Ellie Claire Art Journal ~ Product Review

I had the privilege of reviewing three elegantly crafted journals from Ellie Claire Gifts, and I was overwhelmed with the unique beauty found on each page. You definitely need to order your own so you can see exactly what I'm talking about! Do you journal? Maybe you don't, but you have a friend or loved one that does.....you won't find a better quality journal anywhere else. From the ornate cover and binding, to the beautifully detailed pages; you will fall in love from the word "go!"

The Illustrated Word An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal 

"Just as medieval monks brought Scripture to life through intricate handwritten and illustrated manuscripts hundreds of years ago, you can now create your own keepsake to be treasured for years to come. Forty illustrations have been recreated as line drawing to color. Full-color illustrations from the archives of the Museum of the Bible 

make this journal a true masterpiece." - back cover

Take a look at this fantastic color page!!  I was able to incorporate the use of this journal during my morning devotional time. I love the fact that the color pages highlight different Bible references that I was able to use as memory verses. I would meditate on the verse as I colored each page.  You are never too old to  memorize scripture. Whether you grew up in church memorizing scripture, or you just began your relationship with Him today....memorizing the Word of God is a great way to grow and mature in your walk with God. The journal page on the opposite side is good for notes and other verses that is brought to your mind during your devotion time.

Illuminate Your Story Journal

"Illuminated letters once adorned the pages of books and Bibles giving them rich color and gilding that made the text come alive. Today, illuminated letters are enjoying a renaissance, encouraging beautiful illustration in planners, journals, and personal art." - back cover

When you open this journal you will find easy-to-follow instructions, a "How To" section, along with a brief history of illuminated letters.  You will enjoy utilizing the step-by-step plans laid out and the practice section for each letter. 

Scattered within there is also journal pages for your thoughts. Allow the scripture references and motivational quotes to speak to your heart and mind. You will find wonderful creativity sparked as you spend time in the pages of this lovely journal.

Faith & Lettering Journal

"Reignite your devotional time, imprint Scripture on your heart, and dig deep into the Word of God through the art of lettering. Expert tips will help you pursue a deeper faith by expressing your God-given creativity." - back cover

What a beautiful journal this is!!  The cover is colorful, fun, and full of texture. There is a pen loop on the spine that holds a pen or marker in place for the next time you visit this journal. Each page is nice and thick and allows you to use different types of coloring mediums to fill the pages. 

I found that this journal is designed in such a way that it helps you slow down and spend some quiet time with the Word of God as you incorporate hand-lettering into your devotional time.  This journal is a safe space for you to practice you lettering skills in various different styles. Remember that God's Word never returns void. As you focus on Him, you will find clarity as you saturate your heart and mind with the truths found in His Word.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to review all three of the journals. They are each unique, and magnificently beautiful! I have no doubt that you will enjoy these. Don't miss an opportunity to add one to your personal library, or pick up one or more for a Christmas gift! I have no doubt that they will love it!

Buy your copies today!

FAITH & LETTERING

Amazon 
Barnes & Noble

THE ILLUSTRATED WORD

Amazon

Barnes & Noble  

ILLUMINATE YOUR STORY
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

NIV Adventure Bible Polar Exploration Edition ~ Product Review

Hello friends!

Do you remember getting your first Bible when you were a kid?  I sure do!!  I was so excited to break it open and starting reading it for myself!! I had the opportunity to review this wonderful Polar Exploration edition of the NIV Adventure Bible! It is absolutely fantastic! 

With over 9 million copies sold, the Adventure Bible

brand is beloved by Christian schools, churches, and families

alike. Now, available to you and your loved ones in a

wonderfully exciting polar exploration theme!

Get ready for a fun and frosty Adventure!! As you can see
the full color images jump right off the pages as they
highlight memory verses that are a fundamental part of your
little ones' relationship with God! Join in on an exciting trek
through God's Word by reading along in the
NIV Adventure Bible Polar Expedition! While on this arctic
adventure, readers meet all types of people, see all sorts of
places, and learn all kinds of facts about the Bible.

The features of the NIV Adventure Bible, Polar Exploration
Edition include:

• The same trusted Adventure Bible content in a frosty new theme
• Full-color images of polar animals, arctic outposts, and icy landscapes throughout,
• make learning about the Bible even more engaging
• Life in Bible Times - Articles and illustrations describe what life was like in ancient days
• Words to Treasure - Highlights great verses to memorize
• Did You Know? - Interesting facts help you understand God's Word and the life of faith
• Life It! - Hands-on activities help you apply biblical truths to your life
• Twenty polar-themed pages focus on topics such as how to know you are a Christian,
• famous people of the Bible, highlights of the life of Jesus, and how to pray
• Book introductions feature arctic art and important information about each book of the
• Bible
• Dictionary/concordance for looking up tricky words
• Color map section to help locate places in the Bible
• Complete text of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible
• Thrilling new glacial cover on metallic paper

                 

Please comment on this blog for your chance to win your very own copy. You have to act fast!  A winner will be chosen in the next 24 hours......so don't forget to send your comment. You have the opportunity to receive your free copy before Christmas! I have no doubts at all that your little one will fall in love with this amazingly creative edition of God's Word!!

If you want a chance to win a copy, share how old you were when you received your first Bible. I can't wait to hear from you!

Click here to purchase your own copy!

There is a devotional available for purchase,
but is not part of this promotional review

Must be living in the US to win. This review contains my own opinion. I did receive a copy of the NIV Adventure Bible Polar Exploration Edition in exchange for my review. 

Hillsong Kids: Can You Believe It? - Songs of Truth ~ Product Review

When you open the cover of this fantastic DVD you will find the heart of this project! Not only has Hillsong, along with Capitol Christian Music Group and Sparrow put together an amazing compilation of songs; they did it with a mission in mind. Down at the bottom of the inside cover you will find a section entitled "Our Prayer." The beginning of it reads: Our prayer is that you would discover the author of love...the Lord Jesus Christ. His life and death represent the greatest gift of love the world will ever see...

It is so important for churches and parents to team up and lay a spiritual foundation for our children. That is the goal of Hillsong. They understand the need for outstanding tools that both parents and churches can use to help us lay the foundational stones. Here is a brief bio statement for Hillsong: "Hillsong believes that teaching children to love God and others takes place in both the home and in the church. For this reason they seek to partner with parents (the greatest teachers of all!) and with church pastors andd leaders, equipping them with great resources. Through fun experiences, meaningful music and ministry that encourages kids to participate. Hillsong Kids presents Jesus Christ and His Church in a relevant way, creating moments which children will never forget."

"Can You Believe It? - Songs of Truth" is both a question and a challenge...a statement of gratitude to a loving God and an invitation to explore the very foundations of your faith. This beautifully produced DVD contains classic worship songs like "My Best Friend", "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" and "What a Beautiful Name" as well as brand new songs such as "As The World Shakes" & "Heaven Is Our Home." 

I think what I enjoyed the most about the DVD is that it can be used for multiple applications. It would be entertaining to use the music videos at home or for use in a Kid's church situation as well. Definitely, the song lyric videos would be so great for a Kid's worship service! So whether you are a mom or dad, or a Pastor or Kid's Pastor this DVD will be a great addition to your collection.

The best part is you have the opportunity to win a copy for yourself!  Enter below for an opportunity to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“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. 

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 on the same blog, 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.

I’m Lost

Have you ever had moments where you feel that there can be no way That God is with you? A moment where you feel so alone? Maybe you feel that somehow you have stepped into a place that even God can’t reach you?

Whatever situation has brought you to this place, you can be encouraged by this verse from Psalms. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

There is no place we could find ourselves in that would be out of reach of God!!  That is such a relief for me! We have to remember that our feelings are probably the most deceitful thing about us. Our feelings can lead us astray and make us believe all sorts of things. We are able to take those thoughts captive and put our hope and trust in the God of the universe! — feeling loved.

Forgiveness

I have spent quite a few years struggling with this particular concept. Not that I don’t understand forgiveness. I understand the importance of forgiveness, and have tried to live my life without bitterness or malice....but sometimes there are things that we deal with that almost seem like there should be an exception. We try to justify the wrong that was thrown upon us as a reason to hold a grudge. 

Every time I believed that I had truly forgiven, the resentment would sneak back into my heart. ❤️ I hope I’m not the only one that has had this struggle. 

I know that God’s Word is clear that to be forgiven we must forgive. Just like in the story of Joseph with his coat of many colors; he was sold into slavery and later was made second in command to Pharoah. We have to set aside our small minded thinking and realize that the things that were meant to harm us, God can use for good. 

Prayer: 

God help me to always choose forgiveness over resentment. Help me to trust you, even when the road I am on is confusing and uncomfortable. I thank you for your Word that guides and directs me every step of the way. Please forgive me for holding grudges, and continue to purify my heart. 

Amen

Mature and Complete

I have been spending some time reading the book of James over and over again the past few weeks. I have found it both interesting and challenging in my daily walk with Christ. 

James 1:2-4 is a well known portion of scripture. 
"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 


Usually, I find that we stop right there......but take a look at verse 5 as James continues his thought in this letter.......he says, 
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

I really love that! 

We are not in this world all alone! Does anyone else start to feel all alone when you are facing something that is tough or even just unexpected? If you do, don't beat yourself up. Stop and spend some time in God's Word. It is far too easy to find yourself relying on your own wisdom and plan. We want to come up with the plan that seems like it will just get us out of the situation as quickly as possible so we are back to feeling comfortable and in control. 

God's Word tells us that when we face trials we need to persevere, and to not stop, so that we can find ourselves mature and complete lacking nothing!! Let me say that again....so that we can find ourselves mature and complete lacking NOTHING!!!  

We can't do that on our own, we need to make sure that we ask for the wisdom that can only come from our heavenly Father. He gives it freely, without finding fault!! 

YES!!!