NIV Artisan Collection Bible

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NIV Artisan Collection Bible, Teal Floral - This Bible may be the most beautiful I have ever seen. The NIV Artisan Collection Bible has a gorgeous cover design printed on cloth and foil gilding on the page edges that forms beautiful images as well. There are lined, wide margins on each page, perfect for journals, notes, or art.

From the publisher:

The only NIV Bible with a printed hand-painted cover design and beautiful art hidden in the page edges.

Exquisite from the inside out, the NIV Artisan Collection Bible stuns with its printed cover design showcasing hand-painted flair. When the Bible is opened, beautiful art appears on the page edges as you read through Scripture. When you close the Bible, the image vanishes into shimmery foil gilding. As you start reading, let your eyes relax as you take in more of God's Word with the exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface, carefully designed with custom fonts to be easy and enjoyable to read. In addition to the attractive typesetting, each page of this Bible has lightly ruled, wide margins, inviting you to journal, reflect, take notes, and create art.

Features:

• Stunning, hand-painted cover design printed on soft, durable cloth
• Hidden page edge design is fully revealed when pages are fanned open
• Sparkling foil edge gilding when closed
• Lined, wide margins for journals, notes, and art
• Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Words of Jesus in red
• Two ribbon markers
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface
• 9.9-point print size

Edna Marie Esparra - Founder, Everlasting Words Designs - Edna founded Everlasting Words Designs, a Bible painting ministry, in 2017. A former industrial engineer, she quickly changed paths and discovered her true passion when a friend asked her to custom paint a Bible cover. Creating personal and inspirational artwork that glorified God turned into a new journey for her life and career. An avid lover of flowers, landscape views, writing, and music, you can find Edna sitting in her home studio painting fields of wild flowers and hand lettering while she listens to her newest playlist. She resides in Puerto Rico with her husband and two adorable dogs.

My Thoughts

I chose this beautiful Bible thinking it would make a lovely gift for my daughter who is graduating from high school soon. In many ways it's perfect for her, since she is a singer, songwriter, and musician, and she also loves art. Honestly, I may have a hard time giving it away! But she has already seen it briefly, and I think her reaction was everything I could have hoped for. 

It has a lot of visual appeal, with the lovely water color cover and music notes gracing the gilded edges. The cloth cover, ribbon markers, and lined margins give it an elegance and indicate that it's a Bible for serious students; yet the artwork has a joyful cheer as well.

For those who like to journal, take sermon notes, or even create artwork inspired by their Scripture reading, the lined margins give space to do that without coloring over the text. And the text is in a clear and easy-on-the eyes font on creamy smooth high quality pages. The pages are not stark white, but more of a cream color, which enhances the readability too. 

There are a couple of lined blank pages in the back for Notes, and a brief preface giving some information about the NIV translation, but there are no maps or additional study materials in the volume. It could be used as an elegant study Bible, with room for your own notes and thoughts. 

A beautiful gift Bible! 

Find out more on the Zondervan page.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

©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.

Recent Reads - The Golden Bride

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The Golden Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower) by Kimberley Woodhouse - Olivia Brighton married in haste, and has many reasons to regret her decision as well as to feel guilty about her attitude. She has only been married for a few weeks when her husband dies in an accident on their way to look for gold. Olivia carries on by herself to find her brother Daniel, who operates a successful restaurant in San Francisco. Thankfully he offers her a place to live, employment, and plenty of love and support. Soon she also meets Daniel's best friend, Joseph Sawyer. Joseph is kind and trustworthy, treats her with courteous respect, and he is very handsome too.

But Olivia has made up her mind that she won't marry again, and she certainly won't marry a gold miner. Joseph soon finds himself in love with Olivia, but respectfully gives her time and they become fast friends as they work together with Daniel to bring godly influence and law and order to the city.

Joseph has a very successful gold mine, and is on the newly formed city council. When his Chinese foreman comes to him requesting help for his brothers who are being held in forced labor, Joseph is determined to investigate who is being the crimes and to establish a police force and make San Francisco a safer and more civilized place. But his commitment to finding evidence about the slave trade takes him away from Olivia and may put them both in grave danger.

This was a very enjoyable read and an interesting perspective on the San Francisco of 1849. I especially liked the detail of the journals Olivia had inherited from her mother, grandmother, and her ancestor from the Mayflower - other Daughters of the Mayflower - and how the writings of these women inspired and encouraged her. This tied the series together beautifully, although of course each of the books can be read on its own. The characters were warm and believable, and I liked the patience and gentleness shown in the developing romance between Olivia and Joseph. I have only one minor complaint and that is a phrase that appeared throughout the book - "Prayerfully such and such would happen".  "Hopefully" would have been a far more accurate word, and I felt that the word "prayerfully" was over-used and didn't make sense in the context.

From the publisher:

Can Olivia survive the crime and Gold Rush fever of 1849 . . . and the countless marriage proposals?
A series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues when Olivia Brighton finds herself widowed and working her brother's restaurant in San Francisco during the height of the rush for gold. Even though she receives at least twenty marriage proposals a day, she will never marry a gold miner. Her brother's friend Joseph Sawyer has gotten caught up in local politics and the plight of the Chinese in forced labor. The more Joseph gets pulled into investigating crime in the city, the less Olivia sees of the compassionate man. And just when she thinks she could love again, a fire threatens to steal all hope.

Other books in this series: The Mayflower Bride, The Pirate Bride, The Captured Bride, The Patriot Bride, The Cumberland Bride, The Liberty Bride, The Alamo Bride

Book Seven in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.

By the same author: The Mayflower Bride, The Patriot Bride

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.

What I'm Reading - April 8, 2019

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This weekly reading list meme is hosted at Book Date. Join in to see what others are reading and maybe get some ideas of what to read next! Although the Book Date link-up happens weekly, I've had trouble keeping up with a weekly schedule, so I've decided to try for every other week! Here's the latest from my reading list.

I finished reading . . . 

The White City: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by Grace Hitchcock - Winnifred Wylde goes undercover to investigate a man suspected of kidnapping. She and her bodyguard and partner, detective Jude Thorpe, are fictional characters, but the crime itself is based on a true story from the time of the Chicago World's Fair. (Read my full review HERE)




Downsizing The Family Home: What to Save, What to Let Go by Marni Jameson - I found this after a long hiatus, and read it all the way through. Although I have no intention of moving any time soon, our home would benefit from a good downsizing of stuff, so this was a bit of a motivator. (Read my full review HERE.)




The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - Valancy Stirling has felt unloved by most everyone, and stifled by her family for most of her life. When she reaches her twenty-ninth birthday, she decides to take some chances and try living life on her terms. Her quest for fulfillment and happiness takes some interesting and humorous twists. (Read my full review HERE.)




The Golden Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower) by Kimberley Woodhouse - I finished this one on the weekend, so will post a review this week. It's about Olivia Brighton, a young widow who goes to live with her brother in San Francisco during the gold rush.

I'm currently reading . . .

A Dangerous Collaboration (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery) by Deanna Raybourn - I was very excited when my long awaited pre-order of the latest Veronica Speedwell mystery arrived and started reading right away - but haven't been able to sit down and binge-read it the way I'd like.




Shadow among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens - Just got started on this review book, a story set in England and based on the Biblical story of Ruth. A British widow returns to England with her widowed Indian daughter-in-law.




Next on the stack... 

The Governess of Penwythe Hall (The Cornwall Novels) by Sarah E. Ladd
An Artless Demise (A Lady Darby Mystery) by Anna Lee Huber
 Secrets in the Mist (A Gothic Myths Novel) by Anna Lee Huber

Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer
American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Marie Thornton (ARC)

  


        

On my blogs recently . . . 

Here on Just A Second:

Scripture and a Snapshot - White
Recent Reads - The Blue Castle
Share Four Somethings - March 2019
Scripture and a Snapshot - An Example
Wordless Wednesday - Home Improvements
Monthly Bookshelf Review - March 2019
Recent Reads - Downsizing the Family Home
Scripture and a Snapshot - Do Good To All People
Recent Reads - The White City
Wordless Wednesday - Colorful Skies

And on my homeschool blog, Homeschool Coffee Break:

Homeschool Highlights - The Week in (Short) Review
Fixing Grammar with IEW
Virtual Refrigerator - Space Race
Do You Attend Homeschool Conventions?
Homeschool Highlights - The Week We Made Progress
Virtual Refrigerator - McCarthyism Poster
How Do You Handle Subjects Your Kids Dislike or Struggle With?
Homeschool Highlights - The Week Spring Arrived
Virtual Refrigerator - March 20, 2019
A Drive Thru History of the Early Church
Choosing a Bible Verse to Guide Your Homeschool

What are you reading?

©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.

Scripture and a Snapshot - White

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart

you, God, will not despise.

~Psalm 51:1-2, 7-12, 17~

It's a snow picture, I know. Spring is here, and we want to be finished with snow for awhile. But look at how white it is. And think about this - all the dirt and shame of our sin can be washed away, and we can be whiter than that freshly fallen snow.

Sometimes I need to be reminded of what a big deal it is that Christ had mercy on me, cleaned me up, and gave me his presence. I need my steadfast spirit renewed, and the joy restored. 

O God, forgive me for all the times I take the gift of salvation for granted, and all the times I look back to the dirt of sin like it has something to offer me. Remind me of the joy of salvation and help me delight in the presence of your Holy Spirit.

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Thank you for joining Scripture & A Snapshot. Leave a link to your own post sharing a Scripture and a Snapshot. Take time to visit some of the other links and bless each other with comments.

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Click here to enter

I also link up at Selah, hosted by A Spirit of Simplicity.

This post is also linked at 40 Days of Seeking Him, hosted by Day by Day in Our World.

©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.

Recent Reads - The Blue Castle

This post contains affiliate links. 

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery - This story opens on the day prior to Valancy Stirling's twenty-ninth birthday, and the opening paragraph says that if it hadn't rained that day her life would been entirely different. You see, Valancy has lived a monotonous, dreary life up until then. Always overshadowed by others and completely controlled by her overbearing extended family, who care nothing for her feelings or interests or dreams. Valancy has accepted that she will remain unloved and unmarried and that she'll have to live out the rest of her days the same way. But because of the rain, a family picnic is canceled, and Valancy decides to go secretly to consult a doctor about the chest pains she's been having.

When the doctor's letter arrives, the news is not good. He tells Valancy she has a heart condition that cannot be effectively treated and that she will likely not last the year. As a result, Valancy makes another decision - she is going to take some chances and do exactly as she pleases during her final days, and refuse to be bossed by her family. She starts off by saying what she really thinks during a family dinner, and later scandalizes the clan by spending a great deal of time talking with Roaring Abel, the town drunk, when he is doing repairs to her mother's house. But she's not finished raising eyebrows! Abel's daughter Cissy, about Valancy's age, is dying of consumption and because of Abel's reputation and Cissy's past, none of the respectable women in town will come keep house and nurse her, so Valancy volunteers. She moves in with Roaring Abel and Cissy, and also strikes up a close friendship with another town outcast, Barney Snaith, and falls in love with him.

After Cissy's death, Valancy tells Barney the secret of her heart condition and proposes to him, asking him to marry her so that she can live out her last few days in happiness without returning to her family. She doesn't expect him to love her, and this is by far the boldest thing she has ever done. Barney agrees to the plan and they marry and move out to his cabin on the lake. And Valancy finds great happiness and satisfaction - until a very near accident causes her to question the doctor's diagnosis. She realizes that her health was never really at risk, and that means she has trapped Barney. But Barney has secrets of his own which she starts to discover at that point, and maybe things will work out for her happiness after all!

I can't imagine why I'd never read - or even heard of - this book before! I've read Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series, of course, but was unfamiliar with this one. It is a delightful story, full of fascinating characters, humour, small town drama, and some interesting plot twists. It's easy to sympathize with the lonely and downtrodden Valancy, and feel indignant at the little injustices she's subjected to; and it's entertaining to see her thrive and develop as she follows her own course in life.  

This is a book published before I was born, for the 2019 Modern Mrs Darcy Reading Challenge.

©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.