER PERSON. 


• Use this link: 50% Off CSB Explorer Bible , and don't forget to use the code: EXPLORERGIFT50

My Review

God's Word is so important but sometimes it can be difficult for a child to get excited about reading it.  I believe this Bible is a great tool to overcome those obstacles. This is a Bible for children of all ages. Not a storybook type of Bible but a great study Bible for children with the tools and features that will instill in your child a great wonder and love of the Word of God. I can't wait to give my review copy to my grandson!

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

Check out this interview to learn more about the creation of this Bible: 

Giveaway 

Enter below for a chance to win a copy of the Explorer Bible for Kids.

      

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

#ExplorerBibleMIN #ExplorerBibleForKids #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Direction for the New Year

Do you take time at the beginning of each New Year to reassess your life? Do you set goals? Make plans for the coming year? Or do you just slip into the New Year hoping it all will be better this time around?  Wondering which direction to take?

 

Would you tell me, please, which direction I ought to go from here?"

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat. 

~ Lewis Carroll

For me...some years I have spent a 'day of regret'. Looking back at all I have not accomplished from that list of goals from the previous year. Other years I have just slipped into the New Year with high hopes.

I'm not a New Year's resolution setter. Are you? I do think it's important to have goals. But the older I get the more I realize that my most important goal for the year needs to be focused on where God has me at the moment and where He is directing my path. 

In Lewis Carroll's book, Alice asked the cat which direction to go. He replies, "that depends a good deal on where you want to get to."  

So, where do you want to get to? I want to get to the place where my heart is in sync with God's will and I am walking out His purpose and calling on my life. Because when I'm not, I miss His peace. I miss His rest. I miss His assurance in the trials.

I've written my first article of 2022 for the Pretty & Wise website. (I hope you'll go over and check it out here: Don't Look Back). In the article, I talk a bit about some things I've learned in the story of Lot's wife. (You can find her story in the 19th chapter of Genesis). In short, Lot's wife has taught me to watch the direction of my longing heart. To pay attention to those things that have held my heart captive. And to turn back to God when the path has led me away from His Word and His will.

While we can refocus our attention and intentions anytime throughout the year, the New Year is the perfect time to reassess where we are in relation to the call of God on our lives. I decided a few years back that instead of a New Year's resolution, I would pray each year sometime in December for God to show me the One Word He wanted me to focus on for the upcoming year. I wanted to know what He was calling me to in the New Year. Was it a new concept? Something to focus on that would lead me closer to Him? 

I know that many people choose a word or a phrase for the year, but I wanted this to be from God and not my own choice. I don't want to pick a word as a goal or an aspiration to achieve. I want to hear from the Holy Spirit and keep in step with Him through this year-long One Word journey. 

This year I had not even thought to pray about my One Word, but God just dropped a word on me. MOVE. Wow . . . I'm expecting the unpacking of this word to be quite a ride! Pun intended. I'm hoping I'll be able to share insights as to where this word leads as the year progresses. I do so love an adventure. Don't you?

I'm extremely thankful that we get to look at each new year as a fresh canvas. White as the newly fallen snow outside my window. God gives us a fresh canvas each and every morning. Each and every time we come to Him in repentance. No matter how bad we may have messed up, He is there waiting for us to turn around and walk back into His loving embrace.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23).

 

I know that God has called me to write . . . and so this year I pray He continues to give me clarity so that my writing will continue to call others to the very heart of God. Will you keep me in your prayers as I refocus on my call to write this year?

Where has God called you? Whether you choose new goals or one word, I want to encourage you as you plan for the new year ahead. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your paths. Don't leave God behind. If you do, you'll find yourself exhausted. Wait for Him and follow His lead. It's in Him you will find the strength to walk out His purposes for you in the year ahead. There are good works that God has specifically planned for you. We are assured of this in Ephesians;

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. ~ Ephesians 2:10.

Whether you take a day, a half-day, or even an hour to think about the year ahead, let me encourage you from God's Word.

Wait on Him.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31

Let God show you the way.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. ~Psalm 32:8

Acknowledge that His ways lead to the right path.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ~Proverbs 3:6

Know that it's okay when God's plan trumps ours.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ~Proverbs 19:21

Be assured that when your delight is in God, He will take your hand and lead you forward.

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. ~Psalm 37:23-24

It is my prayer that you will trust that the plan God has in store for you in the year ahead will be for your good and His glory!

  

Don't forget to head over and check out my latest post at Pretty & Wise. Just click on the pic below to get there.  

 

Dwell On These Things…Sharing a New Resource

As you know, my purpose in writing here in this space is to bring words that inspire you to have a heart for God...to be captivated by His grace, to be inspired by His Word to live a life that brings Him honor and glory. And sometimes I love to bring resources to your attention that can help you in your walk with God. 

So I'd like to share a new product with you today. 

I was blessed with this beautiful box-set of daily inspiration cards from Ink & Willow.  I love the line of gift products that this retail division of Waterbrook Multnomah curates, because each gift product is based in biblical truth with the intent to spark a reminder of how God reveals beauty in the midst of our ordinary. I even love the symbolism in the name of this product line. Here is what has to say about it's name: 

Throughout literary history, willow trees have been symbols of growth, balance, learning, healing, and harmony. Since willows often grow near streams or rivers, the name Ink and Willow was inspired by the verse in Psalm 1 about the person who delights in God and therefore is deeply planted and able to thrive, bearing fruit and prospering through every season. 

I love this! Don't you? How can you not love products that have their whole purpose in helping us delight in God? This set of inspirational cards can help you to align your heart with God's Truth. Each card is printed on a very heavy card stock and has a one sentence message on one side. 

 On the other side it has a correlating longer message that reinforces the message with biblical insight and truths. (It also comes with its own stand).

Here's another example:

Front side: You can trust God's timing to be perfect.

Back side: We all have goals, desires, ambitions, and a set time in mind for each of them. But God may have planse for our lives that differ from our personal goals. His timeline might be drastically different from what we're anticipating. This isn't a cause for disappointment. Rather, we can use this season of waiting on God as another gracious opportunity to grow in faith. 

This kind of biblical wisdom can be propped up on your desk or nightstand...or wherever you will see it daily...to encourage you and help you grow in your faith and trust that God's ways are best and that there is hope no matter the current mess or bless(ing) the days may bring. There is so much value in filling our minds with biblical truths. It prepares us to ignore the lies of the enemy that seem to come to us daily. 

My only 'if only' about these cards: 

The messages are definitely biblically based, but I would have loved them even more if they had included an actual scripture quote, or, at the very least, a scripture reference on each card that supported the message on the card. 

I also wish they had developed a more femine looking set of cards for us girly girls. These are very nice and are not ugly by any means...just in neutral tones of salmony/orange, greens, greys, and blues. I love the simple lines...just would love them even more in more feminine colors. 

There is so much value in dwelling on truth and beauty as it is found in the Word of God. We are told in Philippians 4:8 to 'think on these things' or as this set of cards puts it...dwell on these things. I especially love how it is stated in the Amplified Bible: 

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God's Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart. 

If you are looking for something simple to bring you encouragement each day to 'think on these things', then I would recommend this card set.  

            About Dwell on These Things Inspiration Cards...from the publisher

Your daily inspiration is never far from reach with this unique set of cards that encourage you to see yourself through God's eyes, featuring messages that are biblical and beneficial, all designed to be displayed with the included stand.

Countless messages enter our hearts and minds each day. Some of these messages are true and helpful. Others are hurtful, destructive, and out of line with the message God wants us to understand and embrace. 

What messages are you choosing to believe and repeat to yourself? When you first saw your reflection in the mirror this morning, what did your internal conversation sound like? Did you speak a message of hope to your heart or a diatribe of defeat?

Based on the book Dwell on These Things by John Stange, this thirty-one-day inspirational card set will encourage you to change the message that enters your mind into a positive, biblical one. On the front of each beautifully designed card is a short message to remind you of how God views you and everyday situations. The back of the card reinforces that message with time-tested wisdom.

Let this be your first step in a great journey toward self-love and self-acceptance! Change your life by changing the messages that enter your mind.

Available at these retailers:

Amazon 

Books A Million 

Waterbrook Multnomah  

ChristianBook.com

About the Author

John Stange is the lead pastor of Core Creek Community Church in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, as well as an adjunct professor at Cairn University, where he teaches courses on counseling, theology, and church planting. John is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team, as well as a podcast host and the director of the National Mission Board, a ministry focused on church planting and church health. He and his wife, Andrea, have four kids.

Ink & Willow

Ink & Willow encompasses a line of interactive products that infuse contemplation and inspiration into the regular spiritual practice of creative-minded Christians, wherever they are in their faith journey. Each thoughtfully curated gift product is based in biblical truth and sparks a reminder of how God reveals beauty in the midst of our ordinary.

 

*I was gifted this product to review from the publisher. I was not required to offer a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the product. 

Let's Talk About Joy

I'm over at the Pretty & Wise website today! We've been talking about joy all month and I've been STRUGGLING to just SBICAW(Sit Butt In Chair And Write) about this subject. I have written about JOY in the past on my blog in 2018 here: Where Is The Joy. 

Where Is the Joy?

That post took off in a crazy direction with pizza, a dream...the nighttime, 'what the heck was that about?' kind of dream...dream interpretation, and a bit of reflection about what God had placed in my hand to do. It's a whole thing...so. Follow the link in the previous paragraph if that has piqued your interest. 

Since that time I've done a lot of research on the subject of joy and happiness...and no they are not necessarily exclusive in their respective meanings. I used to think they were, but after pouring over scriptures about joy, digging into the original language with word studies, and reading numerous books written by many authors (some who are biblical scholars), I think differently now. But I digress...because when I finally sat down to work out this most recent article God steered me around that onto a different path...talk about rabbit trails. 

My article today, The Question of Joy,  has most certainly taken on an unexpected twist. Much of it is about Job's suffering, his questions, and God's answer. Not exactly where I expected to end up when I began writing an article about JOY. 

I hope you will go over and read the article...then click on the link at the bottom of the article that says 'community', because that is where we talk about 'all the things'. That is where the sisterhood takes place...those 'you too' moments that let you know that you are not alone in this world. 

Again...here's the link to the article over at Pretty & Wise: The Question of Joy  

See you there!