A Bible Study Journal for Women

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A Bible Study Journal for Women - This is a beautiful journal for writing down your own insights, thoughts, and prayers as you study God's Word for yourself. In the introductory pages of the book, you'll find five brief chapters outlining methods of Bible study and practical helps for understanding and applying what you discover in the Bible. This mini-guide is adapted from How to Study the Bible by Robert M. West, and is enough to get you started if you're new to Bible study, and is a great reminder and refresher course even if you've been studying for years. The guidelines include thoughts about how essential God's Word is to believers, and overviews of different approaches to studying and understanding God's Word.

The vast majority of the pages are for you to fill in. Each page is lined and has a small border of flowers printed at the bottom, but the only prompts are a line for the date and a line for the Study Topic. A perfect setup for recording your own notes during personal study or notes from a sermon or group study for further study later. Note historical background, character studies, cross-references to other passages of Scripture, or personal application of the passage. 

From the publisher:

You want more from your time alone with scripture . . .

A Bible Study Journal for Women provides helpful instructions and ample space for you to jot down your reflections.

Based on the million-copy bestseller How to Study the Bible, this journal describes the types, tools, and techniques of exploring God's Word. And it allows you to share your thoughts and feelings along the way, creating a treasured record of your own walk with God.

A Bible Study Journal for Women is presented in a beautiful package featuring

- a flexible textured binding

- two-color interior printing

- stained page edges

-a ribbon marker

Here are everyday Bible helps for everyday spiritual growth.

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

When God Says No

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When God Says "No": Facing Disappointment and Denial without Losing Heart, Losing Hope, or Losing Your Head by Elizabeth Laing Thompson -  There is a whole lot of wisdom and practical teaching packed into this little study book. Thompson chooses eleven examples from the Bible of times when God's answer to a prayer was "no" and unpacks the lessons to learn from each. God would not allow Moses to enter the promised land; God disciplined Adam and Eve, and Cain; he would not take away Paul's 'thorn in the flesh'; and he even said "no" when Jesus prayed for another way besides the cross. In these and the other examples, we can find emotions and reactions so similar to what we feel when we don't get the job, when we are bitterly disappointed, or when the news from the doctor isn't good.

Each chapter begins with an imaginative retelling of the Bible story referenced. Then in the rest of the chapter, Thompson provides further insight into the story and solid teaching about what we can learn and what we can apply in our lives. Will we acknowledge our limitations and be humble, like Naaman? Will we be persistent in prayer and petition, like Abraham? Will we accept a "no" we don't understand and allow God to work things out in his way, like David? Other Biblical stories and references are woven into the chapters, along with personal stories from the author's life. At the end of each chapter are suggestions for deeper Bible study, a prayer prompt from Scripture, and a couple of journal prompts. 

I was especially touched by the story and lesson from the life of David. After King David had been inspired to create detailed plans for the temple he wished to build for the Lord, God sent the prophet Nathan to tell David that he would not be the one the build the temple. The answer was a firm "no". Although the blow was probably softened by the assurance that God was pleased with the king, and that his son Solomon would carry out the work according to David's plan, it must still have been a bitter disappointment. Bittersweet, perhaps, to realize that a great work he'd dreamed about and planned for would not be his to do. And that he wouldn't be alive to see it. Seeing our hopes pass us by and having to turn over the reins to someone else can be very hard, even when it's someone we love. What a comforting look into the Scripture, and into God's heart, and see that he knows our mixed emotions and understands.

From the publisher:

No is not a four-letter word, but it certainly feels like one.

It's one thing to feel God's love when life goes your way, but what happens to your faith when life doesn't go as you had planned?

When prayers go unanswered and dreams unfulfilled?

When the sick stay sick and the dead do not rise?

When you're lost in the desert and the Promised Land seems like empty promise?

When God says, "No," how do you grapple with disappointment?

Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson walks alongside readers as she tackles the difficulties that stymie our faith, stifle our prayers, and stunt our relationship with God. When God Says, "No" will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This book is a fantastic reminder of Who is in charge - Who He is and how He works. How He loves us and why He limits us. The better we know Him the more we understand that He says "no" to a few things, so He might say "Yes" to many more.

By the same author: When God Says Wait: A Devotional Thought Journal; When God Says Go

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

When God Says Go

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When God Says Go: A Devotional Thought Journal by Elizabeth Laing Thompson - Just like Thompson's previous devotional journal, this one is a gorgeous hard-cover thought journal with plenty of lined space to write in response to prompts about life purpose, fears about going all out for Jesus, and seeing God's hand in your life. The journal opens with a brief devotional thought about the powerful meaning behind the word "go". Thompson reminds the reader that God is always calling and perhaps it's time to go somewhere new. Every other page has a passage of Scripture, without any other commentary, allowing God's word to speak for itself. The alternating pages have short devotional thoughts and journaling prompts. I especially liked suggestions such as choosing a theme Psalm for the present time in life.

Whether for yourself or as a gift for someone who needs encouragement to step out in faith, this a beautiful journal.

From the publisher:

Go.
One small word . . . so much power.
When God says, "Go," faith says yes, but fear says no.

But Lord, I'm too weak . . . too sinful . . . too afraid . . .

But the truth? . . .

When God says, "Go," it's not about you--it's about Him.
When God says, "Go," you face a choice: Sit back and stay safe, or swallow hard and step up?
When God says, "Go," your time has come.

Maybe it's time to go somewhere new, someplace you've never been. Maybe it's time to go deeper--in Bible study or relationships. Time to go higher--in prayer or dreams. Time to go and give in new ways, to use God-gifted talents and opportunities. Or time to go and grow, right where you are.

Author Elizabeth Laing Thomspon invites you to journal your personal thoughts and feelings alongside scriptural truths and encouragement as you respond to God's call . . . equipping you to face your very own doubts, regrets, and worries--with faith, courage perspective, and a healthy dose of humor.

When God says, "Go," it's time to decide: Will you sit back and stammer, "But Lord . . . ," or will you stand tall and say, "Here I am. Send me"? God is calling you--are you ready to go?

By the same author: When God Says Wait: A Devotional Thought Journal

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2020 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

When God Says Wait - A Devotional Thought Journal (From Barbour Publishing)

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When God Says Wait: A Devotional Thought Journal by Elizabeth Laing Thompson - This lovely hard-covered devotional journal opens with the words, "We're all waiting for something." I think that is probably true. The opening devotional introduction talks about the waiting seasons we all experience and the author's prayer and hope that the reader will find hope and encouragement in this journal. Each page of the journal has plenty of lined space to write out thoughts and prayers and the responses to the journaling prompts. Every other page is simply a passage of Scripture without any added commentary, which I love - let the Word of God speak! On the alternating pages, there are thought-provoking questions or short devotional thoughts based on the verses shared. These thoughts focus on positive, Biblical responses to the waiting season. Things like participating in corporate worship, seeking out godly friendships, being patient and persistent in prayer, and building godly character.

This would make a beautiful and encouraging gift for yourself or a loved one who is going through a difficult season. 

From the publisher:

A job, a true love, a baby, a cure . . .
We're all waiting for something from God.
And the place between His answers can feel like a wasteland where dreams - and faith - go to die.
When we're waiting, we wonder, "Why?", "Why me?", and "How long?"

But the truth? . . .
When God says, "Wait," He doesn't tell us for how long.
When God says, "Wait," we face one of life's greatest tests.
When God says, "Wait," we have decisions to make.
When God says, "Wait," we can control only two things: how we wait, and who we become along the way.

Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson invites you to journal through your personal "wait" and come out on the other side with your faith, relationships, and sense of humor intact.

This lovely volume will encourage and inspire you in your wait - with meaningful devotional thoughts, scriptural truths, and thought-provoking journal prompts.

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal

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The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal by Marjorie Jackson - Coloring books have become popular for teens and adults in recent years, and there's been some emphasis on journaling as well, especially Bible journaling. But it can be hard to know where to start. This creative journal is targeted to teen girls and is a nice balance of guidance and space for creative expression, and would make a good keepsake as a reminder of commitments made and prayers answered.

The journal is a slim volume with an elegant leather-look cover. After the introduction, teen author Marjorie Jackson offers thirty-one devotional sections. Each section has a devotional thought about a page and half long, along with some relevant Scripture. Then there are two pages of journaling prompts with room for you to write down your own thoughts, questions, favorite Scriptures, and prayers on the topic. Each section also features some coloring book style artwork with Scripture as well. The topics covered include aspects of Christ-like living such as Prayer, reading the Bible, Setting an Example, and Ministry; developing godly relationships (Forgiveness, True Love, Being a Good Friend); and topics especially important to many young women today - Identity, Standing Up for What's Right, and True Beauty. 

I enjoyed looking through this beautiful devotional journal, and was pleasantly surprised that my seventeen-year-old daughter seemed eager and excited to have it. She was especially pleased to see one of the Scripture illustrations featuring a favorite verse that has been the focus in our youth group for several years: Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23)



From the publisher:

Come Experience It for Yourself . . . Life Is Good With a God Who Is Great!

This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it's through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God is absolutely great!

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

©2008-2019 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Art Journals from Ellie Claire (Review)

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Not long ago, I was given the opportunity to review one of three art journals from Ellie Claire. I figured my daughter would be very interested in having one of these beautiful books, and indeed she was very excited about it. As it turns out, Worthy Publishing sent us all three of the journals for our review!

Illuminate Your Story Journal - This was the one that my daughter chose as her most wanted of the three. It's a beautiful hard cover book with a cloth spine that lays flat, making it easy to write and draw in. There's an elastic pen holder on the spine, and an elastic to keep the book closed, as well as  ribbon bookmark. It's just lovely to look at before you even open it up! 

Inside, there's an introduction page and a brief history of illuminated letters that describes the different periods and styles. Throughout the journal there are step-by-step instructions to draw your own illuminated letters and flourishes in the various styles.

  

There are lots of lined pages for journaling, with inspirational quotes and Scripture sprinkled throughout. And in the back cover, this generous size Keepsakes pocket.

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Faith and Lettering Journal - This art journal is a little larger, and features the same lay-flat cloth binding and elastic pen holder. A brief introduction gives some tips on how to use the book to express your creativity. Inside are beautifully lettered full color Scriptures on some pages, examples of creative lettering for you to trace and practice, and lettering examples and practice pages. All are interspersed with grid practice pages and lined journaling pages.

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The Illustrated Word: An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal - With the same gorgeous embossed cover and lay flat cloth binding, this is an elegant combination of journal and coloring book. High quality lined pages feature small color reproductions of museum art pieces, along with full page coloring book versions of some of the artwork.

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All three of these journals have thick high-quality pages suitable for writing, drawing, and coloring with pencil, watercolor pencils, gel pens, or markers. My daughter did say she wished these journals had a 'practice page' to try different markers or paints to be sure they didn't bleed through or smear. The markers she used did not even shadow on the other side of the page, but I think she's right about wanting an inconspicuous place to test! 

Any of the three would be perfect for personal journaling, sermon notes, story writing, or writing out and illustrating Scripture or other quotes for memorization. And they would also make lovely gifts for the artists and journalists on your Christmas list.

These are available from Amazon: 

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Faith and Lettering Journal

The Illustrated Word

or Barnes & Noble:

Illuminate Your Story Journal

Faith and Lettering Journal

The Illustrated Word

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions for putting me in touch with Worthy Publishing for this review!

©2008-2018 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.