Book review - The NKJV Study Bible

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about getting a new Bible. I have one study Bible that I've used, but I was ready for something a bit different. I wasn't sure what yet, and I was going to start looking around. I thought maybe even a small Bible to carry. I wanted a New King James Version for a couple of reasons. I LIKE the version for one thing, and the other reason is that it is the version used in the study material for one of the kids' classes I teach at church. I went on BookLook to check out the new review offerings and would you believe that I had the opportunity to review a NKJV study Bible? :) I was thrilled! I hope you friends out there don't get too tired of my book reviews, but these programs have been such a blessing to me! Especially with something like this! I feel like The Lord just gave me a gift! :)

This is a hard cover Bible with a dust jacket. Honestly, the jacket is a little underwhelming to me. It doesn't really give a good feel for what is inside. BUT... There are many things I love about this NKJV Study Bible! I love all the color! (That's really deep, I know, but it is enjoyable to look at!) It is a beautiful Bible - very well designed and easy to read. I am happy to actually find a NKJV study Bible (very common around here is the NIV, which isn't my favorite). This Bible has a lot of great features and I like the way it is laid out. There are word definition blocks quite often - these include the Greek word and the Strong's number. There also are cultural notes that help explain the context for what you are reading. There are several maps in the back of the Bible, but I love that there are color maps within the text as well. In the study portion, the phrase that is being explained is in bold - makes it easier to find, especially if you aren't reading every note.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you to Book Look Bloggers for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

She's Ours

"Is she yours?"

I got asked this question recently. My answer was simple: "Yes!"  I didn't feel the need to explain. Because Joy belongs to me. To us. She came to our family in a very special way, but she belongs here. She's ours!

I was reading in Romans about God adopting us into His family, and remembering this time a year ago when we were waiting for our girl to come to us. At this point, we knew about a little girl, but she wasn't "ours" yet. She belonged to someone else. A very special person that we have grown to love. Joy's birth mom. Her first mom on this earth. And now Joy belongs to us because her first mom chose us.

I remember that first morning waking in the hospital with Joy by my side in her little rolling nursery bed. The door opened early - I think it was about six - and at first I thought it was one of the hospital staff bringing something by. (Remember, I was asleep and I didn't have my glasses on.) It was Joy's birth mom. We were surprised by her visit, we didn't know if she would come by at all, but we were so very glad she did! I asked if she would like to hold Joy, and she did for a moment. I'll never forget what she did next though, after holding her for that brief time, she handed Joy back to me and said, "Go to your mama."

You see, Joy is ours. Not just because a judge said so. Not just because social workers or attorneys said we will be a good family for Joy. But because a very special lady put her own desires aside and made a choice out of a very hard core love. She chose us for her baby. She made the best and hardest decision she knew how to make. Out of strength. Out of love.

Yes, she's ours! Without reservation. without explanation. without qualifications. She belongs to us.

And we are so thankful!!

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November is National Adoption Month. I wanted to share just a bit of our story.

Feeling a bit crafty!

Well, I've found a bit of my crafty spirit! :) I made this fun fall bow for Joy! She has a candy corn shirt and it makes such a fun accessory!

I've also been feeling a bit of knitting inspiration!! I fell in love with this pin a while back, and since I've yet to finish a hat for Joy (so sad, I know!) I decided she needed a fun hat from mommy before the cold weather sets in! This hat has gone very quickly, I'm already on the decreases! And it IS fun to knit something other than dishcloths! :)

 

So thank you, ladies, for your encouragement! It's fun to feel the knitting spirit again! I'm not sure if I'll start a whole bunch more projects, but this sure has been a fun one to get back into the groove for a bit! :) 

Book Review: Knockout Knits (And a question for fellow knitters/crafters!)

I claim to be a knitter. Truth be known, I think I've finished one dishcloth in the past year. Shame on me!! I do have a fairly valid excuse, someone else keeps my hands pretty busy. But then, we always find time for the things we put in priority don't we? I WANT to knit more, and after looking at this book and drooling at all the eye candy, it really gets me in the mood to pick up my knitting again.

Knockout Knits is a beautiful book to just look at! The pictures of knitted projects are certainly drool-worthy! I haven't knitted anything from it, yet, but I love that the projects are from small quick knits, such as cuffs or hand warmers all the way to more detailed shawls or shrugs. There are plenty of beautiful hat patterns as well.

I love how the book is set up. Each chapter introduces a new technique, such as chart reading, then starts with a very simple and quick project to help the knitter get a bit of practice. But the book isn't only for beginners, each chapter goes on to more detailed and advanced projects, building on previous knowledge.

I know some of you that read my blog are knitters as well. Question for you... do you, over time, lose a bit of excitement for that craft? Or maybe lose it for a time, but then it comes back to you? I do know that when I have a lot going on, or I'm feeling stressed, my creativity is the first thing out the window! (Thus the drop off in Finished Object Fridays as well...) And a certain little one does take up a bit of time... I wouldn't trade her for the world though!!! She is at a wonderful, fun age and is so much fun to be with!! (Provided she's had her naps...) ;) I'm just hoping that my exuberance for all things crafty will return at some point...


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Book provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Legend of St. Nicholas

Yes, Christmas is coming very quickly!!! Anyone ready? Yeah... me either. Every year I make plans that the NEXT year I will get my shopping done early!!  After all, I want to relax and be able to enjoy the holiday season! This year, I also have a very special birthday party to plan!!! (One I've been planning for oh.... about a year.) ;)

One thing I love about Christmas is Christmas books. I always have! Growing up we had a stack of books that came out with our other Christmas treasures. And I know it comes as no surprise that I have already started a stack of fun Christmas books for our little family. I was excited to get another new beautiful Christmas book to add to our collection.

The Legend of St. Nicholas begins with a young man named "Nick" who wasn't to eager to spend his savings on gifts for others.  While at the department store he over hears the store Santa telling the story of St. Nicholas and how he came to see the need of others and decided to share what he had to ease the hurt. Nick sees the joy in giving and sharing with the needy.

I love the illustrations in this book. They are very bright and cheerful and "Christmasy!" I love that the book also brings in the birth of Jesus as the basis for the celebration of Christmas and gift giving. I'm sure we will enjoy reading this book during the Christmas season through the years.

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Thank you to Book Look for this review copy. My opinions are my own.