The Gift of Heaven By Charles Stanley Published by Thomas Nelson

The Gift of Heaven

By Charles Stanley
Published by Thomas Nelson

The Gift of Heaven By Charles Stanley  is a new small sized gift book that covers the topic of heaven.  Unlike a long book on the theology of heaven, this book features short passages of text along side a full color nature scene.  Selected quotes from the author as well as scripture are featured throughout the book with a featured scene in the back ground- much like a motivational poster.  This book is perfect for those who want answers to questions as well as those who are grieving and seek comfort.  This book is perfect for seekers as well as those who are bereaved or facing terminal illness.   The nature scenes are generic but beautiful: scenes of mountains, flowers and trees.  Each scene is different.  The photographs do not detract from the text.  This book is covered in topical sections.  It can be read from start to finish or be started at any mid point.  This is a perfect gift for those who wish to transition from the worldliness to a spiritual eternity minded mind set. This book is most appropriate as an introduction to biblical teachings on heaven.  This book would make a good outreach opportunity for those on hospice or in a nursing home.  Secular as well as religious readers will find comfort from this book.  Most importantly, near the end, the gospel message is condensed and simplified to point to the reader on what must happen to have eternal life in heaven.  Far too many feel good type of books leave out the gospel message of salvation.  The thing about books like this is that many readers dont fully read it from cover to cover.  It often sits un read on a coffee table or night stand.  It may even become a treasured keepsake.  I encourage anyone who buys this book or receive it as a gift to actually read each page.  It's not just an aesthetically pleasing book.  It has the potential to answer questions and provide words of true comfort.  As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

Start Where You Are Week-at-a-Glance Diary by Meera Lee Patel

Start Where You Are Week-at-a-Glance Diary by Meera Lee Patel is a versatile journal that is as beautiful as it is functional.  Unlike other calendars or schedules, this one can be adapted to start at any day- it is not limited to starting January 1st or in July for the academic year.  The dates are all blank- except for the day of the week.  You can literally pick and choose any start date without having to wait or waste valuable pages.   This simple date book looks like a thin paperback book, it  is bound together like a paperback book- yet the pages are thick and the cover is durable. This date book is portable yet sturdy. Throughout this book- every month/ 30 day period, are inspirational quotes with colorful graphics. This weekly diary is the perfect gift for yourself or for anyone.  The biggest dilemma one may face is to when to actually start this book.  To adapt it as a beautiful keepsake, it can be adapted to begin on a special date such as a birthday, anniversary or the start of a new job.  As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Potter/Tenspeed/Harmony publishers for the purpose of writing this review.

Super Hero Kids Giveaway with David C Cook!

Super Hero Kids Giveaway with David C Cook! http://www.theactionbible.com/superherokids/ DOES YOUR CHILD LOVE COMIC BOOKS? HOW ABOUT SUPER HEROES?

Now is your chance to have DC and Marvel illustrator Sergio Cariello make your child's dream come true!



Parents!


David C Cook is proud to introduce the newest book in the Action Bible collection: The Action Storybook Bible (coming October 2017). Pre-order The Action Storybook Bible from Amazon

Pre-order The Action Storybook Bible from Amazon

Pre-order The Action Storybook Bible from Barnes And Noble

Plus click the Link below to enter to have a chance to win an illustration of your child as a super hero by Action Bible artist Sergio Cariello (who has also illustrated comics for DC and Marvel!).

http://www.theactionbible.com/superherokids/




{THE ACTION STORYBOOK BIBLE}

Families see the Bible in motion and put their faith into action!
The Action Storybook Bible invites families with young children to explore God's redemptive story together. An entry point into the world of The Action Bible, it tells of the amazing creation story, powerful kings who reigned over ancient Israel, God's miraculous gift of eternal life through Jesus, and more! God's promise for the world is displayed throughout every page. Discover your family's place in God's incredible story and together put your faith into action!
Interactive features include:



Fifteen key episodes from God's Word-each one loaded with several stories along with over 350 brand-new illustrations throughout.

Short and easy readings-for children ages eight and under with rich, colorful images.

Life, Faith, Action! features-conclude every episode and invite families to talk about how God moves in the stories, how to see God in life today, how to put faith into action, and how to easily talk to God with a suggested prayer.

Hall of Fame visual index-the place to look up favorite Bible characters by discovering their icon connections and finding them in the stories.

Wow! The Good News in Four Words by Dandi Daley Mackall

Wow!

The Good News in Four Words by Dandi Daley Mackall is an innovative bible story for young children.  This book is a unique outreach for young kids, telling the story of salvation using four words, literally.  This is a simple yet entertaining way to deliver the life saving message of the bible to kids.  The colorful bold pictures will appeal to children as well.   There is no picture book like this one. The author, Dandi Daley Mackall delivers an original way to tell the story of the bible. I think the words of this book as well as its message will stick in the minds of young children long after they have read it.  I believe parents will also be pleasantly surprised as well.  It is important to continue to come up with new ideas to reach the newer generations of children.  The timeless lifesaving message of the bible is repackaged in an entirely new and relevant way.  As a blogger for Tyndale I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.

My Rad Life: A Journal by Kate Schatz

My Rad Life: A Journal  by Kate Schatz  is not what you might expect based on the appearance of the cover.  What looks like it might be  superficial journal for teens, delivers much, much more.  This book is actually an in depth empowering, thought provoking  book for women  and girls of all ages.  This is not simply a "Barbie-esque" type of journal for girls and adults who have outgrown their Barbie and Disney princess coloring books.  You won't find make-up tips, silly boyfriend advise, trendy recipes  or superficial fashion hints.  Do not be deceived by the title, the use of the word "rad"   is used in a nostalgic or vintage sense.  This is a refreshing new journal option for young as well as adult readers that addresses real social issues. This book doesn't promote the sterotypical woman who simply cares about recipes, make up, clothing and other superficial wasteful self indulgent lifestyle choices.   This modern styled journal features inspirational and empowering quotes from women of all generations, from as young as age 16 to classic theorists from previous generations.  Filled with unexpected and powerful quotes of social activists and independent thinkers, this free style journal is a versatile place to include your thoughts, notes and even doodles.  This journal can be a structures catalysts if you choose to follow the writing prompts for your own thought provoking insight.  Or you may choose to simply write freestyle, journaling on your own subject matter.  Either way, this journal can be adapted to any purpose, using the quotes and cartoon illustrations as thought provoking motivators.  Personally I feel this is a great gift for any teenager or college student. This author should be applauded for her  bold new book, not succumbing to what the stereotypes society promotes for women. As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Ten Speed Press. 

NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture

By Craig S. Keener , John H. Walton
Published by Zondervan

The NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible By Craig S. Keener ; John H. Walton, General Editors  Published by Zondervan is more than just a bible- it brings the culture and historical context of the bible to life.    This bible is now available in the NIV and NKJV as well.

This is a beautiful study bible- full of articles, full color photos and diagrams.  If you are looking for a study bible- you will not be disappointed! Every page features either an article, photograph or informative graphic.  This bible is far more advanced than a traditional study bible.  Full color graphic study bibles started with the prototypical Archeological study bible printed years ago.  There is some resemblance to the out of print Archeological study bible, and the newly published First Century bible also by Zondervan. If you want to own one single bible that is good for study as well as beautifully designed and illustrated, the full color Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible is the really the only bible you will need.  This bible has every study feature you could ever ask for in a bible- including historical, theological and life application information.  This bible is full of full color photos, maps, charts, illustrations as well as the tiny footnotes- traditional study notes on the bottom of the page.  It is like a history book and bible rolled into one volume.  This bible is great for new bible readers as well experienced readers.

The font is very easy to read and not too tiny.  As far as everyday study, the font is big enough so as not to require the reader to squint.  Unlike most study bibles where the bible text is extremely tiny, I found the bible text to be readable.  It is nice to see that the publishers recognized the need for a full color bible- with an abundance of study resources and photos from the historical point of view. I do not feel any bible reader would ever need to buy another study bible.  Perhaps teachers, sociologists,  history enthusiasts and tourist travelers will be drawn to this bible as well. There is a wealth of study notes on each page as well.  

Some of the material may be redundant for those who already own the First Century Study bible.  For example, many of the diagrams, maps and illustrations photographs and charts are in both the Cultural Backgrounds Bible and First Century bible.  There is some unique content and photographs, but maybe not enough to justify owning both of these similar study bibles.

Although there appear to be quite a bit of study notes included, they are more like foot notes.  The study notes add quite a bit of historical and cultural detail but really do not clarify  spiritual concepts.  If you are looking for a bible with extensive study notes for spiritual clarification- this study bible is not the best choice.

For anyone looking for a good bible that will provide a lifetime of value and study, the NIV Cultural Backgrounds bible is among the top choices in my opinion. I think any bible reader will be impressed.  It is also easy to read with a somewhat larger and clearer font size.  Jesus' words are in red letter font as well.  As a blogger for booklook I received a copy of this bible published by Zondervan.

Have a tough time deciding what bible to choose? Please visit this guide online.
http://pjtheemt.blogspot.com/2011/06/bible-versions-communicating-gods-word.html